Media OutReach

HKPC Launches “The Cradle – Going Global Service Centre” Partners with Three National Innovation Centres Achieves Three Early Going Global Success Cases

Published

8 months ago

11/04/2025

Empowering Enterprises in Global Expansion and Reinforcing Hong Kong’s Position as an International Innovation and Technology Hub

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 April 2025 – The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) officially launched “The Cradle – Going Global Service Centre” (The Cradle) today, supported by the Zhongguancun Beijing-Hong Kong-Macao Youth Innovation Centre, the National Innovation Centre par Excellence (NICE), and the Greater Bay Area National Centre of Technology Innovation. The Cradle will assist enterprises in expanding into international markets. The launch coincided with the “Enterprises Going Global Conference”, which gathered over 500 leaders from government, industry, academia, research and investment sectors to explore internationalisation strategies and global market opportunities.

Located at the HKPC Building, The Cradle offers one-stop professional support for Hong Kong and mainland tech innovation enterprises, including international standards alignment, product localisation and internationalisation support, intellectual property management and protection, and overseas regulatory compliance. It is designed to empower more Hong Kong and Mainland enterprises succeed in the global market.

This year’s Government Work Report from the “Two Sessions” emphasised Hong Kong should “deepen international exchanges and cooperation”. With the distinctive advantages of “One Country, Two Systems“, enjoying strong support of the Motherland and being closely connected to the world, Hong Kong serves as an ideal launchpad for both Hong Kong and Mainland enterprises to pilot new products and business models before entering international markets. Leveraging HKPC’s technical expertise and international networks, The Cradle will enable enterprises to navigate global standards and enhance their international competitiveness.

To mark its launch, The Cradle is showcasing three early Going Global success cases from UISEE Technology (Beijing) Ltd, Beijing Tashan Technology Co., Ltd, and Beijing Yunji Technology Co., Ltd. Drawing on HKPC’s extensive experience in standards testing, applied R&D, scenario-based deployment, and smart manufacturing, The Cradle will also leverage Hong Kong’s strengths in intellectual property protection, supply chain management, trade finance, and ESG to support enterprise upgrades in smart manufacturing, green transformation, and digitalisation. HKPC will join hands with its partners to explore new global opportunities for enterprises and forge a comprehensive support network for going global.

The “Enterprises Going Global Conference” and the inauguration ceremony of “The Cradle” were officiated by Professor SUN Dong, JP, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government, and Hon Sunny TAN, Chairman of the Hong Kong Productivity Council.

In his opening remarks, Professor SUN Dong, JP, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government, stated: “The country has been vigorously advancing technology development in recent years, with a growing number of tech enterprises emerging and seeking new breakthroughs and business opportunities. As global competition intensifies, going global has become a key development strategy for enterprises. With our unique position as an international financial and trading hub, Hong Kong is accelerating the development into an international I&T centre and is well-placed to serve as a launch pad for enterprises. The establishment of The Cradle – Going Global Service Centre will enhance cross-regional collaboration, accelerate the integration of technology and industry, and support more enterprises in expanding globally through Hong Kong. This further reinforces Hong Kong’s status as an international I&T hub.”

Hon Sunny TAN, Chairman of the Hong Kong Productivity Council, stated in his welcome remark, “HKPC has long been committed to driving new industrialisation and supporting enterprise transformation and upgrading. In alignment with the national innovation-driven development strategy, we are collaborating with three major innovation hubs — in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Region, the Yangtze River Delta, and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area — which together serve tens of thousands of enterprises. Over the past decade, HKPC has completed over 1,400 smart projects in the Greater Bay Area, and launched the ‘9+3+1 Development Plan’ to establish service bases and R&D centres, empowering SMEs to expand globally with high quality. As economies in the Global South continue to rise, we look forward to working across sectors through ‘The Cradle’ to forge a strong and sustainable outbound ecosystem for both Hong Kong and Mainland enterprises.”

Mr Zhang Kai, Executive Deputy General Manager of the Zhongguancun Beijing-Hong Kong-Macao Youth Innovation Centre highlighted the significance of The Cradle’s establishment as a major milestone. He said that this initiative will provide Beijing’s technology enterprises with comprehensive internationalization support to accelerate the global deployment of cutting-edge innovations. He added that his team anticipate strengthening its collaboration with HKPC to enhance cross-border partnerships, develop high-potential projects, and empower Beijing-based companies to succeed internationally.

Professor LIU Qing, Director of National Innovation Center par Excellence (NICE) said, “National Innovation Centre par Excellence（NICE）has always been committed to building an open and integrated innovation ecosystem to facilitate the globalization of enterprises, manifested by nurturing numerous joint innovation centres, internationally competitive R&D platforms, and project companies. Looking forward, we will continue to deepen our cooperation with HKPC, taking full benefits of Hong Kong’s regional advantages offered through Cradle, to help the Yangtze Delta enterprises overcoming the bottlenecks of global expansion. We will further leverage the industrial and innovation advantages of the Yangtze Delta, and work together with HKPC to create a new paradigm of ‘Yangtze Delta Cultivation + Hong Kong Services + Global Market’, so as to promote more enterprises to go global.”

Mr Wang Debao, Deputy Director of the Greater Bay Area National Centre of Technology Innovation stated that The Cradle leverages the international platform advantages of HKPC to provide the whole chain support for enterprises from technical verification to overseas implementation, serving as a critical bridge for their global expansion. The Greater Bay Area National Center of Technology Innovation will actively deepen collaboration with major innovation hubs, assisting mainland enterprises in overcoming technical barriers and challenges in international markets, and accelerating the high-quality development and global application of new quality productivity achievements.

Enterprises Going Global Conference Explores Global Innovation Opportunities

The Enterprises Going Global Conference featured in-depth discussions with leading industry speakers on global market trends, technology innovation, and policy-capital synergy. Key topics included global expansion strategies, overcoming internationalisation challenges, and leveraging professional services, technology collaboration, and regulatory frameworks to support sustainable global growth.

Hashtag: #HKPC

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

The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC)

The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) is a multi-disciplinary organisation established by statute in 1967, to promote productivity excellence through relentless drive of world-class advanced technologies and innovative service offerings to support Hong Kong enterprises. As a nationwide leader in innovative, market-driven research and development (R&D) internationally, specialising in leading technologies and all-rounded manufacturing services, HKPC promotes new industrialisation in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area and facilitates the development of new productive forces, leveraging innovation and technology (I&T), as well as bolstering Hong Kong to be an international innovation and technology centre and a smart city. The Council offers comprehensive innovative solutions for Hong Kong industries and enterprises, enabling them to achieve resources and productivity utilisation, effectiveness and cost reduction, and enhance competitiveness in both local and overseas marketplace. The Council partners and collaborates with local industries and enterprises and world-class R&D institutes to develop applied technology solutions for value creation. It also benefits a variety of sectors through product innovation, technology transfer, and commercialisation, bringing enormous business opportunities ahead. HKPC’s world-class R&D achievements have been widely recognised over the years, winning an array of local and overseas accolades.

In addition, HKPC offers SMEs and startups immediate and timely assistance in coping with the ever-changing business environment and strengthens talent nurturing and Hong Kong’s competitiveness with FutureSkills training for enterprises and academia to enhance digital capabilities and STEM competencies.

For more information, please visit: www.hkpc.org

Media OutReach

Payment Options Singapore Secures In-Principle Approval from MAS for Major Payment Institution Licence

Published

3 hours ago

08/12/2025

Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 December 2025 – Payment Options Pte Ltd, a Singapore-based payment solutions provider, is pleased to announce that it has received In-Principle Approval (IPA) from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) for a Major Payment Institution (MPI) licence under the Payment Services Act 2019.

Payment Options Pte Ltd office in Singapore

This milestone underscores Payment Options’ commitment to supporting Singapore’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with simple, secure, and accessible digital payment solutions.

If granted the licence, Payment Options Pte Ltd will be authorised to provide three regulated payment services: Merchant Acquisition, Domestic Money Transfer, and Cross-Border Money Transfer. Through these services, the company aims to empower SMEs with a full suite of payment capabilities — from online payment gateways and QR code payments to the upcoming SoftPOS payments technology — enabling merchants to accept digital payments easily and securely.

“We remain deeply committed to supporting Singapore’s SMEs as they grow and compete in an increasingly digital-first economy. Our vision is to position digital payments as a growth enabler — not a challenge — for small businesses”, said Aaron Yip, Director of Payment Options Pte Ltd. “Our goal is to make digital transactions seamless, secure, and accessible for every business, regardless of size.”

Building on this vision, if the licence is granted, Payment Options will continue to work closely with local merchants, financial institutions, and technology partners to enhance payment accessibility and drive innovation across Singapore’s SME ecosystem.

“We reaffirm our commitment to regulatory compliance and innovation, as we contribute to Singapore’s ongoing journey toward a secure, inclusive, and cash-lite economy.”

The IPA granted by the MAS indicates that a licence may be issued upon the fulfilment of specified conditions and provided there are no material adverse developments affecting the applicant. The IPA does not constitute a licence to provide payment services at this stage, and MAS reserves the right to rescind the approval if it deems appropriate.
Hashtag: #PaymentOptions

https://www.paymentoptions.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/payment-options/
https://www.facebook.com/PaymentOptions.int/
https://www.instagram.com/payment.options/

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

About Payment Options Pte Ltd

Payment Options Pte Ltd is a Singapore-based financial technology company providing innovative and secure payment solutions designed to help SMEs and merchants simplify digital transactions. With a focus on compliance, technology, and customer experience, the company aims to make digital payments accessible for every business.

Media OutReach

Financial Assistance at SIM: Breaking Barriers to Education

Published

4 hours ago

08/12/2025

Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 December 2025 – For many aspiring learners, financial constraints remain one of the biggest obstacles to achieving their goals. SIM is determined to change that. Guided by the principle that no student should be left behind because of cost, SIM has built a comprehensive ecosystem of financial aid, scholarships, and bursaries to make quality education attainable for all.

At the heart of this mission is the SIM Impact Fund, a S$60 million initiative dedicated to empowering students from diverse backgrounds and ensuring that financial hardship never stands in the way of academic or personal growth. By blending need-based assistance with merit-driven opportunities, SIM is creating an inclusive learning environment where talent and ambition define success.

Empowering Learners Through the SIM Impact Fund

In 2024, SIM introduced the SIM Impact Fund, a S$60 million initiative dedicated to supporting students from lower-income households and ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder educational aspirations. Administered through SIM Trust, the fund is designed to empower learners within and beyond SIM’s community by removing barriers to access. Beginning in 2025, Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents with a per-capita income of S$1,750 or below can benefit from tiered assistance, ranging from S$6,000 up to S$13,500 for those with PCI of S$600 or less, S$4,500 to S$6,750 for PCI between S$601 and S$1,000, and S$2,000 for PCI between S$1,001 and S$1,750. Beyond tuition aid, the fund also provides support for overseas internships and merit-based scholarships, benefiting approximately 500 students annually.

Beyond Tuition: Comprehensive Financial Aid

SIM’s commitment to learning accessibility goes far beyond tuition subsidies. Through its Financial Assistance schemes, students can tap into a range of support options tailored to different needs. These include Enhanced Bursaries Aid, which provide up to S$13,500 per year for Singapore Citizens, and a SIM GE Crisis Fund offering emergency relief of up to S$5,000 for unforeseen circumstances. In addition, SIM encourages global exposure through Study Abroad Awards, enabling students to broaden their horizons without financial strain. Together, these initiatives reflect SIM’s ethos of inclusivity and resilience, ensuring that financial challenges never derail academic aspirations.

Community-Focused Support

The Dr Richard K M Eu – SIM Social Entrepreneurship Centre (RESSEC) exemplifies SIM’s deep-rooted commitment to community empowerment and social impact. Launched in July 2024 in partnership with the late Dr Eu’s family,

RESSEC received a combined S$8 million donation, S$6 million from the Eu family and S$2 million from SIM, marking a significant investment in nurturing social entrepreneurship. Guided by Dr Eu’s vision of transforming social service through ethical leadership and innovation, the Centre equips learners and social service professionals via initiatives such as a specialised postgraduate Diploma in Social Entrepreneurship, mentorship, and collaborative dialogues.

RESSEC also provides 12 bursaries of S$10,000 each for SIM Global Education students (check that this is accurate and that it’s not also extended to those outside the SIM ecosystem) who demonstrate strong community service and leadership and those with per-capita income up to S$1,750, prioritising those with per-capita income less than S$1,000. Through this initiative, SIM embeds purpose-driven learning into its mission, empowering students to create sustainable, positive impact in Singapore and beyond

Scholarship for Excellence

SIM offers a diverse range of scholarships under SIM Global Education to recognize excellence and resilience among its students. These include the SIM STARRR Award, which provides up to S$36,000 to outstanding achievers who demonstrate academic distinction and leadership qualities, and the Sports & Arts Talent Award, also valued at S$15,000 for students who excel in athletic or artistic pursuits. Additionally, the Chairman’s Award for Resilience grants S$3,000 to students who successfully balance work and study commitments, showcasing perseverance in the face of challenges. Together, these scholarships complement SIM’s need-based financial aid, creating a holistic support system that rewards merit while ensuring inclusivity.

Conclusion: Building a Future Without Barriers

SIM’s financial assistance framework is more than a set of policies, it is a promise to the community. By investing in initiatives like the SIM Impact Fund and expanding bursaries and scholarships, SIM is actively dismantling the barriers that prevent talented individuals from reaching their potential. This approach does not just benefit students, it strengthens society by cultivating a diverse pool of graduates equipped to lead, innovate, and give back. In a world where education often comes with a hefty price tag, SIM stands out as a beacon of accessibility and empowerment. For students and families seeking assurance that quality education is within reach, SIM offers not just hope but a clear, actionable path forward.

References:

Bursaries & Financial Aid (Enhanced) – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/admissions/bursaries-and-financial-aids
Dr Richard K M Eu – SIM Social Entrepreneurship Centre (RESSEC) – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/sim-global-education/ressec
The Dr Richard K M Eu – SIM Social Entrepreneurship Centre (RESSEC) Opens to Advance Singapore’s Social Sector – https://www.sim.edu.sg/news-events/the-dr-richard-k-m-eu-sim-social-entrepreneurship-centre-%28ressec%29-opens
SIM Scholarship – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/admissions/scholarships
SIM’s STARRR Award – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/admissions/scholarships/sim-starrr-award-for-new-undergraduate-students
SIM Award and Sports & Artistic Award – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/admissions/scholarships/sim-global-education-scholarship
SIM Global Education Diploma Scholarships – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/admissions/scholarships/sim-global-education-diploma-scholarships
Chairman’s Award for Resilience – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/admissions/scholarships/chairman-s-award-for-resilience

Hashtag: #SIMGlobalEducation #SIMGE #GlobalEducation #InternationalDegree #CareerReady #FutureSkills

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

About SIM Global Education

SIM Global Education (SIM GE) is a leading private education institution in Singapore and the region. We offer more than 140 academic programmes ranging from diplomas and graduate diploma programmes to bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes with some of the world’s most reputable universities from Australia, Canada, Europe, United Kingdom, and the United States. SIM GE’s cohort is made up of 16,000 full- and part-time students and adult learners, of which approximately 36% are international students hailing from over 50 countries.

SIM GE’s holistic learning approach and culturally diverse learning environment aim to equip students with knowledge, industry skills and employability competencies, as well as a global perspective to succeed as future leaders in a fast-changing, technologically driven world.

For more information on SIM Global Education, visit sim.edu.sg

Media OutReach

Beyond Academic Excellence: SIM Scholarships Champion Leadership, Resilience, and Talent

Published

21 hours ago

07/12/2025

Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 December 2025 – The Singapore Institute of Management (SIM) is proud to reaffirm its commitment to developing future-ready graduates through a comprehensive scholarship framework that goes beyond academic achievement. These scholarships are designed to recognize and nurture qualities such as leadership, resilience, and talent. These attributes are essential for success in today’s dynamic global environment.

For decades, scholarships have been synonymous with academic excellence. SIM is redefining this narrative by adopting a holistic approach that values character, contribution, and courage alongside academic performance. This initiative reflects SIM’s mission to prepare graduates who are adaptable, innovative, and socially responsible.

Scholarships That Go Beyond Academics

SIM’s scholarship ecosystem reflects its belief that success is multidimensional. Rather than focusing solely on grades, these awards celebrate qualities such as resilience, leadership, and talent. The SIM STARRR Award, for instance, supports freshmen who embody Resilience, Resourcefulness, and Responsibility, offering up to S$36,000 in tuition fees, along with living and exchange allowances, without any bond requirement.

For students who shine in sports or the arts, the SIM Award & Sports/Artistic Talent Award provides S$15,000, disbursed in two tranches, to help them balance academic and extracurricular excellence.

International students pursuing diploma programmes can benefit from the Diploma Scholarships, which cover up to 100% of course fees for academic excellence or 50% for merit-based achievements.

For working adults who have overcome significant challenges, the SIM Chairman’s Award for Resilience offers S$3,000, recognizing perseverance and determination in the face of adversity.

Stories That Inspire

SIM’s scholarships are more than financial aid. They are catalysts for transformation, opening doors for students to turn challenges into triumphs. Take Ernita Tanudjaja, an international student who refused to let pandemic disruptions derail her ambitions. Instead, she leveraged technology to livestream events and boost engagement, showcasing resilience and resourcefulness.

Similarly, Chow Kah Ying, an ICU nurse, managed the intense demands of frontline healthcare during COVID-19 while completing her degree, showcasing perseverance and purpose. Likewise, Michelle Seah transformed O-level failure into triumph, excelling in javelin and academics to earn the SIM Sports & Artistic Talent Award, proof that determination and discipline can rewrite any story.

These journeys reflect SIM’s unwavering belief that leadership and resilience matter as much as grades, and that true achievement lies in character and contribution as much as in academic performance.

The Broader Vision

SIM’s scholarships represent more than financial assistance. They serve as a strategic platform for transformation and growth. Recipients benefit from networking opportunities that connect them with alumni and industry leaders, fostering mentorship and career development. Many scholarships also provide international exposure through exchange programmes that broaden perspectives and enhance global competencies.

In addition to academic achievement, students cultivate essential life skills such as leadership, resilience and adaptability through experiential learning and community engagement. These qualities equip graduates to excel in uncertain environments and contribute meaningfully to society.

This commitment reflects SIM’s core belief that education is not limited to examinations. It is about shaping leaders who create impact and drive positive change in a rapidly evolving world.

References: