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De Beers Group Unveils “Desert Diamonds” at JGW

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A COMMITMENT TO ENHANCE NATURAL DIAMOND DEMAND THROUGH “ORIGIN” STRATEGY

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 October 2025 – From September 17th to 19th, 2025, De Beers Group, the world’s leading diamond company, made a dazzling appearance at the Jewellery & Gem WORLD, unveiling the exceptional allure of “Desert diamonds” – gradient-coloured natural diamonds. During the event, De Beers Group highlighted its diamond traceability strategy -“Origin”, demonstrating its unwavering commitment to driving demand for natural diamonds.

(From left to right) Feriel Zerouki, Chief Trade and Industry Officer, De Beers Group, Mahiar Borhanjoo, Chief Commercial Officer, SVP Polish, De Beers Group, and Lynn Serfaty, General Manager of Natural Diamond Category Marketing, De Beers Group, officiate at the lion dance ceremony to kick start De Beers Group’s Show & Tell.

Senior executives from De Beers Group attending the event included Paul Rowley, Executive Vice-President, Diamond Trading, Feriel Zerouki, Chief Trade and Industry Officer, Mahiar Borhanjoo, Chief Commercial Officer, SVP Polish, Lynn Serfaty, General Manager of Natural Diamond Category Marketing, and Wesley Tucker, CEO of Tracr, presented at the event. They engaged in discussions with industry guests about the future development trends of natural diamonds, demonstrating De Beers Group’s commitment to continue investing in resources and driving collective industry efforts to promote natural diamonds. Through these initiatives, the group consistently conveys the core attributes of natural diamonds—rarity, value, and heritage — while igniting desire and aspiration among a new generation of consumers.

Paul Rowley, Executive Vice-President, Diamond Trading, De Beers Group at the Breakfast Meeting; Lynn Serfaty, General Manager of Natural Diamond Category Marketing, De Beers Group (second from right, top image), and Loletta Lai, VP, Natural Diamonds APAC, De Beers Group (first from left, top image), attended the De Beers Group Natural Diamond Leadership Forum, "Unlocking Growth in the Greater China Market: Opportunities and Challenges for the Natural Diamond Industry", interacting with guests.
Paul Rowley, Executive Vice-President, Diamond Trading, De Beers Group at the Breakfast Meeting; Lynn Serfaty, General Manager of Natural Diamond Category Marketing, De Beers Group (second from right, top image), and Loletta Lai, VP, Natural Diamonds APAC, De Beers Group (first from left, top image), attended the De Beers Group Natural Diamond Leadership Forum, “Unlocking Growth in the Greater China Market: Opportunities and Challenges for the Natural Diamond Industry”, interacting with guests.

At the Show & Tell, experts from the “Origin”, Institute of Diamonds, and Science and Technology came together to showcase the Group’s innovative technologies and cutting-edge technology in the fields of diamond traceability and detention instruments.

“Origin” is De Beers’ brand-new diamond traceability program. Powered by Tracr, it enables consumers to explore the origin and supply chain of each De Beers diamond. It empowers retailers to share the unique stories behind De Beers’ natural diamonds, deepening the emotional connection between diamonds and wearers. Furthermore, consumers can access information about their purchased diamonds, including rarity rating and details about the social impact programs supported by each diamond. This initiative not only provides consumers with the opportunity to purchase natural diamonds mined by the De Beers Group but also provides comprehensive assurance, highlighting ethical sourcing as a key component of De Beers’ overall marketing strategy.

De Beers Group’s Desert diamond initiative captivates visitors with their delicate colour gradient, transitioning from warm white to champagne and amber, creating rich and harmonious visual layers that made them a highlight at Jewellery & Gem WORLD. By blending the inherent rarity of natural diamonds with the vast desert, these diamonds evoke emotional resonance among a new generation of consumers through their differentiated value, reinterpreting the enduring allure and extraordinary value of natural diamonds.

De Beers Group drew inspirations from the geological wonders of the desert—the birthplace of natural diamonds—blending desert elements with the unique characteristics of natural diamonds. Through narrative-driven spatial design and interactive elements, De Beers Group translated its strategies and the value of natural diamonds into tangible realities, showcasing the breathtaking beauty and profound significance of Desert Diamonds.

Paul Rowley, Executive Vice-President, Diamond Trading, De Beers Group, stated: “We are honoured to participate in Jewellery & Gem WORLD and engage in in-depth discussions with our partners. It provided a valuable opportunity to share De Beers Group’s strategies and explore the future of the natural diamond industry. China is a crucial part of our global strategy, and we are committed to continuing our collaboration with all partners. Through comprehensive market education and communication, we aim to help more consumers appreciate the rarity of natural diamonds and deeply recognize the enduring emotions and generational significance they carry.”

Building a Sustainable Future for Natural Diamonds
During the three-day exhibition, De Beers Group successfully hosted multiple events, including a Breakfast Meeting, Show & Tell, and Natural Diamonds Leadership Forum, gathering global industry leaders to look ahead at trends and developments in natural diamond industry. At the Breakfast Meeting, Paul Rowley shared the latest progress of “Origins”, while Lynn Serfaty highlighted the Group’s initiatives in natural diamond category marketing and elaborated on the unique charm of Desert diamonds.

The Natural Diamond Leadership Forum hosted by De Beers Group emerged as a significant highlight of this year’s exhibition, offering forward-looking perspectives and profound insights. At the first panel – Innovation in the Diamond Value Chain: From Technology to Customer Experience, Wesley Tucker, CEO of Tracr, shared customer engagement strategies centered on technological evolution. In-depth discussions focused on how to drive the future growth of the natural diamond industry and tap into fast-growing markets such as China. Tucker stated, “As a core component of the ‘Origins’, Tracr leverages blockchain technology to ensure the origin and traceability of every natural diamond. We are not only building a reliable technology platform but also committed to telling the authentic and unique story behind each natural diamond. Through Tracr, we hope consumers can trust their choices with greater confidence and understand how their purchases support the communities and sustainablility.”

Lynn Serfaty, General Manager of Natural Diamond Category Marketing, De Beers Group, along with Loletta Lai, VP, Natural Diamonds APAC, De Beers Group, and others, delved into the theme of ” Unlocking Growth in the Greater China Market: Opportunities and Challenges for the Natural Diamond Industry”. They provided in-depth analysis of consumer trends and behavioural shifts in the Chinese market, while sharing strategic insights on how to align with the demands of the new generation of consumers and foster long-term desire for natural diamonds. Serfaty stated, “The new generation of consumers is redefining their emotional connection with natural diamonds. They see these diamonds not only as symbols of weddings but also as unique carriers of self-expression and gifting. These consumers value authenticity, sustainability and pursue personalized experiences and emotional resonance. Through our strategies of ‘Origins’ and ‘Building Forever’, we consistently reinforce the core characteristic of natural diamonds—rarity, value, and heritage—continuously evoking consumers’ emotional identification and desire.”

Another Leadership Forum was hosted, themed “The Billion-Year Promise: Consumer Trust in Natural Diamond”. This event delved into the goals and initiatives of the “Origin” Strategy, De Beers Group and “Building Forever”, aiming to transform each natural diamond into an eternal promise, establishing and reinforcing consumers’ enduring and solid trust.

Partnering for Value Creation: Planning the Future of Natural Diamonds
For years, De Beers Group has consistently collaborated with partners across the industry to jointly promote the development of the natural diamond sector. During the exhibition, the Group invited media and influencers to visit the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) booth and engage in natural diamonds workshops, guiding guests to explore the enduring charm and value of natural diamonds. Pritesh Patel, President and CEO of GIA, stated: “We are deeply honored to collaborate with De Beers Group. Through this workshop, we illustrated the eternal charm and profound value inherent in natural diamonds. Each natural diamond is a miracle created by the Earth over hundreds of millions of years, blending natural beauty, exquisite craftsmanship, and a commitment to sustainable development. We look forward to working with all partners to convey values of authenticity, transparency, and responsibility, helping consumers gain a deeper understanding of the precious qualities of natural diamonds, and jointly promoting the sustainable development of the industry.”

Since June of this year, GIA has ceased providing traditional 4Cs grading for laboratory-grown diamonds and adopted a descriptive rating system. Submitted samples receive only broad evaluations as “Premium” or “Standard,” with those of excessively low quality receiving no grade. In August, GIA announced that it would implement an assessment service for laboratory-grown diamonds starting in October. These measures clarify the essential differences between natural diamonds and laboratory-grown diamonds in terms of attributes and value, providing a solid foundation for the standardized and healthy development of the natural diamond industry.

In addition to the exhibition, De Beers Group also organized a visit for media and influencers at De Beers London flagship store, allowing them to experience the artistic transformation of natural diamonds from rough stones to exquisite jewellery. This visit immersed guests in the innovative interpretation of natural diamonds in contemporary fashion. It was not merely a product showcase but a vivid demonstration of De Beers Group’s “Building Forever” comitmment at the retail level. From traceable natural diamond sources to sustainable craftsmanship, design, and polishing, every step reflects the Group’s firm commitment to sustainable development. Through offline experiences, jewellery try-ons, and in-depth sharing, the guests further deepened their emotional connection and value recognition of natural diamonds.

With the brand philosophy “A Diamond is Forever,” De Beers Group not only highlighted the enduring demand and broad prospects of natural diamonds in the global market at Jewellery & Gem WORLD, but also vividly demonstrated differentiated value through its Desert Diamonds, reflecting a deep integration with its “Origins”. Through immersive experiences and in-depth interactions, the Group presented an unforgettable natural diamond journey for industry partners and the public, further advancing the education about natural diamons. Looking ahead, De Beers Group will continue to collaborate with all parties to lead the natural diamond industry toward a more transparent and sustainable future, allowing natural diamonds to shine even brighter amidst the interplay of technology, art, and culture, and to continue writing the moving legend of this era.

Hashtag: #DeBeersGroup #NaturalDiamonds #diamonds #desertdiamonds




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

About De Beers Group

Established in 1888, De Beers Group is the world’s leading diamond company with expertise in the exploration, mining, marketing and retailing of diamonds. Together with its joint venture partners, De Beers Group employs more than 20,000 people across the diamond pipeline and is the world’s largest diamond producer by value, with diamond mining operations in Botswana, Canada, Namibia and South Africa. Innovation sits at the heart of De Beers Group’s strategy as it develops a portfolio of offers that span the diamond value chain, including its jewellery houses, De Beers Jewellers and Forevermark, and other pioneering solutions such as diamond sourcing and traceability initiatives Tracr and GemFair. De Beers Group also provides leading services and technology to the diamond industry in the form of education and laboratory services via De Beers Institute of Diamonds and a wide range of diamond sorting, detection and classification technology systems via De Beers Group Ignite. De Beers Group is committed to ‘,’ a holistic and integrated approach for creating a better future – where safety, human rights and ethical integrity continue to be paramount; where communities thrive and the environment is protected; and where there are equal opportunities for all. De Beers Group is a member of the Anglo American plc group. For further information, visit .

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SIM and the True Worth of Education: Beyond Tuition Fees

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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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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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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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