HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 March 2025 – A consortium of civil society organisations today called on the Hong Kong government to urgently address critical gaps in the city’s seafood import regulations. The coalition warns that Hong Kong’s current regulatory framework dates back to the 1940s and fails to ensure the safety, sustainability, and traceability of seafood products entering the city, posing risks to public health, marine ecosystems, and consumer trust.

“Our call for action responds to the findings of research released over decades by different academics and NGOs, that continue to point to the same systemic issues which remain unresolved today,” said Sophie le Clue, CEO of ADM Capital Foundation.

The most recent research released in December 2024 found that of all the data necessary to ensure sufficient traceability, the Hong Kong authorities are only requiring collection of 12% of such data, in stark contrast to other countries. The call for action comes at a time when many of Hong Kong’s trading partners (Mainland China, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, the EU and the USA) are making substantial efforts to develop and implement measures to facilitate traceability—benefiting both suppliers and buyers who wish to source responsibly and sustainably, as well as consumer health and well-being.

“To remain competitive, Hong Kong must align with international standards and best practices by strengthening import controls,” said Benjamin So, Founder of 178 Degrees, a seafood importer. “While certain leading businesses in the industry have been promoting sustainable seafood for years, and expending resources to ensure their seafood is sourced responsibly and sustainably, the issue is ignored by many in the sector–and without government intervention and support, there is no level playing field or motivation for the industry to change,” he added.

Both the Hong Kong Sustainable Seafood Coalition (HKSSC) and WWF-Hong Kong’s Sustainable Seafood Business Membership Programme are at the forefront of driving changes in industry practices and promoting seafood sustainability. As HKSSC Secretariat Mandy Wong explains, “The HKSSC was established by industry leaders to advance sustainable seafood practices in Hong Kong and Macau. Our corporate members are deeply committed to responsible sourcing and are dedicated to mainstreaming sustainable seafood. However, without government policies and legislation to address unethical practices and encourage responsible procurement, there are limits to what we can achieve.”

Echoing these concerns Lydia Pang, Head of Oceans Conservation at WWF-Hong Kong explains that “whilst some businesses are proactive and engaged, without sufficient traceability requirements, we continue to risk consuming seafood that may be harmful to our health, sourced through illegal fishing practices, or contributing to the depletion of global fish stocks.”

Hong Kong ranks among the top importers of seafood by value and volume. The city serves as a major hub for seafood trade in Asia, with a substantial portion of its imports being re-exported to mainland China and other regional markets. Its seafood consumption is exceptionally high due to its dense population, affluent economy, and cultural preference for fresh seafood. This makes Hong Kong a critical player in the global seafood supply chain.

The city is also a hub for high-demand luxury products such as live reef food fish, shark fin, and fish maw, but traceability for these imports is insufficient. A study by the University of Hong Kong (HKU) iterated the finding of previous research on significant data gaps in the live reef food fish trade, valued at over USD 2 billion. “Such gaps lead to a multitude of issues – environmental harm through overfishing and ecosystem damage, economic losses, and illegal fishing. They also give rise to ethical concerns, such as labour exploitation, health risks, and present a slew of regulatory challenges.” Said Prof. Celia Schunter from HKU.

The consortium has submitted a formal letter to the Hong Kong government and is calling on it to consider their concerns and prioritise a review of Hong Kong’s existing legislation and policy developments in relation to the seafood trade. Recommendations include traceability, health and safety, port measures and stakeholder collaboration.

1. Traceability:
a. Add Key Data Elements (KDEs) like species’ scientific name, catch/farming method, and location.
b. Develop digital traceability standards and align with Global Dialogue for Seafood Traceability (GDST).
c. Amend the Fish Marketing Ordinance to include live fish, crustaceans, and molluscs.
d. Require all Class III fish carrier vessels to comply with Marine Department clearance.

2. Health & Safety:
a. Mandate health certificates and stricter import checks.
b. Land all seafood at designated ports for quarantine and monitoring.

3. Port Measures:
a. Require Hong Kong-registered vessels to report entry/exit.
b. Align with FAO’s Transshipment Guidelines.

4. Stakeholder Collaboration:
a. Promote best practices through coalition or business networks such as the Hong Kong Sustainable Seafood Coalition.
b. Foster collaboration among government, industry, and NGOs.
Hashtag: #ADMCapitalFoundation

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

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 March 2025 – TouchPoint, Inc. is excited to announce the appointment of Staci Kroon as their new President and CEO, reporting directly to TouchPoint’s Board of Directors, effective March 1, 2025. Brian McNeill, who has served as TouchPoint’s President and CEO for 25 years, will retire effective March 1, 2025, and transition to Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors.

Staci is an accomplished leader of global engineering and manufacturing companies, where she has excelled in driving growth and delivering results through innovation, geographic expansion, acquisitions, team building and operational excellence. Most recently, she served as President and CEO of BraunAbility, a global leader in mobility transportation solutions, providing independence to individuals with mobility challenges.

Staci holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania, Bachelor of Science in Economics with a concentration in Finance from the Wharton School of Business, and a Postgraduate degree in Design, Manufacturing, and Management from Cambridge University, Cambridge, UK. Staci served on the Board of BraunAbility and currently serves on the Board of Winnebago Industries, a longtime Southco customer.

Staci said “I am thrilled to join TouchPoint as President and CEO, stepping into a new chapter of growth and innovation alongside a talented team. TouchPoint has a remarkable 125-year history, built on a foundation of strong values, resilience, and continuous evolution.”

After 25 years as serving as TouchPoint’s President and CEO, I could not be more excited about this transition and to mark the beginning of our next 125 years of growth,” said Brian McNeill. “Our businesses are strong and well positioned to continue in their growth trajectory under Staci’s leadership.”

Hashtag: #TouchPoint #StaciKroon #globalengineering #manufacturing

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

About TouchPoint

TouchPoint, Inc.is a privately held, diversified global engineering and manufacturing company focused on acquiring and operating value-added growth companies where the touch point is a differentiating factor. TouchPoint provides strategic, operational and financial resources to help drive growth in three major engineered technology platforms. The company takes a long-term view to creating value for their customers, associates and shareholders. The current TouchPoint portfolio consists of three platforms:

• Access Hardware: Southco & Darshana
• Intelligent Inventory Management: SupplyPoint & Morse Watchmans
• Medical Technology: iTD, TouchPoint Medical, ICW, Parity Medical & Multix Solutions

In total, TouchPoint companies have over 4,500 employees in 28 countries and serve more than 80 thousand customers in approximately 100 countries throughout the world. More information about TouchPoint, Inc. can be found on their website at: www.touchpointinc.com

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 March 2025 – Special Minds is redefining special needs education in Singapore with the launch of its groundbreaking 1:1 matching platform. As a new and innovative solution, the platform is designed to connect families with highly skilled professionals, offering tailored services to meet each child’s unique needs. Built around five key pillars—tuition, early childhood education, early intervention, therapy and counselling, and enrichment—this platform offers a comprehensive, holistic approach to special needs education. By combining these core services, Special Minds ensures that every child receives personalised, expert support in the comfort of their own home, making quality care and education more accessible than ever before.

Navigating special needs services can be overwhelming, with accessibility and affordability being major challenges for many families. Special Minds simplifies this process by offering a streamlined, home-based matching system that helps parents find the right professionals across these five essential areas—making specialised care more convenient, flexible, and effective.

The 5 Key Pillars of Special Minds’ Matching Platform

1. Special Needs Tuition

Many children with learning difficulties, including dyslexia, dyscalculia, ADHD, and ASD, require specialised academic support. Special Minds matches families with experienced educators who provide personalised special needs tuition to help children excel in their studies at their own pace.

2. Early Childhood Education

Laying a strong foundation is crucial for children with special needs. Special Minds connects parents with qualified early childhood educators who specialise in working with young learners, fostering essential skills in language, numeracy, communication, and cognitive development.

3. Early Intervention Programs

An early intervention program in Singapore can make a life-changing difference for children with developmental delays or conditions such as Global developmental delay (GDD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and sensory processing difficulties. Special Minds helps parents access certified early intervention specialists who provide customised strategies to support each child’s growth.

4. Therapy and Counselling

Many children require speech therapy, occupational therapy, behavioural therapy, or counselling to develop key life skills and manage emotions. Special Minds allows parents to match with qualified therapists, making therapy more convenient and effective.

5. Enrichment Activities

Learning isn’t just about academics—it’s also about exploration and engagement. The platform provides access to specialists who offer enrichment programs such as phonics, yoga, music, art, and swimming for children with special needs, helping them develop confidence and social skills in a fun and supportive environment.

The five key pillars of Special Minds’ matching platform work together to create a comprehensive support system that addresses the diverse needs of children with special needs. From tuition to early childhood education, each pillar is designed to offer specialised care that promotes holistic development. Whether it’s through early intervention programs that help children reach developmental milestones, therapy and counselling that provide emotional and behavioural support, or enrichment activities that nurture creativity, Special Minds ensures that children receive well-rounded care that is both accessible and effective.

By focusing on these five areas, Special Minds not only provides tailored support to children but also empowers parents and caregivers to navigate the complexities of special needs care with ease and confidence. This comprehensive approach helps children build the skills they need to thrive in all areas of life, from academics to emotional well-being and beyond.

Founder of Special Minds, Ms. Azanea Quek, shared, “We built this platform so that parents can easily connect with skilled special needs professionals based on their child’s needs, location, and budget. It’s a game-changer for families who have been struggling to access quality, personalised support.”

Special Minds is committed to empowering families and children by making high-quality special needs education and support more accessible, affordable, and flexible. With a growing network of over 500 professionals, the platform is transforming the special needs landscape in Singapore—ensuring that every child, regardless of their challenges, has the opportunity to thrive.

For more information, please visit https://specialminds.com.sg/.
Hashtag: #SpecialMinds

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