Media OutReach
AIA Unveils “On Your Side” Critical Illness Protection Series Featuring Multiple First-in-Market Coverages
Flexible and Precise Protection Solutions Supporting Customer Health Needs at Different Life Stages
- Introduces On Your Side Insurance Plan 2 / On Your Side Insurance Plan 2 – First Gift # , designed for parents, expectant parents and individuals seeking extensive coverage.
- Launches Essence – On Your Side Insurance Plan, offering essential critical illness protection for budget-conscious customers.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 November 2025 – AIA Hong Kong & Macau announces the launch of its new “On Your Side” Critical Illness Protection Series products, offering customers flexible and caring health protection solutions tailored to the diverse needs across different life stages.
According to a survey conducted by AIA@, more than half of the parents and individuals planning to have children are concerned about their children developing childhood cancer. Additionally, more than 40% expressed worries about their children potentially suffering from conditions such as Down Syndrome, Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). They said their greatest concern is that if their children were unfortunately diagnosed with these illnesses, the high medical and caregiving expenses would become a financial burden.
The On Your Side Insurance Plan 2 / On Your Side Insurance Plan 2 – First Gift # (collectively referred as “On Your Side Insurance Plan 2 series”) covers 115 diseases including critical illnesses, early stage critical illnesses and severe child diseases and provides up to 10 additional claims in total for designated diseases1, with the maximum total benefit reaching up to 1,100% of the Initial Sum Assured2, helping customers face long-term health challenges with greater confidence. To better meet the protection needs of children, the First Gift # edition has been further enhanced with first-in-market* benefits, including Waiver of Premium for Down Syndrome^ and Cord Blood Stem Cell Transfusion Benefit^, offering families more extensive coverage. The series also introduces a first-in-market* Top-up Premium Payment Option11 and Top-up Premium Protector, allowing customers to choose a premium payment option according to their own financial situation at the time of application, thereby enhancing financial flexibility. To further support the insured during critical illness treatment, AIA extends a suite of value-added services to its critical illness insurance products for the first time, including Hong Kong insurance industry-first Care Concierge*3 and One-Stop Oncology Service4, offering multi-faceted health support to help customers navigate their treatment journey with peace of mind.
For budget-conscious customers seeking basic critical illness protection, AIA introduces the Essence – On Your Side Insurance Plan. This plan covers 58 critical illnesses and provides the Big 3 Critical Illness Shield Benefit14, which includes a one-time additional claim for cancer, heart attack or stroke. In addition, additional payment up to 40% of the Initial Sum Assured will be paid as the Prime Age Critical Illness Extra Coverage Booster15 when the Critical Illness Benefit or Big 3 Critical Illness Shield Benefit is paid during the Designated Period15, providing stronger support for the insured during their prime years.
Ms Alice Liang, Chief Proposition & Healthcare Officer of AIA Hong Kong & Macau, said, “Thanks to advancements in medical technology, critical illnesses are no longer necessarily terminal. However, as life expectancy increases, so does the time people may live with illness, and the likelihood of facing multiple critical illnesses over a lifetime. That’s why critical illness protection is no longer optional, but an essential safeguard that stands by customers and their families through prolonged health challenges. The need for sustained financial support has never been greater.
The newly launched flagship On Your Side Critical Illness Protection Series is thoughtfully designed to meet the diverse needs of different customer segments. The On Your Side Insurance Plan 2 series is tailored for those seeking extensive coverage, with the First Gift edition enhancing protection for severe childhood diseases. Through our promotional offer⁵, which includes ‘Personal Medical Case Management Services with Rehabilitation Management’, we help families connect with paediatric care professionals, with an aim to give families greater confidence and peace of mind when facing the unknown.
On the other hand, the Essence – On Your Side Insurance Plan offers essential critical illness protection, with additional coverage for the three major illnesses: cancer, heart attack, and stroke, is ideal for customers who are more budget-conscious and seek value for money.
For the first time, we are also extending value-added services to our critical illness products, delivering personalised medical support that accompanies customers through every step—from diagnosis and treatment to recovery—helping people live Healthier, Longer, Better Lives.”
The promotional offer5 providing complimentary Personal Medical Case Management Services with Rehabilitation Management is available to the eligible insured of On Your Side Insurance Plan 2 – First Gift # for the first two policy years. These services are designed to help families receive prompt support from professional medical teams as needed, along with administrative assistance for access to paediatric services (including private services at the Hong Kong Children’s Hospital16).
AIA has always been committed to caring for children’s physical and mental well-being. Following previous initiatives such as hosting a carnival for patients and their families at the Hong Kong Children’s Hospital and making a donation to support the hospital’s activities, AIA is now further enhancing its health support for children in Hong Kong, demonstrating its long-term commitment to society.
Key Product Features and Value-added Services:
| On Your Side Insurance Plan 2 | On Your Side Insurance Plan 2 – First Gift |
| Designed for customers seeking extensive critical illness protection |
Targeted at expectant mothers aged 18 to 45 and their newborns# |
|
|
| Essence – On Your Side Insurance Plan |
| Designed for budget-conscious customers seeking essential critical illness protection |
|
All information above is for reference only and does not constitute any offer and/or insurance product recommendation. The product information in this material does not contain the full terms of the policy, for the details of the product features, terms and conditions, exclusions and key product risks, please refer to the product brochure and policy contract of relevant products or visit the AIA Hong Kong’s website. In case you want to read policy contract sample before making an application, you can obtain a copy from AIA. Life insurance policies are long-term contracts of insurance. Should you surrender the policy early, you may receive an amount considerably less than the total amount of premiums paid. You may choose to purchase the above Plan(s) as a standalone plan without purchasing other type(s) of insurance products at the same time.
| * |
Regarding the first-in-market statement in:
Regarding the “Hong Kong insurance industry-first” statement in “Care Concierge”, as of 31 January 2024, compared against similar services offered by major Hong Kong insurance companies. |
| # |
“First Gift edition” refers to “On Your Side Insurance Plan 2 – First Gift”. The proposed insured of the On Your Side Insurance Plan 2 – First Gift policy must be an expectant mother who (i) must be aged 18 to 45 with gestation period of 22nd week or above at the time of application for the On Your Side Insurance Plan 2 – First Gift policy and (ii) carries the fetus for herself and who will become the legal mother of the newborn child following his/her birth. Only 1 person can be the insured under the On Your Side Insurance Plan 2 – First Gift policy at any given time. The expectant mother is required to apply for a separate On Your Side Insurance Plan 2 – First Gift policy for each fetus if she is carrying twins. On Your Side Insurance Plan 2 – First Gift is not applicable to an expectant mother who is carrying more than two fetuses at the same time. The issuance of the On Your Side Insurance Plan 2– First Gift policy is subject to AIA’s sole discretion and underwriting decision. |
| ^ |
Only applicable to On Your Side Insurance Plan 2 – First Gift. |
| & |
The insured of the On Your Side Insurance Plan 2 – First Gift policy must have been changed from the expectant mother to the newborn child before AIA will process any claims related to the newborn child under the policy. The policy owner shall notify AIA of the birth of the newborn child and provide a certified true copy of the newborn child’s birth certificate as soon as possible and by 14 days before the first policy anniversary, otherwise the policy will terminate on the first policy anniversary and the insured will lose the cover. |
| @ |
AIA conducted an online survey in August 2025 among 1,000 Hong Kong residents aged 18 to 65. |
| 1. |
Once the total advance payments paid under the policy reach 100% of the Initial Sum Assured, subject to the relevant waiting period, the 10X Multiple Critical Illness Benefit will pay up to 10 additional claims in total for cancer, heart attack, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease / Irreversible organic degenerative brain disorders and Parkinson’s disease. The cover period of the 10X Multiple Critical Illness Benefit is up to age 85 of the insured. Each claim payment under the 10X Multiple Critical Illness Benefit is equivalent to 100% of the Initial Sum Assured. In order to be eligible for a claim payment under the 10X Multiple Critical Illness Benefit, (a) heart attack must be newly diagnosed and must relate to a separate cardiac incident, and (b) stroke must be newly diagnosed and must relate to a separate cerebrovascular accident or incident, producing new findings of new or increased neurological functional impairment.
Together with the claim under Critical Illness Benefit, the maximum number of claims under the policy for the following diseases cannot exceed the following limitations:
|
| 2. |
Total benefits payable per policy (under major illness benefit and 10X Multiple Critical Illness Benefit):
|
| 3. |
Care Concierge is an additional value-added service of On Your Side Insurance Plan 2 / On Your Side Insurance Plan 2 – First Gift, which is not guaranteed and subject to the respective terms and conditions thereof, and does not form part of the contractual benefit of On Your Side Insurance Plan 2 / On Your Side Insurance Plan 2 – First Gift. AIA reserves the right to amend, suspend or terminate Care Concierge or any part of the service thereunder (including the service providers, any details or terms and conditions relating thereto) at any time without any prior notice. The services under Care Concierge are provided in Chinese Mainland by the designated third-party service provider engaged by AIA and not applicable to Hong Kong and Macau region. Please note that the Pre-approval – Medical Expense & Cashless Service and the relevant administrative support under Care Concierge as set out in the leaflet of Care Concierge are not available to be used by the insured of On Your Side Insurance Plan 2 / On Your Side Insurance Plan 2 – First Gift. For details and the terms and conditions thereof, please refer to the relevant service leaflet and AIA’s website: https://www.aia.com.hk/en/health-and-wellness/healthcare-services/care-concierge |
| 4. |
One-Stop Oncology Service is additional value-added service of On Your Side Insurance Plan 2 / On Your Side Insurance Plan 2 – First Gift and Essence – On Your Side Insurance Plan , which is not guaranteed, and subject to its terms and conditions thereof, and does not form part of the contractual benefit of On Your Side Insurance Plan 2 / On Your Side Insurance Plan 2 – First Gift, or Essence – On Your Side Insurance Plan. AIA reserves the right to amend, suspend or terminate One-Stop Oncology Service or
any part of the service thereunder (including the service providers, any details or terms and conditions relating thereto) at any time without any prior notice. One-Stop Oncology Service is provided in Hong Kong by the designated third party service provider engaged by AIA and not applicable to Macau region. The multi-disciplinary team of the medical specialists under One-Stop Oncology Service is designated by independent third party service provider and is subject to change from time to time without prior notice. Please note that the Pre-approval – Medical Expense & Cashless Service and the relevant administrative support under One-Stop Oncology Service as set out in the service leaflet of One-Stop Oncology Service are not available to be used by the insured of On Your Side Insurance Plan 2 / On Your Side Insurance Plan 2 – First Gift, or Essence – On Your Side Insurance Plan. For details, please refer to the service leaflet and AIA’s website at https://www.aia.com.hk/en/health-and-wellness/healthcare-services/aia-carepass/one-stop-oncology-service |
| 5. |
The promotional offer of On Your Side Insurance Plan 2 – First Gift (“Promotional Offer”) is available upon successful application of On Your Side Insurance Plan 2 – First Gift within the promotional period from 23 September 2025 to 31 March 2026 and fulfilment of the relevant conditions, including a minimum initial sum assured of US$50,000 at policy issuance. The Promotional Offer is subject to its terms and conditions. For details and the terms and conditions thereof, please refer to the promotional leaflet: https://www.aia.com.hk/content/dam/hk-wise/pdf/campaign-and-events/en/oys2-promotion-leaflet-en.pdf
The Personal Medical Case Management Services with Rehabilitation Management (“PMCM Services”) under the Promotional Offer are available to the eligible insured of On Your Side Insurance Plan 2 – First Gift for use within the first 2 policy years from the issue date of the eligible policy of On Your Side Insurance Plan 2 – First Gift as shown on the policy information page of such policy. The PMCM Services are subject to the eligibility of the insured, including the evaluation of the insured’s medical conditions. The PMCM Services, including the administrative support in accessing to paediatric care of the Hong Kong Children’s Hospital, are provided in Hong Kong by the designated independent third-party service provider engaged by AIA and are not applicable to Macau Region. Please note that the provision of any services by the Hong Kong Children’s Hospital is not part of the PMCM Services and is subject to the review and assessment of conditions of the insured by the Hong Kong Children’s Hospital. AIA shall not be responsible or liable for any medical service, product and solicitation effort provided by the designated independent third-party service provider or the Hong Kong Children’s Hospital, which is not sold or marketed by AIA. The PMCM Services are subject to its availability and the relevant terms and conditions of (i) the Promotional Offer as set out in the leaflet of the Promotional Offer and the notification letter issued by AIA notifying the entitlement of the Promotional Offer (upon fulfilment of all the requirements of the Promotional Offer), and (ii) the PMCM Service as set out in the service leaflet and as imposed by the service provider of the PMCM Services. For details of the PMCM Services, please refer to the service leaflet and AIA’s website at https://www.aia.com.hk/en/health-and-wellness/healthcare-services/personal-medical-case-management-services/what-is-personal-medical-case-management), and contact the service provider. |
| 6. |
Subject to relevant conditions. For details, please refer to the relevant product brochure. |
| 7. |
If the insured child is diagnosed with Down Syndrome, and if the result of the Non-Invasive Prenatal Test (NIPT) conducted by the expectant mother during gestation for Down Syndrome was low risk or low probability, we will waive the balance of regular premiums payable under the On Your Side Insurance Plan 2 – First Gift basic policy. |
| 8. |
additional 10% of Initial Sum Assured will be paid, subject to a maximum per life limit of US$35,000. This benefit can be paid once only under the policy. |
| 9. |
If the insured child is born on or after 37 weeks of gestation and suffers from severe jaundice, and if in-patient phototherapy for treatment of such severe jaundice is medically necessary for at least 5 consecutive days and within 30 days after birth, an additional 0.1% of Initial Sum Assured will be paid for each day of confinement, subject to a maximum limit of US$250 per day per life, up to a maximum of 7 days. This benefit can be paid once only under the policy. |
| 10. |
Under the coverage of Child Development Protector, the insured child will be covered until he / she reaches age 18. |
| 11. |
The Top-up Premium Payment Option can only be selected at policy application, and it is only available to policies with annual premium payment mode selected (the payment mode can be changed after the first policy anniversary). The amount of top-up premium for a policy is determined by AIA and cannot be adjusted on individual basis. Once top-up premium payment option is selected, it cannot be cancelled or changed. For the differences between these two premium payment options (including returns, benefits and premium amounts), please refer to the respective benefit illustrations. |
| 12. |
The Waiver of Premium on Death (Parents) is applicable to (i) On Your Side Insurance Plan 2 – First Gift policy and (ii) On Your Side Insurance Plan 2 policy with insured under the age of 18 at the time of policy application. The parent of the insured child must be aged 50 or below at the time of policy application. |
| 13. |
The Waiver of Premium on Death (Spouse) is applicable to On Your Side Insurance Plan 2 policy with insured aged 18 or above at the time of policy application. The insured’s spouse must be aged 50 or below at the time of policy application. |
| 14. |
After the total advance payments paid under the policy has reached 100% of the Initial Sum Assured, subject to the relevant waiting period, the Big 3 Critical Illness Shield Benefit will pay 1 additional claim for cancer, heart attack or stroke. The claim payment under the Big 3 Critical Illness Shield Benefit is equivalent to 100% of the Initial Sum Assured. The cover period of the Big 3 Critical Illness Shield Benefit is up to age 85 of the insured. In order to be eligible for a claim payment under the Big 3 Critical Illness Shield Benefit, (a) heart attack must be newly diagnosed and must relate to a separate cardiac incident, and (b) stroke must be newly diagnosed and must relate to a separate cerebrovascular accident or incident, producing new findings of new or increased neurological functional impairment. In case the insured reaches the age of 70 or above and makes any subsequent claim for prostate cancer resulting from the continuation of a previous prostate cancer for which a previous claim was made under the policy, the Big 3 Critical Illness Shield Benefit will only be payable for the subsequent claim for prostate cancer if the insured has received or is in the process of receiving the full course of cancer-directed surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy or a combination of these treatments (excluding hormonal therapy) which is medically necessary as recommended by a registered medical practitioner during the intervening period between the diagnosis of the previous and subsequent prostate cancer. |
| 15. |
Designated Period refers to the period starting from the policy effective date until the later of (i) the day before the policy anniversary on or immediately following the insured’s 70th birthday; and (ii) the end of the 10th policy year.
The amount of Prime Age Critical Illness Extra Coverage Booster payable is subject to the following:
|
| 16. |
According to information from the Hong Kong Children’s Hospital, the Hong Kong Children’s Hospital specialises in complex, serious and uncommon paediatric cases requiring multidisciplinary management. It provides diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation for patients with relevant clinical needs from birth to 18 years of age. Apart from public services, the Hong Kong Children’s Hospital also provides limited private services. All patients have to be referred by registered doctors in public hospitals or the private sector. (Source: https://www31.ha.org.hk/hkch/Patients/PrivateService) |
| 17. |
The amount of Whole Life Extra Coverage Booster for Death will be reduced to 50% of the Extra Coverage Booster Amount (i.e. 20% of the Initial Sum Assured) if Prime Age Critical Illness Extra Coverage Booster has been paid for minor illness. The Whole Life Extra Coverage Booster for Death will be terminated upon the earlier of (a) payment(s) paid under the Prime Age Critical Illness Extra Coverage Booster reach 100% of the Extra Coverage Booster Amount (i.e. 40% of the Initial Sum Assured) and (b) the Big 3 Critical Illness Shield Benefit is payable under the basic policy. |
| 18. |
Regarding the rare-in-market statement for Extension of Grace Period Benefit: As of 13 August 2025, compared with critical illness insurance products provided by Hong Kong major insurance companies.
Application for the Extension of Grace Period Benefit is subject to submission of required documentary proof, AIA’s approval and its prevailing rules and conditions. |
| 19. |
AIA Vitality is not an insurance product, and an annual membership fee is required for joining. |
Hashtag: #AIAHongKong
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About AIA Hong Kong & Macau
AIA Group Limited established its operations in Hong Kong in 1931. To date, AIA Hong Kong and AIA Macau have about 18,000 financial planners1, as well as an extensive network of independent financial advisors, brokerage and bancassurance partners. We serve over 3.6 million customers2, offering them a wide selection of professional services and products ranging from individual life, group life, accident, medical and health, pension, personal lines insurance to investment-linked assurance schemes with numerous investment options. We are also dedicated to providing superb product solutions to meet the financial needs of high-net-worth customers.
1 As at 30 June 2025
2 Including AIA Hong Kong and AIA Macau’s individual life, group insurance and pension customers (as at 30 June 2025)
When AI Meets Artistic Intelligence — Cross-City, Cross-Disciplinary Creative Education in Action
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 May 2026 – As artificial intelligence (AI) sweeps across the globe, how should humanity redefine the core competencies needed to shape the future? Funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust and organised by AFTEC, Knowledge Exchange 2026—Artistic Intelligence: Shaping Human Achievement opens today for two days at Hong Kong’s newest cultural landmark—the East Kowloon Cultural Centre—marking the venue’s first major international arts education event. As a flagship annual initiative of the AFTEC Jockey Club Creative Futures Project, the forum has attracted nearly 260 educators, artists and stakeholders to explore how creative teaching and learning can inspire learning, spark creativity and nurture talent, laying the foundation for a better future.
Bringing Together Education and Cultural Leaders to Build a Cross-Disciplinary Creative Network
The opening ceremony was officiated by Ms Winnie Yip, Head of Charities (Culture & Sports Cluster; Community Engagement), The Hong Kong Jockey Club.
In her opening speech, Ms Winnie Yip, Head of Charities (Culture & Sports Cluster; Community Engagement), The Hong Kong Jockey Club, said: “The Club has been supporting the AFTEC Jockey Club Creative Futures Project since 2021. The results have been truly encouraging. The programme has strengthened participating students’ understanding of and care for others, while deepening their interest in arts and interdisciplinary learning. With the second phase now underway, we look forward to further supporting the growth and transformation of students and teachers.”
The opening ceremony also featured Prelude in Light, Sound & Video, a multimedia work created by students of the School of Theatre and Entertainment Arts at The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA), setting the stage for the forum and showcasing the creative potential of the younger generation.
Ms Lynn Yau, Chief Executive Officer of AFTEC and Project Director of the AFTEC Jockey Club Creative Futures Project, said: “In an era dominated by artificial intelligence, we need to redefine the unique value of humanity more than ever. AFTEC has always been committed to training teachers and creative practitioners, nurturing the ‘5Cs’ core competencies—Creativity, Critical Thinking, Communication, Collaboration, and Contribution—through systematic teaching strategies. By integrating creative learning into school curricula, we nurture a new generation equipped with resilience and problem-solving skills, while actively building a cross-disciplinary learning network. We are deeply grateful for the vision and support of The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust and the participation of our partners from various sectors, allowing us to collaboratively shape human achievement through Artistic Intelligence and mould the future with creativity.”
Redefining AI — Nurturing Irreplaceable “first-class humans”
The highlight of the forum’s first day was the first cross-city dialogue, a keynote entitled Creative Cities, Creative Mindsets: Bath, Hong Kong, New Delhi. Ms Kate Cross MBE, Director of The Egg at Theatre Royal Bath, United Kingdom; Ms Jigyasa Labroo, CEO and Co-founder of Slam Out Loud, New Delhi, India; Professor Anna CY Chan, Director of The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts; and Ms Lynn Yau, Chief Executive Officer of AFTEC, delivered the keynote together. The four creative visionaries highlighted that Artistic Intelligence is an indispensable competency for humanity in the age of AI, and shared how global frameworks can be adapted to local practice across the three cities’ distinctive educational and cultural ecosystems to cultivate young people’s imagination, empathy and meaning-making — core competencies for navigating an ever-changing future.
Ms Kate Cross introduced the School Without Walls programme, a groundbreaking initiative that immerses students in cultural venues for seven weeks, significantly enhancing their writing, emotional expression, and self-directed learning abilities. Ms Jigyasa Labroo shared Slam Out Loud’s work, which, through over 100 hours of arts-based social-emotional learning (SEL) curriculum, has successfully boosted the confidence, curiosity, and emotional regulation of 700,000 children across two Indian states. Professor Anna CY Chan, from the macro perspective of higher education and talent cultivation, emphasised the bridging role of Artistic Intelligence between professional arts training and primary/secondary creative education. Ms Lynn Yau showcased how the AFTEC Jockey Club Creative Futures Project transforms artists into “Teaching Artists,” shifting schools’ vision from “Arts Provisioned” towards being “Arts Empowered,” enabling Hong Kong students to demonstrate stronger vitality in cross-disciplinary learning.
The session also featured internationally acclaimed arts educator Professor Anne Bamford OBE, FCGI, Director of the International Research Agency; Professor Anne Mette Hjort, Director of The Research Centre for Creative Arts and Public Value, The Education University of Hong Kong; Mr Victor Kwok, Deputy Research Director of Our Hong Kong Foundation and Committee Member of the All-China Youth Federation; and Ms Heidi Lee, Executive Director of Hong Kong Ballet, as respondents. They offered diverse perspectives from policy research, cultural promotion and professional development, exploring how the arts and creativity can nurture outstanding talent of the future through structured and sustainable educational approaches in Hong Kong.
Collaborative Workshops—From Theory to Practice
The forum also featured collaborative workshops, where participants experienced first-hand how educational visions can be translated into practical teaching plans in an interactive setting.
In today’s (15 May) sessions, Creative Classroom LIVE!, led by teaching teams from Tin Shui Wai Methodist Primary School and Tuen Mun Government Primary School, brought authentic teaching plans to life in the theatre, allowing participants to experience the transformative power of creativity in local schools’ setting. Professor Anne Bamford OBE, FCGI, Director of the International Research Agency, facilitated the session The How Factor Lab: Designing Arts-rich Learning that Lasts?, discussing how the arts can be incorporated into education through sustainable policy and teaching strategies to establish a long-term and stable creative ecosystem in schools and communities.
Day Two Highlights — The Many Dimensions of Artistic Intelligence
On the second day of the forum (16 May), discussions will build upon the first day’s highlights and continue to delve deeper into the theme of Artistic Intelligence. In the keynote The Real AI: Artistic Intelligence and the Future of Human Potential, Professor Anne Bamford OBE, FCGI, Director of the International Research Agency, will discuss how the integrated development of personal cognitive, creative, social and digital capabilities can unlock human potential and shape a new generation equipped with innovation and adaptability, calling on education systems, cultural institutions and communities to collaborate in ensuring that young people maintain their unique edge in the age of AI.
Two collaborative workshops will also take place. School Without Walls: Changing Sites of Learning, led by Ms Kate Cross MBE, Director of The Egg at Theatre Royal Bath, United Kingdom, will demonstrate how learning spaces can be extended beyond school campuses to curate meaningful and personalised arts education experiences through the School Without Walls programme. What if We All Had a Voice? The Possibilities of the Arts in Social-Emotional Learning, led by Ms Jigyasa Labroo, CEO and Co-founder of Slam Out Loud, New Delhi, India, will share how locally rooted curriculum resources that address social issues can be developed to empower children to use creativity to tackle life and societal challenges and to weave their dreams.
Mutual Growth—Frontline Teachers and Artists Share Their Journeys and Learning
The forum also invited schools and creative practitioners from the AFTEC Jockey Club Creative Futures Project to share their practical experiences. In the panel discussion From Traditional to Creative Teaching, Vice Principal Kiley Tse of Ho Lap Primary School (Sponsored by Sik Sik Yuen), Ms Katherine Ip of Hong Kong and Macau Lutheran Church Primary School, and Ms Jourdan Wong of Cheung Sha Wan Catholic Primary School will share insights and explore the far-reaching impact of creative teaching and learning on teachers’ personal growth, students, the learning environment, and the overall creative learning culture of schools.
Another panel discussion, From Introspective Artists to Communicative Teaching Artists, features creative practitioners Ms Grace Cheng; Mr Reds Cheung of Laichankee; Ms Cally Yip of Passoverdance; and Ms Priscilla Lai, Lead Creative Practitioner of the AFTEC Jockey Club Creative Futures Project. Their sharing proves that the Project’s collaborative model not only benefits schools—teachers’ and creative practitioners’ artistic practices are also nourished through the teaching process, fostering mutual growth and grooming the community of practice of teaching artists in Hong Kong.
Creative Learning Arts Awards — Celebrating Local Education Transformation
To showcase the Project’s impact over the years, the forum will host the Creative Learning Arts Awards ceremony, recognising outstanding schools, teachers and creative practitioners, and celebrating the remarkable progress of the local education community in advancing creative thinking and whole-person development.
For more information, please visit:
AFTEC Jockey Club Creative Futures Project: https://creativefutures.aftec.hk/home-en/
Knowledge Exchange 2026—Artistic Intelligence: Shaping Human Achievement: https://creativefutures.aftec.hk/knowledge-exchange/ke2026/
Hashtag: #AFTEC
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About AFTEC Jockey Club Creative Futures Project
Funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, the AFTEC Jockey Club Creative Futures Project is a multi-level creative learning scheme designed to provide a much-needed system-led approach to creative thinking in educational institutions from tertiary to primary.
Based on a successful pilot (2021 – 2024), the key focus in this expanded version is in training teachers and creative practitioners.
With practical strategies for professionals to teach across the curriculum based on the 5C’s—Creativity, Critical Thinking, Communication, Collaboration, and Contribution— creative practitioners join teachers for in-school classes to co-design and co-create lesson plans for use in classroom throughout the year.
About AFTEC
Advancing creative learning and arts education in Hong Kong
Creativity allows us to recognise potential within ourselves and the world around us. It promotes problem-solving, nurtures relationships, cultivates resilience, and can transform lives in countless ways. At AFTEC, we work with students, educators, and creative practitioners to plant the seeds of creativity in our community.
As a proudly homegrown Hong Kong organisation, we nurture the city’s greatest natural resource — its people. Through co-designed, collaborative, and inclusive bilingual education programmes, we create supportive environments where young minds are free to explore, express, and flourish. We spark imagination, build confidence, and foster a sense of growth and belonging together.
Website: www.aftec.hk
Media OutReach
Come to Beijing Chaoyang for an Adventurous Encounter with Trendy Toys and Intangible Cultural Heritage
This is not a traditional exhibition, but an urban carnival that seamlessly blends popular IPs, intangible cultural heritage (ICH) crafts, immersive performances, and top-tier cultural and creative products from across China. The fair brings together high-quality creative cultural products, time-honored ICH brands, and trendy toy labels. Covering a total area of approximately 66,000 square meters, it features both indoor and outdoor zones. Centered around two main themes — “New Oriental Aesthetics” and “The Rise of Guochao (Chinese trendy culture)” — the event showcases over 10,000 creative products.
In the “Rise of Guochao” zone, leading Chinese trendy toy brands present immersive installations. 52TOYS brings the “Panda Roll Playful Panda Forest,” where dozens of lifelike, giant panda sculptures are scattered among the trees, creating perfect photo opportunities. Pop Mart hosts a special exhibition celebrating the 20th anniversary of its hit IP “MOLLY,” featuring a giant castle inflatable and vending machines for blind boxes. Also making its offline debut as a themed zone, “The Emoji Clinic,” the globally recognized emoji brand launches several exclusive items not yet available in stores.
The ICH section is equally impressive. Ten nationally recognized master artisans showcase their representative works at the “Oriental Showcase,” presenting ten traditional crafts, including filigree inlay, Hepu horn carving, polished lacquerware, Longquan celadon, and Shui ethnic group’s horsetail embroidery. Traditional ICH techniques are creatively combined with trendy toy designs — Peking silk figurines, cloisonné, and Beijing embroidery are integrated into modern doll clothing and accessories, giving birth to a unique Oriental trend aesthetic. Additionally, over 40 other ICH items — such as jade carving, cloisonné, Beijing embroidery, Miao embroidery, and carved lacquer — allow visitors to observe master artisans at work up close and participate in hands-on activities like seal carving, tie-dyeing, and clay sculpting.
Throughout the event, five major venues in Chaoyang Park will host over 100 performances, spanning street dance, traditional Chinese music, symphony, opera, and parades. The Shell Theater will present an ACG symphony concert and a symphony of Hong Kong film golden melodies. At the East Square of Chaoyang Planning Art Museum, the “New Oriental Aesthetics” pop-up stage will feature continuous performances of Jingxi Taiping Drum dance and classical umbrella dance. The East Square of Weibo IN will focus on trendy crossover acts, with breakdance battles and jazz quartets taking turns on stage.
And when night falls, even more intriguing adventures begin. A mecha parade weaves through the crowds — you might brush past Black Myth: Wukong and a troupe of mascots. On the Fangzhou Lake, lantern-lit flower boats set sail, their slow journey accompanied by ancient music and shimmering water, creating a moving Oriental painting. From daytime blind-box surprises to nighttime lantern-lit garden strolls, the park offers unexpected delights at every turn.
No tickets are required — just a sense of curiosity. Bring your camera, gather your friends, come to Beijing Chaoyang Park, become a “power player,” and join this immersive carnival of trendy toys and intangible cultural heritage.
Hashtag: #Chaoyang
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Media OutReach
Customer Service Excellence Award 2025 Concluded Successfully MTR Crowned Grand Champion Among Over 100 Winners
Held under the theme “High Tech, High Touch – AI Empowers a New Era in Customer Service”, the event attracted more than 450 guests. The Honourable Algernon Yau, JP, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour. The award presentation ceremony was also privileged to have The Hon Shiu Ka Fai, BBS, JP, Member of the National Committee of the CPPCC and Member of the Legislative Council; The Hon Perry Yiu, MH, JP, Member of the Legislative Council; together with representatives of professional associations who served as award presenters. Members of the award judging panels and customer service industry leaders also joined the celebration to recognize the outstanding achievements of the award winners.
Hon Algernon Yau: Government Injected HK$200 Million into BUD Fund to Support AI-driven Digital Transformation
In his opening address, The Honourable Algernon Yau, JP, noted that artificial intelligence was driving customer service into a new era, shifting from human-led operations to a model that integrates data analytics and intelligent systems. Mr Yau stressed that as technology advances, human warmth becomes increasingly precious. He emphasized that true excellence in customer service is built on a customer-centric foundation, requiring service professionals to integrate technology with empathy, sincere communication and personalized attention to achieve a balance of efficiency and human warmth.
“2026 marks the start of the planning and layout for the nation’s 15th Five-Year Plan, which prioritizes high-quality development, innovation-driven growth and the deep integration of the digital economy. Hong Kong is proactively aligning itself with the country’s development strategy, contributing its unique strengths to meet national needs. The services sector, in particular, must upgrade and transform. To help, the Hong Kong SAR Government has put HK$200 million into the Dedicated Fund on Branding, Upgrading and Domestic Sales (BUD Fund), offering targeted support for AI adoption and helping businesses transform digitally.” Mr Yau stated.
Derek Choi: 40% Surge in Applications Reflected High Competitiveness and Recognition of the Awards
Mr Derek Choi, Chairman of HKACE, said “the Customer Service Excellence Award 2025 received 220 applications – a significant 40% increase from the previous year – reflecting the industry’s growing emphasis on service quality. A total of 102 awards were presented, making the competition exceptionally fierce.”
“Participants had to be nominated by the member companies and submit a written proposal in the first round to be shortlisted among the five finalists for a panel interview,” Mr Choi explained. “An independent judging panel, composed of industry elites and academics, then determined the gold, silver, bronze, and merit award winners. This rigorous assessment process upheld the award programme’s standing.” Mr Choi also extended his heartfelt gratitude to all judging panel members, noting that their selfless dedication and strong support had contributed significantly to the credibility of the awards programme.
Customer Service Excellence Award 2025 Winners Unveiled: MTR Crowned Grand Champion
The Customer Service Excellence Award 2025 featured three main categories – Individual Awards, Team Awards and Programme Awards – alongside the Grand Award. MTR Corporation scooped a total of 15 awards, standing out among a strong field of competitors to be named Grand Champion. HKT Limited and The Hong Kong Jockey Club also secured the 1st Runner-up and 2nd Runner-up of the Grand Award respectively.
Other gold award winners included AIA International Limited, BMW (Hong Kong) Limited, Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited, Cathay Pacific Airways, CLP Power Hong Kong Limited, Hong Kong Fire Services Department, Hongkong Post, and Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited.
Appendix 1: List of Winners of the HKACE Customer Service Excellent Award 2025
| Grand Award | ||
| Champion | MTR Corporation | |
| 1st Runner-up | HKT Limited | |
| 2nd Runner-up | The Hong Kong Jockey Club | |
| Individual Award – Contact Centre Service Award | ||
| Gold | Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited | Tse Mei Yee, Shirley |
| Silver | HKT Limited | Li Miu Hei, Annie |
| Bronze | AIA International Limited | Luk Kwong Lam |
| Merit | HKT Limited | Yeung Shuk Yi, Joe |
| Merit | The Kowloon Motor Bus Co. (1933) Ltd. | Wan Ka Hing, Tingo |
| Individual Award – Counter Service Award | ||
| Gold | BMW Concessionaires (HK)Ltd | Lai Ka Yui, Brian |
| Silver | CLP Power Hong Kong Limited | Lau Tik Fung, Oscar |
| Bronze | Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited | Ng Ka Ling, Aimee |
| Merit | China Mobile Hong Kong Company Limited | Yeung Fong Chun, Frank |
| Merit | Sino Group – Citywalk 2 Management Company Limited | |
| Individual Award – Field & Special Service Award | ||
| Gold | Hongkong Post | Hung Tsz Yin |
| Silver | Ngong Ping 360 Limited | Yip Ka Man, Carmen |
| Bronze | Shell Hong Kong Limited | Xia Min |
| Merit | Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited | Luk Ka Chun, Paul |
| Merit | Cathay | Ardis Yeung |
| Individual Award – Frontline Service Award | ||
| Gold | Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited | Kwan Shing Yan, Kelvin |
| Silver | Goodwell Property Management Limited | Wong Pui Ching, Rebecca |
| Bronze | MTR Corporation | Law Pak Hin, Hinson |
| Merit | The Hong Kong Jockey Club | Cheung Tsz Ching |
| Merit | Aviation Security Company Limited | Cheng Bing Lam |
| Individual Award – Internal Support Service Award | ||
| Gold | HKT Limited | Zheng Minsui |
| Silver | BOC Group Life Assurance Co. Ltd. | Ma Wing Sze, Sissy |
| Bronze | Cathay | Bianca Tang |
| Merit | AIA International Limited | Lyu Chen Yu |
| Merit | Airport Authority Hong Kong | Agnes Wong |
| Individual Award – Customer Service Training Award | ||
| Gold | HKT Limited | Law Kar Yan, Kannis |
| Silver | The Hong Kong Jockey Club | Brian Leung |
| Bronze | Cathay | Jennifer Lui |
| Merit | MTR Corporation | Chiu Tsz Ho, Ivan |
| Merit | H Properties Management (HK) Co. Ltd. | Yip Ching Ching, Janee |
| Individual Award – Customer Service Supervisor / Team Manager | ||
| Gold | Cathay | Michelle To |
| Silver | The Hong Kong Jockey Club | Miriam Hang |
| Bronze | MTR Corporation | Matthew Cheung |
| Merit | Ocean Park Corporation | Li Chi Kit, Henry |
| Merit | HKT Limited | Wong Lai Man, Ulysses |
| Individual Award – Top 5 Young Stars of the Year | ||
| Cathay | Tedd Wong | |
| The Hong Kong and China Gas Co. Ltd. | Sham Fung Wa | |
| Hong Kong Tourism Board | Michelle Tam | |
| CLP Power Hong Kong Limited | Ng Oi Mei, Amy | |
| Ngong Ping 360 Limited | Yau Cheuk Ting, Anna | |
| Team Award – Contact Centre Service Award | ||
| Gold | Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited | Digital Hub |
| Silver | China Mobile Hong Kong Company Limited | Customer Contact Centre |
| Bronze | MTR Corporation | High Speed Rail Service Hotline |
| Merit | Cathay | Virtual Relationship Manager |
| Merit | HKT Limited | 1O1O Outbound Contact Centre |
| Team Award – Counter Service Award | ||
| Gold | CLP Power Hong Kong Limited | Smart Energy@Tai Po |
| Silver | Bank of Communications (Hong Kong) Limited | Tai Po Branch |
| Bronze | The Hong Kong Jockey Club | Kowloon Bay, Telford Off-Course Betting Branch |
| Merit | MTR Corporation | ELEMENTS Concierge Service |
| Merit | Airport Authority Hong Kong | Customer Service Team & Terminal Duty Team |
| Team Award – Field & Special Service Award | ||||||||
| Gold | Cathay | HKIA Rescue Team | ||||||
| Silver | The Kowloon Motor Bus Co. (1933) Ltd. | KMB Field Operations Support Team | ||||||
| Bronze | CLP Power Hong Kong Limited | CLP Green Studio Multi-Purpose Vehicle | ||||||
| Merit | Ngong Ping 360 Limited | Attractions & Entertainment Team | ||||||
| Merit | Airport Authority Hong Kong | Service Team of Airport Home Baggage Check-in | ||||||
| Team Award – Frontline Service Award | ||||||||
| Gold | Cathay | Cabin Crew Team | ||||||
| Silver | The Hong Kong Jockey Club | Tuen Mun Town Plaza Off-Course Betting Branch | ||||||
| Bronze | HKT Limited | “Here to Serve” Team | ||||||
| Merit | MTR Corporation | East Rail Line Interfacing Team | ||||||
| Merit | Airport Authority Hong Kong | HKIA VIP Lounge and Government VIP Lounge Team | ||||||
| Team Award – Internal Support Service Award | ||||||||
| Gold | AIA International Limited | Premier Agency Enquiry Team | ||||||
| Silver | MTR Corporation | Operations Data Studio | ||||||
| Bronze | HKT Limited | Operations Transformation Team | ||||||
| Merit | AXA China Region Insurance Company Limited | Customer Strategy and Insights Team | ||||||
| Merit | The Hong Kong Jockey Club | Retail – Racecourse Work Group | ||||||
| Team Award – Customer Service Training Award | ||||||||
| Gold | HKT Limited | Consumer Business Group Training Team | ||||||
| Silver | AIA International Limited | Service Training and Knowledge Team | ||||||
| Bronze | MTR Corporation | MTR Learning & Training | ||||||
| Merit | Hong Kong Tourism Board | Visitor Services and Human Resources | ||||||
| Merit | ABC Pathways School | Training & Development | ||||||
| Programme Award – Customer Retention Award | ||||||||
| Gold | MTR Corporation | Elderly Care Programme | ||||||
| Silver | CLP Power Hong Kong Limited | Power Connect | ||||||
| Bronze | HKT Limited | HKT Commercial SME Customer Retention Programme | ||||||
| Merit | The Hong Kong Jockey Club | Experience Diversity, Connect with CARE | ||||||
| Merit | Cathay | Cathay Million Miles Programme | ||||||
| Programme Award – Digital Transformation Award | ||||||||
| Gold | MTR Corporation | MTR Smart Mobility: Digital Transformation for Travel Concession Schemes | ||||||
| Silver | CLP Power Hong Kong Limited | Digital Transformation for Hong Kong ‘s Largest Residential Peak Demand Management | ||||||
| Bronze | Airport Authority Hong Kong | Smart Passenger Security Screening System at Hong Kong International Airport | ||||||
| Merit | China Mobile Hong Kong Company Limited | AI+Service | ||||||
| Merit | Ngong Ping 360 Limited | “Delight Guests Always” – NP360 AI Assistant | ||||||
| Programme Award – Outstanding Customer Service Award | ||||||||
| Gold | MTR Corporation | Kai Tak and Sung Wong Toi Stations Customer Experience Enhancement | ||||||
| Silver | Hong Kong Fire Services Department | “Old Friends” Home Visit Scheme | ||||||
| Bronze | Ngong Ping 360 Limited | Shining You Customer Service Program- Creating Muslim Friendly Attractions in Hong Kong | ||||||
| Merit | CLP Power Hong Kong Limited | CLP Community Watch & Care Service Pilot Programme | ||||||
| Merit | H Properties Management (HK) Co. Ltd. | Happy DNA: Happier Places, Happier People | ||||||
| Programme Award – People Development Award | |||
| Gold | Hong Kong Fire Services Department | Greater Bay Area Joint Emergency Response and Rescue Exercise “Liancheng – 2025” | |
| Silver | Airport Authority Hong Kong | The Operation Officer
Skill-based Salary Progression Scheme |
|
| Bronze | The Hong Kong Jockey Club | Racing Towards Excellence: Retail Succession Programme | |
| Merit | MTR Corporation | Buddy Scheme for Newly Recruit Station Officer | |
| Merit | Aviation Security Company Limited | Structured Customer Service Development Programme | |
| Programme Award – Service Innovation Award | |||
| Gold | MTR Corporation | MTR Smart Mobility: Intelligent Crowd Diversion System for Kai Tak Sports Park | |
| Silver | H Properties Management (HK) Co. Ltd. | Happy Moment | |
| Bronze | BOC Group Life Assurance Co. Ltd. | 5+1 Senses @ Service Centre | |
| Merit | The Kowloon Motor Bus Co. (1933) Ltd. | Pet Bus Tour | |
| Merit | HKT Limited | Transforming Service Experience – Wise | |
| Programme Award – Employee Engagement Award | |||
| Gold | AIA International Limited | “Inside Out” | |
| Silver | The Hong Kong Jockey Club | “HAPPI-D” Programme | |
| Bronze | Ocean Park Corporation | Village Adventure | |
| Merit | MTR Corporation | Know Our Customer Programme | |
This press release is issued by Passion PR Limited on behalf of the Hong Kong Association for Customer Service Excellence.
Hashtag: #HongKongAssociationForServiceExcellence #HKACE
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Hong Kong Association for Customer Service Excellence (HKACE)
Hong Kong Association of Customer Service Excellence (HKACE), a non-profit organisation, was established in February 2000 to represent more than 300,000 customer service practitioners in Hong Kong, the number of member companies has almost 50. The 9 founding member organisations are AIA International Limited, Cathay Pacific Airways Limited, Centaline Property Agency Limited, CLP Power Hong Kong Limited, HKT Limited, Hongkong Post, Shell Hong Kong Limited, Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited and The Hong Kong Jockey Club. They are committed to continuously improve themselves, to promote customer service culture with passion, leveraging on members’ synergy and professional expertise.
The Association initiated a multitude of industry awards and programmes over the years, including the “Customer Service Excellence Award”, “Young Service Stars Programme”, and the “Quality Customer Service Programme”. “Service Appreciation Programme” was first launched in 2013 to foster service appreciation culture. The Association aims to facilitate the sharing of managerial experiences among member organizations, encourage innovation, and elevate the competitiveness of Hong Kong’s service sector by rewarding high levels of customer service.
About Customer Service Excellence Award
In line with the mission to promote customer service excellence among members, the HKACE introduced the Customer Service Excellence Award program in 2001 with an aim of motivating customer service staff, recognizing outstanding performers and promoting a customer service culture with member companies.
-
Feature/OPED6 years agoDavos was Different this year
-
Travel/Tourism10 years ago
Lagos Seals Western Lodge Hotel In Ikorodu
-
Showbiz3 years agoEstranged Lover Releases Videos of Empress Njamah Bathing
-
Banking8 years agoSort Codes of GTBank Branches in Nigeria
-
Economy3 years agoSubsidy Removal: CNG at N130 Per Litre Cheaper Than Petrol—IPMAN
-
Banking3 years agoSort Codes of UBA Branches in Nigeria
-
Banking3 years agoFirst Bank Announces Planned Downtime
-
Sports3 years agoHighest Paid Nigerian Footballer – How Much Do Nigerian Footballers Earn