Media OutReach
Jockey Club Multiple Pathways Initiative – CLAP-TECH Pathway Reveals Latest Talent Survey Results in Information and Communications Technology and Creative Media Industries
Employers in the ICT and Creative Media Industries Place Greater Emphasis on Soft Skills; Growing Recognition for Higher Diploma Graduates’ Competencies
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 December 2024 – 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) has conducted its second annual survey, exploring the talent demands of the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and Creative Media industries. The survey delved into aspects including starting salaries, hiring process duration, in-demand positions and overall talent supply. It aims to provide insights into employer expectations regarding the skills of fresh graduates with higher diplomas or university degrees, while providing valuable reference for students and industries.
This year’s survey results indicate a growing recognition among employers in both industries of the capabilities of higher diploma graduates. In the age of artificial intelligence, employers are placing greater emphasis on soft skills and acknowledging the role of Vocational and Professional Education and Training (VPET) in cultivating talent with market-relevant expertise.
Starting salaries for higher diploma and university degree fresh graduates remain between HKD 17,000 and HKD 23,000
Employers’ recognition of higher diploma graduates improves compared to last year
According to the survey, approximately 60% of employers believed that higher diploma graduates possess soft and hard skills comparable to, or even stronger than, those of university degree graduates. Employers’ recognition of the soft and hard skills of higher diploma graduates has increased by 8.8 and 17.1 percentage points respectively, compared to last year.
This growing acknowledgment is evident in graduates’ starting salaries. In the Creative Media industry, most higher diploma graduates (77.2%) and university degree fresh graduates (66.8%) receive a starting salary of HKD 17,000 to HKD 23,000. Notably, the proportion of higher diploma graduates with starting salaries between HKD 20,000 and HKD 23,000 has risen by 9.7 percentage points compared to last year. In the ICT industry, the majority of higher diploma graduates (68%) fit within the HKD 17,000 to HKD 23,000 starting salary range, mirroring last year’s findings (64.7%), while over half (56.4%) of university degree fresh graduates are in the same salary bracket this year.
Regarding hiring process duration and salary increments, employers in the ICT and Creative Media sectors reported an average time of nearly three months to fill suitable vacancies, with 8.8% of ICT employers indicating that some positions may take more than six months to fill. Some 70% of responding employers expect salary increments for higher diploma and university degree fresh graduates in 2025 to be between 2% and 5.9%, aligning with market expectations.
Andrew Ho, Director of the Jockey Club Multiple Pathways Initiative – CLAP-TECH Centre, said: “We are pleased to see a significant annual increase in employers’ recognition of higher diploma graduates’ soft and hard skills. Starting salaries for higher diploma graduates have also increased this year, particularly in the Creative Media sector. This reflects a growing market demand for quality graduate talent and demonstrates that higher diploma graduates with the right skills and qualifications are becoming increasingly competitive in the job market.”
Academic achievements are a lesser priority, with soft skills gaining greater competitiveness in the age of AI
As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape education and the workplace, the survey revealed that over half (54.6%) of the surveyed employers have fully or partially integrated advanced technologies like AI and generative AI into their daily operations, while over one-third (37.4%) are considering such integration. However, as businesses increasingly adopt these technologies, employers prioritise soft skills such as “curiosity and lifelong learning”, “analytical thinking”, and “resilience, flexibility, and agility”. These skills are deemed more important than the knowledge and skills of AI and big data, which ranks fifth in importance in the next five to ten years.
During job interviews, employers have shifted their focus from candidates’ internships or practical experience to demonstrating soft skills such as communication (81.7%), problem-solving abilities (81.5%) and leadership potential (57.1%). Remarkably, the proportion of employers in the ICT and creative media sectors who value leadership potential surged, nearly doubling and increasing by over 1.7 times respectively compared to the previous year. More than 24.2% of employers in the ICT industry and 17.2% in the Creative Media industry believe that current candidates lack these skills, while academic performance and credentials are considered a lesser priority.
Employers in the Creative Media industry indicate that in the next five to ten years, talent will need to acquire “creative thinking” and “technological literacy” along with skills related to “artificial intelligence and big data”. Patrick Tam, Principal Advisor at 3 Screens Strategic Advisors Limited, an industry partner of the Jockey Club Multiple Pathways Initiative – CLAP-TECH Pathway, stated: “In today’s fast-evolving digital landscape, employers are increasingly in need of team members who possess a balanced blend of soft and hard skills. While proficiency in industry-specific skills is crucial, we also value employees who exhibit a strong sense of curiosity and a commitment to lifelong learning. As artificial intelligence becomes more prevalent in our daily workflow, it is imperative that our workforce applies their analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and judgement to ensure the responsible implementation of AI technologies. The qualities of resilience, flexibility and agility will render employees indispensable in today’s dynamic work environment.”
Andrew Ho, Director of the Jockey Club Multiple Pathways Initiative – CLAP-TECH Centre, said: “To ensure that the CLAP-TECH curriculum aligns with industry needs, we engaged with industry partners early on to gain insights into emerging career trends and the essential role of both soft and hard skills. Through a tripartite partnership among HKBU, industry partners and secondary schools, we are dedicated to nurturing talents equipped with the skills necessary for the future workforce. The findings of this survey validate our vision: industry participation is key for talent development, and the significance of soft skills must not be overlooked in today’s rapidly evolving technology landscape.”
Over 90% of employers agree that vocational education produces more graduates with in-demand skills
The HKSAR Government rebranded vocational education and training in Hong Kong as Vocational and Professional Education and Training (VPET) in 2016, establishing a diverse range of teaching models and pathways for further education. The survey shows that over 90% of respondents believe VPET helps enhance the soft and hard skills, work attitudes and daily competencies of higher diploma graduates, thereby enriching the talent pool. Some 30% of the respondents stated that VPET can “significantly improve” practical skills.
Andrew Ho, Director of the Jockey Club Multiple Pathways Initiative – CLAP-TECH Centre, said: “Our survey results indicate a greater awareness among respondents regarding initiatives such as Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS), Industrial Attachment, and Career and Life Planning Grant. However, there remains a general lack of understanding regarding VPET. This highlights the need for the government to enhance VPET and its promotion to both employers and the public, emphasising its critical role in talent development and skills enhancement. This commitment will empower every talented young individual to chart their career paths, fully leverage their strengths and meet the future demands for various professional skills.”
Funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, the Jockey Club Multiple Pathways Initiative – CLAP-TECH Pathway (CLAP-TECH) commissioned a market research company to conduct its second annual online survey in October this year, interviewing a total of 500 local employers who had been involved in the recruitment process in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and/ or Creative Media industries in the past 12 months. Over 60% of the respondents frequently hire employees (every few months or multiple times per month) and have final decision-making authority or influence in the recruitment process.
Hashtag: #claptechpathway
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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 in the curriculum. Since its establishment, over 40 industry partners have been involved in the programme, guiding and inspiring over 1,000 students from 100 secondary schools. For more details, please visit: https://www.claptech.hk/en/
Media OutReach
Monash IVF Singapore Spotlights Male Factor Infertility for National Infertility Awareness Week (NIAW)
While fertility discussions often centre on women, statistics show that male factors contribute to approximately 50% of all infertility cases. Male factor infertility can arise from a range of factors, including low sperm count, reduced sperm motility, abnormal sperm morphology, hormonal imbalances, genetic conditions, or underlying medical issues. Lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, stress, and environmental exposures may also affect sperm quality over time.
Despite its prevalence, male factor infertility is often less discussed in Singapore, which can lead to delays in assessment and treatment. Early evaluation, including semen analysis and medical consultation, can help identify potential concerns and guide appropriate next steps for couples.
To support greater awareness, Monash IVF is launching a series of digital educational content aimed at de-stigmatising male reproductive health and providing actionable insights for men to take charge of their fertility. These resources will cover common causes of male infertility, when to seek medical advice, and the types of assessments and treatment options available. By making this information more accessible, the clinic aims to encourage earlier evaluation and more open conversations about male factor infertility, both within relationships and in the wider community.
As Singapore’s demographic landscape evolves, Monash IVF Singapore is contributing to broader discussions on reproductive health. With the national Total Fertility Rate (TFR) reaching a record low of 0.87 in 2025, the need for comprehensive and patient-centred fertility care continues to grow.
Understanding Modern Fertility Challenges: Beyond Biological Factors
The decline in fertility is not merely a biological hurdle but a reflection of the intense pressures that Singaporeans face today. The “workplace rat race”, high-stress environments, and environmental factors have contributed to a trend of delayed parenthood. Many individuals are choosing to start families later due to career progression, financial considerations, and evolving life priorities. At the same time, age remains a key factor, as both egg and sperm quality may decline over time.
As such, these same pressures do not just delay parenthood; they also make it more difficult for individuals to pursue fertility treatments in Singapore. Managing appointments, coping with the physical and emotional demands of treatment, and balancing work responsibilities can become an added strain for many.
“Fertility is often treated as a private struggle, but it is a societal challenge,” says June Jonet, Marketing and Business Development Head of Monash IVF Singapore. “We are calling for greater understanding and support within the workplace. Employees undergoing fertility treatments or preservation need an environment that recognises the physical and emotional toll of this journey, rather than one that penalises them for it.”
Monash IVF’s Approach to Assisted Reproductive Care
Monash IVF Singapore’s clinical and laboratory team is led by Chief Embryologist Ng Pei Hui, supported by a team of senior embryologists and Fertility Specialists, including Dr Kelly Loi, Dr Suresh Nair, and Dr Yap Lip Kee.
The clinic applies a range of established assisted reproductive techniques to enhance success rates, tailored to individual clinical needs. These include:
- Piezo-ICSI: A fertilisation method that uses a blunt needle with high-speed vibration to gently penetrate eggs and assist sperm injection. It may be considered in cases involving fragile oocytes or advanced maternal age.
- IMSI: A technique that uses high-magnification imaging to support sperm selection, enabling embryologists to identify and avoid sperm with morphological abnormalities, such as vacuoles.
- PICSI: A method of biological sperm selection using hyaluronic acid to help identify mature sperm with a lower likelihood of DNA damage.
- Embryoscope+: A time-lapse imaging system that continuously monitors embryo development without disrupting stable culture conditions, supporting the selection of embryos with strong developmental potential for transfer.
The Power of Planning: Fertility Preservation
Alongside treatment, Monash IVF Singapore highlights the importance of proactive planning. As more women and couples choose to delay parenthood, elective egg freezing (a form of fertility preservation) has become a vital tool. At the same time, early assessment of male factor infertility, including semen analysis, can identify potential concerns and help couples prepare more confidently.
“Even with the range of treatments available today, timing still matters,” says Chief Embryologist Ng Pei Hui. “Early consultation allows patients to better understand their options and make informed decisions.”
With infertility affecting approximately 1 in 6 individuals, it is now recognised as a relatively common medical condition rather than a rare exception. This is why at Monash IVF Singapore, fertility care is not only about addressing challenges as they arise but also about supporting early planning for both men and women. With options such as elective egg freezing, male fertility assessment, and fertility health checks, the clinic aims to help Singaporeans better understand their reproductive health and make informed decisions at different stages of their journey.
For more information about Monash IVF Singapore and what they do, visit their website.
Hashtag: #MonashIVF #malefertility #mensfertility #reproductivehealth #fertilityawareness #menswellness
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About Monash IVF Singapore
Monash IVF Singapore is part of the global Monash IVF Group, a pioneer in reproductive medicine since achieving the world’s first IVF pregnancy in 1973. We provide a full suite of fertility services, combining compassionate patient care with the latest scientific breakthroughs.
Media OutReach
VinFast signs partnerships with 14 e-scooter dealers in the Philippines, accelerating nationwide network expansion
To support its planned product launch in June 2026, VinFast has continued to partner with leading motorcycle distributors in the Philippines, including Wheeltek Motor Sales Corporation; Gentrade International Phils., Inc. (Transcycle); Superbikes Corporation; Motoxpress Sales Corporation; FMN Industrial Corp.; Eduhome Enterprise, Inc.; Keymotors Incorporated; Motorpro by Abenson Ventures Inc. and Aserco; Moto Atelier Inc.; Ciclo Suerte; HG Motorzone; HGC Main Marketing (Motorboy); BLC Cycle Parts Supply; and Auto Ten Trade & Services Corp. Similar to the partners signed in January 2026, these partners have extensive networks, demonstrate strong operational capabilities, and possess longstanding experience in the motorcycle business, alongside a clear orientation toward the green transition.
VinFast and its partners will collaborate to rapidly roll out a showroom network across the market, with many outlets expected to be launched in parallel at the time of product introduction, laying the foundation for accelerated expansion of nationwide sales and after-sales services. The showrooms will be developed in high-demand areas with strong potential for green transition such as Metro Manila, Metro Davao, Rizal, Laguna, Cavite, Batangas, Metro Cebu, Bulacan, and other major urban provinces, and will adhere to VinFast’s global standards for operations and brand identity.
In the initial phase, the network will distribute a portfolio of swappable-battery e-scooters, including Evo, Feliz II, Viper, and other models expected to be launched in the near future, alongside upcoming models that will be further adapted to local infrastructure conditions and consumer usage patterns in the Philippines.
The Philippines is one of Southeast Asia’s largest motorcycle markets, characterized by strong demand for personal mobility and rapid urbanization. Amid fuel price volatility and a growing shift toward sustainable solutions, e-scooters are emerging as a promising pathway, particularly when supported by an integrated ecosystem.
VinFast is pioneering the development of a comprehensive e-scooter ecosystem in the Philippines, encompassing dealer networks, after-sales services, financing solutions, and energy infrastructure. Notably, the company aims to deploy approximately 30,000 battery-swapping stations nationwide in the near term, in collaboration with infrastructure partners, to deliver a convenient and flexible user experience.
Earlier in 2026, VinFast announced plans to expand its e-scooter business across five key international markets, including the Philippines, Indonesia, India, Thailand, and Malaysia, as part of its global strategy to scale a green mobility ecosystem.
Ms. Vo Thi Cam Tu, Managing Director of VinFast E-Scooters Overseas Market, said: “Our partnerships with 14 major dealers in the Philippines mark an important step in rapidly establishing a strong distribution and service foundation from the outset. We are not only introducing products tailored to local needs, but also developing an integrated ecosystem, from battery-swapping infrastructure to after-sales services, enabling consumers to access and adopt e-scooters in a convenient, efficient, and sustainable manner.”
In recent years, VinFast has steadily built its presence across key Southeast Asian markets, including the Philippines, through a diverse electric vehicle portfolio and strategic partnerships in infrastructure and services. The expansion into e-scooters further completes its green mobility ecosystem in the market and the region, while providing consumers with more flexible options in the transition to sustainable transportation.
Hashtag: #VinFast
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Media OutReach
4,680 young Chinese volunteers called “Little Deer” ready for Asian Beach Games
Recruited from 12 universities, including Hainan University and Hainan Normal University, as well as other local organizations, the volunteers share the common nickname “Little Deer.” The name is derived from Sanya’s nickname, “Deer City,” and is meant to reflect the volunteers’ lively, warm, and friendly spirit.
“See ya in Sanya” is both the slogan of the Asian Beach Games and the guiding principle for its volunteers. Liang Zihan, a student from Hainan Tropical Ocean University, said: “Since the launch of the volunteer recruitment drive, whether it is learning about the Games, mastering multilingual communication, or taking part in scenario-based drills and emergency exercises, I have given it my all. I hope to convey Sanya’s warmth, openness, and inclusiveness to every friend who comes from afar.”
Alongside local students, the volunteer team also includes many young people from across China brought together by the Games. Wu Yujia, a sophomore at the Hospitality Institute of Sanya, is one of them. “I want to show a warm, caring, and energetic Sanya,” she said. When asked about her future plans, she did not hesitate: “I want to stay in Sanya.” In her eyes, the city’s pleasant climate and beautiful scenery have deepened her affection for it and strengthened her commitment to volunteering.
The 6th Asian Beach Games will be held in Sanya, Hainan, from April 22 to 30, 2026. Delegations from all 45 member countries and regions of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) will take part in what is the largest and most influential beach sports event in Asia. As the first major international sporting event to be held in Hainan after the independent customs operations of the Hainan Free Trade Port, the Games are not only a celebration of Asian sport but also an important opportunity for Hainan to present an open and welcoming face to the world.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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