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Matrix MMA Launches New Classes Offering A Wide Variety Of Martial Arts Training Programs

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 15 November 2021 – Matrix MMA, a modern combat sports studio located in Singapore, has launched new combat sports classes offering a wide range of martial arts training programs. These new programs are structured to help students of any fitness level achieve their desired fitness goals or attain a higher level of mastery in a specific field of martial arts. Each training session is structured to match the skills and fitness levels of each student.

 

The training instructors at Matrix MMA are highly certified trainers and coaches, experts in their fields of martial arts and possess in-depth knowledge of the footwork and techniques. They are also medalists of different titles and are qualified to evaluate each student’s fitness level to help them reach their goals.

 

One of their satisfied students has also publicly praised the structure of Matrix MMA classes and commented on Google, “It didn’t matter the skill level, everyone was so willing to help each other out”. “And that’s not the only impressive thing about their classes. The training is top-notch, and the instructors know what they are doing.”

 

With the launch of the new classes from Matrix MMA, students can expect to achieve a better level of fitness or even attain a higher level of mastery in different fields of martial arts. Students will have opportunities to take part in local or overseas competitions too.


About Matrix MMA

Established in 2020, Matrix MMA is a Singapore-based combat sports studio specialising in mixed martial arts. Matrix MMA is committed to providing exceptional and quality training for students of any fitness level through its structured training programme planned by its experienced coaches.

At Matrix MMA, the classes focus on techniques and how to apply them in real-life situations and competitions effectively. Matrix MMA aims to provide a holistic training experience for all members so that everyone has a fair chance to participate in competitions locally or globally. They also offer a 1-week trial pass with no obligation to commit for anyone who wishes to give mixed martial art classes a try.

#MatrixMMA

PMI Releases New Construction Offering to Address Industry Challenges and Rapid Industrialisation Efforts

Certified training by PMI will help project professionals in Singapore do more with less in an increasingly dynamic construction market

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 15 November 2021 – Project Management Institute (PMI), the world’s leading association for project professionals and changemakers, has launched Construction Professional in Built Environment Projects (CPBEP)™, its first industry-specific solution tailored for construction professionals to address the challenges and opportunities facing construction professionals and organisations.

 

As urban population centres swell, climate change intensifies, and emerging economies mature, the demand for major infrastructure projects—and the individuals who manage them—is rapidly increasing. In fact, McKinsey found that $3.5 trillion in yearly global economic infrastructure investment will be needed through 2035.

 

The new offering by PMI includes seven online learning courses, three of which include the opportunity to earn a micro-credential upon course completion. This suite of online courses and micro-credentials will help professionals in Singapore navigate an increasingly uncertain world and steer towards success.

 

According to Turner & Townsend, in Singapore, construction demand continues to be high, with around S$5.7 billion of contracts awarded in Q1 2021, a decline of only 0.1 per cent as compared to the previous quarter. At the same time, global supply chain constraints and other pandemic-related factors are expected to cause tender prices to escalate by 10 to 15 per cent. Added to this are the more expensive materials and manpower. These factors suggest that construction firms and property players in Singapore will continue to be pressured to do more with less.

 

“With rising costs and continued constraints from the pandemic, the construction industry and its professionals in Singapore need to be more agile to navigate disruptions and steer towards success. This need for flexibility is also exemplified by the government’s recent move to prepare more than one concept plan for long-term land use for the first time in 50 years,” said Ben Breen, Global Head of Construction and Managing Director, Asia Pacific, PMI. “With more than five decades in the project management industry, PMI is uniquely positioned to help equip professionals with the skills needed to transform the surging industry through developing these innovative learning methods and practices,” added Ben Breen.

 

PMI worked with leading construction organisations and subject matter experts to identify common issues that are detracting from project outcomes and taking a toll on the professionals leading these projects—and the companies funding them. The new earning solutions help construction professionals evolve their project management skills and lead their projects and organisations forward. The courses and micro-credentials can help these professionals through upskilling to ensure they have the power and technical skills needed to deliver projects of all sizes more successfully, especially as construction organisations experiment with various new technologies and ramp up their work.

 

In 2020, PMI surveyed more than 40,000 global Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification holders in the construction industry and found that 72 per cent of them experience project delays always or often, 70 per cent experience scope creep always or often, and 73 per cent of projects ended over budget.

 

The first three courses now available are:

  • Built Environment Project Communication Pro – This micro-credential with a course focuses on the power of effective communication and how to improve this skill, specifically in a construction environment.
  • Scope and Change Order Management in the Built Environment – This course focuses on project outcomes and understanding how technology can support scope development, management, and change order processes.
  • Interface Management in the Built Environment – This course focuses on the effective management of communications, relationships, and deliverables among various stakeholders in large, complex projects.

The remaining four courses will launch in 2022, along with the capstone exam that will award the CPBEP certification to professionals who pass the exam.

To learn more about the new offering, visit pmi.org/certifications/construction.

About Project Management Institute (PMI)

Project Management Institute (PMI) is the world’s leading professional association for a growing community of millions of project professionals and changemakers worldwide.

As the world’s leading authority on project management, PMI empowers people to make ideas a reality. Through global advocacy, networking, collaboration, research, and education, PMI prepares organizations and individuals to work smarter so they can drive success in a world of change.

Building on a proud legacy dating to 1969, PMI is a “for-purpose” organization working in nearly every country around the world to advance careers, strengthen organizational success, and enable changemakers with new skills and ways of working to maximize their impact. PMI offerings include globally recognized standards, certifications, online courses, thought leadership, tools, digital publications, and communities.

Visit us

at https://www.pmi.org/, www.projectmanagement.com, https://www.linkedin.com/company/pminstitute, www.facebook.com/PMInstitute, and on Twitter.

#ProjectManagementInstitute #PMI

Schools Reopen Under New Covid Restrictions in Laos

Laos Patuxay Vientiane

 

The Government of Laos has extended Covid-19 restriction measures indefinitely but has eased several measures, including allowing in-person classes at schools.

‘Hang Lung X HKYWCA “Love•No•Limit” Dementia Friendly Program ─ Community Inclusion Day’ Concludes with Great Success

In Enhancing Public Awareness and Building a Caring and Inclusive Community

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 14 November 2021 – The ‘Hang Lung X HKYWCA “Love·No·Limit” Dementia Friendly Program – Community Inclusion Day’ co-organised by Hang Lung Properties Limited (“Hang Lung Properties”, stock code: 00101) and the Hong Kong Young Women’s Christian Association (“HKYWCA”) was held at Amoy Plaza on November 13 2021. The event enjoyed an enthusiastic response attracting more than 2,000 participants, including families with elderly relatives with dementia as well as members of the wider community.

 

(From center to right) Mrs. Gwen Kao, Chairman of the Charles K. Kao Foundation for Alzheimer’s Disease and Dr. Chiu Ha Ying, Governor and Executive Committee Member of the Charles K. Kao Foundation for Alzheimer’s Disease, share insights into looking after dementia patients with the public

The “Dementia Friendly Art Gallery” showcases the artworks created by seniors with dementia, demonstrating their extraordinary abilities and individual stories

The large-scale wing art exhibition entices the public to take photos

Officiating the event were Ms. Koo Kwok Lai, Rebecca, District Social Welfare Officer (Kwun Tong) of the Social Welfare Department; Ms. Helen Lau, Deputy Director (Head of Hong Kong Business Operations) of Hang Lung Properties; and from HKYWCA, Service Director (Elderly Service) Mr. Chow Wah Tat, Kenneth, and Service Director (Youth & Community Service) Mr. Foster Lam. Mrs Gwen Kao, Chairman of the Charles K. Kao Foundation for Alzheimer’s Disease and Dr. Chiu Ha Ying, Governor and Executive Committee Member of the Foundation, were also in attendance to share invaluable information about dementia symptoms and care of patients, to increase public awareness of the needs of patients and carers in the hope of building a more caring and inclusive community.

Ms. Helen Lau, Deputy Director (Head of Hong Kong Business Operation) of Hang Lung Properties, said, “Hang Lung Properties is committed to promoting sustainable development in society and the environment. We have been responding to the needs of people in society and contributing to the well-being of the public through a series of ongoing sustainable community investment projects. As the proportion of elderly in the population has increased, dementia has become an issue of greater concern in recent years. In view of this, Hang Lung Properties and HKYWCA launched the “Love·No·Limit” Dementia Friendly Program, a three-year scheme which offers support to dementia patients and their carers. The Program provides training to volunteers for participation in social services and the provision of training for front-line staff so that they can offer appropriate assistance to those in need in their daily work. Through this collaboration, we hope to deepen public awareness about dementia and have a positive impact on the building of a diverse and inclusive community and the sustainable development of society”.

Ms. Koo Kwok Lai, Rebecca, District Social Welfare Officer (Kwun Tong) of Social Welfare Department, said, “Dementia friendliness is a topic of growing concern in recent years. Given the aging population, the number of dementia patients in Hong Kong keeps increasing. Now is a good time for Hang Lung and HKYWCA to launch the “Love.No.Limit” Dementia Friendly Program, which can have a significant beneficial impact on the community. Indeed, the Social Welfare Department has been devoted to promoting dementia friendliness in the community by different means and to providing early intervention as well as care services to support patients. I am glad to see that carers and energetic young people in Kwun Tong district, in addition to the dementia patients themselves, are joining the Community Inclusion Day. It is hoped that the Program may not only broaden the awareness of the young, but also encourage people to become Dementia Friends, so that they can be more understanding of the needs of dementia patients and join hands for a more inclusive community.”

 

Mr. Chow Wah Tat, Kenneth, Service Director (Elderly Service) of the Hong Kong Young Women’s Christian Association, said, “We are very pleased to work together with Hang Lung Properties to raise public awareness about brain health and dementia in society, and to jointly promote a dementia-friendly community. HKYWCA has been providing a wide range of services in Hong Kong, with services for the elderly a key priority. The ‘Love·No·Limit’ Dementia Friendly Program has been running for a year and we are happy to see the positive impact with more than 900 in attendance benefitting from the services offered. We sincerely hope that the service can be extended to more of those in need, as well as to the public, so as to build an inclusive and compassionate community”.

 

At the “Community Inclusion Day” event, leaders of the Charles K. Kao Foundation for Alzheimer’s Disease were invited to attend the “Enduring Love” themed session to share experiences about the treatment and care of the elderly with dementia. A group of kindergarten students, elderly people, youth volunteers, and Hang Lung volunteers delivered performances under the theme of promoting inclusion across generations. The “Dementia Friendly Art Gallery” at the venue also showcased artworks created by the elderly with dementia to demonstrate their different abilities. Among the exhibits, a large-scale wing art installation narrates the stories of individual dementia patients and their carers in the placing of each colorful feather — a striking symbol of their ability to soar high with their extraordinary talent for art. In addition, the Jockey Club Charles Kao Brain Health Services promotional vehicle at the venue provided free cognitive testing and brain health consultations to the public and referral services for those in need.

About Hang Lung Properties

Hang Lung Properties Limited (stock code: 00101) creates compelling spaces that enrich lives. Headquartered in Hong Kong, Hang Lung Properties develops and manages a diversified portfolio of world-class properties in Hong Kong and the nine Mainland cities of Shanghai, Shenyang, Jinan, Wuxi, Tianjin, Dalian, Kunming, Wuhan and Hangzhou. With its luxury positioning under the “66” brand, the company’s Mainland portfolio has established its leading position as the “Pulse of the City”. Hang Lung Properties is recognized for leading the way in enhanced sustainability initiatives in real estate as it pursues sustainable growth by connecting customers and communities.

At Hang Lung Properties – We Do It Well.

For more information, please visit www.hanglung.com.

#HangLungProperties

Phousy Group Seeks Major Stake in BCEL Bank

BCEL to require customer vaccinations


A notice issued by the Prime Minister’s Office has revealed that construction giant Phousy Group is seeking to purchase a major stake in BCEL bank.

The Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors: Best Development & Conservation Award 2021 Surveying Excellence in Development and Conservation

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 12 November 2021 – The results of HKIS Best Development & Conservation Award (BDCA) were announced and presented at the BDCA 2021 Award Presentation Ceremony today (12 November 2021) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). The main theme of BDCA 2021 is to acknowledge projects that demonstrate the excellence of six surveying disciplines contributed by in-depth experienced practitioners and other experts, irrespective of the project nature or usage, across different phases of a normal project development cycle in the context of economic, environmental and social sustainability.

 

Many remarkably outstanding projects entered in this pioneer award competition. The jury panel, comprising of 7 renowned professionals in the industry, after rounds of discussion reached a consensus that The Mills won the Grand Award in the Planning Category and also the highest recognition, the Best Development and Conservation Award 2021. Other Grand Award Winners include The Hong Kong Jockey Club University of Chicago Academic ComplexThe University of Chicago Francis and Rose Yuen Campus in Hong Kong (Planning Category); One Taikoo Place (Pre-construction Category); Victoria Dockside (Construction Category); 618 Shanghai Street (Sales & Leasing Category); and One * Artlane (Sales & Leasing Category); and 618 Shanghai Street (Post-Occupation Category).

 

Mrs Carrie LAM, GBM, GBS, the Guest of Honour, Chief Executive of the HKSAR mentioned, “Looking ahead, we would expect more and more of these passion for preserving Hong Kong’s built heritage, and even the natural heritage. I congratulate every award recipient in the Best Development and Conservation Award 2021 and hope the HKIS will continue to organise meaningful activities like this to give recognition to professionals who have put in a lot of dedication in taking forward projects for Hong Kong.”

 

Sr Edwin TANG, HKIS President said, “The award recognizes the exceptional achievements and excellent construction projects in the aspects of both sustainable development and conservation. Not only will it address the Sustainable Development Goals 2015 set by the United Nations, it will also promote the professional image of surveyors from our six divisions.”

 

Sr Alexander LAM, HKIS BDCA 2021 Organising Committee Chairman said, “Assessment of all the submitted projects per se is a challenging mission. Revealed from each project team, the professional insights are instrumental to inspire our industry to be more forward-thinking in developing strategies, in the application of new technology and most importantly, in adding economic, social, environmental value to projects for long term sustainability objectives.”

 

“Through this award, we understand that the concept of maintenance and conservation are inseparable as the nature of maintenance after all is conservation,” said Sr Prof Bay WONG, Jury Panel Convenor of HKIS BDCA 2021, “The quality and thoughtful designs of all of the submissions and presentations was truly impressive.”

Results of the Best Development & Conservation Award 2021


The results of BDCA 2021 are as follows.

Best Development & Conservation Award

The Mills (Planning Category)

 

Planning

Grand Award

The Mills

Grand Award

The Hong Kong Jockey Club University of Chicago Academic Complex │The University of Chicago Francis and Rose Yuen Campus in Hong Kong

Merit

CLP Argyle Street Head Office Redevelopment (Land and Planning Consultancy Services)

Merit

One * Artlane

Merit

One HarbourGate

Merit

Sha Po Fairyland – Cognitive Intelligence of Conservation in Residential Development

Merit

The Avenue

Merit

Victoria Dockside

Merit

West Kowloon Cultural District (Land and Planning Consultancy Services)

 

Pre-construction

Grand Award

One Taikoo Place

Merit

Fitting-out Works for Kwai Tsing District Health Centre

Merit

MALIBU

Merit

Malvern College Hong Kong

Merit

SPX1

Merit

St Andrew’s Church Life Centre

 

Construction

Grand Award

Victoria Dockside

Merit

Hong Kong Children’s Hospital (HKCH)

Merit

Kai Tak Cruise Terminal Building

Merit

Monterey

Merit

One * Artlane

Merit

West Kowloon Law Courts Building

Sales & Leasing

Grand Award

618 Shanghai Street

Grand Award

One * Artlane

Merit

OASIS KAI TAK

 

Post-Occupation

Grand Award

618 Shanghai Street

Merit

One Bay East

Merit

Renovation of 1/F, Main Block, APB Centre, Architectural Services Department

Merit

Sha Po Fairyland – the First Managed Wetland in Residential Estate

 

Jury Panel

The Best Development & Conservation Award 2021 Organising Committee gives thanks to the following industry leaders who has given their support as Jurors.

Convenor

Sr Prof Bay WONG

Past President of The Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors

Chairman, Project Management Committee of The Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors

Members

Sr Hak CHAN, BBS

Past President of The Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors

Former Deputy Director of Lands (Survey & Mapping) of Lands Department, HKSARG

Founding Board Member of the Smart City Consortium

Sr Prof K W CHAU

Past President of The Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors

Chair Professor, Department of Real Estate and Construction, The University of Hong Kong

Mrs Sylvia LAM

Former Director of Architectural Services

Architectural Services Department, HKSARG

Mr Raymond LEE

Former Director of Planning,

Planning Department, HKSARG

Mr Douglas SO Cheung Tak, BBS, JP

Chairman of the Antiquities Advisory Board

Mr YU Tak-cheung, JP

Director of Buildings,

Buildings Department, HKSARG

High resolution event photos downloadable HERE.

 

Event Photos

001 Mrs Carrie LAM, GBM, GBS, Chief Executive of the HKSAR (Fourth from right); Sr Edwin TANG, HKIS President (Fourth from left); Sr Alexander LAM, HKIS BDCA 2021 Organising Committee Chairman (Third from right) and HKIS Office Bearers at the HKIS BDCA Award Presentation Ceremony.

002 Mrs Carrie LAM, GBM, GBS, Chief Executive of the HKSAR, attended the Award Presentation Ceremony as the Guest of Honour.

 

003 Mrs Carrie LAM, GBM, GBS, Chief Executive of the HKSAR (front row, forth from right); Sr Edwin TANG, HKIS President (front row, sixth from left); Sr Alexander LAM, HKIS BDCA 2021 Organising Committee Chairman (front row, third from right) and Sr Prof Bay WONG, Jury Panel Convenor of HKIS BDCA 2021 (front row, fifth from left), Jury Panel Members and Organising Committee Members at the HKIS BDCA Award Presentation Ceremony.

004 The Mills (Planning Category) is awarded the Best Development and Conservation Award.

 

005 HKIS BDCA Award Presentation Ceremony attracts over 200 guests.

About the Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors

Established in 1984, The Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors (HKIS) is the only surveying professional body incorporated by ordinance in Hong Kong. As of 8 Nov 2021, the number of members reached 10,788, of which 7,412 were corporate members, 69 were associate members and 3,307 were probationers and students. HKIS work includes setting standards for professional services and performance, establishing codes of ethics, determining requirements for admission as professional surveyors, and encouraging members to upgrade skills through continuing professional development.

The Institute has an important consultative role in government policy making and on issues affecting the profession. We have advised the government on issues such as building safety and unauthorized building works, problems of property management, town planning and development strategies, construction quality and housing problems. We have also issued guidance notes on floor area measurement, real estates valuation and land boundary survey, etc.

Please visit our official website:http://www.hkis.org.hk

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/hkisofficial

#TheHongKongInstituteofSurveyors #HKIS

Laos Authorizes Home Recovery for Covid-19 Patients

Laos authorizes home recovery of Covid-19


The Ministry of Health has authorized home recovery for asymptomatic Covid-19 patients or those with mild symptoms in Laos.

The Global Debate Around Social Media Surveillance

Social media platforms have become an indispensable part of the current digital era. The online behavior of the people is somewhat a manifestation of their offline personality. Governments of many countries are using this fact for monitoring the behavior of the citizen. Mass surveillance has become prevalent in many countries and the world is divided whether social media surveillance is good or not. Social media surveillance refers to the process of collecting and then processing the personal data of a person from different communication platforms. This is generally done through automated technology. Once the information is collected, the metadata and the content is analyzed for meeting different objects. 

 

The information collected through social media surveillance is mostly used by advertisers, law enforcement and intelligence agencies. Many governments monitor online speed on social media platforms. With the increased use of social media surveillance, the globe is divided between protection and privacy and a debate on surveillance and digital rights are taking place. 

Social Media Surveillance For Protection?

Social media surveillance is done on account of protection. In many countries, citizens are punished based on the content that they have posted on their social media platforms. For instance, posting Sexy Photos of women are sometimes considered illegal in a few countries and are considered a punishable offence. In Pakistan in 2019, a social media monitoring program was initiated to fight hate speech, extremism and anti-national content. Also, social media monitoring is done to fight the spread of misinformation. Recently, Pegasus, Israeli spyware has come to light for spying on politicians, journalists and activists of multiple countries and it was criticized by many. 

Right To Privacy

On the other side of the coin, the argument for the right to privacy is laid down. Social media surveillance is a threat to digital rights and privacy and for fighting against this threat, it is important to do campaigns against social media surveillance. When debating against this cause, many campaigners ask for limited access to the accumulated data. For instance, no one would prefer that the Love Status that they post are eyed on. However, many other campaigners believe that there is a need to stop total surveillance. 

 

In recent times, there have been many instances where users are arrested for their speed on political, social and religious views. Such actions are a threat to the free expression of the citizens, which is an important benchmark for a democratic country. Monitoring such behaviour turns a democratic country into an authoritarian country. Digital surveillance also interrupts the proper functioning of journalists and whistleblowers who prefer to self-censor to avoid problems. 

Case Study Of Laos

In May 2021, the Ministry of Public Security in Laos set up a special task force for fighting against fake information related to COVID-19 to ensure that the citizens have access only to the right information. Further, there have been instances when citizens were arrested for apparently uploading hoax videos on TikTok. Such scenarios force one to ask whether the government is trying to control how people express themselves online in addition to controlling information online. The problem with the decision was that there was no hard definition of what fake news comprises. Later, organizations like Southeast Asia Freedom of Expression and Network, Manushya Foundation, PEN Myanmar, ALTSEAN- Burma, the Institute of Policy Research and Advocacy and the Cambodian Center for Human Rights raised their voice against surveillance by calling it a digital dictatorship. 

 

It was argued that such surveillance in Laos hampers the working of citizen journalism, independent media and freedom and rights of the Lao people. Further, it was cited that the decision of the Lao government was against Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. 

 

It is important that when digital surveillance is carried out, the law regarding the same has proper clarity and that it is legal and doesn’t withdraw any rights of the citizens. To ensure that the privacy rights of the citizens are not violated and to gain the trust of the citizens, it is important to ensure that robust surveillance laws are present that clearly states when surveillance of targets are legal to ensure that the privacy rights of the other citizens are not possible. It is high time that the government draws clear boundaries of the kind of digital surveillance that it can do with a proper explanation.