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Unlocking Career Growth: SIM Academy Helps Working Adults Tap National Funding Schemes

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SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 December 2025 – In a labour market reshaped by digitalisation and industry transitions, working adults in Singapore increasingly turn to short, skills-focused programmes to stay employable, switch roles, or move into growth sectors. The national SkillsFuture movement, administered by SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG), exists precisely to make such upskilling accessible, combining course subsidies, credit top-ups, and train-and-place pathways that prioritise employment outcomes.

SIM Academy, a long-standing professional learning arm of the Singapore Institute of Management (SIM), aligns its purpose to these national priorities, offering funded programmes and short courses that translate directly into workplace impact.

National funding that works for midcareer learners

Singapore’s national funding schemes provide strong support for mid-career learners, making skills upgrading more affordable and accessible.

Two key pillars stand out: the SkillsFuture Mid-Career Enhanced Subsidy (MCES), which offers Singapore Citizens aged 40 and above up to 90% course-fee funding for SSG-supported certifiable courses[LY1] , significantly reducing the cost of training.

Complementing this is the SkillsFuture Credit, which allows individuals to offset eligible course fees listed on MySkillsFuture. Beyond the base tier credit, an additional mid-career credit was introduced to encourage learners to pursue employment-oriented pathways such as full qualifications and the SkillsFuture Career Transition Programme (SCTP).

According to SkillsFuture Singapore’s latest year-in-review, these initiatives are driving impact: participation in career-relevant training rose to 555,000 in 2024, with mid-career learners increasingly tapping the enhanced credit for substantive skills reboot programmes

SIM Academy’s SkillsFuture Career Transition Programme (SCTP)

For professionals contemplating a role switch, SIM Academy’s SCTP consolidates structured training (typically 3–6 months, full or part‑time)to facilitate this need..

The SIM SCTP catalogue includes pathways in Cybersecurity and Sustainability in the Built Environment, among others, developed with industry partners and supported by employer networks.

Funding is significant. Under MCES, eligible Singaporeans aged 40+ can receive up to 90% course‑fee subsidies, with SkillsFuture Credit applicable to the nett fees.

Digital marketing in the mobilefirst era: TikTok Masterclass (Singtel × SIM Academy)

For working adults in marketing, entrepreneurship, or content creation, SIM Academy’s TikTok Masterclass addresses the rise of social commerce and the need to build brand presence on short‑video platforms. The course covers content strategy, analytics, live selling, and TikTok Shop setup, and provides hands‑on access to the Singtel Creator House combining technical skills with applied practice.

Crucially, this Masterclass is supported by SkillsFuture, with eligible SME participants able to receive funding up to 90% according to Singtel’s programme announcement, an example of industry‑government collaboration to accelerate SMB digitalisation.

Other funded short courses for immediate workplace impact

SIM Academy complements its longer SkillsFuture Career Transition Programme (SCTP) pathways with a suite of funded short courses that deliver immediate workplace impact in areas such as compliance, data analytics, and resilience where the skills are highly valued by employers.

Courses include the Fundamentals of the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA), a 3-day programme that equips learners with operational data-protection competencies like breach management and DPO responsibilities.

The Project Management Professional (PMP)® course, designed to meet the exam objectives set by Project Management Institute (PMI) based on PMBOK 7.0, prepares participants for predictive, agile, and hybrid project management approaches. Data Visualisation using Power BI, a two-day course that teaches learners to create interactive dashboards for data-driven decision-making.

Additionally, The Resilience Advantage focuses on mental well-being and workplace adaptability, reflecting the growing emphasis on mental wellness and sustainable performance. All these courses are SkillsFuture Credit-eligible and supported by SkillsFuture funding

SIM Academy is a Practical Choice for Working Adults

SIM Academy provides short, industry-relevant courses that focus on skills demanded by today’s job market. It offers flexible schedules, including part-time options for SCTPs, so working adults can learn without disrupting their careers. Job-search support is integrated into these programmes, helping learners apply new skills to real employment opportunities.

Affordability is another advantage. SIM Academy consolidates information on funding schemes such as SkillsFuture Credit and SSG subsidies on its website, making it easier for learners and employers to navigate cost-saving options.

At the national level, SkillsFuture Singapore reports strong participation among mid-career workers, with more learners enrolling in IT-related and employment-focused courses. This trend shows that funding initiatives are successfully guiding professionals toward skills that have strong market relevance.

References:

  1. SkillsFuture Movement – https://www.ssg.gov.sg/skills-development/skillsfuture-movement/
  2. SIM SCTP – https://sctp.pd.sim.edu.sg/about/
  3. SkillsFuture Mid-Career Enhanced Subsidy FAQ – https://www.skillsfuture.gov.sg/enhancedsubsidy-faq
  4. SkillsFuture Mid-Career Enhanced Subsidy – https://www.ssg.gov.sg/newsroom/skillsfuture-mid-career-enhanced-subsidy/
  5. SkillsFuture for Individuals – https://www.skillsfuture.gov.sg/initiatives/individuals
  6. SkillsFuture Year-In-Review 2024: Learners Shift to More Career-Relevant Training with the SkillsFuture Level-Up Programme – https://www.ssg.gov.sg/newsroom/skillsfuture-year-in-review-2024/
  7. SIM SCTP FAQ – https://sctp.pd.sim.edu.sg/faq/
  8. SCTP (JOMAN) Job of the Manager – https://sctp.pd.sim.edu.sg/sctp-job-of-manager-joman-for-sustainability-manager-in-built-environment/
  9. Singtel X SIM TikTok Masterclass – https://www.sim.edu.sg/professional-development/courses/course-listing/tiktok-masterclass-695cc6a0cac5ac4a68ce6a67d4f7f8f9
  10. Singtel launches TikTok Masterclass to help SMEs accelerate growth and strengthen brand presence in digital era – https://www.singtel.com/about-us/media-centre/news-releases/singtel-launches-tiktok-masterclass
  11. Upskill & unlock possibilities for your business​. – https://www.singtel.com/business/smb/solutions/tiktok-masterclass

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

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

About SIM Academy

SIM Academy provides leading-edge professional development and enterprise solutions. SIM Academy offers over 300 executive and business programmes that help almost 10,000 professionals annually on average hone their competencies to drive business value and achieve peak personal and enterprise performance.

Our programmes encompass a comprehensive range of lifelong learning opportunities designed to empower professionals with the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to become effective change-makers and leaders in today’s volatile and uncertain business landscape.

For more information on SIM Academy, visit sim.edu.sg

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FikaGO Debuts in SoHo, Blending Pet Stroller with Modern Lifestyle Design

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The Taiwan-born pet mobility brand opens its first SoHo pop-up inside Flying Solo, bringing its Nordic-designed pet stroller collection to the heart of New York City.

NEW YORK, USA – Media OutReach Newswire – 02 April 2026 – FikaGO, the design-led pet mobility brand recognized across Asia and Europe, has opened its first New York City pop-up store inside Flying Solo in SoHo. The opening marks a deliberate move for a pet brand into one of the world’s most competitive retail districts.

FikaGO Blending Pet Stroller with Modern Lifestyle Design

Since entering the online American market in 2025, FikaGO has built a growing community of pet parents who see their animals as a central part of everyday life. Positioned as lifestyle essentials rather than conventional pet gear, FikaGO’s range of products is designed for people who want the best for their fur babies.

“We’ve always believed that pet products should not only be functional, but also beautifully integrated into everyday life.” — Eric Guu, Co-founder, FikaGO

SoHo was a considered choice: Flying Solo, with locations in New York and Paris, is known for championing independent design with a distinctly global sensibility.

The pop-up showcases FikaGO’s auto-folding Free To Go 2 in Sandy Beige, the brand’s bestselling product. All FikaGO’s products are manufactured using eco-friendly fabrics made from recycled materials, reflecting a commitment to sustainability. This includes their large-capacity Agile 2 pet strollers to their airline-approved Truffle carriers and the heavy-duty Kross pet wagon.

“Launching in SoHo is a meaningful milestone for us; it allows customers to truly experience the quality, design, and intention behind every FikaGO product.” — Eric Guu, Co-founder, FikaGO

As pet ownership rises globally, particularly among urban millennials and Gen Zs, demand for products that combine functionality, design, and lifestyle integration continues to grow. FikaGO was built for precisely this moment, and SoHo is precisely where that moment lives.

Visit the FikaGO pop-up at Flying Solo, 419 Broome Street, New York, or explore the full collection at https://us.fikago.com/.
Hashtag: #FikaGO #petmobilitybrand #petstroller #petcarrier #petwagon #petkennel #petbiketrailer




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About FikaGO

FikaGO is a pet mobility brand founded in Taiwan, dedicated to crafting products that blend functionality, comfort, and modern aesthetics. With a presence across Asia and growing reach in Europe and the U.S, FikaGO is redefining everyday experiences between pets and their humans.

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Lee Kum Kee Celebrates Culinary Excellence at the Historic Hong Kong Debut of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026

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HONG KONG, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 April 2026 – Lee Kum Kee Sauce (“Lee Kum Kee”), a global leader in sauces and condiments, proudly served as the Official Sauce and Condiment Partner for the prestigious Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 awards ceremony in Hong Kong, China. The event marked the first time the celebrated culinary award had taken place in Hong Kong, making the occasion especially significant for the city and the wider Asian dining community.

Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants Awards Ceremony 2026. Photo credit: Asia’s 50 Best Restaurant

From 23-25 March, Lee Kum Kee brought together top chefs, diverse cultures and industry communities through a range of thoughtfully curated experiences, bringing authentic Asian flavours to the global stage. As well as reaffirming the brand’s Asian roots and international perspective, its involvement reflected an enduring commitment to preserving culinary heritage and driving gastronomic innovation.

Asian Flavour Duet: A Culinary Journey Through Heritage and Innovation

Helping to build momentums for this year’s awards, Lee Kum Kee collaborated with Vicky Cheng, the acclaimed Executive Chef and owner of WING, to co-create the “Asian Flavour Duet”, a Hong Kong-style late-night supper party on 24 March. Hosted at two Hong Kong culinary landmarks, the experience unfolded in two chapters – “Paying Tribute to Heritage” and “Innovative Fusion” – and invited guests to explore the limitless possibilities of Asian flavour.

The evening began at the century-old Lin Heung Lau teahouse, a space filled with nostalgia and memories for generations of Hong Kongers. Chef Vicky reinterpreted classic Hong Kong late-night dishes using signature Lee Kum Kee sauces, while guests were immersed in the warmth of the historic venue.

(Left) Chef Vicky presents classic Hong Kong late-night dishes at Lin Heung Lau; (Right) Guests enjoying the nostalgic flavours.
(Left) Chef Vicky presents classic Hong Kong late-night dishes at Lin Heung Lau; (Right) Guests enjoying the nostalgic flavours.


The celebration then moved to Medora, Chef Vicky’s Western dining space, where an “Innovative Fusion” was revealed. He showcased his modern culinary philosophy by incorporating Lee Kum Kee sauces with contemporary techniques to create bold, unexpected dishes. Guests also enjoyed specially crafted cocktails infused with Lee Kum Kee sauces, alongside a delightful yet refined sauce-inspired gelato, demonstrating a harmonious interweaving of savoury, umami, sweetness and spice.

The multisensory journey seamlessly blended tradition with innovation, exploring the future of cuisine while highlighting Lee Kum Kee’s role as a global gateway to Asian culinary culture.

At the event, Dodie Hung, Executive Vice President – Corporate Affairs at Lee Kum Kee, commented, “Tonight, we are honoured to celebrate Hong Kong’s late‑night food culture with Chef Vicky and the global culinary community. From the legacy of Lin Heung Lau to the forward‑looking spirit of Medora, we are proud to be part of the creative journey and help showcase the depth of Asian flavours on the world stage.”

Celebrating a Gastronomic Brilliance with the Highest Climber Award Sponsored by Lee Kum Kee

During the awards ceremony on 25 March, Lee Kum Kee’s booth showcased a range of the brand’s acclaimed classic sauces and innovative products. Guests sampled specially crafted bites featuring Lee Kum Kee sauces, engaging directly with the flavours and techniques that have made the brand a trusted partner in both home and professional kitchens worldwide.

Guests taste creative canapes: beef cheek guabao and shrimp dumpling with egg white; and exchange culinary insights at the Lee Kum Kee booth.
Guests taste creative canapes: beef cheek guabao and shrimp dumpling with egg white; and exchange culinary insights at the Lee Kum Kee booth.


As part of the evening’s celebration of the region’s most exceptional culinary talents, the Highest Climber Award sponsored by Lee Kum Kee was presented to Lamdre in Beijing by Chef Park from Atomix (No.1 in North America’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025). Lambre was applauded for its pioneering plant-based dining space that promotes healthy, sustainable living while honouring Chinese biodiversity in its menus.

Lamdre claims the Highest Climber Award sponsored by Lee Kum Kee. Photo credit: Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants
Lamdre claims the Highest Climber Award sponsored by Lee Kum Kee. Photo credit: Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants


In addition, WING, led by Chef Vicky, achieved an impressive second place in 2026 Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list. The restaurant had also previously ranked No. 11 on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list in 2025, underscoring its continued international acclaim.

Building the Future Together: Deepening Global Partnerships

With the success of this prestigious awards ceremony in Hong Kong, China, Lee Kum Kee looks forward to deepening its collaboration with leading talents in the global culinary community. By continuing to champion Asian flavours and foster meaningful dialogue and exchange, the brand will continue to bring the spirit of Asian cuisine to kitchens and dining tables around the world.
Hashtag: #LeeKumKee #LKK

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

About Lee Kum Kee

Lee Kum Kee is the global gateway to Asian culinary culture, dedicated to promoting Chinese culinary culture worldwide. Since 1888, it has brought people together over joyful reunions, shared traditions and memorable meals. Beloved by consumers and chefs alike, Lee Kum Kee’s range of more than 300 sauces and condiments sparks creativity in kitchens everywhere, inspiring professional and home chefs to experiment, create and delight. Headquartered in Hong Kong, China and serving over 100 countries and regions, Lee Kum Kee’s rich heritage, unwavering commitment to quality, sustainable practices and “Constant Entrepreneurship” combine to enable superior experiences through Asian cuisine for people worldwide. For more information, please visit www.LKK.com.

About Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants

Launched in 2013, Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants aims to showcase the outstanding achievements and diverse culinary landscape of the region. The list is determined by the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants Academy, a panel of over 350 culinary experts from across Asia who vote independently based on their specialised knowledge of the local dining scene. The Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants series includes the awards ceremony and list announcement, creating a premier networking platform for restaurateurs, media, seasoned travelers and culinary connoisseurs to celebrate the exceptional service, passion and talent in the dining industry.

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DHL Express appoints new commercial lead for Asia Pacific

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  • Herbert Vongpusanachai takes on the role of Senior Vice President for Commercial for the region, effective April 1, 2026

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 April 2026 – DHL Express, the world’s leading international express service provider, has appointed Herbert Vongpusanachai as Senior Vice President, Commercial for Asia Pacific, effective April 1, 2026. Herbert, who currently serves as Managing Director for DHL Express Thailand & Indochina, will be based in Singapore for his new role.

Herbert Vongpusanachai, Senior Vice President – Commercial for Asia Pacific, DHL Express

Herbert brings more than two decades of leadership experience within DHL Express, having successfully helmed multiple key markets across the region. He first joined the company in 2003 as Managing Director for Thailand & Indochina, later taking on leadership of Singapore in 2008, followed by Hong Kong & Macau in 2016. Since returning to lead Thailand & Indochina in 2020, he has driven sustained year‑on‑year profitable growth, transforming the cluster into one of the region’s key engines of expansion.

“Herbert has an exceptional track record of delivering strong business results while nurturing highly engaged teams across diverse markets. His deep understanding of our customers, collaborative leadership style, and ability to unearth opportunities in complex environments make him the ideal leader to drive our commercial agenda for Asia Pacific. I am confident that under his guidance, we will continue to accelerate sustainable growth across the region,” said Ken Lee, CEO for Asia Pacific, DHL Express.

In his new regional role, Herbert will shape and accelerate the commercial strategy for DHL Express across Asia Pacific by working with other functions to assess new sectors, routes and trade lanes with high potential for growth. He will focus on deepening customer engagement and supporting their expansion, while driving sustainable volume growth and advancing the adoption of new technologies to enhance commercial execution across markets. With his extensive country expertise and people‑first leadership style, Herbert is well‑positioned to support both regional and country teams in raising commercial performance to new levels.

“Asia Pacific remains an important anchor in global trade as seen in the latest DHL Global Connectedness Report, and this indicates the unwavering role of logistics to facilitate the flow of goods. With the newly introduced Heavyweight Express solution, which enables customers to ship heavyweight shipments with speed, certainty and reliability, I look forward to working alongside our talented teams to contribute to shaping the next chapter of DHL Express’s commercial success,” said Herbert Vongpusanachai, Senior Vice President – Commercial for Asia Pacific, DHL Express.

The latest DHL Global Connectedness Report shows that the region remains a major anchor of global commerce, with multiple economies rising in global connectedness rankings and Southeast Asia firmly establishing itself as a fast‑growing trade corridor. This also mirrors one of DHL Group’s strategies to better support 20 markets globally to accelerate growth; eight of them rest in Asia Pacific – underscoring the region’s critical role in DHL’s global network. As trade flows diversify and intra‑Asia integration deepens, this leadership appointment further strengthens DHL Express’s position in Asia Pacific.
Hashtag: #DHL


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

DHL – The logistics company for the world

DHL is the leading global brand in the logistics industry. Our DHL divisions offer an unrivalled portfolio of logistics services ranging from national and international parcel delivery, e-commerce shipping and fulfillment solutions, international express, road, air and ocean transport to industrial supply chain management. With approximately 389,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide, DHL connects people and businesses securely and reliably, enabling global sustainable trade flows. With specialized solutions for growth markets and industries including technology, life sciences and healthcare, engineering, manufacturing & energy, auto-mobility and retail, DHL is decisively positioned as “The logistics company for the world”.

DHL is part of DHL Group. The Group generated revenues of approximately 82.9 billion euros in 2025. With sustainable business practices and a commitment to society and the environment, the Group makes a positive contribution to the world. DHL Group aims to achieve net-zero emissions logistics by 2050.

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