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Policy Address by Hong Kong SAR’s Chief Executive John Lee: Expediting the Northern Metropolis development to expand capacity for growth, innovation and talent
To fast-track development and raise the level of decision‑making, the Chief Executive said he would establish the Committee on Development of the Northern Metropolis under his leadership.
“The committee will be tasked with streamlining administrative workflows and removing unnecessary barriers and restrictions,” Mr Lee said. Under the committee, three working groups will be set up:
– Working Group on Devising Development and Operation Models to formulate development and operation models for industry parks and devise a range of financing schemes
– Working Group on Planning and Construction of the University Town to study the development mode for the Northern Metropolis University Town
– Working Group on Planning and Development responsible for managing the end‑to‑end process from planning to implementation.
“We very much look forward to public-private partnerships,” said the Financial Secretary, Paul Chan, who will lead the Working Group on Devising Development and Operation Models. “I would say it would be an evolving process depending on the market interest as well as our implementation timetable.”
Dedicated legislation will be introduced to empower the Government to devise simplified statutory procedures for accelerating the development of the Northern Metropolis.
Within the Northern Metropolis, the San Tin Technopole, spanning some 210 hectares of land for innovation and technology (I&T), will serve as a strategic base for the I&T industry.
The Chief Executive said the Government will publish the Conceptual Outline of the Development Plan for the I&T Industry in the San Tin Technopole this year. It will cover top‑level planning, industry positioning and layout, the co‑ordinated development of land parcels, and the strategies for channelling market resources to invest in the development.
With the Northern Metropolis bordering the Chinese Mainland, it also fosters cross-boundary collaboration within the Hetao Shenzhen‑Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co‑operation Zone, comprising Shenzhen Park and Hong Kong Park. “Leveraging the advantages of “one zone, two parks”, the Co‑operation Zone will promote collaboration between the two parks in the development of I&T,” Mr Lee said.
The Policy Address also outlined plans to build an international education hub by promoting the integrated development of education, technology and talents as a foundational and strategic pillar for progress in the new era.
“We will accelerate construction of the Northern Metropolis University Town, promote the ‘Study in Hong Kong’ brand, develop universities of applied sciences (UASs), and propel our city towards becoming an international hub for post‑secondary education and high‑calibre talents,” Mr Lee said.
With a distinctive competitive edge in post‑secondary education, Hong Kong is the only city worldwide that hosts five universities ranked among the world’s top 100. Universities in Hong Kong are highly popular, with a double‑digit year‑on‑year increase in the number of self‑financing non‑local applicants. As such, the Chief Executive announced that the number of non‑funded places for non‑local students to study in funded post-secondary institutions in Hong Kong on a self‑financing basis will be permitted to increase from the level currently equivalent to 40% of local student places to 50%. The Government will also earmark new sites (zoned as commercial or otherwise) this year for building new hostels, and will invite the market to submit expressions of interest.
The Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, said in a press conference today (September 19) that the adjustment in enrolment ceiling for self-financing non-local students supports post-secondary institutions in expanding their scale, enhancing quality, fostering a more international and diverse campus environment, thereby further developing Hong Kong into an international hub for post-secondary education.
Furthermore, the Education Bureau will establish the Task Force on Study in Hong Kong, to step up the promotion of higher education in Hong Kong.
The Government will also forge ahead with building a competitive low‑altitude economy ecosystem, to propel Hong Kong as an Asia‑Pacific hub for innovative low‑altitude applications.
“We will formulate the Action Plan on Developing Low‑altitude Economy to advance Hong Kong as a major hub for low‑altitude applications through institutional innovations and technological breakthroughs,” Mr Lee said.
The Government will regularise the operation of more mature application scenarios, and roll out the advanced low‑altitude economy “Regulatory Sandbox X” pilot projects to cover application scenarios that are technically more complex, such as cross‑boundary routes and passenger‑carrying, low‑altitude aircraft.
“We will also promote the development of new industrialisation, press ahead with the low‑altitude economy, support people‑oriented scientific research, and facilitate leading I&T enterprises to establish a presence in our city,” Mr Lee added.
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The Reality of the Raya Rush
The lead-up to Raya is a whirlwind of grocery runs, deep cleaning, and late nights in the kitchen. By the time the first open house begins, most women have already put in an incredible amount of effort for their families. The quiet moments in between are not just a break. They are earned.
XIXILI’s pajamas are made for those moments. Easy to move in, soft enough to wear through the night, and the kind of pieces that make coming home feel like something to look forward to. Designed to fit a wide range of body types, every woman can find something that feels as good as it looks.
“Raya is everything. The food, the family, the laughter. And at the end of it all, she deserves to rest just as well as she celebrated,” says Tara Tan, Marketing Director at XIXILI.
Comfort That Carries Through the Season
Raya may bring the occasion, but the shift happening in Malaysian wardrobes goes further than that. Women are increasingly treating sleepwear as a considered part of their self-care, not just something to change into before bed.
“We often talk about the joy of gathering, but we rarely talk about the exhaustion that comes with it,” Tara Tan adds. “Our goal for Raya 2026 is to ensure that when the last guest leaves, every woman has a high-quality piece of loungewear to retreat into. It is about honouring the work she does by giving her the rest she deserves.”
Quality loungewear for the wind-down, the slow morning, and every quiet moment in between has become one of the most considered purchases a woman makes this season.
Made to Be Worn, Not Just Owned
Good sleepwear should not sit tucked away at the back of a drawer. It should be the first thing she reaches for at the end of a long day, worn in and looked forward to. XIXILI’s range is built for exactly that, styles that settle naturally into her routine and carry her well beyond the festive season.
The full sleepwear collection is available online and at XIXILI boutiques nationwide. To shop the range, visit www.xixili-intimates.com.Hashtag: #XIXILI
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About 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.
Specifically, in addition to the existing incentives currently available, customers who switch from old gasoline vehicles to new VinFast electric vehicles during the program period will receive an additional 3% discount for cars and 5% discount for scooters. The program will be applied across all four markets: Vietnam, India, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
In line with VinFast’s pioneering spirit, GSM Green and Smart Mobility Joint Stock Company has also announced an immediate 10% reduction in fares for electric mobility services on the Xanh SM platform in Vietnam and Green SM in Indonesia from March 11 to March 31, 2026. This initiative offers customers a more environmentally-friendly and cost-effective transportation option.
The program may be extended depending on international developments and future fuel price movements.
Ms. Duong Thi Thu Trang, Deputy CEO of Global Sales, VinFast, stated: “The special ‘Trade Gas for Electric’ program launched in March across four key markets is VinFast’s timely response to geopolitical volatility that is affecting socio-economic conditions in many countries around the world. As one of the pioneering manufacturers leading the global electric vehicle revolution, VinFast together with companies in Vingroup’s green ecosystem aims to help reduce the impact of fuel prices on people’s daily lives while also lowering environmental pollution through smarter, more sustainable, and more cost-efficient mobility solutions.”
The special “Trade Gas for Electric” program will be implemented in parallel with and combined with other available incentive programs in each market. Through layered incentives, Vingroup and companies within its ecosystem aim to create favorable conditions for customers to transition quickly to electric vehicles, reduce dependence on gasoline, stabilize daily life, and contribute to building a cleaner and more civilized living environment.
Hashtag: #Vingroup
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Media OutReach
Singapore University of Social Sciences Expands Regional Footprint in China with Launch of Success Academy in Chongqing
New Academy and Shenyang satellite office strengthen SUSS’ visibility and partnerships across Western and Northeast China.
CHONGQING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 March 2026 – The Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) today launched the SUSS Success Academy in Chongqing in collaboration with Raffles Young Academy (RYA) Pte Ltd and announced the establishment of a satellite office in Shenyang. Building on its Success Academies in Beijing and Shenzhen, the Academy strengthens SUSS’ presence in China and supports its growing engagement across Western and Northeast China.
The launch was commemorated with an opening ceremony at the CCI Gallery, attended by close to 70 guests from China and Singapore, including representatives from institutions of higher learning, and industry and community partners. The ceremony was presided by Vice-Consul (Political) Ms. Mavis Tan, Consulate-General of the Republic of Singapore, Chengdu and Mr. Li Xunfu, Deputy Director of Chongqing Municipal Commission of Commerce.
Success Academy to connect partners from Singapore and China
Anchored in SUSS’ commitment to lifelong learning and creating social impact, the Academy will serve as a key nexus for academic and industry partners from both countries. Through cross-cultural collaboration and practice-oriented learning, it also aims to develop future-ready talent equipped to contribute meaningfully to society and the economy.
RYA is an education and talent development organisation aimed at nurturing future-ready talent through industry-oriented learning and international exposure. RYA will bring its networks and local expertise to support and enhance the Academy’s initiatives.
Through the Academy, SUSS will provide opportunities for students from SUSS and other Singapore pre-tertiary and tertiary institutions to co-learn and co-innovate with peers in China. These include interdisciplinary global learning courses, impact startup and venture builder programmes, industry-based immersions and student exchanges. SUSS students will also gain regional exposure through internships and other workplace learning opportunities. In addition, the Academy will support SUSS in working with universities and organisations in China to jointly design and deliver industry-relevant courses and programmes for students and executives.
Extending engagement into Northeast China with Shenyang satellite office
To further deepen its engagement in Northeast China, SUSS will launch a satellite office in Shenyang on 11 March 2026 under the Success Academy in Chongqing. This office will support SUSS’ initiatives in Liaoning Province and surrounding areas, including Dalian. In addition, three Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) will be signed with the following organisations:
- Shenyang University of Chemical Technology (SYUCT): Collaborative development of a Master’s degree programme in Social Work, fostering cross-border knowledge exchange, curriculum innovation, and talent development to address evolving social service needs.
- North-East Institute of Population and Social Development: Joint research endeavours, professional development programmes, and meaningful academia-industry partnerships to generate evidence-based solutions, build capabilities, and promote active ageing ecosystems that benefit individuals and communities.
Professor Tan Tai Yong, President of SUSS, said, “China is an important partner for SUSS as we expand opportunities for our students and strengthen collaboration across Asia. The launch of the Success Academy in Chongqing allows us to work more closely with universities, industry and community partners in Western and Northeast China, and to deliver applied, practice-oriented education that responds to real-world needs. Our partnership with Raffles Young Academy reflects our shared commitment to developing future-ready talent and supporting professional growth across the region.”
Mr. Samuel Ng, Executive Chairman, RYA, said, “Our collaboration with the Singapore University of Social Sciences reflects a shared belief in applied, practice-oriented education and in preparing students and enterprises to navigate an increasingly complex and interconnected world. Chongqing’s strategic position as a gateway to Western China and a hub for industry and connectivity makes it an ideal location for immersive, industry-linked education. This partnership represents a long-term commitment to building enduring bridges between students and industry, between academia and practice, and between Singapore and China.”
The launch of the Success Academy in Chongqing is part of SUSS’ broader expansion across Asia. Since 2023, SUSS has established Success Academies in Beijing, Shenzhen, Ho Chi Minh City Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Manila and Mumbai.
For more information, visit www.suss.edu.sg/success-academy.
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