Media OutReach

Fighting oyster reef decline in HK, 3D-Printed Reef Wins James Dyson Award 2025 Hong Kong

Published

3 months ago

10/09/2025

Dean Chan, a graduate from the Chinese University of Hong Kong and current PhD candidate at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University has been named the Hong Kong winner of the James Dyson Award for Reef of Hope
The invention will progress to the international stage of the James Dyson Award, for a chance to win £30,000

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 September 2025 – This year’s James Dyson Award Hong Kong Winner, Reef of Hope, tackles the decline of oyster reefs in the region with a sustainable and innovative solution. Developed by Dean Chan, the modular 3D-printed artificial reef features an innovative topological design and uses a printing substrate infused with oyster shell calcium carbonate, aiming to restore oyster reefs while enhancing marine biodiversity.

Dean Chan, James Dyson Award 2025 Hong Kong winner

Oyster reefs are vital to healthy marine ecosystems—providing habitat for marine life, supporting fish populations, filtering water, and protecting shorelines. However, globally, more than 85% of oyster reefs have disappeared in recent decades^[1], and locally, most remain outside of protected areas, facing threats from pollution, overharvesting, and urban development^[2].

“Reef of Hope is well-developed and grounded in local ecological relevance,” said Professor Joseph Wong, James Dyson Award Hong Kong Judge. “Its focus on oysters—a species vital to Hong Kong’s marine biodiversity—makes it a meaningful innovation.”

Now in its 20th year globally, the James Dyson Award continues to celebrate and empower young designer and engineers worldwide who tackle real-world problems with innovative solutions. Since its debut in Hong Kong in 2015, the Award has spotlighted numerous local innovators, with several advancing to the global Top 20 and one named a global sustainability winner.

Reef of Hope – The new solution to reef restoration
Dean Chan, creator of Reef of Hope, is a designer, engineer, and ecologist. He discovered that conventional reef restoration methods—such as concrete blocks and oyster bags—often lack the ecological effectiveness and long-term sustainability needed for successful recovery, as they generally prioritize bulk and stability over ecological function.

To address these shortcomings for current solutions, Reef of Hope is designed and engineered to actively support and sustain marine life. Its innovative topological structure features a curved, porous geometry that enhances stability in water, improves material efficiency, and optimizes water flow. The interwoven voids increase surface area and circulation, improving nutrient delivery, waste removal, and biofilm formation—all essential for oyster larval settlement.

What sets the project apart is its material innovation: a biodegradable polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) material, infused with seashell calcium carbonate, marine-safe minerals, and bioactive coatings that actively promote oyster settlement. The deliberate choice of material can avoid microplastic pollution, ensuring both ecological effectiveness and long-term ocean health.

Additionally, the reef’s lightweight, modular design allows for easy deployment by divers, adaptability to various site conditions, and cost-effective scaling—whether for degraded shorelines, aquaculture zones, or conservation areas.

Dean conducted field trials along Hong Kong’s shoreline, demonstrating significant environmental benefits: Oyster settlement rates were three times higher than with traditional methods. Within one month, the reef attracted shrimp, small crabs, juvenile fish, and algae, indicating a positive impact on local biodiversity.

“Winning the James Dyson Award is thrilling!” said Dean Chan. “It’s not just about recognition — it’s a platform to raise awareness about oyster reef restoration and marine conservation, amplifying my mission to protect these vital ecosystems.”

As the Hong Kong winner, Reef of Hope receives £5,000 to support the next phase of development and will represent Hong Kong on the global stage, competing with other regions’ innovators. The international Top 20 shortlist will be announced on 15^th October, selected by a global team of Dyson engineers, and the global winners will be chosen by James Dyson and announced on 5^th November.

[1] BioScience. https://academic.oup.com/bioscience/article-abstract/61/2/107/242615

[2] https://www.tnc.org.hk/en-hk/get-involved/how-to-help/oyster-reefs

Hashtag: #JamesDysonAward2025

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

James Dyson Award

The James Dyson Award forms part of a wider commitment by Sir James Dyson, to demonstrate the power of engineers to solve the world’s problems. The competition has supported more than 400 inventions with prize money and a chance to gain global media exposure, and is run by the James Dyson Foundation. Founded in 2002, the Foundation is an international education charity whose mission is to inspire the next generation of engineers. The Foundation also invests in medical research and has donated more than £145m to charitable causes to date.

ABOUT THE COMPETITION

The brief. Design something that solves a problem. This problem may be a frustration that we all face in daily life, or a global issue. The important thing is that the solution is effective and demonstrates considered design thinking. Unlike other competitions, participants are given full autonomy over their intellectual property.

The process. Entries are judged first at the national level by a panel of external judges and a Dyson engineer. Each operating market awards a national winner and two national runners-up. From these winners, a panel of Dyson engineers then select an international shortlist of 20 entries. The top 20 projects are then reviewed by Sir James Dyson who selects his global winners.

The 2025 prizes

Global winners, chosen by Sir James Dyson, each receive a prize of £30,000.
Each national winner receives £5,000.

Previous global winners

2024 Medical Winner – Athena

A portable and affordable hair-loss prevention device for chemotherapy patients.

2024 Sustainability Winner – airXeed Radiosonde

A reusable, nature-inspired sensor to improve weather forecasting and tackle e-waste.

2023 International Winner – The Golden Capsule

A hands-free IV device for disaster zones.

2023 Sustainability Winner – E-COATING

A sustainable exterior wall coating with a high cooling effect, reducing environmental costs of air conditioning.

2023 Humanitarian Winner – The Life Chariot

An off-road trailer ambulance for universal towing.

2022 International Winner – SMARTHEAL

A smart sensor for dressings which indicates how well a wound is healing by measuring its pH level.

2022 Sustainability Winner – Polyformer

A machine that recycles plastic bottles into affordable 3D printer filament for developing nations.

James Dyson Award on social media

Website: https://www.jamesdysonaward.org/
Instagram: @jamesdysonaward
X: @jamesdysonaward
TikTok: @jamesdysonaward
LinkedIn: James Dyson Award
YouTube: youtube.com/jamesdysonfoundation

Media OutReach

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

Published

13 hours ago

08/12/2025

Media Outreach

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

Payment Options Pte Ltd office in Singapore

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Payment Options Pte Ltd

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

Media OutReach

Financial Assistance at SIM: Breaking Barriers to Education

Published

14 hours ago

08/12/2025

Media Outreach

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

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

Empowering Learners Through the SIM Impact Fund

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

Beyond Tuition: Comprehensive Financial Aid

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

Community-Focused Support

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

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

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

Scholarship for Excellence

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

Conclusion: Building a Future Without Barriers

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

References:

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

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

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

About SIM Global Education

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

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

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

Media OutReach

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

Published

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: