Highlighting its Commitment to Exceptional Service and Saudi Hospitality
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – Newsfile Corp. – November 25, 2024 – Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, has announced that it has been awarded the prestigious Editorial Award for ‘Best Airline Cabin Crew’ at the Business Traveler U.S. Awards 2024, held in Miami, USA. This is the first time this award is being given, making the recognition even more significant. It highlights the exceptional hospitality and service delivered by our dedicated cabin crew, placing Saudia ahead of the industry in terms of cabin service excellence.
Mr. Rossen Dimitrov, Chief Guest Experience Officer at Saudia, said: “This award is a testament to the hard work and professionalism of our cabin crew in delivering world-class service. Saudia’s cabin crew exemplify the essence of Saudi hospitality and culture, embodying the warmth, generosity, and respect that are ingrained to the Kingdom. And this award does not only highlight our commitment to excellence but also aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, as we continue to bring the world to the Kingdom.”
The Business Traveler U.S. Awards recognize industry excellence, determined by a combination of editorial insights, industry benchmarks, and reader input. It is widely regarded as a benchmark for excellence in airlines, hotels, travel destinations, and related innovations.
Saudia is dedicated to continuous innovation and service enhancement, aiming to double its fleet of 144 aircraft to connect the Kingdom with over 100 global destinations. The national flag carrier offers exceptional air services, blending warm Saudi hospitality with diverse, multilingual in-flight entertainment to suit all guest preferences.
About Saudia:
Saudia (Saudia Airlines) is the national flag carrier of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Established in 1945, the company has grown to become one of the Middle East’s largest airlines.
Saudia has invested significantly in upgrading its aircraft and currently operates one of the youngest fleet, with 144 aircraft. The airline serves an extensive global route network covering around 100 destinations across four continents, including all 28 domestic airports in Saudi Arabia.
A member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Arab Air Carriers Organization (AACO), Saudia has also been a member airline in SkyTeam, the second largest alliance, since 2012.
Saudia was recently awarded the “World Class Airline 2025” for the fourth consecutive year at The APEX Official Airline Ratings™ awards. Saudia has also advanced 11 places in the Skytrax airlines ranking of the World Best Airlines 2023. The Airline also ranked top among global airlines for best on-time performance (OTP) according to a report by Cirium.
For more information on Saudia, please visit www.saudia.com.
Media Center Saudi Arabian Airlines Headquarters Jeddah 21231, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Email: mediacenter@saudia.com
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In its third year, the FGG Summit became a member of 2024 youthfest@HK, empowering teen girls to identify strengths, embrace challenges as opportunities, and take bold action
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 November 2024 – The FutureGEN Girls Leadership Summit 2024 (the Summit), organized by the JYC Girls Impact Foundation (JYCGIF) and supported by the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau, Hang Seng Bank, CTF Education Group and 13 other organizations, took place on November 9, 2024, at the Hong Kong Palace Museum, drawing over 300 teen girls to discover their “superpowers” and take purposeful action to become the leaders of tomorrow.
Guest of Honor, Miss. Alice Mak, SBS, JP, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs(right two), officiated at the Opening Ceremony of FutureGEN Girls Leadership Summit 2024 on November 9, 2024, alongside Mrs. Jennifer Yu Cheng, FutureGEN Girls Leadership Summit Organizing Committee Chairperson and CTF Education Group President and Deputy Vice Chairwoman(left two), and Ms. Diana Cesar, JP, Executive Director and Chief Executive, Hang Seng Bank(left one), and Ms. Jennifer Ma, Group Chief Strategy Officer, CTF Education Group(right one).
Now in its third year, the Summit was recognized by the Youth Development Commission as an official partner event of the 2024 youthfest@HK, “engaging and helping the youth to develop their potential, enhance their knowledge, and share their experiences.” The Summit’s theme this year, “Find Your Superpower: Aspiring Future Leaders for Action,” encouraged teens to identify their unique gifts, face challenges head-on, and take proactive steps toward shaping their futures. In the past three years, JYCGIF has organized over 100 events, drawing more than 7,000 participants.
Miss. Alice Mak, SBS, JP, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, served as Summit Guest of Honor. Officiating at the Opening Ceremony, Ms. Mak said: “The new initiative in the Chief Executive’s 2024 Policy Address emphasizes women’s workplace development. The Home and Youth Affairs Bureau will establish a network with female leaders from various sectors and launch the ‘She Inspires’ mentorship program, pairing female university students with senior management mentors, and providing relevant training and activities to cultivate more ‘hold up half the sky’ talent, allowing women to shine in the workplace. Additionally, the Bureau has implemented several initiatives related to women in the past few months, including hosting the first Family and Women’s Development Summit on October 9 and launching a one-stop information portal for families and women earlier last month, which consolidates information on family education, women’s health, and shares relevant legal information.”
In her Keynote Speech, Ms. Diana Cesar, JP, Executive Director and Chief Executive of Hang Seng Bank, said, “I believe that unlimited potential lies within every individual, when we dare to explore and try new things, we’ll always gain something valuable along the way.” She also encouraged young people to seize every opportunity and live life to the fullest. A Powerhouse of Inspiring Leaders
Meanwhile, the Summit’s Main Panel, “Superpower in Action: From Challenges to Leadership,” moderated by Ms. Secy Cheung, Founding Board Director, FutureGen Girls Foundation, brought together a powerhouse of women leaders and trailblazers, including: Ms. Janice Lee, CEO of Viu & PCCW Media Group and Chairman of HKTVE Ltd (Viu TV); Ms. Joanna Kwok,Chief Engineer at Anglo-Eastern Ship Management Ltd, the first woman in Hong Kong to pass the licensing exam for Chief Engineer Officer on oceangoing vessels; Ms. Donna Tang, Executive Manager, Charities (Talent & Sector Development), The Hong Kong Jockey Club and Deputy Secretary-General (Secretariat and Core Operations), Institute of Philanthropy; and Ms.Ho Yuen Kei, 2024 Paris Paralympic Games Double Gold Medalist and Boccia Athlete from Team Hong Kong, China. Each panelist shared her own personal journey, offering stories of resilience, growth, and determination, encouraging teen girls to embrace challenges, build confidence, and seize opportunities for the future.
The Summit also featured a “Future Readiness Lab”, designed to empower participants with digital and soft skills, as well as practical career advice for the future. Dr. Alfred Tse from Preface led a session on embracing AI, introducing participants to the vast potential of artificial intelligence to shape their futures. Ms. Gigi Li, Founder of the Curated Style conducted a workshop on how the “power of color” can boost confidence and enhance self-expression; and Professor Ava Kwong, Chairman, Hong Kong Hereditary Breast Cancer Family Registry, and Professor Terence Wong, Associate Professor and Undergraduate Coordinator, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, guided participants in a session on career flexibility and adaptability, offering strategies to navigate an ever-evolving professional landscape with agility and confidence.
At the Summit, the New Technology Interactive Zone offered a lively space for teen girls to connect with industry leaders and explore future-focused tech. Highlights included music, art, and robotics, featuring a performance by the Musical Chaos Foundation ambassador and a project from Dr. Roberto Alonso Trillo and Dr. Peter Nelson from Hong Kong Baptist University. The Metabow, a sensor-equipped violin bow, showcased tech-enhanced music. Illumina‘s DNA sequencing advancements were featured in the Biotechnology Showcase, while Prenetics provided hands-on biotech workshops and career insights.
The IdeaGO Ideathon Finale
The highlight of the day was the IdeaGO Ideathon Finale, where 5 teams of teen girls presented innovative solutions to societal challenges they had been working on for months! Before the audience and judging panel, teams presented their projects, which covered: Challenges and / or opportunities faced by women in society, Environment and sustainable living, Health and wellbeing, and Sports and Fitness. The winners took home awards for their innovative solutions:
The Champion – Deeply Hidden (Cotton Spinners Association Secondary School): A Smart Compost Bin combines Arduino programming and 3D printing to efficiently process kitchen waste using earthworms.
1st Runner-up – Eagle Eye (St. Paul’s Secondary School): BIRD is an automated drone that patrols wetlands, using AI to detect large machinery and lingering individuals. It triggers alarms and captures evidence while monitoring environmental conditions and increasing patrols in damaged areas.
2nd Runner-up Winner – Thyme (Carmel Pak U Secondary School): “Move It” is a free fitness app designed to help users exercise correctly at home, featuring AI posture correction and rewards for low-income individuals. It will also support seniors with voice navigation in familiar dialects to encourage regular physical activity.
“You are the future leaders, the ones who will help shape the Greater Bay Area into a global innovation hub; but leadership isn’t about having all the answers – it’s about having the courage to act, to take the first step, learn from your experiences, and keep moving forward no matter the obstacles,” Mrs. Jennifer Yu Cheng, FGG Summit Organizing Committee Chairperson and CTF Education Group President and Deputy Vice Chairwoman, told a packed audience of teen girls. “Today isn’t the end of your journey – it’s the beginning of a new chapter. When you leave here, I hope you carry with you the tools, the confidence, and the belief in your own abilities to continue discovering who you are, growing your skills, and leading with your superpowers!”
At the Closing Ceremony, the Summit organizer invited Ms. Secy Cheung, Founding Board Director, FutureGen Girls Foundation, to unveil the FutureGen Young Women Leaders Award, recognizing teen girls who have dedicated themselves to realizing their full potential through the development of future-ready skills and leadership experiences culminating in empowering accomplishments. The Award is organized by the FutureGen Girls Foundation, a charitable organization on a mission to inspire, equip, and educate girls with the essential skills to navigate life’s challenges and cultivate their unique strengths and talents; and empower teen girls and young women to become leaders who drive positive change in society. The Award currently has nearly 60 supporting organizations, including JYC Girls Impact Foundation, and an advisory group of over 30 leaders from 20 industries. On 1st November 2024, enrollment in the Award opened to all teen girls aged between 12-18 at the time of registration, studying at a school registered with the Education Bureau of HKSAR. Hashtag: #JYCGIF #theSummit
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About JYC Girls Impact Foundation
JYC Girls Impact Foundation (JYCGIF) is a charitable organisation founded to empower teen girls through education to become future ready, and to promote women’s development opportunities. Since its founding, JYCGIF has mobilised institutional and educational partners to lay the groundwork for a new talent pipeline of future ready leaders – teen girls empowered with the confidence and digital and leadership skills to lead in a rapidly changing world and workplace.
Phout Simmalavong, Minister of Education and Sports
During the 8th National Assembly session held from 21–24 November, Phout Simmalavong, Minister of Education and Sports, presented progress on the National Education System Reform Strategy.
The country’s education system has seen progress over the past two decades, he said. From 2006 to 2010, the education system expanded with an increase in the number of schools and student enrollment across both the public and private sectors. The primary education completion rate improved from 44.2 percent in 2005–2006 to 57 percent by 2009–2010. Additionally, 35 model secondary schools were established, representing 9.3 percent of all secondary schools.
In the following phase (2010–2015), enrollment for children aged 3–5 increased from 21.1 percent to 43 percent. Dropout rates declined, with the primary school dropout rate falling to 5.2 percent and the secondary school rate to 11.5 percent. Vocational education also saw an increase, with student numbers rising from 53,925 to 62,669.
By the 8th Five-Year Plan (2016–2020), preschool enrollment for 5-year-olds rose from 70.9 percent to 82.7 percent, and primary school grade 5 enrollment reached 105.5 percent, while repetition rates dropped to 3.1 percent. Enrollment in lower secondary education improved slightly, and upper secondary enrollment increased from 42.7 percent to 54.8 percent. Gender parity also improved, with the index rising from 0.87 to 0.91.
However, these positive trends were disrupted by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The dropout rate has worsened since then, as highlighted by the Ministry of Education and Sports (MOES). The number of students taking exams has declined significantly, with Grade 4 student exam participation dropping from 83,544 in 2022 to 76,322 in 2023, and further to 68,850 in 2024. Similarly, Grade 7 student numbers fell from 55,828 in 2022 to 50,276 in 2023 and 46,744 in 2024. University enrollment rates also see a dramatic drop. In 2023, out of 49,000 high school graduates, only under 10,000 individuals pursued higher education.
Exploring the Unique Characteristics of Tsuen Wan and Sha Tau Kok and Presenting Hong Kong’s Diverse Tourism Experience
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 November 2024 – “Design District Hong Kong” (#ddHK) creative tourism project, organised by the Tourism Commission of Hong Kong, is set to return from 12 December 2024 to 14 February 2025, bringing visitors from around the world to explore the captivating neighbourhoods of Tsuen Wan and Sha Tau Kok. Curated by Number 2, a new #ddHK event themed “Creative Journey · Infinite Discovery” integrates creative elements with the local cultural, heritage and natural offerings, promoting cultural tourism, island hopping and eco-tourism in an innovative manner, embarking visitors on an in-depth exploration of Hong Kong in brand new ways.
Creative Units from Overseas, the Mainland and Hong Kong Creative Works Adorning Historical Monument and the Nature
Continuing its mission to create brand new travel experiences through design and creativity, #ddHK will bring together a lineup of seven creative units from overseas, the Mainland and Hong Kong to enliven public space and innovatively highlight the charms and culture of Tsuen Wan and Sha Tau Kok through placemaking. In particular, #ddHK will install creative designs at a declared monument, a country park as well as on the sea, integrating tourism with design, cultural heritages and the natural scenery of Hong Kong. In addition, through crossovers with the cultural and creative hotspots, heritage sites, green destinations and local delicacies, an array of immersive visiting routes and brand new diverse experiences will be introduced to visitors. The collaborating creative units include animation artist Coolman Coffeedan (USA), interactive public art and design studio ENESS (Australia), multi-disciplinary artist En Iwamura (Japan), floral installation artist Kiki Ji (The Mainland), contemporary artist Louis To Wun (Hong Kong), artist and illustrator Vivian Ho (Hong Kong), and knot designer Zoe Siu (Hong Kong). (Please refer to Appendix 1 for brief biographies of the creative units.)
The seven sets of time-limited creative works crossing over with local attractions of the two neighbourhoods are briefly introduced as follows:
Animation artist Coolman Coffeedan (USA) “Coolman x Tsuen Wan”
Coolman Coffeedan, at Sai Lau Kok Garden which is a focal point of the neighbourhood, re-creates stories about Tsuen Wan in the project “Coolman x Tsuen Wan.” The popular cartoon character, Spesh, leads his friends on their first journey to Tsuen Wan, exploring and experiencing the diversity and vibrancy of the neighbourhood.
Interactive public art and design studio ENESS (Australia) “Cupid’s Koi Garden”
ENESS brings their “Cupid’s Koi Garden”, the world’s first inflatable fountain with bright patterning, interactive jets of water and a rich soundscape to Tsuen Wan Park. Interactive and immersive, Cupid and his koi squirt jets of water on unsuspecting passers-by whenever they stop to admire his beauty.
Floral installation artist Kiki Ji (The Mainland) “Flowing Natural”
Inspired by the graceful flow of wind and water, as well as the fluttering of butterflies, the artist creates the “Flowing Natural” using traditional bamboo artistry fused with a modern take. It embodies fluid lines and movements blends itself seamlessly into the Shing Mun Country Park‘s landscape, representing a harmonious fusion of traditional craftsmanship and the beauty of nature.
Inspired by the patterns of “caimen” at Sam Tung Uk Museum, a declared monument in Tsuen Wan, the designer combines wish-making tradition with contemporary auspicious themes. Employing the intricate weaving techniques of Hakka floral bands, the designer creates “Woven Dreams: Prayers of Modernity”, adorning this 200-year-old Hakka walled village. The reinterpretation showcases the charm of Hakka culture and intangible cultural heritage in a new light.
“Interwoven Horizon” delves into the ties among the sea, mountains, geology, islands as well as the sun and the moon. This creative installation floats leisurely in the sea near Sha Tau Kok Pier, offering a blend of art and nature against the stunning backdrop of the natural landscape. The artist takes inspiration from the nature to outline the landscape and geological features near Sha Tau Kok, bringing out the natural colours.
Contemporary artistLouis To Wun (Hong Kong) “The Auspicious Dance”
The artist combines traditional sculpting techniques with modern design structures, transforming Sha Tau Kok Square into a stage for dancing fishes. The dance moves and the waves mimicking the fluid and graceful movements of fishes, embodying harmony between humanity and nature. It honours the intricate relationship between the fishermen, their customs, and the sea.
Artist and illustratorVivian Ho (Hong Kong) “Stories on Wheels”
Located at the Sha Tau Kok Promenade Sitting-out Area, “Stories on Wheels” is an innovative installation designed to capture and celebrate the vibrant narratives and everyday experiences of the residents of Sha Tau Kok. Utilising train as artistic canvases, the artist aims to showcase the unique cultural history and community life of Sha Tau Kok through vibrant and colourful illustrations with multi-media immersive experience inside the carriage.
Vibrant and Diverse Activities Showcasing the Charm of Local Travel Experiences
In addition to injecting creative elements into the neighbourhoods, #ddHK has collaborated with different teams to curate a series of activities filled with local flavours for participants to further experience Tsuen Wan and Sha Tau Kok. In particular, various themed guided tours will be organised to introduce a diversity of in-depth visiting routes to cater for the interests of different participants. These include “Shing Mun Reservoir Healing Tour” for exploring the nature, “Hidden Gem Discovery Tour” at Sha Tau Kok for discovering the islands in the Northeast New Territories, “Tsuen Wan Art and Harbour Cycling Tour” combining sports and culture, and “Tsuen Wan Hidden Gem Cultural Walk” for exploring the fascinating stories and cultural insights behind unique landmarks. #ddHK will also offer eco-friendly creative workshops, authentic cultural handicraft experiences, interactive traditional dance, and more. Market festivals, themed “Into the Landscape: Eco-art Festival” and “Sha Tau Kok Seaside Weekend Market” will be held in Tsuen Wan and Sha Tau Kok respectively, featuring local delicacies, lifestyle essentials, local handmade goods as well as music and local cultural experiences. The first activity “Hidden Gem Discovery Tour – Ap Chau & Kat O” will be held on 14 December. More activities will be offered in the following weeks.
Through cross-sectoral collaboration, #ddHK will launch a number of collaborative activities with multiple parties. Specifically, in order to further develop the elements of Sha Tau Kok tourism and island-hopping tours in Yan Chau Tong, a seaside cultural space entitled “Joyful Reading‧Cultural Discovery @ Sha Tau Kok” will be set up in partnership with the Sha Tau Kok Public Library of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department offering titles on local history, travel, art and more; “In-Depth Exploration of Double Haven (Lai Chi Wo, Kat O, Ap Chau)” tours, with Sha Tau Kok as the starting point, will also be organised in partnership with the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department’s Hong Kong Geopark. In addition, “Countryside Harvest Festival: Kuk Po ‘Sound-Sight-Taste Fusion’ Tour,” organised by the Countryside Conservation Office of the Environment and Ecology Bureau, will also be held concurrently. They all aim to offer a more diverse experience of blue-green tourism for tourists and locals.
In order to facilitate the development of related tourism products by the tourism trade, the Tourism Commission, together with the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong, has already held a briefing session for travel agents to introduce the event details and activities.
More details of the event and registration information will be announced on #ddHK website https://designdistrict.hk/en/. Both tourists and locals are welcome to enjoy Tsuen Wan and Sha Tau Kok in brand new ways and experience the charm of Hong Kong’s local culture. (Please refer to Appendix 2: Design District Hong Kong (#ddHK) – “Creative Journey · Infinite Discovery” Activities & Experience)
Design District Hong Kong (#ddHK) – “Creative Journey · Infinite Discovery”
Event Period: 12 December 2024 to 14 February 2025
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About Design District Hong Kong (#ddHK)
Design District Hong Kong (#ddHK) is a creative tourism project that celebrates authentic culture and creativity and livens up unique neighbourhoods in Hong Kong through design elements. Launched in 2018, #ddHK has transformed different neighbourhoods into new tourism destinations filled with characteristics, and has become a well-acclaimed creative cultural tourism project. A brand new #ddHK event themed “Creative Journey · Infinite Discovery” will be held from 12 December 2024 to 14 February 2025, leading visitors from around the world to immerse themselves into two diverse, distinctive and captivating neighbourhoods, Tsuen Wan and Sha Tau Kok. Creative elements will also be injected to highlight the unique charm of the two places.
About Tsuen Wan
Tsuen Wan is an emerging destination for immersive travel, attributable to its multi-faceted characters evolved in an organic manner. It is where history meets creativity, intangible cultural heritages mixed with chic lifestyle, and vibrant cityscape immersed in natural scenery. Well connected externally by two rail lines and internally by a district-wide footbridge network, a day trip there cannot be easier.
About Sha Tau Kok
Sha Tau Kok is a township in the northeastern-most part of Hong Kong adjacent to the Mainland. It has been a Frontier Closed Area with restricted access for decades, but when it was progressively opened up for tourism in recent years, many visitors have been immediately attracted by the lesser-known history, culture and natural elements there. Apart from its unique attractions, Sha Tau Kok is also the starting point for blue-green eco-tourism in the Northeast New Territories where tourists may easily access to the stunning nearby islands and villages, such as Lai Chi Wo, Kat O and Ap Chau in Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark, by kaito ferry services, as well as the Robin’s Nest Country Park, Hong Kong’s newest country park.
A Collaborative Platform Showcasing Scalable and Affordable Solutions for Climate Action, With a Focus on the Global South
BAKU, AZERBAIJAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 November 2024 – The Biosphere 3 Solutions Pavilion stood out at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) as a beacon of innovation and collaboration. Hosted in the Blue Zone, the pavilion presented cutting-edge solutions that address energy equity, decarbonization, and sustainability challenges.The Biosphere 3 Solutions Pavilion at COP29 showcased climate change solutions from more than ten companies, including LONGi, Delong Steel, and GEM. By emphasizing affordability and scalability, it reinforced its commitment to empowering developing nations to overcome climate action barriers.
The pavilion brought together stakeholders to explore practical pathways for achieving the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C target. The showcased solutions reflected China’s growing influence in global climate action, offering advanced technologies that reduce costs and expand accessibility, particularly for the Global South.
Advancing Energy Equity
One of the central themes of the Biosphere 3 Solutions Pavilion was addressing the global imbalance in energy access. The pavilion highlighted how economies of scale and technological advancements are making renewable energy more affordable.
The pavilion emphasized China’s role in supporting developing nations to achieve energy independence. By lowering the cost of renewable energy technologies, these countries are enabled to leapfrog traditional energy systems, fostering sustainable growth and improved living standards.
Driving Decarbonization
The Biosphere 3 Solutions Pavilion also underscored China’s advancements in decarbonizing heavy industries, including steel and cement. Through the adoption of green smelting processes, waste recycling, and energy efficiency measures, Chinese companies are setting new benchmarks for sustainability. These efforts not only reduce carbon emissions but also provide a model for integrating economic growth with environmental responsibility.
Empowering the Global South
The pavilion showcased how China’s industrial capabilities are redefining roles for nations in the Global South. By making clean energy technologies and decarbonization strategies more accessible, the pavilion reinforced its commitment to empowering developing nations to take an active role in global climate action.
A Platform for Global Collaboration Throughout COP29, the Biosphere 3 Solutions Pavilion facilitated cross-border dialogue, fostering partnerships and knowledge sharing. Its proximity to the China Pavilion created a synergistic environment where participants explored comprehensive solutions to tackle climate change.
The pavilion’s exhibits and interactive sessions provided a glimpse into the future of sustainable development, emphasizing the importance of cooperation in achieving global climate goals. Hashtag: #Biosphere3SolutionsPavilion
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About Biosphere 3 Solutions Pavilion
The Biosphere 3 Solutions Pavilion is a platform dedicated to showcasing scalable and affordable climate solutions. It aims to empower nations, particularly in the Global South, by addressing critical sustainability challenges through innovation, collaboration, and advanced technology.
The 4th annual Lanxang Shorts Film Festival wrapped up today, celebrating Lao filmmakers and fostering a growing film community. The event, organized by Lao New Wave Cinema Productions with support from Mind Media and the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism, featured a short film competition, workshops, screenings, and networking opportunities.
Held from 21 to 23 November, the festival kicked off with a workshop on dossier writing and pitching, followed by a pitching competition, short film screenings, and an awards ceremony. Around 200 people, including filmmakers and their families, attended the event.
Founded in 2020, Lanxang Shorts aims to showcase and support emerging Lao filmmakers. With financial backing from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, this year’s festival launched the “Lanxang Cine Club,” which will host monthly screenings of local and international films. The festival’s “Filmmaker Talk” discussed the challenges and future of Lao cinema, offering insights and inspiration for the next generation of filmmakers.
“We were happy with the diversity and quality of films we received this year. From animation to experimental film, the filmmakers truly showcased the breadth of their storytelling abilities. One highlight was witnessing the bold and innovative approaches to filmmaking, pushing the boundaries of creativity,” said Vannaphone Sitthirath, Co-founder of Lao New Wave Cinema. Lanxang Shorts continues to offer a platform for filmmakers to connect, share, and grow the Lao film industry.
Reducing waste by collaborating with the World Green Organisation and a local farm to upcycle materials for farming use
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 November 2024 – Mead Johnson Nutrition Hong Kong (“Mead Johnson”) is re-introducing the “We CAN Protect the Future” formula cans recycling program today, inviting parents and the community to join forces in promoting recycling and resource recovery. Additionally, the company has partnered with a local organic farm to donate expired milk powder for use as organic fertilizer in farming, supporting sustainable development in multiple ways. These initiatives aim to reduce waste and encourage a green lifestyle.
Mead Johnson Nutrition Hong Kong Reinforces Sustainability Commitment with Formula Cans Recycling Program
Chloe Ko, Marketing & Acquisition Director and Co-Head of Hong Kong and Taiwan, Mead Johnson Nutrition (Hong Kong) Limited, stated: “Mead Johnson has been supporting parents in Hong Kong for over half a century. In addition to offering high-quality infant nutrition products, we are committed to driving environmental sustainability to create a better future for our children. In 2021, we launched Hong Kong’s first formula cans recycling program and we have collected around 10,000 cans. As we relaunch the recycling program today, we are also partnering with a local organic farm to donate expired milk powder for use as organic fertilizer in growing vegetables and fruits. This dual approach not only reduces waste at the source but also upcycled the materials, fostering a more sustainable future for Hong Kong.”
We CAN Protect the Future
Once again, Mead Johnson is partnering with HKTVmall, Hong Kong’s largest 24-hour online shopping mall, and the non-profit environmental group World Green Organisation to promote the “We CAN Protect the Future” formula cans recycling program.From now until February 25, 2025, parents and their children can join the program at 36 HKTVmall O2O collection stations across all 18 districts in the territory. This initiative encourages families to nurture environmentally friendly habits from a young age and practice sustainable living while receiving shopping discount codes from HKTVmall – making it a win-win for consumers and the environment.
During the campaign, public members can drop off any brand of cleaned formula cans at designated HKTVmall O2O collection stations from Monday to Sunday, between 12pm and 8pm. In return, they will receive an HKTVmall e-voucher valued at HK$ 25 for their shopping*.
Jelly Zhou, Chief Executive Officer (Hong Kong) at Hong Kong Technology Venture Company Limited, stated: “HKTVmall shares the same corporate philosophy with Mead Johnson, committed to promoting green transformation and sustainable development to establish a better future for the next generation. We are delighted to collaborate again with Mead Johnson and the World Green Organisation to launch a new phase of the ‘We CAN Protect the Future’ program. Since its launch in 2021, the project has received strong consumer support. Currently, HKTVmall’s O2O collection points cover all 18 districts in Hong Kong, hoping to encourage more parents and children to join the recycling of formula cans and integrate waste reduction and recycling into their daily lives.”
Formula Milk for Farming Use
Mead Johnson is collaborating with the World Green Organisation and Fu Kum Organic Dragon Fruit Farm to promote waste-to-resource by donating expired milk powder for use as fertilizer in cultivating various organic fruits and vegetables. This initiative enables formula milk to nourish lives differently while significantly reducing waste. Mead Johnson and the farm also organize community education activities, allowing parents and their children to share the joys of farming. Through these engaging experiences, families can learn about sustainable living, adding a valuable educational dimension to the program!
Mead Johnson donates expired formula milk for use as fertilizer to a local farm, cultivating various organic fruits and vegetables. This initiative also includes family-friendly farming workshops and an upcycling workshop that turns baby formula cans into creative potted plants, allowing participants of all ages to experience the joy of sustainable living and adding a valuable educational aspect to the program!
*The electronic discount codes will be distributed from November 25, 2024, to February 25, 2025, with a validity period from November 25, 2024, to March 31, 2025. During the campaign, participants will receive one HK$25 electronic discount code for each formula can successfully returned. These codes can be used for purchases in the HKTVmall supermarket category but do not apply to the purchase of any brand of infant formula. Each person can redeem a maximum of one code per day. The availability of electronic discount codes may vary depending on the number of participating stores. For details, please contact the staff on collection day. Codes are available on a first-come, first-served basis until supplies last. For the addresses of HKTVmall O2O collection stations and the terms & conditions, please visit https://cloud.marketing.hktvmall.com/MJN_Recycling_2024/. Hashtag: #MeadJohnson
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About Mead Johnson Nutrition (Hong Kong) Limited
Mead Johnson Nutrition has been established for more than a century since 1905. As world’s renowned infant and child nutrition brand, Mead Johnson Nutrition has led the way in developing science-based pediatric nutrition products, guided by the mission to nourish the world’s children for the best start in life. Currently, Mead Johnson Nutrition provides more than 70 products in over 50 countries.
With excellent quality, Mead Johnson Nutrition has earned trust by nutritionists and parents. Its dedicated and rigorous attitude, continuous innovation, tireless pursuit of excellence and caring feedback to the community have also helped it establish a good brand image.
Mead Johnson Nutrition (Hong Kong) Limited has landed for a half century, providing Hong Kong parents with high quality, science-based products, various parenting information and professional advice, gaining trust and support from parents.
Mead Johnson Nutrition’s scientists and healthcare professionals are paying efforts on the formula for children with special nutrition needs and Mead Johnson Nutrition is one of the very few brands that insists to produce the formula for metabolic disorders’ children, giving hopes to them.
HKTVmall is the largest 24-hour online shopping mall in Hong Kong and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hong Kong Technology Venture Company Limited (SEHK: 1137). HKTVmall provides one-stop shop services including online shopping, marketing & digital advertising, big data analysis, smart logistics & fulfilment as well as physical O2O stores, and to transform all business operation, trading, retail, finance and daily life onto a single digital online platform to establish a unique digital ecosystem. For more information, please visit www.hktv.com.hk.
The World Green Organisation (WGO) is an independent non-governmental organisation concerned with environmental conservation and environmentally related livelihood and economic affairs. It provides a holistic approach to a fully integrated three-pronged solution that combines social, environmental and economic dimensions for a paradigm shift towards low-carbon and climate-resilient development pathways.
Through science-based policy research and community projects, the WGO aims to enhance the quality of the environment, promote a greener economy, and improve people’s livelihoods. In particular, it will focus on the social concerns of underprivileged groups and on the creation of a green economy, to help realise its vision of sustainable development. For more information, visit www.thewgo.org/website/eng/.
Offering security solutions protecting all cloud platforms: AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 November 2024 – Trend Micro Incorporated (TYO: 4704; TSE: 4704), a global cybersecurity leader, continues to lead the way in cloud security for healthcare innovators. With its AI-driven platform delivering security across AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud, Trend enables healthcare organizations to drive transformative innovation while protecting critical cloud environments and sensitive patient information.
For organizations looking to unlock AI’s potential securely, Trend has developed a white paper with insights on protecting data and implementing security strategies across cloud platforms. This resource is designed to help healthcare and other regulated sectors align security with innovation.
Zach Evans, CTO, Xsolis: “We see security as a business enabler. As a leader in developing AI applications in healthcare for over a decade, our sector has grown explosively in recent years. Trend Micro gives us the peace of mind we need to accelerate our growth and deliver the innovative AI-powered solutions our customers are demanding. A partner who understands the AWS environment and compliance is invaluable in a highly regulated sector like healthcare.”
By adopting these AI-powered security tools, customers can focus on innovating with AI while trusting their cloud environments are secure and compliant.
Phil Bues, Senior Research Manager, Cloud Security at IDC: “As organizations adopt AI to drive outcomes, they face risks tied to data exposure and misconfigured cloud environments, and this is fuelling demand for solutions that can bridge security and innovation with real-time visibility and control over sensitive data and identities. Trend’s focus on integrating AI-driven security across cloud platforms positions it uniquely to tackle these challenges, enabling organizations in highly regulated environments, like healthcare, to innovate securely and maintain compliance.”
Kevin Simzer, COO at Trend: “The world’s most highly regulated government organizations and compliance-driven companies are served best by using Trend Micro to protect their most critical work in the cloud. We’re proud to continue this work in a new era of AI innovation, to give customers like Xsolis the confidence they need to go further and faster.”
Cloud-based tools like Amazon SageMaker and Amazon Bedrock empower organizations—especially those in regulated industries like healthcare, finance, and government—to delight customers with innovative AI-driven experiences. However, as these technologies evolve, so do the threats targeting them.
To address emerging threats and simplify security management, Trend has launched several security tools designed to provide proactive protection.
AI-Detection & Response (AI-DR) & AI Security Posture Management (AI-SPM): industry-first solutions combine AI with real-time threat intelligence to enhance proactive security management and improve response times in the cloud.
Data Security Posture Management (DSPM): provides visibility into sensitive data within cloud environments, helping organizations detect and address risks such as misconfigurations and vulnerabilities. DSPM also helps identify sensitive data before it’s used in databases or AI training, supporting compliance, data integrity, and the responsible use of AI.
Cloud Infrastructure Entitlement Management (CIEM): enhances the visibility and management of user identities, permissions, and their correlation with cloud resources. It helps quickly identify high-risk users, misconfigurations, and overly permissive access to minimize vulnerabilities and reduce the risk of attack.
Container Security – Runtime Malware Scanning: includes real-time and scheduled malware scanning for containers running on Kubernetes clusters, ensuring customers can detect threats in runtime and during the pipeline stage. The solution is enhanced through eBPF integration, protecting against threats, and helping customers meet compliance standards.
These innovations combine advanced AI with real-time threat intelligence to deliver strong protection and proactive security management for cloud environments. By offering these capabilities through a single, unified platform, organizations can reduce costs, simplify management, and close security gaps.
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Trend Micro
Trend Micro, a global cybersecurity leader, helps make the world safe for exchanging digital information. Fueled by decades of security expertise, global threat research, and continuous innovation, Trend Micro’s AI-powered cybersecurity platform protects hundreds of thousands of organizations and millions of individuals across clouds, networks, devices, and endpoints. As a leader in cloud and enterprise cybersecurity, Trend’s platform delivers a powerful range of advanced threat defense techniques optimized for environments like AWS, Microsoft, and Google, and central visibility for better, faster detection and response. With 7,000 employees across 70 countries, Trend Micro enables organizations to simplify and secure their connected world. www.TrendMicro.com
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