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Breaking Boundaries with the AFTEC Jockey Club Creative Futures Project

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Leading Educational Experts Convene at Knowledge Exchange Festival 2025 Navigating Collective Creative Futures through Arts Education

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 May 2025 – To foster greater understanding and facilitate dialogue on creative teaching and learning among stakeholders in education and the arts, AFTEC, with funding from The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, presents the Knowledge Exchange Festival on 23 – 24 May 2025 at the Hong Kong Maritime Museum. This two-day festival, themed Navigating Collective Creative Futures, is a flagship annual festival of the AFTEC Jockey Club Creative Futures Project. It has attracted over 500 representatives from educational and arts communities to explore the pivotal role of creativity and creative thinking in talent development and industry innovation.

The Festival features distinguished guest speakers from overseas and Hong Kong, including Professor Anne Bamford OBE, Director of the International Research Agency and globally celebrated arts education researcher; Ms May Tan, Director (Education & Development), National Arts Council, Singapore; and Mr Irgel Enkhsaikhan and Mr Louis Schulz from Assemble Studio, the renowned London-based architecture and design collective and winner of the 2015 Turner Prize. These experts shared insights from the UK and Singapore, exploring how creative thinking shapes career development in the arts and beyond, and fuels cross-sector collaboration and innovation.

Two key panel discussions delved into pertinent topics. The first discussion, Beyond Teaching: Artists’ Creative Index, assessed the current professional landscape and future career pathways for arts educators in Hong Kong. The second panel, Nurturing Creative Talent: Creative Industries+, will provide insights into how different creative industries and medical sector utilise creative thinking to nurture talent and drive industry growth. Additionally, two interactive sessions will be held. Participants engaged in a children’s book illustration workshop, Into the Uncut Grass: The Role of Illustrations in Children’s Books, facilitated by illustrators, educators, and publishers. Another session, Fascinating!, a playful hat-making workshop led by Assemble Studio, offered attendees hands-on experiences in cross-sector creative practices.

Remarkable Project Impact, Pioneering Educational Frontiers

Ms Lynn Yau, Chief Executive Officer of AFTEC and Project Director of the AFTEC Jockey Club Creative Futures Project, said, “The value of the arts is often diminished by the pursuit of standardised answers. AFTEC is dedicated to promoting asset-based learning to eliminate the fear of being wrong. When teachers overly emphasise rigid curriculum frameworks and suppress creativity, students become reluctant to voice their thoughts, trapping classrooms in a cycle that focuses on deficits rather than potential. The key to transformation lies in education shifting from ‘compensating for weaknesses’ to ‘developing strengths.’ We do not need to hide weaknesses — instead, we empower everyone to leverage their unique qualities.”

Building on the success of an earlier pilot initiative, the AFTEC Jockey Club Creative Futures Project is a multi-level creative learning programme designed to build a robust community of arts educators. Participants employ interdisciplinary practical teaching strategies based on the 5Cs—Creativity, Critical Thinking, Communication, Collaboration, and Contribution—to co-design curriculum content. Through interactive, arts-based cross-disciplinary learning methods, creative practitioners collaborate with teachers to bridge traditional and creative classroom teaching, enhancing students’ creativity and learning autonomy. On the second day of the Festival, the Project will announce the 12 schools selected as Creative Schools, which will implement arts-based interdisciplinary creative learning from 2025 to 2028.

Sports and Culture is one of the priority funding areas for the Club’s Charities Trust. Ms Winnie Yip, Head of Charities (Culture, Sports and Community Engagement), The Hong Kong Jockey Club, highlighted in her opening speech that, “AFTEC truly prioritises students’ needs. The innovative launch of the AFTEC Jockey Club Creative Futures Project brings fresh energy to Hong Kong’s traditional education model.”

For further information about the AFTEC Jockey Club Creative Futures Project, please visit https://creativefutures.aftec.hk/home-en/.

Fostering Cross-border Exchange, Accelerating Creative Arts Education

To enhance cross-border collaboration in arts education, two other special sessions were held during the same week. The Hong Kong-Mainland Creative Learning Cultural Exchange 2025 brought together 34 distinguished educational professionals and arts educators from various provinces and cities in the Mainland alongside Hong Kong school representatives from the AFTEC Jockey Club Creative Futures Project. Under the theme “Integrating Arts and Education,” participants engaged in meaningful discussions, sharing experiences and exploring the transformative power of arts education.

Another session, Capturing Asian Conceptions of Creative Thinking, chaired by Professor Anne Bamford OBE, aimed to investigate how creative thinking is defined, prioritised, and nurtured in various Asian cities, highlighting cultural similarities and differences. Hong Kong served as the starting point for this research initiative, which will subsequently expand to other Asian cities. The session was attended by experts from the AFTEC Jockey Club Creative Futures Project.By bringing together stakeholders from the business sectors, creative industries, cultural and educational institutions, arts and creative practitioners, as well as stakeholders from medicine, social innovation, and entrepreneurship, the project seeks to comprehensively examine diverse interpretations and practices of creative thinking across cultures. Research findings will be shared with UNESCO and the OECD.

Hashtag: #AFTEC

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

About AFTEC

Advancing creative learning and arts education in Hong Kong

Creativity allows us to recognise potential within ourselves and the world around us. It promotes problem-solving, nurtures relationships, cultivates resilience, and can transform lives in countless ways. At AFTEC, we work with students, educators, and creative practitioners to plant the seeds of creativity in our community.

As a proudly homegrown Hong Kong organisation, we nurture the city’s greatest natural resource — its people. Through co-designed, collaborative, and inclusive bilingual education programmes, we create supportive environments where young minds are free to explore, express, and flourish. We spark imagination, build confidence, and foster a sense of growth and belonging together.

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SIM GE Prepares Graduates for Singapore’s Evolving Workforce

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SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 June 2026 – In a labour market shaped by rapid industry transformation and evolving skills demands, the link between higher education and employment outcomes has become a key consideration for students and families evaluating their education pathways.

In Singapore today, employability is no longer defined by academic achievement alone. Employers are looking for graduates who can apply knowledge in real workplace settings, work across cultures, adapt to new technologies and continue learning as industries evolve. This is especially relevant as Singapore’s labour market continues to move towards growth areas such as digitalisation, technology, sustainability, healthcare, business transformation and professional services.

Against this backdrop, Singapore Institute of Management Global Education, or SIM GE, continues to strengthen its role as a private education institution that prepares learners for the demands of today’s workplace and the opportunities of tomorrow’s economy.

Employability begins with industry relevance
For prospective students, one of the biggest considerations when choosing a higher education pathway is whether their studies will remain relevant by the time they graduate. This is particularly important in a job market where roles are changing quickly and where employers increasingly value both technical capability and transferable workplace skills.

SIM GE addresses this by offering a broad range of academic programmes through partnerships with reputable universities from Australia, Europe, the United Kingdom and the United States. These programmes span disciplines such as business, computing, social sciences, aviation, nursing and other applied fields, giving students access to international curricula while studying in Singapore.

This global education model is particularly relevant for Singapore’s open economy. Graduates entering the workforce are expected to understand local business realities while being able to operate in regional and international contexts. By learning from local and international faculty, and studying alongside peers from diverse backgrounds, SIM students are exposed to global perspectives that can support their workplace readiness.

Career support that connects learning to work
Employability also depends on how students translate classroom learning into career action. At SIM GE, career preparation is supported through Career Connect, which provides career workshops, career guidance, résumé reviews, mock interviews, profiling support, internship and job opportunities, as well as career events such as company visits, networking sessions, career talks and fairs.

This structured support is important because many students do not only need a qualification, they also need guidance in understanding industries, articulating their strengths, preparing for interviews and building professional networks. These practical areas can influence how confidently graduates enter the job market.

Through CareerSense, SIM students can also access an integrated online platform to browse and apply for internships, jobs and career events. This helps students take a more proactive approach to career planning while creating a clearer bridge between academic life and employment opportunities.

Real world exposure through internships and traineeships
One of the strongest contributors to graduate employability is exposure to work before graduation. Internships allow students to understand workplace expectations, test their skills in real business scenarios and build confidence before entering full time employment. SIM GE supports this through internships with a range of employers, from SMEs to multinational corporations. Its Work Integrated Learning for Life initiatives and internship related awards further encourage students to gain practical experience and develop holistically across cognitive, interpersonal and applied skills.

For fresh graduates, SIM’s Graduate Traineeship Programme provides structured traineeship opportunities across industries, typically lasting three to six months. The programme is designed to help graduates gain hands on experience, build workplace confidence and develop industry relevant capabilities as they transition into full time employment. This emphasis on work exposure responds directly to a key concern among prospective students, which is whether they will be ready for employment after graduation. By combining academic learning with career guidance, internships and traineeships, SIM GE helps students build not only credentials but also workplace familiarity.

The value of practical exposure is reflected in the experience of Keisha Shevila, a SIM-University of Wollongong Computer Science graduate who secured a Software Engineer role before completing her degree. In sharing her journey, she credited Career Connect with helping her better understand the job search process and preparing her “more confidently for entering the workforce”.

Building future ready graduates through skills and adaptability
The future of work is increasingly shaped by AI, automation, sustainability and cross functional collaboration. In this environment, students need more than role specific knowledge. They need adaptability, communication skills, critical thinking, creativity, cultural awareness and the confidence to keep learning.

SIM GE’s broader student experience supports this development. Beyond academic programmes, students can participate in more than 70 student clubs and co-curricular activities that build leadership, communication and teamwork skills. The EDGE Award, developed in partnership with employers, recognises students’ cumulative achievements across their learning journey and encourages a more holistic approach to personal and professional growth.

SIM GE’s diverse learning environment also plays an important role. With students from more than 50 nationalities, the campus experience provides opportunities for cultural exchange, collaboration and global awareness. These are qualities that are increasingly valuable in multinational and regional workplaces.

Aligning with Singapore’s skills first economy
Singapore’s workforce strategy continues to place strong emphasis on skills, lifelong learning and adaptability. National reports and government agencies have highlighted rising demand in areas linked to the digital, green and care economies, as well as the importance of AI literacy and transferable skills. This makes higher education choices more consequential. Prospective students are not simply choosing a programme. They are choosing a platform for long term career resilience.

SIM GE’s approach aligns with this direction by combining academic pathways, global university partnerships, employability support, industry exposure and continuous skills development. Its graduate outcomes also reflect this emphasis, with SIM reporting a secured employment rate of 81 per cent based on the Private Education Institution Graduate Employment Survey 2024/2025.

Preparing graduates for Singapore today and tomorrow
Employability in Singapore today is shaped by industry relevance, practical exposure and future ready skills. SIM GE’s proposition sits at the intersection of these priorities. For students, this means access to internationally recognised academic pathways, career services, internships, traineeships, employer engagement, student development opportunities and a diverse campus environment. For employers, it means a pool of graduates who have been encouraged to build both knowledge and workplace ready capabilities.

As prospective students consider their higher learning options, the question is no longer only what they can study. It is also how that education will prepare them for the future of work. For SIM GE graduates, the answer lies in an education experience designed not only to support academic achievement but also to develop employable, adaptable and globally minded individuals ready to contribute to Singapore’s evolving economy.

References

  1. The SIM Advantage – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/sim-global-education/sim-advantage
  2. SIM Career Services – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/life-at-sim/career-services
  3. Achieving the three “Beyond” at individual, industry and institutional levels: Minister Chan Chun Sing at the inaugural SIM Future of Work Series – https://www.sim.edu.sg/news-events/achieving-the-three-beyonds-at-individual-industry-and-institutional-levels
  4. How One International Student Graduated Career-Ready: Keisha Shevila’s Journey at SIM – https://www.sim.edu.sg/articles-inspirations/how-one-international-student-graduated-career-ready-keisha-shevila-journey-at-sim
  5. Job Vacancies 2025: Labour demand gradually shifting to growth areas as firms adjust hiring plans – https://www.mom.gov.sg/newsroom/press-releases/2026/0320-job-vacancies-report-2025
  6. Opening Address by Ms Gan Siow Huang, Minister of State, Ministry of Education for the Launch of the Skills Demand for the Future Economy Report 2025, Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre – https://www.moe.gov.sg/news/speeches/20250122-opening-address-by-ms-gan-siow-huang-minister-of-state-ministry-of-education-for-the-launch-of-the-skills-demand-for-the-future-economy-report-2025-marina-bay-sands-expo-and-convention-centre
  7. SDFE 2025 report – https://jobsandskills.skillsfuture.gov.sg/sdfe-2025

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 17,000 full- and part-time students and adult learners, of which approximately 41% 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

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Green SM officially launches all-electric ride-hailing service in Kazakhstan

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ALMATY, KAZAKHSTAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 June 2026 – Green SM has officially launched its all-electric ride-hailing service in Kazakhstan, marking the company’s first presence in Central Asia. The launch also represents Green SM’s expansion into its sixth international market, reinforcing its long-term global growth strategy.

The launch ceremony was held in Almaty with the attendance of Mr. Nguyen Thanh Le, Appointed Ambassador of Viet Nam to Kazakhstan; Mr. Berikbol Shatabayevich Mandibayev, Head of the Department of Entrepreneurship and Investment of Almaty; along with representatives of the Government of Kazakhstan, the Embassy of Vietnam in Kazakhstan, and strategic partners, businesses and organizations across the transportation, energy, technology, finance, infrastructure and service sectors.

In its initial phase, Green SM will operate in Almaty with a fleet of VinFast VF 6 Eco vehicles, an all-electric SUV designed to meet the needs of everyday urban travel. Combining quiet operation, a comfortable cabin, and modern safety features, the VinFast VF 6 Eco is expected to provide residents and visitors in Almaty with a more convenient, reliable, and enjoyable mobility experience.

Alongside its electric vehicle fleet, Green SM continues to invest in the development of its Green Drivers through comprehensive training programs covering operations, safety, and customer service. This forms part of the company’s ongoing efforts to maintain consistent service standards and deliver safe and dependable transportation experiences for users in Kazakhstan.

To celebrate the launch, Green SM is offering a promotion of 26%, up to KZT 2,626 for customers booking rides through the Green SM application. Users in Kazakhstan can now access Green SM services via the Green SM app, available on both the App Store and Google Play.

In parallel with the service launch, Green SM has established partnerships with five strategic partners across the transportation, tourism, technology, and service sectors through the Green Alliance Frontier initiative. The initiative serves as a platform connecting organizations that share a commitment to sustainable development and creating positive impacts for local communities across multiple markets.

Mr. Nguyen Quoc Tuan, Global Chief Executive Officer of GSM, said: “Kazakhstan is a market with strong potential, dynamic growth, and rising expectations for modern services. We come to Kazakhstan with respect for the market, a long-term commitment to investment, and a desire to work alongside local partners in developing high-quality mobility solutions that meet the everyday needs of the community. At Green SM, we believe sustainable growth must be built on trust and meaningful value for society. That is the foundation we hope to build together with our customers, partners, and the people of Kazakhstan in the years ahead.”

Kazakhstan is experiencing the rapid development of modern urban centers alongside rising expectations for quality of life and better services. Green SM’s presence in Kazakhstan reflects the company’s long-term vision of bringing all-electric mobility solutions closer to users in more regions around the world. Green SM enters Kazakhstan with the aspiration of contributing to better mobility experiences for local communities: quieter journeys along busy city streets, more comfortable travel in everyday life, and greater reliability through service standards that are consistently maintained across every trip.

Founded in Vietnam in 2023, Green SM currently operates a green mobility ecosystem across Vietnam, Laos, Indonesia, the Philippines, India, and Kazakhstan. With an all-electric fleet, a technology-driven platform, and consistently applied operational standards, Green SM is steadily expanding its green mobility ecosystem across international markets, with the goal of providing modern, safe, and sustainable transportation solutions for communities around the world.

Hashtag: #GreenSM

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

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Citi Commercial Bank Drives Dialogue on the Future of Business at Annual Executive Summit in Hong Kong

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Over 120 business leaders gathered at the summit under the theme “Empowering Growth Through Capital Convergence and Digital Innovation”

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 June 2026 – The Citi Commercial Bank Hong Kong Executive Summit 2026 concluded on June 16 under the theme “Empowering Growth Through Capital Convergence and Digital Innovation”, bringing together over 120 company founders and C-suite leaders to examine the future of business amid a rapidly evolving global landscape.

The annual flagship forum featured a series of discussions centered on how companies can strategically leverage Hong Kong’s unique strengths to achieve sustainable growth and international expansion.

Gunjan Kalra, Head of Citi Commercial Bank for Japan, Asia North and Australia, and Asia South, said, “Companies today are going global at an unprecedented pace. We are also witnessing the rising global prominence of Asian companies, which are making rapid advances and emerging as industry leaders in areas including AI, technology and innovation, healthcare, advanced manufacturing and clean energy.”

Citi Commercial Bank provides global banking solutions to mid-sized companies that are looking to grow rapidly and expand internationally. “Citi is uniquely positioned to support their growth ambitions, offering integrated treasury and capital solutions in over 90 countries through our integrated global platform, as well as advisory and financing capabilities from our investment banking franchise,” she continued.

According to InvestHK, more than 310 companies had established or expanded operations in Hong Kong as of May 2026, with mainland firms accounting for over half of the total.

Joy Cheng, Head of Citi Commercial Bank for Hong Kong,said, “Hong Kong serves a critical dual role as both the launchpad for Chinese companies pursuing international expansion and a strategic gateway for multinationals deepening their presence in mainland China and the region. We are committed to being the banking partner of choice for fast-growing companies as they scale and grow across borders. Our value proposition lies in our ability to simplify complexity and connect visionary companies to opportunities worldwide through our unparalleled global network.”

Key themes explored at the Hong Kong Executive Summit 2026 included:

  • Investing for future growth
  • Leveraging Hong Kong’ssuper-connector role for outbound success
  • Bridging Hong Kong’s AI and tech landscape with global market opportunities

The summit featured a distinguished line-up of speakers, including:

  • Clara Chan, Chief Executive Officer, Hong Kong Investment Corporation Limited
  • Evan Chen, Managing Director, FountainVest
  • Shang Chuang, Chief Financial Officer, Klook
  • CY Guan, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, MOZA Racing
  • Jerry Hu,Managing Director, Full Vision Capital
  • Wesley Ng, CEO and Co-Founder, CASETiFY
  • Jonathan Song, Chief Commercial Officer, Plaza Premium Group
  • Andy Wong, Head of Innovation & Technology and Life & Health Sciences, Invest Hong Kong
  • Dennis Wong, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Master Concept
  • Queenie Wong, Managing Director, EQT Asia Growth
  • Danny Yeung, CEO, Chairman and Co-Founder, Prenetics
  • Ethan Yuan,Vice President, International Business, Regional General Manager, APAC North, Alibaba Cloud Intelligence Group

Citi Commercial Bank offers a comprehensive suite of products and solutions, including trade and working capital, treasury and liquidity management, global markets capabilities, capital markets solutions, and advisory services. Citi Commercial Bank serves clients in 12 markets in Asia including Australia, mainland China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Hashtag: #Citi

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

About Citi

Citi is a preeminent banking partner for institutions with cross-border needs, a global leader in wealth management and a valued personal bank in its home market of the United States. Citi does business in more than 180 countries and jurisdictions, providing corporations, governments, investors, institutions and individuals with a broad range of financial products and services.

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