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DBS Foundation and MakerBay Foundation Join Forces to Launch DBS InnoFuture Youth Programme

Over 90% of educators acknowledged the importance of digital literacy for careers The Programme aims to empower underserved youth with free digital training

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 17 January 2023 – Over 90% of educators acknowledged that digital literacy, especially in artificial intelligence (AI), is essential for students in preparing for their future careers, an online survey conducted by MakerBay Foundation reveals. Additionally, more than 80% agreed that family income affects students’ opportunity to take part in technology education. The same research also indicates institutions face challenges when launching AI training due to limited subject matter expertise.

Today marked the successful launch of DBS InnoFuture Youth Programme, kicking off an exciting 1.5 years of collaboration.
Today marked the successful launch of DBS InnoFuture Youth Programme, kicking off an exciting 1.5 years of collaboration.

To empower underserved youth and equip them with essential skills required for today’s and future job market, DBS Foundation and MakerBay Foundation have joined forces to launch DBS InnoFuture Youth Programme which provides comprehensive upskilling training on AI and No-code for 15-24 years old underserved youth. Participants will also take part in a Capstone Project that allows them to ideate and design digital solutions for NGOs/ social enterprises while gaining valuable hands-on working experience. This helps pave their way towards more successful career prospects as well as drive digital transformation in the social sector.

The survey (Click here for detailed results) has pinpointed the challenges in introducing AI training into school curriculums, mainly due to a lack of subject matter expertise (30.6%) and that AI training is not a focus in a regular syllabus (27.8%), reflecting a need to support underserved youth with additional digital skills training. The survey also looked into the difficulties of digital transformation in the social sector as there are insufficient resources to install suitable equipment (29.4%) and lack-thereof subject matter expertise in the organisation (25.0%).

“The younger generation now have a much broader range of career options than merely working 9-to-5 in traditional industries.” Said Mr. Cyron Chan, Executive Director of MakerBay Foundation. “We would like to empower youth without prior technology experience to explore careers in tech while fostering the digital transformation of the social sector with their creativity.” After completing AI and No-code training on different themes, participants can leverage what they have learnt to build a tailor-made digital solution for partnering organisations under their mentors’ guidance.

Ms. Amy Wu, Executive Director and Head, Group Strategic Marketing and Communications of DBS Bank (HK), stated that “DBS Bank has always been committed to championing social enterprises through DBS Foundation to create business for impact, and to address critical social issues. In 2022, DBS Foundation introduced the new “Community Impact” chapter which one of the focuses is to support communities by equipping them with essential skills for a better future. In recent years, tech skills, especially the application of artificial intelligence and No-code, are in high demand for different jobs. However, technology education is not affordable to every family, which directly affects employment opportunities for underserved youth. Therefore, we hope that through the collaboration with MakerBay Foundation, the youth in need could have a chance to receive artificial intelligence training for free to enhance their competitiveness in the job market.”

Today marked the successful launch of DBS InnoFuture Youth Programme, kicking off an exciting 1.5 years of collaboration. Attendees understood more about the programme structure and participation methods, as well as gained insights from panel discussions delving into topics of “Importance of Digital Literacy on Youth Development” and “Benefits and Difficulties of Digital Transformation in NGOs”.

Ms. Polly Lui, Assistant Career Development Manager of Student Affairs Office at The Education University of Hong Kong and Mr. Oscar Venhuis, Interim CEO of Happyer Skills showcased the disparity in digital literacy between underserved youth compared to those from more affluent backgrounds, as well as the benefits of digital literacy for their career development during a panel discussion. The second session focused on how NGOs are adapting to digital transformation with special guests Mr. Jonathan Wong, Project Director of Center for Entrepreneurship at CUHK Business School and Mr. Stanley Ho Co-founder & Managing Partner of Society for Innovation & Technology in Social Work who gave their insights based on engaging case studies.

Over 10 NGOs including Baptist Oi Kwan Social Service, 1-art Charity Foundation, Po Leung Kuk and Tung Wah Group of Hospitals have embraced the opportunity to join DBS InnoFuture Youth Programme. Participants will create digital solutions such as membership systems, case management platforms and campaign websites for partnering organisations. Through bridging the needs of youth employment and digital transformation for NGOs, the programme will serve 1,840 underserved youth and 50 NGOs or social enterprises with the provision of 100 digital solutions in a one-and-half-year period.

For the latest updates about DBS InnoFuture Youth Programme, please refer to https://makerbay.net/dbs-innofuture-youth-programme/

Hashtag: #DBSFoundation #DBSInnoFutureYouthProgramme

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

About DBS Foundation

DBS Foundation is focused on creating impact and improving lives through championing social entrepreneurship and preparing communities for the future.

The existing “Business for Impact” chapter was established when DBS Foundation commenced operations in 2014, and focuses on championing businesses and social enterprises with a dual bottom line.

In 2022, the DBS Foundation expanded the scope and scale of its operations with the formation of the new “Community Impact” chapter. The new chapter looks to supporting communities by equipping them with essential skills for a better future, specifically financial and digital literacy skills. It also aims to tackle climate change with a focus on food waste reduction.

For more information, please visit .

About MakerBay Foundation

Makerbay Foundation is a non-profit organization aimed at achieving positive social and environmental impact through maker education and innovation. We nurture youth to develop maker skills and mindset in order to tackle the needs of our society. Having one of the biggest makerspace in Hong Kong, MakerBay has delivered more than 500 social and environmental impact workshops in Hong Kong as well as globally, to empower over 10,000 youth, social workers, educators and industry professionals.

Website:

About DBS Bank

DBS is a leading financial services group in Asia with a presence in 19 markets. Headquartered and listed in Singapore, DBS is in the three key Asian axes of growth: Greater China, Southeast Asia and South Asia. The bank’s “AA-” and “Aa1” credit ratings are among the highest in the world.

Recognised for its global leadership, DBS has been named “” by Global Finance, “” by Euromoney and “” by The Banker. The bank is at the forefront of leveraging digital technology to shape the future of banking, having been named “” by Euromoney and the world’s “” by The Banker. In addition, DBS has been accorded the “” award by Global Finance for 14 consecutive years from 2009 to 2022.

DBS provides a full range of services in consumer, SME and corporate banking. As a bank born and bred in Asia, DBS understands the intricacies of doing business in the region’s most dynamic markets. DBS is committed to building lasting relationships with customers, as it banks the Asian way. Through the DBS Foundation, the bank creates impact beyond banking by supporting social enterprises: businesses with a double bottom-line of profit and social and/or environmental impact. DBS Foundation also gives back to society in various ways, including equipping communities with future-ready skills and building food resilience.

With its extensive network of operations in Asia and emphasis on engaging and empowering its staff, DBS presents exciting career opportunities. For more information, please visit .

SHANGHAI TANG makes menswear runway debut at the 2023 Fall/Winter Milan Fashion Week

REUNION

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 17 January 2023 – SHANGHAI TANG celebrated Milan Fashion Week coinciding with Chinese New Year with its debut as showcase at the 2023 Fall/Winter Milan Fashion Week. The theme of SHANGHAI TANG’s show, “REUNION” is a nod to harmonious gatherings celebrated by Chinese and Italians, and a tribute to Italy and China re-embracing.

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SHANGHAI TANG is renown as the world’s most iconic Chinese luxury brand, beloved for its high fashion and design. SHANGHAI TANG marries the bold with traditional Chinese elegance, and oriental allure with contrasting western influences. SHANGHAI TANG is an expression inner grace and joyful visual representation this creativity.

From its founding in 1994, SHANGHAI TANG has embraced the finer aspects of Chinese contemporary art and been a vanguard in promoting Chinese contemporary artists on the international stage. As long back ago as the 46th Venice Biennale in 1995, SHANGHAI TANG helped create a strong bond between the Italian art scene and China through an early exhibition in Italy.

In recent years, SHANGHAI TANG ‘s collaboration with Chinese artists such as Xu Bing, Zhou Yilun, and Chen Wei continued the brand’s deep connection with the contemporary art world. As China and Chinese contemporary art evolved, so has SHANGHAI TANG.

In menswear, SHANGHAI TANG carved out a space on the world stage amongst fashion and art connoisseurs with, for example, its iconic Tang suit, which marries traditional tailoring with contemporary elegance. This year’s menswear collection builds upon SHANGHAI TANG’s place in fashion history, taking the brand a step forward.

SHANGHAI TANG is true to the heritage of its founder, Sir David Tang KBE, his sophistication in art and design, and his playful and eccentric spirit. At the heart of its collection, SHANGHAI TANG’s cheerful contradictions and playfulness, together with powerful optimism, courageous outlook, and Chinese perspective, exhort all, in the spirit of reunion, to do as Sir David Tang and “Make Life a Party”.

“We see our runway debut at Milan Fashion Week as a courageous step for our brand, and the best way to reintroduce our style of fashion, creative design, and Oriental elegance on the global stage. This is also a chance for fashion and art lovers from Italy and China to meet again,” wrote the SHANGHAI TANG team.

For its runway debut, SHANGHAI TANG chose the theme “reunion” to set the stage for a harmonious family gathering and create a moment that resonates in both Italian and Chinese cultures.

SHANGHAI TANG’S 2022/23 men’s collection builds upon a brand legacy that traces the history of contemporary Chinese spirit with a timely intellectual bent. Working within the brand’s classic storyline of iconic Chinese silhouettes, SHANGHAI TANG introduces elements of surprise and playfulness to sartorial traditions.

The joy of a family gathering becomes the major thread line punctuating the mood of SHANGHAI TANG’s collection.

The star, a symbol synonymous with SHANGHAI TANG, is recreated in different shapes and sizes in unconventional settings. The ribbon, emblematic of a celebratory spirit, pops up throughout the collection as scarfs, neck ties, or knitwear patterns. Traditional Mandarin Buttons, either blown-up or repurposed with pops of color, points to festive formalities with childlike playfulness.

Heavily embroidered pieces, a staple of Sir David Tang’s SHANGHAI TANG party-driven wardrobe, are recreated in relaxed silhouettes offering sartorial ease and comfort. Ingenious color-blocking also adds a refreshing take on SHANGHAI TANG’s palettes of apple green, fuchsia, and orange.

Playing with sartorial codes in contrasting materials results in heightened sophistication. Wool jackets made to imitate denim are treated with double stitch, renewing the ideal of “rawness,” while washed denim slacks, a hippie favorite, are elevated with rigor. The traditional SHANGHAI TANG Chinese Tang suit looks just as it is when viewed from the front, but in profile, its slightly architectural sleeve, typical of westernized pattern making, reveals a subtle update on the iconic.

The charm of SHANGHAI TANG’s collection lies in an unorthodox interpretation of Eastern philosophies in a westernized context, skillfully gathering elements of East and West with passion and creativity. And as always, at the heart of SHANGHAI TANG is Sir David’s sophistication in contemporary art and design, playful and eccentric spirit, and yearning to “Make Life A Party.”

As a highlight, SHANGHAI TANG’s show featured renowned Shanghai-based violinist Mengla Huang to accompany and perform.

Since the 1930s in Shanghai, and perhaps even earlier with Marco Polo, Chinese have been exposed to Italian culinary culture, art, and fashion. SHANGHAI TANG’s “REUNION” is a tribute to Italy and China re-embracing in person, celebrating long-standing relationships, expressing deep affection, and hoping for a bright future.

Hashtag: #SHANGHAITANG

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

ABOUT SHANGHAI TANG

SHANGHAI TANG, founded in 1994, is and renown as the world’s most iconic Chinese luxury brand.

SHANGHAI TANG was founded by Sir David Tang, KBE, and inspired by the glittering lifestyle and aesthetics of 1930s Shanghai. SHANGHAI TANG marries the colorful and bold with traditional Chinese elegance, and oriental allure with contrasting western influences.

And as always, at the heart of SHANGHAI TANG is Sir David’s sophistication in contemporary art and design, playful and eccentric spirit, and yearning to “Make Life A Party.”

Thailand’s 2023 GDP Growth Projection Increased Due to China’s Reopening

Thailand’s 2023 GDP Growth Projected at 3.7 Percent Due to China’s Reopening
Chinese tourists flocking Thailand;s airport (photo: kasikorn search)

Kasikorn Research Center (K-Research) has upwardly revised its growth forecast for the Thai economy in 2023 to 3.7 percent, against the 3.2 percent projected before, thanks to the positive effects of China’s early reopening towards Thai tourism and exports.

2022 Qianhai-Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao-Taiwan Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition Hong Kong Selection Tertiary Institutions and Secondary Schools Streams Award Ceremony

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 17 January 2023 – The highly acclaimed 2022 Qianhai-Guangdong-Hong Kong- Macao-Taiwan Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition had come to a grand finale and announced its winners in both Tertiary Institutions and Secondary Schools Streams on December 29, 2022 in Hong Kong. With the competition running into its 7th year, organizers have received over 300 submissions covering 100 schools in Hong Kong alone.

The exciting award ceremony in celebration of the winning teams for both Tertiary Institutions and Secondary Schools Streams took place at HKUST Entrepreneurship Center’s head office in Central, Hong Kong. Professor Honorable William Wong Kam-fai (MH, Member of the Legislative Council- Election Committee) and Honorable Edmund Wong Chun-sek (Member of the Legislative Council- Accountancy) were Guests of Honor. Other notable guests included Professor Witman Hung (JP, Principal Liaison Officer for Hong Kong, Shenzhen Qianhai Authority), Mr. Hendrick Sin (MH, 14th term of the Hong Kong Deputies to the National People’s Congress, President of Internet Professional Association), Mr. Donny Siu (Head of Entrepreneurship Programs at Entrepreneurship Center of Hong Kong University of Science and Technology), Mr. Eddy Chen (Standing Committee Member, Internet Professional Association) and Mr. Terence Chiu (Vice President of Internet Professional Association).

“This year we have received the highest number of applications to the competition, with many students from notable schools around Hong Kong. This reflects the great trust and support we have earned from all principals, teachers and students in Hong Kong” said the honorable Professor Hung (JP). Furthermore, Professor Hung (JP) shared updates on the Qianhai Dream Park, which began its operations in September 2022. Qianhai Dream Park offers youths in Hong Kong and Macau a much larger platform to “chase their dreams”. The park spans over an area of 139,000sqm with four uniquely themed services tailor-designed to support youths in Hong Kong. These services include: “Worry-free service for Hong Kong Enterprises”, “Hong Kong-Shenzhen Living Services”, “Cross-border Talents Caring Services”, and “Hong Kong Youth Community Culture”.

This year, Qianhai International Liaison Services has successfully obtained recognition of its Qianhai Competition as one of the official celebratory activities in celebration of the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). With this very unique theme, Qianhai has added a new, special award “Youth Innovation Grand Award by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) in celebration of the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to China” to recognize and award applicants with the most innovative and compelling project. The winner in the Secondary Schools Stream, Aleisha Esther Sin, is a Gr.12 student who currently studies at Milton Academy in the US. She won the hearts of the judges with her project “The Fairtrade Cause”, where she focused on raising awareness to help underprivileged farming communities in Southeast Asia through advanced technology and entrepreneurship. In addition to this Youth Innovation Grand Award, there are also Gold, Silver, Bronze Awards, The HKUST GBA Youth Innovation Grand Prize Award and Merit Awards given to talented students and young visionary leaders in Hong Kong.

Hashtag: #ShenzhenQianhaiAuthority #QianhaiCompetition #TertiaryInstitutionsStream #SecondarySchoolsStream #HKUSTEntrepreneurshipCenter

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

About Qianhai International Liaison Services Ltd

Established in August 2014, Qianhai International Liaison Services Limited is a window company of the Shenzhen Qianhai Authority servicing Hong Kong. We shoulder the responsibilities “to foster industrial collaboration, talent exchange, legal cooperation and co-development proposal, and to serve Hong Kong people and enterprises” and make “Support Hong Kong, Service mainland, Face the world” its mission. The “Qianhai e-Services Hong Kong-Macao Station” is now operated by the company, offering 223 free services to Hong Kong and Macao individuals to handle government services without travelling to Qianhai, including business registration, tax-related services, social security and government administrative services.

Sincere Department Store was awarded as “The Most Popular Department Store” by TVB Weekly

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 17 January 2023 – Sincere Department Store (“Sincere”, stock code: 0244), the subsidiary of Realord Group Holdings Limited (the “Company”, together with its subsidiaries, collectively referred to as the “Group”, stock code: 1196) and the first Chinese-owned department store in Hong Kong, is pleased to announce to be awarded as “the Most Popular Department Store” from “TVB Weekly Brand Award” to praise for its ability to grasp market changes, seize new opportunities and turn disadvantages into advantages even in difficult times.

TVB Weekly Brand Award Ceremony” hosted by “TVB Weekly”, the official publication of Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB), was held recently. Ms. Su Jiaohua, CEO of Sincere Department Store received the trophy of “the Most Popular Department Store Brand Award” in person at the venue and said, “Thank you TVB, the Review Committee and the relevant units for recognizing and praising to Sincere. On behalf of all the staff, I sincerely would like to express our gratitude here. Our success relies on our unity and the supports from our customers. Sincere will continue to adhere to our business objective, ‘serving with sincerity,’ and to meet the needs of the customers.”

“TVB Weekly Brand Award” aims to praise a number of outstanding brands recognized by the industry. The winners are selected by professional jury and the public, according to their popularity, product acceptability and brand reputation. It has approved that as a leader in the industry, Sincere can still move with times in the rapidly changing market, including strengthening the online store timely. The shop has more than 1,000 products currently, allowing customers to enjoy the shopping experience of online and offline department stores so as to revitalize the brand.

With the support of Realord Group, the business and service quality of Sincere have been advanced, including the opening of the first “Sincere Mall” in Realord Villas Shenzhen this year whichhas successfully expanded overseas markets. The Mall is with around 30,000 square meters of commercial area, and total of 130 shops. It gathers different types of shops such as catering, education and training, supermarkets, and leisure and entertainment.

Also, Sincere introduced “Nakamura Store”, a new Japanese retail brand, before which provides customers with more than 800 Japanese foods and reaches a wider customer base to bring new development impetus to the Group.

The Most Popular Department Store|Sincere Department Store
https://youtu.be/e-K5xAKnzzE
Hashtag: #RealordGroup #SincereDepartmentStore

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

Sincere Department Store

Sincere Department Store (“Sincere,” stock code: 0244), one of the Hong Kong’s oldest and most respected retail groups, is founded in 1900. Sincere was reputed as top of the four largest department stores and now is a member of Realord Group Holdings Limited. Currently, Sincere is mainly engaged in the retailing business in Hong Kong and has three department stores located at Central, Mong Kok and Sham Shui Po which provide fashion apparel, shoes and handbags, sports equipments, household, electrical, bedding and bath, travel, and food merchandises. Also, Sincere provides securities trading and the provision of general and life insurances.

Reaload Group Holdings Limited

Realord Group Holdings Limited (“Realord Group,” stock code: 1196) is principally engaged in the Property Segment, the Financial Services Segment, the EP Segment, the MVP Segment and the Department Store Segment. In recent years, the Group has commenced the Caribbean Segment, mainly carrying out development projects in Grenada. The Project involves the development of a mixed property project consisting educational facilities, apartments for student, residential properties, hotel and resort facilities, commercial development and shopping facilities and in a longer plan university establishment(s) and related amenities. The Group plans to commence property development and investment business in the Republic of Panama.

Vientiane Deputy Mayor Issues Ban on Firecrackers

Vientiane Deputy Mayor Issues Firecrackers Ban
Police checking the shop selling a bunch of firecrackers (photo: newstrawan)

The governor of Vientiane Capital issued a notice on Monday prohibiting the importation, production, or possession of any kind of firecracker.

Pickup Truck in Bokeo Found with 6 Million Amphetamine Pills

At Least 6 Million Amphetamine Pills Discovered in Pickup Truck in Bokeo
The pickup truck in the incident that carries several bags of drugs (photo: PL Bokeo News)

Local police seized a large number of narcotics from a vehicle parked in a field in Bokeo’s Huayxay district on Monday.

Michelle Yeoh, Lily James, and Jessie Buckley Shine in De Beers Jewellers at the 2023 Critics’ Choice Awards

LOS ANGELES, US – Media OutReach – 17 January 2023 – De Beers Jewellers natural and responsibly sourced diamonds dazzled on nominees and actresses Michelle Yeoh, Lily James, and Jessie Buckley at the 28th annual Critics’ Choice Awards held at the Fairmont Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles, honouring the finest achievements of filmmaking and television.

Michelle Yeoh, nominee for Best Actress in a Motion Picture, radiated modern, natural elegance in a dramatic black and fuchsia gown complemented by sculptural rose pink aluminum earrings with white and intense pink diamonds and a statement Volute High Jewellery pear-shaped diamond ring. The earrings, from De Beers Jewellers’ The Alchemist of Light High Jewellery collection which celebrates the elemental magic of light, are a sublime fusion of art and science, precision and imagination, tradition and modernity.

Lily James, nominated for Best Actress in Limited series, opted for delicate classic diamond pieces from the Arpeggia, DB Classic and Aura collection to accompany her daring black gown.

Jessie Buckley, Critics’ Choice nominee for Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture, chose to wear timeless diamond pieces. Her look perfectly embodied a new generation’s take on old-Hollywood glamour.
Hashtag: #DeBeers #DeBeersHK #naturaldiamonds

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

About De Beers Jewellers

Founded in London, with a flagship store on Old Bond Street and a presence in the most exclusive locations around the world, De Beers Jewellers is the pinnacle of luxury diamond jewellery. Building on De Beers’ 130 years of expertise, the House glorifies the world’s most beautiful diamonds through creativity and craftsmanship in bold, distinctive designs.

De Beers is invested in ensuring all the diamonds it discovers create a lasting positive impact for people and the places where they are found. This comes with a pledge to build a better future – one that is fairer, safer, cleaner and healthier, in which communities thrive, ethical practices are maintained, and the natural environment is protected. We call this long-term commitment Building Forever.

De Beers Jewellers has 35 stores globally and ships to 15 markets via .

FB: @DeBeers
IG: @debeersofficial