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100-Day Countdown to Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Ordinance: Save the Children Hong Kong’s “Child Protection Conference 2025” Unites Cross-Sector Forces

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Save the Children Hong Kong hosted conference bringing together professionals from the education sector and child-facing NGOs.

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 September 2025 – With around 100 days remaining before the implementation of the Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Ordinance (hereafter “the Ordinance”), Save the Children Hong Kong convened the “Child Protection Conference: Creating Protective Communities in 100 Days” (hereafter “the Conference”). The event gathered nearly 150 professionals from the education and child-facing services sectors to explore frontline strategies. The Conference aimed to enhance participants’ awareness, knowledge and skills in child protection, ensuring all child-facing professionals are well-prepared for the new legislation and can collectively build a robust safeguarding network for children.

Save the Children Hong Kong hosted conference bringing together professionals from the education sector and child-facing NGOs.

The Conference provided a cross-sector platform for sharing practical experiences, listening to children’s voices, and engaging in in-depth exchanges with experts. Key topics included building a safeguarding organisational culture, responsibilities under the new law, and practical strategies to prevent harm to children.
Cross-sector Dialogue to Address Frontline Concerns
The Conference opened with a keynote speech by Kalina Tsang, CEO of Save the Children Hong Kong. With just around 100 days until the Ordinance takes effect, she emphasised that cross-sector collaboration is crucial at this pivotal moment: “The implementation of the Mandatory Reporting Ordinance marks a significant step forward in child protection for Hong Kong. But fundamental safeguarding begins with prevention. We must build a culture of prevention through cross-disciplinary collaboration—empowering every professional who interacts with children to play an active role across systems, institutions, and communities.”
She added, “Once the Ordinance is in force, we expect a rise in reported cases, especially those that have previously gone unnoticed or unspoken. Safeguarding children is not solely the responsibility of professionals—it is a collective duty. Society adopts a zero-tolerance policy towards child abuse. We cannot afford to be bystanders. I encourage everyone, if you suspect a child is at risk, speak up. Your action could protect a child’s life.”
Three Panel Discussions: From Systems, Practice to Frontline Challenges
The full-day Conference featured three thematic panel discussions, each exploring in-depth and comprehensive exchanges on different aspects of child protection, including the critical role of child-facing organisations, legal and practical challenges and opportunities of the Ordinance, and the prevention of child sexual abuse alongside survivor support.
In the first panel, child rights advocates highlighted organisations serving children play a crucial role in their lives and must establish robust safeguarding policies and cultures. From codes of conduct and staff training to personal data protection, every measure should aim to prevent harm. They stressed the urgency of building child-safe organisational cultures. With a surge in local child abuse cases—likely far exceeding reported figure, they called on society to address systemic gaps and strengthen child protection through policy, procedures, culture, and accountability.
The second panel focused on the implementation details, legal liabilities, safeguards, and practical operations for frontline personnel regarding mandatory reporting. Experts noted that while the Ordinance is a big step forward, its implementation still requires refinement. They engaged in in-depth discussions on reporting thresholds, legal liability, support mechanisms, and interdepartmental collaboration. Recommendations included clearer guidelines and legal safeguards to ensure frontline professionals are adequately supported when making reports.
The final panel centred on child sexual abuse. Speakers from youth organisations and sexual violence victim support organisations shared their experiences, challenges, and strategies. They stressed that prevention must go beyond post-incident intervention and should begin with education, systemic reform, and survivor-centred support. This includes training adults to identify risks, promoting evidence-based research, and providing tailored support for adult survivors. The panel called for greater societal awareness of the deep trauma caused by child sexual violence.
The Conference also featured breakout sessions covering topics such as positive parent-child communication, child protection in the online world, supporting harmed children, and strategies for addressing cyberbullying. These sessions helped frontline professionals strengthen their core safeguarding skills and response strategies.
Youth Voices: Designing Child-centred Systems
Children’s voices were a vital part of the Conference. In one session, youth representatives shared the “The hidden tragedies of children: abuses from friends and close adults”. They introduced a peer supporter programme that trains students to assist or observe peers who may be experiencing or at risk of abuse. They also advocated for mandatory personal rights education in school curricula and discussed ways to improve children’s access to NGOs and safeguarding services.
Looking Ahead: A Collective Commitment to Safeguarding Children
The Conference marked a significant step forward in Hong Kong’s child protection efforts. It not only prepared stakeholders for the upcoming legislation but also promoted a broader culture of prevention—one that is more alert and responsive to children’s needs. The discussions and collaborations initiated at the Conference are expected to have a lasting impact on child protection policies and practices across the city.
To foster a more robust child protection system, Save the Children Hong Kong’s campaign, “A Safe Childhood: As It Should Be?”, is launching a public petition. The initiative calls on all sectors of society to place child safeguarding at the forefront and urges the government to establish long-term policies in this area. Members of the public are invited to show their support by signing the petition and pledging to take action when encountering suspected abuse—reinforcing the vital message that protecting children is a shared responsibility.

Hashtag: #SavetheChildrenHongKong #ChildProtection #ChildProtectionConference #MandatoryReportingofChildAbuseOrdinance




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

Save the Children Hong Kong

Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. In Hong Kong and around the world, we do whatever it takes – every day and in times of crisis – so children can fulfil their rights to a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. With over 100 years of expertise, we are the world’s first and leading independent children’s organisation – transforming lives and the future we share.

Established in 2009, Save the Children Hong Kong is part of the global movement which operates in around 100 countries. We work with children, families, schools, communities and our supporters to deliver lasting change for children in Hong Kong and around the world.

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SIM and the True Worth of Education: Beyond Tuition Fees

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15 hours ago

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07/12/2025

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SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 December 2025 – As Singaporean families plan for higher education, tuition costs often dominate the conversation. However, the more critical consideration lies in understanding the relationship between cost and value. This article provides an in-depth understanding of the financial implications of pursuing studies at local public universities, private institutions such as SIM, and overseas universities, while highlighting SIM’s distinctive proposition that extends beyond competitive pricing.

Local Public Universities: Affordable and Prestigious

Singapore’s autonomous universities remain among the most cost-effective options for Singapore citizens, thanks to the Ministry of Education’s Tuition Grant. For example, undergraduate programs at NUS and NTU cost around S$8,250 per year for Singaporeans, while SMU averages S$11,500 annually. Other institutions such as SUTD, SUSS and SIT fall within similar ranges, typically between S$8,000 and S$13,500 per year. Over a three- to four-year degree, this translates to roughly S$25,000 to $54,000 in tuition fees.

The autonomous universities offer strong reputations and excellent graduate outcomes, but entry to some programme is highly competitive, and program flexibility may be limited compared to private or overseas options.

Overseas Universities: Prestige Comes at a Price

For families considering an overseas education, costs escalate dramatically. Tuition at U.S. private universities averages US$50,000 to US$60,000 per year (about S$70,000 to S$84,000), with living expenses adding another US$10,000 to US$15,000 annually. In the UK, fees range from £10,000 to £38,000 per year (approximately S$17,000 to $65,000), while Canada and Australia typically charge S$14,000 to $28,000 for tuition alone. Factoring in accommodation, travel, and insurance, a four-year overseas degree can easily exceed S$150,000.

While these programs offer prestige and cultural immersion, they also involve significant financial, visa, and lifestyle considerations.

SIM Global Education: International Degrees at Local Cost

SIM offers a compelling alternative for students seeking global credentials without the high cost of studying abroad. Through partnerships with leading universities from the UK, Australia, the U.S., Canada, and Europe, SIM delivers more than 140 programs in Singapore, allowing students to earn internationally recognized degrees, essentially the same degree if you studied overseas, but locally at SIM. Tuition fees vary by program, for example, a University of London BSc ranges from S$26,685 to S$42,835, a University of Birmingham top-up degree costs S$42,000 to S$57,100, and a degree from the University at Buffalo falls between S$41,700 and S$74,600 for Singaporeans.

Beyond competitive pricing, SIM emphasizes value. Degrees are awarded by partner universities and aligned with global academic standards. The institution holds EduTrust Star certification and ISO accreditation, ensuring the best quality assurance. Students benefit from bond-free scholarships and bursaries, as well as Career Connect services that provide internships, mentoring, and employer networking. Graduate outcomes are strong, with nearly 80% of SIM graduates securing employment within six months of graduation.

Why Value Matters as Much as Cost

Choosing a degree isn’t just about tuition fees, it’s about the total investment, which includes living costs, global recognition, and career outcomes. Local autonomous universities such as NUS, NTU, and SMU remain highly attractive for their subsidized fees and strong reputations, making them one of the most cost-effective options for Singaporeans. However, entry is competitive, and program flexibility may be limited.

On the other end of the spectrum, overseas universities offer prestige and cultural immersion but often come with six-figure costs and additional living expenses. This is where SIM provides a strategic middle ground, delivering internationally recognized degrees from leading global universities at local cost. Students gain access to global curricula, industry-ready skills, and career networks without the financial burden of relocating overseas. For families seeking international exposure at sustainable costs, SIM combines affordability with the value of global education

References:

  1. NUS Fees for Undergraduate Programmes – https://www.nus.edu.sg/registrar/docs/info/administrative-policies-procedures/ugtuitioncurrent.pdf
  2. NTU Fees for Undergraduate Programmes – https://www.ntu.edu.sg/docs/default-source/onestop@sac/2025/tuition-fees-ft-ay2025_12mar25.pdf?sfvrsn=b8c5474_1
  3. SMU Fees for Undergraduate Programmes – https://admissions.smu.edu.sg/financial-matters/tuition-fees-grant
  4. SUTD Fees for Undergraduate Programmes – https://www.sutd.edu.sg/admissions/undergraduate/education-expenses/fees/tuition-fees/
  5. SUSS Fees for Undergraduate Programmes – https://www.suss.edu.sg/admissions/financial-matters/tuition-fee-subsidy/full-time-undergraduate
  6. SIT Fees from Undergraduate Programmes – https://www.suss.edu.sg/admissions/financial-matters/tuition-fee-subsidy/full-time-undergraduate
  7. Comparison of Tuition Fees in US, UK, Canada and Australia – https://uninist.com/blog/financial-planning/comparison-of-tuition-fees-guide
  8. How much does college cost in 2025 – https://research.com/universities-colleges/how-much-does-college-cost
  9. Price of attending undergraduate institutions – https://nces.ed.gov/programs/coe/indicator/cua
  10. University of London Bachelor Degree – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/programmes/programme-listing?academic=2%7C&programmetype=1%7C3&university=1%7C
  11. University of Brimingham Bachelor Degree – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/programmes/programme-listing?academic=2%7C&programmetype=1%7C3&university=10%7C

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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A-Level vs Polytechnic: Understanding different pathways offer competitive edge at SIM

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1 day ago

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06/12/2025

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SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 December 2025 – Singapore’s education system offers two popular tertiary pathways after post-secondary, A-Levels through Junior Colleges and Polytechnic diplomas. Both leading to higher education but differ in focus. A-Levels are academically rigorous and theory-driven, preparing students for university through subject-based learning over two years at junior colleges or three years at Millennia Institute.

Conversely, Polytechnic programmes emphasize applied learning, incorporating projects and industry attachments, and culminate in a diploma after three years. Understanding how these distinct approaches translate into admission considerations at SIM, one of Singapore’s leading private education institutions, is essential.

For students and parents, evaluating these options is critical to determining which pathway offers the greatest advantage in today’s competitive education landscape.

Applying with A-Levels

For students who have completed A-Levels, SIM requires applicants to meet the academic and English language criteria specified for each degree programme. According to SIM’s admissions process, candidates must submit their GCE A-Level certificates and transcripts along with other supporting documents. Entry is subject to programme-specific requirements set by SIM and its universities partner from Australia, Canada, Europe, the United Kingdom, and the United States. This pathway allows applicants to begin their degree studies immediately after junior college, provided they meet the specific entry requirements for their chosen programme.

Applying with a Polytechnic Diploma

Polytechnic graduates may be eligible for advanced standing and credit exemptions when applying to SIM’s degree programmes. The amount of exemption depends on the relevance of the diploma and the chosen degree. For example, IT-related diplomas from local polytechnics can receive up to two years of credit exemptions for certain programmes, such as those offered by the University of Wollongong, provided the applicant meets GPA requirements (typically 2.0 or above). Other diplomas may receive partial exemptions on a case-by-case basis. These exemptions reduce both time and cost, making SIM an attractive option for Polytechnic graduates who want to build on their applied learning experience.

Why It Matters

According to the Ministry of Education (MOE) statistics in 2021, roughly one in three Polytechnic graduates progress to local autonomous universities, compared to about four in five A‑Level and International Baccalaureate graduates. This gap underscores the importance of additional pathways such as SIM, which enable Polytechnic graduates to earn globally recognised degrees and expand their career prospects.

Student Stories: Two Potential Paths to Success at SIM

At SIM, students have the flexibility to shape their academic journey based on their background and career goals. For some, it’s about gaining a head start; for others, it’s about leveraging credit exemptions to fast-track progress. Ashley Ong and Violet Weng exemplify these two pathways, each leading to success in its own way.

Ashley Ong, an A-Level graduate, chose to begin her degree journey with the University at Buffalo Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. She embraced every opportunity SIM offered such as internships, hackathons, and networking events, building practical skills and global perspectives that prepared her for a competitive business world.

Meanwhile, Violet Weng, a Singapore Polytechnic graduate, opted for a different approach. While pursuing her RMIT Bachelor of Business (Economics and Finance), Violet leveraged SIM’s credit exemptions to shorten her study duration and reduce costs, all while working full-time. This flexibility allowed her to balance work and study, accelerate graduation, and advance her career without compromise.

Both stories highlight SIM’s commitment to offering customized pathways for students whether you’re starting fresh or building on prior learning.

Conclusion

Whether you come from an academic route like A-Levels or an applied learning path through Polytechnic, the journey to a degree can look very different. A-Level graduates often enjoy a head start with direct entry, while Polytechnic graduates benefit from credit exemptions that recognize their practical skills. Both pathways reflect Singapore’s evolving education landscape where flexibility and global opportunities matter more than ever.

References:

  1. MOE Post-Secondary – https://www.moe.gov.sg/post-secondary/
  2. SIM Application Process – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/admissions/application-process
  3. SIM-UOW Credit Exemption Table – https://www.sim.edu.sg/getmedia/9c0ad90d-5910-4d47-b044-f815188a4b16/sim002856.pdf
  4. MOE Education Statistics Digest – https://www.moe.gov.sg/about-us/publications/education-statistics-digest
  5. Polytechnic graduates progression and subsidies for PEIs – https://www.moe.gov.sg/news/parliamentary-replies/20210510-polytechnic-graduates-progression-and-subsidies-for-peis
  6. askST: How many uni places are there for Singaporeans? Is there a quota for poly grads? – https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/how-many-uni-places-for-locals-any-quota-for-poly-grads
  7. How 6 internships, 4 hackathons, and CCAs paved the way for Ashley – https://www.sim.edu.sg/articles-inspirations/how-6-internships-4-hackathons-and-ccas-paved-the-way-for-ashley
  8. How this graduate pivoted her career by pursuing a degree while working full time – https://www.sim.edu.sg/articles-inspirations/how-this-graduate-pivoted-her-career-by-pursuing-a-degree-while-working-full-time

Hashtag: #SIMGlobalEducation #SIMGE

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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K. Wah Group Donates Additional HK$12.07 Million for Tai Po Recovery

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2 days ago

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06/12/2025

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Chairman Mr. Francis Lui Urges Public to Turn Compassion into Action and Vote 7 December

HONG KONG SAR – Wechat: 嘉华集团 K. Wah Group

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

About K. Wah Group

K. Wah Group was founded in 1955 by Dr. Lui Che Woo and has since grown into a diversified multinational corporation. Its core businesses span property development and investment, integrated resort and entertainment, hospitality, and construction materials.

The Group has a strong presence in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Southeast Asia, and key international markets. Its major subsidiaries include two Hong Kong-listed flagships: K. Wah International Holdings Limited (HKEX: 00173), focused on premium property development and investment; and Galaxy Entertainment Group Limited (HKEX: 00027), a constituent of the Hang Seng Index and a leading gaming and entertainment operator in Macau. Other key members of the Group include Stanford Hotels International and K. Wah Construction Materials Limited. Today, K. Wah Group comprises over 200 subsidiaries worldwide.

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