MANILA, Philippines (AP) — The United States renewed a warning Monday that it would defend the Philippines in case of an armed attack under a 1951 treaty, after Chinese ships blocked and collided with two Filipino vessels off a contested shoal in the South China Sea.
US Renews Warning It Will Defend Philippines After Incidents With Chinese Vessels in South China Sea

To protect and advance global biodiversity critical to Asia-Pacific economies, worldwide leaders to convene for APEC University Leaders’ Forum
The Nov. 13 forum in San Francisco will feature high-level conversations between CEOs, policy leaders, university presidents and top researchers to drive investment in biodiversity

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Chubb Promotes Ben McGregor to Head its Property Business in APAC and Japan
In his new role, McGregor will be accountable for underwriting and portfolio management across Chubb’s Property line of business in Asia Pacific and Japan. He will be based in Singapore and report directly to Paul McNamee, Regional President of Asia Pacific, with a matrix reporting line to Aaron Shead, Chubb Overseas General Head of Fire.
With more than 25 years’ industry experience, McGregor’s journey with Chubb began in 2002 when he joined the company as an underwriter in Perth. He moved through the ranks to become the Property Practice Lead, Southern Region, and in 2018 was promoted to his current role of Property Manager, Australia & New Zealand.
On announcing McGregor’s appointment, McNamee said, “Ben is a seasoned property insurance professional. With his proven leadership skills and commitment to underwriting excellence, Ben will be pivotal in ensuring we capitalise on the many growth opportunities across the region. His progression through the organisation and promotion to his new role is another example of our commitment to developing and advancing talented senior leaders from within the company.”
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About Chubb
Chubb is the world’s largest publicly traded property and casualty insurance company. With operations in 54 countries and territories, Chubb provides commercial and personal property and casualty insurance, personal accident and supplemental health insurance, reinsurance and life insurance to a diverse group of clients. As an underwriting company, we assess, assume and manage risk with insight and discipline. We service and pay our claims fairly and promptly. The company is also defined by its extensive product and service offerings, broad distribution capabilities, exceptional financial strength and local operations globally. Parent company Chubb Limited is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: CB) and is a component of the S&P 500 index. Chubb maintains executive offices in Zurich, New York, London, Paris and other locations, and employs approximately 40,000 people worldwide.
Additional information can be found at: www.chubb.com.
Elm Highlights Advanced Digital Solutions For “Cities of the Future” at GITEX Technology Week 2023, Showcasing Its Interest with Latest Innovations
Elm showcased a wide range of the latest digital smart solutions and services designed to meet the needs of customers in various fields, particularly those that cater to the requirements of future cities. The company also signed several Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) with key stakeholders in the sector.
Attendees at this year’s event were particularly impressed by Elm’s participation as it featured a wide range of cutting-edge digital solutions for a range of industries that support the development of ‘Cities of the Future,’ including smart security, digital economy, business intelligence, smart healthcare, smart governments, and advanced transportation. The company also showcased its Smart Gate technology system as part of its Smart Security framework, along with its digital platforms that facilitate Civil Aviation Authority permits.
During its participation, Elm presented ‘Dakhli’ and ‘Shypr’ services, its ‘Mazadat’ and ‘Dhamen’ platforms, along with the ‘Visitor Centre’ service in the field of the Digital Economy. In regards to Business Intelligence, Elm showcased ‘Rabet’ platform, the ‘Intelligent Inspection’ initiative, the ‘Internet of Things’ platform, as well as ‘Emtiyaz’ and ‘Asas’ platforms.
In terms of smart healthcare, Elm introduced the ‘Extensive Examination’ and ‘Vaccination’ services, along with ‘Wahed’ platform, ‘Efada’ service, as well as ‘Mustamir’ and ‘Nashrah’ platforms. Furthermore, Elm launched ‘Absher’ platform and its smartphone app, in addition to its ‘Intelligent Inspection’ service, ‘Estihkak’ platform, ‘Khibrah’ platform, as well as the ‘Muqeem’ and ‘Yakeen’ services for the Smart Government field.
The company also displayed a diverse set of products and services in the area of advanced transportation, including the ‘Tamm’ service, ‘Mojaz’ electronic platform and application, ‘Masarat’ digital system, ‘Tawseel’ platform, ‘Ertah’ application, along with the ‘Bayan Tech’ platform.
Elm aims to expand its footprint locally and regionally by continuously participating in international events that focus on technology and digital services. In addition, it seeks to strengthen its collaboration with various leading technology and digitalisation companies and institutions in the region and around the world.
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Elm to Expand into East Asian Markets to Enhance Its Global Presence
Elm’s expansion into global markets is vital to the company’s success, as it enables engagement with new customers and broaden its scope of work. The company highlighted that entering Asian markets in particular depends mainly on partnerships with the private sector. Furthermore, the company intends to collaborate with the private sector in East Asia to leverage the opportunities available within the digital sector, especially in creating digital identity in several Asian countries and creating a digital identity signature to identify all individuals with a distinctive identity, in addition to transferring its expertise to these markets in the field of change management solutions, which is considered one of the challenges in the region.
Moreover, with the rapid developments in the field of digital transformation in East Asia, Elm recognises the need to redesign existing business models using the latest technological innovations and provide core business services in new ways, using different channels to increase revenue growth and access to a wider customer base. Therefore, the company attaches great significance to expanding into new and promising markets, such as East Asian markets, with the aim of obtaining an important share through the opportunities provided to companies specialising in digital transformation.
For over three decades, Elm has taken vital role in digital transformation in both the public and private sectors, solidifying its position as a preferred digital partner for a diverse range of individual and institutional customers. With more than 30 million users and almost 700,000 commercial clients in the private sector, the company operates with a vision to create a knowledgeable society that stays updated with the demands of the digital age. Moreover, it manages over 170 projects and processes more than two billion transactions annually.
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CUHK Celebrates Students’ Positive Contributions to the World
Support and Guidance from World-Renowned Professors
CUHK has always been at the forefront of groundbreaking research, particularly in the field of medicine and health-related studies. The University takes pride in providing students with unparalleled support and guidance from world-renowned professors, enabling them to reach new heights in their research endeavours.
One shining example of this is Raphaela Iris Lau, a PhD student in Medical Sciences from Hong Kong. Under the mentorship of the esteemed faculty of Medical Science, Raphaela Iris Lau has embarked on three groundbreaking studies on long COVID. Collaborating with her supervisors, who are globally recognized experts in this field, Iris is exploring innovative microbiota-based interventions to alleviate long COVID symptoms. Her exceptional work has been recognized at an international level, with her research findings published in top-tier journals and presented at the prestigious Digestive Disease Week 2023 held in Chicago. Iris attributes her success to the unwavering support and professional guidance provided by CUHK, which has nurtured her into a competent scientist. With the backing of CUHK, Iris is determined to make the world a better place through her transformative medical research.
CUHK: Where Support, Opportunities, and Financial Assistance Propel Students Towards Success
CUHK understands that financial concerns should never hinder students from pursuing their research dreams. That is why the institution is part of the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS), which provides abundant financial support to deserving PhD candidates. Dr. John O’Reilly, an accomplished Irish lecturer in the Department of Sports Science and Physical Education, is a testament to the transformative power of the HKPFS. With the funding provided, Dr. O’Reilly was able to fully focus on his studies, unburdened by financial constraints. Throughout his academic journey, Dr. O’Reilly has been grateful for the unwavering support and opportunities offered by CUHK, which has truly become his second home. He enthusiastically encourages aspiring sports science candidates to consider CUHK for its exceptional research opportunities and supportive environment.
At CUHK, we take immense pride in our role as a leading research institution. With our state-of-the-art facilities, dedicated faculty, and a commitment to fostering innovation, we provide students with the resources and support they need to excel in their research endeavours. Whether it’s through the guidance of world-renowned professors, the opportunity to present research findings at international conferences, or the abundant financial support offered by the HKPFS, CUHK empowers students to make a lasting impact in their fields and contribute to a better future.
Explore CUHK’s Comprehensive Research Postgraduate Study Options in the CUHK MPhil/PhD Virtual Info Week
To further promote academic excellence and provide aspiring researchers with valuable insights, CUHK is delighted to announce the upcoming CUHK MPhil/PhD Virtual Info Week. This event will provide prospective students with an opportunity to explore the programmes offered, interact with faculty members, and gain a comprehensive understanding of the research opportunities available at CUHK. The Virtual Info Week will be held from 25 October to 31 October 2023, and interested individuals can register on the official CUHK website: https://www.gs.cuhk.edu.hk/admissions/admissions/mphil_phd_info_week.
CUHK’s commitment to excellence extends beyond its research support and academic programmes. With a strong focus on cultivating well-rounded individuals, the University offers a holistic learning experience that encompasses leadership development, community engagement, and international exposure. The University’s upcoming MPhil/PhD Virtual Info Week presents an excellent opportunity for aspiring researchers to embark on an enriching academic journey.
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About The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)
Established in 1963, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) is a leading comprehensive research university in Asia. With a strong commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and service, CUHK strives to contribute to the betterment of society through impactful education and innovative research. For more information, please visit
www.cuhk.edu.hk.
Starlight Centre announces the launch and open house for their new after-school care centre for children with autism
Specifically aimed at autistic children in Pathlight and mainstream primary schools
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 24 Oct 2023 – Starlight Centre launches a new after-school care centre catering to children with autism. Officially launching on the 4th November, 2023 with an open day, the centre offers a programme specifically tailored for students with autism who are enrolled in mainstream primary schools or at Pathlight.
The centre is a collaboration between Candy, her husband Alex Lim and Johnny Fok, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and clinical director of Intervention Services for Autism and Developmental Delay (ISADD) with 19 years of clinical experience in supporting learners to overcome the challenges they face in their academic journey.
Johnny uses evidence-based behavioural analytic practices in his work and values a warm, fun, and trusting therapeutic relationship with his clients.
“Over the years we’ve grown to trust Johnny and I have seen how immensely he has helped our son Yohanes. When Yohanes was admitted to Pathlight we asked ourselves what more we could do for Yohanes and children like him.” said Candy Lee, Principal of Starlight Centre. “Alex and I have run Crystal Learning, a small-group language school for adults since 2012 and it’s really meaningful that we can now combine our experience of running a school and Johnny’s therapeutic expertise to make life for children with autism and their parents a little easier”.
Filling A Crucial Void
While there are already special needs after-school care centres in Singapore, they don’t equip students with the academic skills necessary to eventually prepare for PSLE.
Mainstream “after school care” centres, on the other hand, lack the expertise and low student-to-staff ratio crucial for supporting autistic children.
Starlight Centre bridges this chasm by offering specialised, curriculum-aligned care for students with autism, ensuring they thrive both academically and socially.
Starlight Centre’s Curriculum
Starlight’s curriculum blends social-emotional skills that are crucial for children with autism with mainstream academic support.
– Social and Community Skills equip learners with techniques to understand social rules, and to establish safety and personal boundaries.
– Friendship Skills enhance learners’ capabilities to form age-appropriate friendships, maintain conversations, and understand social cues.
– Academic Skills Development & Learning Support facilitates effective homework completion, test preparation, and essential academic strategies.
– Emotion Recognition and Self-Management Skills foster learners’ abilities to recognize and manage their emotions healthily.
With 29 years of collective experience in supporting individuals with autism, Starlight Centre’s team offers a comprehensive, individualised approach for each child.
Official Launch and Open House
Discover more about the Starlight Centre’s vision, methodologies, and the team behind this initiative during an Open House event on 4th November 2023.
– Date: 4th November 2023
– Time: 2 – 5pm
– Location: 20 Kramat Lane #05-05, Singapore 228773
Parents and caregivers are invited to register their attendance via the official website: https://starlight.edu.sg/open-house/
Hashtag: #autism #education #singapore
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About Starlight Centre
Starlight Centre is a one-of-a-kind after-school care program in Singapore designed for students with autism. Born from the personal experiences of its founder, Candy Lee, the centre aims to provide support for autistic children in their academic journey, helping them to excel both socially and academically.
The founders, Alex Lim and Candy Lee are parents of Yohanes, who was diagnosed with autism at the age of 3. Since 2012, they have run Crystal Learning, a successful language school for adults and founded Starlight Centre in collaboration with co-founder Johnny Fok, a therapist specialising in autism.
Spackman Media Group Artist Wi Ha-jun Stars in New Romance K-Drama Graduation & Reprises Role in SQUID GAME SEASON 2
- Spackman Media Group artist Wi Ha-jun will headline a new romance K-drama, GRADUATION, directed by Ahn Pan-seok, who previously collaborated with him in the hit love series SOMETHING IN THE RAIN (2018)
- Represented by Spackman Media Group, Wi Ha-jun currently stars in the ongoing original crime action-drama series, THE WORST OF EVIL, which ranked #1 in Korea and Top 10 in Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Turkey according to FlixPatrol as of October 22
- The emerging international star will also reprise his role in the highly anticipated second season of the global breakout hit, SQUID GAME, alongside the original cast comprising Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byung-hun and Gong Yoo
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 24 October 2023 – Spackman Entertainment Group Limited (the “Group“), one of Korea’s leading entertainment production groups founded in 2011 by global media & technology investor Charles Spackman, wishes to announce that Wi Ha-jun of MSteam Entertainment Co., Ltd. (“MSteam“), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Group’s associated company, Spackman Media Group Limited (“Spackman Media Group“), will headline one of the most anticipated K-drama series in 2024, GRADUATION.
GRADUATION is directed by Ahn Pan-seok, who previously collaborated with Wi Ha-jun in the hit love series SOMETHING IN THE RAIN (2018), which starred iconic Korean actress Son Ye-jin of Spackman Media Group. In March 2022, SOMETHING IN THE RAIN (2018) landed in the top 10 on China’s streaming platform, iQIYI, during the first few days of its release. The romance drama was also selected as the Drama of the Year 2018 at the Brand of the Year ceremony hosted by the Korea Consumer Brand Committee. In addition to SOMETHING IN THE RAIN (2018), Ahn Pan-seok is known for his work on the K-drama series, MBC’s ONE SPRING NIGHT (2019) and JTBC’s SECRET AFFAIR (2014).
Wi Ha-jun of Spackman Media Group will portray Lee Joon-ho, a cheeky student who gains admission into a prestigious university with the help of a seasoned private academy instructor Seo Hye-jin (played by Jung Ryeo-won). As he studies under her guidance, Lee Joon-ho develops deep feelings for her, and she becomes his enduring first love. A decade later, Lee Joon-ho quits his job at a large company that guarantees him a solid career and returns to the academy, where a secret romance rekindles between the two.
Filming has commenced for GRADUATION and the K-drama is scheduled to be released on tvN and Tving in 2024.
Wi Ha-jun’s latest original crime action drama series THE WORST OF EVIL premiered exclusively on Disney+ on September 27 and was ranked #1 in Korea and Top 10 in Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Turkey as of yesterday based on FlixPatrol[1], which monitors streaming ratings worldwide. Notably, THE WORST OF EVIL took the second place in Singapore.
Set in the 1990s Gangnam district of Seoul, South Korea, THE WORST OF EVIL follows undercover police investigators who infiltrate the Gangnam Alliance, a massive criminal organization responsible for the illegal drug trade between Korea, China and Japan. Wi Ha-jun takes on the role of the charismatic leader of the Gangnam Alliance. Alongside Wi Ha-jun, Ji Chang-wook portrays a police officer while Lim Se-mi plays his wife. Created by Kakao Entertainment, THE WORST OF EVIL is directed by Han Dong-wook and written by Jang Min-suk.
Wi Ha-jun of Spackman Media Group became a worldwide sensation with his role as Hwang Jun-ho, a policeman in the first season of SQUID GAME. He is set to return in the highly anticipated second season of the international breakout hit alongside the original cast comprising Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byung-hun and Gong Yoo.
In December last year, Wi Ha-jun won the rising star award in the 2023 Korea First Brand Awards, following his chart-topping Netflix drama, LITTLE WOMEN (2022), which was filmed in Singapore and Korea. According to Flixpatrol.com, the drama took the top spot in Taiwan, Indonesia and Japan and ranked 8th globally on Netflix as of October 8, 2022. The series featured iconic landmarks in Singapore such as Marina Bay Sands and The Fullerton Hotel.
In February 2022, he was selected as the South Korea ambassador for Swiss luxury watchmaker, TAG Heuer. He was also appointed as the ambassador for his hometown, Wando-gun of South Korea in January 2022.
Wi Ha-jun starred in highly popular K-drama BAD AND CRAZY (2021), which reached first place in viewership ratings for consecutive weekends after its release on 17 December 2021.
Wi Ha-jun was also selected as the brand ambassador for the American premium casual brand BEENTRILL and released a beauty pictorial with YSL beauty in December 2021. Notably, he headlined the Korean crime thriller film, MIDNIGHT (2021), which received the Best Feature Award at the 13th UK Grimmfest Film Festival.
In addition to Wi Ha-jun, MSteam represents iconic Korean actress Son Ye-jin, who starred in the hit romance drama CRASH LANDING ON YOU (2020) and SOMETHING IN THE RAIN (2018), and top actress Lee Min-jung, who won the Top Excellence Award at the 2020 APAN Star Awards.
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About Spackman Entertainment Group Limited
Spackman Entertainment Group Limited (“SEGL” or the “Company“), and together with its subsidiaries, (the “Group“), is one of Korea’s leading entertainment production groups. SEGL is primarily engaged in the independent development, production, presentation, and financing of theatrical motion pictures in Korea.
The Company was founded in 2011 by renowned media and technology investor Charles Spackman who served as the Company’s Executive Chairman until 2017. For the past two decades, Mr. Charles Spackman has been a powerhouse in the Korean entertainment industry starting in the early 2000’s with the pioneering success of Sidus Pictures, the largest movie production company at the time and the first to be listed in Korea. Mr. Spackman is also the Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the global investment firm, Spackman Group. For more information, please visit charlesspackman.com and spackman-group.com/charles-spackman.
Since its founding, SEGL had produced more than 30 major motion pictures including a number of the highest grossing and award-winning films in Korea, namely #ALIVE (2020), CRAZY ROMANCE (2019), DEFAULT (2018), MASTER (2016), THE PRIESTS (2015), SNOWPIERCER (2013), COLD EYES (2013) and ALL ABOUT MY WIFE (2012).
Our films are theatrically distributed and released in Korea and overseas markets, as well as for subsequent post-theatrical worldwide release in other forms of media, including online streaming, cable TV, broadcast TV, IPTV, video-on-demand, and home video/DVD, etc. Generally, we release our motion pictures into wide-theatrical exhibition initially in Korea, and then in overseas and ancillary markets.
The Group also invests into and produces Korean television dramas. In addition to our content business, we also own equity stakes in entertainment-related companies and film funds that can financially and strategically complement our existing core operations. SEGL is listed on the Catalist of the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited under the ticker 40E.
Production Labels
SEGL owns a 100% equity interest in Studio Take Co., Ltd. (“Studio Take“) which produced STONE SKIPPING (2020) and THE BOX (2021). Its latest film, A MAN OF REASON, premiered in the US at the 42nd Hawaii International Film Festival. The film was also invited to the 47th Toronto International Film Festival, the largest film festival in North America, and the 55th Sitges Film Festival, one of the world’s top three genre film festivals. Studio Take shall also release an upcoming film, THE GUEST (working title), which is at the post-production stage and scheduled to be released in the second half of 2023 or first half of 2024.
SEGL owns Novus Mediacorp Co., Ltd. (“Novus Mediacorp“), an investor, presenter, and/or post-theatrical distributor for a total of 80 films (59 Korean and 21 foreign) including OKAY MADAM (2020), LONG LIVE THE KING (2019), MY FIRST CLIENT (2019), ROSE OF BETRAYAL (2018), THE OUTLAWS (2017) and SECRETLY, GREATLY (2013), which was one of the biggest box office hits of 2013 starring Kim Soo-hyun of MY LOVE FROM THE STARS (2013), as well as FRIEND 2: THE GREAT LEGACY (2013). In 2012, Novus Mediacorp was also the post-theatrical rights distributor of ALL ABOUT MY WIFE (2012), a top-grossing romantic comedy produced by Zip Cinema. In 2018, THE OUTLAWS, co-presented by Novus Mediacorp broke the all-time highest Video On Demand (“VOD“) sales records in Korea. For more information, please visit novusmediacorp.com.
The Company owns a 100% equity interest in Greenlight Content Limited (“Greenlight Content“) which is mainly involved in the business of investing into dramas and movies, as well as providing consulting services for the production of Korean content. Through the acquisition of Greenlight Content, the Group’s first co-produced drama, MY SECRET TERRIUS, starring top Korean star, So Ji Sub, achieved #1 in drama viewership ratings for its time slot and recorded double digits for its highest viewership ratings. Greenlight Content was one of the main investors of MY SECRET TERRIUS.
The Company owns a 100% equity interest in Simplex Films Limited (“Simplex Films“) which is an early stage film production firm. The maiden film of Simplex Films, JESTERS: THE GAME CHANGERS (2019), was released in Korea on 21 August 2019. Simplex Films has several line-up of films including HURRICANE BROTHERS (working title).
The Company owns a 20% equity interest in The Makers Studio Co. Ltd., which plans to produce and release four upcoming films, the first of which will be THE ISLAND OF THE GHOST’S WAIL, a comedy horror film.
Talent Representation
The Company holds an effective shareholding interest of 43.88% in Spackman Media Group Limited (“SMGL“). SMGL, a company incorporated in Hong Kong, together with its subsidiaries, is collectively one of the largest entertainment talent agencies in Korea in terms of the number of artists under management, including some of the top names in the Korean entertainment industry. SMGL operates its talent management business through renowned agencies such as MSteam Entertainment Co., Ltd. (Son Ye-jin, Wi Ha-jun, Lee Min-jung, Ko Sung-hee, Lee Cho-hee), SBD Entertainment Inc. (Han Ji-hyun, Park Keun-rok), UAA&CO Inc. (Kim Sang-kyung) and Play Content Co., Ltd. (Hwang-hwi). Through these full-service talent agencies in Korea, SMGL represents and guides the professional careers of a leading roster of award-winning actors/actresses in the practice areas of motion pictures, television, commercial endorsements, and branded entertainment. SMGL leverages its unparalleled portfolio of artists as a platform to develop, produce, finance and own the highest quality of entertainment content projects, including theatrical motion pictures, variety shows and TV dramas. This platform also creates and derives opportunities for SMGL to make strategic investments in development stage businesses that can collaborate with SMGL artists. SMGL is an associated company of the Company. For more information, please visit spackmanmediagroup.com.
The Company owns a 100% equity interest in Constellation Agency Pte. Ltd. (“Constellation Agency“). Constellation Agency, which owns The P Factory Co., Ltd. (“The P Factory“) and Platform Media Group Co., Ltd. (“PMG“), is primarily involved in the business of overseas agency for Korean artists venturing into the overseas market. The P Factory is an innovative marketing solutions provider specializing in event and branded content production. PMG is a talent management agency, which represents and manages the careers of major artists in film, television, commercial endorsements and branded entertainment.
Strategic Businesses
The Company also operates a café-restaurant, Upper West, in the Gangnam district of Seoul and own a professional photography studio, noon pictures Co., Ltd.
For more details, please visit spackmanentertainmentgroup.com.