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Save the Children’s “Journey Around the World” Addresses Deep-rooted Community Needs to Create Lasting Change for Children’s Futures

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Travel Influencers Christy Leung and “African Prince” Kunbi Journey into the Heart of Childhood

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 October 2025 – Hongkongers love to travel, and in recent years, more people are seeking in-depth experiences, venturing into local communities to feel the cultural pulse. Travel enables us to experience diverse traditions and build genuine connections with people. Similarly, helping to improve the lives of children around the world is a connection that transcends borders. Save the Children works in different regions globally to assess the social issues affecting children’s wellbeing and develop long-term changes, building deeper, more meaningful connections with children through the Journey Around the World (JAW) programme.

Christy Leung, a mother of three and travel show host, was inspired by a trip with her family where she witnessed first-hand the genuine smiles of children in hardship, deepening her convictions about children’s education and wellbeing. Meanwhile, Kunbi, known as the “African Prince” and a Nigerian influencer who has lived in Hong Kong for over a decade, shares his personal experiences to highlight the importance of love and community, calling for greater attention to the challenges faced by children worldwide.
Christy’s Unexpected Discovery: The Innocent Smiles of African Children
“What started as a family trip to Kenya to see the Great Migration of animals turned into an eye-opening experience,” Christy recalls, still moved by her African journey four years ago. Beyond the wildlife, she encountered indigenous and minority communities living in remote villages. “Some villages had only 10 to 20 people, and their homes were built from cow dung and mud. We mostly saw women and children because the men were away doing labour work.” The children’s smiles are still deeply etched in Christy’s mind. “Despite their harsh living conditions, they were easily satisfied, finding great joy in just kicking a football made of paper.”
Poverty remains a major challenge for children worldwide. In Zambia, for example, many girls are forced into early marriage due to poverty. Currently, 12 million underage girls are married, with over half becoming mothers before the age of 19. As a mother, Christy’s travels resonated with her. “These situations move me deeply. We saw young girls in African villages who, because they couldn’t go out to work, already had to shoulder family responsibilities, supporting their families by beading and selling bracelets. In a way, they lost their childhood and the chance to broaden their horizons.”
When asked what can empower children to change their future, Christy is unequivocal: “Education and knowledge. If children only know how to herd cattle and care for siblings, their lives will never change. Education can teach them life skills like farming and animal husbandry, or even allow them to become tour guides, improving the future of their entire village.” Education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty. Save the Children has been working in Zambia for over 40 years to combat child marriage and help girls return to school, while improving literacy rates. In 2024 alone, nearly 100,000* children benefited from these efforts.
Kunbi Shares Childhood Memories, Thinking of Children in Hardship
“My fondest childhood memory is growing up in a Nigerian community”, When talking about his childhood, Kunbi, the “African Prince”, who has lived in Hong Kong for over a decade, always smiles as he describes growing up in a lively and warm community atmosphere. “We lived in a large, close-knit neighbourhood with about 15 families. Every evening, we cooked and ate together while the children played nearby.” After many years in Hong Kong, Kunbi’s lifestyle blends Nigerian and Hong Kong cultures, with friends joking that he is “not a real African”. Now a content creator, Kunbi bridges cultures by sharing videos about Nigerian music, food, and language. “People often notice the differences between Hong Kong and African children, but I see the similarities. The most important thing for a child is love.”
While Kunbi considers himself fortunate to have grown up in a loving environment, he has also witnessed the harsh realities in Nigeria. “Some children have no parents, live on the streets, and survive by begging.” When he and his girlfriend Zoe returned to Nigeria to visit family, they visited a floating slum and recalled the extremely poor living conditions: “There was no electricity, no proper toilets.” Kunbi laments, “Many children don’t even know how different the environment is outside their area.”
Elsewhere in Africa, children in Ethiopia face a dual crisis of drought and conflict. Over 4.39 million people are displaced, 4.26 million primary school students are out of school, and child malnutrition is severe. Save the Children is helping by providing high-energy peanut paste to treat malnourished young children and supporting families to learn how to grow fast-maturing crops and practise beekeeping, helping communities build economic resilience. At the same time, the organisation provides children with books, school uniforms, and school meals to help them return to school. In 2024, nearly 180,000* Ethiopian children benefited from these initiatives.

Helping children through hardship is not just about resources—it’s about sending a message: “You are not alone. As Kunbi concluded, he shared a heartfelt message to all children facing challenges: “Don’t give up.” He explained that sometimes life may feel unfair, “but as long as you stay happy, strive to be a good person, and believe that you are worthy of love, you can also have happiness.”
Connecting the World with Love: Journey Around the World Protects Children’s Futures
A journey may end, but human connections can continue through sustained support. Save the Children Hong Kong’s Journey Around the World programme meets the ongoing needs of children in Mainland China, Ethiopia, Nepal, Vietnam, Zambia and regions of greatest need. It tackles challenges like malnourished children, left-behind children, education for ethnic minority children, and child marriage through survival, poverty, disaster response and protection. In 2024, Save the Children has reached over 2.8 million* children, bringing sustainable change to them and their communities.

One trip changed Christy and her then 6-year-old daughter. After returning to Hong Kong, her daughter learned to cherish what she has and no longer complains about going to school, because she understands that some children cannot. Christy believes that letting children see the other side of the world helps cultivate respect and empathy, and inspires their innate care and willingness to give. Christy praises the programme as being very meaningful: “It provides targeted support to children who truly need it, and its scope is broad, not limited to one aspect. Donors can clearly see where their contributions are going, which gives people a lot of confidence.” She believes that through the case stories and reports they receive regularly, donors can truly witness how they are changing a child, a family, and even a community, and this emotional connection is the most enduring source of support.
Hunger, lack of schooling, displacement—children in different parts of the world are facing complex challenges and need long-term, dedicated support to achieve positive and lasting change. Kunbi says frankly, “Donating is the simplest and most effective way to help. It gives children who long to go to school—or even have a safe place to live—access to food, shelter, and education.” The programme is able to gain a deep understanding of local situations and articulate long-term support.
Let us join hands through the Journey Around the World to bring hope, love, and a brighter future to children everywhere.
Notes: *The figures are from the Global Child Sponsorship Programme which has been transformed into Journey Around the World to reach more children and support the collective needs of their communities. We are not leaving any sponsored children or communities behind and we will continue to serve those enrolled in our programmes.

Hashtag: #SavetheChildren #charity #JourneyAroundtheWorld #ChristyLeung #Kunbi





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About Save the Children Hong Kong

Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. In Hong Kong and around the world, we do whatever it takes – every day and in times of crisis – so children can fulfil their rights to a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. With over 100 years of expertise, we are the world’s first and leading independent children’s organisation – transforming lives and the future.
Established in 2009, Save the Children Hong Kong is part of the global movement which operates in around 100 countries. We work with children, families, schools, communities and our supporters to deliver lasting change for children in Hong Kong and around the world.

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Midea Hiconics Teams Up with MIA Group to Bring New Solar Tech to Pakistan

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24/04/2026

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LAHORE, PAKISTAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 April 2026 – Midea Hiconics is making a major push into the Pakistani market this week at Solar Pakistan 2026. From Booth A-3-8, the energy division of Midea Group is showing off its latest hardware and has just signed a key distribution deal to get its products into more homes and businesses across the country.

Hardware Built for Local Conditions

The company isn’t just showing off standard gear; they’ve brought systems specifically designed to handle the challenges of the local energy landscape.

  • PowerX1 Hybrid Inverters: Intelligent energy management, seamlessly switching between solar, battery, and grid for stable, uninterrupted power. Supports multi-source integration and rapid power transition.
  • Powerinfi All-in-one ESS: ISO 13849 PL-d and IEC 62443 certified for functional safety and cybersecurity. Features a multi-layer battery safety system within a compact design.
  • Advanced Solar & System Protection: Incorporates N-type HOT3.0 solar cell technology for enhanced low-light performance. The system boasts an IP66 rating for superior dust and water resistance.

A New Partnership with MIA Group

The big news from the show floor is the new Annual Channel Distribution Strategic Partnership with MIA Group. MIA Group is already a household name in Pakistan for HVAC and energy, and this deal means they’ll be the main bridge for Midea Hiconics’ tech to reach the local market.

“We’re excited to get to work with MIA Group,” a Midea Hiconics spokesperson said. “They have the reach and the local knowledge we need. By putting our hardware in their hands, we’re making it much easier for people here to switch to reliable, clean energy without the usual headaches.”

Media Contact:
Midea Hiconics Press Office
Website: https://www.hiconics-global.com/
Location: Solar Pakistan 2026, Booth A-3-8
Hashtag: #MideaHiconics

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About Midea Hiconics

Midea Hiconics (SHE: 300048) has been around since 2003 and joined the Midea Group in 2020. They focus on green energy, home storage, and industrial tech, building smart tools that help people take control of their own power.

Check out https://www.hiconics-global.com/ for more info.

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Green SM And Umoney Partner To Build An Integrated Mobility And Digital Finance Ecosystem In Laos

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24/04/2026

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VIENTIANE, LAOS – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 April 2026 – Green SM Laos and Star Fintech Sole Co., Ltd (Umoney) have announced the signing of a Payment System Integration Agreement to incorporate Umoney into the Green SM application, alongside a Strategic Cooperation Agreement to develop a comprehensive digital finance and smart mobility ecosystem in Laos.

Ms. Tran Hanh An – Director of Mobility Services Sales, GSM Vietnam & Laos (left), and Mr. Ha Chien Thang – Director of Star Fintech Sole Co., Ltd, at the partnership signing ceremony.

Under the agreement, Umoney will be integrated as a direct payment method within the Green SM app. The two parties will also implement an embedded integration model enabling Umoney users to seamlessly access Green SM’s mobility services directly within the Umoney platform.

For the first time in Laos, customers will experience a fully seamless ride-hailing journey with fares processed instantly via the Umoney e-wallet upon trip completion, replacing the previously common manual bank transfer method. Users simply link their Umoney wallet to the Green SM app for fast, convenient, and fully cashless transactions. Additionally, customers using partner banking applications can pay drivers through Umoney’s QR system, delivering a flexible, fast, and secure payment experience that enhances user convenience and broadens customer reach across both platforms.

As part of the collaboration, Green SM Laos will provide comprehensive mobility solutions for Umoney’s enterprise partners and individual customers, including Green SM Car electric ride-hailing, Green SM Limo, Green SM Airport transfer services, as well as corporate travel packages and flexible, customized mobility plans. Umoney, in turn, will collaborate with Green SM to develop digital financial and payment solutions tailored for drivers within the Green SM ecosystem, encompassing e-wallet services, direct income disbursement, operational expense payments, and cash flow management tools. This synergy is designed to optimize operational efficiency while enhancing the experience for businesses, drivers, and end-users alike.

Beyond mobility and payment solutions, both parties plan to expand their shared digital services ecosystem by integrating Umoney and Unitel’s telecommunications and digital utilities into the Green SM platform, including SIM card registration, mobile top-ups, data package purchases, and other digital services, thereby enhancing the value proposition for users across both platforms.

The two companies will also jointly roll out customer benefit programs targeting Umoney users in Laos, with a particular focus on airports, transaction points, and key high-traffic locations. Through integrated service offerings and incentives promoting electric mobility, Green SM and Umoney aim to foster environmentally responsible travel habits while delivering greater value to customers within their shared ecosystem.

Mr. Ha Chien Thang, Director of Star Fintech Sole Co., Ltd, shared:”Our partnership with Green SM marks a significant milestone in Umoney’s strategy to develop a comprehensive digital finance ecosystem in Laos. The integration of payment capabilities and digital services not only enhances user convenience but also contributes to the advancement of cashless payments and the broader digital transformation of the economy.”

Ms. Tran Hanh An, Director of Mobility Services Sales at Green SM Vietnam & Laos, stated: “The partnership between Umoney and Green SM reflects a shared commitment to connecting the essential infrastructures of modern urban life, from digital finance and telecommunications to a green mobility ecosystem. Through this collaboration, we aim to expand benefits for our customers and driver community while driving meaningful green transformation that is firmly grounded in everyday mobility and consumption needs.”

Furthermore, Green SM and Umoney will collaborate on multi-channel communications initiatives to strengthen brand awareness and expand their combined customer base. Planned activities include co-branded campaigns, promotional programs for new users, digital platform communications, and on-ground experiential activations in key markets.

The partnership between Green SM and Umoney marks a significant convergence of two leading ecosystems in green mobility and digital finance in Laos, united in their pursuit of integrated service solutions that meet the increasingly diverse demands of modern urban life. This collaboration also represents a pivotal step toward fostering innovation, elevating the user experience, and contributing to the sustainable growth of the digital economy in Laos.

Hashtag: #GreenSM

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HKUST and Times Higher Education Co-Host Asia Universities Summit 2026

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24/04/2026

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Global Leaders Converge to Shape the Future of Higher Education in Asia

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 April 2026 – The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and Times Higher Education (THE) co-hosted the Asia Universities Summit 2026 from April 22 to 24. Under the theme “Igniting Global Transformation: Asia’s Leadership,” the three-day premier event explores Asia’s pivotal role in reshaping global innovation and addressing pressing societal challenges through higher education.

The Summit holds particular significance as it coincides with HKUST’s 35th anniversary and marks a decade of partnership between the University and THE since the inaugural summit. This year’s event has attracted over 600 university presidents, policymakers, and industry titans from 25 countries and regions, underscoring a collective commitment to advancing the academic landscape across the continent.

The Summit officially commenced on April 22 at HKUST’s Shaw Auditorium, with the opening ceremony officiated by Dr. SZE Chun-Fai, Jeff, Acting Secretary for Education of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government; Prof. Nancy IP, President of HKUST; Phil BATY, Chief Global Affairs Officer, and Mei Mei LIM, President, Asia Pacific, from THE.

In her opening remarks, President Ip underscored the need for cross-border collaboration and the evolving role of universities in a rapidly changing world. She said, “As HKUST celebrates its anniversary and a decade of partnership with Times Higher Education, we gather at a defining moment for our region. Asia is increasingly shaping the direction of global innovation, talent development, and societal transformation. In this era of rapid technological advancement and constant change—from artificial intelligence to climate resilience—the challenge of progress lies in anticipating needs and shaping solutions, which calls for a fundamental rethinking of how universities lead. At HKUST, we firmly believe that no single institution can address these global challenges alone; progress will come through openness, partnership, and shared responsibility.

Hong Kong is unique in being the only city in the world with five universities ranked among the global top 100, underscoring its role as a leading international hub for exchange and innovation. Building on this strength, HKUST has initiated dialogues with the world’s leading universities and invited them to Hong Kong to explore opportunities for a university town. This Summit reflects our long‑standing commitment to bringing institutions together to exchange ideas, build meaningful collaborations, and take collective action. By convening leaders from across Asia and beyond, we aim to turn thoughtful dialogue into real impact for our communities and for society at large.”

Dr. SZE Chun-Fai, Jeff, highlighted Hong Kong’s unique position as an international education hub, stating, “Universities today are not only centers of knowledge creation but also powerful drivers of innovation, resilience, and societal impact. In an era of rapid technological advancement, higher education must translate cutting-edge research into real-world solutions that address global challenges. HKUST exemplifies this excellence and achieves remarkable rankings, with its entrepreneurial story equally unmatched, demonstrating the worldwide impact of its research discoveries. Hong Kong has long served as the world’s super-connector and super-value adder, bridging East and West. Our highly internationalized and diversified post-secondary education system positions us ideally to facilitate this convergence between global academic networks and the opportunities of the Chinese Mainland and the wider region. Education, technology, and talent form a foundational triad for success. By fostering talent attraction, interdisciplinary education, industry-academic partnerships, and research collaborations with our counterparts elsewhere, we are building a vibrant ecosystem that strengthens Hong Kong’s innovation edge, contributing to Asia as well as national development.”

Phil Baty reaffirmed THE’s enduring partnership of trust with HKUST and celebrated Asia’s rising global influence, stating, “A decade ago, right here on this stunning campus, THE launched its first-ever Asia Universities Summit. Today, we are witnessing a tilt in the balance of power in global higher education and research from the West to the East. This extraordinary trajectory is driven by Asia’s booming research productivity and global ambitions. Hong Kong, with five universities now ranked among the world’s top 100, stands at the heart of this transformation—a city which we believe will remain the flagship atop the rising tide across Asia, cementing its position as a world-leading powerhouse. New knowledge creation is not a zero-sum game, as we all gain from the leapfrogging Asian university sector. This Summit is a celebration of your excellence and the glorious diversity of our academic community.”

Following the opening ceremony, President Ip joined Prof. Martin O. BERGÖ, Vice-President of Karolinska Institutet, in a keynote fireside chat on longevity science. The discussion explored how advances in biomedicine, neuroscience, and translational research can extend both lifespan and healthspan, while contributing to resilient and equitable societies. President Ip shared insights from her pioneering neuroscience research, including the University’s efforts to decode the biological basis of healthy aging. She said, “Healthy aging is not just about adding years to life, but adding life to our years. We need a paradigm shift from reactive to proactive care. At HKUST, we are focused on monitoring risks for any diseases early and implementing preventive measures. Longevity science is about extending the ‘healthspan’ and as a university, we have much to offer through our research and collaborations. We are uniquely positioned to contribute to this field.”

A spotlight on the first day was a fireside chat between Prof. Harry SHUM, Chairman of the HKUST Council, and Judson ALTHOFF, CEO of Microsoft’s Commercial Business. The dialogue delved into the transformative power of AI across both industry and academia, discussing how universities can collaborate with global technology leaders to prepare students for an AI‑pervasive world. Emphasis was placed not only on technological capability, but also on trust, critical thinking and mindset change within institutions.

Prof. Shum underscored the importance of embracing AI across disciplines, “For our university, at this time, the number one priority is really a mindset change—to focus on AI for science, engineering, business, humanities, and medicine. AI is already here. We do not have to be afraid of this technology. It is a powerful new tool for us and a wonderful thing that we must learn and master to drive growth and innovation.”

Throughout the Summit, President Ip participated in two leadership meetings with over 15 university presidents and senior leaders from institutions across Asia, engaging in candid, strategy‑focused exchanges on shared regional challenges. One session examined how Asia’s emerging innovation corridors—from the Greater Bay Area to other fast‑growing technology belts—can redefine global technology leadership, with discussions centered on governance models and cross‑border collaboration. Another session focused on shaping next‑generation cities, exploring how universities can align research, talent development and policy engagement to support sustainable urban transformation amid rapid technological and societal change. These high-level dialogues emphasized the need for strategic alignment between academic research and regional development, reinforcing the Summit’s mission to leverage Asian leadership for global transformation through collaborative institutional design and shared expertise.

Across a series of high‑level sessions, HKUST senior leadership played an active role in shaping discussions on inclusive leadership, trusted AI in higher education, research commercialization, climate resilience, and global research collaboration. The sessions examined how universities can strengthen governance frameworks to ensure the responsible and ethical use of AI, while cultivating innovation ecosystems that translate research outcomes into socio-economic impact.

The dialogue also addressed strategies for nurturing entrepreneurship, climate‑proofing rapidly growing cities through interdisciplinary engineering approaches, and sustaining borderless research collaboration amid rising geopolitical and regulatory pressures. Collectively, these contributions highlighted HKUST’s commitment to advancing responsible innovation, international partnership, and university leadership attuned to Asia’s evolving challenges and global responsibilities.

The three-day event concluded with a closing ceremony, cementing new strategic partnerships and a shared vision for the future of higher education in the region.

Download photos here: https://hkust.edu.hk/news/hkust-and-times-higher-education-co-host-asia-universities-summit-2026
Hashtag: #HKUST

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