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KPMG and NLB launch Read to Lead to build reading as a national workforce capability
- Read to Lead: Building an AI-Ready Mind promotes reading in the workplace and equips PMETs and business leaders with professional discernment skills for an era when not all information can be taken at face value
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 July 2026 – A recent dipstick poll of 1,150 professionals, managers, executives and technicians (PMETs) conducted by KPMG in Singapore and the National Library Board (NLB) found that only 4 in 10 respondents expressed confidence in their ability to tell accurate content apart from AI-generated misinformation.
Yet less than half of respondents said they would check the original source of a statistic before forming an opinion, even if they are reading an AI-generated summary in search engines. KPMG and NLB conducted the poll from June to July 2026 to ascertain whether Singapore professionals critically evaluate information in an environment where AI-generated outputs are increasingly ubiquitous. The poll revealed a gap between the demands of the AI era and the habits and skills professionals have built thus far.
Against this landscape, KPMG in Singapore and NLB launched Read to Lead: Building an AI-Ready Mind today. This is a year-long initiative to bring reading into the workplace. Officiated by Ms Rahayu Mahzam, Minister of State, Ministry of Digital Development and Information, the programme marks the start of a concerted push to embed focused reading as a core professional capability across Singapore’s workforce, build discernment and critical thinking, and empower companies to accelerate knowledge-building across their workforce.
As generative and agentic AI transform how individuals and organisations access information, the ability to critically evaluate the credibility of content will be increasingly important. It is imperative that professionals engage in sustained and focused reading to build this skill.
Melissa Tam, Chief Executive Officer, NLB, said,”Reading has always been at the heart of what NLB does. The launch of Read to Lead reflects our belief that focused reading strengthens our capability for critical thinking. By reading consistently and reading widely, we learn to ask better questions and are likely to be more discerning consumers of AI generated outputs. Our partnership with KPMG brings this conviction into the workplace and we hope this will be the first of many. NLB looks forward to collaborating with more organisations across Singapore to build a culture of reading, and through this, equip Singapore’s professionals with the skills they need to contribute meaningfully to their organisations.”
Lee Sze Yeng, Managing Partner, KPMG, said: “Singapore’s professionals are highly capable and deeply knowledgeable in their fields — but in today’s environment, reading fast and reading within one’s domain is no longer sufficient. Professionals who read widely across disciplines will be significantly better at evaluating information, including AI-generated content, even within their own field. The ability to read laterally, connect ideas across domains, and question what AI surfaces with genuine discernment is fast becoming the capability that sets leaders apart. Read to Lead is our commitment to building that at scale.”
Read to Lead Programme is expected to benefit more than 2,000 PMETs and business leaders through expert-led talks, interactive activities and resources aimed at building discernment as a professional discipline.
Phase 1 — Knowledge Week: 14–16 July 2026
The programme launches with Knowledge Week, running from 14 to 16 July at Asia Square, the KPMG Clubhouse and the National Library Building. Activities are designed to help PMETs and businesses exercise sound judgement while evaluating information sources, broaden their perspectives beyond their professional domains, and engage with content meaningfully rather than at surface level.
Knowledge Week features a digital library, an interactive quiz, and panel discussions on three themes: critical reading as a professional discipline; navigating misinformation and AI risks; and how knowledge-building reinforces business resilience.
Phase 2 — Building AI-Ready Capabilities
Following Knowledge Week, KPMG and NLB will co-develop a practical toolkit to advance PMETs’ and businesses’ knowledge of AI technologies and strategies to counter misinformation and cyber risks. Expert-led talks on AI literacy and trusted AI practices will be held across NLB libraries, enabling individuals and businesses to engage with information both critically and responsibly.
Phase 3 — Journey Paper (2027)
In 2027, KPMG and NLB will jointly publish a journey paper anchored in insights gathered across the year-long programme and supported by KPMG’s global research. The publication is intended to sustain a national conversation on critical reading beyond the programme.
Hashtag: #KPMG
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About NLB
NLB nurtures Readers for Life, Learning Communities and a Knowledgeable Nation by promoting reading, learning and history through its network of 28 libraries, the National Library and the National Archives of Singapore. NLB also forges strategic partnerships that encourage awareness, appreciation and greater discovery of Singapore’s history through its rich collections in Singapore and the region.
NLB achieves excellence through innovation, focusing on citizen engagement and co-creation, resource and digital innovation. This creates learning opportunities, greater access to library resources, services, and archival collections, as well as a continual development of innovative library spaces. Established on 1 September 1995 as a statutory board, NLB is under the Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI).
For more information, please visit the NLB website, and its kpmg.com/governance.
For more information, visit kpmg.com/sg.
LinkedIn: 
linkedin.com/company/kpmg-singapore
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HKUST and Indonesia’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Deepen Partnership with Garuda Scholarship Framework to Nurture Top-Tier Talent
The agreement was recently signed by Prof. Badri Munir SUKOCO, Acting Secretary General of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia, and Dr. Alison LLOYD, Associate Provost (Academic Strategy and Data Analytics) of HKUST. With the implementation of this agreement, HKUST is set to welcome its fifth batch of government-sponsored undergraduate students from Indonesia in the upcoming academic year starting this September.
Beyond providing scholarship support for undergraduate students, HKUST and the Indonesian authorities actively discussed broadening the scope of their future collaboration during their recent meeting. Both parties are keen to explore potential avenues for joint research initiatives, academic knowledge exchange, student and faculty mobility programs, and the introduction of credit-bearing internships. These efforts aim to widen students’ global perspectives, equip them with practical work experience, and better prepare them for future career success.
Dr. Alison LLOYD, Associate Provost (Academic Strategy and Data Analytics) of HKUST, said, “HKUST is the first higher education institution in Hong Kong to partner with the Indonesian Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology in nurturing outstanding Indonesian undergraduates. We are deeply honored by the Indonesian government’s enduring trust and support for HKUST’s academic excellence. Indonesian students are an integral part of our international community, enriching our campus through their talent, perspectives, and consistent excellence across various academic disciplines. The signing of this new agreement marks a significant milestone in our partnership. Moving forward, HKUST will fully leverage its strengths in education, pioneering research, and knowledge transfer to advance shared objectives with Indonesia in areas such as digital transformation, green energy, and business innovation. Together, we aspire to cultivate future leaders—equipped with a global outlook, innovative mindset, and a strong sense of social responsibility—to inject new momentum into the sustainable development of Indonesia, the ASEAN region, and the world.”
Prof. Ardi FINDYARTINI, Director of Transformative Learning Strategies and System at the Directorate General of Science and Technology, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia, said, “This partnership marks a significant milestone in our commitment to developing Indonesia’s future leaders through the Garuda Scholarship initiative. By embedding our talented undergraduate students within world-class academic and research ecosystem, we are not only expanding their global perspectives but also equipping them with essential future competencies. We highly value HKUST’s enduring trust and collaboration, and we are confident that this synergy will greatly contribute to Garuda ecosystem.
Currently, Indonesian students constitute HKUST’s second-largest international undergraduate student population. Building on this strong partnership, HKUST now hosts the largest number of Indonesian government-sponsored undergraduate students among all tertiary institutions in Hong Kong. These students are rigorously selected from leading secondary schools across Indonesia and represent the country’s most promising young talent.
This agreement will further leverage HKUST’s world-class teaching and research capabilities to cultivate outstanding talent aligned with Indonesia’s national development priorities. Currently, most sponsored Indonesian students are enrolled in programs spanning Engineering, Business and Management, Science, and Biotechnology. Moving forward, both sides plan to explore opportunities to expand their cooperation in frontier research collaboration and high-impact educational and talent-development initiatives, injecting fresh momentum into the socio-economic development of both Hong Kong and Indonesia.
Hashtag: #HKUST
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Largest Ecosystem Lineup at LEAP East 2026 Achieves Over 1,500 Business Matching Sessions
- MEINONG ROBOT, a company within HKSTP ecosystem, stood out among more than 500 competing startups to win the 2nd Runner-Up in the Rocket Fuel East Startup Competition, securing a US$10,000 equity-free award; another park company, GenEditBio, also advanced to the Top 6 finalists.
- HKSTP joined hands with more than 30 park companies to take the global stage of LEAP East as the event’s exclusive Tech Ecosystem Partner, facilitating over 1,500 business discussions and meetings.
- Under the theme “Gateway to the NEXT”, the HKSTP Pavilion featured innovations from 23 park companies, attracting more than 3,000 visits.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 July 2026 – MEINONG ROBOT, a company from the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) ecosystem, won the 2nd Runner-Up in the Rocket Fuel East Startup Competition at LEAP East 2026, secured a US$10,000 equity-free award and gained exposure to global investors to accelerate its business expansion. Another park company, GenEditBio, also outperformed more than 500 competing startups and made it to the Top 6 Finalists.
Making its debut in the Asia-Pacific region, LEAP East chose Hong Kong as its host city, bringing together technology leaders, investors, policymakers and tech ventures. As the event’s exclusive Tech Ecosystem Partner, HKSTP participated alongside more than 30 park companies, facilitating over 1,500 business discussions and meetings from 8 to 10 July.
Under the theme “Gateway to the NEXT”, the HKSTP Pavilion featured innovations from 23 park companies across four key sectors: Life and Health Tech, GreenTech & Sustainability, Smart Cities & Urban Tech, and AI, Data & Robotics, attracting more than 3,000 visits.
Terry Wong, CEO of HKSTP, said: “LEAP East’s decision to land its first overseas edition in Hong Kong delivers three important messages to the I&T community. First, Hong Kong has become tech companies’ gateway into the global markets, which reflects the development and achievements of Hong Kong’s I&T ecosystem over the years and demonstrates the city’s unique ability to connect Middle Eastern capital, Asia-Pacific markets and supply chains in the Chinese Mainland, positioning Hong Kong as a true I&T hub. Second, the Middle East and other emerging markets represent the next strategic destination for tech companies. Driven by numerous application scenarios in smart cities, green energy and AI infrastructure, together with the ambitious transformation agenda under Saudi Vision 2030, these markets offer unprecedented growth opportunities for Hong Kong tech companies. Third, Hong Kong’s I&T community is demonstrating a growing global impact. From HKSTP executives and park companies contributing to international forums and thought leadership discussions, to HKSTP serving as the exclusive Tech Ecosystem Partner, and two park companies reaching the Top 6 of the Rocket Fuel East Startup Competition, with one securing the 2nd Runner-Up, all of these achievements underscore Hong Kong’s increasingly prominent position on the global I&T stage.”
In addition, Terry Wong, CEO, Eric Or, Chief Ecosystem Development Officer, Filla Mak, Chief Property and Asset Officer, and Dr Charleston Sin, Head of AI & Data, took part in keynote sessions and panel discussions throughout the event. They shared strategic insights on HKSTP’s I&T ecosystem, biotech, smart cities, and AI, fostering international dialogue, inspiring new breakthroughs and collaborations, and further strengthening HKSTP’s influence within the global I&T ecosystem.
To strengthen connections between park companies and the international innovation community, HKSTP co-organised “Build East: Agentic AI Demo Day and Tour” with Minds by Animoca Brands one day before LEAP East 2026, inviting global investors and startups to gain first-hand insights into Hong Kong’s largest I&T ecosystem and explore cross-border collaboration and investment opportunities.
Hashtag: #HKSTP
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Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation
Our growing innovation ecosystem offers comprehensive support to attract and nurture talent, accelerate and commercialise innovation for technology ventures, with the I&T journey built around our key locations of Hong Kong Science Park in Pak Shek Kok, InnoCentre in Kowloon Tong and three modern InnoParks in Tai Po, Tseung Kwan O and Yuen Long realising a vision of new industrialisation for Hong Kong, where sectors including advanced manufacturing, micro-electronics and biotechnology are being reimagined.
Hong Kong Science Park Shenzhen Branch in Futian, Shenzhen plays positive roles in connecting the world and the mainland with our proximity, strengthening cross-border exchange to bring advantages in attracting global talent and allowing possibilities for the development of technology companies in seven key areas: Medtech, big data and AI, robotics, new materials, microelectronics, fintech and sustainability, with both dry and wet laboratories, co-working space, conference and exhibition facilities, and more.
Through our R&D infrastructure, startup support and enterprise services, commercialisation and investment expertise, partnership networks and talent traction, HKSTP continues to contribute in establishing I&T as a pillar of growth for Hong Kong.
More information about HKSTP is available at 
www.hkstp.org.
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Central & Western District Youth-to-Career Expo Connects Hong Kong Youth to Future Careers in AI Era
Two-day flagship youth to career exploration event unites 30+ corporates and organisations for youth empowerment, officiated by Alice Mak, SBS, JP, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 July 2026 – The Central and Western District Office, Central and Western District Youth Network, and FutureGen Youth Foundation (“the Foundation“) co-organised the two-day Central & Western District Youth-to-Career Explo on 9 and 11 July. This event is funded by the Government of HKSAR, with the Hall of the Sai Ying Pun Community Complex provided as a venue. The event, part of the IGNITE18: Jumpstart Your Career series, brought together over 1,200 participants —including students, parents, teachers, and careers masters —alongside education institutions, prominent industry leaders, and community partners to explore future careers, AI, and the evolving world of work. Committed to expanding the program’s reach across the district, The Council of Central & Western District School Heads served as the event’s education partner.
Hosted at co-organiser and seed school St. Stephen’s Girls’ College, and the Sai Ying Pun Community Complex, the event was officiated by Alice Mak, SBS, JP, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, with a rich lineup of keynote sharing sessions on career insights, future trends and opportunities; AI and future skills workshops; youth dialogue sessions; and career exploration company booths.
Building A Future Talent Pipeline Through Early Industry and AI Exposure
Successfully equipping youth with direct access to leading industry representatives and companies, the signature youth event supported students across the Central and Western District in navigating their career and life planning journeys while strengthening Hong Kong’s future talent pipeline across diverse industries. Bringing together education institutions, corporations, government departments, professional organisations, NGOs and community partners, and spanning across more than 20 industries, the event bridged the gap between education and the rapidly evolving world of work, connecting young people with real-world industry insights and equipping them with the access, opportunities, and resources they need to explore future pathways and prepare for tomorrow’s workforce.
The IGNITE18 event series was pioneered by the FutureGen Youth Foundation, which aims to establish a citywide collective impact ecosystem connecting schools, industry, universities, and parents to support students navigating career and life planning. The initiative seeks to provide exposure to diverse industries, future career pathways, and hands-on future skills and AI experiences, while offering valuable workforce market insights and professional development opportunities for teachers and careers masters. By engaging parents in understanding AI and future-ready skills, the program actively strengthens Hong Kong’s future talent pipeline across diverse sectors. The Foundation plans to expand IGNITE18 across all 18 districts in Hong Kong in the next two years.
“In a world where AI, business transformation, and entirely new fields are reshaping career pathways, there is an urgency to create greater access earlier – from secondary age – to better equip and support youth on their career development journey,” said Jennifer Yu Cheng, JP, Founder of FutureGen Youth Foundation.
“At our Foundation, we have created a platform connecting over 140 Supporting Organisations with representation from education institutions, corporations, public institutes, NGOs, entrepreneurs and innovators to support youth career exploration and development in Hong Kong. Through IGNITE18, we aim to open doors earlier and inspire students to explore diverse career opportunities to be better equipped for tomorrow’s world – with the ultimate hope of building a stronger and more diverse talent pipeline for Hong Kong’s future.”
Uniting Corporate and Education Leaders in a Collective Impact Ecosystem
The Central & Western District Youth-to-Career Explo brought together an extensive network of participating and supporting organisations across corporate, tech, education, and public service sectors, including:
Strategic Partner: Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited
Fully Supported By: McDonald’s Hong Kong
Supporting Organisations: DALLOYAU; Deloitte Foundation; DETERMINANT; Hong Kong Hereditary Breast Cancer Family Registry; Hong Kong Institute of Human Resource Management; Police Community Relations Office, Central District,Hong Kong Police Force; Hong Kong Qualifications Framework; HSBC; JEMS Character Academy; L’Oréal Hong Kong; Microsoft Hong Kong; MTR Corporation Limited; Ocean Park Corporation; Pet Space Group Limited; PRISTER Corporation Limited; Project Management Institute; Story Jungle Education; Tencent Wetech Academy; XPENG Hong Kong; XPENG Hong Kong ARIDGE; Y.L.Yang Foundation; iREd Solutions Limited; Plus One Dimension Interactive Company Limited
Education Partners: Center for Global & Community Engagement (GCE), School of Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology; The University of Hong Kong; Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong; Faculty of Science, The University of Hong Kong; Hong Kong Association of Careers Masters and Guidance Masters; Hong Kong Association of the Heads of Secondary Schools; Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (Chai Wan), Higher Diploma in Food Technology and Safety; Lingnan University Department of Digital Art and Creative Industries; Pre-incubation Centre, The Chinese University of Hong Kong; School of Business, The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong; The Council of Central & Western District School Heads; The Education University of Hong Kong; The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups
Supporting Statutory Body: The Authority of Qianhai SZ-HK Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone of Shenzhen
The event also featured prominent leaders and experts sharing insights across business, finance, education, technology, innovation, and the public sector:
- Lawrence Hung – Immediate Past President and Executive Council Member, Hong Kong Institute of Human Resource Management
- Gary Wong Chi-him, MH, JP – Chief Hong Kong and Macao Liaison Expert, Authority of Qianhai SZ-HK Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone of Shenzhen
- Professor Ava Kwong – Chairman, Hong Kong Hereditary Breast Cancer FamilyRegistry; Clinical Professor, Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong
- Professor Lee Man Hoi – Professor, Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, The University of Hong Kong
- Serena Tang – Career Development and Training Director, HKU Business School
“We are deeply grateful to our seed schools, education partners, and Supporting Organisations for transforming the Foundation’s vision into action and for joining us in empowering young people,” said Secy Cheung, Founding Board Director of FutureGen Youth Foundation.
“Through our work with students, we have seen how powerful it can be when young people hear directly from industry leaders, professionals, and innovators. Often, a single conversation, sharing unexpected angles, can spark new aspirations and help students see pathways they had never previously imagined. IGNITE18 is about planting those seeds of possibility – inspiring young people to explore, discover, and take their first steps towards shaping their own futures.”
The signature event showcased the boundless possibilities of a strong ecosystem connecting schools, industry, universities, and families in supporting Hong Kong’s future leaders and talents. The IGNITE18 Central & Western District Youth-to-Career Explo generated strong community momentum that will continue to support students in understanding the future world of work, discovering their own pathways, and stepping into the future with confidence.
Hashtag: #FutureGenYouthFoundation
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
The Central and Western District Youth Network
The Central and Western District Youth Network, established under the Central and Western District Office, is a platform for young people aged 12 to 29 providing them with opportunities to develop their potential, cultivate personal interests, enhance self‑confidence, and encourage active participation in community affairs, thereby fostering a stronger sense of social belonging. Each year, the District Youth Network organises a diverse range of activities tailored to meet the interests and needs of its members.
