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Myanmar Plans to Launch Direct Flights From Yangon to Vientiane in May

Myanmar Airways International (Photo:Tripadvisor)

Myanmar Airways International (MAI) has announced its plan to introduce direct flights between Yangon, Myanmar, and Vientiane, Laos, in early May this year as part of an ambitious expansion plan to bolster its international network.

Octa conducts the second workshop in Kuala Lumpur to establish a community for emerging traders


KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 March 2024 – As part of its continuous effort to create a dedicated community for beginner traders in Malaysia, Octa teamed up with Ezone Constantine, a trading expert and coach, to hold a workshop called Trading 101: Workshop for beginners in Kuala Lumpur.

Octa

Held on 24 February 2024, this offline event focused on helping beginner traders learn Forex and achieve desired financial results. It was the second installment in the series of workshops for emerging traders—the first one, Learn to Earn, took place in November 2023. Through conducting this series of offline seminars, Octa aims to create a thriving community of Malaysian traders on their journey in the financial markets and help them learn the secrets of the trade.

The Trading 101 seminar featured Ezone Constantine, a professional investor and Forex trader, who covered a wide scope of topics, including:

  • What you need to know before you start trading?
  • How do the markets work?
  • How to make a profit?
  • Where to start?
  • How to choose the right broker and avoid scammers?
  • Secrets of success, including pro-trader mindset, money management techniques, and profitable strategies.

A follow-up to the November workshop, the Trading 101 event provided emerging traders with an opportunity to network with their peers and receive support and personal consultation from Octa and the guest expert. Participants also received special gifts from Octa and were granted access to a professional learning portal with exclusive materials. The takeaways included insights into managing the psychological aspects of trading and mastering essential calculations tailored to their capital, ensuring optimal entry points, stop loss ratios, and take profit levels.

‘This workshop is more than just an educational event; it’s a gateway to longevity in the trading world. Octa goes the extra mile by curating an enriching learning experience, featuring esteemed speakers and certified experts who bring unparalleled expertise to the forefront of trading education,’ said Ezone Constantine.
Hashtag: #Octa #trading

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

Octa

is an international broker that has been providing online trading services worldwide since 2011. It offers commission-free access to financial markets and various services already utilised by clients from 180 countries who have opened more than 42 million trading accounts. Free educational webinars, articles, and analytical tools they provide help clients reach their investment goals.

The company is involved in a comprehensive network of charitable and humanitarian initiatives, including the improvement of educational infrastructure and short-notice relief projects supporting local communities.

In the APAC region, Octa received the ‘Best Forex Broker Malaysia 2022’ and the ‘Most Reliable Broker Asia 2023’ awards from Global Banking and Finance Review
and International Global Forex Awards, respectively.

Jockey Club Multiple Pathways Initiative “CLAP-TECH Pathway” Celebrates 5th Anniversary


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 March 2024 – The Jockey Club Multiple Pathways Initiative – CLAP-TECH Pathway (CLAP-TECH), funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, celebrated its fifth anniversary on Friday, 8 March. The ceremony was attended by over 130 industry partners and representatives from participating secondary schools, who shared how the programme has inspired students to pursue their dreams and make informed decisions about further studies and career development.

Themed “An Innovative Pathway to Empower the Future” (創新歷程 掌我夢想), the 5th Anniversary Celebration Ceremony of CLAP-TECH was amongst the highlights of the CLAP@JC Conference 2024. The ceremony brought together secondary school principals, teachers, secondary and post-secondary students, as well as business leaders from the information and communication technology (ICT) and creative media industries. They shared how CLAP-TECH equips students with both hard and soft skills, nurturing “New Collar” talent to meet ever-changing market needs. The event also featured a networking session for students and corporate representatives.

The ceremony was joined by distinguished guests including Mr. Kasper Ng, Principal Assistant Secretary (Further Education), at the Education Bureau; Ms. Winnie Ying, Head of Charities (Youth Development & Poverty Alleviation) at The Hong Kong Jockey Club; Dr. Albert Chau, Vice-President (Teaching and Learning) at Hong Kong Baptist University; and Prof. Ronald Chung, Dean of the School of Continuing Education at Hong Kong Baptist University.

As Hong Kong’s first through-train VPET pathway, CLAP-TECH’s “3+2” multiple entry and exit pathways combine the career development component of CLAP@JC and elements from the P-TECH initiative pioneered by IBM in 2011. Funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, CLAP-TECH offers two applied learning courses in secondary schools which integrate career and life development into two higher diploma programmes. Through a tripartite collaboration model between Hong Kong Baptist University, industry partners and secondary schools, CLAP-TECH equips students with the necessary soft and hard skills for the workplace and nurtures “New Collar” talent for the ICT and creative media industries.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Andrew Ho, Director of CLAP-TECH Centre, said, “With the government promoting diversified development for young people, CLAP-TECH is the first in Hong Kong to integrate a VPET pathway that spans both mainstream secondary and post-secondary education. This initiative connects key stakeholders and leverages an innovative, tripartite relationship among HKBU, industry partners, and secondary schools to enhance the VPET landscape. We sincerely appreciate the support from the Education Bureau and The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, as well as the tremendous support from industry partners and supporting organisations in providing a variety of learning experiences to the students. These experiences are integral in inspiring the students to make well-informed plans for further studies and career development based on their personal interests and strengths.”

Five years into the CLAP-TECH Pathway: industry partner networks have expanded tenfold, with over 90% of graduates reporting greater clarity about their future

Over the past five years, CLAP-TECH has gained substantial support from nearly 40 industry partners and supporting organisations, a more than tenfold increase. These partners have collectively hosted over 1,500 industry exposures for CLAP-TECH students, while more than 170 mentors from various companies and organisations have continued to coach students through the career mentorship programme.

More than 1,000 students from over 90 secondary schools have participated in CLAP-TECH so far, with over 90% of CLAP-TECH graduates saying they have successfully identified their interests and capabilities, enabling them to make informed decisions about their future study and career paths. Among the graduates of the first and second cohorts of the Applied Learning Course in Tech Basics, offered by the School of Continuing Education of Hong Kong Baptist University, nearly half opted for IT or engineering-related career paths after the HKDSE, proving that exposing students to vocational and professional education during their secondary school years can effectively prepare them for future academic pursuits and career development.

To celebrate its 5th Anniversary, CLAP-TECH will be joined by graduates of the third cohort of the Applied Learning Course ─ Tech Basics, first cohort of the Applied Learning Course ─ Multimedia Storytelling[1], and the first cohort of the Higher Diploma in Data Science[2]. The new Higher Diploma in Art Tech Design[3] will also be launched this September, equipping students with the necessary knowledge of technology, culture and art, and cultivating a new generation of creative talent.

For more information, please visit the following websites:
Jockey Club Multiple Pathways Initiative – CLAP-TECH Pathway: https://www.claptech.hk/en/
CLAP@JC: https://clap.hk/?lang=zh-hant
CLAP@JC Conference 2024: https://clapconference2024.com/

(From left to right) Prof. Ronald Chung, Dean of the School of Continuing Education, Hong Kong Baptist University; Dr Albert Chau, Vice-President (Teaching and Learning), Hong Kong Baptist University; Ms. Winnie Ying, Head of Charities (Youth Development & Poverty Alleviation) at The Hong Kong Jockey Club; Mr. Kasper Ng, Principal Assistant Secretary (Further Education) at the Education Bureau; and Mr. Andrew Ho, Director of CLAP-TECH Centre celebrate the 5th anniversary of The Jockey Club Multiple Pathways Initiative – CLAP-TECH Pathway. This event highlights the successful tripartite collaboration of Hong Kong Baptist University, industry partners, and secondary schools to nurture “New Collar” talent in Hong Kong.
(From left to right) Prof. Ronald Chung, Dean of the School of Continuing Education, Hong Kong Baptist University; Dr Albert Chau, Vice-President (Teaching and Learning), Hong Kong Baptist University; Ms. Winnie Ying, Head of Charities (Youth Development & Poverty Alleviation) at The Hong Kong Jockey Club; Mr. Kasper Ng, Principal Assistant Secretary (Further Education) at the Education Bureau; and Mr. Andrew Ho, Director of CLAP-TECH Centre celebrate the 5th anniversary of The Jockey Club Multiple Pathways Initiative – CLAP-TECH Pathway. This event highlights the successful tripartite collaboration of Hong Kong Baptist University, industry partners, and secondary schools to nurture “New Collar” talent in Hong Kong.

(Left) Prof. Ronald Chung, Dean of the School of Continuing Education, Hong Kong Baptist University, moderates a panel featuring a secondary school principal, a teacher, and students who shared their experiences and takeaways from the CLAP-TECH programme. (From second left to right) Principal Li Kin Man of Salesians of Don Bosco Ng Siu Mui Secondary School, said, “Integrating VPET into mainstream secondary school education helps us to nurture students’, ultimately empowering them to shine.” Mr. Poon from Hong Kong Red Swastika Society Tai Po Secondary School marked, “It is natural for secondary students to be uncertain about their future given their young age. Therefore, they should broaden their horizons to identify their strengths and focus on developing them for future opportunities.” Matthew Chan, student from Salesians of Don Bosco Ng Siu Mui Secondary School, reflected, “The teachers at CLAP-TECH have wholeheartedly guided me to discover my talents and interests, aiding me in establishing a clear life goal and career path.” Scott Cheung, a Year 2 Student of Higher Diploma in Data Science, said, “CLAP-TECH provided me with an internship opportunity last summer, where I gained a wealth of knowledge beyond textbooks and realised that soft skills like communications are crucial in the IT field.”
(Left) Prof. Ronald Chung, Dean of the School of Continuing Education, Hong Kong Baptist University, moderates a panel featuring a secondary school principal, a teacher, and students who shared their experiences and takeaways from the CLAP-TECH programme. (From second left to right) Principal Li Kin Man of Salesians of Don Bosco Ng Siu Mui Secondary School, said, “Integrating VPET into mainstream secondary school education helps us to nurture students’, ultimately empowering them to shine.” Mr. Poon from Hong Kong Red Swastika Society Tai Po Secondary School marked, “It is natural for secondary students to be uncertain about their future given their young age. Therefore, they should broaden their horizons to identify their strengths and focus on developing them for future opportunities.” Matthew Chan, student from Salesians of Don Bosco Ng Siu Mui Secondary School, reflected, “The teachers at CLAP-TECH have wholeheartedly guided me to discover my talents and interests, aiding me in establishing a clear life goal and career path.” Scott Cheung, a Year 2 Student of Higher Diploma in Data Science, said, “CLAP-TECH provided me with an internship opportunity last summer, where I gained a wealth of knowledge beyond textbooks and realised that soft skills like communications are crucial in the IT field.”

Andrew Ho, Director of CLAP-TECH Centre (left), discusses with industry partners representatives how CLAP-TECH equips students with both professional knowledge and soft skills required for the workplace. (From second left to right) Kelvin Shiu, Head of Sales, Digital Media Hong Kong & Taiwan, Adobe, said: “Through our collaboration with CLAP-TECH, we aim to provide students with practical workplace learning opportunities. This facilitates their understanding of interests and capabilities early on, helping them make informed decisions about their future career paths and goals.” Roni Chik, General Manager, CMRS Group, said, “The most sought-after talents in the current market not only possess professional knowledge but are also aware of emerging technological trends and workplace requirements. They must also be equipped with soft skills such as communication and collaboration abilities.” Fatima Tsang, Senior Director Global Commercial Operations Fulfilment at Equinix, said, “We are constantly seeking a large number of talents in the fields of technology and networks to meet the rapidly growing industry demands. We are also well aware of the importance of addressing talent shortages for industry development. Thus, we join hands with CLAP-TECH to nurture the next-generation talents.” Mimi Poon, General Manager, IBM Hong Kong, said, “With the rapid emergence of disruptive technologies like artificial intelligence and accelerated integration of those technologies with almost every industry, the digital talent gap is one of the biggest challenges facing businesses today, which needs to be tackled through a skills-first interconnected ecosystem with cross-boundary collaboration. The CLAP-TECH, as one of the pioneering collaborative learning pathways to nurture ‘New Collar’ talent, has achieved positive results over the past five years, enabling young students to gain insights into industries and the practical aspects of job roles, pay attention to the real-world challenges, and become outstanding talents with digital skills, workplace soft power and sense of mission.
Andrew Ho, Director of CLAP-TECH Centre (left), discusses with industry partners representatives how CLAP-TECH equips students with both professional knowledge and soft skills required for the workplace. (From second left to right) Kelvin Shiu, Head of Sales, Digital Media Hong Kong & Taiwan, Adobe, said: “Through our collaboration with CLAP-TECH, we aim to provide students with practical workplace learning opportunities. This facilitates their understanding of interests and capabilities early on, helping them make informed decisions about their future career paths and goals.” Roni Chik, General Manager, CMRS Group, said, “The most sought-after talents in the current market not only possess professional knowledge but are also aware of emerging technological trends and workplace requirements. They must also be equipped with soft skills such as communication and collaboration abilities.” Fatima Tsang, Senior Director Global Commercial Operations Fulfilment at Equinix, said, “We are constantly seeking a large number of talents in the fields of technology and networks to meet the rapidly growing industry demands. We are also well aware of the importance of addressing talent shortages for industry development. Thus, we join hands with CLAP-TECH to nurture the next-generation talents.” Mimi Poon, General Manager, IBM Hong Kong, said, “With the rapid emergence of disruptive technologies like artificial intelligence and accelerated integration of those technologies with almost every industry, the digital talent gap is one of the biggest challenges facing businesses today, which needs to be tackled through a skills-first interconnected ecosystem with cross-boundary collaboration. The CLAP-TECH, as one of the pioneering collaborative learning pathways to nurture ‘New Collar’ talent, has achieved positive results over the past five years, enabling young students to gain insights into industries and the practical aspects of job roles, pay attention to the real-world challenges, and become outstanding talents with digital skills, workplace soft power and sense of mission.

[1] The Applied Learning Course – Multimedia Storytelling is offered by the School of Continuing Education, Hong Kong Baptist University
[2] The Higher Diploma in Data Science programme is offered by the School of Continuing Education, Hong Kong Baptist University, and awarded by HKBU
[3] The Higher Diploma in Art Tech Design programme is offered by the College of International Education, Hong Kong Baptist University, and awarded by HKBU.

Hashtag: #CLAPTECHPathway




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

Jockey Club Multiple Pathways Initiative – CLAP-TECH Pathway

The is Hong Kong’s first through-train VPET pathway in mainstream senior secondary and post-secondary education. Funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, it is a tripartite partnership among Hong Kong Baptist University, industry partners, and secondary schools. The Pathway equips students with technical and soft skills for the future workforce by incorporating career and life development in the curriculum. It currently consists of two Applied Learning Courses (Tech Basics and Multimedia Storytelling) and a Higher Diploma in Data Science.

Over 70 Hopeful Startups Primed for Hong Kong Mega Event of EPiC 2024 Grand Finale

  • With the final stop of semi-final contest at Stuttgart, four-city world semi-final series for EPiC 2024 global pitching contest completed and over 70 semi-finalists were selected
  • “Best-of-the-best” semi-finalists to gather in Hong Kong on 26 April 2024 and all applicants target US$45 million investment to be arranged, up to US$5 million in HKSTP venture funding, US$240,000 in cash prizes, plus partnership opportunities
  • Grand Finale set to feature stellar cast of judges with innovation gurus and leaders from Cathay, HSBC, MTR Lab and more to added in Grand Finale

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 March 2024 – With the completion of the last two EPiC 2024 semi-finals in Hong Kong (29 February 2024) and Stuttgart (4-5 March 2024), Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) has successfully wrapped up its first-ever world series of four regional semi-finals for the HKSTP global Elevator Pitch Competition 2024 (EPiC).

Over the course of seven weeks from January to March, the brightest and best startups from Silicon Valley, Singapore, Hong Kong and Stuttgart (Germany) have battled in ferocious pitching contests to leave over 70 semi-finalists still standing and set for the EPiC Grand Finale in Hong Kong on 26 April 2024. All applicants have set their sights on the US$45 million investment to be arranged[1], plus up to US$5 million in HKSTP Corporate Venture Fund (CVF), as well as US$240,000 in cash prizes, plus partnership opportunities. The EPiC 2024 Grand Finale on 26 April 2024 will take place at the iconic Sky100 venue atop Hong Kong’s tallest building, International Commerce Centre (ICC), with aspiring startups literally making 60-second elevator pitches while hurtling up the ICC tower.

Eric Or, Head of Partnerships, HKSTP, said, “EPiC 2024 has surpassed all expectations with over 70 startups of the highest quality and with the most impressive levels of talent, innovation and judging excellence that we have witnessed since this global contest began. With EPiC 2024, HKSTP has now forged a new global innovation footprint across the US, Europe, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, and Mainland China, providing unmatched growth opportunities for startups plugging directly into the city’s biggest innovation ecosystem and also integrating for seamless expansion from Hong Kong to the China GBA and beyond.”

This year, HKSTP has handpicked a star judging panel of leading figures from the Hong Kong innovation scene to determine the winners at EPiC 2024. Over 70 semi-finalists will be categorised by the three innovation tracks of PropTech, FinTech and MobilityTech. They will be assessed by the specific track judging teams, who will select four finalists from each track to join a final group for 12 startups for a final on-stage presentation to the final judging panel. From the coming Grand Finale to the series of global semi-finals, HKSTP has assembled over 100 world-class innovation leaders to steer the judging contests and more judges are being confirmed. The current Grand Finale final judges include:

PropTech Final Judges:

  • Dr Andy Lee, Chairman, East Asia Region, ARUP;
  • Ar Donald Choi, JP, Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer, Chinachem Group;
  • Michael Chan, Managing Director, MTR Lab;
  • Jonathan Chiu, Hong Kong President, Schneider Electric (Hong Kong) Limited.

FinTech Final Judges:

  • Sachin Goel, Chief Technology Officer, AIA International Limited;
  • Sebastian Paredes, Head of North Asia & CEO of DBS Bank (Hong Kong);
  • Bojan Obradović, Chief Digital Officer, HSBC Hong Kong;
  • Eric Hui, CEO Zurich (Hong Kong), Chairman Zurich (China) and Chairman of HKFI InsurTech (GI) Task Force.


MobilityTech Final Judges:

  • Lawrence Fong, Director Digital and IT, Cathay;
  • Ed Lam, CEO, LFX;
  • Andrew Ma, Chief Technology Officer, eLab Asia, AS Watson Group.

Before coming on the stage, the selected over 70 semi-finalists will make their live 60-second pitch in front of judges while riding up the elevator at the iconic Sky100 venue atop Hong Kong’s tallest building, International Commerce Centre. The current Grand Finale elevator judges include:

PropTech Elevator Judges:

  • Ir Yan Zhou, Assistant Director, Industry Development, Construction Industry Council;
  • Ir Dr Stewart Wan, Head of Innovation, Gammon Construction;
  • Johnny Yu, Advisor to Chairman, Henderson Land Development;
  • Wilson Cheung, Executive Director and Chief Projects Officer, HKR International;
  • Julie Wong, General Manager, Sustainability, Hysan Development;
  • Biga Luk, Managing Director – Hong Kong and Macau, Ingram Micro (China);
  • Kevin Chu, Deputy Managing Director, Kai Shing Management Services Limited;
  • Kiki Wang, General Manager, MTR Lab;
  • Kain Chow, Head of Group Technology Strategy, New World Development;
  • Kevin Lee, Head of Smart Facilities Management, SOCAM Development.

FinTech Elevator Judges:

  • Edison Sam, Director of Technology, Digital and Analytics Transformation, AIA International Limited;
  • Timothy Lee, Managing Director, Head of Transaction Banking Group Greater China, BNP Paribas;
  • Derek Ip, Chief Digital and Technology Officer, FT Life;
  • Charles Chang, VP, Head of Digital Platforms, FWD Life Insurance Company (Bermuda) Limited;
  • Dr Gabriel Leung, Executive Advisor – Hong Kong and Macau, Hewlett Packard Enterprise;
  • Mimi Poon, General Manager, IBM Hong Kong;
  • Selina Lau, Chief Executive, The Hong Kong Federation of Insurers;
  • Binnie Wong, Managing Director, Global Family and Institutional Wealth Management, UBS Wealth Management.


MobilityTech Elevator Judges:

  • Kammy Leung, Hong Kong General Manager, Global Import Supply Chain Division, Cainiao;
  • Aldric Chau, General Manager Digital, Cathay;
  • Steve Ng, Managing Director of Commercial Group, HKT;
  • Lily Lai, Chief Information Officer, Hong Kong International Airport;
  • Nixon Cheung, Head of Commercial and Brand, Hong Kong Tramways;
  • Lilliana Choi, Corporate Development & Affairs and Real Estate Investments Director, Jebsen Group;
  • Robert Ip, Managing Director, Konica Minolta Business Solutions (HK) Limited;
  • Keith Ip, Chief Technology Officer, Li & Fung;
  • Dennis Mak, Managing Director – Greater China, Rhenus Warehousing Solutions Hong Kong Limited;
  • Joseph Leung, Finance Director, The Kowloon Bus Motor Bus Co. (1933) Ltd.

EPiC 2024 Grand Finales also gives valuable chance to startups to get noticed from investors with their cutting-edge solutions and business plans. Investors judges will also select 12 finalists out of over 70 semi-finalists in the 60-second elevator pitches. Investor Final Judges and Investor Elevator Judges confirmed to attend Grand Finale including Lap Man, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Beyond Ventures; Dr Alfred Shang, Managing Partner, Bitrock Capital; Kenneth Lee, Investment Director, Gaw Capital; Dr Jason Sun, Operation Director, Hong Kong X; Dr Samson Tam, JP, Partner, InnoAngel; Alex Zhou, Investment Manager, Jafco Asia; David Chang, Managing Partner, Mindworks Capital, and Michael Chow, Managing Director, Radiant Tech Ventures.

EPiC has a proven track record of propelling success for past finalists and winners. Two notable examples are Archifiction from EPiC 2023 and Papkot from 2021. Archifiction is a naked-eye 3D XR tech venture based in Silicon Valley and now also Hangzhou in China. Through EPiC, it successfully partnered with a leading Hong Kong property group, Henderson Land, to create a pioneering XR experience centre in Hong Kong and it will soon launch and power further growth in this region. Meanwhile, Papkot is a French greentech that set up in Hong Kong and through EPiC expanded with a lab at the HKSTP Shenzhen Branch. Today it is aggressively taking its ground-breaking plastic-free paper packaging to meet critical market needs and opportunities here in Hong Kong and the GBA.

All chosen semi-finalists for the Grand Finale will gain vital exposure to international investors as well as the cream of corporate innovators in the region. While the access to HKSTP’s Shenzhen Branch provides global ventures with scalable, efficient, and dedicated infrastructure and services support, in the expansion to Mainland China. More information can be found on: EPiC 2024 (https://epic.hkstp.org/) and HKSTP Shenzhen Branch (https://www.hkstp.org/hong-kong-and-beyond/greater-bay-area/hkstp-shenzhen/).

Photo 1: HKSTP successfully completed regional Elevator Pitch Competition 2024 (EPiC) Hong Kong Semi-final on 29 February 2024, with 12 of the Hong Kong’s brightest innovators selected to participate in EPiC 2024 Grand Finale on 26 April 2024.
Photo 1: HKSTP successfully completed regional Elevator Pitch Competition 2024 (EPiC) Hong Kong Semi-final on 29 February 2024, with 12 of the Hong Kong’s brightest innovators selected to participate in EPiC 2024 Grand Finale on 26 April 2024.

Photo 2: HKSTP successfully completed regional Elevator Pitch Competition 2024 (EPiC) Stuttgart Semi-final on 4-5 March 2024, with 20 of the European brightest innovators selected to participate in EPiC 2024 Grand Finale on 26 April 2024.
Photo 2: HKSTP successfully completed regional Elevator Pitch Competition 2024 (EPiC) Stuttgart Semi-final on 4-5 March 2024, with 20 of the European brightest innovators selected to participate in EPiC 2024 Grand Finale on 26 April 2024.

Photo 3: Eric Or, Head of Partnerships, HKSTP, said, “EPiC 2024 has surpassed all expectations with over 70 startups of the highest quality and with the most impressive levels of talent, innovation and judging excellence that we have witnessed since this global contest began. With EPiC 2024, HKSTP has now forged a new global innovation footprint across the US, Europe, SE Asia, Hong Kong, and Mainland China, providing unmatched growth opportunities for startups plugging directly into the city’s biggest innovation ecosystem and also integrating for seamless expansion from Hong Kong to the China GBA and beyond.”
Photo 3: Eric Or, Head of Partnerships, HKSTP, said, “EPiC 2024 has surpassed all expectations with over 70 startups of the highest quality and with the most impressive levels of talent, innovation and judging excellence that we have witnessed since this global contest began. With EPiC 2024, HKSTP has now forged a new global innovation footprint across the US, Europe, SE Asia, Hong Kong, and Mainland China, providing unmatched growth opportunities for startups plugging directly into the city’s biggest innovation ecosystem and also integrating for seamless expansion from Hong Kong to the China GBA and beyond.”

Photo 4: Featured startups showcased FinTech, PropTech and MobilityTech innovations in EPiC 2024 Hong Kong Semi-Final Contest
Photo 4: Featured startups showcased FinTech, PropTech and MobilityTech innovations in EPiC 2024 Hong Kong Semi-Final Contest

Photo 5: Featured startups showcased FinTech, PropTech and MobilityTech innovations in EPiC 2024 Stuttgart Semi-Final Contest.
Photo 5: Featured startups showcased FinTech, PropTech and MobilityTech innovations in EPiC 2024 Stuttgart Semi-Final Contest.


[1] Target to arrange USD45 Million investment: Investors (including funds managed by HKSTP CVF, Beyond Ventures, BitRock Capital, Gaw Capital, HKX, InnoAngel, Jafco Asia, Mindworks Capital and Radiant Tech Ventures) will consider investing in applicants (subject to terms and conditions to be agreed between the parties)

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

About Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation

Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) was established in 2001 with a mission to position Hong Kong as an international innovation and technology (I&T) hub. HKSTP has created a thriving I&T ecosystem supporting over 10 unicorns with more than 13,000 research professionals and around 1,700 technology companies from 26 countries and regions focused on healthtech, AI and robotics, fintech and smart city technologies.

We offer comprehensive support to attract and nurture talent, accelerate and commercialise innovation for technology ventures on their I&T journey. Our growing innovation ecosystem is built around our key locations of Hong Kong Science Park in Shatin, InnoCentre in Kowloon Tong and three modern InnoParks in Tai Po, Tseung Kwan O and Yuen Long. The three InnoParks are realising a vision of new industrialisation for Hong Kong, where sectors including advanced manufacturing, micro-electronics and biotechnology are being reimagined.

Hong Kong Science Park Shenzhen Branch in Futian, Shenzhen, opened in September 2023 to support Hong Kong’s future development and its growing demands of the I&T industry and to strengthen cross-border exchange, attract technology companies as well as talent from around the world, helping them go global. It has both dry and wet laboratories, co-working space, conference and exhibition spaces, and more. We will focus on attracting enterprises in seven key areas: Medtech, big data and AI, robotics, new materials, microelectronics, fintech and sustainability.

Through our infrastructure, services, expertise, and network of partnerships, HKSTP will help establish I&T as a pillar of growth for Hong Kong.

More information about HKSTP is available at .

NTT Launches Innovation Alliance Program to Establish a Collaborative Platform, Co-Creating Future-ready Innovations in Private 5G, AI, IoT and Edge within Hong Kong’s Tech Ecosystem

  • NTT Innovation Alliance Program creates a collaborative platform in Hong Kong, leveraging the company’s expertise and docomo business’ success in Hong Kong and Japan to co-create within a diverse tech ecosystem that encompasses enterprises, partners, universities and startups to commercialize future-ready solutions from Proof-of-Concept to the Go-to-Market stage.
  • Partners in the program thus far include leading innovation hubs Cyberport and HKSTP, research center LSCM, academic research partners like CityU, PolyU, HKUST and various pioneering startups, united to harness collaborative synergies and maximize the collective potential of this alliance.
  • NTT’s docomo 5G DX Square in Hong Kong offers a private 5G-ready environment outfitted with advanced equipment, as well as cutting-edge technologies such as AI, IoT and edge computing, enabling partners, enterprises and startups to conduct solution testing, development and demonstration.

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 March 2024 – As part of NTT Group, a world-leading telecommunications and ICT service provider, NTT Com Asia Limited (NTT) announced today the launch of “NTT Innovation Alliance Program” with two I&T flagships, Hong Kong Cyberport (Cyberport)[1] and Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), research centers like the Logistics and Supply Chain MultiTech R&D Centre (LSCM), and academic partners including City University of Hong Kong, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. The program will empower the tech ecosystem with NTT’s mobile-first technology solutions, operational support and a shared vision for Hong Kong’s digital growth. Together, we will co-create and commercialize innovative solutions that ultimately generate unparalleled value for the community.

From the left:· Dr. Shin Cheul Kim, Associate Vice-President for Research and Development (Knowledge Transfer), The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology· Mr Kelvin Wong, Director, Knowledge Transfer and Entrepreneurship Office, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University· Professor Ray Cheung Chak-chung, Associate Provost (Digital Learning), City University of Hong Kong and Chairman, IEEE Hong Kong Section· Mr Taichi Hiramatsu, Chief Executive Officer, Hong Kong, NTT Com Asia Limited· Mr Henry Li, Head of Ecosystem Development of Cyberport· Mr Eric Tong, Assoicate Director, Partnerships, Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation· Ir Prof LAM Hiu Fung, Alan, JP, Chairman of LSCM R&D Centre

From the left:
· Dr. Shin Cheul Kim, Associate Vice-President for Research and Development (Knowledge Transfer), The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
· Mr Kelvin Wong, Director, Knowledge Transfer and Entrepreneurship Office, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
· Professor Ray Cheung Chak-chung, Associate Provost (Digital Learning), City University of Hong Kong and Chairman, IEEE Hong Kong Section
· Mr Taichi Hiramatsu, Chief Executive Officer, Hong Kong, NTT Com Asia Limited
· Mr Henry Li, Head of Ecosystem Development of Cyberport
· Mr Eric Tong, Assoicate Director, Partnerships, Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation
· Ir Prof LAM Hiu Fung, Alan, JP, Chairman of LSCM R&D Centre

“We are witnessing a surge of businesses stepping up to innovate sustainably in the AI era, as we collectively recognize the untapped potential of this space within the tech ecosystem. NTT is taking the pioneering initiative to forge an alliance, harnessing capabilities and amplifying synergies across sectors through sustainable innovations. We are committed to co-creating ready-to-market solutions with the enterprises, partners, universities and startups, positively impacting both Hong Kong society and other markets,” said Taichi Hiramatsu, Chief Executive Officer, Hong Kong, NTT Com Asia Limited.

NTT, as one of the pioneers in data centers and technological innovation, remains steadfast in further enhancing its digital infrastructure capabilities in Hong Kong. With continuous investment in data centers and advanced technologies such as private 5G, AI, IoT and edge, NTT will explore limitless invaluable possibilities and unlock the full potential of a futuristic digital society.

Participants will unleash the full potential of NTT’s commercially-proven digital capabilities and obtain exclusive access to technical breakthrough knowledge aggregated in Hong Kong and Japan. In addition, they will benefit from a wealth of expertise and insights shared by participating partners and universities. This collaborative environment will accelerate the development of enterprises and startups, enabling them to collaboratively create future-proof business models and technologies that will propel them towards long-term success.

  • Next-generation Technology: NTT’s docomo 5G DX Square in Hong Kong is designed with a standalone private 5G-ready environment with supporting equipment, combined with the latest technologies in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Thing (IoT) and edge computing. This innovative space enables flexible and onsite Proof-of-Concept testing, development and showcases, offering firsthand experiences based on the expertise and market insights in Hong Kong, as well as knowledge, technical breakthroughs and achievements from docomo business in Hong Kong and Japan;
  • Co-Create Value: The program fully actualizes potential ideas, transforming them from starting-from-scratch concepts into fully-fleshed practical solutions with professional resources and experienced go-to-market support;
  • Co-Market to Local & Overseas: Co-created solutions can be commercialized in Hong Kong and potentially featured at flagship events in Japan or introduced in other markets.

Looking ahead, a series of events will proceed throughout the year, including exploration workshops, training sessions and community programs. Participants will actively engage in collaborative initiatives to explore mutual advantages and co-development areas. Together, they will identify and co-create value-driven solutions that align best with market needs. The most innovative ideas and ready-to-market solutions are expected to be showcased by the end of this year.

An Inaugural Ceremony took place during the “CO-CREATE InnoFuture” Afternoon Tech Mixer today, officially launching the program. Over 100 representatives of enterprises, partners, industry leaders, startups and stakeholders came together to witness this significant milestone.

Details and schedule of the upcoming activities under the NTT Innovation Alliance Program will be announced in April. Interested parties can find out more information and register their interest at: www.ntt.com.hk/innovation-alliance-program.


[1] NTT Com Asia is one of the members of the Cyberport Technology Network (CTN).

Hashtag: #NTT

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

About NTT Com Asia Limited

As part of NTT Group, a world-class leader in telecommunications and ICT services, NTT Com Asia Limited (“NTT”) is dedicated to delivering the best ICT infrastructure and disruptive technologies with the vision to enable a smarter world.

Riding on the leading enterprise mobile technology from docomo business in Japan, we are bringing cutting-edge and ready-to-market IoT, AI and other digital solutions to support enterprises to develop a mobile-first strategy in their digitalization journey. For more information, please visit:

INNIVATE Celebrates Successful Installation at the Hilton Singapore Orchard and Sets Sights on Global Expansion


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 March 2024 – INNIVATE, a leader in the design and manufacture of innovative rain-defense louvre systems, is delighted to announce the successful installation of their state-of-the-art performance louvres at the Hilton Singapore Orchard. In the wake of an extensive $150 million renovation, the hotel, previously the Mandarin Orchard, welcomed guests into a new era on February 24, with the distinction of being the largest Hilton in Asia, featuring 1080 rooms equipped with INNIVATE’s advanced louvre solutions.

Mr

Director of INNIVATE, Mr. Paul Paffett, reflected on the significance of the project, stating, “The Hilton Singapore Orchard project represents a key achievement in our longstanding pursuit of excellence. Our ten-year track record of producing high-performance, quality-engineered products has won us international acclaim and a diverse portfolio that spans significant projects, both regionally and globally.”

INNIVATE’s louvres are recognized for their exceptional design, which seamlessly blends aesthetics with functionality, facilitating efficient building ventilation and machinery cooling while ensuring optimal indoor air quality. Their robust construction offers reliable protection against rainwater intrusion, a feature especially beneficial in areas susceptible to heavy rainfall.

“We are committed to advancing the interplay between performance and design in architecture,” Mr. Paffett noted. “Our louvres, crafted from premium recyclable aluminum, are tailored to meet the progressive requirements of contemporary construction.”

Global Aspirations and Strategic Developments

With a solid foundation in Singapore and Thailand, INNIVATE has earned the confidence of a broad clientele, including property developers and government entities. The company’s global presence extends to China, Hong Kong SAR, Vietnam, Myanmar, the Philippines, Malaysia, the United Kingdom, Australia, Indonesia, India, and the United States. INNIVATE louvres, tested to the stringent European standard BS EN 13030:2001, are gaining traction for their distinctive features and quality.

Further bolstering its capabilities, INNIVATE has integrated its production processes with its sister company, INNIbuild, ensuring superior control over production timelines and product quality.

Aiming to extend its market reach, INNIVATE is actively exploring opportunities for expansion into Europe and the United States. The company is in pursuit of strategic trading partners to facilitate this venture and to solidify its status as a global frontrunner in the performance louvre industry.

Hashtag: #INNIVATE

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

About INNIVATE

Specializing in the development and distribution of superior architectural rain-defense performance louvres, INNIVATE is at the forefront of research and development within the industry. The company prides itself on delivering architecturally impressive and practical louvre systems that resolve a wide range of engineering and architectural challenges. Their louvre systems serve a vital role in ensuring building and machinery ventilation and protection against the elements, enhancing the resilience and aesthetic value of modern structures.

Hin Nam No National Park Moves Closer to World Heritage Status

Hin Nam No National Park Moves Closer to World Heritage Status
Hin Nam No National Park (photo: Vientiane Times)

Hin Nam No National Park is on the path to achieving World Heritage Status, with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) accepting its complete application document. However, additional reviews are necessary before the park can receive this prestigious status.

Cyber Threat Surge: Trend Micro Blocks 160 billion Incidents in 2023

Ransomware detections fall 14% as alternative attack strategies evolve


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 March 2024 – Trend Micro Incorporated (TYO: 4704; TSE: 4704) a global cybersecurity leader, today revealed a 10% annual increase in total threats blocked in 2023 and warned that attackers are using more advanced methods to target fewer victims with the potential for higher financial gains.

To read a copy of the report, Calibrating Expansion: Annual Cybersecurity Threat Report, please visit: https://www.trendmicro.com/vinfo/hk/security/research-and-analysis/threat-reports/roundup/calibrating-expansion-2023-annual-cybersecurity-threat-report

Jon Clay, VP of threat intelligence at Trend: “We’re blocking more threats than ever before for our customers. But understand that adversaries showed a variety and sophistication of TTPs in their attacks, especially in defense evasion. As our report demonstrates, network defenders must continue to proactively manage risk across the entire attack surface today. Understanding the strategies favored by our adversaries is the foundation of effective defense.”

Trend Micro blocked 161 billion threats overall in 2023, compared to 82 billion threats five years ago. In 2023, threats blocked by email and web reputation dropped annually by 47% and 2%, respectively. Threats blocked by Trend’s Mobile Application Reputation Service (-2%), Smart Home Network (-12%), and Internet of Things Reputation Service (-64%) also declined. However, there was a 35% annual increase in threats blocked under Trend’s File Reputation Service (FRS).

This could indicate that threat actors are choosing their targets more carefully. Instead of launching attacks on a wider range of users and relying on victims clicking on malicious links in websites and emails, they’re targeting a smaller number of higher-profile victims with more sophisticated attacks. This might enable them to bypass early detection layers like network and email filters—which could explain the surge in malicious file detections at endpoints.

Some other trends observed in the report include:

  • APT actors showed a variety and sophistication of their attacks against victims, especially around defense evasion tactics.
  • Email malware detection surged by 349% year-on-year (YoY), while malicious and phishing URL detections declined by 27% YoY – again highlighting the trend for more using malicious attachments in their attacks.
  • Business email compromise (BEC) detections increased 16% YoY.
  • Ransomware detections dropped 14% YoY. However, once again, the increase in FRS detections may indicate that threat actors are getting better at evading primary detection via techniques such as Living-Off-The-Land Binaries and Scripts (LOLBINs/LOLBAs), Bring Your Own Vulnerable Driver (BYOVD), zero-day exploits, and AV termination.
  • Linux and MacOS ransomware attacks were 8% of the overall ransomware detections.
  • There was an increase in remote encryption, intermittent encryption, EDR bypass using unmonitored virtual machines (VMs), and multi-ransomware attacks where victims were hit more than once. Adversaries have recognized EDR as a formidable defense but are now utilizing bypass tactics to get around this technology.
  • Thailand and the US were the top two ransomware victim countries, with banking as the most affected sector.
  • The top MITRE ATT&CK detections were defense evasion, command & control, initial access, persistence, and impact
  • Risky cloud app access was the top risk event detected by Trend’s attack surface risk management (ASRM), recorded almost 83 billion times.
  • Trend’s Zero Day Initiative discovered and responsibly disclosed 1914 zero-days, up 12% YoY. These included 111 Adobe Acrobat and Reader bugs. Adobe was the number one vendor for vulnerability reporting, and PDFs were the number one spam attachment type.
  • Windows applications were the top 3 vulnerabilities exploited through detections from our virtual patches.
  • Mimikatz (used in data harvesting) and Cobalt Strike (used in Command & Control) continued to be the preferred legitimate tools to abuse to aid criminal activity.

In light of these findings, Trend advises network defenders to:

  • Work with trusted security vendors with a cybersecurity platform approach to ensure resources are not only secured but also continuously monitored for new vulnerabilities.
  • Prioritize SOC efficiency by monitoring cloud applications carefully as they become more closely integrated into day-to-day operations.
  • Ensure all the latest patches/upgrades are applied to operating systems and applications.
  • Utilize comprehensive security protocols to safeguard against vulnerabilities, tighten configuration settings, control application access, and enhance account and device security. Look to detect ransomware attacks earlier in the attack lifecycle by shifting left in defenses during initial access, lateral movement, or data exfiltration stages.

Hashtag: #trendmicro #cyberthreat #cybersecurity




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

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 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, the 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 65 countries, Trend Micro enables organizations to simplify and secure their connected world.