Media OutReach
Hong Kong’s Premier International Intercollegiate Tech Event “Hong Kong Techathon+ 2025” Uniting Over 1,800 Global Tech Talent From Leading Local and Overseas Institutions
The participants included more than 100 non-local innovators and 40 teams from the mainland China, the US, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Taiwan, Macao, Australia, Portugal, and Brazil, who travelled to Hong Kong specifically to compete in this prestigious contest for 10 Gold Awards and the New Innovation Award under four themes, namely Trusted AI and & Data Science, Sustainability and Environment, Social and Governance (ESG, Digital Economy and Smart Cities. Finally, the team “Eleuto” from The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology won the Gold Award in the category of Sustainability and ESG under the Local University Student Group as well as the New Innovation Award by creating a communication solution for the paralyzed who are unable to speak or type.
Now in its ninth year, the Hong Kong Techathon+ aims to build a global, intercollegiate platform that connects I&T talents and startups from both local and international backgrounds. The event promotes mutual learning and exchange among these talents and startups, deepens their understanding of Hong Kong’s I&T ecosystem, and provide opportunities to international innovators and teams to develop their projects in Hong Kong and eventually join the city’s I&T ecosystem.
Offering More I&T Opportunities for Overseas Talent and Startups
The Hong Kong Techathon+ event, co-organised by HKSTP and 13 local tertiary institutions, featured 10 returning universities from last year: City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong Metropolitan University, Lingnan University, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, The Education University of Hong Kong, The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and The University of Hong Kong. Additionally, this year welcomed three institutes under the Vocational Training Council – Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education, and Hong Kong Institute of Information Technology. The event also has 18 overseas partnering institutions supporting the recruitment of overseas contestants.
This year marks the second consecutive edition of the Hong Kong Techathon+ with participation from non-local tech startups. Representatives from leading international institutions, including the University of California, San Diego from the US, National University of Singapore, Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, and the University of Queensland in Australia, took part in the competition. Additionally, HKSTP specially arranged a five-day immersive programme, including a variety of tours and lectures for the non-local tech startups participating in the competition. These included a visit to the Hong Kong Science Park Shenzhen Branch, aimed at deepening their understanding of the I&T ecosystems in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area. Meetings with investors were arranged before the competition for the non-local teams. Experienced mentors from relevant sectors also provided guidance to the contestants.
Albert Wong, CEO of HKSTP, said during the opening ceremony, “For many years, HKSTP has been relentlessly promoting the development of I&T in Hong Kong. This year, the Hong Kong Techathon+ 2025 has expanded its network of partners both locally and internationally, attracting an even greater number of I&T talents and startups from the city and beyond. Through this competition, participants can learn from one another and inspire each other’s creativity. I wholeheartedly wish all the outstanding teams success as they pursue their dreams of innovation and harness technology to create a positive impact on the world.”
Over 100 Teams Compete for HK$10 Million in Seed Funding Across Four Major Themes
During the finale, competing teams developed innovative and feasible solutions within four major themes: “Trusted AI & Data Science”, “Sustainability & ESG”, “Digital Economy” and “Smart Cities”. The competition included both local and non-local tracks for university teams respectively. For local tracks it further divided into student and open groups. In addition to receiving a cash prize of HK$10,000, the gold medal winners of each category also competed on site for the New Innovation Award with a prize of HK$100,000.
All winning teams will receive initial startup capital as well as eligibility for various incubation support programmes from co-organisers and partners* including direct admission into HKSTP’s Ideation Programme and have chance to get access to over HK$10 million in seed funding, where they will further develop their innovative ideas with comprehensive entrepreneurial support and gain practical experience to help them evolve into the next generation of I&T entrepreneurs.
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is Hong Kong Techathon+ 2025’s exclusive tech enabler. Robert Wang, Managing Director, Hong Kong & Taiwan, AWS, said, “AWS has been committed to providing leading technologies and platforms for startups since day 1. Our long-term collaboration with HKSTP through co-development programme has led to many successful projects in the areas of cloud and artificial intelligence (AI). This year, we are pleased to be the exclusive technology enabler for Hong Kong Techathon+ 2025. Through our leading expertise and technology in cloud and AI, combined with the efforts of HKSTP in nurturing creativity and innovative talent, we will continue to contribute to building a thriving innovation and technology ecosystem in Hong Kong.”
*Subject to the admission criteria of respective programmes
List of Awardees of the HK Techathon+ 2025:
New Innovation Award
Winning Team: Eleuto
Tertiary Institution: The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Local Student Group
Technology Theme
|
Award
|
Winning Team
|
Tertiary Institution
|
Trusted AI & Data Science | Gold | Cofluence | The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology |
Sustainability & ESG | Gold | Eleuto | The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology |
Digital Economy | Gold | AIVOICE LIMITED | The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology |
Smart Cities | Gold | ReTouch | The Chinese University of Hong Kong |
Local Open Group
Technology Theme
|
Award
|
Winning Team
|
Tertiary Institution
|
Trusted AI & Data Science | Gold | EmoFriends | The Hong Kong Polytechnic University |
Sustainability & ESG | Gold | JAPJAP – zero food waste | The Hong Kong Polytechnic University |
Digital Economy | Gold | i Vision | The Education University of Hong Kong |
Smart Cities | Gold | Edge AI-assisted health monitoring system based on optical fiber sensor | The Hong Kong Polytechnic University |
Non-local Group
Technology Theme
|
Award
|
Winning Team
|
Tertiary Institution
|
AI & Digital Economy | Gold | DeepChem Automatic Intelligent Synthesis Platform | Beihang University
(participate the Techathon+ via the International Strategic Technology Alliance) |
Sustainability & Smart Cities | Gold | Spatiotemporal integrated eDNA high-resolution intelligent monitoring of biodiversity | Nanjing University (participate the Techathon+ via the
International Strategic Technology Alliance) |
Hashtag: #HKSTP
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Media OutReach
Asian Stationery & Office Products Online Exhibition 2025 Grand Opening
Jointly organized by AsianNet and TradeAsia (www.e-tradeasia.com), ASOP has delivered exceptional results since its inception in 2022, attracting international buyers and generating significant business opportunities. The 2025 edition promises to be even more expansive, with a six-month exhibition period strategically aligned with major international events, including Paperworld India, Designed Giftionery Taiwan, China (Shenzhen) International Gifts & Homeware Fair, Hong Kong International Stationery Fair, China Stationery Fair (CSF) 2025, and ISOT Tokyo 2025. This alignment creates a synergistic platform for global buyers, facilitating convenient comparisons and streamlined purchasing experiences.
ASOP 2025 has already secured the participation of numerous esteemed Taiwanese suppliers, including industry leaders such as FRLEND CHLU, ELASTIN INTERNATIONAL, HIGHGRADE TECH, FLYWELL INTERNATIONAL and ACE DRAGON. These exhibitors will present their latest innovations across a diverse range of categories, including: Art & Craft, Art & Drafting Supply, Bags, Binding & Cutting, Computer Accessory & Peripheral, Computer Input Device, Desk Supply, Educational Supply, Festival & Party Supply, Gift & Gift Set, Gift Packaging & Accessory, Office Equipment, Office Furniture, Office Kitchen, Office Stationery, Paper & Paper Product, Paper Machinery, Printer Supply, Promotional Product, Publishing Supply, Writing Supply. With thousands of innovative stationery and office products, along with practical accessories and solutions on display, ASOP 2025 promises a comprehensive, engaging, and highly focused experience tailored to the needs of buyers and professionals in the stationery and office supplies industry.
ASOP 2025 Online Exhibition:
https://www.etradeasia.com/online-show/36/Asian-Stationery-Office-Products-Online-Exhibition-2025.html
In response to the evolving landscape of international trade, ASOP 2025 offers an array of virtual solutions to ensure accessibility and global reach. These include dedicated exhibitor pages, electronic catalogs, and immersive virtual exhibition halls—all seamlessly integrated with TradeAsia. Buyers can explore products, initiate inquiries, and engage in procurement discussions in real time, eliminating geographical barriers and travel constraints.
Founded in 1997, TradeAsia (www.e-tradeasia.com) is a premier B2B international trade platform, serving as a vital link between global buyers and suppliers. With millions of registered members, over 600,000 suppliers, and a vast catalog of products, TradeAsia is a trusted resource for businesses seeking to expand their international presence. By fostering collaborations with hundreds of trading entities worldwide, TradeAsia amplifies visibility and marketing impact for its members, providing a competitive edge in the global market.
With its extended duration and comprehensive platform, ASOP 2025 is poised to be the most influential event for the stationery and office products industry in Asia. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with leading suppliers and explore the latest innovations.
Hashtag: #TradeAsia
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Media OutReach
Yeebo Declares a Special Dividend of HKD1.8 per Share
Accelerating Growth in AI and AI Compute
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 January 2025 – Yeebo (International Holdings) Limited (“Yeebo” or the “Company”, stock code: 259, which together with its subsidiaries is referred to as the “Group”) announced that the board of directors of the Company (the “Board”) resolved to declare a special dividend of HKD1.8 per share today.
Hashtag: #Yeebo
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Yeebo (International Holdings) Limited
Founded in 1988, Yeebo (International Holdings) Limited is a diversified electronic component company, with a wide range of business interests in flat panel display, OLED and capacitor. Headquartered in Hong Kong, the manufacturing activities largely reside in Guangdong and Jiangsu provinces. With a global sales footprint, Yeebo is able to serve its global customers on a local basis.
Media OutReach
Aon Forecasts 11.1 Percent Increase in Employee Medical Plan Costs for Businesses in Asia Pacific
Medical trend rates in the APAC region rank second-highest globally, according to report
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 January 2025 – Aon plc (NYSE: AON), a leading global professional services firm, has released its 2025 Global Medical Trend Rates Report. The report forecasts a projected 11.1 percent rise in the Asia Pacific region (APAC), which is higher than the global projected increase for 2024 of 9.7 percent, which represented the highest increase forecasted in 10 years.
Trend rate figures represent the percentage increase in medical plan costs per employee – both insured and self-insured. Knowing estimated costs in advance can help organisations budget and adjust their benefits philosophy in response, ensuring programs are sustainable.
This year’s report projects APAC will experience the second highest year-over-year trend rate increase after the Middle East and Africa, which has the highest trend rate of any region at 15.5 percent.
Forecasted Medical Trend Rate from 2024 to 2025 | ||
2024 | 2025 | |
Asia Pacific | 9.7% | 11.1% |
Global | 10.1% | 10.0% |
Europe | 10.4% | 8.9% |
North America | 7.6% | 8.8% |
Latin America and Caribbean | 11.7% | 10.7% |
Middle East and Africa | 15.1% | 15.5% |
“The biggest rise in medical utilisation and inflation are now behind us in APAC, but recovery in insurer profitability is expected to keep medical trend rates in the double digits for 2025 and 2026,” said Alan Oates, head of global benefits for Asia Pacific at Aon.
“The high medical trend rate can also be attributed to a higher incidence of cancer and chronic conditions than before the COVID-19 pandemic. Managing the impact of medical inflation therefore should be a top priority for all southeast Asia markets and especially important in New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Thailand and Vietnam, which are seeing 50 to over 100 percent increases compared to last year,” Oates explained.
The survey further revealed that prescription and specialty medications, including weight loss medication, innovations in medical technology, and geopolitical factors, are significantly impacting medical trend rates in APAC and around the world. In addition, support for emotional health as the fastest-growing claim in Aon’s APAC client portfolio, wellbeing initiatives designed to mitigate stress, along with other plan enhancements, are also contributing to the double-digit medical trend.
“Although most insurers are still raising premiums, we are seeing a slight drop in some markets where risk appetites are returning among insurance providers that were quick to take corrective measures in previous renewal periods. As these insurance providers can now offer competitive pricing terms, we are encouraging clients to test the market as there is increasing value in doing so,” said Marina Sukhikh, professional services industry practice leader, global benefits for Asia Pacific at Aon.
How are Companies Addressing Rising Costs?
Wellbeing programs, plan design changes, alternative financing, data and analytics and flexible benefits are among the top strategies employers are expected to undertake in 2025 to affordably promote a healthy workforce.
Sukhikh said, “Aon has observed growing co-investment in wellbeing initiatives by employers and insurers. Greater investment is being matched with greater scrutiny into investment return, and wellbeing programs are increasingly being integrated and aligned with prevention strategies. For example, more initiatives are targeting physical inactivity, poor stress management, hypertension, high cholesterol and other risk factors driving chronic conditions that lead to adverse future claims.”
“We are encouraging clients to seek a more integrated value-based outcome from insurers where they are cooperating in the sharing of data, investment in wellbeing and offering creative solutions for design and financing. Sophisticated analytics tools, such as Aon’s Health Risk Analyzer, are helping companies leverage a growing volume of multi-source data, not just to identify and mitigate today’s risks but to accurately predict and prepare for the risks of tomorrow. Technology is helping us identify under-served populations and anticipate opportunities faster than ever,” added Sukhikh.
According to Aon’s 2024 Global Benefits Trends Study, employers in around 60 percent of countries are expected to use flexible benefit plans to address diverse workforce needs while controlling overall benefit costs. Meanwhile, one in three are actively considering alternative benefits financing arrangements, such as multinational pooling, global underwriting and captives.
“More than at any point in the last 10 years we have observed employers taking steps to reduce plan design due to affordability. Flexibility and choice have been a valuable tool in design change because employees generally place a greater value on shorter-term flexibility and choice than they do on longer-term core benefits. Alternative funding will not materially reduce cost, which is generally determined by claims and scale, but it can smooth cost volatility over a longer period than is possible with direct insurance and that is helpful in this volatile market,” Oates added.
Read Aon’s 2025 Global Medical Trend Rates Report.
About the report:
The report is based on insights from 112 Aon offices that broker, administer, or advise on employer-sponsored medical plans in each of the countries covered in the report. The findings reflect the medical trend expectations of Aon professionals based on their interactions with clients and carriers represented in the portfolio of the firm’s medical plan business in each location.
As employer-sponsored medical plans become a larger part of total rewards spend and pressure mounts to accurately forecast and manage costs, this report is a valuable resource for organisations to plan global budgets and benefits strategies for 2025 and beyond.
Read Aon’s 2025 Global Medical Trend Rates Report.
Hashtag: #Aon
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Aon
Aon plc (NYSE: AON) exists to shape decisions for the better — to protect and enrich the lives of people around the world. Through actionable analytic insight, globally integrated Risk Capital and Human Capital expertise, and locally relevant solutions, our colleagues provide clients in over 120 countries with the clarity and confidence to make better risk and people decisions that protect and grow their businesses.
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Disclaimer
The information contained in this document is solely for information purposes, for general guidance only and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although Aon endeavours to provide accurate and timely information and uses sources that it considers reliable, the firm does not warrant, represent or guarantee the accuracy, adequacy, completeness or fitness for any purpose of any content of this document and can accept no liability for any loss incurred in any way by any person who may rely on it. There can be no guarantee that the information contained in this document will remain accurate as on the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No individual or entity should make decisions or act based solely on the information contained herein without appropriate professional advice and targeted research.
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