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

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

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

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

Deep youth impact in just two years

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

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

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

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

Youth-led transformation in schools and communities

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

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

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

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

Whitepaper insights brought to action

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

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

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

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

Disclaimers

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

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

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

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

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

About Zurich Insurance (Hong Kong)

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

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

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

About Zurich Insurance Group (Zurich)

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

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

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

About The Mental Health Association of Hong Kong

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

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

About Z Zurich Foundation

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

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

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

Visit the Z Zurich Foundation’s website to learn more about its work: . Follow the Z Zurich Foundation on , , and . and .

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Knowledge Exchange 2026 – Artistic Intelligence: Shaping Human Achievement

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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.

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Come to Beijing Chaoyang for an Adventurous Encounter with Trendy Toys and Intangible Cultural Heritage

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BEIJING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 May 2026 – From May 15 to 24, 2026, Beijing Chaoyang Park will host a unique cultural event — the first China New Cultural and Creative Market & Trendy Toy Carnival.

The first China New Cultural and Creative Market

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.

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Customer Service Excellence Award 2025 Concluded Successfully MTR Crowned Grand Champion Among Over 100 Winners

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HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 May 2026 – The Hong Kong Association for Customer Service Excellence (HKACE) hosted the HKACE Customer Service Excellence Award Presentation Ceremony cum 26th Anniversary Celebration Luncheon last week at The Regent Hotel Hong Kong. Over 100 awards were presented to recognize outstanding customer service practitioners, with MTR Corporation named the Grand Award Champion as the highlight of the occasion.

A group photo features Hon Algernon Yau, JP, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (9th from right, front row); Derek Choi, Chairman of HKACE (10th from right, front row); Hon Shiu Ka Fai, BBS, JP, CPPCC National Committee Member and Member of the Legislative Council (8th from right, front row); Hon Perry Yiu, MH, JP, Member of the Legislative Council (7th from left, back row); together with HKACE Founding Members, Executive Committee members and guests.

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.

A total of 102 awards were presented at the event amidst fierce competition. Derek Choi, Chairman of HKACE, together with honourable guests, HKACE executive committee members, and all awardees, posed for a group photo to commemorate this significant moment.
A total of 102 awards were presented at the event amidst fierce competition. Derek Choi, Chairman of HKACE, together with honourable guests, HKACE executive committee members, and all awardees, posed for a group photo to commemorate this significant moment.

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.

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