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Anglo-Chinese School Students Crowned as the Grand Winner of the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow 2024 Competition

Their project, SilentGuide, is a pair of smart glasses that transcribes spoken words into subtitles, to help individuals with hearing impairment participate more meaningfully in social conversations


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 November 2024 – Samsung Electronics Singapore has crowned Team redbluegold from Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) as the grand winner of its Solve for Tomorrow 2024 competition in Singapore. The team, comprising Aiden Lim and Karan Gopu Pillai, impressed the judging panel with their project, SilentGuide – a pair of smart glasses that transcribes spoken words into subtitles, helping people with hearing impairment participate more meaningfully in social conversations.

Team redbluegold’s Aiden Lim (left), receiving the prize from Dennis Jang, President, Samsung Electronics Singapore (right), as the grand winner of Samsung Solve for Tomorrow 2024 in Singapore
Team redbluegold’s Aiden Lim (left), receiving the prize from Dennis Jang, President, Samsung Electronics Singapore (right), as the grand winner of Samsung Solve for Tomorrow 2024 in Singapore

As the grand winner, Team redbluegold received $7,000 in cash and $10,000 worth of Samsung products, providing them with the resources to further develop their project and make a tangible impact.

Into its eight edition this year, the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition is designed to ignite the passion for championing social change among youths in Singapore. By providing a platform for secondary school students to contribute ideas that address social issues through technology and innovation, Solve for Tomorrow has inspired thousands of youths over the years to become changemakers who are helping to create a better future for their communities.

This year’s Solve for Tomorrow competition received 75 entries from over 240 secondary school students, contributing ideas that focused on five key themes – Environmental Sustainability; Health, Sports and Wellness; Inclusive Harmonious Society; Learning and Education; and Singapore’s Digital Future.

Breaking Barriers: Smart Glasses Transforms Communication For The Hearing Impaired

Inspired to help low- to middle-income individuals with hearing impairment bridge existing communications gaps and participate more meaningfully in the society, Team redbluegold set out to develop a solution that is wearable, convenient to use and low in cost. Following several iterations, the team developed SilentGuide – a pair of smart glasses that processes spoken words from an individual’s surroundings and transcribes them into subtitles, to help users with hearing impairment understand and take part in social conversations.

(From left) Prototype for SilentGuide, a student trying out SilentGuide, and the 3D printing process while developing the SilentGuide prototype
(From left) Prototype for SilentGuide, a student trying out SilentGuide, and the 3D printing process while developing the SilentGuide prototype

The solution utilises an I2S Microphone to capture spoken words in real-time and transmits the information to a Raspberry Pi 4, which processes the audio and transcribes the audio into subtitles. The resulting subtitles are displayed on an I2C OLED Screen for the user to read.

Designed to function independently without an internet connection, SilentGuide has the potential to enhance communication and social integration for up to 500,000 individuals with hearing loss in Singapore. The solution can also benefit a growing number of people with disabling hearing loss worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, 430 million people have disabling hearing loss globally, a number expected to exceed 700 million people by 2050.

“Many individuals with hearing impairment don’t have access to affordable solutions that can help them bridge the communication gap. Our solution, SilentGuide, aims to address the communication challenges they face, helping them to participate more meaningfully in social conversations. With the convenience it provides and its relatively low cost, SilentGuide will empower individuals with hearing loss to live more fulfilling lives,” said Aiden Lim.

“Today, the world is navigating unprecedented social and economic challenges. It is more urgent now than ever to ignite the desire to champion social change among our youths, encourage them to think deeply about societal issues and leverage technology and resources to shape a better tomorrow. I am inspired by the creativity, imagination and heart showcased by our youths at this year’s Solve for Tomorrow competition. Their ideas not only reflect a deep passion for creating a better Singapore, they also demonstrate that with boldness and imagination, our youths can truly transform our community and the world,” said Dennis Jang, President of Samsung Electronics Singapore and a member of the Solve for Tomorrow 2024 judging panel.

This year’s Solve for Tomorrow judging panel also featured industry leaders who are passionate about inspiring youth action and leadership. These include Lim Ee Ling, Co-founder and CEO of Wavesparks, Executive Director for Global Programs at 500 Global, and Council Member of the National Youth Council; Hyder Albar, Head of Social Innovation at Halogen Foundation; and Leonard Tan Bahroocha, Director and Head of Product Innovation Team at Samsung Southeast Asia & Oceania.

Shaping a Better Tomorrow for All with Technology and Innovation

(From left) Team Calm Haven receiving their prize from Lim Ee Ling, Co-founder and CEO of Wavesparks, Executive Director for Global Programs at 500 Global and Council Member of the National Youth Council; key features of the Calm Haven app
(From left) Team Calm Haven receiving their prize from Lim Ee Ling, Co-founder and CEO of Wavesparks, Executive Director for Global Programs at 500 Global and Council Member of the National Youth Council; key features of the Calm Haven app

Team Calm Haven from Cedar Girls’ Secondary School secured second place with their project, Calm Haven – a smartwatch application designed to help preteens with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) overcome daily communication, emotional regulation and dietary challenges. The app incorporates communication aids to help users express themselves, emotion-tracking alerts to inform guardians when users are feeling overwhelmed and an eating diary to help users and caregivers track their nutritional intake. With the app, the team hopes individuals with ASD will have greater ability to communicate, perform daily tasks and integrate better into the society.

(From left, clockwise) Navigation function in Smart Vision, Team Smart Vision working on their prototype, Smart Vision prototype, Smart Vision mock-up
(From left, clockwise) Navigation function in Smart Vision, Team Smart Vision working on their prototype, Smart Vision prototype, Smart Vision mock-up

The third prize went to Team Smart Vision, comprising of students from Hwa Chong Institution, Nanyang Girls’ High School and the School of Science and Technology, Singapore. Their solution, Smart Vision, is a pair of smart glasses aimed at improving the vision, communication and navigation to improve the overall quality of life for the elderly. Smart Vision incorporates a speech recognition system and speaker that transcribes spoken words into text displayed on the glasses, a navigation function that guides the user via an onscreen map and audio instructions to the destination, and a hearing aid that enhances audio clarity for the user. With the smart glasses, the team aims to help elderly users overcome communication barriers and reduce social isolation to lead more fulfilling lives.

Health+, a Personalised Nutrition Guide and Assistant that aims to simplify health management to improve overall health outcomes for patients
Health+, a Personalised Nutrition Guide and Assistant that aims to simplify health management to improve overall health outcomes for patients

Team Health+ from Whitley Secondary School won the People’s Choice Award for receiving the most online votes for their project, Health+ – a mobile application that uses a large language model (LLM) to interpret complicated medical reports and provide personalised dietary recommendations. By simplifying health management through the app, the team hopes to improve overall health outcomes for patients.

“By leveraging the power of technology to champion social change, our youths have unlimited potential to transform their community, country and eventually the world. Solve for Tomorrow provides them with the platform, technology, resources and opportunities to bring their ideas for social change to life. The exposure to innovative ways of thinking and new ways of solving social problems will empower them with the confidence to become the change that they want to see in our society in time to come,” said Hyder Albar, Head of Social Innovation at Halogen Foundation.

For more information on the Solve for Tomorrow 2024 competition, see Appendix A or visit https://www.samsung.com/sg/solvefortomorrow/.

Appendix A

About Samsung Solve for Tomorrow

The Samsung Solve for Tomorrow 2024 competition in Singapore was launched on 27 May 2024. Designed to ignite the passion for championing social change among youths, the competition provides a platform for secondary school students to express their creativity and passion, and address social issues through technology and innovation.

Competition Overview

Youths aged 12 and above and are full-time Secondary 1 – 5 students in Singapore are eligible for the competition. For students in secondary schools with 6-year Integrated Programme (IP), only full-time students in Secondary 1 – 4 are eligible to participate. The full list of eligible schools is available here.

This year’s competition received 75 entries from over 240 secondary school students, focusing on five key themes – Environmental Sustainability; Health, Sports and Wellness; Inclusive Harmonious Society; Learning and Education; and Singapore’s Digital Future.

10 finalist teams were shortlisted to participate in the finals, where they presented their ideas to a panel of judges, for a chance to win up to $37,000 in prizes. The finals took place on 14 November 2024.

The ideas from the 10 finalist teams were also made available for online voting by the public. The finalist team with the most votes won the People’s Choice Award.

Judging Criteria for Finalist Teams

  • 30%: Feasibility – Elaboration on how the solution can be created and implemented.
  • 20%: Creativity – Innovativeness, uniqueness and originality of proposed idea.
  • 25%: Technology – Elaboration on the use of technology involved and how it is used to solve the problem.
  • 20%: Presentation – Flow and effectiveness of the presentation.
  • 5%: Public Voting – Finalists’ ideas were posted online for public voting.

Prizes

  • First Prize – Samsung products worth $10,000 and $7,000 cash prize
  • Second Prize – Samsung products worth S$7,000 and $5,000 cash prize
  • Third Prize – Samsung products worth S$5,000 and $3,000 cash prize
  • People’s Choice Award: Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro

Hashtag: #Samsung #SolveForTomorrow

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

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, home appliances, network systems, and memory, system LSI, foundry and LED solutions, and delivering a seamless connected experience through its SmartThings ecosystem and open collaboration with partners. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at .

Avenue K Transforms Into A Spectacular Winter Forest

Whimsical White Christmas


KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 November 2024 – Are you dreaming of a white Christmas? This holiday season, Avenue K Shopping Mall fulfils your dreams with its theme of ‘Whimsical White Christmas‘ right in the heart of KL. From 15th November to 25th December, Avenue K will transform into a winter wonderland adorned with breathtaking decorations and elegant illuminations.

Avenue K Shopping Mall celebrates the official launch of the Whimsical White Christmas on 20th November 2024.
Avenue K Shopping Mall celebrates the official launch of the Whimsical White Christmas on 20th November 2024.

Step into a magical winter forest and be enchanted by larger-than-life decorations that inspire a sense of awe and wonder. As you journey through the woods, be wowed by a snowy pathway beautifully illuminated by glittering trees that lead to an enchanting woodland lodge and a majestic Christmas tree decked in shimmering white, pink, and silver winter baubles. Here, you can capture all your precious moments against the backdrop of a beautiful, snowy white Christmas.

If you’ve never experienced snow before, watch soft, white, tiny snowflakes fall gently to the ground at the special AK Snow Event. Capture the mesmerising beauty of falling snow or create Instagram-worthy moments at the AK Whimsical White Christmas Event to participate in the AK Whimsical White Christmas Polaroid Photo Giveaway and take home a special keepsake.

Join jolly Santa & Santarina as they parade through the shopping mall with holiday goodies to give away. The Carolling Performance brightens the festive ambience with everybody’s favourite Christmas melodies while the Instrumental Performance enthrals with peaceful and relaxing classics. Live Dance Performances bring joy and entertainment while a Christmas Costume Parade ushers in the yuletide spirit.

For a chance to jet off on holiday, spend big to qualify as Avenue K’s Top Spenders this Christmas and you could be one of 5 lucky winners to win a pair of AirAsia tickets to Incheon and other amazing prizes from Leather Avenue, Erawan, Max Fashion, and many more.

Plan next year’s appointments and events with an Exclusive AK 2025 Calendar, redeemable with a spend of RM500 and above in a maximum of two combined receipts. Spend RM800 and above in a maximum of three combined receipts and redeem an Exclusive Digital Thermal Bottle to keep your drink warm wherever you go.

To redeem an opportunity to play in the AK Wind Chamber Lucky Draw, spend RM150 and above in a single receipt and grab as many floating vouchers as possible to win exciting mystery prizes!

Get your gifts professionally wrapped with every RM100 spent in a single receipt and enjoy RM5 off your AirAsia ride to and from Avenue K with the promo code AVENUEKRIDE (valid for the first 1,000 rides).

This Christmas, shop at Avenue K for cool moments that warm your heart. Enjoy fantastic discounts, exclusive offers, and seasonal promotions as you revel in the joy and wonder of a beautiful snowy holiday.
Hashtag: #AKWhimsicalWhiteChristmas #AvenueKMY #ChristmasAtAK #MakeFriendsCreateTrends



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

About Avenue K Shopping Mall

Avenue K is Kuala Lumpur’s coolest urban hub, where life and creativity are celebrated. Far from a regular shopping mall, Avenue K is an experiential destination that has transformed the art of shopping. It captivates the senses with exciting experiences and Instagrammable spaces waiting to be discovered. Avenue K is where you make friends, and create trend.

Dusit International champions local culinary excellence with sponsorship of The Maverick Academy on Netflix

New reality show connects regional culinary talent with global opportunities in an exciting competition.


BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 November 2024 – Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, is delighted to announce its role as a key sponsor of The Maverick Academy, a groundbreaking culinary competition series hosted by the renowned chef Alvin Leung – aka The Demon Chef – which is available to watch on Netflix now.

Showcasing a unique blend of high-stakes cooking challenges and business acumen, The Maverick Academy brings together eight talented chefs from across Southeast Asia
Showcasing a unique blend of high-stakes cooking challenges and business acumen, The Maverick Academy brings together eight talented chefs from across Southeast Asia

Showcasing a unique blend of high-stakes cooking challenges and business acumen, The Maverick Academy, produced by AR Asia Productions, brings together eight talented chefs from across Southeast Asia – including Dusit’s very own Chef Woottisak ‘Woody’ Simhong, a culinary instructor at Dusit Thani College in Bangkok – in a quest to find the next culinary prodigy who will join Chef Alvin in shaping the future of the culinary landscape as his apprentice and business partner.

Chef Alvin, an English-born Hong Kong-Canadian chef and television personality, is celebrated for his signature style of ‘X-Treme Chinese Cuisine,’ which has modernised Chinese food and introduced new flavours in restaurants worldwide. He currently holds two Michelin stars at Bo Innovation in Hong Kong. He has also gained recognition as a judge on MasterChef Canada, showcasing his expertise and passion for culinary excellence.

He is joined on The Maverick Academy by co-presenter Eric Chong, Chef Alvin’s first apprentice and the winner of the inaugural season of MasterChef Canada. The show also features a distinguished panel of culinary icons as mentors and judges, including chef/owners of Michelin-starred establishments in Bangkok, along with Adrian Rudin, Managing Director of Dusit’s reimagined flagship hotel, Dusit Thani Bangkok, who serves as a judge on one of the episodes.

While filming in Thailand, contestants stayed at ASAI Bangkok Chinatown, a vibrant Dusit hotel in the heart of the city’s fascinating Chinatown district. Designed to link curious travellers with authentic local experiences, this lifestyle-focused property offered an ideal sanctuary for contestants to rest and recharge between demanding shoots that tested their culinary skills, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit.

In addition to featuring a challenge spotlighting Baan Dusit Thani—Dusit’s distinctive standalone dining venue showcasing an array of culinary concepts—the competition also utilised the state-of-the-art facilities at Dusit Thani College, Thailand’s first and largest higher education institution dedicated to hospitality education and training, and The Food School, Thailand’s first multinational culinary school, which is a collaboration between Japan’s Tsuji Culinary Institute, Italy’s ALMA, and Dusit Thani College. These prestigious institutions, renowned for their culinary and hospitality programmes, offered the perfect backdrop for contestants to showcase their skills and expertise.

Thailand is well represented in the competition, with three contestants, four Thai mentors, and four Thai sponsorship partners. As a Thailand-based company and a key sponsor of the show, Dusit is proud to showcase its dedication to culinary innovation and to inspire the next generation of chefs, both within Thailand and on the global stage.

“Dusit International’s sponsorship of The Maverick Academy underscores our dedication to excellence in culinary arts, personalised service, and hospitality education,” said Suphajee Suthumpun, Group CEO, Dusit International. “With its dynamic format, broad appeal to diverse audiences, and an exciting lineup of culinary talent from Thailand, the show serves as an exceptional platform to champion culinary excellence in our country and celebrate the kingdom’s rich gastronomic heritage.”

Dusit joins other prominent sponsors of the show, including Lexus, MasterCard, Makro, Lubuds, CPF (Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited), and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), as part of a collective effort to elevate Thailand’s culinary landscape on the international stage.

All five episodes of The Maverick Academy are streaming on Netflix now.

For more information and images, please visit: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1XO1CDO_0rMkq48BaqXk_6zsAqCLTAhDb?usp=sharing

Hashtag: #dusitinternational

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

About Dusit International

Established in 1948, or Dusit Thani Public Company Limited (DUSIT) is a leading hospitality group listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand. Its operations comprise five distinct yet complementary business units: Dusit Hotels and Resorts, Dusit Hospitality Education, Dusit Foods, Dusit Estate, and Hospitality-Related Services.

Dusit International’s diversified investments in real estate development, hospitality-related services, and the food sector are part of its long-term strategy for sustainable growth, which focuses on three key areas: balance, expansion and diversification.

Learn more on

About The Maverick Academy

“The Maverick Academy” produced by AR Asia Production is an innovative culinary competition series created by Anne Chan and The Demon Chef Alvin Leung, designed to discover and mentor the next generation of culinary talent and business visionaries.

About Netflix

Netflix is the world’s leading streaming entertainment service with over 200 million memberships in over 190 countries. The company is renowned for its vast library of TV shows, movies, documentaries, and original content.

Learn more on

Melbourne Teenager Bianca Jones Dies After Laos Methanol Poisoning

Bianca Jones, 19. (Photo: Facebook)

ABC News – Melbourne teenager Bianca Jones has died in hospital in Thailand after consuming methanol-laced drinks during a backpacking holiday in Laos.

Thai police have confirmed to the ABC that the cause of the 19-year-old’s death was methanol poisoning, and that Jones had a high concentration of it in her blood.

Jones and her friend Holly Bowles became critically ill after consuming the drinks in Vang Vieng in Laos last week.

Jones was taken to hospital in Udon Thani in Thailand, near the border with Laos, and Bowles was taken to a separate hospital in Bangkok.

In a statement published by the Herald Sun newspaper, Jones’s family said their “beloved daughter and sister” had passed away.

“She was surrounded by love, and we are comforted by the knowledge that her incredible spirit touched so many lives during her time with us,” the family said.

“We want to express our deepest gratitude for the overwhelming support, love, and prayers we’ve received from across Australia.”

The families of Jones and Bowles flew to Thailand and have spent the past few days by their bedsides.

An American and two Danish tourists have also died in the suspected mass poisoning, which left up to 14 people violently ill.

Vang Vieng is a small town north of the Laotian capital Vientiane, which is a popular tourist destination for backpackers.

Jones’s family has been at her bedside at a hospital in Udon Thani, in Thailand’s north near the border with Laos.

In a statement released earlier this week, the family said she and Ms Bowles had been on a “dream getaway”.

“They were filled with joy and had such incredible adventures ahead of them,” the family said.

‘Every parent’s very worst fear’

Goldstein MP Zoe Daniel, the local member for the area both Jones and Bowles are from, said she was sending her love to both families.

“They are suffering pain that no-one should have to experience,” she said.

“To the families of these two young Aussie girls who just headed off on an adventure together, I know that so many members of our community are connected to these girls, to these families.

“I feel your grief. Our hearts are broken.”

She said that Holly’s parents remain by her bedside in Bangkok.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paused Question Time to inform the parliament that the Department of Foreign Affairs had confirmed Jones’s death.

“Our first thoughts in this moment are with her family and friends who are grieving a terrible and cruel loss,” he said.

“This is every parent’s very worst fear and a nightmare that no one should have to endure.”

He expressed hope that Holly Bowles would recover well.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong also offered her sympathies to the Jones family.

“Drink spiking and methanol poisoning are far too common in too many parts of the world, so at this time I would say to parents of young people, please have a conversation about risks, please inform yourselves, please let’s work together to ensure this tragedy doesn’t happen again,” she said.

Football club to gather to remember Bianca as hope remains for Holly

Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles played in Beaumaris Football Club’s U18 premiership team in 2022.

Club president Nick Heath said he spoke to a representative of the Jones family this afternoon, who said her parents had been told all medical options had been exhausted and there was no chance Jones would have regained consciousness.

‘They had to make that horrible decision that no family should have to make where they had to turn off the life support of Bianca,” Heath said.

He said all of her extended family had travelled to Thailand and were at her bedside when she died.

“It could have happened to any of our kids. That’s the reality of this situation,” Heath said.

“If we all take five minutes to walk in the parents’ shoes, that’s enough to cause huge torment to most of us, let alone having to live through it. Quite frankly I don’t even want to have to think about that.”

Heath said the girls’ U18 teammates had gathered on Wednesday night.

“We’re now just channelling all of our good thoughts and good wishes Holly’s way.”

Another gathering of the wider playing group was planned for Friday night.

“It was meant to be a season launch but we’re offering it as an optional gathering of players just to come together and be together at this time, and just lean on each other.”

The club will also organize a fundraiser to help the Jones family with their expenses.

Black Friday Savings: Kling AI Offers 50% Off and Free Feature Upgrades


BEIJING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 November 2024 – On November 11th, Kling AI, a trailblazer in AI-powered image and video generation, has announced sweeping upgrades to its user plans alongside its most significant Black Friday sale to date. For the first time, users on basic plans now have access to advanced features, removing barriers for aspiring creators to harness professional-grade AI tools.

This year, KLING AI is offering exclusive discounts and deals in celebration of Black Friday. All users can enjoy a 50% discount on the first-year subscription and can get 50% more Credits with any purchase. First-time users will unlock additional savings with three exclusive coupons. Visit Kling website or their X for details.

For Business users, the KLING API Platform is also available now. Business users can integrate KLING AI’s capabilities into their operations. For more information, visit KLING API Platform.

How to Use KLING AI?

  • For Individuals: Visit Kling website.
  • For Business: The KLING API Platform is now available. Business users can integrate KLING AI’s capabilities into their operations. For more information, visit KLING API Platform.


Kling AI Launches Its Biggest Sale of the Year with Significant Discounts

Kling AI is offering its largest annual sale this Black Friday, providing a valuable opportunity for content creators to access professional-grade AI tools at a reduced cost.

Highlights of the sale include:

  • 50% off First-Year Subscriptions – Save half on an annual plan and unlock advanced features.
  • 50% Bonus Credits – Receive extra Credits with every purchase to extend your creative capabilities.
  • Special Offers for New Users – First-time users can benefit from three exclusive coupons for additional savings.

These discounts are available for a limited time, from November 15 to December 3. Whether you’re a seasoned creator or just starting out, this is an opportunity to explore Kling AI’s tools at a lower cost. Visit Kling AI’s official website to learn more.
Hashtag: #KlingAI

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

About Kling AI

Kling AI’s platform specializes in generating stunning images and videos with hyper-realistic details. As competition among AI-powered video generation platforms grows, Kling AI has set itself apart by delivering an affordable yet high-quality solution for creators.

Breaking Learning Barriers: Kumon Launches Kumon Connect, Redefining Educational Experiences

New Students Enrolling in December Courses Enjoy Exclusive Double Rewards


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 November 2024 – The Kumon Method was first established in Japan in 1958 and has developed over the past 60 years to become a worldwide phenomenon. Classes have been opened in over 60 countries and regions with over 3 million students. Kumon offers Maths, English and Chinese programmes in Hong Kong and Macau. The Kumon Method creates personalized learning plans based on each child’s abilities, allowing them to learn without age or grade-level restrictions. Through studying the materials, children can independently explore new knowledge and gradually enhance their self-learning abilities. The learning materials are designed progressively from basic to advanced levels in small steps, ensuring every child can learn at their most suitable level. Instructors carefully observe children’s learning abilities and personalities to provide effective guidance, helping them reach their full potential. This enables every child to learn at their “just right” level.

Breaking Learning Barriers: Kumon Launches Kumon Connect, Redefining Educational Experiences
Breaking Learning Barriers: Kumon Launches Kumon Connect, Redefining Educational Experiences

As technology is changing rapidly, the Education Bureau (EDB) has launched”Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)” in Primary and Secondary Schools. Students can bring their own mobile computer devices to schools for learning activities to enhance the effectiveness of learning and teaching, classroom interaction as well as students’ ability in self-directed learning, problem-solving and collaboration. As online learning resources become increasingly abundant and E-learning development matures, BYOD is becoming more prevalent in schools. In response to this trend, The Kumon Method, which has relied on paper and pencil for over 60 years, has recently undergone a metamorphosis and entered a new phase of “KUMON CONNECT”. Kumon’s E-learning uses interactive online teaching and materials to enhance children’s learning motivation, taking Kumon learning into a new era. Currently supported courses include Mathematics and English (EFL).

Kumon’s E-learning platform differs from typical online learning platforms. KUMON CONNECT aims to achieve individualized learning while maintaining Kumon’s time-tested characteristics. It’s not simply converting paper materials into digital format; rather, it incorporates additional features to bridge the gap between instructors and children, facilitating communication that enables instructors to adjust progress according to children’s abilities and implement truly individualized learning.

5 Instant Functions to Improve Learning Efficiency

The launch and development of the KUMON CONNECT online teaching platform not only digitizes KUMON’s education system but also strengthens the connection between Kumon instructors, children, and parents. It helps instructors maintain close communication with children and provide appropriate learning guidance, offering tablet users an enhanced learning experience. KUMON CONNECT provides 5 real-time functions, unrestricted by time and distance, making children’s learning more efficient!

1.Instant Feedback Function

Students can submit their homework as soon as they finish it, rather than having to wait until the following week to submit it in class. This allows the instructor to review the homework in a timely manner and allows students to see what they have done wrong in a short period of time, thus reducing the chance of repeating mistakes and making progress more smoothly.

2.Playback Function

Instructors can also use the Playback function built into the Kumon Connect to observe and understand how students answer questions at home. For example, where to write first, where to revise, and so on; thus, even if your child is studying at home, it is as if the instructor is there with him/her.

3.Instant Messaging(IM)

The instructor can also send messages directly to your child when he/she observes something that your child has done well, so that he/she can provide timely encouragement to your child and give advice if there are any problems.

4.Analysis Charts

The Kumon Connect generates analysis charts against the standard completion times assigned to the worksheets, with data such as speed of completion and number of repetitions clearly displayed, allowing Kumon instructors to have a clear picture of students’ learning across the whole level.

5.Time Record

The KUMON CONNECT automatically records the child’s daily learning time, so that the instructor knows whether the student is learning on time every day. Moreover, the built-in timing function effectively helps students maintain their pace while answering questions and cultivates concentration.

Digitizing Learning Data for Enhanced Communication Between Students, Instructors, and Parents

Since KUMON introduced KUMON CONNECT in 2023, 20% of current students have switched to digital learning. Over 90% of students and parents using E-learning appreciate how instructors utilize the system to provide more specific and closer communication. Parents and students can review past learning content at any time. Through learning charts, they can better understand children’s strengths and weaknesses, progress, and areas needing improvement, enabling more personalized learning plans.

With E-learning integration, a single tablet can complete all learning processes, including English listening and worksheets. There’s no more scattered paper at home, and the capacitive stylus doubles as an electronic eraser, helping children maintain a tidy desk and improve concentration. Whether learning through KUMON CONNECT or paper-based materials, Kumon courses maintain uniform pricing.

Start Fresh, Earn Double
Exciting Welcome Offer! Get free classes and a Skidy learning pen
From November 21 to December 10, new students who register for a KUMON course in December will enjoy*:
Reward 1: A FREE Skidy Learning Pen* for the first 2000 enrolled students^ (valued at $799)
Reward 2: 2 FREE KUMON Classes*
*Terms and conditions apply.
^While supplies last, first-come-first-served.
Register Now: https://bit.ly/40SSeya
Event Details:https://kumon.com.hk/en/startfreshearndouble/
WhatsApp(Hong Kong)63183128 (Macao)66891128
Hashtag: #KumonConnect #BreakingLearningBarriers #KumonMethod #PersonalizedLearning #Elearning #SelfLearning #EducationalInnovation #KumonRewards #LearningJourney #StudentSuccess #MathsEducation #EnglishLearning #ChineseLiteracy #DigitalLearning #LearningEfficiency #EmpoweredStudents #KumonHongKong

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

About KUMON

The Kumon Method, established in Japan in 1958, has developed over 60 years and now operates in more than 60 countries and regions worldwide, serving over 3 million students. In Hong Kong and Macau, it offers Mathematics, English, and Chinese courses. An increasing number of children are developing their potential through the Kumon Method, building capabilities to achieve their future dreams. The Kumon Method is dedicated to developing each child’s potential. Rather than directly teaching problem-solving methods, it guides children to solve worksheets using their own abilities, fostering a ‘can-do’ attitude and the spirit to fearlessly face new knowledge and challenges.

KUMON
Address:Room 3403-3408, 34/F, Chubb Tower, Windsor House, 311 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
Tel:2890 6533
WhatsApp:6318 3128
Website:
Facebook:
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Non-Thai Nationals in Laos to Apply for E-Visa Only Starting from January 2025

Kingdom of Thailand Visa (Photo credit: Thai Embassy)

According to the official announcement from the Royal Thai Embassy in Vientiane on 18 November, noted that non-Thai nationals  in Laos who intend to travel to Thailand for tourism purposes or work within 60 days must apply for all types of visas only through the e-Visa system and are confirmed to make payments in cash with Thai Baht at the Consular Section of the Royal Thai Embassy, and was set to begin on 1 January 2025.

It will take approximately 10 to 15 working days (if all required documents are completely checked) starting from the date of visa fee payment and the embassy will accept visa applications in the current system (on site document format) up until 20 November.

To prepare for the transition to the e-Visa service, The Embassy will not accept any visa applications from 21 to 31 December.

Lao people visiting Thailand for less than 60 days, can travel normally without applying for an e-Visa.

Japan, UNDP Partner to Support Evacuation Centers in Laos

Japan, UNDP Partner to Support Evacuation Centers in Laos
apan and UNDP are launching joint project on enhancing disaster response capability in Laos (Photo credit: UNDP)

Laos is set to strengthen disaster resilience through a new partnership with the Government of Japan and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

On 19 November, Japan and UNDP announced a joint funding initiative valued at USD 3.8 million to construct 12 evacuation centers in disaster-prone regions in Laos, including Khammouane, Salavan, and Champasack provinces. Over the next three years, these centers will provide immediate safety and essential facilities for more than one million people in areas vulnerable to extreme weather events.

In addition to constructing evacuation sites, the initiative will revise national guidelines for selecting and assessing evacuation sites, ensuring inclusive and robust designs. Best practices from the project will be shared to enhance long-term disaster preparedness across the country.

Koizumi Tsutomu, Ambassador of Japan to Laos, emphasized Japan’s commitment: “Through this project, we aim to enhance disaster resilience, not only by ensuring the safety of people during emergencies but also by fostering a culture of disaster awareness and preparedness. Japan will continue to contribute to strengthening Laos’ resilience as a strategic partner.”

Meanwhile, UNDP Resident Representative Martine Thérer highlighted the broader impact: “This project aims to establish resilient infrastructure, enhance national policies, and strengthen capacity at both community and national levels. By doing so, we aim to reduce socioeconomic inequalities and improve livelihoods in disaster-prone areas.”

Laos is particularly vulnerable to natural disasters, with risks exacerbated by climate change and deforestation. As of recent tropical storms, including Prapiroon, Yagi, and Soulik, resulted in 12 fatalities, 32 injuries, and affected over 370,000 people across 16 provinces, causing damages estimated at LAK 6,000 billion (approximately USD 300 million).

With the collaboration between Japan, UNDP, and Laos’ Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, the project reflects a shared commitment to building safer, more resilient communities. As part of this effort, lessons learned from the initiative will inform future strategies, ensuring Laos is better equipped to respond to natural disasters.