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SEA-TEP Model: A Foundational Blueprint for Teacher Education and Development, Elevating Regional Education onto the Global Stage for Worldwide Transformation

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BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 December 2024 – Teachers are the cornerstone of shaping future generations to tackle 21st-century challenges. Recognizing their pivotal role, SEAMEO STEM-ED (The Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization Regional Centre for STEM Education), through the Chevron-funded education initiative, has launched the SEA-TEP (Southeast Asian Teacher Education Program) in Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, and Malaysia to equip teachers with essential practices to deliver high-quality instruction related to STEM, setting a benchmark for regional and global education transformation through teacher education and development from the upstream.

Numerous reviewed literature identified critical gaps in pre-service teacher programs, including insufficient focus on effective pedagogies, lack of effective classroom practices and inadequate professional capacity to adopt quality STEM learning units. Recognizing these challenges, the SEA-TEP program was launched in January 2023 with a mission to transform teacher education through a STEM-focused approach. This initiative, driven by collaboration among policymakers and teacher education institutions, aims to provide pre-service and in-service teachers with professional training and innovative curriculum standards. The program seeks to equip students with essential STEM competencies and implementing lesson study using the high-quality STEM learning units, which are embedded with Three-Dimensional Learning including scientific and engineering practices, disciplinary core ideas and crosscutting concepts. Under scientific and engineering practices, claim-evidence-reasoning approach and modelling are used to foster students with critical thinking and analytical skills, ability to draw conclusions, create a conceptual model, justify them as well as develop evidence-based argumentation skills which are needed to effectively tackle 21st century challenges.

The key question remains: “How can different countries with specific needs implement this model to align with their national priorities?” The Project presented in Thailand at the recent launch event of the Thai-US Joint-Degree Sandbox for STEM Teacher Education program under the SEA-TEP initiative during late November marked a significant milestone in Thai education, demonstrating a major milestone in how the nation has integrated the practices and curricular standards framework introduced by SEA-TEP into its curriculum and teaching approach through their partner universities. Thailand’s implementation highlights the SEA-TEP model as a proven and adaptable framework, capable of advancing STEM teacher education on a global scale.

First-hand insights from regional educators who have implemented the SEA-TEP model further validate its impact. Mr. Daryn Saiynov, The Head of Caravan of Knowledge, an educational organization in Kazakhstan, stated: “In Kazakhstan, the SEA-TEP program has brought a transformative opportunity to align our teacher education system with international standards. Since joining three years ago, we’ve seen remarkable progress in integrating STEM principles into our curriculum, despite the unique challenges of adapting the model to our context, where science is traditionally divided into physics, biology, and chemistry. Through this program, our educators have embraced interdisciplinary approaches, with some becoming role models for the nation. For instance, one teacher participating in SEA-TEP recently won a national award as one of the top ten educators in the country, inspiring a new generation of teachers. Currently, we are collaborating with one university to implement this initiative, and with the success of SEA-TEP, we aim to expand partnerships to more major universities in the future, further strengthening STEM teacher education and fostering innovation across the country.”

Similarly, Indonesia has adopted the SEA-TEP model to address its unique educational landscape. Dr. Murni Ramli, Coordinator of Professional Working Group, FKIP, Sebelas Maret University (UNS), shared: “Since joining in 2023, we have embraced the challenge of adapting lesson units to our current curriculum, redesigning topics like water quality, climate change, diseases and genetics to suit local contexts while fostering critical thinking and evidence-based reasoning. While shifting teaching mindsets is challenging, open-class practices and intensive training have shown promising results. With strong teacher training networks, we aim to expand this approach across Indonesia, ensuring the modules localized under SEA-TEP can reach educators across the country. By building these foundations, we are preparing our students not just for academic success, but to become global citizens ready to address pressing local, national, and global challenges.”

Building on the outstanding success of the long-running Chevron Enjoy Science program – an eight-year initiative to strengthen STEM education in Thailand in which SEAMEO STEM-ED managed its second phase for three years, the organization leveraged its expertise and networks cultivated through the Chevron-funded program to lay the groundwork for SEA-TEP.

Zamira Kanapyanova, General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Eurasia Pacific, Chevron, emphasized the company’s commitment to education development, stating, “As a multinational energy company, Chevron recognizes the vital role of STEM education in preparing the future workforce with practical skills and creative problem-solving abilities. Through the Chevron Enjoy Science project in Thailand, we adapted U.S. expertise in STEM education for local schools and vocational institutions, achieving proven success. Building on this foundation, we’ve partnered with SEAMEO STEM-ED to improve STEM education across the region through evidence-based policies and the SEA-TEP project with an aim to strengthen teacher preparation and teacher development in networking countries. By empowering teachers, we aim to inspire children to tackle real-world challenges and create lasting impacts in their communities.”

Dr. Kritsachai Somsaman, SEAMEO STEM-ED Centre Director, emphasized the SEA-TEP program’s sustainability for future adoption, stating, “The SEA-TEP model is more than just a framework; it is a transformative solution for reshaping teacher education through collaborative efforts across regional networks. SEAMEO STEM-ED’s role is to support partners in developing STEM learning modules rooted in evidence-based policies and strengthened by regional cooperation. By building the capacity of educational leaders, we positioned SEA-TEP as a scalable model that provides critical insights to enhance STEM capabilities and unlock student potential. Our goal is to empower teachers and faculties to design and implement STEM-focused learning units for both pre-service and in-service educators by 2025.”

SEA-TEP is now entering its next phase, which will place focus on integrating core practices and STEM learning units into pre-service teacher practicum programs and supporting in-service teachers through an open-class professional learning community. Looking ahead, the SEA-TEP program seeks to strengthen regional collaboration and extend its implementation to more countries. It aims to serve as a foundational blueprint for advancing teacher education and spearheading the next wave of global education transformation.
Hashtag: #SEATEP

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

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AIA Hong Kong continues to lead the insurance industry with 9 market No.1 in 2024

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Number of New Business Policies tops the market for 11 consecutive years

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 April 2025 – AIA Hong Kong continues to lead the industry with 9 market No.1 in 2024, according to the Provisional Statistics of the Insurance Authority on Hong Kong Long-Term Insurance Business1:
  • Number of Inforce Policies
  • Number of New Business Policies (Top the market for 11 consecutive years2)
  • Number of Local New Business Policies
  • Number of Non-Local New Business Policies
  • Non-local Annualised New Premiums3
  • New Office Premiums from Agency Channel3
  • Annualised New Premiums from Agency Channel3
  • Number of New Business Policies from Agency Channel
  • Number of New Business Policies from Brokerage Channel
Mr. Alger Fung, Chief Executive Officer of AIA Hong Kong & Macau

Mr. Alger Fung, Chief Executive Officer of AIA Hong Kong & Macau, said, “This success would not have been possible without the trust of our customers and the relentless dedication of our teams. We will maintain our commitment to customer centricity in order to sustain our position as the number 1 choice for our customers and help everyone live Healthier, Longer, Better Lives. ”

Hashtag: #AIA #友邦

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About AIA Hong Kong & Macau

AIA Group Limited established its operations in Hong Kong in 1931. To date, AIA Hong Kong and AIA Macau have over 18,000 financial planners1, as well as an extensive network of independent financial advisors, brokerage and bancassurance partners. We serve over 3.6 million customers2, offering them a wide selection of professional services and products ranging from individual life, group life, accident, medical and health, pension, personal lines insurance to investment-linked assurance schemes with numerous investment options. We are also dedicated to providing superb product solutions to meet the financial needs of high-net-worth customers.

1 as of 31 December 2024

2 Including AIA Hong Kong and AIA Macau’s individual life, group insurance and pension customers (as of 31 December 2024)

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Feng Wei Ju and 8½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA Garner Coveted Diamond Awards in Black Pearl Restaurant Guide 2025

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MACAU SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 April 2025 – 2025 Black Pearl Restaurant Guide Award ceremony for Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan and overseas regions took place today in Singapore. Galaxy Macau™, the world-class luxury integrated resort (referred to as “Galaxy Macau”), proudly celebrated standout recognition for its most esteemed dining establishments—8½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA and Feng Wei Ju at StarWorld Hotel. With each restaurant receiving a coveted One-Diamond award rating for a continual year running, further expanding each restaurant’s impressive industry accolades. Galaxy Macau is committed to delivering exceptional gastronomic experiences that embody the essence of its well-earned place as “Asia’s Ultimate Singular Dining Destination,” consistently achieving critical acclaim.

8½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA at Galaxy Macau and Feng Wei Ju at StarWorld had attained One-Diamond rating once again in the 2025 Black Pearl Restaurant Guide.

Celebrating Black Pearl One-Diamond award wins, both restaurants epitomize the rigorous standards that Galaxy Macau has come to represent. Feng Wei Ju, which has maintained its Michelin Two-Star status for nine consecutive years, is led by Assistant Vice President of Food & Beverage Culinary of StarWorld Hotel and Executive Chef of Feng Wei Ju, Chan Chek Keong. With nearly 30 years of expertise in Hunan and Sichuan cuisine, Chef Chan artfully highlights the authentic flavors of these regions, securing Feng Wei Ju’s standout status as a premier dining destination in Hong Kong and Macau.

Helmed by Executive Chef Marino D’Antonio, 8½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA at Galaxy Macau adheres to gastronomic legend Umberto Bombana’s award-winning philosophy of providing the most authentic Italian cuisine, together with the natural essence of seasonal ingredients, presenting the vibrant culinary culture of Italy.

Recognized as one of the most influential restaurant award platforms in China’s dining industry, the Black Pearl Restaurant Guide relies on anonymous evaluations from seasoned food enthusiasts, culinary professionals, and researchers. Its assessment focuses on three main criteria: culinary excellence, service quality, and innovation in culinary traditions.

Within Galaxy Macau’s impressive portfolio of over 120 dining options, the highlighted award-winning restaurants exemplify the resort’s commitment to culinary excellence. Their talented chefs craft authentic dishes that reflect the rich diversity of Northern Chinese, Hunan, and Cantonese cuisines, along with Macanese-Portuguese fusion and international flavors from Japan, Thailand, and Italy. Diners can indulge in unique culinary experiences, savoring fresh, local ingredients while appreciating the deep cultural heritage and innovation behind each dish, all delivered with genuine hospitality.

Hashtag: #GalaxyMacau

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Galaxy Macau Integrated Resort

Galaxy Macau™, The World-class Luxury Integrated Resort delivers the “Most Spectacular Entertainment and Leisure Destination in the World”. Developed at an investment of HK$43 billion, the property covers 1.1 million-square-meter of unique entertainment and leisure attractions that are unlike anything else in Macau. Eight award-winning world-class luxury hotels provide close to 5,000 rooms, suites and villas. They include Banyan Tree Macau, Galaxy Hotel™, Hotel Okura Macau, JW Marriott Hotel Macau, The Ritz-Carlton, Macau, Broadway Hotel, Raffles at Galaxy Macau and Andaz Macau. Unique to Galaxy Macau, the 75,000-square-meter Grand Resort Deck features the world’s longest Skytop Adventure Rapids at 575-meters, the largest Skytop Wave Pool with waves up to 1.5-meters high and 150-meters pristine white sand beach. Two five-star spas from Banyan Tree Spa Macau and The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Macau help guests relax and rejuvenate.

As the dining destination in Asia, Galaxy Macau offers a wide variety of gastronomic delights, exquisite experiences and ingredients of the finest quality with over 120 dining options from Michelin dining to authentic delicacies; Galaxy Promenade is the hottest shopping destination featuring the latest in fashion and curated experiences in Macau. Spanning over 100,000-square-meter, luxury flagship stores, lifestyle boutiques and our selection of labels are among the more than 200 world-renowned brands for a world-class shopping journey; Galaxy Cinemas, immersive thrills and luxurious comfort go hand in hand at Galaxy Cinemas. All 10 theaters are equipped with the latest audio-visual technology; CHINA ROUGE, one-of-a-kind cabaret lounge that evokes the glamor of Shanghai’s golden era with stylish entertainment and customizable surrounds; and Foot Hub, which presents the traditional art of reflexology for authentic relaxation and revitalization. For Authentic Macau Flavours and Vibrant Asian Experiences, Broadway Macau – just a 90-second walk via a bridge from Galaxy Macau, has over 35 Authentic Macau & Asian Flavours at Broadway Food Street. The 2,500-seat Broadway Theatre plays host to world-class entertainers and a diverse array of cultural events. Meeting, incentive and banquet groups are also catered to with a portfolio of unique venues in Galaxy Macau and an expert service team.

Galaxy International Convention Center (GICC) is the latest addition to the Group’s ever-expanding integrated resort precinct and will usher in a new era for the MICE industry in Macau. GICC is a world-class event venue featuring 40,000-square-meters of total flexible MICE, and the 16,000-seat Galaxy Arena – the largest indoor arena in Macau.

For more details, please visit , and .

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Creww and Real Madrid Next launch Batch 2 of “Real Madrid Next Accelerator for Asia”

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TOKYO, JAPAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 April 2025 – Creww Inc. (Japan Office: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Representative: Sorato Ijichi, hereinafter “Creww”), Japan’s leading open innovation platform provider, and Real Madrid Next are pleased to announce the launch of “Real Madrid Next Accelerator for Asia” Batch 2, an accelerator program which started in 2024, aimed to create business partnerships between Real Madrid Next and Asian startups.

For Batch 1, launched in January 2024, we have successfully selected 7 startups out of more than 800 applicants, and the startups are continuing their PoC trials, aiming to achieve innovative collaborations.

Creww will continue to partner with Real Madrid Next to bring innovative technologies and services from Asian startups to develop projects that aim to improve and advance the sports industry. “Real Madrid Next Accelerator for Asia” is designed not only to boost the growth of Asian startups, but to also create an innovation community for Real Madrid Next, by carrying out continuous programs for Asian startups to innovate the sports industry as a whole in the decades to come.

Applications for the program have opened today, on April 25th.
Please visit https://global.creww.me/global/ja/real-madrid-next-accelerator-for-asia-2 to apply.

Program Theme
The program will focus on Real Madrid Next’s six areas of work.

1. E-Health – technological innovation to help improve the physical and mental abilities of athletes, influencing prevention, diagnosis and sports recovery

2. Performance – tools and methods to improve the ability to evaluate the performance of athletes from data and analysis

3. Audiovisual – innovative content to improve the audiovisual experience with immersive technologies and new multimedia channels

4. Fan Engagement – creation of loyalty products and services that will revolutionize the fans’ online and offline experience, both inside and outside the stadium

5. Cybersecurity & Technology – new tools to protect online data, prevent loss of information, ensure access to the stadium and control its flows

6. Social – supporting the social participation through the Real Madrid Foundation, defining instruments for managing cooperation and improving social tools and environmental sustainability

Program Timeline (as of April 2025)

April 25th – June 20th 2025 Application
Late June – Late September 2025 Selection of startups
October – December 2025 PoC Contract signing
January – May 2026 PoC
June – July 2026 Demo Day

Program Overview

Program Name Real Madrid Next Accelerator for Asia
Target early and middle-stage startups in Asia in the field of sports-tech, health-tech, fan engagement, etc. which aligns with Real Madrid Next’s six areas of work
Expected Outcome business partnerships*
Application
Please visit below to apply:
https://global.creww.me/global/ja/real-madrid-next-accelerator-for-asia-2
Organizer Real Madrid Next, Creww Inc.

*There is a possibility that Creww will provide equity investments to the selected startups.

Comment from Real Madrid Next
The first cohort of the Real Madrid Next Accelerator for Asia gave us access to many talented companies. We were able to involve startups from different areas of the Real Madrid ecosystem and benefit from cutting-edge technologies and exceptional know-how. We are now excited to launch the second batch and soon meet this new generation of sports technology entrepreneurs in Asia.

About Real Madrid Next
Real Madrid Next is the brand under which Real Madrid’s innovation projects are developed, with the collaboration of startups and companies looking to improve performance with the support of the Real Madrid ecosystem. Real Madrid Next focuses on six work areas: e-health, performance, fan engagement, audiovisual, cybersecurity & technological infrastructures and social. In all of them we seek excellence and the greatest technological advance possible to allow the club to enhance its digital transformation and keep its leadership in the sports industry. Learn more at https://www.realmadridnext.com/en/next/home.
Hashtag: #creww #realmadrid #realmadridnext #accelerator #asia #startup #sports #technology #sportstech #healthtech


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