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Nearly One Quarter of a Billion School-Aged Children Impacted by Crises Worldwide Require Urgent Support to Access Quality Education: An Increase of 35 Million Over 3 Years

On International Day of Education, Education Cannot Wait launches a new Global Estimates Report, sounding the alarm on growing needs that are outpacing education aid funding.

NEW YORK, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The number of school-aged children in crises worldwide who require urgent support to access quality education is rising rapidly, according to a new Global Estimates Report issued today by Education Cannot Wait (ECW), the global fund for education in emergencies and protracted crises in the United Nations. The new report reveals that this number has increased by an estimated 35 million over the past three years, reaching 234 million by the end of 2024.

Out of the 234 million crisis-impacted children and adolescents identified in the report, 85 million (37%) are completely out of school.
Out of the 234 million crisis-impacted children and adolescents identified in the report, 85 million (37%) are completely out of school.

Compounding conflicts, coupled with more frequent and severe extreme weather and climate events, jeopardize the present and future of this rapidly growing number of children. Refugees, internally displaced children, girls and children with disabilities are among the most affected, the report states.

While needs are increasing, the new report highlights that after several years of significant growth, humanitarian education aid funding has now stagnated. The share of total Official Development Assistance (ODA) allocated to education has also declined in recent years. According to the United Nations, there is a US$100 billion annual financing gap to achieve the education targets in low- and lower-middle income countries outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“On this International Day of Education, we are sounding the alarm. Nearly a quarter of a billion girls and boys in crises worldwide are being denied their basic right to quality education. Additional funding by public and private sector donors is urgently needed to provide them with the protective, quality learning opportunities they deserve. Unlocking their potential to thrive and become positive changemakers is the most transformative investment we can make to accelerate progress towards achieving the SDGs,” said Yasmine Sherif, Executive Director of Education Cannot Wait.

The report emphasizes that exposure to armed conflict, forced displacement, climate-induced hazards, epidemics and socio-economic challenges poses long-term threats to children’s health, education and well-being. It further highlights that crises are becoming increasingly intense, widespread and interconnected. Over the past five years, the number of global conflicts has doubled with 50 countries experiencing extreme, high or turbulent levels of conflict in 2024.

A Silent Global Emergency 
Out of the 234 million crisis-impacted children and adolescents identified in the report, 85 million (37%) are completely out of school. Among these 85 million:

  • 52% are girls.
  • 17% (i.e. 15 million) are refugees or internally displaced.
  • Over 20% are children with disabilities.

Five protracted crises – Sudan, Afghanistan, Ethiopia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Pakistan – account for nearly half of these out-of-school children.

Nearly one-third of crisis-affected children of primary school age are out of school (52% are girls). Access to secondary education is equally dire: 36% of children of lower-secondary school age and 47% of upper-secondary school-aged children are unable to access education.

Even when they are in school, many children affected by crises are falling behind. Only 17% of crisis-affected primary school-aged children achieve minimum reading proficiency by the end of primary school. Notably, girls in primary school consistently outperform their male peers, comprising 52% of this group.

About half of the crisis-affected school-aged children globally live in sub-Saharan Africa. The report identifies the subregion as facing the most complex challenges in guaranteeing every child’s right to education.

The report also underscores how climate change is amplifying the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, pushing even more children out of school. In 2024, heavy flooding devastated regions of the Sahel, East Africa and Central Asia, while severe droughts gripped Northwestern and Southern Africa, as well as parts of the Americas. The compounded effects of these crises have exacerbated food insecurity and driven record levels of displacement globally.  

To address these interconnected challenges, ECW and its strategic global partners are calling for US$600 million in additional funding to deliver on the goals outlined in the Fund’s four-year strategic plan. With increased financing from public donors, the private sector and high-net-worth individuals, ECW and its partners aim to reach 20 million crisis-affected children with the safety, opportunity and hope of a quality education by 2026.

 

PANTAI HOSPITAL KUALA LUMPUR RECOGNISED AS ASIA’S TOP PRIVATE HOSPITAL FOR 2025 BY NEWSWEEK

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur (PHKL) is proud to announce its recognition as Asia’s Top Private Hospital for 2025, awarded by Newsweek in collaboration with Statista. This accolade underscores PHKL’s unwavering dedication to delivering world-class healthcare, pioneering medical advancements, and exceptional patient care.

Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur
Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur

The prestigious ranking highlights hospitals across Asia renowned for excellence in specific disciplines. PHKL was lauded for its exceptional expertise in knee surgeries and knee replacements, solidifying its position as a leader in orthopaedic care. This recognition reflects the hospital’s commitment to adopting cutting-edge technologies and patient-centred approaches that align with its mission to provide sustainable healthcare solutions.

PHKL’s orthopaedic team has long been at the forefront of medical innovation, performing minimally invasive procedures and introducing advanced robotic-assisted surgeries such as  its use of the Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery System, which combining with advanced imaging technology with robotic assistance, enables orthopaedic surgeons to create customised surgical plans tailored to each patient’s unique anatomy. The Mako system supports a range of robotic orthopaedic surgeries, including Robotic Knee Replacement (both Partial and Total Knee Arthroplasty) and Hip Arthroplasty, ensuring precision, improved outcomes, and faster recovery times for patients.

These advancements not only enhance precision but also significantly improve patient recovery times. Patients benefit from tailored treatment plans and state-of-the-art care delivered in PHKL’s newly remodelled facilities, ensuring both comfort and optimal outcomes.

PHKL was previously ranked in the Top 5 for World’s Best Hospitals – Malaysia by Newsweek in 2024. These accolades reinforce PHKL’s legacy of excellence and its role as a trusted healthcare provider for generations.

As PHKL looks to the future, it remains steadfast in its dedication to advancing healthcare through strategic investments in technology, facility upgrades, and collaborative partnerships. The hospital’s continued focus on sustainability ensures it will meet the evolving needs of patients and set new benchmarks in medical excellence.

For more information on Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur and its award-winning services, visit www.pantai.com.my/kuala-lumpur.

Download the press release and images from this link.

About Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur

Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur has been the heartbeat of Kuala Lumpur, steadfastly delivering exceptional care to patients from all walks of life. Since its inception in 1974 with just 68 beds and 20 medical specialists, the hospital has grown into a healthcare icon today with 507 beds, over 200 consultants and counting. Our pursuit of quality healthcare, clinical excellence, and cutting-edge technology is underscored by our service quality and dedication towards clinical research.

This has earned us accreditations from the Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH) and the Joint Commission International (JCI). Additionally, we hold certification as a Baby-Friendly Hospital and is a preferred hospital in Malaysia by the World Health Organization (WHO). As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur looks to the future, unwaveringly committed to continuing its legacy of excellence with world-class healthcare services and innovative treatments for generations to come. Learn more at www.pantai.com.my/kuala-lumpur.

Dahua Technology Joins Hands with WWF to Expand Sustainability Efforts Globally

HONG KONG, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Dahua Technology, a world-leading video-centric AIoT solution and service provider recently held its first strategic meeting with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) to explore comprehensive collaboration on sustainability.

Representative of WWF presented Dahua with a certificate of appreciation and a specially designed trophy featuring the critically endangered species Yellow-breasted Bunting, as a recognition of Dahua’s outstanding contributions to global sustainability and ecological protection in the past.

Representative of WWF presented the trophy to Mr. Bob Chen, Senior Vice President of Dahua Technology and President of Global Business
Representative of WWF presented the trophy to Mr. Bob Chen, Senior Vice President of Dahua Technology and President of Global Business

During the meeting, both parties exchanged ideas on strengthening collaboration and shared practices in advancing sustainability. Dahua introduced its innovative AIoT solutions applied in Antarctica, Hainan Bawangling National Forest Park, and the Giant Panda Nature Reserve. These technologies enabled precise and remote monitoring of rare species such as penguins, Hainan gibbons, and giant pandas, and offered critical data for wildlife conservation. WWF shared its focus on biodiversity conservation, renewable energy, and pollution reduction, along with its efforts to protect and restore the Mai Po Nature Reserve and its wetlands.

“Sustainability is a shared responsibility for enterprises worldwide,” said Mr. Bob Chen. “Dahua is committed to working with organizations like WWF, combining our strengths in technology and resources to contribute to ecological conservation and promote sustainable practices across industries and communities.”

Beyond self-initiated projects, Dahua actively promotes collective action across the industry, rallying its partners to drive greater societal impact. Through the “Pro Techies” global campaign, Dahua encouraged its installer community to earn points through the Dahua Partner APP and convert them into a fund to support WWF’s key conservation projects, such as the “Wetlands for Asian Flyways” and the restoration and preservation of wetland ecosystems along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway.

WWF representative stated that addressing today’s environmental challenges requires creativity and technological innovation. The achievements showcased by Dahua are truly inspiring, demonstrating the power of technology in advancing sustainability. WWF also expressed anticipation for future collaboration to explore new pathways and create meaningful impacts in ecological preservation.

This partnership will focus on wetland restoration, biodiversity monitoring, innovative eco-technologies and meanwhile explore ways to expand broader public engagement, such as joint educational initiatives, and community-driven conservation campaigns.

As a socially responsible enterprise and practitioner in fostering the harmony between humans and nature, Dahua has actively harnessed its advanced AIoT technologies and solutions in ecological protection including biodiversity monitoring, wildlife conservation, combating illegal logging, and anti-poaching efforts in protected areas. The technology is widely used in endangered species research to provide valuable data for conservation strategies and to enable more effective safeguarding of fragile ecosystems.

Moving forward, Dahua will continue to uphold its mission of “Enabling a smarter society and better living”, and contribute to a greener, safer, and more sustainable future for all by collaborating with global partners and more innovative approaches.

KPMG in Singapore Introduces Strategic Guide to Boost Digital Talent and Inspire Green Innovation


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 January 2025 – KPMG in Singapore (KPMG) has launched a strategic guide, Advancing Digital Sustainable Talent for the Future, to support local businesses in developing digital talent while embedding sustainability into their operations. Created with contributions from the Infocomm Media Development Authority of Singapore (IMDA) and the Singapore Computer Society (SCS) Sustainable Tech SIG, the guide is closely aligned with national priorities such as the Forward Singapore exercise and the Singapore Green Plan 2030.

From Left to Right: Mr Francis Lee, SCS Executive Director Mr Benjamin Soh, Sustainable Tech SIG, Committee Member Ms Ang Guat Ling, Sustainable Tech SIG, Committee Member Mr Kenneth Ng, Vice-Chairman, Sustainable Tech SIG, Committee Joey Tan, Chairman, Sustainable Tech SIG, Committee Lim Bee Kwan, Vice-President, SCS Executive Council Sam Liew, President, SCS Executive Council Dr Janil Puthucheary, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Digital Development and Information of Singapore Lee Sze Yeng, Managing Partner, KPMG in Singapore Lyon Poh, Partner, Head of Corporate Transformation, KPMG in Singapore James Wilson, Partner, Technology Consulting Nicki Doble, Principal Advisor, Corporate Transformation, KPMG in Singapore Dr. Deven Chhaya, Partner, Infrastructure Advisory, KPMG in Singapore
From Left to Right:
Mr Francis Lee, SCS Executive Director
Mr Benjamin Soh, Sustainable Tech SIG, Committee Member
Ms Ang Guat Ling, Sustainable Tech SIG, Committee Member
Mr Kenneth Ng, Vice-Chairman, Sustainable Tech SIG, Committee
Joey Tan, Chairman, Sustainable Tech SIG, Committee
Lim Bee Kwan, Vice-President, SCS Executive Council
Sam Liew, President, SCS Executive Council
Dr Janil Puthucheary, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Digital Development and Information of Singapore
Lee Sze Yeng, Managing Partner, KPMG in Singapore
Lyon Poh, Partner, Head of Corporate Transformation, KPMG in Singapore
James Wilson, Partner, Technology Consulting
Nicki Doble, Principal Advisor, Corporate Transformation, KPMG in Singapore
Dr. Deven Chhaya, Partner, Infrastructure Advisory, KPMG in Singapore

The guide highlights how many businesses already possess essential digital talent – such as AI specialists, software developers, and network engineers – and offers actionable strategies to upskill them for evolving technological demands. It also advocates for businesses to adopt ‘Green by Design’ principles, where sustainability is built into core operations and workforce strategies from the start, rather than being treated as an afterthought.

This guide seeks to equip businesses with insights to plan ahead, offering observations of the current landscape, guidance on incorporating sustainability into business strategies, and actionable recommendations to address digital and green priorities. It supports Singapore’s vision of fostering a skilled workforce ready to leverage AI to drive sustainable innovation and long-term economic resilience.

Lyon Poh, Partner and Head of Corporate Transformation at KPMG in Singapore, remarked, “The green transition is a strategic inflection point for Singapore businesses. To succeed, companies must embed sustainability into their core strategies, not as an afterthought, but as a foundation for innovation and growth. By remapping the mindsets and skillsets of their existing workforce, leveraging digital talent to drive green innovation, and aligning with national frameworks such as the Green Plan 2030, businesses can transform challenges into opportunities. Practical steps include investing in energy-efficient technologies, redesigning operations for circularity, and collaborating across sectors to scale impactful solutions. Singapore’s strong policy environment and tech-capable workforce uniquely position it to lead in this space, creating economic value while ensuring long-term resilience. Businesses that act decisively now will not only secure a competitive edge but also contribute meaningfully to Singapore’s sustainable growth story.”

Joey Tan, Chairman, SCS Sustainable Tech SIG, said: “For a successful sustainability transformation, practitioners need to combine specialised knowledge with multidisciplinary skill sets. Green skills, including those related to green software, are essential for building a sustainable future and supporting Singapore’s transition to a resource-efficient society.”

Strategic Guide Overview – Driving Green Transformation
The guide outlines four key focus areas to help businesses succeed in integrating digital and green priorities:

1. Landscape Analysis
Examines Singapore’s digital and green initiatives while addressing global commitments like the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals. Identifies workforce gaps and proposes tailored solutions to improve alignment between talent development and sustainability strategies.

2. “Green by Design” Principles
Inspired by Singapore’s “Secure by Design” framework, these principles advocate embedding eco-conscious practices early in procurement, systems development, and operations, ensuring sustainability underpins all processes.

3. Digital Talent Roadmap
Offers a clear framework for businesses to upskill existing digital roles with emerging green competencies. For example, software engineers can optimise algorithms for energy efficiency, while network specialists can architect sustainable systems. This roadmap is designed to support Singapore’s Skills Frameworks.

4. Recommendations for Businesses
Practical steps include fostering a culture of green innovation to seek competitive advantage, advancing cross-sector collaborations to scale sustainable solutions and aligning processes with national initiatives like the Singapore Green Plan 2030.

Strategic Imperatives for Businesses
To seize the opportunities presented by the green economy and AI, Singapore businesses must act boldly. Key imperatives include:

  • Embedding Sustainability Across Functions

Integrate sustainability as a guiding principle across all departments to seek performance improvement opportunities instead of treating it as mere compliance.

  • Investing in Green Innovation

Commit resources to sustainable R&D and foster a culture of eco-friendly problem-solving at every level.

  • Uplifting and Leveraging Talent

Fully utilise current talent by embedding green mindsets and skillsets into digital roles, ensuring employees have the expertise to lead in this transformation.

  • Leading with Purpose

Purpose-driven organisations that align profitability with societal responsibility will differentiate themselves in this unprecedented economic shift.

A Wider Economic and Social Vision
The green economy has far-reaching implications. Its benefits include:

  • Economic Evolution

Industries such as renewable energy, green logistics, and low-carbon technologies are expected to expand, creating opportunities for market growth and adaptation.

  • Global Competitiveness

Nations and businesses adopting innovative sustainability practices will lead in setting benchmarks for global operations.

  • Social Equity

A green transition opens up new pathways of inclusivity, enabling diverse talents to play a role in shaping the global economy.

A Call to Action
The guide emphasises that the challenges posed by the green transition offer unprecedented opportunities for growth and leadership. By upskilling workforces, embedding Green by Design methodologies, and leveraging existing digital capabilities, businesses can remain competitive and contribute meaningfully to national and global sustainability goals.

KPMG’s strategic guide provides a roadmap to help enterprises lead in the green transition by making sustainability a core pillar of their operations and talent strategies. Download the guide here to take the first step in driving innovation while building a sustainable future.
Hashtag: #KPMG

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

About KPMG in Singapore

KPMG in Singapore is part of a global organization of independent professional services firms providing Audit, Tax and Advisory services. We operate in 142 countries and territories with more than 275,000 partners and employees working in member firms around the world. Each KPMG firm is a legally distinct and separate entity and describes itself as such. KPMG International Limited is a private English company limited by guarantee. KPMG International Limited and its related entities do not provide services to clients.

The State Grid Changzhou Power Supply Company has implemented measures to guarantee smooth and reliable “charging services” for the Spring Festival travel season

CHANGZHOU, China, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As people return home with a year’s harvest and joy, highway traffic has surged, especially at key traffic nodes such as the Fangmaoshan service area on the Hurong Expressway in Changzhou, Jiangsu Province. The number of new energy vehicles (NEVs) requiring charging has significantly increased compared to usual.

At the Fangmaoshan service area, numerous vehicles are parked for rest and charging. State Grid Changzhou Power Supply Company has installed eight charging stations to support NEV owners traveling during this period. One NEV owner remarked, “There are plenty of charging stations, and there wasn’t much queuing today. I charged my car for about half an hour, reaching 80% capacity, which provides a range of approximately 400 kilometers. Getting home will be no problem.”

To alleviate charging pressure, State Grid Changzhou Power Supply Company has also installed a temporary high-power charging facility with four charging guns, each capable of delivering 240 kilowatts. This allows up to 20 NEVs to charge simultaneously, reaching 80% capacity within half an hour. According to Yin Yehong, the Comprehensive Director of State Grid Changzhou Electric Vehicle Service Co., Ltd., similar temporary charging facilities have been set up at other key service areas like Gehu to ensure timely charging for NEVs.

In anticipation of the Spring Festival travel peak, the company’s operation and maintenance personnel conduct regular inspections and targeted maintenance at charging stations with high usage. Additionally, the company has increased operation and maintenance staff, optimized the scheduling system for charging stations, and ensured fast response times to guarantee the normal operation of charging facilities during the holiday season.

Loca Donation: Redeem for a Good Cause

Loca Donation: Redeem for a Good Cause

Loca Co., Ltd. is excited to introduce Loca Donation, where you can turn your points into the power of giving. With just a few clicks, you can use your points to help those in need, making every ride a chance to make a difference.

Setting a Global Benchmark: Ordos-Envision Net-Zero Industrial Park Featured by WEF for Three Consecutive Years

GENEVA, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The World Economic Forum (WEF) released its white paper “Unleashing the Full Potential of Industrial Clusters: Infrastructure Solutions for Clean Energies” at Davos 2025, highlighting how stakeholders have successfully leveraged industrial clusters to address the infrastructure challenge and to achieve outcomes that would be unattainable in isolation. Among them, the Ordos-Envision Net-Zero Industrial Park, was recognized for the third consecutive year. As the world’s first net-zero industrial park, it stands a symbol of Envision Energy’s leadership in unlocking the potential of industrial clusters globally, setting a new benchmark for the innovative innovative net-zero industrial park model.

Ordos-Envision Net-Zero Industrial Park Featured by WEF for Three Consecutive Years
Ordos-Envision Net-Zero Industrial Park Featured by WEF for Three Consecutive Years

 

Ordos-Envision Net-Zero Industrial Park Featured by WEF for Three Consecutive Years
Ordos-Envision Net-Zero Industrial Park Featured by WEF for Three Consecutive Years

The white paper, developed by WEF’s Transitioning Industrial Clusters initiative in collaboration with Accenture and EPRI, examines the state of clean energy infrastructure and identifies solutions to accelerate its deployment. It highlights the need for collaboration, both within and across clusters to drive progress. The paper explores 18 leading examples from 8 countries, showcasing innovative technological and cooperative approaches that break through infrastructure bottlenecks in clean energy transition through the industrial cluster model. 

The report recognizes Envision Energy for its role in driving the new industrial revolution by connecting renewable energy solutions with emerging industries, and building the infrastructure for a sustainable future. The industrial park features a comprehensive clean energy solution, powered by the latest wind, solar and hydrogen power technologies. Powered by IoT, its independent renewable energy system dynamically manages power demand, offering industrial-scale off-grid solutions and unlocking the full potential of renewable energy without the constraints of grid connectivity.

This pioneering initiative has solidified Envision Energy’s position as a leader in global net-zero transition. The company is expanding this model to regions including Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Through its innovative net-zero industrial park model, Envision has developed the world’s first and largest commercial-scale green hydrogen and ammonia project, with a total capacity of 1.5 million tons, marking a significant step toward the global industrialization of green hydrogen as the “new oil.” Additionally, Envision Energy is partnering with the Spanish government to establish Europe’s first integrated green hydrogen net-zero industrial park, supporting Spain and Europe’s development of a green industrial ecosystem to drive the transition to clean energy. 

“Climate transition is redefining global trades and supply chains, paving the way for a new prosperity. ” said Lei Zhang, Founder and Chairman of Envision, at the “Squaring the Climate Trade” panel at Davos 2025, “What’s behind is the new industrial ecosystem. The net-zero industrial park model enables more developing countries leverage their abundant renewable energy resources to establish industrial clusters, build industrial ecosystems, and achieve industrial upgrades and green development. As a driving force in the green industrial revolution,  we are committed to helping these countries create this industrial ecosystem through net-zero industrial parks. “

Lei Zhang at the "Squaring the Climate Trade" panel at Davos 2025
Lei Zhang at the “Squaring the Climate Trade” panel at Davos 2025

Envision Energy’s groundbreaking work in the innovative net-zero industrial park model has garnered global acclaim for its transformative potential in reshaping the planet. In 2024, Envision was celebrated for its significant contributions to the Ordos-Envison Net-Zero Industrial Park and the Chifeng Project, earning spots on TIME 100 Most Influential Companies list as a “Green Giant” and Fortune’s Change the World list as an “Energy Innovator”.

Japan Funds Teacher Training Facilities in Nine Provinces of Laos

Japan Funds Teacher Training Facilities in Nine Provinces of Laos

Laos and Japan signed an agreement to provide grant aid aimed at enhancing Provincial Teacher Development Centers in Laos during a bilateral meeting held in Japan on 21 January.