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AFTEC’s Epic Three Kingdoms Trilogy Concludes with Taming the Dragon in 2025/26 School Season

Published

3 months ago

02/09/2025

Enrolment opens for new school programmes introducing creative learning through live theatre, arts workshops, and digital innovation.

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 September 2025 – AFTEC (The Absolutely Fabulous Theatre Connection) today announced the launch of its 2025/26 school programmes, opening enrolment for a dynamic line-up of arts education experiences. Headlining the season is Taming the Dragon, the highly anticipated final instalment of the From Page to Stage® Three Kingdoms Trilogy. The season also features the bilingual Young Theatre Makers programme, comprehensive Creative Teaching & Learning professional development for educators, and the versatile free digital learning platform, digiAFTEC®.

The 2025/26 programme suite encompasses four distinct offerings designed to foster creativity, critical thinking, and cultural appreciation among primary and secondary school students. From the flagship From Page to Stage® theatre production to cutting-edge digital learning platform, these programmes address the evolving needs of 21st-century education while aligning with the Education Bureau’s learning goals.

From Page to Stage®: Taming the Dragon

The season’s flagship production, Taming the Dragon, will premiere in March 2026 at AFTEC’s venue partner, the Sai Wan Ho Civic Centre Theatre. Adapted and directed by AFTEC’s Artistic Director, Dr Vicki Ooi, this English-language production with bilingual surtitles brings the legendary saga to a thrilling conclusion. The story picks up with Liu Bei on his deathbed, the fate of the Shu-Han kingdom resting on Zhuge Liang’s final, decisive campaign against his lifelong rival, Sima Yi. This production culminates the exploration of loyalty, brotherhood, and resilience that has defined the trilogy.

Directed by Dr Vicki Ooi, this gripping adaptation explores themes of loyalty, bonding, and leadership through the legendary strategic duel between two of history’s greatest military minds. The production features professional actors, live music, and bilingual surtitles, making classical Chinese literature accessible to contemporary and international audiences.

Reflecting on the trilogy, Dr Vicki Ooi stated, “Bringing the full arc of this epic to the stage has been a remarkable journey. With Taming the Dragon, we are not just concluding a story; we are reaffirming the power of classic literature to speak to new generations. These tales of strategy, loyalty, and human determination are timeless. Our goal with From Page to Stage® has always been to ignite a passion for the arts and literature by creating theatre that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant for students.”

Since its inception in 2009, From Page to Stage® has engaged over 130,000 secondary school students and teachers, establishing itself as one of Hong Kong’s longest-running English-language theatre-in-education programmes. The 2025/26 season offers comprehensive learning experiences including pre-show materials, interactive workshops, and post-show activities designed to deepen students’ understanding of literature and performing arts.

Transforming Classrooms into Creative Studios

Beyond the main stage production, AFTEC’s 2025/26 season continues to offer a comprehensive suite of programmes designed to embed creativity in schools:

Young Theatre Makers: This bilingual drama programme empowers secondary students to explore contemporary and coming of age themes like identity, social media, and family through a curated collection of 14 original plays from local and international playwrights. The programme fosters critical thinking and self-expression through in-school training and a final showcase and discussion.
Creative Teaching & Learning CPD: Continuing its commitment to educators, AFTEC offers a series of professional development workshops. These interactive sessions provide teachers with practical strategies and tools to integrate creative, arts-based, and object-based learning into their classrooms.
digiAFTEC®: This free, 24/7 online educational resource supports self-directed learning for P4 to S3 students. It includes interactive modules such as Serendip to cultivate creative thinking, Walking the Amazon to explore physical theatre and resilience, and A Young Person’s Guide to the Theatre to demystify the world of stage production.

“Our 2025/26 season embodies our belief in a holistic approach that connects arts with education,” said Ms Lynn Yau, Chief Executive Officer, AFTEC. “By combining the excitement of a cultural bridge like Taming the Dragon with a discussion and thinking platform like Young Theatre Makers, all-round teachers’ training and accessible digital resources on digiAFTEC®, we provide multiple pathways to engage with the arts. Our goal is to foster the 5C competencies — Creativity, Critical Thinking, Communication, Collaboration, and Contribution — through the arts, equipping a new generation with the skills essential for the future.”

Full programme details are available in the appendix.

Appendix: AFTEC 2025/26 School Programmes Overview

Programme	Target Audience	Key Features & Offerings	Costs
From Page to Stage® 2026: Taming the Dragon https://www.aftec.hk/?p=14312	S1 – S6 Students	Live Theatre: The final instalment of the Three Kingdoms Trilogy, performed in English with bilingual surtitles. Performance Dates: March 4 – 6 & 9 – 13, 2026. Comprehensive Learning: Includes pre-show digital resources and post-show activities. In-School Workshop: Schools booking 100+ tickets receive one free pre-show workshop (quota applies). Video Option: In-school screening with a workshop is available from June – August 2026 (bespoke arrangement).	HK$120 per teacher & student
Young Theatre Makers https://www.aftec.hk/?page_id=8881	S1 – S6 Students	Bilingual Theatre Programme: Students explore storytelling and performance by working with a curated script. Choice of 14 Plays: Scripts available in English or Cantonese, exploring themes like identity, technology, and family. In-School Training: 24 hours of guidance from an experienced drama tutor. Holistic Experience: Includes teachers CPD workshops, inter-school exchange, and a final showcase.	HK$36,000 per group (Max. 30 students & 4 teachers)
Creative Teaching & Learning CPD https://www.aftec.hk/?p=14696	Primary & Secondary School Teachers	Professional Development: Systematic CPD workshops for teachers. Practical Skills: Provides creative teaching strategies, tools, and techniques for immediate classroom application. Flexible Topics: Includes modules like Creative Teaching & Learning through the Arts, Object-based Learning, and Learning English through Drama. Bespoke Arrangements: Can be tailored for school professional development days and delivered in English or Cantonese.	Bespoke arrangements
digiAFTEC® https://www.aftec.hk/?page_id=8804	P4 – S3 Students	Free Digital Platform: An online resource accessible 24/7 to support self-directed learning. Interactive Modules: Serendip: Cultivates understanding of the arts and develops creative thinking. Walking the Amazon: Explores physical theatre and resilience. A Young Person’s Guide to the Theatre: Demystifies theatre production. Rich Content: Features games, quizzes and videos. Teaching Support: Dedicated online Teacher’s Zone with lesson plans.	Free

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

Published

15 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.

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Financial Assistance at SIM: Breaking Barriers to Education

Published

16 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

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

Published

1 day 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: