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World Vision marks its 75th anniversary with World Vision Day , sharing the achievements of its global poverty alleviation efforts and expressing gratitude to its partners for walking alongside

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HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 October 2025 – Embarking the 75th anniversary of World Vision International, World Vision Hong Kong hosted World Vision Day on 11 October, 2025 (Saturday) at the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups Building in Quarry Bay. Themed “Light On, Hope Ahead”, World Vision Day featured sponsor sharing, thanksgiving ceremony, thematic talks and booth games, which successfully showcased our global achievements especially in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), and health and nutrition. The event welcomed partners from almost 300 organisations and units.

Andrew Morley (Front row, 9th from the left), supporters and partners shared the outcome of alleviating poverty in the kick-off ceremony of World Vision Day.

Centered around the theme “Light On, Hope Ahead”, World Vision Day highlighted how partners joined hands with World Vision to bring transformation and new hope to vulnerable children and their communities. The opening ceremony was officiated by Andrew Morley, President and CEO of World Vision International, and Amy Fung, the Chief Executive Officer of World Vision Hong Kong. Long-term sponsor Stephen Chan and artists who have witnessed World Vision’s work — Priscilla Wong, Michelle Wai, director Benny Lau and his family, and music producer Cedric Chan — attended and shared valuable reflections.

Stephen Chan engaged in a heartfelt conversation with Andrew Morley about the tangible impact of the Child Sponsorship Programme, and the passion and motivation behind World Vision’s 75 years of work on global poverty.

Andrew Morley reiterated that urgent humanitarian needs have rocketed almost 10 times from 3 crises annually 15 years ago to 33 crises today, but international humanitarian funding remains critically insufficient, posing immense challenges for frontline relief efforts. He recalled he met an 8-year-old girl, Esther, living between southern Kenya and the border of northern Tanzania, whose parents sold her for marriage to an old man in exchange for six cows because the family was starving. Being abused by her husband, Esther escaped and failed. After a few attempts, she went to World Vision’s local office. Eventually she was adopted by foster parents and enrolled into a local school — an outcome made possible by the support of World Vision’s child sponsorship programme. Andrew Morley said he was impressed by her smile and the thankfulness in her eyes.

As a child sponsor of 6 children, Andrew Morley said every donation had the power to help vulnerable children like Esther transform their lives. “If you think what you are doing isn’t making any difference, just remember Esther,” he added. Andrew Morley also thanked Hong Kong people and partners. “To everyone, corporate partners, schools, hospitals, child sponsors, and to those who raise money for us, and those who pray for us, for all of you I would like to say thank you,” he said.

To honour their long-standing efforts in providing vital assistance and igniting hope of vulnerable communities, certificates of appreciation and plagues were presented to partners from nearly 300 organisations and units, and commemorative pins were awarded to donors showing more than 20 years of support.

Kenny, a child sponsor supporting World Vision for 12 years, recalled visiting his sponsored daughter in Bangladesh during a once‑in‑a‑century cyclone. Despite the devastation and the clean-up at home, she insisted on keeping their meeting, and Kenny felt deeply moved. “We often think donating money for a child’s education is the best option,” he reflected. “But if the community doesn’t have a school, the child still has no way to study even when there is adequate funding. It’s something I only came to understand after becoming a child sponsor.”

During the event, a live band made up of students from Ma On Shan Tsung Tsin Secondary School that participated in World Vision’s “Joint Secondary School Famine”, performed two record hits – “Amani” and “We Are One”. The golden hit “Amani” was written by the well-known local band Beyond after joining World Vision’s trip to Kenya in 1991, while “We Are One” was the theme song created for “30-Hour Famine” by another local band RubberBand, following their visit to Zimbabwe. Both songs conveyed messages of hope for world peace and solidarity. The event was further uplifted when 24 children of Benji’s Choir with speech impairments performed “This Little Light of Mine”, a song World Vision’s founder Dr. Bob Pierce taught children in Xiamen in 1947.

World Vision has been actively promoting the concept of legacy giving, which enables donors to bring long-term change to the fragile communities through early planning of personal assets. A seminar was co-hosted with “ForeverGift.hk” on 3 Instruments of Peace on World Vision Day, where a practicing lawyer explained the importance of making a will and enduring power of attorney, as well as making advance medical directives. Over 100 people attended the seminar.

Moreover, World Vision reaffirmed its commitment to serving the world’s most vulnerable children and communities and contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) via five priority areas: Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Education, Health and nutrition, Livelihoods, and Child Protection. Workshops at the event introduced educators to these work towards SDGs, and interactive game booths engaged the public on issues such as disaster relief and water resources.

Brief history of World Vision International and World Vision Hong Kong

While on a trip to China in 1947, a young American reporter and American Baptist minister, Dr Bob Pierce, met a poor girl named Baiyu (meaning white jade) during a visit in Xiamen, who was expelled by her family as she wanted to go to school. Pierce wanted to help this precious soul, so he gave Ms Tena Hoelkedoer, a female missionary in Xiamen, all that he had, which was just five dollars. Ms Tena used it to buy food and clothes for Baiyu and send her to school. Afterwards, Pierce sent the same amount each month after returning home so that she could continue to look after Baiyu.

This encounter marked the turning point in Pierce’s life. In 1950, he founded World Vision, with the aim of helping poverty-stricken children around the world. That five dollars set the prototype of the Child Sponsorship Programme. The first Child Sponsorship Programme began a few years later in response to the needs of hundreds of thousands of orphans at the end of the Korean War in 1953. It was later extended to other Asian countries, and places such as Latin America, Africa, Eastern Europe and the Middle East.

In 1962, Typhoon Wanda hit Hong Kong severely. World Vision distributed relief supplies in Hong Kong, and later set up its first field office in the territory. With the economic recovery in Hong Kong, World Vision Hong Kong turned itself into a fundraising office in 1982, supporting the relief and development work of World Vision offices worldwide. World Vision Hong Kong also promotes public education, raising public awareness about global issues such as poverty, hunger, health and child rights.

Hashtag: #WorldVision

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YF Life Clinches Hong Kong Economic Journal’s “Outstanding Application of Diversified Investment Strategies” Award Once Again

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Driving Sustainable Long-Term Value for Clients via the Innovative “Invesurance” Philosophy

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 26 June 2026 – YF Life Insurance International Limited (YF Life) has once again been recognized at the Hong Kong Economic Journal (HKEJ) Insurance Excellence Awards 2026, clinching the prestigious “Outstanding Application of Diversified Investment Strategies” Award1. This accolade reaffirms YF Life’s leadership in insurance investment landscape, underscoring the company’s success in leveraging systematic asset allocation to generate long-term value for clients for its clients through its unique “Invesurance” (Insurance + Investment) philosophy.

Ms. Karen Lam, Vice President of Marketing at YF Life, accepts “Outstanding Application of Diversified Investment Strategies” Award at the Hong Kong Economic Journal (HKEJ) Insurance Excellence Awards 2026 ceremony.

Mr. Dennis Luk, Chief Investment Officer of YF Life, stated: “We are deeply honored to receive this prestigious recognition for the second consecutive year. At the core of YF Life’s investment strategy is the profound integration of ‘insurance’ and ‘investment’. Moving beyond traditional models, we utilize a dynamic, multi-asset allocation framework that spans fixed income, public equities, and private markets. Under our ‘1+N’ architecture, we partner with Barings2 to manage high-quality bond portfolios, while simultaneously collaborating with leading global asset management institutions to deploy capital across private equity and alternative investments. This strategic approach optimizes risk-adjusted returns and effectively mitigates market volatility.”

YF Life’s financial strength continues to be validated by leading international rating agencies. Following eight consecutive years of receiving an “A-” (Strong) Insurer Financial Strength (IFS) rating from Fitch, YF Life has also secured its “A3” Insurance Financial Strength Rating (IFSR) from Moody’s. These milestones are a testament to YF Life’s robust financial position, prudent capital management, and stringent risk-control capabilities.

Looking ahead, YF Life remains committed to deepening its “Invesurance” philosophy. The company will continue to focus on delivering sustainable and stable asset growth for clients, further building a forward-looking and resilient wealth management blueprint.

Organized by the Hong Kong Economic Journal, the Insurance Excellence Awards aim to honor outstanding enterprises within the insurance sector, recognizing industry peers who consistently innovate and enhance the quality of their products and services. This year, more than 10 awards were presented following a rigorous selection process conducted by a panel of professional judges.

Notes:
[1] https://features.hkej.com/template/features/html/isa2026/index.html
[2] https://www.barings.com/en-hk/guest

Hashtag: #YFLife

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Singapore Institute of Management: Student Life and Campus Communities Becoming a Key Deciding Factor in Higher Education

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SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 26 June 2026 – Beyond academic rankings and programme offerings, students today are placing increasing emphasis on campus life, wellbeing support, and a sense of belonging when choosing where to pursue higher education.

This shift reflects a broader trend across the sector, where institutions are being evaluated not only on academic outcomes, but also on their ability to provide holistic student experiences that support mental wellbeing, social integration, and career readiness.

At the Singapore Institute of Management (SIM), student engagement has become a central pillar of the learning experience, with a wide network of student led clubs and communities designed to support both personal and professional development.

A Growing Priority: Belonging and Wellbeing
Industry observations indicate that students, particularly those transitioning from secondary education or arriving from overseas, often face challenges such as social isolation, cultural adjustment, and limited peer support networks. Research also highlights that being away from familiar support systems and adapting to a new cultural and academic environment can be an isolating process, contributing to increased stress, anxiety, and reduced perceived social support

To address this, SIM has developed a structured student life ecosystem supported by its Student Development initiatives and programmes such as Project1095, which emphasises learning beyond the classroom and holistic growth. With close to 80 student clubs and co-curricular activities available, students are provided with multiple avenues to build connections and integrate into campus life.

From Co-Curricular Activities to Career Readiness
Student clubs are increasingly seen as more than recreational clubs, playing a meaningful role in preparing students for the workforce. Participation in such communities enables students to develop transferable skills aligned with employer expectations, including leadership, collaboration, and communication.

At SIM, student led initiatives span a broad spectrum, from arts and cultural groups that foster creativity and teamwork through performances and events, to sports and wellness communities that promote physical resilience and discipline. Leadership platforms such as student councils provide opportunities for students to organise initiatives and represent the student body, while international student communities support cultural integration and inclusivity.

In addition, special interest and professional clubs offer exposure to industry trends and peer led learning. Collectively, these platforms provide practical experiences that complement academic programmes and contribute to graduates’ overall employability.

Reflecting a Broader Shift in Higher Education
The increasing importance placed on student life reflects a wider evolution in higher education, where institutions are expected to support both academic achievement and personal development.

By investing in student communities and engagement, institutions like SIM are responding to this shift, providing environments where students can not only gain qualifications, but also build networks, resilience, and a strong sense of identity.

As prospective students weigh their options, the availability of vibrant campus communities and support systems is likely to remain a key differentiator in the higher education landscape.

Reference:

  1. The experience of loneliness among international students participating in the BBC Loneliness Experiment: Thematic analysis of qualitative survey data – https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666518223000189?
  2. Mental health concerns and needs of international students in higher education settings: A scoping review protocol – https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12334020/
  3. SIM CCA – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/life-at-sim/co-curricular-activities
  4. SIM Project 1095 – https://project1095.simge.edu.sg/

Hashtag: #SIMGlobalEducation #SIMGE #GlobalEducation #InternationalDegree #CareerReady #FutureSkills

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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 17,000 full- and part-time students and adult learners, of which approximately 41% 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

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Nexus Aesthetic Clinic to Host Pro Bono Aesthetic Literacy Talk for Women in Singapore

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SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 26 June 2026 – Nexus Aesthetic Clinic will host a pro bono public education talk for women in Singapore titled Ask Before Aesthetics: What Consumers Should Know Before Considering Medical Aesthetic Treatments.

The session is designed to help members of the public ask clearer questions before deciding whether a medical aesthetic treatment is appropriate for them. Rather than focusing on any one procedure, the talk will cover consultation-first decision-making, how medical assessment should come before choosing treatments such as fil, and why natural-looking outcomes depend on suitability, restraint, and medical judgement.

As aesthetic treatments become more visible across social media and everyday conversation, consumers are often exposed to trend-led content before receiving a proper clinical assessment. Nexus Aesthetic Clinic says the pro bono session aims to bring the conversation back to patient suitability, risk-aware planning, and thoughtful decision-making.

The talk will be led by Dr Samantha Tay, Medical Director of Nexus Aesthetic Clinic. Attendees will learn what a responsible consultation should cover, including treatment history, skin condition, facial structure, medical considerations, expected trade-offs, and when a conservative approach may be more appropriate.

“Patients today are more informed than before, but they are also exposed to more aesthetic trends than ever,” said Dr Samantha Tay. “A good aesthetic decision should not begin with a treatment name. It should begin with a proper assessment of the patient’s face, skin quality, concerns, medical history, and whether treatment is appropriate in the first place.”

Community organisations interested in hosting similar pro bono education sessions may reach Nexus Aesthetic Clinic through the collaboration page.
Hashtag: #NexusAestheticClinic

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About Nexus Aesthetic Clinic

Nexus Aesthetic Clinic is a natural-led medical aesthetic clinic located at TripleOne Somerset in Singapore. Led by Medical Director Dr Samantha Tay, the clinic focuses on consultation-led aesthetic care, conservative treatment planning, and natural-looking outcomes.

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