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AgileAsia Partners with the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) to Offer a Professional Certificate in Agile Project & Product Management

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 July 2024 – AgileAsia Pte Ltd, a provider of Agile training and certification, is proud to announce its collaboration with the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) to issue a Professional Certificate in Agile Project & Product Management. This partnership aims to enhance the skills of professionals in Agile practices, offering an advanced educational experience through the integration of AgileAsia’s practical training and SUTD’s academic excellence.

AgileAsia x SUTD

A Strategic Collaboration for Agile Excellence
This partnership represents a significant step forward in Agile training and certification, combining the practical, real-world insights from AgileAsia’s practitioner-based courses with SUTD’s innovative approach to design and technology education. Learners who complete the Certified Scrum Master (CSM) and Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) courses will be awarded the SUTD Professional Certificate in Agile Project & Product Management.
Course Details and Benefits
Conducted by SUTD, the certification requires the completion of two core courses: a two-day Certified Scrum Master (CSM) course and a two-day Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) course. Learners who already hold one or both certifications from Scrum Alliance are eligible to take either the CSM or CSPO course to qualify for the Professional Certificate.
The courses will be taught by Sam Bowtell, who brings 32 years of experience in Agile, including roles as Scrum Master, Product Owner, and Programme Lead. As a Certified Scrum Trainer, Sam is renowned for infusing energy, care, and fun into his coaching.
Participants will benefit from SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) funding, which covers 70% to 90% of the course fees for Singapore citizens, Permanent Residents, and SMEs. This makes the courses highly accessible, with subsidised fees ranging from $254.00 to $654.00, which can be paid using SkillsFuture credits.
Additionally, the curriculum prioritises real-world scenario-based learning, equipping participants with practical insights into Agile methods for estimation, planning, adapting to changing requirements, and managing project risks. The courses also offer post-completion support, ensuring a continuous learning journey and fostering a supportive community for participants.
Securing this strategic partnership with SUTD enhances AgileAsia’s outreach efforts, attracting professionals looking for reputable Scrum certification programmes. SUTD’s established reputation also ensures these courses meet industry standards, which is crucial for maintaining the quality of the credentials.
Future Plans and Expansions
Looking ahead, AgileAsia and SUTD plan to implement stackable credential systems, allowing learners to earn micro-credentials that contribute towards academic programmes. The curriculum will continuously expand to cover industry trends, ensuring the courses remain relevant. Emerging programmes in GenAI and Sustainability are also in the pipeline, reflecting the partnership’s commitment to empowering more industry professionals.

Hashtag: #AgileAsia #SUTD

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

AgileAsia

, a leading Agile and Scrum certifications institute in Singapore, offers practitioner-based courses to help organisations develop core skills for implementing transformation practices. Through regular engagement with the IT community, AgileAsia ensures its training meets the latest needs of industry leaders.

Lao farmer (Photo: LWF Lao)

In Vientiane, farmers are voicing concerns over rising costs of production, unauthorized imports, and market complexities that threaten their livelihoods. Vice Mayor Sirilaththongsin Thongpheng addressed these issues, highlighting the drastic increase in agricultural input costs which have rendered farming financially unsustainable for many smallholders.

IGC Subsidiary Entered into a Cooperation with Confiprosper Fintech

Accelerate commercialization of its algo-trading technology


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 July 2024 – International Genius Company (“IGC” or the “Company“, together with its subsidiaries, the “Group“; stock code: 0033.HK) announced a business update: the Company’s Subsidiary, Deep Neural Computing Company Limited (“DNCC“), entered into a Cooperation Framework Agreement with Confiprosper Fintech Limited (“CFL“), a Hong Kong corporation. The Agreement aimed at leveraging the Group’s expertise in algo-trading technology to enhance asset management services provided by CFL and its cooperative partners.

The Cooperation included:

  • Trading Technology Licensing: The Group extends to CFL a non-exclusive, non-transferable licensing to utilize the Group’s trading technology for asset management business with a series of funds to be set up by CFL;
  • Technical Support and System Integration: The Group commits to providing software and hardware supports, ensuring seamless integration with CFL’s operational infrastructure and enhancing operational efficiency;
  • Business Cooperation: CFL, through its network of cooperative institutions and high-net-worth clients, will collaborate with the Group’s trading technology for business cooperation (contingent upon successful technology integration);

IGC is committed to enhancing its professional investment research capabilities and trading technology, and willing to license its technology to CFL for use and is interested in conducting in-depth cooperation with CFL in areas such as asset management, trading system optimization and customer development. Earlier, the Company has entered into a memorandum of understanding with Saxo Capital Markets HK Limited (the subsidiary of Saxo Bank A/S), which aims to encourage and facilitate bilateral technical collaboration on the issues of trading technology licensing and asset management cooperation.

The management believes that the cooperation could facilitate the Group’s business development by further enhancing technology development and expanding its trading technology to a global scale, to broaden the Group’s revenue source, enhance performance of the Group and create value for the shareholders of the Company.

Hashtag: #InternationGeniusCompany #IGC #CFL

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

About International Genius Company

International Genius Company is an artificial intelligence based financial technology institution seeking breakthrough in utilising algorithmic trading and artificial intelligence trading technology to its asset management and other related financial services business.

Grey Expands its International Presence and Services to Latin America (LATAM), Southeast Asia (SEA) Markets

The company announces new payout support in multiple countries, serving a wider audience of digital nomads as it expands its services and operations to Latin America and Southeast Asia

SAN FRANCISCO, US – EQS Newswire – 18 July 2024 – Y Combinator alum Grey (https://Grey.co) a B2C cross-border payments startup founded in 2020, is expanding its services and operations to Latin America (LATAM) and Southeast Asia (SEA). This move allows them to tap into these regions’ growing digital payments market and cater to a broader audience of location-independent individuals.

Grey has already established itself in Africa, its initial home market, by facilitating global money transfers through foreign bank accounts for its core demographic. Since its inception, the company has raised $2 million in seed funding and successfully helped nearly 1 million users navigate the complexities of international payments. This achievement is even more remarkable considering the fiercely competitive landscape.

On July 16, 2024, Grey announced its official entry into LATAM and SEA and additional payout support options across its existing network of 80+ countries. Notably, the company is now offering USDC payouts. Users can leverage the Ethereum or TRON network to send USDC directly to external wallet addresses.

This expansion presents a significant opportunity for financial inclusion, particularly in LATAM, where roughly 70% of the population remains unbanked. Grey aims to bridge this gap by providing accessible financial solutions.

Our primary goal in Latin America and Southeast Asia is to revolutionize the market with a product that is more open, more digital, and more inclusive,” Grey’s Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Idorenyin Obong said in a statement. “We hired and invested in talents from Latin America during our expansion planning stages to help understand the market nuances because meeting our users’ needs, irrespective of the countries they reside in, will primarily remain the driving force in our business.” Obong further emphasized the potential in Southeast Asia, highlighting the opportunity to offer innovative solutions for managing personal finances in the digital age.

Grey has established a presence in key markets like the US, the UK, and Europe. Over the past four years, the company has consistently enhanced its services to empower digital nomads worldwide, regardless of location. Their offerings include multi-currency accounts (https://apo-opa.co/46beVhA), low-cost international money transfers (https://apo-opa.co/3Ydi2DT), a Mastercard virtual USD card (https://apo-opa.co/3zEyItt), expense management tools, and robust security measures.”

Our vision is to build a company that reflects the global nature of our business and caters to the diverse needs of our users,” said Joseph Femi Aghedo, Grey’s Co-founder and COO. “With our growing international presence and talented global team, we’re dedicated to driving financial inclusion and economic empowerment for digital nomads everywhere.”

Grey’s expansion into LATAM and SEA positions the company to become a significant player in the global fintech landscape, offering innovative financial solutions for a growing workforce segment.

Download image (1): https://apo-opa.co/3WaNAHx
Download image (2): https://apo-opa.co/3y3SBd8
Download image (3): https://apo-opa.co/4662cg5
Hashtag: #Grey

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

About Grey

Grey is at the forefront of providing secure and convenient global banking solutions to meet the needs of customers and businesses. With a Money Service Business license from FINTRAC in Canada and FinCEN in the USA, Grey, whose primary focus is emerging markets, has created a range of services that enable individuals and businesses to own and manage their foreign bank accounts easily, including currency exchange and access to virtual cards. Grey Inc., a company duly incorporated under the laws of Delaware, USA, is the provider of Grey’s services.

For more information about Grey, visit () For all press-related inquiries, please contact:

FitLine becomes Official Partner of the ATP Tour


LONDON, UK/ SCHENGEN – Newsaktuell – 18 July 2024 – FitLine is proud to announce a new multi-year partnership with the world’s top-tier men’s tennis tour. The athletes will benefit from the FitLine products, with the brand being the new Official Sports Nutrition Partner and Official Energy Bar Partner of the ATP Tour.

PM-International CEO & Founder Rolf Sorg (left) and ATP CEO Massimo Calvelli (right) during the signing of partnership between ATP and FitLine.
PM-International CEO & Founder Rolf Sorg (left) and ATP CEO Massimo Calvelli (right) during the signing of partnership between ATP and FitLine.

The ATP Tour chose FitLine as its new Official Partner due to the shared commitment to supporting athletic performance and clean sport, both for professional and recreational athletes alike. “We’re delighted to welcome Fitline to the ATP Tour’s partner roster. The synergies between our brands are evident, with both organisations dedicated to optimising athletic performance”, said Massimo Calvelli, ATP CEO. “This partnership reflects the ATP Tour’s appeal to global partners and our strength in engaging fans digitally.”

FitLine’s premium products are developed and distributed exclusively by PM-International. CEO, Rolf Sorg, added, “Through our partnership with the ATP Tour, we are proud that our sports nutrition is now represented on one of the largest stages in global professional sports. We’re excited to connect with tennis fans worldwide and continue sharing our passion to support professional and amateur sports in the community”.

Established in top-class sport and doping-controlled

All FitLine nutritional supplement products have been on the Cologne list® for almost 20 years. The Cologne List® is an initiative from the sport and publishes products that have been tested for doping substances by a world-leading laboratory in NEM analysis (dietary supplements). The Cologne List® offers athletes and companies an independent service platform on which information is published transparently to increase security for both sides. For more information, please visit: www.koelnerliste.com

The importance of the Cologne list® is appreciated by many top athletes who use FitLine and is positively emphasized by sports associations that are convinced of the FitLine products.

Far more than 1,000 top athletes from more than 85 disciplines and 40 nations trust FitLine dietary supplements and FitLine is the official supplier of numerous sports associations and national teams in addition to the ATP Tour, such as the German, Austrian, Polish and Canadian Ski Associations (DSV, ÖSV, PZN, ACA), the German Ice Hockey Federation (DEB), the German Cyclists Federation (BDR), the German Athletics Association (DLV), the Olympic Base Hamburg/Schleswig-Holstein (OSP), the Swiss and Luxembourg Handball Federations (SHV, FHL), the Swiss Squash Federation, the Luxembourg Basketball Federation (FLBB), the Korean Wrestling Federation (KWF) and several others.

Hashtag: #FitLine

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

About PM-International AG

PM-International AG is one of the world’s largest direct selling companies in the areas of health, fitness, and beauty, based in Schengen, Luxembourg.

Founded in 1993, PM-International AG develops and markets high-quality, premium nutritional supplements and cosmetics through its own brand FitLine® – many of which have a patented technology. The exclusive Nutrient Transport Concept (NTC®) represents the company’s core competency: it delivers the nutrients when they are needed and where they are needed – to the cellular level, from inside and outside. To guarantee a continuous high product quality, the products are regularly and independently tested by ELAB Analytics GmbH. End customers can review information about the analysis directly on the ELAB Analytics website, by scanning the QR code on the product packaging. We believe that PM-International is still the only company that offers this level of transparency.

Over 900 million FitLine® products have been sold worldwide to date. Far more than 1,000 top athletes from over 85 disciplines and 40 nations trust in FitLine dietary supplements and FitLine is the official supplier of numerous sports associations and national teams. As part of a to date unique sports marketing concept, there are cooperations with the German, Austrian, Polish and Canadian Ski Association (DSV, ÖSV, PZN, ACA), the German Ice Hockey Federation (DEB), the Federation of German Cyclists (BDR), the German Athletics Association (DLV), the Olympic Base Hamburg/Schleswig-Holstein (OSP), the Swiss Handball Federation (SHV) and others.

Further information can be found under:

About The ATP

The ATP’s mission is to serve tennis. As governing body of the ATP Tour and ATP Challenger Tour we entertain a billion global fans, showcase the world’s greatest players at prestigious tournaments, and inspire the game’s next generation. From the United Cup in Australia, to Europe, the Americas and Asia, the stars of the game battle for titles and PIF ATP Rankings points at ATP Masters 1000, 500 and 250 events, and Grand Slams. All roads lead to the Nitto ATP Finals, our prestigious season finale held in Turin, Italy. Featuring only the season’s best 8 singles players and doubles teams, the tournament sees the crowning of the year-end ATP World No. 1, presented by PIF, the ultimate achievement in tennis. For more information, please visit .

FitLine becomes Official Partner of the ATP Tour


LONDON, UK/ SCHENGEN – Newsaktuell – 18 July 2024 – FitLine is proud to announce a new multi-year partnership with the world’s top-tier men’s tennis tour. The athletes will benefit from the FitLine products, with the brand being the new Official Sports Nutrition Partner and Official Energy Bar Partner of the ATP Tour.

PM-International CEO & Founder Rolf Sorg (left) and ATP CEO Massimo Calvelli (right) during the signing of partnership between ATP and FitLine.
PM-International CEO & Founder Rolf Sorg (left) and ATP CEO Massimo Calvelli (right) during the signing of partnership between ATP and FitLine.

The ATP Tour chose FitLine as its new Official Partner due to the shared commitment to supporting athletic performance and clean sport, both for professional and recreational athletes alike. “We’re delighted to welcome Fitline to the ATP Tour’s partner roster. The synergies between our brands are evident, with both organisations dedicated to optimising athletic performance”, said Massimo Calvelli, ATP CEO. “This partnership reflects the ATP Tour’s appeal to global partners and our strength in engaging fans digitally.”

FitLine’s premium products are developed and distributed exclusively by PM-International. CEO, Rolf Sorg, added, “Through our partnership with the ATP Tour, we are proud that our sports nutrition is now represented on one of the largest stages in global professional sports. We’re excited to connect with tennis fans worldwide and continue sharing our passion to support professional and amateur sports in the community”.

Established in top-class sport and doping-controlled

All FitLine nutritional supplement products have been on the Cologne list® for almost 20 years. The Cologne List® is an initiative from the sport and publishes products that have been tested for doping substances by a world-leading laboratory in NEM analysis (dietary supplements). The Cologne List® offers athletes and companies an independent service platform on which information is published transparently to increase security for both sides. For more information, please visit: www.koelnerliste.com

The importance of the Cologne list® is appreciated by many top athletes who use FitLine and is positively emphasized by sports associations that are convinced of the FitLine products.

Far more than 1,000 top athletes from more than 85 disciplines and 40 nations trust FitLine dietary supplements and FitLine is the official supplier of numerous sports associations and national teams in addition to the ATP Tour, such as the German, Austrian, Polish and Canadian Ski Associations (DSV, ÖSV, PZN, ACA), the German Ice Hockey Federation (DEB), the German Cyclists Federation (BDR), the German Athletics Association (DLV), the Olympic Base Hamburg/Schleswig-Holstein (OSP), the Swiss and Luxembourg Handball Federations (SHV, FHL), the Swiss Squash Federation, the Luxembourg Basketball Federation (FLBB), the Korean Wrestling Federation (KWF) and several others.

Hashtag: #FitLine

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

About PM-International AG

PM-International AG is one of the world’s largest direct selling companies in the areas of health, fitness, and beauty, based in Schengen, Luxembourg.

Founded in 1993, PM-International AG develops and markets high-quality, premium nutritional supplements and cosmetics through its own brand FitLine® – many of which have a patented technology. The exclusive Nutrient Transport Concept (NTC®) represents the company’s core competency: it delivers the nutrients when they are needed and where they are needed – to the cellular level, from inside and outside. To guarantee a continuous high product quality, the products are regularly and independently tested by ELAB Analytics GmbH. End customers can review information about the analysis directly on the ELAB Analytics website, by scanning the QR code on the product packaging. We believe that PM-International is still the only company that offers this level of transparency.

Over 900 million FitLine® products have been sold worldwide to date. Far more than 1,000 top athletes from over 85 disciplines and 40 nations trust in FitLine dietary supplements and FitLine is the official supplier of numerous sports associations and national teams. As part of a to date unique sports marketing concept, there are cooperations with the German, Austrian, Polish and Canadian Ski Association (DSV, ÖSV, PZN, ACA), the German Ice Hockey Federation (DEB), the Federation of German Cyclists (BDR), the German Athletics Association (DLV), the Olympic Base Hamburg/Schleswig-Holstein (OSP), the Swiss Handball Federation (SHV) and others.

Further information can be found under:

About The ATP

The ATP’s mission is to serve tennis. As governing body of the ATP Tour and ATP Challenger Tour we entertain a billion global fans, showcase the world’s greatest players at prestigious tournaments, and inspire the game’s next generation. From the United Cup in Australia, to Europe, the Americas and Asia, the stars of the game battle for titles and PIF ATP Rankings points at ATP Masters 1000, 500 and 250 events, and Grand Slams. All roads lead to the Nitto ATP Finals, our prestigious season finale held in Turin, Italy. Featuring only the season’s best 8 singles players and doubles teams, the tournament sees the crowning of the year-end ATP World No. 1, presented by PIF, the ultimate achievement in tennis. For more information, please visit .

HKU AIDS Institute & Immuno Cure’s Collaborative Therapeutic HIV Vaccine Research Project secured HK$66.7m TRS funding from Research Grant Council

Research Funding for Sustained cART-free HIV-1 Control by Immunotherapeutic Interventions


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 July 2024 – Immuno Cure BioTech (“Immuno Cure“) is pleased to announce today that a collaborative research entitled “Sustained cART-free HIV-1 Control by Immunotherapeutic Interventions” (“Project“) led by Prof. Zhiwei Chen of The University of Hong Kong (“HKU“) on our therapeutic HIV vaccine (“ICVAX“) has been awarded HK$66.7 million of funding under the Theme-based Research Scheme (“TRS“) of the Research Grants Council (“RGC“) for a second 5-year term.

HIV/AIDS are a global health concern, especially significant in Hong Kong. Based on Centre for Health Protection’s record, a cumulative total of 12,143 cases of HIV infection and 2,507 cases of AIDS are found in Hong Kong, which have been steadily increasing over the years. The current combination antiretroviral therapy (“cART“) target suppressing viral reproduction while this project will further investigate the effect of using our PD-1-enhanced DNA vaccine technologies on immunogenicity.

The Project is led by Professor Zhiwei Chen, Director of the AIDS Institute and Chair Professor of the Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine of HKU, and the Principal Scientific Advisor of Immuno Cure. The research will be performed in collaboration with Immuno Cure, Chinese University of Hong Kong Phase 1 Clinical Trial Centre, The Third People’s Hospital of Shenzhen, and other hospitals in the Mainland where the collaborative team of researchers will investigate and determine the mechanism of PD-1-based DNA vaccine-mediated 7-year cART-free virologic control in SHIV-infected rhesus monkeys; the impact of PD-1-base DNA vaccine on cART-treated people living with HIV-1 (“PLWH“); and the sustained cART-free HIV-1 control using analytical treatment interruption (“ATI“) and combinational immunotherapy.

Immuno Cure will contribute to the manufacturing of ICVAX and the design and management of the clinical trials with our aim to determine the ATI amongst the PLWH of ICVAX Phase 1 Trial; to optimise the immunogenicity of ICVAX by conducting a multi-centre Phase 2 Trial; and to determine the immunotherapeutic efficacy by combining ICVAX with other complementary strategies. This Project will strengthen Hong Kong Research Consortium on HIV/AIDS in collaboration with international experts and scientific advisors, and also reveal mechanisms underlying a promising “Made in Hong Kong” immunotherapy in clinical trials. It will ultimately contribute to the understanding of long-term viral control and potential alternative treatment strategies for HIV-1 without cART treatment in future.

Prof. Zhiwei CHEN, Director of AIDS Institute of HKU and the Principal Scientific Advisor of Immuno Cure, said “Preliminary Phase 1 Trial data demonstrated that the HKU patented PD-1-enhanced DNA vaccine ICVAX has shown convincing safety and immunogenicity profiles in PLWH. Our team members are very grateful that this TRS grant will allow us to expand our translational research to benefit more and more PLWH.”

Dr. Xia JIN, CEO of Immuno Cure & Co-PI of the Project, said, “We are excited to be a key member of the collaborative research team led by Prof. Chen, with whom we have many years of close working relationship. This TRS-funded research will enhance our understanding of the mechanisms of the immune protection and enable us to further investigate the potential of ICVAX towards functional cure of HIV/AIDS.”

Dr. Percy CHENG, Chairman of Immuno Cure, concluded, “Immuno Cure is delighted to have earned RGC’s support and recognition of our ICVAX research which is of strategic importance to Hong Kong’s long-term development. This milestone allows us to carry out academic collaborative research with HKU’s AIDS Institute and other top ranked universities in Hong Kong and the Mainland for the advancement of our combat against HIV/AIDS. We are also grateful for the involvement of all the global expert advisors organised by Prof. Chen.”

Hashtag: #ImmunoCure #HKU #AIDS

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

About Immuno Cure

Immuno Cure is a clinical stage biotechnology group based in the Hong Kong Science Park, focusing on research and development of immunotherapies for cancers, inflammatory and infectious diseases based on its patented PD-1-enhanced DNA vaccine and Anti-Δ42PD1 Antibody platforms; with two DNA vaccine candidates currently in clinical trials.

To learn more about Immuno Cure, please visit:

About The University of Hong Kong and AIDS Institute of HKUMed

The University of Hong Kong (HKU), founded in 1911, is the first and oldest institution of higher learning in Hong Kong. HKU has an established worldwide reputation for being a research-led comprehensive university. The AIDS Institute of HKU was established in November 2007 to take HKU in a new strategic direction in fighting this global epidemic and help to make it a leader in the region in AIDS research, education and prevention. Scientists at the AIDS Institute are fully committed to conducting basic and applied research that facilitates the understanding of AIDS pathogenesis and the development of effective AIDS vaccines. Furtherance to the Hong Kong Theme-based Research Scheme entitled “Potentiating Host Immunity for HIV-1 Functional Cure”, the institute is currently leading the second 5-year term research entitled “Sustained cART-free HIV-1 Control by Immunotherapeutic Interventions”.

To learn more about HKU and AIDS Institute of HKU, please visit and

About Research Grant Council and Theme-based Research Scheme

To learn more about RGC, please visit:

To learn more about TRS, please visit:

LEAP promotes a Social & Emotional Learning Approach to Address the Well-being Needs of School Students and Teachers


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 July 2024 – The latest statistics reveal that more than 1,000 suicide cases were recorded in the year 2023, with an increase in the younger age group. Issues such as school stress, bullying, and relationship problems are negatively impacting the mental health and behavior of school students, while teachers are facing increased challenges in addressing the social and emotional needs of students.

LEAP launched its campaign to promote Social and Emotional Learning programmes in Hong Kong by hosting a forum for teachers and educators. The event was graced by Mr. Chua Hoi-wai, Chief Executive of HKCSS, along with Ms. Patricia Hwang, Chair, and Ms. Stephanie Choi, Executive Director. Also in attendance were Mr. Richard Tang Yat Sun, Ms. Pauline Chan, and Ms. Tammy Fan from LEAP, as well as the guest speakers Professor Helen Cahill, Professor Paul Yip, and Professor Sylvia Kwok, who presided over the opening ceremony of the forum.
LEAP launched its campaign to promote Social and Emotional Learning programmes in Hong Kong by hosting a forum for teachers and educators. The event was graced by Mr. Chua Hoi-wai, Chief Executive of HKCSS, along with Ms. Patricia Hwang, Chair, and Ms. Stephanie Choi, Executive Director. Also in attendance were Mr. Richard Tang Yat Sun, Ms. Pauline Chan, and Ms. Tammy Fan from LEAP, as well as the guest speakers Professor Helen Cahill, Professor Paul Yip, and Professor Sylvia Kwok, who presided over the opening ceremony of the forum.

In response to the well-being concerns of students and teachers, the Life Education Activity Programme (LEAP) is stepping up its effort to introduce Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) to local schools. It has designed a comprehensive SEL curriculum based on the results of a survey of students’ emotional and social needs, along with overseas research studies. The curriculum, tailored for students, teachers, and parents, will be rolled out in stages starting from September this year.

As a start to promote the SEL approach, LEAP organized a forum titled “Life Education in a New Era: Equipping Children and Youth with Skills for Life through Social & Emotional Learning” on 28 June. The forum brought together over 100 teachers and educators to discuss the use of SEL programmes in helping the younger generations equip themselves with the knowledge and skills to enhance emotional and social competency, build resilience, and improve relationships and learning attainment.

Addressing Pressing Well-being Needs

Ms. Patricia Hwang, Chair of LEAP, emphasized the organization’s commitment to keeping pace with the changing needs of children, parents, and teachers. The rise in student suicides, particularly in younger age groups in Hong Kong, and the unfolding impact of Covid-19 on students’ social and emotional well-being have underscored the critical needs for social and emotional learning.

A Comprehensive Social and Emotional Learning Curriculum

Stephanie Choi, Executive Director, said, “Education is not only about intellectual knowledge, but nurturing children’s abilities in looking after their hearts and emotions. SEL programmes can be seamlessly integrated into school education to help children acquire essential social and emotional skills and knowledge. The earlier children start learning how to manage their emotions and relationships, the more they can benefit in fostering positive values and attitudes towards life. All these skills are valuable for students’ personal growth, academic performance, and future career development.”

Professor Helen Cahill, Emeritus Professor, Faculty of Education, University of Melbourne said Social and Emotional Learning can be taught and both students and teachers can benefit from it.
Professor Helen Cahill, Emeritus Professor, Faculty of Education, University of Melbourne said Social and Emotional Learning can be taught and both students and teachers can benefit from it.

SEL Benefiting Both Students and Teachers

Professor Helen Cahill, Emeritus Professor at the University of Melbourne, Australia, an expert in well-being education, has been advising LEAP on the introduction of SEL to schools in Hong Kong.

Being the keynote speaker at the forum, Professor Cahill presented a meta-analysis demonstrating that children participating in school-based SEL interventions exhibited improved relationship skills, enhanced social behaviors, and better academic performance. These students also experienced reduced emotional distress, as SEL enhanced their emotional literacy, coping abilities, and removal of barriers to seeking help.

Professor Cahill emphasized that social and emotional skills can be taught, and teaching it has a positive impact on teachers as well. “Teaching SEL not only enhances teachers’ personal and professional well-being but also fosters positive teacher-student relationships, leading to improved student behavior, learning, and happiness.”

Over 100 teachers and educators concerned with the wellbeing of children attended the forum, an learning event to enhance knowledge and skills on Social and Emotional Learning
Over 100 teachers and educators concerned with the wellbeing of children attended the forum, an learning event to enhance knowledge and skills on Social and Emotional Learning

Parents and Teachers Play A Part in StudentsWell-being

Moreover, Professor Paul Yip, Director of the HKJC Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention at the University of Hong Kong, discussed the alarming suicide rate among individuals aged 15 to 24 and advocated a whole-school approach involving students, parents, and teachers to promote student well-being and create a suicide-preventive environment.

Professor Sylvia Kwok, from the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences at the City University of Hong Kong, shared her research into strategies for cultivating a positive school culture and promoting positive psychology in schools. She highlighted that creative teaching methods and strong relationships contribute to the flourishing of students, teachers, and parents. Additionally, the promotion of gratitude, compassion, and the use of character strengths complement SEL in contributing to student well-being.

Participants joined a workshop led by Professor Cahill during the forum, where they learned and practiced the application of social and emotional learning with consideration for the well-being of both students and teachers. The forum also included a special session presenting insights from children, providing valuable perspectives for teachers.

LEAP collected “Voices of Children” from its programme participants and presented what the children want their parents and teachers know in form of writing and sound clips at the forum.
LEAP collected “Voices of Children” from its programme participants and presented what the children want their parents and teachers know in form of writing and sound clips at the forum.

During the forum, Mr. Chua Hoi-wai, Chief Executive of Hong Kong Council of Social Services, commended LEAP’s efforts to address student well-being. He highlighted that extracurricular activities are supposed to provide opportunities for children to develop virtues, learn social skills, and expand their horizons, but they can become a source of pressure due to parental and school competitiveness.
Hashtag: #LEAP

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

Bringing Life Education to 2.2 M Students

The Life Education Activity Programme (LEAP) is committed to providing preventive education programmes related to health, social and emotional well-being, and drug education for students in kindergarten, primary, secondary, and special schools. These programmes are designed to help children acquire essential skills and knowledge to deal with life’s challenges, develop problem-solving skills, and foster positive values and attitudes towards life. The ultimate goal is to help students thrive and grow in safety with confidence. Since its establishment in 1994, LEAP has served over 2.2 million students and 100,000 parents in Hong Kong.