Media OutReach

Award-winning Chill Lab youth mental health program impacted 146,000+ lives in two years with latest “We Can” student-led projects benefiting 17,000+ people

Published

3 months ago

22/09/2025

Chill Lab has positively impacted 146,161 people across Hong Kong
187 secondary schools were engaged via augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) sessions, creative workshops and capacity building for students, teachers and parents
The latest student-led “We Can” program trained 40 youth leaders who delivered 17 projects benefiting 17,005 members of the public
Z Zurich Foundation youth mental wellbeing white paper urges school‑based youth interventions, where Chill Lab’s innovative youth‑led model aptly aligns its themes

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 September 2025 – Since 2023, Zurich Insurance (Hong Kong) (“Zurich Hong Kong”) has started collaborating with Z Zurich Foundation and The Mental Health Association of Hong Kong (“MHAHK”) to launch Chill Lab, a youth mental wellbeing prevention and promotion program that aims to drive systemic change in Hong Kong’s approach to youth mental wellbeing. Since then, Chill Lab has become the flagship youth mental wellbeing initiative of MHAHK.

Tulsi Naidu, CEO Asia Pacific, Zurich Insurance (right three), Eric Hui, CEO, Zurich Insurance (Greater China) (left four), and Sofyen Khalfaoui, Head of Improving Mental Wellbeing, Z Zurich Foundation (right two), visited the Chill Lab’s youth hub with and Stephen Wong, Deputy Director, MHAHK (left three).

Deep youth impact in just two years

Over the past two years, Chill Lab has positively impacted 146,161 lives, by engaging 187 secondary schools —covering more than 30% of Hong Kong’s secondary schools. The program engaged youths via innovative activities such as AR/VR experiential sessions, creative art workshops, social media campaigns and large-scale community events. Capacity-building initiatives were organized to train 200 youth ambassadors, teachers, and parents, who further reached 4,620 people through school and community activities.

The program’s innovation and impact have been recognized with the Platinum Award for Excellence in Health & Mental Health at the “Champions for Good Awards 2025” and the Excellence in Innovation Award from the Dr. Lo Wai Hoi Memorial Fund.

Eric Hui, Chief Executive Officer of Zurich Insurance (Greater China), said, “Chill Lab demonstrates the power of prevention, creativity and youth leadership in strengthening mental resilience across Hong Kong. We are proud to support this program alongside the Z Zurich Foundation and to see the measurable difference it has made. Our support is driven by a belief that promotion and prevention activities, and youth leadership can help build a healthier future for the next generation that aligns perfectly well with our brand purpose of creating a brighter future together.”

*Over the past two years, Chill Lab has positively impacted 146,161 lives, by engaging 187 secondary schools.*

Youth-led transformation in schools and communities

The “We Can – Youth Pioneer Program” emerged as Chill Lab’s signature youth-led success this year. The program trained 40 secondary students from five schools in project design, public engagement and advocacy. Equipped with practical skills and mentorship, these young leaders designed and delivered 17 projects across schools and communities, directly benefiting 17,005 members of the public. Activities ranged from interactive booths and peer support campaigns to creative workshops encouraging emotional expression and empathy.

Post-program evaluation showed strong gains among participants: problem-solving (“always considering multiple solutions”) increased from 60% to 93%, and over 95% reported greater willingness to care for their own and others’ mental health. School leaders praised the program’s practical training and student ownership while students described increased empathy, improved listening skills and a deeper understanding that emotional wellbeing is a life skill for everyone. The program culminated in an award ceremony during the summer holidays that celebrated outstanding proposals, creativity and impact across participating schools.

Mr. Stephen Wong, Deputy Director, MHAHK, added, “Students are the future pillars of our society, and their creativity drives meaningful change. We are proud to launch ‘We Can’ as a model that empowers young people to lead mental health initiatives in their schools and communities. We hope more schools will adopt this youth-led approach and help create mental health friendly campuses across Hong Kong. We are also grateful to have mentors and judge from Zurich Hong Kong who provided valuable advice to the students”

*The “We Can” program culminated in an award ceremony during the summer holidays that celebrated outstanding proposals, creativity and impact across participating schools.*

Whitepaper insights brought to action

Recently, the Z Zurich Foundation has released a compelling white paper “Youth mental wellbeing in Asia-Pacific Region“, highlighting the critical need to support the mental health of young people across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. The report reveals that youth mental wellbeing is at risk, with 50% of mental health conditions beginning by age 14. The insights underscore the critical need to support the mental health of young people in APAC and underscore the urgency of upstream, community-based and school-centered interventions. The white paper points to the central role of schools as platforms for prevention and destigmatisation, and the effectiveness of youth-led and interactive programs in raising engagement and help seeking. Chill Lab’s focus on AR/VR experiential learning, peer support and youth leadership align directly with these findings and demonstrates how prevention oriented, school-based models can build resilience, life skills and connectedness.

Gregory Renand, Head of the Z Zurich Foundation, stated, “Chill Lab exemplifies the preventive, youth centric approach our white paper recommends. The program’s use of schools as a platform, its interactive AR/VR learning and, importantly, its youth led ‘We Can’ model align directly with the white paper’s call to build resilience, life skills and peer support. These are essential levers to reduce stigma and improve access to timely care for young people.”

Chill Lab is committed to driving systematic change towards youth mental health by fostering long-term partnerships across education, community, private and public sectors. Entering its third year, Chill Lab will refine its interventions based on evaluation insights and strengthen collaborations with schools, teachers and community partners. Planned developments include integrating AI into AR/VR games to enhance engagement and personalized learning, expanding interactive exhibitions, and embedding youth led initiatives more deeply within the education system. These efforts aim to sustain long-term improvements in youth mental health literacy, resilience and help seeking behaviors across Hong Kong.

*Young leaders trained by “We Can” program designed and delivered 17 projects across schools and communities, directly benefiting 17,005 members of the public.*

Disclaimers

The information contained in this material is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute any recommendation or advice to any person. Readers should not make any decision based solely on the information contained herein. Before acting on any information in this material, readers should consider their personal situation and seek independent advice.

The information contained in this material does not constitute an offer for the purchase or sale of any insurance products or services. No insurance product or service is deemed to be offered, marketed or solicited for sale in any jurisdiction in which such offer, marketing or solicitation would be unlawful under the laws of such jurisdiction.

Zurich Insurance (Hong Kong) has based this material on information obtained from sources it believes to be reliable, but it does not warrant the correctness, adequacy and completeness of the information contained herein.

The information contained in this material may not be reproduced either in whole, or in part, without prior written permission of Zurich Insurance (Hong Kong). In no event shall Zurich Insurance (Hong Kong) be liable for any damages or losses arising out of or in connection with the use, reliance on or distribution of the information contained in this material by any person.
Hashtag: #ZurichHongKong #ZZurichFoundation

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

About Zurich Insurance (Hong Kong)

Zurich Insurance (Hong Kong) is part of the Zurich Insurance Group, with its presence in Hong Kong dating back to 1961. Since then, Zurich Insurance (Hong Kong) has been dedicated to serving the Hong Kong community with a full range of flexible investment, life insurance and general insurance solutions for individuals, as well as commercial and corporate customers — attending to their insurance, protection and investment needs. Zurich Insurance (Hong Kong) currently ranks fourth in the general insurance direct business market¹ and ranks fifth in the ILAS market² in Hong Kong. Please visit www.zurich.com.hk for more information of Zurich Insurance (Hong Kong).

¹Annual statistics of the Insurance Authority on Hong Kong direct general business from January to December 2024, based on gross premium.

²Annual statistics of the Insurance Authority on Hong Kong long term insurance business from January to December 2024, based on the number of policies and premiums of in-force business of investment-linked life insurance.

About Zurich Insurance Group (Zurich)

Zurich Insurance Group (Zurich) is a leading global multi-line insurer founded more than 150 years ago, which has grown into a business serving more than 75 million customers in more than 200 countries and territories, while delivering industry-leading total shareholder returns.

Reflecting its purpose to ‘create a brighter future together,’ Zurich offers protection services that go beyond traditional insurance to support its customers in building resilience. Since 2020, the Zurich Forest project supports reforestation and biodiversity restoration in Brazil’s Atlantic Forest.

The Group has more than 63,000 employees and is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland. Zurich Insurance Group Ltd (ZURN), is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange and has a level I American Depositary Receipt (ZURVY) program, which is traded over-the-counter on OTCQX. Further information is available at www.zurich.com.

About The Mental Health Association of Hong Kong

The Mental Health Association of Hong Kong was founded in 1954, The Mental Health Association of Hong Kong (MHAHK) is a non-profit social service organization with the goal of educating the public on mental health. We embrace the vision of “Mental Health for ALL” and are committed to the missions of “Quality rehabilitation for service users”, “Positive workplace for staff” and “Mental wellness for the public”.

The Association started direct service operation in 1967 and since then, has developed a comprehensive spectrum of rehabilitation services in the community, including residential care, community support, day training, vocational rehabilitation, employment support and special education, providing holistic care for people in recovery, people with intellectual disabilities and the disadvantaged. MHAHK currently operates over 50 subvented welfare service units / projects serving over tens of thousands of service users. The Association also manages self-financed supported apartment for people in recovery, a non-profit training and counselling centre, a special school with boarding places for students with severe mental handicaps and multiple disabilities, a social enterprise operating over 30 Supported Employment projects, and a training institute providing long-term consultation and supervision to mental health projects in the Mainland and the Greater Bay Area.

About Z Zurich Foundation

At the Z Zurich Foundation, we believe in a world where young people have the tools and resources to improve their mental wellbeing. Throughout the various projects we support, we aim to create a mental wellbeing movement that is helping young people see their feelings for what they are, so they can prevent stress from developing into anxiety.

The Z Zurich Foundation works alongside Zurich Insurance Group employees and other stakeholders as well as with governments and NGOs in pursuit of a future where people can thrive in the face of increasing climate hazards and catastrophes, where those of us feeling the stresses of life are empowered to speak up, and where the marginalized in our society can reach their full potential.

The Z Zurich Foundation is a Swiss-based charitable foundation established by members of the Zurich Insurance Group. It is the main vehicle by which Zurich Insurance Group delivers on its global community investment strategy.

Visit the Z Zurich Foundation’s website to learn more about its work: https://zurich.foundation. Follow the Z Zurich Foundation on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. Instagram and YouTube.

Media OutReach

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

Published

8 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

9 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: