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MALAYSIA HEALTHCARE TRAVEL COUNCIL STRENGHTENS REGIONAL PRESENCE IN MEDAN THROUGH ASTINDO TRAVEL FAIR 2025

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Advertorial Desk
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MEDAN, Indonesia, Nov. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) continues to advance its regional outreach by participating in the ASTINDO Travel Fair (ATF) 2025, held in Medan, Indonesia. The event serves as one of the largest tourism exhibitions in the country, gathering travel agents, airlines, hotels, medical institutions, and tourism partners under one roof to showcase their offerings and foster cross-border collaboration.

As part of the Malaysia Healthcare Pavilion, MHTC leads a delegation of nine (9) world-renowned Malaysian hospitals, further reinforcing Malaysia’s position as a trusted global destination for quality medical care and wellness. Participating hospitals include two finalists of MHTC’s Flagship Medical Tourism Hospital (FMTH) programme, namely Institut Jantung Negara (IJN) and Mahkota Medical Centre, as well as Cardiac Vascular Sentral Kuala Lumpur (CVSKL), Gleneagles Hospital Penang, LohGuanLye Specialists Centre, Northern Heart Hospital Penang, Penang Adventist Hospital, Sunway Medical Centre, and Sunway Medical Centre Penang.

“MHTC’s participation at ASTINDO Travel Fair 2025 reaffirms Malaysia’s commitment to strengthening healthcare partnerships in Indonesia, particularly across Sumatra, which remains one of our key markets for health travellers. Through initiatives like the Malaysia Healthcare Pavilion, we aim to showcase Malaysia’s excellence in medical expertise, advanced technology, and warm hospitality that have made Malaysia a preferred choice for healthcare travellers from Indonesia,” says Suriaghandi Suppiah, Chief Executive Officer of MHTC.

The participation also aligns with the Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism (MYMT) 2026 campaign, themed “Healing Meets Hospitality.” This campaign highlights Malaysia’s world-class healthcare ecosystem that combines internationally accredited medical services with the nation’s distinctive culture of care and hospitality.

MHTC’s involvement also complements Tourism Malaysia’s participation at ASTINDO Travel Fair 2025, which promotes the upcoming Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign under the theme “Malaysia a Sustainable Destination & Rich in Culture.” Together, both organisations highlight Malaysia’s appeal not only as a leisure destination but also as a comprehensive hub for healthcare, wellness, education, and lifestyle tourism.

Tourism Malaysia Medan, led by Consul Rosalina Abdul Rahim, also collaborates with travel partners to introduce new and unique holiday packages to destinations such as Ipoh, Cameron Highlands, and Melaka, as well as Umrah Stop-Over Kuala Lumpur and Halal Tourism Packages in partnership with Almeerah Plaza Tour.

Malaysia has long been recognised as one of the top destinations for medical tourism in Asia, attracting patients from neighbouring countries seeking specialised care in cardiology, oncology, orthopaedics, fertility, and wellness treatments.

The ASTINDO Travel Fair 2025 serves as a vital platform for fostering collaboration between Malaysia and Indonesia across tourism and healthcare sectors. The participation of MHTC and its hospital partners exemplifies the synergy between medical excellence and hospitality that defines Malaysia’s healthcare travel experience.

For media inquiries and further information, please contact:

Mohamad Shahizam Fauzi
Head, Communications
+603 8776 6168
shahizam.f@mhtc.org.my

Siti Hamidah Mohd Najib
Senior Executive, Communications
+603 8776 6168
hamidah.m@mhtc.org.my

About Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council

Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC), established in 2009 under the purview of the Ministry of Health (MOH) Malaysia, is entrusted with developing and nurturing the “Malaysia Healthcare” brand. MHTC enhances, coordinates, and promotes Malaysia’s healthcare travel industry by fostering industry collaborations and building valuable public-private partnerships both domestically and internationally. With 80 member hospitals nationwide, MHTC continues to elevate the healthcare travel ecosystem through strong branding, seamless patient experiences, and strategic market initiatives.

In line with these efforts, MHTC is spearheading the Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism (MYMT) 2026, the nation’s first dedicated year to celebrate and advance healthcare travel. MYMT 2026 serves as a milestone initiative to showcase Malaysia’s world-class healthcare offerings, strengthen its position as the premier global healthcare destination, and highlight the industry’s significant contribution to the national economy.

Legal Innovation Asia 2026 Report Reveals GenAI Transforming Legal Work, But Human Expertise Remains Central

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Advertorial Desk
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– Generative AI is transforming legal work

– Technology adoption depends on education, and leadership buy-in

– Technology matters — but people skills matter more

SINGAPORE, Nov. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A newly released report, Legal Innovation Asia 2026: AI Meets Law – The Next Frontier, highlights how generative AI is reshaping the roles of legal professionals, and how prepared Asia’s legal sector is to navigate and capitalise on this new era of innovation. Produced in collaboration with the Asia-Pacific Legal Innovation & Technology Association (ALITA), the report is published in the lead-up to the Legal Innovation Festival Southeast Asia 2026, 12–13 March 2026, at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore.

The research was conducted through roundtable discussions with legal professionals from 47 organisations – law firms, inhouse legal teams, consultancies – across Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Hong Kong SAR. Key insights include: 

Generative AI Is Transforming Legal Work
AI is reshaping the management, delivery, and value of legal work, not by replacing lawyers but by redefining how they operate. Those who leverage AI effectively will outperform others, yet concerns over data privacy, quality assurance, and ethical governance remain major barriers.

Technology Adoption Depends on Education, and Leadership Buy-in
Many organisations lack senior leadership familiarity with AI, slowing progress. Education and expectation management are essential to overcome fear, misconceptions, and fixed mindsets. Change champions within firms play a vital role but face internal resistance and resource constraints.

Skills for the Future: Digital Fluency + Human Intelligence
Success in the AI era depends on digital literacy, ethical judgment, adaptability, and critical thinking. Lawyers must become strategic, tech-savvy business partners who integrate data, technology, and commercial understanding into legal strategy. Ulitmately, technology matters — but people skills matter more.

The report also includes quotes from the roundtable participants, highlighting that while AI’s potential to transform legal work is clear, key barriers must be addressed through continuous training and responsible innovation of legal AI tools. The findings point to an industry in transition, one that must evolve with AI while ensuring its safe and scalable adoption across the sector.

Building on these findings, the Legal Innovation Festival Southeast Asia 2026 will bring together industry leaders and professionals to unpack AI and innovation in the legal industry. Across two days, attendees will hear from keynote speakers, learn from real-world case studies, and engage in panel discussions and product demonstrations.

Industry leaders such as Laurence Liew, Director of AI Innovation, AI Singapore, Carol Seah, General Counsel, NCS Group, Gladys Chun, General Counsel, Doctors Anywhere and Mel Nirmala, ASEAN Legal Ops Excellence Lead, Bayer South-East Asia & Head, CLOC Singapore Chapter will share their expertise.

Discussing the festival’s role in advancing legal innovation, Anna Turner, Portfolio and Content Director, Hannover Fairs Australia said, “The report underscores the urgent need for the legal sector to harness AI tools. This festival will provide a platform to exchange ideas, address challenges, and shape the next frontier of legal innovation in Asia.” Anna added, “Hosting this event in Singapore is deliberate. As a strategic hub for technology and governance in Asia, Singapore offers the ideal environment for thought leadership and cross-border collaboration that sets standards for the Asia region.”

According to the LexisNexis Generative AI and the Legal Profession 2025 Survey Report for 400 Malaysia and Singapore legal professionals and lawyers, 70% of respondents believe they will fall behind if they do not use AI tools, and 66% are already leveraging AI in their daily work. As Singapore’s legal sector deepens its focus on innovation and digitalisation, it continues to lead the way with proactive regulatory guidance on AI adoption. Initiatives such as MinLaw’s proposed Guide for Using Generative AI in the Legal Sector, along with digitalisation efforts like the LIFT pilot initiative and Productivity Solutions Grant for the Legal Sector (PSG-Legal), are helping firms adopt AI responsibly while maintaining high standards of governance.

The Legal Innovation Festival Southeast Asia 2026 invites law firms, in-house legal teams, technology providers, and industry partners to participate in this landmark event. Opportunities for sponsorship, speaking, and tickets to attend are now open.

For more information, visit https://www.legalinnovationsea.com/.

About Legal Innovation Festival Southeast Asia 2026

The Legal Innovation Festival SE Asia 2026 is a premier platform to explore the latest ideas and solutions transforming the legal industry. Technology is both disrupting and enabling the practice of law, and as systems evolve, new platforms emerge, and strategies shift, legal professionals must continuously adapt.

This event will give legal and allied legal professionals the opportunity to connect and share their knowledge and strategies on how they are navigating these changes. Singapore, with its strong position as a regional legal and innovation hub, is the ideal place to drive this conversation forward, bringing together industry leaders, technologists, and legal professionals from across Southeast Asia to navigate the future of law.

A Well-Oiled Machinery & Equipment Sector: The Silent Strength Powering Malaysia’s Semiconductor Manufacturing Excellence

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Advertorial Desk
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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 November 2025 – In the global semiconductor race, the loudest voices don’t always belong to those doing the heaviest lifting. While headlines trumpet chip breakthroughs and billion-dollar fabs, Malaysia has been quietly perfecting something far more fundamental: the machinery and equipment that makes it all possible.

This is not the story of flashy innovation or overnight success. It’s the story of four decades spent mastering the unglamorous but indispensable, precision robots that place components with microscopic accuracy, testing equipment that validates every nanometer, and clean room systems that maintain environments more sterile than operating theatres. Behind every chip that rolls off a Malaysian assembly line lies this web of engineering excellence, a competitive advantage so deeply embedded that even global giants struggle to replicate it.

Malaysia ranks as the sixth largest semiconductor exporter globally and commands 13 per cent of the world’s Assembly, Testing and Packaging Operations.

As Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, CEO of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), puts it, “When global semiconductor companies look at Malaysia, they see our competitive costs or our location, But, what really differentiates us is our comprehensive Machinery and Equipment (M&E ecosystem) — the ability to not just build but continuously innovate and maintain the incredibly sophisticated equipment that semiconductor operation depends on.

The integrated Machinery and Equipment (M&E) ecosystem has been fundamentally shaped by key Foreign Investments (FI) that serve as catalysts for local capacity building. Global leaders specialising in front-end equipment, such as LAM Research and Applied Materials, have established major manufacturing and support operations in Malaysia, creating extensive sourcing opportunities for local players. At the same time, back-end equipment innovator Besi APAC and Cohu actively collaborates with Malaysian companies, transferring expertise in high-precision manufacturing. This strategic integration has played a critical role in advancing homegrown champions such as Pentamaster, Vitrox, Greatech, Tonasco and SFP, enabling them to evolve from simple component suppliers into engineering partners capable of meeting global standards in advanced packaging and complex assembly.

This robust ecosystem, honed across generations of manufacturing excellence, is Malaysia’s quiet competitive edge. It comprises a complete value chain, supported by our foundational engineering support expertise in precision machining, tooling, and high-tolerance metal fabrication, which forms the physical backbone for more complex automated equipment and robotics. And now, as the country pivots from its decades-long dominance in downstream activities toward capturing high-value front-end segments, that machinery and equipment foundation is about to become its most potent weapon.

MIDA’s Gameplan: A Multi-Pronged Strategic Push

The shift is as ambitious as it is necessary. High-value segments such as chip design and advanced manufacturing technologies depend on specialised M&E such as lithography, deposition, and etching equipment — critical processes that define the performance and capabilities of every modern chip.

MIDA is spearheading the shift by positioning Malaysia as a regional hub for front-end semiconductor M&E manufacturing, guided by clear mandates from the New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030 and the National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS). On the international front, the agency is actively courting global pioneers in front-end equipment manufacturing to attract anchor investments that will accelerate the development of a sophisticated, high-value manufacturing ecosystem within Malaysia.

The strategic push, however, goes beyond just attracting investments. MIDA is building a thriving high-tech ecosystem to support technology transfer, knowledge exchange and collaborative innovation. The agency maps local manufacturers and facilitate high-impact business matching at key events like SEMICON Southeast Asia 2025, creating direct pathways for Malaysian suppliers to embed themselves into global supply chains and engage with industry titans like ASML, Ferrotec, and Micron.

The goal is nothing less than repositioning Malaysian M&E companies from component suppliers to strategic innovation partners in the most critical segments of the global value chain.

Nurturing Homegrown Champions

Yet for all the emphasis on global partnerships, MIDA understand that Malaysia’s semiconductor future must be built on homegrown capabilities. The focus has shifted toward nurturing deep expertise in highly specialised areas such as, advanced mechatronics, precision optics, and complex process technologies. Through targeted facilitation and incentives. the government is betting that Malaysian companies can close the gap with global leaders faster than anyone expects.

Industry veterans like Chuah Choon Bin, founder and executive chairman of Penang-based Pentamaster Corporation Berhad, welcome the support. “In today’s fiercely competitive environment, where intense price competition particularly from China continues to put pressure on margins, the financial support from the government is crucial to help Malaysian companies like us to remain competitive globally,” he explains.

For Pentamaster, which has been operating since 1991, the fiscal support provided by the Malaysian Government through MIDA have been transformative. “These facilitation allow us to intensify R&D, adopt cutting-edge technologies and expand into advanced technology areas in the ATE and FAS segments.” Chuah notes. “They provide the necessary support for us to invest in next-generation technologies like advanced packaging technologies and shorten our time-to-market, which is critical in an industry driven by rapid innovation cycles,”.

Pentamaster’s story reflects the broader heritage that makes Malaysia’s M&E sector resilient. Back then, Penang hosted a deep ecosystem in M&E, electronics, sheet metal fabrication and semiconductor manufacturing.

That heritage, Chuah said, “provided Pentamaster with access to a skilled workforce, precision engineering know-how and a strong supplier network”, advantages that continue to pay dividends today.

The Turning Point

This evolving narrative marks a crucial turning point for Malaysia: the country is ascending from an auxiliary support role to a core position in the advanced chip production infrastructure. The country that spent decades perfecting the machinery behind the scenes is stepping into the spotlight, ready to claim its place among the semiconductor elite.

For a nation that has always let its work speak louder than its words, this moment feels both inevitable and earned. Malaysia’s enduring semiconductor legacy, built on precision, persistence, and the unglamorous art of making things work, is about to be cemented on the global map.

And, the machinery that got them here is just getting started.

Hashtag: #MIDA

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

OMANI PATIENTS GAIN DIRECT ACCESS TO MALAYSIAN MEDICAL SPECIALISTS THROUGH WEEK-LONG HEALTHCARE ACTIVATION

By
Advertorial Desk
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SEEB, Oman, Nov. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Malaysia Healthcare Week opens at City Centre Mall, Seeb, marking the first major Middle East activation under the Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism (MYMT) 2026. The week-long programme connects Omani patients with Malaysian medical specialists through public exhibitions, clinical consultations and professional exchange, demonstrating Malaysia’s “Healing Meets Hospitality” approach to international healthcare.

The initiative runs through 5 November in partnership with the Embassy of Malaysia in Oman. IHH Healthcare Group leads the Malaysian delegation, joined by Prince Court Medical Centre, Alpha IVF & Women Specialists, and PERKESO Rehabilitation Centre. Also participating alongside Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) is Tourism Malaysia Dubai Office to coordinate patient facilitation and travel logistics, in conjunction with the Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism (MYMT) 2026 and Visit Malaysia 2026.

The programme includes two components:

  • City Centre Mall Exhibition (29 October – 2 November): a public-facing showcase of Malaysia’s hospitals, services and specialties, combining interactive booths, live Q&A with clinicians and consumer-focused materials.
  • Oman World Cancer Congress, Summit & Exhibition 2025 (3–5 November): Malaysian hospital representatives engage with oncology professionals across the Middle East region to explore clinical collaboration, knowledge transfer and patient referral pathways.

Beyond clinical capabilities, Malaysian hospitals provide services designed specifically for Middle Eastern patients: halal-certified food across all facilities, Arabic-speaking care coordinators, family accommodation within hospital complexes and culturally-informed care protocols that respect patient privacy and religious practices, distinguishing Malaysia’s healthcare model and reflecting the service standards coordinated across all MYMT 2026 activities.

“Malaysia Healthcare Week Oman demonstrates what MYMT 2026 represents, a unified national commitment to delivering medical excellence within a care environment designed around patient needs,” said Suriaghandi Suppiah, Chief Executive Officer of MHTC. “Omani patients receive not just treatment but a complete care experience that acknowledges their cultural values, family structures and personal preferences. This week gives them direct access to our specialists while building the professional relationships that enable ongoing collaboration between our healthcare systems.”

MHTC will conclude its Middle East activation at the Best of Malaysia Showcase in Doha, Qatar on 6 November 2025. Organised by the Embassy of Malaysia in Qatar and supported by MHTC’s strategic partner, REXPO, the event will serve as a key platform to highlight Malaysia’s world-class healthcare offerings. The consecutive Oman and Qatar engagements establish consistent regional presence throughout the MYMT 2026 campaign period and reinforce Malaysia’s commitment to the Middle East healthcare market.

For media inquiries and further information, please contact:

Mohamad Shahizam Fauzi
Head, Communications
+603 8776 6168
shahizam.f@mhtc.org.my

Siti Hamidah Mohd Najib
Senior Executive, Communications
+603 8776 6168
hamidah.m@mhtc.org.my

About Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council

Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC), established in 2009 under the purview of the Ministry of Health (MOH) Malaysia, is entrusted with developing and nurturing the “Malaysia Healthcare” brand. MHTC enhances, coordinates, and promotes Malaysia’s healthcare travel industry by fostering industry collaborations and building valuable public-private partnerships both domestically and internationally. With 80 member hospitals nationwide, MHTC continues to elevate the healthcare travel ecosystem through strong branding, seamless patient experiences, and strategic market initiatives. In line with these efforts, MHTC is spearheading the Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism (MYMT) 2026, the nation’s first dedicated year to celebrate and advance healthcare travel. MYMT 2026 serves as a milestone initiative to showcase Malaysia’s world-class healthcare offerings, strengthen its position as the premier global healthcare destination, and highlight the industry’s significant contribution to the national economy.

More information can be found at https://www.mhtc.org.my/. 

Laos Sets New Economic Direction Under 2026–2030 Development Strategy

By
Beatrice Siviero
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Lao Government Outline Plans for Economic Independence in 2025
Lao Fresh Market in Vientiane Capital. (Photo: seethinkexplore )

Laos is setting an ambitious new course for national growth as the Ministry of Industry and Commerce and the Ministry of Finance have rolled out their five-year development plans for 2026–2030, outlining strategies to accelerate industrialization, strengthen financial stability, and build a self-reliant economy.

At the sixth Party Committee Congress of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce in late October, Deputy Minister Chanthaboun Soukaloun presented the draft Industry and Trade Development Plan, which positions the sector as a central driver of the country’s economic transformation. 

The plan sets ambitious targets for the industry and trade sector to contribute at least 36.2 percent to GDP, with projected annual growth rates of 12.65 percent for industry, 14.54 percent for domestic trade, and 10.62 percent for foreign trade.

Over the past five years, the ministry reported steady progress, achieving 180.82 percent of its industrial output target and surpassing foreign trade goals with USD 83.86 billion in total trade value. Building on this momentum, the new plan aims to promote value-added production, develop a competitive energy market, improve trade facilitation, and advance digital and green transformation across industries.

The plan aligns with the government’s broader National Socio-Economic Development Plan (NSEDP), targeting overall GDP growth of 5.5 percent per year.

MSME Challenges Highlight the Need for Reform

During the same congress, Vice President Pany Yathotou called for greater focus on micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which employ more than 80 percent of Laos’ workforce but continue to face major barriers to growth.

She warned that without stronger support, Laos risks stifling a sector vital for job creation and economic competitiveness. “MSMEs must be prioritized in national development,” she said, urging simplified procedures, greater transparency, and expanded access to finance.

Access to credit remains the most pressing obstacle. The May 2025 Lao Economic Monitor noted that high government borrowing and a fragile, bank-dominated financial system limit private sector lending. Inflation, currency depreciation, and dollarization have also made loans for small firms riskier and costlier.

Many MSMEs rely on internal funds due to lack of collateral, low financial literacy, and weak business documentation. These issues discourage banks from lending, a concern echoed by Nayoby Bank Deputy Director Bounxord Fongsanith, who said high collateral requirements, often double the loan amount, and poor record-keeping make formal financing “nearly impossible” for small firms.

Administrative hurdles further constrain MSMEs. A World Bank report previously found that complex regulations and inconsistent enforcement keep many businesses informal, limiting their potential contribution to economic growth.

Without urgent reform, experts warn, Laos’s most important job creators will continue to struggle, a challenge the Ministry of Industry and Commerce’s new five-year plan aims to address through financing reforms and business environment improvements.

Finance Ministry Strengthens Fiscal Management and Reform

Meanwhile, at the fourth Party Committee Congress of the Ministry of Finance, Santip Phomvihane, a member of the Party Central Committee, was elected Secretary of the Ministry’s Party Committee for the fourth term. 

The congress, attended by Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone and senior Party officials, reviewed the achievements of the previous five-year plan and approved the new financial sector development plan to 2030.

The finance sector’s new plan emphasizes fiscal discipline, improved revenue management, and enhanced coordination with other ministries to ensure that financial policies effectively support national development priorities. 

Delegates also reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to comprehensive reform in line with the Party’s principles and the government’s modernization agenda.

Both ministries’ new strategies aim to build a self-sustaining economy driven by industry, trade, and sustainable financial governance.

Central Bank Targets Stability and Modernization

The Bank of Laos (BOL) also unveiled its own five-year plan for 2026–2030 during its fifth Party Congress held on 26 October in Vientiane.

According to Governor Bounkham Vorachit, Secretary of the Party Committee, the plan prioritizes financial stability, stronger oversight, and innovation in digital banking to enhance inclusion and efficiency. It also builds on past efforts to modernize the financial sector and improve transparency.

Amid these reforms, the central bank is accelerating its digital modernization and regional integration agenda. Cross-border QR payment systems with Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, South Korea, and China now enable seamless cashless transactions for tourists and businesses, supporting both financial transparency and the country’s digital economy goals

Recent challenges in the banking sector have also highlighted the urgency of these reforms. 

In 2024, the Bank of Laos reported 21 corruption cases, including incidents within BOL and several state-owned banks, resulting in losses of nearly LAK 1.6 billion (approximately USD 74,000), of which only LAK 137 million (about USD 6,300) has been recovered.

A total of 167 individuals faced disciplinary action, while investigations continue at major financial institutions. These issues, the bank noted, highlight the need for stronger accountability and tighter oversight mechanisms to protect public trust and ensure financial integrity.

Moutai Singapore Open Kicks off This Week

By
Advertorial Desk
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SINGAPORE, Nov. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Moutai Singapore Open is taking place later half this week at Singapore Island Country Club. Zhang Xu, Deputy General Manager of the sponsor, Kweichow Moutai Company Limited, is to attend. The Singapore event, namely the 9th stop of this year’s professional golf tour in Asia, is the third-time cooperation between Moutai and Asian Tour in 2025, after Japan and Hong Kong SAR, marking its steady progress in fortifying global presence.


Moutai Deputy GM Zhang Xu stated the company’s ambition, “the globalization of Chinese Brands should not be limited to products export, but to include way of life and value promotion on a global stage.” The Asian Tour is believed to be one of the stages of such, that attracts high value audience from around the world. Zhang says golf fans and Moutai lovers are going to enjoy a wide and in-depth exchange in a common tongue of sports.

Singapore Open boasts a long and distinguished history producing numerous legendary champions. This year’s tournament returns to its birthplace, where the inaugural Singapore Open took place in 1961, to pay homage to the legacy. And Moutai’s sponsorship marks a new beginning of the event.


The Asian Tour organizers visited Kweichow Moutai in August this year to get a better understanding of the top Chinese Baijiu, and captured various images of the mega distillery and stories behind. These exclusive and precious images will be shared with global audience through social media platforms during the tournament.

HKSOS x Sowers Action Challenging 12 Hours Charity Trail Marathon 2025

By
Advertorial Desk
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Over 1,300 Participants Run to Support Underprivileged Students


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 November 2025 – The HKSOS x Sowers Action Challenging 12 Hours Charity Trail Marathon 2025 successfully took place today (2 November). The event, co-organized by Sowers Action and the mobile application HKSOS, was officiated at the kick-off ceremony by the Hon. of the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung. Other officiating guests included the Assistant Commissioner of Police (Information Systems), Ms. Kwan Chui-ching; the Assistant Director (Kowloon) of the Fire Services Department, Mr. Tsang Wing-hung; Divisional Commander (Kowloon East), Mr. Chu Man-chiu; Assistant Commissioner (World Customs Organization) of the Customs and Excise Department, Mr. Li Kin Kei; Acting Chief Pilot (Operations) of the Government Flying Service, Mr. Lui Tak-shun; and Staff Officer of the Auxiliary Medical Service, Mr. Siu Kwan-choi.

HKSOS x Sowers Action

More than 1,300 runners participated across four race categories — 42km, 28km, 14km, and a 3km Family Fun Run — joining forces for a meaningful cause to support education for underprivileged children while promoting outdoor safety.

Sowers Action Chairman Mr. Raymond Lee expressed heartfelt thanks to all participants:“We sincerely thank all government departments, sponsoring organizations, volunteers, runners, and members of the media for their unwavering support and participation, which made the “Challenging 12 Hours Charity Trail Marathon” possible. Over the past 34 years, Sowers Action has extended its footprint across 16 provinces and 248 counties in Mainland China, as well as in various overseas regions. In recent years, we have also established the Sowers Action Service Centre in Sham Shui Po, serving over 1,600 grassroots families in Hong Kong. The ‘Challenging 12 Hours’ has been our signature charitable event for 27 consecutive years, and we are honored to collaborate with “HKSOS” this year to not only raise funds for children’s education but also to promote mountain and outdoor safety awareness. The success of this event truly relies on the collective efforts of everyone involved. In line with our belief that ‘Kindness Knows No Borders’, we are deeply grateful to every participant whose generosity helps sustain our mission in education and empowerment. Wishing all runners a safe and successful race, embodying the spirit of ‘Doing Good Brings Joy’.”

Assistant Commissioner of Police (Information Systems) Ms. Kwan Chui-ching remarked:“It is an honour for the Hong Kong Police Force to co-organize the ‘Challenging 12 Hours Charity Marathon’ with Sowers Action, bringing together the dual missions of education and technology. Since its launch in 2024, the HKSOS mobile application has successfully assisted over 270 citizens, averaging one rescue every two days. Its patented system integrates AI-powered incident detection, direct linkage to the 999 emergency centre, and an emergency contact network, forming a robust ‘safety triangle’ designed to enhance outdoor safety. We are especially delighted that over 1,300 runners participating today have downloaded HKSOS. Two weeks ago, our team also successfully conducted a satellite rescue test at an altitude of 5,600 meters in Nepal, marking an important milestone in validating cross-border emergency response capabilities. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to China Mobile Hong Kong for their strong support, and to every participant who has joined us in promoting both charity and safety through technology. I wish all runners a safe race and great success in this meaningful event.”

Secretary for Security Mr. Chris Tang also said: “I am delighted to once again be invited by Sowers Action to officiate at the ‘Challenging 12 Hours Charity Trail Marathon 2025’ and to witness the results of the runners’ dedication and hard training. Over the years, Sowers Action has been steadfast in supporting underprivileged children both in Hong Kong and overseas. In recent years, the organization has also refocused its efforts locally, including the establishment of a support centre in Sham Shui Po to assist grassroots families. This year, the event is expected to raise over one million Hong Kong dollars, a strong reflection of the city’s spirit of compassion and community engagement. In addition to the popular 3 km Family Run, I would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the six disciplined services and two auxiliary services under the Security Bureau for forming multiple teams to take part in the 42 km race, together with youth uniformed groups — jointly passing on the spirit of charity and service. Every participant, regardless of ranking, has already made a meaningful contribution to children’s education through their actions. This truly embodies the event’s mission of ‘Changing Lives Through Running’.”

This year’s event raised funds for Sowers Action’s Education Assistance Program for Underprivileged Students. All proceeds will support initiatives improving learning conditions and educational facilities both locally and abroad. Past projects have funded teacher development, school renovation, and the purchase of learning equipment — enabling students from deprived backgrounds to continue their studies under better conditions. Sowers Action has provided educational support in mainland China, Hong Kong, Myanmar, and Nepal. As of June 2025, its total funding contributions have exceeded HK$794 million.

At the same time, the event promotes public awareness of mountain and outdoor safety. Since the HKSOS mobile application launch in January 2024, it has successfully assisted 247 individuals in distress, demonstrating the importance of safety knowledge in outdoor activities.

To encourage family engagement, this year’s race continued to feature the 3km Family Fun Run, enabling parents and children to enjoy outdoor exercise while supporting a good cause.Now in its 27th year, the Challenging 12 Hours Charity Trail Marathon has drawn over 40,000 total participants and raised more than HK$55 million for educational projects, benefiting over 500,000 children in need.

This year’s race achieved remarkable results. In the 42 km category, Yip Tung Hoi claimed the Men’s Championship with an impressive finishing time of 4 hours, 24 minutes and 46 seconds, while Ng Chin Nam won the Women’s Championship in 5 hours, 9 minutes and 22 seconds. The result for the Team Relay Champion is “Team A”, comprising Lai Ka Pak、Swalikh Mohammed 、Chan Yu Fai、Tam Sze Huang, who completed the race in 7 hours, 4 minutes and 56 seconds.

In the 28 km race, Lee Ho Tin took the Men’s title in 2 hours, 25 minutes and 13 seconds, while Dau Wing Sze finished first in the Women’s category with a time of 2 hours, 57 minutes and 41 seconds. The Open Team Champion was “Team TNF”, comprising Chong Chak Long, Huang Tsz Hei, Chung Kam Ho and Chan Chin Shing, who completed the race in 3 hours, 8 minutes and 46 seconds.

For the 14 km race, Zeng Tsz Shing won the Men’s Championship with a time of 58 minutes and 27 seconds, while Lee Tsz Tung secured the Women’s title in 1 hour, 10 minutes and 44 seconds. In the Open Team Category, Team “Walk Faster! Hey!” finished first with a time of 1 hour, 33 minutes and 59 seconds.

The 3 km Family Run was also filled with laughter and joy, as father-and-son duo Tsang Pui Yat and Tsang Siu Keung — one of this year’s event ambassadors — finished first with a remarkable time of 14 minutes and 29 seconds, taking home the Family Category Championship.

The event was supported by numerous generous sponsors, including China Mobile Limited as Diamond Sponsor, ICAP as Trail Section Sponsor, COSCO SHIPPING International (Hong Kong) Co., Ltd. as Gold Sponsor, and Shun Hing Education and Charity Fund, Kwoon Chung Bus Holdings, The Overlander, VÅGA, Medik Pro Group, Regenflex, Bright Future Pharmaceutical Laboratories Limited, SPEEDTOX, Acti-Tape, and others as Silver Sponsors.

Bronze Sponsors included Po Lin Monastery, Shang Sin Chun Tong Charitable Foundation, VTech Holdings Limited, Beijing Enterprises Holdings Limited, New Town Medical, Cool Partners International Limited, Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical Co., Inc., HILX, Nutriworks Limited, Tiger Balm, Chuan Tong Natural Fermented Yogurt Limited, Legacy Footcare and HMN International Smart Co., Limited. Dozens of volunteers from various organizations and government departments served along the trail, providing water, snacks, timekeeping, and first aid support — ensuring every participant could complete their race safely and enjoyably.

Hashtag: #SowerAction

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

About Sowers Action

Established in 1992, Sowers Action is a non-religious, non-political and non-profit-making charitable organization in Hong Kong, committed to promoting educational development and supporting livelihood needs, including school construction, student sponsorship, teacher training, children’s home operation and community development, to help disadvantaged groups around the world.
Sowers Action adheres to the principle of “Field Assessment, Direct Funding, and Long-term Follow-up.” Every dollar raised goes entirely to education projects, with operational expenses covered by separate fund-raising.
By December 2024, Sowers Action had funded educational and humanitarian projects in mainland China, Hong Kong, Myanmar, Thailand, and Nepal, with accumulated funding exceeding HK$781 million.
Subsidies over the Years*
Mainland China:
  • Constructed 1,310 schools and dormitory buildings, and funded 463 supporting educational facilities.
  • Sponsored education for 500,000 student beneficiaries, covering primary, secondary, university, and vocational school levels.
  • Provided training for 32,000 teachers, including special education and English instruction programs.
  • Distributed 180,000 winter jackets to students living in remote mountainous regions.
  • Supported the operation of three children’s homes and one girls’ high school.
Hong Kong:
  • Established a community service centre serving over 1,400 grassroots families, offering programmes related to child development and family well-being.
  • Supported the learning needs of underprivileged children through after-school tutoring, free music lessons, and distribution of stationery kits and computers, benefiting more than 7,700 participants.
  • Provided training and support for approximately 2,000 children with special educational needs (SEN) and their families.
  • Offered care to low-income households by distributing anti-pandemic supplies and emergency food items during the COVID-19 pandemic, and festive caring packages during holidays — with over 40,000 beneficiaries in total.
Myanmar:
  • Constructed 90 schools, dormitories, special education centres, and supporting infrastructure projects.
  • Carried out improvement works for 237 schools, including installing solar lighting systems and multimedia teaching facilities.
  • Built deep water wells for six schools located in arid and saline areas, benefiting the entire local community.
  • Provided assistance to 16,000 students, including school meal programs and education sponsorships.
  • Donated 20,000 winter jackets to children in the cold mountainous regions of northern Myanmar.
  • Supported two children’s homes through funding and facility improvement.
  • Conducted humanitarian relief operations, distributing 150,000 pieces of anti-pandemic supplies and 130 oxygen concentrators to communities in need.
Thailand:
  • Constructed five school buildings and dormitories, and funded six computer facilities.
  • Sponsored the education of 630 Chinese-language students.
  • Supported Chinese-language teacher training programmes, and for two consecutive years distributed Spring Festival gift packs to over 500 teachers.
Nepal:
  • Funded one school facility project and provided school meals to 1,800 students.
  • Distributed 10,000 winter jackets to children living in mountainous regions.
  • Supported the operation of one children’s daycare centre.
  • Established Chinese language classes to enhance participants’ employability.
  • Conducted eight humanitarian aid projects, providing emergency relief and living supplies to 50,000 people affected by natural disasters.
  • During the COVID-19 pandemic, donated 400 oxygen concentrators, medical and oxygen supplies to 11 medical centres, offered food aid to 2,250 households and three children’s homes, and delivered 1,000 meal boxes daily for one month.
  • Supported five livelihood projects, including community improvement, agricultural development, and medical outreach programmes.
(*Board of Directors’ Approved Projects)

Vietnam Flood Death Toll Rises to 35: Disaster Agency

By
Phontham Visapra
-
Vietnam Flood Death Toll Rises to 35
People navigate a flooded street on boats during heavy rains in Hoi An on 30 October (photo credit: NHAC NGUYEN / AFP)

AFP – Record heavy rains and flooding in central Vietnam last week killed 35 people, disaster management officials said on 2 November, with five more still missing in the deluge.

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