HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 25 June 2023 – The University of Hong Kong is deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. the Hon. Sir Ti Liang Yang, a distinguished legal luminary and one of the most respected mentors at the University.
Sir Ti Liang served as Pro-Chancellor of the University of Hong Kong from 1994 to 2001. He was also Council Chairman of the University from 1985 to 2001 and an honorary lecturer in the Faculty of Law. Throughout his life, Sir Ti Liang maintained strong connections with the University, reflecting his deep commitment to higher education and the advancement of knowledge.
Above all, Sir Ti Liang was the first ethnic Chinese judge to hold the top post of Chief Justice, who played a pivotal role in establishing the relationship between the Basic Law and the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China.
Sir Ti Liang’s contributions to the legal field were numerous and far-reaching. He was instrumental in the modernisation of Hong Kong’s legal system. Notably, in 1995, he introduced the use of the Chinese language into the courts, marking a historic turning point in 152 years of legal tradition. This significant step ensured that Hong Kong’s legal proceedings were accessible to a broader population segment, further strengthening its judicial independence.
Backed by his illustrious career, Sir Ti Liang’s exceptional achievements garnered widespread recognition and accolades, including the honour of knighthood and the prestigious Grand Bauhinia Medal (GBM). In honour of his accomplishments, the University also conferred upon him the degree of Doctor of Letters honoris causa in 1991. These distinguished awards underscored his remarkable contributions to the University, the Hong Kong judicial sector, and the wider community.
His passing is a profound loss for Hong Kong and the entire legal community. The University of Hong Kong extends our deepest condolences to Sir Ti Liang’s family and friends and will honour his memory by upholding the values and principles he championed throughout his extraordinary life.
Hashtag: #HKU
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HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 25 June 2023 – Hong Kong is set to welcome academic leaders from across the Asia Pacific region and beyond for the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) 27th Annual Presidents’ Meeting. The meeting aims to foster discussions and develop innovative solutions that contribute to sustainability and carbon neutrality, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing current and future global challenges.
The University of Hong Kong (HKU) is hosting the Annual Presidents’ Meeting from June 25-27, bringing together over 140 guests from 51 universities. Themed “From Invention to Implementation – Solutions for a Sustainable Future,” the meeting will focus on innovative ideas and strategies to achieve goals, including carbon neutrality and the adoption of green technologies. Through a concerted effort among individuals, businesses, and governments, participants aim to make these solutions a reality, advancing humanity towards a sustainable future. Four key topics will be explored in the panel discussions:
Our Planet, Our Future
Unleash Green Technologies to Power the Future
Educating Future Generations for Planet Thought Leadership
Systems Approach to Mitigating Globally Connected Risks
As the world’s population reaches eight billion, we are facing a crucial moment. The harmful effects humans have caused to our planet put Earth’s natural systems at risk of being irreparably damaged. Challenges such as poverty, inequality, armed conflicts, and climate change threaten all living beings. To secure a sustainable future that serves the needs of both humans and the planet, we require innovative solutions that necessitate a collective effort from all of us.
The President and Vice-Chancellor of HKU, Professor Xiang Zhang, said:“This meeting serves as a pivotal moment for HKU, acting as a nexus that unites and directs the efforts of university leaders operating within diverse contexts across our network. I look forward to the discussions, exchange of ideas and stimulation of knowledge as we work together toward a more sustainable future.”
Professor Gene D. Block, Chair of APRU and Chancellor for the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), said: “This event offers an essential platform for higher education leaders across the Asia-Pacific region to share new ideas and find solutions to the region’s most critical challenges. I am confident that everyone attending will benefit from the engaging and thought-provoking discussions.”
During the meeting, HKU will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Fudan University and The University of Sydney on June 26 to advance research and educational programs promoting sustainability development. HKU is making significant strides towards sustainability and is committed to continuing its efforts to promote a greener and more sustainable future.
ANNEX A
List of University Presidents attending the 2023 meeting in Hong Kong
Professor Xiang ZHANG, The University of Hong Kong, President and Vice-Chancellor
Professor Gene D. BLOCK, UCLA, Chancellor; APRU Chair
Professor Rocky S. TUAN, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Vice-Chancellor and President; APRU Vice-Chair
Professor Bundhit EUA-ARPORN, Chulalongkorn University, President
Professor Kohei ITOH, Keio University, President
Professor Dong-One KIM, Korea University, President
Professor Naoshi SUGIYAMA, Nagoya University, President
Professor HO Teck-Hua, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, President
Professor TAN Eng Chye, National University of Singapore, President
Professor CHA Jeong-In, Pusan National University, President
Dr. Honglim RYU, Seoul National University, President
Professor DING Kuiling, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, President
Dr. Joy JOHNSON, Simon Fraser University, President and Vice-Chancellor
Professor Wen-Chang CHEN, National Taiwan University, President
Professor David GARZA, Tecnológico de Monterrey, President
Professor Nancy Y. IP, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, President
Professor Dawn FRESHWATER, The University of Auckland, Vice-Chancellor
Professor Deborah BUSZARD, The University of British Columbia, Interim President and Vice-Chancellor
Professor Mark Scott AO, The University of Sydney, Vice-Chancellor and President
Professor Hideo OHNO, Tohoku University, President
Professor Rosa DEVÉS, Universidad de Chile, Rector
Professor Peter HØJ AC, The University of Adelaide, Vice-Chancellor and President
Dr. Carol L. FOLT, University of Southern California, President
Atty. Angelo A. JIMENEZ, University of the Philippines, President
Professor Aiji TANAKA, Waseda University, President
Professor DU Jiangfeng, Zhejiang University, President
Hashtag: #HKU
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A delivery driver takes a drink as he waits at a traffic light on an unseasonably hot day in Beijing, Saturday, June 24, 2023. Authorities continued a rare red alert for high temperatures in parts of China's capital on Saturday, the highest level of warning, as highs were once again expected to climb to around 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Farenheit). (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
Beijing and parts of northern China are experiencing record temperatures, with authorities urging people to limit their time outdoors.
The interior of Sexy Wood is illuminated by flower-shaped lights.
Three flights of steps up from Rue Hengboun’s “The Hounge” sits Sexy Wood, a hidden gem of a downtown date-night hotspot. With a well-crafted cocktail menu, fine dishes, and a unique ambiance, Sexy Wood is well worth a visit on your next romantic evening out.
Hundreds of officers with the Central Highlands' mobile police forces are divided into groups to hunt down those responsible for attacks on Dak Lak Province's government offices, June 2023 (Photo: VnExpress/Nguyen Hang)
Vietnamese authorities have arrested over 50 individuals in the Central Highlands region who are believed to be connected to the recent attacks on commune offices in Dak Lak province.
MetaGaia and Sanrio Hong Kong Collaborate to Launch Hello Kitty Seven Wonders with Real-World Activations at Hong Kong’s Citygate Outlets
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 23 June 2023 – MetaGaia, the first multi-platform metaverse with a ChatGPT-powered oracle and pet companions, has partnered with Sanrio Hong Kong, a lifestyle brand with pop icon Hello Kitty and other beloved characters, to bring new experiences to the metaverse. The partnership will introduce Hello Kitty Seven Wonders, a digital destination with Hello Kitty-themed digital items and activities in MetaGaia, giving fans a chance to build their own community and interact with their favorite characters in a new virtual world.
As the leading character of the 7 Wonders in MetaGaia, Ruler Hello Kitty radiates gorgeous and dreamy colors.
MetaGaia will release the Wonder Pass, by which Hello Kitty fans can become the Wonderers and explore the magnificent and fantastic Seven Wonders with Hello Kitty.
Sanrio and MetaGaia will host a Hello Kitty Seven Wonders pop-up event at Citygate Outlets, Hong Kong’s leading outlet mall from July 14 to August 31. Theevent, will feature exciting interactive augmented reality experiences that blend digital metaverse and in-person experiences using characters of Hello Kitty. Fans can enjoy multiple workshops and mini game, while earning souvenirs and gifts by completing in-app missions throughout the mall. Limited edition merchandise will also be available at the the pop-up store.
Advokate Group, the parent company of MetaGaia, has a proven track record of virtual spaces in the metaverse. MetaGaia is the first metaverse to offer AI-powered companions, AR games, socializing, brand shopping and digital asset purchasing, making it a unique and dynamic platform for users.
“We are thrilled to partner with Sanrio Hong Kong and bring the beloved characters of Hello Kitty and her friends into the world of MetaGaia,” said Gordon Kwok, CEO of MetaGaia, expressing his excitement about the partnership. “Our goal is to create a metaverse that offers endless possibilities for exploration and socialization, and we believe that the addition of Hello Kitty will enhance that experience for our users.”
Sanrio’s “One World, Connecting Smiles” philosophy has inspired the creation of quality products, services and activities that bring happiness and friendship to people of all ages for over 60 years. The partnership between Sanrio Hong Kong and MetaGaia is a natural extension of that philosophy, providing fans with a new and exciting way to connect with their favorite characters.
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About Sanrio Hong Kong
Sanrio Hong Kong is one of the subsidiaries of Sanrio Japan. Sanrio is the global lifestyle brand best known for pop icon Hello Kitty, and home to many other beloved character brands. Since 1960. Inspired by the vision of “One World, Connecting Smiles”, Sanrio aims to shorten the distance between people and spread the circle of happiness even further. Sanrio’s breadth of products are available in over 130 countries and in retail locations including department, specialty, national chain retailers and Sanrio boutique stores.
About Advokate Group
Founded by MIT alumni, the Advokate leadership team brings business acumen from Blackstone, BlackRock, Sony-Ericsson and Wells Fargo. The Advokate Group has overseen the release of multiple successful blockchain applications, and its flagship MetaGaia is the first metaverse to enable consumers to explore the metaverse with AI-powered companions, AR games, socialize, shop brands and buy virtual real estate. Game developers from Final Fantasy, Zynga, Walt Disney and Ismole ensure the best gaming experience.
For more information on MetaGaia and the partnership with Sanrio Hong Kong, please visit the MetaGaia website, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Members of the Lao Coffee Association at the World of Coffee event in Athens, Greece. (Photo: CLEAN)
The Specialty Coffee Association’s annual “World of Coffee” (WOC) exhibition, a highly anticipated event for coffee industry professionals worldwide, will be held from 22–24 June 2023 in Athens, Greece.
91% (92% in APAC) of organizations agree better EX will directly affect their net profit; 92% say the same about CX
56% (51% in APAC) of CEOs strongly agree that aligning CX and EX strategies maximizes their impact on business growth
95% (96% in APAC) of organizations see cloud enablement as vital in enabling EX and CX outcomes
Top-performing organizations are twice as likely as underperformers to already be using AI-powered CX tools
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 23 June 2023 – NTT Ltd., a leading IT infrastructure and services company, has today launched its 2023 Global Customer Experience Report, which reveals that customer experience (CX) remains a top C-suite priority, with95% (96% in APAC) of organizations now having a named C-suite executive responsible for this business area. At the same time,employee experience (EX) has risen in importance to become a top-3 priority for CEOs.
The report found that the majority of CEOs agree that improvements in CX (92%) and EX (91%) will directly affect their net profit. However, there is room for improvement, as over 80% of organizations agree that CX and EX are currently a weak link for them, leading to a negative impact on their business.
The data reveals that top-performing organizations are almost twice as likely as others to be in an advanced state of digitalization. Cloud-based technologies and AI, automation and machine learning feature prominently in these top performers’ CX and EX strategies.
Global key findings from the report include:
Cloud technology tops the list of solutions that will reshape future CX capabilities, ranked ahead of AI (in second place) and predictive analytics.
Top performers are already prioritizing AI, whereas it remains part of a three-year plan for most other organizations.
Only 60% of organizations say their CX strategy is fully aligned with their business strategy, and 44% report full alignment for their EX strategy (compared with 74% and 58% of top performers, respectively).
Over two-thirds (69%) of CX interactions will still require some form of human support in the near future, reemphasizing the importance of EX in enabling employees with the right tools and knowledge no matter where they work.
96% of organizations agree – 45% strongly – that evolving work and employee engagement models are driving new technology demands.
Top performers are nearly three times more likely than underperformers to fully involve their cybersecurity teams in CX and EX technology decisions.
Hong Kong-specific key findings from the report include:
94% of organizations agree better EX will directly affect their net profit; 93% say the same about CX.
31% of CEOs agree strongly that aligning CX and EX strategies maximizes their impact on business growth.
100% of organizations see cloud enablement as vital in enabling EX and CX outcomes.
100% of organizations now having a named C-suite executive responsible for this business area.
Over 80% of organizations agree that CX and EX are currently a weak link for them.
Only 32% of organizations say their CX strategy is fully aligned with their business strategy, and 54% report full alignment for their EX strategy.
Over two-thirds (69%) of CX interactions will still require some form of human support in the near future, reemphasizing the importance of EX in enabling employees with the right tools and knowledge no matter where they work.
100% of organizations agree – 37% strongly – that evolving work and employee engagement models are driving new technology demands.
“Over the last few years, we have witnessed an increasing link between CX and EX, and the need for them to be addressed through technology. Our data shows that companies that invest in technologies to improve CX and EX are significantly more likely to stay ahead of the curve, not just in financials but also in customer and employee satisfaction,” said Amit Dhingra, Executive Vice President, Managed Network and Collaboration Services at NTT Ltd.
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About NTT Ltd.
As part of NTT DATA, a USD 30 billion IT services provider, NTT Ltd. is a leading IT infrastructure and services company serving 65% of the Fortune Global 500 and more than 75% of the Fortune Global 100. We lay the foundation for organizations’ edge-to-cloud networking ecosystem, simplify the complexity of their workloads across multicloud environments, and innovate at the edge of their IT environments where networks, cloud and applications converge. We offer tailored infrastructure and ensure consistent best practices in design and operations across all of our secure, scalable and customizable data centers. On the journey towards a software-defined future, we support organizations with our platform-delivered infrastructure services. We enable a connected future. Visit us at services.global.ntt
Methodology The 2023 Global Customer Experience Report is based on independently sourced research data. Participants were selected via random sampling on the basis that they had a direct or indirect influence on their organization’s network requirements, or decision-making authority in that regard. The total number of respondents was 1,442.
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