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The UK Launches ‘Women in STEM’ Scholarships under its ASEAN-UK SAGE Programme: Reinforcing the UK and ASEAN’s Commitment to Gender Equality and Female Empowerment in STEM

ASEAN-UK SAGE is the UK’s flagship education programme in Southeast Asia, supporting girls and marginalised communities to access education and improve foundational learning.

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 February 2024 – On the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, the UK Government in collaboration with the ASEAN secretariat proudly launched the ASEAN-UK SAGE Women in STEM Scholarships. This initiative aims to address gender disparities in STEM education and employment within ASEAN countries and Timor-Leste.

While girls outperform boys in mathematics and science in primary and secondary education across ASEAN countries, a gender gap starts to appear in tertiary STEM education with only 19.3% of women obtaining STEM degrees compared to 39.8% of men1. The 2022 UN progress report on SDG 5 – Gender Equality – reveals only 20% of jobs in STEM are held by women globally, and various studies highlight disparities in publication, pay, and career progression for women in STEM.

Recognising the importance of these issues, the UK, through the ASEAN-UK Supporting the Advancement of Girls’ Education Programme (ASEAN-UK SAGE), seeks to address gender disparities in STEM by providing more access to STEM education for women and girls in ASEAN and Timor-Leste. Emerging from the UK’s official Dialogue Partner status with ASEAN in 2021, ASEAN-UK SAGE is a pioneer initiative under the ASEAN-UK Plan of Action 2022-2026. Launched in 2023, ASEAN-UK SAGE is funded by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) with a commitment of up to GBP 30 million, through to 2028. The programme is implemented by the British Council, SEAMEO Secretariat, Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER), and EdTech Hub in its first phase, with a focus on three critical areas: (i) strengthening foundational learning, (ii) engaging out-of-school children and marginalised groups, and (iii) breaking gender barriers to digital skills and employment.

The newly launched, ASEAN-UK SAGE Women in STEM scholarships will contribute to addressing underrepresentation of women in STEM by supporting access to UK education for women. The scholarships will support inspirational advocates in the STEM sector and promote role models for Women in STEM with viable, recognisable STEM careers.

ASEAN-UK SAGE Women in STEM Scholarships are open to women from across all ten ASEAN Member States and Timor-Leste, offering women a chance to transform their future and become pioneers in STEM fields across the region. 11 successful applicants from ASEAN and Timor-Leste will receive a fully funded one-year opportunity to complete a master’s degree at the prestigious University of Warwick or Imperial College London. The opportunity is open to women from ten ASEAN Member States, including Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam as well as Timor-Leste.

Secretary-General of ASEAN, H. E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn said:
“ASEAN expresses pride in its partnership with the UK as the ASEAN-UK SAGE Programme marks the commencement of a robust cooperation, setting the tone for a fruitful dialogue partnership. The initiation of the ASEAN-UK SAGE Women in STEM Scholarships signifies our mutual dedication to improving inclusivity and increasing the presence of women in fields where their representation is traditionally lacking, specifically within STEM disciplines. ASEAN looks forward to more positive outcomes that the ASEAN – UK SAGE Programme will yield, fostering enhanced collaboration and mutual benefit between the regions.”

Ambassador, UK Mission to ASEAN, H. E. Sarah Tiffin said:
“The UK, as ASEAN Dialogue Partner, is committed to improving educational opportunities for women and girls in Southeast Asia, and we will do this through our flagship ASEAN-UK SAGE programme. As part of ASEAN-UK SAGE, in 2024 we are offering 11 scholarships for applicants across ASEAN member states, plus Timor Leste. Our scholarships will offer life-changing opportunities to young women in the region, planting the seed to empower and inspire future generations of women into STEM subjects. Our mission is simple: for women to have equal access to education, smash gender barriers and norms, and push up brilliant future female leaders. We thank our two world-leading UK universities – Imperial College, London and Warwick University – for supporting this endeavour.”

Summer Xia, Director South East Asia, British Council said:
“The British Council is proud to be a lead implementation partner of the ASEAN-UK SAGE programme. The Women in STEM scholarships address the underrepresentation of women in STEM leadership, and among the reasons for this underrepresentation are societal attitudes and perceptions about the role of women and girls in STEM. Complementing British Council Women in STEM Scholarships, ASEAN-UK SAGE Women in STEM Scholarships also aim to challenge these norms, empower women, create role models, and reinforce a positive attitude towards STEM education among women and girls.”

Applications for the ASEAN-UK SAGE Women in STEM Scholarships and the British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM are open until mid-April 2024, with both scholarships covering tuition fees, stipends, travel costs, visas, and health coverage fees.

For more information on the ASEAN – UK SAGE Women in STEM Scholarships, please visit: https://www.britishcouncil.id/en/programmes/education/sage

For more information on the British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM, please visit:
https://www.britishcouncil.org/study-work-abroad/in-uk/scholarship-women-stem
Hashtag: #BritishCouncil

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British Council

The British Council is the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. We support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. We do this through our work in arts and culture, education and the English language. We work with people in over 200 countries and territories and are on the ground in more than 100 countries. In 2022–23 we reached 600 million people.

Economist Impact’s Technology for Change Asia to gather Asia-Pacific leaders and delve into the latest technology solutions tackling challenges for businesses and people

Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales and globally renowned physicist Michio Kaku to feature this year

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 February 2024 – Technology for Change Asia will be held in Hong Kong on February 27th-28th 2024 at the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong. This marks the beginning of a three-year commitment to stage the annual conference in the city.

The 3rd annual Technology for Change Asia was held in Singapore in March 2023.

Curated by Economist Impact and chaired by The Economist’s deputy editor, Tom Standage, the event will welcome 60 technology pioneers to share thought-provoking insights with an audience of 300 solutions-oriented leaders from across Asia-Pacific. Two days of dynamic conversation will cover hot topics including artificial intelligence, Web3, DeFi and crypto, the future of work, and the role of the Greater Bay Area (GBA) in applying technology for impact.

Speaking ahead of the event, Tom Standage, Deputy editor, The Economist, said, “Technology is a welcome bright spot in a world beset by uncertainty and conflict. In fields from artificial intelligence to medicine, electric vehicles to solar power, the pace of progress is defying expectations—on the upside. But technology will only change lives for the better, and play a vital role in tackling global challenges, if it is deployed in an ethical and sustainable manner. Our aim in convening this event is to lead the discussion to ensure that it is.”

Globally renowned thought-leaders in powwow to make a change
An expert speaker line-up featuring the founder of Wikipedia, Jimmy Wales; futurologist and popular science writer, Michio Kaku; and leaders from Intel, Lenovo, J.P. Morgan, Amazon Web Services, Klook, EY, PayMe HSBC, Temasek, Tata Communications and more will unite in Hong Kong to deep-dive into how these technologies could reduce digital and financial inequality, transform the future of work and talent, and shape the future use of artificial intelligence.

Speaking ahead of the event, Mr Wales said: “The rise of generative AI will be as big as the invention of the World Wide Web, transforming and touching every organisation in every industry.”

Mr Kaku shared: “There are two computer revolutions rocking the world today. The first is a software revolution, heralded by chat bots which can write articles on a wide variety of topics better than most humans. This revolution rivals the ability of humans to write journals, essays, books, even songs, and raises the question of how intelligent AI systems have become. The second revolution may give us quantum computers millions of times more powerful than any digital computer. This revolution may give us control over life itself, with the ability to unravel fiendishly complex chemical and physical reactions that control cancer, photosynthesis, ageing, fusion, the weather, and even stars. Together, these two revolutions will redefine what we mean by intelligence.

See the full list of speakers here.

Agenda highlights:

  • Ministerial keynote address
  • Web3 innovation: data, cyber-security and decentralisation
  • DeFi and crypto: regulation, future trends and inclusion
  • The future of talent: reskilling and maximising opportunities in the virtual economy
  • The role of the Greater Bay Area in applying technology for impact
  • Traveltech: what novel solutions will boost tourism’s return?
  • How can countries become the next “smart nation”?
  • The future of work: AI as a co-pilot
  • Adopting AI: how to govern and regulate AI

See the full agenda here.

Asif Chaudhury, Managing Director, Asia at Economist Impact, said: “Asia-Pacific has unique challenges, but new technologies put resilient economic growth and a more sustainable future within reach. Through an exciting mix of keynote addresses, panel discussions and debates, Technology for Change Asia will showcase the latest technology solutions resonating with today’s socially conscious consumers, attracting and retaining talent, and contributing to positive social change. Hong Kong—a financial centre and leading innovation and technology hub—is the ideal place to drive the conversation on change. We look forward to setting new milestones for our flagship event leveraging what Hong Kong has to offer”

The Event is sponsored by TATA Communications and Ernst & Young, and supported by Brand Hong Kong, The Hong Kong Tourism Board and InvestHK. Live translation into Cantonese and Putonghua will be offered by KUDO.

To register for the event, click here.

Hashtag: #EconomistImpact #technology #innovation #AI

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About Economist Impact

Economist Impact empowers businesses, governments and foundations to catalyse change and enable progress. Uniting the expertise The Economist Group is known for under a single brand, Economist Impact brings together policy research and insights, data visualisation, custom storytelling, events and media. Economist Impact combines the rigour of a think tank with the creativity of a media brand, engaging an influential audience in the areas of sustainability, healthcare and new globalisation. Visit for more information.

Rising Interest in Chinese Language Reflects Future Job Prospects for Lao Youth

Lao students who study Chinese at the Confucius Institute. (Photo: Confucius Institute)

The younger generation in Laos is showing a growing interest in learning the Chinese language, recognizing the potential for future job opportunities amidst a significant influx of Chinese investors into the country.

Applications Now Open for Australia Awards Scholarships for Study in 2025

Australia Awards Laos

The Australian Embassy in Laos is pleased to announce the opening of applications for the prestigious Australia Awards Scholarships for study in Australia commencing in 2025. The scholarships are aimed at future Lao leaders across all sectors in Laos.

Hefu Noodles Opens Its First Store in Hong Kong, Accelerates Its Market Expansion

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 February 2024 – Recently, Hefu Noodles first store in Hong Kong was officially opened at Plaza 2000, 2-4 Russell Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, located in Hong Kong’s prime commercial district. The store inherited Hefu Noodles’ classic and elegant Chinese interior design, featuring the red fan logo at the entrance. On the first day of opening, the store attracted many Hong Kong diners and had a long queue at the door.

Hefu Noodles Opens Its First Store in Hong Kong, Accelerates Its Market Expansion

Hefu Noodles’ Hong Kong store offers the same menu as the mainland China market, maintaining high-quality standards and focusing on healthy, green, and organic principles. The Herbal Soup, Longevity Vegetables, and Nutritious Tea ranges are now available, and the main dishes and snacks are priced from HK$10 to HK$188.

Hefu Noodles

Hefu Noodles stores are located in more than 80 cities across China, with more than 20 million members, and the number of its directly operated outlets has now exceeded 600. With Hong Kong as the first store for Hefu Noodles’ overseas exploration, it is believed that it will go overseas and explore the global market soon.

Hashtag: #HefuNoodles

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Pearson opens bookings for new PTE Core English proficiency test for Canadian economic migration visa purposes

Philippine test takers can sit PTE Core from February 12

LONDON, UK – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 February 2024 – Pearson, the world’s leading learning company, today announced bookings are now open for PTE Core, its newest English language proficiency test.

PTE Core received approval from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) last year and can now be taken to provide proof of English language proficiency for the purposes of permanent economic immigration to Canada or Canadian citizenship.

The first PTE Core tests can be taken from February 12 onwards including in test centres in Baguio and Makarti, Philippines.

PTE Core is a new addition to the Pearson Test of English portfolio, sharing many of the unique characteristics of PTE Academic. It is a two-hour, computer-based exam taken in a test centre environment that tests four key English language skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing.

The key difference is that PTE Core is relevant for the vocational test taker, designed with a real-life, non-academic focus. It was created to meet Canada’s specific migration needs and the IRCC’s language proficiency requirements, but could be used to assess the English proficiency of vocational test takers in any country.
Gio Giovannelli, President of the English Language Learning division at Pearson, said: “We are excited to roll out PTE Core to test takers across the world. It was designed to test real life language skills and allows test takers to showcase their proficiency and be themselves in English. Whether people are looking to work, study or migrate to Canada, there’s a Pearson English language proficiency test that suits their requirements.”
Every year, Canada welcomes hundreds of thousands of permanent residents, temporary foreign workers (TFWs), students, and visitors. Canada also supports the reunification of families and the protection of refugees and persons at risk. With an increased focus on supporting Canada’s economic resurgence and post-pandemic growth, IRCC is increasing its Levels Plan to further address the growing demand for the coming years.

With high demand in Canada for professionals in areas such as nursing, engineering and web development, the approval of PTE Core arrives at a good time for test takers and opens new opportunities for Pearson.

PTE Core was created in response to Canadian economic migration needs. Alongside this, PTE Academic was accepted from August 2023 by IRCC as an approved English proficiency test for all Student Direct Stream (SDS) visa applications – it is already recognised by more than 97 per cent of universities and 95 per cent of colleges in Canada. The UK, Australian and New Zealand governments also accept PTE tests for all visa applications. PTE Academic is also accepted by 100 per cent of Australian, New Zealand and Irish Universities and 99 per cent of UK universities.
The fully digital PTE Core test is delivered through Pearson VUE, the computer-based testing business of Pearson. The latest AI technology, calibrated and reviewed by human raters, is used for scoring and biometric data collection provides enhanced security measures. These cutting-edge technologies ensure the provision of an impartial and highly accurate test of a test taker’s English language proficiency.
Test takers can book PTE Core online up to 24 hours in advance, take advantage of year-round worldwide test centre slots and receive their results on average within two days.

PTE Core will be rolled out across Pearson’s existing network, with more than 400 PTE centres in 118 countries.

Hashtag: #pearson #english

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About Pearson

At Pearson, our purpose is simple: to add life to a lifetime of learning. We believe that every learning opportunity is a chance for a personal breakthrough. That’s why our c.18,000 Pearson employees are committed to creating vibrant and enriching learning experiences designed for real-life impact. We are the world’s leading learning company, serving customers in c.200 countries with digital content, assessments, qualifications, and data. For us, learning isn’t just what we do. It’s who we are. Visit us at .

Melco continues lead among integrated resorts in Asia with the greatest number of stars attained in 2024 Forbes Travel Guide

MACAU SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 February 2024 – Melco Resorts & Entertainment’s various hotels, restaurants and spas across its portfolio in Asia have been honored by 2024 Forbes Travel Guide (FTG), with the Company continuing its lead among integrated resorts in Asia with the greatest number of stars achieved. The renowned FTG star rating service and online travel guide bestowed Melco a total of 16 Five-Star awards across the Company’s properties which include City of Dreams, Studio City, Altira Macau and City of Dreams Manila. Notably, this year marks the 15th successive year that Altira Macau has achieved an FTG Five-Star award across both the Hotel and Spa categories.

Mr. Lawrence Ho, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Melco, said, “Thank you to FTG for this great honor. The recognition underlines Melco’s ongoing commitment to providing guests with the most memorable world-class hospitality experiences across our global portfolio of integrated resorts. We will continue to further develop and enhance Melco’s curated blend of design, entertainment and quality as we look forward to welcoming more guests from local, regional and overseas markets this coming year.”

Melco properties and facilities awarded 2024 Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Ratings are as follows:

Hotels Restaurants Spas
Morpheus, City of Dreams Macau Alain Ducasse at Morpheus, Morpheus, City of Dreams Macau Morpheus Spa, City of Dreams Macau
Nüwa, City of Dreams Macau Yí, Morpheus, City of Dreams Macau Nüwa Spa, City of Dreams Macau
Star Tower, Studio City Jade Dragon, Nüwa, City of Dreams Macau Zensa Spa, Studio City
Altira Macau Pearl Dragon, Studio City Altira Spa, Altira Macau
Nüwa, City of Dreams Manila Tenmasa, Altira Macau Nüwa Spa, City of Dreams Manila
Ying, Altira Macau

Hashtag: #melco #cityofdreams #studiocity #altiramacau #cityofdreamsmanila #forbestravelguide




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

About Melco Resorts & Entertainment Limited

Melco Resorts & Entertainment, with its American depositary shares listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market (NASDAQ: MLCO), is a developer, owner and operator of integrated resort facilities in Asia and Europe. The Company currently operates Altira Macau (), an integrated resort located at Taipa, Macau and City of Dreams (www.cityofdreamsmacau.com), an integrated resort located in Cotai, Macau. Its business also includes the Mocha Clubs (), which comprise the largest non-casino based operations of electronic gaming machines in Macau. The Company also majority owns and operates Studio City (), a cinematically-themed integrated resort in Cotai, Macau. In the Philippines, a Philippine subsidiary of the Company currently operates and manages City of Dreams Manila (), an integrated resort in the Entertainment City complex in Manila. In Europe, the Company operates City of Dreams Mediterranean in Limassol in the Republic of Cyprus (). The Company also continues to operate three satellite casinos in other cities in Cyprus (the “Cyprus Casinos”). For more information about the Company, please visit .

Melco Resorts & Entertainment is majority owned by Melco International Development Limited, a company listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited, which is in turn majority owned and led by Mr. Lawrence Ho, who is the Chairman, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Company.

Lao Residents Vent Frustrations Over Passport Application Process

Lao Residents Vent Frustrations Over Passport Application Process

Residents are expressing their frustrations on social media regarding the cumbersome process of obtaining passports, despite recent announcements about the availability of numerous online queues.