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Jockey Club Multiple Pathways Initiative – CLAP-TECH Pathway, Led by HKBU, Releases Report Highlighting the Importance of Vocational and Professional Education and Training in Creating Multiple Pathways for Secondary Students Calls for Regularisation in Senior Secondary Curriculum
The report recognised CLAP-TECH as Hong Kong’s first through-train Vocational and Professional Education and Training (VPET) pathway in mainstream senior secondary and post-secondary education, noting its remarkable success in providing students with unique and effective learning experiences. Students have shown comprehensive improvement in both soft and hard skills, gained a clearer understanding of their opportunities and abilities, and are able to make informed decisions about their future pathways. Graduates have pursued a variety of pathways — including further studies, employment, and entrepreneurship — demonstrating that the programme effectively supports students’ career development and creates diverse learning and employment opportunities for students from different backgrounds.
Furthermore, the report chronicled CLAP-TECH’s five-year journey, underscoring the viability of regularising VPET within the senior secondary curriculum, and urged the Hong Kong government to enable students to concurrently pursue VPET qualifications within the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) framework.
Piloted Model Promoted Diverse Pathways, Equipping Students for Their Future
According to the report, 90% of the programme graduates indicated that they had made informed decisions about their future and were able to pursue diverse options like employment or further studies based on their interests and aptitudes. This stands in stark contrast to the 69% of their non-participating peers, underscoring the significant advantage of early vocational and professional exposure in preparing senior secondary students for successful transitions into their future endeavours. In addition, CLAP-TECH’s holistic curriculum, which seamlessly weaves classroom learning, career and life development activities, internships and workplace experiences, effectively equips students with essential hard and soft skills for the professional world.
Nearly half (46%) of students who took the Applied Learning (ApL) Course in Tech Basics under the programme, and a third (33%) of those who took the Applied Learning Course in Multimedia Storytelling, chose industries related to information technology or engineering, and media, communication, content creation, arts, and design, respectively. Taking the first cohort of students who completed the full “Through-Train Pathway” (graduated in 2024) as an example, some opted for further studies, while others secured employment with CLAP-TECH’s industry partners, and some even started their own businesses, fully demonstrating diverse career pathways.
VPET Delivered Significant Advantages, Especially for Underprivileged Students
The report revealed that CLAP-TECH graduates with comparatively lower HKDSE results (achieving Level 2 or below in five subjects) found the programme more helpful in making informed decisions (90.8%) compared to other students who met bachelor’s degree entry requirements (80%).
Furthermore, CLAP-TECH graduates residing in public or temporary housing reported a higher average self-assessment score in soft skills (86.3%) than students living in private housing or Home Ownership Scheme flats (76.6%). In terms of making informed choices, the proportion of underprivileged students was also higher than that of other students (89.7% versus 81%). This indicates that the pilot programme particularly enhances the practical skills and industry knowledge of students from disadvantaged backgrounds, enabling them to make informed decisions based on their abilities and interests through experiential learning early in their senior secondary curriculum.
Integrating VPET into Senior Secondary Curriculum Cultivates Students’ Essential Skills and Values
The CLAP-TECH curriculum integrates vocational and career development skills with theoretical knowledge, aiming to enhance students’ industry knowledge and interest in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and Creative Media. Within the ICT field, 82.8% of graduates affirmed that the programme deepened their industry knowledge, while 88.3% of students reported a surge in industry interest — figures markedly surpassing those of their non-participating schoolmates.
More pronounced results were observed in the Creative Media track, where 93.8% of graduates credited the programme with expanding their industry knowledge and 95.3% reported heightened interest, a proportion far exceeding that of non-participating students from the same schools (industry knowledge: 45.5%, interest: 54.6%). Moreover, the programme yielded substantial improvements in students’ career and life planning capabilities, cultivating essential soft skills, fostering positive values and character traits (See Appendix 1 for detailed results).
Strategic Expansion of Senior Secondary VPET Curriculum to Alleviate Workforce Mismatch
The report also identified the implementation of a tripartite partnership among secondary schools, industry partners and HKBU as a contributing factor to the programme’s success. Over 90 participating schools and 1,400 students have been involved in the programme, resulting in more than 4,300 instances of activity participation. Additionally, the programme benefited from strong support from over 40 industry partners, with more than 360 industry mentors from various fields consistently interacting with students through the Career Mentorship Programme.
The report posited that CLAP-TECH’s VPET model exhibits a high level of replication and sustainability, offering considerable advantages for students and society as a whole.
Andrew Ho, Director of Jockey Club Multiple Pathways Initiative – CLAP-TECH Centre, said: “Based on the CLAP-TECH experience, incorporating VPET into the senior secondary curriculum yields multiple educational and societal benefits. The report suggested the government strengthen senior secondary career planning by allowing concurrent vocational studies within the mainstream HKDSE framework or by adding vocational elements to existing courses. This would help students make informed decisions about life and career exploration, and also facilitate progression through the VPET curriculum for those who wish to pursue higher education. It serves as compelling evidence that CLAP-TECH’s pilot model equips students with vital workforce skills and empowers informed career decisions, effectively reducing manpower mismatches and bolstering Hong Kong’s long-term productivity and economic engagement, thus strengthening its future.”
Appendix 1
- Data: Integrating VPET into Senior Secondary Curriculum Cultivates Students’ Essential Skills and Values
| Information and Communication Technology | Creative Media | |
| Industry Knowledge and Interests | Over 80% of graduates reported that CLAP-TECH’s programme enhanced their industry knowledge (82.8%) and interest (88.3%), significantly higher than those reported by non-participating students from the same schools (54.6% and 70.2%, respectively). | Over 90% of graduates agreed that CLAP-TECH’s programme boosted their industry knowledge (93.8%) and interest (95.3%), considerably higher than those of non-participating students from the same schools (45.5% and 54.6%, respectively). |
| Career and Life Planning | 84.1% of CLAP-TECH graduates reported that the programme aided them in boosting both self-understanding and career exploration, compared to 63.4% of non-participating students from the same schools. | 92.2% of CLAP-TECH graduates indicated that the programme better prepared them for further studies and career identification, compared to the 68.2% of non-participating students from the same schools. |
| Soft Skills Development | 87.1% of CLAP-TECH graduates reported higher self-assessment of their soft skills compared to non-participating students (77.7%). Significant differences were observed in the percentage of graduates reporting improvement in four key skills: “Responsibility” (94.5% versus 86.2%), “Collaboration” (89.6% versus 80%), “Motivation” (89% versus 78.5%) and “Analytical Thinking” (86.5% versus 77.7%). | Graduates indicated an average self-assessment score of 90.6%, significantly higher than the 75% reported by non-participating students. Out of the 10 essential soft skills, notable increments were observed in eight of the key skills, namely “Collaboration”, “Integrity”, “Responsibility”, “Analytical Thinking”, “Curiosity”, “Motivation”, “Self-Management” and “Resilience”. |
| Values and Personality Growth | Graduates demonstrated an increased emphasis on “Compliance” and “Dependability” (importance of following instructions rose from 63.7% to 80.4%). They also showed greater appreciation for “Variety” and “Adaptability”. (The importance placed on having influence rose from 49.2% to 58.2%) | Graduates aspired to leadership roles and to make an impact through creativity. They placed less importance on money (from 75.5% to 65.7%) and were more concerned about the impact and benefits to others and society (from 53.4% to 65.6%). |
Hashtag: #CLAPTECH
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Jockey Club Multiple Pathways Initiative – CLAP-TECH Pathway
Launched in 2020 and funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, Jockey Club Multiple Pathways Initiative – CLAP-TECH Pathway (CLAP-TECH) is Hong Kong’s first through-train Vocational and Professional Education and Training (VPET) pathway in mainstream senior secondary and post-secondary education. CLAP-TECH is a tripartite partnership among Hong Kong Baptist University, industry partners, and secondary schools. It currently consists of two Applied Learning Courses (i.e. Tech Basics and Multimedia Storytelling) and Higher Diplomas in Data Science and Art Tech Design. The programme equips students with technical and soft skills for the future workforce by incorporating career and life development into the curriculum. Since its establishment, over 40 industry partners have been involved in the programme, guiding and inspiring over 1,400 students from 90 secondary schools, with over 4,300 instances of programme participation. For more details, please visit: 
https://www.claptech.hk/en/
When One Size Definitely Doesn’t Fit All
XIXILI’s Plus Size Collection flips the narrative that women need to settle for less-than-ideal sizes.
“For too many women, bra shopping has meant settling for sizes that almost fit or styles that prioritise function over fashion,” says XIXILI spokesperson Grace Tan. “Inclusivity is about recognising that every woman deserves access to beautiful, sexy, well-fitted lingerie. That shouldn’t be a problem they have to solve alone.”
To address the challenges of online fitting, XIXILI combines a detailed bra size chart with its pioneering ‘Try-On in 3D’ avatar tool. The feature allows women to generate a personalised digital twin based on specific measurements, enabling them to visualise the fit before purchasing.
Support Without Sacrifice: Plus Size Done Right
The Rufina Full Coverage Full Cup Bra sits at the heart of XIXILI’s Plus Size collection, designed for women who have been told they have to choose between support and style. The Rufina bra offers full coverage support with a contemporary silhouette that works under everything from work blouses to festive party dresses. Engineered specifically for fuller figures, it celebrates natural curves instead of trying to hide or minimise them. It’s the kind of foundation piece that lets you focus on your day, not your discomfort.
“We want every woman to feel supported, comfortable, and beautiful in whatever she’s wearing,” says Grace Tan. “Whether it’s for work, family gatherings, or special occasions, the right fit makes all the difference to daily comfort and confidence.”
Empowering Women With Knowledge, Not Just Options
XIXILI recognises that offering more sizes is only half the equation. Many women have spent years navigating limited options without proper guidance on finding their actual measurements.
The brand addresses this through interactive bra size charts, how-to-measure videos, and one-on-one personalised fittings at boutiques nationwide. By equipping women with the tools and knowledge to identify their true size, XIXILI transforms what can be a frustrating shopping experience into a more confident and informed process.
As Christmas shopping gets underway, the Plus Size Collection offers both a thoughtful gift for loved ones and an opportunity for self-care during the busy holiday season.
For more information and to discover the full range, visit XIXILI’s website.
Hashtag: #XIXILI
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XIXILI
A homegrown Malaysian brand, XIXILI offers beautiful fashion lingerie and shapewear in Malaysia that prioritises fit and comfort. With an extensive range of bra sizes from A to I and bands 65 to 110cm, XIXILI caters to women of all shapes and sizes. Expert fitters are dedicated to helping each customer find the perfect bra, boosting confidence and enhancing silhouettes.
XIXILI became the first Malaysian lingerie brand to introduce a Try-On in 3D avatar tool, allowing customers to virtually try on XIXILI lingerie using a 3D avatar tailored to their specific body type and measurements. Whether for everyday wear or something special, XIXILI ensures women always look and feel amazing.
Preparation Is Key
SIM reviews thousands of applications each year, and incomplete submissions remain one of the primary causes of processing delays. Early preparation of all required documents is essential to ensure a seamless application experience and allow applicants to remain focused on their academic objectives. As stipulated in SIM’s Application Process Guide, all supporting documents must be uploaded at the point of application and submissions lacking these documents will not be processed.
The Core Documents Every Applicant Needs
Prior to applying to the Singapore Institute of Management (SIM), applicants should ensure that all required documents are prepared to prevent processing delays. Scanned copies of academic certificates and transcripts, such as GCE ‘O’ and ‘A’ Levels, diplomas or degrees must be provided, along with certified translations and notarisation for documents not in English.
Proof of English language proficiency, such as IELTS or TOEFL results, is mandatory for applicants whose previous education was not conducted in English. Identification documents are also required, including the NRIC for local applicants and a valid passport for international applicants, accompanied by a recent passport-sized photograph that complies with SIM’s specifications.
International applicants must additionally prepare documentation for the Student’s Pass application, which includes the passport bio-data page, birth certificate, evidence of financial capability, and, where applicable, parent or guardian identification documents.
Quick Tips to Avoid Delays
Submitting an application to the SIM can be a straightforward process with proper preparation. Ensure that all documents are uploaded in the correct format, with PDF being the standard for certificates and transcripts. For documents not in English, certified translations must be provided to prevent rejection or requests for re-submission.
Applicants should also adhere to SIM’s photo specifications by submitting a recent passport-sized photograph that meets official guidelines. International students must pay particular attention to financial documentation, as proof of financial capability is a key requirement for the Student’s Pass application. Bank statements and supporting documents should be prepared in advance to comply with Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) requirements. Following these steps will help avoid unnecessary delays and ensure a smooth application process.
Application Essentials
Prospective students are advised to submit a complete and accurate application to ensure smooth processing. Detailed instructions and programme-specific requirements can be found on SIM’s official application portal. Applications that are incomplete or contain inaccuracies will not be considered. To avoid delays, applicants should make use of the provided checklist and guidelines to confirm compliance before submission.
References:
- SIM Application Process – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/admissions/application-process
Hashtag: #SIMGlobalEducation #SIMGE
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About SIM Global Education
SIM Global Education (SIM GE) is a leading private education institution in Singapore and the region. We offer more than 140 academic programmes ranging from diplomas and graduate diploma programmes to bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes with some of the world’s most reputable universities from Australia, Canada, Europe, United Kingdom, and the United States. SIM GE’s cohort is made up of 16,000 full- and part-time students and adult learners, of which approximately 36% are international students hailing from over 50 countries.
SIM GE’s holistic learning approach and culturally diverse learning environment aim to equip students with knowledge, industry skills and employability competencies, as well as a global perspective to succeed as future leaders in a fast-changing, technologically driven world.
For more information on SIM Global Education, visit sim.edu.sg
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Vinfuture 2025 Honors Four Groundbreaking Scientific Achievements Under The Theme “Rising And Thriving”
The 2025 VinFuture Prize Award Ceremony was broadcast live on VTV1, the national television channel of Vietnam. The event was attended by Mr. Tran Thanh Man, Politburo member and Chairman of the National Assembly, along with leaders of central ministries and agencies, representatives of embassies and international organisations, and distinguished scientists from around the world.
The VinFuture Prize 2025 received 1,705 nominations from scientists, research institutions, and technology enterprises worldwide, representing an almost threefold increase relative to the inaugural year. These submissions highlight impactful cross-border research efforts focused on protecting public health, advancing next-generation intelligent materials, addressing climate change, accelerating novel energy solutions, and strengthening global food security frameworks.
The 2025 VinFuture Grand Prize valued at US$3 million is awarded to Dr. Douglas R. Lowy, Dr. John T. Schiller, Dr. Aimée R. Kreimer and Prof. Maura L. Gillison (USA) for discoveries and development of HPV vaccines for prevention of tumors caused by human papillomaviruses.
Foundational studies on HPV capsid proteins by Drs. Douglas Lowy and John Schiller led to the development of highly effective HPV vaccines, preventing millions of cervical cancer cases, especially in developing countries. Furthermore, the single-dose vaccination regimen developed by Dr. Aimée Kreimer – now recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) – has significantly expanded vaccine access for populations worldwide.
In parallel, laboratory and epidemiological studies by Prof. Maura Gillison and Dr. Aimée Kreimer established the link between HPV and head-and-neck cancers, which represent an emerging cancer threat expected to be mitigated by HPV vaccination efforts. The achievements of Dr. Douglas Lowy, Dr. John Schiller, Dr. Aimée Kreimer, and Prof. Maura Gillison have already saved millions of lives and will keep lowering the global cancer burden for decades to come.
In addition to the Grand Prize, the 2025 VinFuture Prizes will also present three Special Prizes, each valued at US$500,000, recognizing Innovators from Developing Countries, Women Innovators, and Innovators with Outstanding Achievements in Emerging Fields.
The 2025 VinFuture Special Prize for Innovators from Developing Countries is awarded to Prof. María Esperanza Martínez-Romero (Mexico) for advances in microbial ecology and symbiotic nitrogen fixation in the tropics. Prof. Martínez-Romero has discovered and described numerous new Rhizobium species, significantly expanding scientific understanding of microbial taxonomy and plant-microbe interactions in agriculture. Her work has opened new directions in the study of bacterial-plant symbiosis, with profound implications for sustainable agriculture in resource-limited settings.
The 2025 VinFuture Special Prize for Women Innovators is awarded to Prof. Mary-Claire King (USA) for identification of the breast and ovarian cancer susceptibility gene BRCA1, laying the foundation for genetic testing, screening programs, and personalized treatment. Her landmark identification of the BRCA1 locus on chromosome 17q21 in 1990, before the human genome was sequenced, is considered a historic milestone, demonstrating the genetic basis of cancer risk and transforming prevention and treatment strategies worldwide.
The 2025 VinFuture Special Prize for Innovators with Outstanding Achievements in Emerging Fields has honored Prof. Venkatesan Sundaresan (USA), Prof. Raphaël Mercier (Germany), Dr. Emmanuel Guiderdoni (France), Dr. Imtiyaz Khanday (USA) and Dr. Delphine Mieulet (France) for innovations in the development of clonal hybrid crops. Hybrid seed production for rice, the staple food for more than half of humankind, is a laborious and costly procedure resulting in a high seed cost. The team’s work has enabled rice plants to produce seeds that retain all the superior traits of the parent plant through self-pollination, grounded in new insights into developmental biology and genetics. This groundbreaking research improves yields, reduces seed production costs, and advances sustainable global food security.
Sharing his reflections on this year’s honored works, Prof. Sir. Richard Friend, Chair of the VinFuture Prize Council, stated: “The 2025 VinFuture Prize Laureates have made big advances in science that have brought direct benefits to human health and to global sustainable food crop production. From new vaccines and new understanding of genetic susceptibility to disease to new approaches for plant breeding and new protocols for healthy crop growth, these achievements exemplify the power of science driven by compassion and cross-border collaboration – showing that when knowledge serves humanity, it not only deepens our understanding of the world but also strengthens and sustains the very foundations of life itself.”
After five consecutive and widely acclaimed award cycles, the VinFuture Prize has been securing recognition among the world’s most prestigious science and technology awards, receiving 6,132 nominations from nearly 110 countries and territories across five continents, and honoring 48 outstanding laureates. The awarded innovations—spanning clean energy, artificial intelligence, biomedical technologies, and transformative advances in agriculture—are elevating quality of life, strengthening human well-being, and shaping strategic pathways for the future of humanity.
The VinFuture Prize Ceremony and VinFuture Sci-Tech Week have evolved into an established global platform for scientific exchange, bringing together scientists, policymakers, and business leaders to advance collaborations toward a sustainable, humane, and prosperous future.
Notably, after five award seasons driven by persistent efforts to connect global scientific excellence with the Vietnamese research community, the VinFuture Foundation and the VinFuture Prize have not only fostered new opportunities and momentum for national science, but have also strengthened Vietnam’s standing as a trusted destination for the world’s scientific community—where innovation is widely shared and amplified for the collective prosperity of humankind.
Hashtag: #Vinfuture
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