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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

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HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 October 2025 – Led by Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) and funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, the Jockey Club Multiple Pathways Initiative – CLAP-TECH Pathway (CLAP-TECH) today released an independently conducted first-phase evaluation report assessing the impact and effectiveness of the pilot programme over its initial five years.

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.

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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

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

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:

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Pak Tak Credit Pioneers FinTech “No-Trace Loan Query” System —— Committing to Zero Credit Rating Impact, Redefining Tier-1 Financial Standards with “Technology + Empathetic Service”

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HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 July 2026 – In direct response to the rapid evolution of digital finance, profound transformations in the credit market, and the escalating demand from clients for personal privacy and asset security, Pak Tak Credit, a premier licensed money lender in Hong Kong, proudly announces the launch of its newly upgraded FinTech “No-Trace Loan Query” System.

This milestone innovation is specifically engineered to address a critical pain point in the traditional lending market: the compromise of a client’s credit rating (TransUnion/TU score) with every single financing inquiry. By leveraging cutting-edge financial technology to streamline processes and combining it with “1-on-1 empathetic, human-centric service,” Pak Tak Credit enables Hong Kong citizens and SME owners seeking a premium financing experience to explore optimal financial solutions with zero burden and zero risk. The company firmly states that rather than engaging in blind interest rate price wars, it will redefine the service benchmarks for tier-1 financial companies through its core values of “integrity, absolute confidentiality, and a premium client experience.”

Addressing Market Pain Points: Traditional Inquiries Penalize Credit Health
In today’s complex and volatile economic environment, maintaining an excellent credit rating is paramount to securing financing, whether for personal wealth planning, property mortgages, or enterprise working capital. However, market observations reveal that traditional financial institutions or banks frequently perform a “Hard Inquiry” on a client’s credit bureau profile during the preliminary inquiry or quotation stage.

This conventional approach leaves a permanent footprint on the client’s credit report. When clients attempt to shop around and compare rates across multiple institutions within a short period, these inquiries accumulate rapidly, leading to a sharp decline in their credit score (commonly known as a “damaged credit profile”). This not only erodes the credit health that clients have meticulously maintained over the years but can also severely jeopardize future bank mortgage approvals or commercial loan applications.

Pak Tak Credit firmly believes that a tier-1 brand’s duty lies in prioritizing the client’s peace of mind and anticipating their needs. The newly introduced “No-Trace Loan Query” system dismantles these traditional barriers. By utilizing advanced financial technology to conduct “Soft Evaluations,” clients can obtain highly accurate credit evaluations and interest rate proposals with absolutely zero impact on their credit ratings and full peace of mind.

Technical Analysis: What is the FinTech “No-Trace” Soft Evaluation Mechanism?
Unlike traditional institutions that immediately request a formal credit report at the outset, Pak Tak Credit’s “No-Trace Loan Query” system utilizes an advanced big data risk control model. During the preliminary evaluation and pre-approval stage, the system only conducts a “Soft Inquiry” using partial information authorized by the client alongside proprietary internal algorithms.

The distinct advantage of this mechanism is twofold: it empowers the risk management team to accurately assess repayment capabilities and deliver genuine quotes, while guaranteeing that absolutely no footprint visible to other financial institutions is left on the individual’s TransUnion (TU) report. In other words, whether or not the client ultimately proceeds with the application or accepts the approved credit line, their credit rating remains 100% intact and perfectly protected.

Four Core Advantages: Smart Big Data Fused with Personalized Human Service
The launch of this new service represents more than just a technological upgrade; it is a revolution in “human-centric” financial experience, featuring four key pillars:

  • “No-Trace” Soft Inquiries to Safeguard Credit Assets: We guarantee zero adverse impact on the client’s credit rating during the preliminary consultation and pre-approval phases, making the process of exploring financing options as worry-free as online shopping.
  • Big Data Intelligent Pre-Approval for Instant Quoting: By integrating modern FinTech, clients simply input basic information online. The system automatically performs a multi-dimensional risk assessment, bypassing the traditional, tedious submission of preliminary documents to deliver instant reference credit lines, significantly accelerating capital turnover.
  • Rejecting Cold AI Responses for 1-on-1 Empathetic Service: Pak Tak Credit firmly believes that while technology drives efficiency, the core of financial service remains human connection and understanding. We refuse to rely solely on cold, automated responses. Every client inquiring through the system is assigned an experienced, dedicated account manager for “1-on-1 personalized follow-up,” crafting the most flexible and customized repayment structures tailored to the client’s true circumstances and pain points.
  • Ultimate Privacy Protection to Eliminate Industry Nuisances: The dignity of a tier-1 institution is built upon its respect for clients. Pak Tak Credit strictly enforces the highest standards of data encryption and privacy protection regulations. We pledge that all inquiry data is strictly restricted to internal evaluation purposes, will never be disclosed to third parties, and completely eliminates any form of telemarketing nuisance, restoring financial experiences to true prestige and confidentiality.


Application Scenarios: Meeting Diversified High-Value Asset Allocation Demands

This system upgrade comprehensively strengthens support for large-scale financing scenarios, precisely covering premium client segments:

  1. Property Owners & Investors: Prior to initiating property first mortgages, second mortgages, or refinancing for cash-out purposes, owners can utilize the no-trace system to evaluate property appreciation space and loan-to-value ratios without affecting subsequent bank mortgage refinancing approvals.
  2. SME Owners & Startup Founders: Facing market operational turnovers, short-term payroll obligations, or expansion needs, business owners can rapidly test large commercial loan approval limits without jeopardizing their personal credit lines.
  3. High-Net-Worth Individuals: For clients possessing diversified asset portfolios (such as precious metals or marketable securities), we provide professional, customized financing consultations featuring cross-asset synergy.


Strategic Vision: Winning the Market Through Integrity and Professionalism over Price Wars

Financial experts at Pak Tak Credit point out that the Hong Kong lending market is currently flooded with promotional slogans advertising “exceptionally low interest rates.” However, such schemes often conceal hidden handling fees, expensive consulting charges, or highly restrictive application thresholds that are practically unattainable for average applicants.

Pak Tak Credit refuses to engage in blind, malicious low-price competition. We deeply believe that true “tier-1 service” is anchored in absolute transparency of fees and the impeccable integrity and compliance of the process. Through “No-Trace Queries,” savvy borrowers no longer need to run into walls or risk a drop in their credit scores just to “test” the market. They can clearly understand their financial capabilities in the safest and most respected environment, enabling them to make the most rational wealth decisions.

Conclusion: Doing Our Duty, Standing as Your Most Reliable Financial Anchor
Financial service is more than the circulation of capital; it is a long-term commitment built on a foundation of trust. Pak Tak Credit’s brand-new FinTech “No-Trace Loan Query” System is dedicated to providing the most professional and dependable backing for every Hong Konger who pursues high efficiency, intelligence, and values privacy. Experience true tier-1 financial services starting today—begin with a no-trace query and secure your financial future with complete peace of mind.

Hashtag: #PakTakCredit

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

About Pak Tak Credit

Headquartered in Hong Kong, Pak Tak Credit is a leading professional licensed money lender in the region. The company consistently adheres to the principles of compliance, transparency, and integrity, operating strictly under the regulatory oversight of the Money Lenders Ordinance of Hong Kong to guarantee a fair and transparent transaction environment. Armed with exceptional financial technology (FinTech) capabilities and deep industry experience, Pak Tak Credit specializes in delivering property financing, large-scale commercial loans, and customized multi-asset financing solutions for individuals and SMEs. Rejecting malicious low-price competition within the industry, we steadfastly uphold “doing our duty, providing top-tier service, and ensuring ultimate confidentiality” as our core mission, striving to become the most trusted tier-1 financial partner for Hong Kong citizens and business owners alike.

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The Purest Co Launches PurestLabs, Bringing Supplement Manufacturing In-House to Strengthen Quality Control

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Singapore-founded wellness brand brings powder production in-house with new Johor Bahru facility, strengthening product development, quality control and end-to-end batch traceability

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 July 2026 – Most supplement launches begin with a new ingredient, flavour or product claim. The Purest Co’s latest move starts somewhere less visible, but increasingly important to consumers: the factory floor.

The Singapore-founded wellness brand has launched PurestLabs, its proprietary manufacturing facility in Johor Bahru, bringing its powder production fully in-house for the first time. The facility gives The Purest Co greater control over key stages of manufacturing, from ingredient handling and blending to filling, quality checks and batch traceability.

The move comes as wellness consumers become increasingly discerning, not only about ingredients and health claims, but also about where products are made, how they’re produced and how consistently quality is maintained.

In Singapore, health supplements are not subject to mandatory pre-market evaluation, approval or licensing by the Health Sciences Authority before they are imported, manufactured or sold. This places greater responsibility on brands to ensure that products are consistently produced, clearly labelled and responsibly managed.

For The Purest Co, PurestLabs represents more than a manufacturing investment. It reflects the company’s belief that trust isn’t built only through ingredients listed on a label, but through every step of how a supplement is developed, produced and quality checked before reaching consumers.

“As our community grew, so did our responsibility to deliver a consistently great product. Bringing production in-house allows us to have much closer oversight over every batch and continually improve based on what our customers tell us.” said Justin Chiam, Chief Executive Officer, The Purest Group.

At PurestLabs, The Purest Co now manages every key stage of powder production — from ingredient handling and blending to filling, quality assurance and batch traceability, all within a single facility.

While much of the production process happens behind the scenes, its impact is felt in the product details consumers notice most: how smoothly a powder mixes, how consistent it tastes, how pleasant the texture feels and whether it is easy enough to keep taking daily.

PurestLabs’ quality-control process includes raw material verification, blend homogeneity testing, moisture monitoring, microbiological testing where applicable, and batch retention samples for traceability. The facility is also being structured in line with GMP, HACCP and HALAL compliance frameworks, with certification processes currently underway.

Previously, The Purest Co worked with third-party manufacturing partners to scale its production. By bringing powder production in-house, the brand can now bring product development and manufacturing closer together, allowing it to test smaller batches, refine formulas more quickly and respond more directly to customer feedback on taste, texture and mixability.

That feedback loop has become a key part of The Purest Co’s growth. Its flagship Collagen Glow Berries has accumulated 5,343 customer reviews, while its Sicilian Orange Slimming Elixir carries 4,733 customer reviews, giving the brand a steady stream of insight into what customers expect from their daily supplements.

“Consumers today are not just buying into a product claim. They want to know wbut how it’s made and whether they can trust the process behind it,” added Chiam. “PurestLabs allows us to take greater ownership of that responsibility, from how a product is developed to how it is made, checked and improved for our customers.”

As consumer expectations around wellness continue to evolve, PurestLabs will underpin The Purest Co’s next phase of product innovation, supporting future functional supplements while giving the brand greater agility to refine formulations based on customer feedback.

The Purest Co’s full product range and more information are available at thepurest.co.

Hashtag: #purestco #purestgroup #collagen #supplement #wellness #lifestyle #singapore #health

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

About The Purest Co

is a Singapore-founded wellness brand offering a range of natural, science-backed health supplements formulated for everyday use. Spanning collagen, gut health, weight management, and women’s wellness, the brand serves health-conscious urban consumers seeking products that are transparent, convenient, and enjoyable to take daily. With the launch of PurestLabs, its proprietary manufacturing facility in Johor Bahru, The Purest Co now oversees production in-house from blending to quality assurance.

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Swire Coca-Cola and Fu-Rui-Shi Forge Long-Term Strategic Partnership

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Coca-Cola Products Introduced Across All Subway Hong Kong and Macau Outlets Starting July

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 July 2026 – Swire Coca-Cola and Subway’s Hong Kong and Macau franchisee, Fu-Rui-Shi Hong Kong Corporate Development Limited, jointly announced the signing of a seven-and-a-half-year strategic partnership agreement. Starting in July 2026, all Subway stores and online platforms in Hong Kong and Macau will fully introduce beverages from under the Coca‑Cola portfolio , offering customers a more diverse and enhanced meal pairing experience.

Swire Coca-Cola and Subway’s Hong Kong and Macau franchisee, Fu-Rui-Shi Hong Kong Corporate Development Limited, jointly announced the signing of a seven-and-a-half-year strategic partnership agreement.

Omnichannel Supply with Diverse Beverage Choices

Richard Gould, Director and General Manager of Swire Coca-Cola HK, said the company is pleased to form a long-term partnership with Subway. He noted that meaningful partnerships go beyond brand collaboration — they respond to consumer needs and enhance everyday experiences.

He added that the collaboration not only elevates the dining experience but also reflects our commitment to creating more relevant, refreshing and enjoyable meal occasions for consumers .

Richard Zhu, Chief Executive Officer of Subway China, also welcomed the collaboration, highlighting the combined strengths of both brands in delivering more diverse choices to consumers in Hong Kong and Macau.

Under the agreement, Subway outlets and online platforms in Hong Kong and Macau will offer a range of beverages from the Coca-Cola portfolio, including Coca-Cola, Sprite, Fanta, Schweppes, Authentic Tea House, Aquarius and more, along with pairing recommendations and upgrade options. Seasonal and limited-time promotions will also be introduced.

Driving Innovation to Enhance Consumer Experience

With 44 outlets across Hong Kong and Macau, this partnership combines the respective strengths of both companies to further enhance market competitiveness. Leveraging Coca-Cola’s strong brand portfolio and platforms such as Foodmarks and Coke+, the collaboration will enable more diversified partnership models.

Looking ahead, both parties aim to explore integrated promotions to drive bundled sales, as well as closer integration of physical stores and digital channels to boost consumer interaction and conversion, setting a new benchmark for cross-industry collaboration and sustainable growth. With customer experience at its core, the partnership aims to inject new energy into cross-sector collaboration within the local food and retail industry, creating long-term value for the Hong Kong and Macau markets and achieving a win-win-win outcome for brands, merchants and consumers.

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

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