Media OutReach
Breaking Boundaries with the AFTEC Jockey Club Creative Futures Project
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
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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.
Media OutReach
Andrea Bocelli Celebrates 30 Years Anniversary Tour of Romanza with Two Spectacular Concerts in Indonesia
JAKARTA, INDONESIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 August 2026 – Shoemaker Live and Jakarta International Expo are pleased to announce an extraordinary celebration of music and legacy as the incomparable Andrea Bocelli returns to Indonesia with Bank SMBC Indonesia and BNI present: Andrea Bocelli Romanza 30th Anniversary World Tour Indonesia. Two Wonders, One Voice, the concerts commemorate three decades of the world’s most celebrated classical crossover albums. The highly anticipated Indonesia leg will present two distinctive performances, beginning at the majestic Borobudur Temple in Magelang on October 31, followed by a second performance at Jakarta International Expo (JIExpo) Kemayoran, Jakarta, on November 3. These two concerts will be Andrea Bocelli’s only public performances in the Asia Pacific region in 2026, making Indonesia the exclusive destination in the region to experience this milestone celebration. Together, the two performances will offer audiences an extraordinary journey through music, artistry, and Indonesia’s diverse cultural landscape.
These two concerts will be Andrea Bocelli’s only public performances in Southeast Asia in 2026, making Indonesia the exclusive destination in the region to experience this milestone celebration. Presented across two remarkable settings, the concerts offer audiences from Indonesia and across Southeast Asia a rare opportunity to witness one of the world’s most celebrated voices live.
“It is truly an honor to bring a world-class maestro like Andrea Bocelli to Indonesia. Music and craftsmanship share a deep connection, both shaped by dedication, patience, and attention to detail. Romanza concert is especially meaningful as it brings this timeless artistry to two remarkable settings, Borobudur and Jakarta, creating moments audiences can cherish long after the music ends,” said Prajna Murdaya, Founder of Shoemaker.
Released 30 years ago, The Romanza album became a defining milestone in Andrea Bocelli’s illustrious career, introducing audiences worldwide to his signature voice and timeless repertoire, including the iconic “Con Te Partirò.” The anniversary tour celebrates the enduring legacy of an album that continues to resonate with audiences across generations.
More than a celebration of an iconic album, Bank SMBC Indonesia and BNI present: Andrea Bocelli Romanza 30th Anniversary World Tour Indonesia brings together two remarkable destinations and one legendary voice to create an immersive cultural experience. From the historic grandeur of Borobudur to the dynamic atmosphere of Jakarta, the performances reflect the meeting point between global artistry and Indonesia’s rich cultural identity, also to celebrating 30 years of Andrea Bocelli’s musical legacy and creating an unforgettable night that will be remembered and talked about for years to come.
The Indonesia tour also marks an important moment for the country’s growing cultural and entertainment landscape, demonstrating its ability to welcome internationally acclaimed artists while offering audiences The Borobudur performance is envisioned as a once in a lifetime cultural experience, continuing the tradition of Andrea Bocelli’s landmark performance staged at globally renowned heritage sites around the world, from the Pyramids of Giza, the Acropolis, to the Vatican, where extraordinary music, iconic locations and historic settings come together to create truly memorable experiences.
As part of the Borobudur experience, audiences will also discover a cultural village showcasing the best of culturally rich Magelang and Central Java, bringing together the region’s cultural heritage, traditions, and local character. Ticket holders will receive exclusive access to the cultural village on the day of the concert, allowing the experience to extend beyond the performance and into the cultural landscape surrounding Borobudur.
“InJourney plays a strategic role in connecting Indonesia’s aviation and tourism ecosystem from airport and aviation services to hospitality, destinations, and retail to create a seamless, world-class journey for every traveler. International events such as Andrea Bocelli at Borobudur demonstrate the power of this integrated ecosystem to bring Indonesia’s heritage, hospitality, and global connectivity together on the world stage, while strengthening Indonesia’s nation branding through culture and tourism. For us, Borobudur is more than a destination. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a powerful national asset to elevate Indonesia’s position in global tourism. Our ambition is to develop Borobudur as a world-class spiritual, cultural, and pilgrimage destination, also creating meaningful, high-value experiences while preserving its legacy for generations to come,” explained Maya Watono, President Director of InJourney, PT Aviasi Pariwisata Indonesia (Persero).
The Borobudur performance comes amid a growing calendar of cultural experiences around the destination, following Orchestra Month by InJourney and Borobudur Moon, organized by the Magelang Regency Government. Together, these initiatives contribute to a broader effort to position Borobudur and Central Java as destinations where cultural heritage and world-class artistic experiences can come together.
Bank SMBC Indonesia supports Andrea Bocelli’s Landmark Indonesia performance as presenting partner. Commenting on the partnership, Deputy President Director of Bank SMBC Indonesia, Michellina Laksmi Triwardhany, explained that the collaboration reflects Bank SMBC Indonesia’s commitment to bringing together meaningful experiences for its customers and the Indonesian community.
“As Presenting Partner, Bank SMBC Indonesia is proud to support Andrea Bocelli’s performance in Indonesia, particularly at Borobudur, one of Indonesia’s most significant cultural heritage sites. We believe in bringing together masterpieces, moments, and experiences that are meaningful to the Indonesian people. This collaboration is a celebration of extraordinary music, Indonesian’s rich cultural heritage, and the experiences that connect us, “said Dhany
She added that the partnership is aligned with Bank SMBC Indonesia’s commitment to continuously delivering meaningful services, experiences, and innovations that create a positive impact for customers, businesses, society, and the broader Indonesian economy.
Alexandra Askandar, Deputy President Director of Bank Negara Indonesia (Persero) Tbk. (BNI), said, “The arrival of Andrea Bocelli’s Romanza 30th Anniversary World Tour in Indonesia is a special moment that further strengthens Indonesia’s position as a destination for world-class cultural experiences. We are proud to be part of bringing this exceptional international performance to audiences in Indonesia.”
Beyond the concert itself, BNI believes an international event of this caliber can create a meaningful multiplier effect for Indonesia’s tourism and creative economy, benefiting sectors ranging from hospitality, transportation, and culinary businesses to MSMEs, while further strengthening Indonesia’s position as a destination for world-class events.
“For BNI, supporting this event is also about creating greater value for our customers. Through various exclusive offers and seamless payment solutions, we aim to make this world-class performance more accessible and enjoyable for BNI customers. We are also pleased to offer our Priority customers special privileges that reflect our commitment to providing a more personalized experience when enjoying this exceptional performance,” said Alexandra
Tickets range for Bank SMBC Indonesia and BNI present: Andrea Bocelli Romanza 30th Anniversary World Tour Indonesia starts from IDR 1,000,000 to over IDR 15,000,000 for premium categories. The highest priced ticket categories will also include access to an exclusive pre-event VIP lounge, offering guests a more elevated concert experience. An exclusive 72-hour presale for Jenius and BNI debit and credit cardholders will be held from Friday, August 21, 2026, at 1:00 PM WIB to Monday, August 24, 2026, at 1:00 PM WIB, offering up to 20% off. Tickets are available exclusively via Tiket.com during this period.
To complement the concert experience, ticket purchasers can also access travel bundles combining concert tickets with transportation and hotel stays through Tiket.com. Visitors can further explore curated experiences around Borobudur through InJourney’s MyCandiGuide app and website, making it easier to extend their visit into a broader cultural and destination experience.
Bank SMBC Indonesia and BNI present: Andrea Bocelli Romanza 30th Anniversary World Tour Indonesia invites audiences to celebrate three decades of timeless music across two extraordinary destinations in Indonesia. More than an evening of iconic songs, it is an experience to be deeply felt, as Bocelli’s voice brings people together through moments of emotion, connection and wonder. Long after the final note, audiences will not only remember the performance, but carry the feeling of that extraordinary night with them for years to come.
For more information, please visit the official websites andreabocelli.id, and Instagram @shoemakerstudios.
Hashtag: #ShoemakerStudios
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About – Andrea Bocelli
Proclaimed around the world as the icon of the highest Italian vocal tradition, Bocelli has sold in-excess of 90 million albums to date. He improved his singing skills under the guidance of his mentor, Franco Corelli, and initially became widely famous for winning the Sanremo Music Festival in 1994 as the Newcomers section. At the same time, he started his dazzling classical career, performing masterpieces from the opera repertoire on stage – conducted by Lorin Maazel, Seiji Ozawa and Zubin Mehta. The more recent recordings of the Tuscan tenor include Manon Lescaut conducted by Plácido Domingo, Turandot and – released in 2016 – Aida conducted by Zubin Mehta. In 2017, Bocelli recorded La forza del destino and in 2018 he recorded – and performed in theatre – Lucia di Lammermoor.
About – Shoemaker Studios
Shoemaker Studios was founded by Prajna Murdaya, Harmoko Aguswan, and Nikita Dompas and Melon Lemon as a recording studio for world-class artists. It has since grown into a creative platform spanning live event production and live session content, bringing high-caliber music and cultural programming to Indonesian audiences.
In 2019, Shoemaker produced Yo-Yo Ma: The Bach Project Jakarta, the cellist’s first-ever Jakarta concert, setting a new benchmark for international performances in Indonesia. Its live session series, Hearafter, captures artists in unedited, one-take performances: no cuts, no retakes, just a song as it’s actually played.
Shoemaker is now expanding beyond recording and content production into live music, creative lifestyle experiences, and original IP — a shift anchored by its role in Andrea Bocelli’s Romanza 30th Anniversary Tour. The goal: spaces where artists, audiences, and communities meet, exchange inspiration, and experience creativity’s transformative power.
About – Bank Negara Indonesia (Persero) Tbk. (BNI)
PT Bank Negara Indonesia (Persero) Tbk (BNI), one of Indonesia’s leading banks, is committed to offering a wide range of financial solutions for individuals and supporting the growth and success of businesses—both domestically and globally. Dedicated to building long-term partnerships, BNI provides a comprehensive suite of financial services, including capital loans, trade finance, cash management, project financing, and treasury services. BNI supports Indonesian companies in expanding their global reach while also assisting multinational corporations in entering the Indonesian market.
To learn more about BNI’s products and services, please visit: 
https://www.bni.co.id/
Mr Munafò joined Allianz Trade in 2015 as part of the Multinationals team and has spent over a decade shaping the company’s commercial strategy across four regions. Rising through key account management roles spanning MMEA, APAC, and Northern Europe – including his appointment as Regional Account Director for Northern Europe in 2021 – he was named Group Head of Broker Management and Partnerships in 2025, where he was responsible for defining and executing Allianz Trade’s global commercial and distribution strategy and strengthening broker partnerships across multiple regions. Mr Munafò holds an MBA from POLIMI Graduate School of Management (Politecnico di Milano) and a degree in Law from Università Bocconi with a major in Public Sector and Law.
On this appointment, Rodrigo Jimenez, Regional CEO at Allianz Trade in Asia Pacific, says: “Over the past decade, Scott has built extensive experience across various regions, demonstrating a strong track record in growing commercial portfolios, building strategic partnerships, and maintaining exceptional customer retention. His international experience, commercial leadership, and deep understanding of our business make him exceptionally well positioned to lead our China operations. I am confident that, together with the local management team, Scott will successfully drive our growth ambitions and deliver continued success in this important and fast-growing market.”
Mr Munafò remarks: “Allianz Trade has been part of China’s trade story for nearly two decades – built on the strength of our team, our partners, and our customers who have trusted us through every cycle. I am honoured to be entrusted with what so many have built together. My commitment is simple: to keep listening, to keep creating lasting value and to ensure the next chapter sets a new standard.”
Hashtag: #allianztrade #tradecreditinsurance
https://www.allianz-trade.com/en_HK.html
https://www.linkedin.com/company/allianz-trade-apac/
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About Allianz Trade
Allianz Trade is the global leader in trade credit insurance and a recognized specialist in the areas of surety, collections, structured trade credit and political risk. Our proprietary intelligence network is based on instant access to data of 289 million corporates. We give companies the confidence to trade by securing their payments. We compensate your company in the event of a bad debt, but more importantly, we help you avoid bad debt in the first place. Whenever we provide trade credit insurance or other finance solutions, our priority is predictive protection. But, when the unexpected arrives, our AA credit rating means we have the resources, backed by Allianz to provide compensation to maintain your business. Headquartered in Paris, Allianz Trade is present in over 40 countries with 5,900 employees. In 2025, our consolidated turnover was EUR4 billion and insured global business transactions represented EUR1,400 billion in exposure. For more information, please visit allianz-trade.com.
A Broader Range of Functional Jelly Concepts
This year, Wel-Bloom will show how varied jelly can be, with examples including visible fruit pieces, whole chia seeds, and high-calcium and collagen-rich formulations. As gummies remain popular, jelly offers greater flexibility in serving size, sweetness and active-ingredient loading, while also allowing for lower-sugar concepts using natural flavoring ingredients.
Taking Jelly Beyond Conventional Formulations
Wel-Bloom’s patented Tri-Safe Jelly Technology forms the foundation of its functional jelly development, demonstrating 97.8% active-ingredient retention and a shelf life of up to two years without added preservatives.
Building on this foundation, Wel-Bloom expanded into oil-based nutrients through NutriOne® Micronized Oil-Fusion Technology. Oil-based nutrients are commonly delivered in capsules or softgels, but swallowable formats may not suit every consumer. NutriOne® provides another option by incorporating oil-based ingredients into a stable, easy-to-consume jelly. The technology received a Gold Award at the World Genius Convention 2026.
Supporting Development with Trusted Manufacturing
As a Taiwan-based CDMO, Wel-Bloom supports projects from formulation and sensory development through stability assessment, pilot testing, scale-up and commercial manufacturing. For brands, choosing a CDMO affects product reliability and the responsibility of their supply chain. Wel-Bloom’s ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratory provides technical assurance, while its LEED Silver-certified facility, ISO 14064-1 greenhouse gas management and 2026 B Corp certification reflect its commitment to responsible manufacturing.
At Vitafoods Asia, visitors will be able to sample selected products and discuss product concepts, formulation possibilities and CDMO opportunities with Wel-Bloom’s sales team.
Vitafoods Asia 2026 will take place September 2–4 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok. Wel-Bloom will exhibit at Hall 2 Booth #F01.
Hashtag: #WelbloomBioTech
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About Wel-Bloom Bio-Tech
Wel-Bloom is a globally recognized CDMO expert in the health food industry, dedicated to delivering innovative, one-stop solutions. Guided by forward-looking market insights and supported by robust R&D capabilities, Wel-Bloom empowers clients to develop highly competitive, differentiated health food products.
For partnership opportunities and functional ingredient solutions, visit 
https://welbloom.com/ or search for Wel-Bloom online.
See Wel-Bloom in action — watch the latest highlights from our Malaysia forum on market insights and industry conversations: https://youtu.be/Y0VVoyV-NXU?si=lo9JbaI_Cjw5Cb4B
