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Sporting Goods Industry Unites: Urgent Action Needed to Tackle Physical Inactivity Crisis Projected to Cost $300B by 2030

  • The global sporting goods industry launched the first-ever Sporting Goods Physical Activity Impact Report: Moving the World Toward an Active Future at an exclusive World Health Assembly side-event in Geneva yesterday
  • The report draws attention to the escalating global physical inactivity crisis and the urgent need for increased cross-sector collaboration
  • Initiatives undertaken by members of the World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry (WFSGI) to address physical inactivity across the globe, are highlighted
  • Speakers at the event included Sir Gareth Southgate, Assistant Director-General World Health Organization Dr Ailan Li, WFSGI CEO Emma Zwiebler, Nike’s Dan Burrows, IOC’s Dr Jane Thornton, and Dr Andy Moose of the World Economic Forum

GENEVA, May 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The sporting goods industry stepped onto the global health stage at a landmark side event at the World Health Assembly this week in Geneva, hosted by the World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry (WFSGI).

 

 

The event welcomed WFSGI members adidas, Arena, ASICS, Decathlon, Nike, On, Puma, Speedo, Specialized and Shimano, alongside leaders from the World Health Organisation, the International Olympic Committee, Business at OECD (BIAC), the World Economic Forum, and global Ministers of Health.

Introducing the report, WFSGI CEO Emma Zwiebler issued a call to action for increased cross-sector collaboration, explaining: “This is not just a health issue — it’s an economic, social and environmental imperative. This report highlights the breadth of actions our industry is taking to help empower and inspire people to live more active lives and the power of collaboration over competition amongst our member brands.”

The report underscores the urgent need to address physical inactivity — a crisis affecting over 1.8 billion adults and 81% of adolescents worldwide. With inactivity levels projected to rise to 35% by 2030, the economic toll is expected to surpass $300 billion annually.

Key highlights in the report include:

  • The sporting goods industry’s role in improving public health through inspiring campaigns, community programs, and innovative and inclusive products.
  • Case studies from WFSGI member brands such Elite Technology, Shimano, Elite International.
  • Cross-sector partnership models to move the inactive, create safe and positive experiences and shift the story.
  • The need for urgent action and increased collaboration across the sporting goods industry along with deeper engagement with governments and public sector organizations, to address the rise of global physical inactivity.

Download the full report and learn more: wfsgi.org/impact2025.

Notes to Editors

  • Images will be available here on 23rd of May at 1000 CEST.

About WFSGI

The World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry (WFSGI) is the global voice of the sporting goods industry. Representing brands, manufacturers, retailers, and national federations, WFSGI advocates for policies and initiatives that foster health, sustainability, and economic growth through sport and physical activity.

 

Sporting Goods Industry Unites: Urgent Action Needed to Tackle Physical Inactivity Crisis Projected to Cost $300B by 2030

  • The global sporting goods industry launched the first-ever Sporting Goods Physical Activity Impact Report: Moving the World Toward an Active Future at an exclusive World Health Assembly side-event in Geneva yesterday
  • The report draws attention to the escalating global physical inactivity crisis and the urgent need for increased cross-sector collaboration
  • Initiatives undertaken by members of the World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry (WFSGI) to address physical inactivity across the globe, are highlighted
  • Speakers at the event included Sir Gareth Southgate, Assistant Director-General World Health Organization Dr Ailan Li, WFSGI CEO Emma Zwiebler, Nike’s Dan Burrows, IOC’s Dr Jane Thornton, and Dr Andy Moose of the World Economic Forum

GENEVA, May 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The sporting goods industry stepped onto the global health stage at a landmark side event at the World Health Assembly this week in Geneva, hosted by the World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry (WFSGI).

 

 

The event welcomed WFSGI members adidas, Arena, ASICS, Decathlon, Nike, On, Puma, Speedo, Specialized and Shimano, alongside leaders from the World Health Organisation, the International Olympic Committee, Business at OECD (BIAC), the World Economic Forum, and global Ministers of Health.

Introducing the report, WFSGI CEO Emma Zwiebler issued a call to action for increased cross-sector collaboration, explaining: “This is not just a health issue — it’s an economic, social and environmental imperative. This report highlights the breadth of actions our industry is taking to help empower and inspire people to live more active lives and the power of collaboration over competition amongst our member brands.”

The report underscores the urgent need to address physical inactivity — a crisis affecting over 1.8 billion adults and 81% of adolescents worldwide. With inactivity levels projected to rise to 35% by 2030, the economic toll is expected to surpass $300 billion annually.

Key highlights in the report include:

  • The sporting goods industry’s role in improving public health through inspiring campaigns, community programs, and innovative and inclusive products.
  • Case studies from WFSGI member brands such as Asics, Shimano and Yonex, tackling access barriers for youth, women, and underserved communities.
  • Cross-sector partnership models to move the inactive, create safe and positive experiences and shift the story.
  • The need for urgent action and increased collaboration across the sporting goods industry along with deeper engagement with governments and public sector organizations, to address the rise of global physical inactivity.

Download the full report and learn more: wfsgi.org/impact2025.

Notes to Editors

  • Images will be available here on 23rd of May at 1000 CEST.

About WFSGI

The World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry (WFSGI) is the global voice of the sporting goods industry. Representing brands, manufacturers, retailers, and national federations, WFSGI advocates for policies and initiatives that foster health, sustainability, and economic growth through sport and physical activity.

Logo: https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/wfsgi_logo-1.jpg

Sporting Goods Industry Unites: Urgent Action Needed to Tackle Physical Inactivity Crisis Projected to Cost $300B by 2030

  • The global sporting goods industry launched the first-ever Sporting Goods Physical Activity Impact Report: Moving the World Toward an Active Future at an exclusive World Health Assembly side-event in Geneva yesterday
  • The report draws attention to the escalating global physical inactivity crisis and the urgent need for increased cross-sector collaboration
  • Initiatives undertaken by members of the World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry (WFSGI) to address physical inactivity across the globe, are highlighted
  • Speakers at the event included Sir Gareth Southgate, Assistant Director-General World Health Organization Dr Ailan Li, WFSGI CEO Emma Zwiebler, Nike’s Dan Burrows, IOC’s Dr Jane Thornton, and Dr Andy Moose of the World Economic Forum

GENEVA, May 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The sporting goods industry stepped onto the global health stage at a landmark side event at the World Health Assembly this week in Geneva, hosted by the World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry (WFSGI).

 

 

The event welcomed WFSGI members adidas, Arena, ASICS, Decathlon, Nike, On, Puma, Speedo, Specialized and Shimano, alongside leaders from the World Health Organisation, the International Olympic Committee, Business at OECD (BIAC), the World Economic Forum, and global Ministers of Health.

Introducing the report, WFSGI CEO Emma Zwiebler issued a call to action for increased cross-sector collaboration, explaining: “This is not just a health issue — it’s an economic, social and environmental imperative. This report highlights the breadth of actions our industry is taking to help empower and inspire people to live more active lives and the power of collaboration over competition amongst our member brands.”

The report underscores the urgent need to address physical inactivity — a crisis affecting over 1.8 billion adults and 81% of adolescents worldwide. With inactivity levels projected to rise to 35% by 2030, the economic toll is expected to surpass $300 billion annually.

Key highlights in the report include:

  • The sporting goods industry’s role in improving public health through inspiring campaigns, community programs, and innovative and inclusive products.
  • Case studies from WFSGI member brands such as Asics, Shimano and Yonex, tackling access barriers for youth, women, and underserved communities.
  • Cross-sector partnership models to move the inactive, create safe and positive experiences and shift the story.
  • The need for urgent action and increased collaboration across the sporting goods industry along with deeper engagement with governments and public sector organizations, to address the rise of global physical inactivity.

Download the full report and learn more: wfsgi.org/impact2025.

Notes to Editors

  • Images will be available here on 23rd of May at 1000 CEST.

About WFSGI

The World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry (WFSGI) is the global voice of the sporting goods industry. Representing brands, manufacturers, retailers, and national federations, WFSGI advocates for policies and initiatives that foster health, sustainability, and economic growth through sport and physical activity.

Logo: https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/wfsgi_logo-2.jpg

WSPN Launches New Website, Unveiling Enhanced Vision for Next-Generation Stablecoin Infrastructure

SINGAPORE, May 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Worldwide Stablecoin Payment Network (WSPN) today announced the launch of its completely redesigned website, reflecting the company’s expanded vision and capabilities as a leader in next-generation stablecoin infrastructure. The new site highlights WSPN’s commitment to advancing global value flows through efficient, secure, and low-cost payment solutions.

The revamped website showcases WSPN’s evolution beyond traditional stablecoins, emphasizing its role in reshaping the future of payments and fueling digital globalization. With a focus on practical applications for both everyday users and institutional clients, the platform details WSPN’s comprehensive suite of services designed to bridge traditional finance and Web3 environments.

“Our new website clearly showcases WSPN’s core mission: building a stablecoin ecosystem that’s accessible, practical, and transformative for users worldwide,” said Raymond Yuan, Founder & CEO of WSPN. “As we construct the financial infrastructure of the future, this digital platform serves as our bridge to communicate value to global users.”

Key Features Highlighted on the New Website

The redesigned platform showcases several core capabilities that position WSPN at the forefront of stablecoin innovation:

  • Fast, Reliable On/Off-Ramps: Seamless connections between traditional finance and Web3, supported by hundreds of integrated partners
  • Multi-Chain Availability & Conversion: Deployment across 8+ leading blockchains with advanced cross-chain conversion capabilities
  • Developer-Friendly API & Dashboard Access: Robust tools empowering developers and businesses to build scalable fintech solutions

The website also emphasizes WSPN’s impressive operational metrics, including processing over $10 million transaction volumes daily and serving more than 500 institutional clients globally. Users can complete mint and burn operations in under 5 minutes, with 1:1 lossless swaps available 24/7.

“WSPN stablecoins are purposefully evolved for everyday impact,” added Raymond. “Whether you’re an individual seeking price stability for cross-border transfers or an institution building sophisticated DeFi applications, our platform provides the security, speed, and scalability needed in today’s digital economy.”

Visit the new WSPN website at www.wspn.io to explore the full range of stablecoin solutions and learn how WSPN is advancing worldwide value flows.

About WSPN

WSPN is a leading provider of next-generation stablecoin infrastructure, committed to building a more secure, efficient, and transparent payment solution for the global economy. Their flagship product, WUSD stablecoin, is pegged 1:1 to the U.S. Dollar and aims to optimize secure digital payments for Web3 users. WSPN’s Stablecoin 2.0 approach prioritizes user-centricity, community governance, and accessibility, paving the way for widespread stablecoin adoption.

Learn more: www.wspn.ioX | LinkedIn

Teen Innovators Win Top Prize for Plastic Alternative in Hang Seng x HKFYG’s Seek Our Ways Social Ideation Programme


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 May 2025 – A team of four Form Three students from Good Hope School has developed a revolutionary plastic alternative, earning them the Junior Division Grand Award in the inaugural Seek Our Ways Social Ideation Programme. Their invention, the “Fully Biodegradable Gel”, offers an edible, dissolvable and eco-friendly solution to single-use plastic.

Eric Chan Sui-wai, Commissioner for Youth officiates at the Seek Our Ways Ideation Programme Awards Presentation Ceremony, alongside Diana Cesar, Executive Director and Chief Executive of Hang Seng Bank, Hsu Siu-man, Executive Director of the HKFYG, Grace Chan Man-yee, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Council of Social Service, distinguished guests and over 400 students.
Eric Chan Sui-wai, Commissioner for Youth officiates at the Seek Our Ways Ideation Programme Awards Presentation Ceremony, alongside Diana Cesar, Executive Director and Chief Executive of Hang Seng Bank, Hsu Siu-man, Executive Director of the HKFYG, Grace Chan Man-yee, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Council of Social Service, distinguished guests and over 400 students.

Supported by Hang Seng Bank and organised by The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups (HKFYG) Leadership Institute, the Programme themed “Future Exploration is in the Hands of Youths”, focused on three key social areas: “Environment and Sustainable Development,” “Promoting Sports for All,” and “Elderly and Wellness.” It encourages young people to tackle social issues through creative solutions. The debut edition attracted an overwhelming response, receiving nearly 1,000 applications from students. After over 10,000 hours of diverse learning and mentorship over six months, more than 400 participants developed nearly 90 innovative solutions to drive social progress.

Following rigorous rounds of competition, nine teams advanced to the finals held recently, where they presented their ideas to a panel of judges. Three winning teams were selected based on their solutions’ effectiveness, innovation, scalability and their presentation skills.

The Final Pitching Competition and Award Presentation Ceremony took place at Hang Seng Headquarters, with Eric Chan Sui-wai, Commissioner for Youth officiating as the Guest of Honor. He was joined by Diana Cesar, Executive Director and Chief Executive of Hang Seng Bank, Hsu Siu-man, Executive Director of the HKFYG and Grace Chan Man-yee, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Council of Social Service. The event also brought together school representatives, mentors and over 400 students to witness the emergence of winning teams.

Diana Cesar, Executive Director and Chief Executive of Hang Seng Bank, said, “As Hong Kong’s largest local bank, Hang Seng Bank is very pleased to leverage our connections and the expertise of our colleagues to empower youth in driving social innovation through this Programme, alongside our financial support. We hope this Programme encourages young people to engage with societal issues, broaden their horizons and ignite their interests in social innovation.”

Hsu Siu-man, Executive Director of the HKFYG, remarked, “Social innovation requires keen insight and the courage to change; every change begins with attention to issues and imagination for the future. I am delighted to see participants actively engage in the Programme, injecting new hope and possibility into society.” She also expressed her gratitude to Hang Seng Bank and other partnering organisations for their support in nurturing future leaders.”

Fifteen-year-old students Ho Lok Ting, Law Hau Wing, Lo Sin Sum and Tsang Lok Yu, the Grand Award winners in the Junior Secondary Division, designed their “Fully Biodegradable Gel” after learning about sea turtles harmed by plastic waste. The material, made from gelatin and agar, can package dry foods or even serve as shopping bags while decomposing harmlessly.” Law Hau Wing said, “Traditional plastic linger for centuries as it is non-biodegradable and harmful to the environment. Our ‘Fully Biodegradable Gel’ disappears without a trace. We hope to collaborate with food manufacturers to bring the product to market.”

The Senior Secondary Division Grand Award went to Fanling Kau Yan College, where five Form Four and Form Five students, Chen Tin Oi, Lee Yan Ue, Liang Ka Ki, Ng Ka Yin and Zou Tsz Ham designed a “One School, One Elderly Centre” proposal to pair schools with elderly centres, fostering mutual learning and companionship. Inspired by an initiative in their sister school in Mainland China, the team developed a sustainable model including curricula, activities, and a B2B framework to scale the project in Hong Kong.

A cross-university team from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, the University of Hong Kong, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, and the Hong Kong College of Technology, won the Tertiary Division Grand Award for “Fruitful”, a project repurposing apple pulp into leather-like material. Over the past six months, team members Cheng Hoi Kei, Ho Ka Hei, Lai In Ha, Wong Ngai Fung and Yau Ho Lun conducted in-depth research on this technology and overcame technical challenges. They aim to produce wallets, coasters and other accessories, reducing reliance on synthetic fabrics to promote sustainable development in Hong Kong.

Each winning team will receive HK$20,000 and an opportunity for valuable career immersion experience at Hang Seng Bank. Audience-voted “My Favourite Team” Awards were also presented, with each winning team receiving HK$5,000. For further details about the winning teams, please refer to the appendix. The second edition of the Programme will open for applications by the end of this year, encouraging more youngsters to drive social progress.

Winning teams of Grand Award

Grand Award – Junior Secondary Division
School and
Name of Students
Good Hope School
Lo Sin Sum, Ho Lok Ting, Law Hau Wing, and Tsang Lok Yu
Theme Environment and Sustainable Development
Proposal Byebye Traditional Plastic
Description “Fully Biodegradable Gel” is a new material designed to support heavy items, similar to conventional plastic. It is available in two types:

  • Type 1: Crafted from gelatin, this variant offers a firmer texture, making it ideal for packaging noodles and dry foods. It comes in red, green, orange, and transparent colours, dyed using vegetable and plant powders.

  • Type 2: Made from agar powder, this type provides a softer, a more flexible texture with strong water resistance. Distinguished by its blue colour, its texture is similar to traditional plastic, making it ideal for shopping bags.

Teen Innovators Win Top Prize for Plastic Alternative in Hang Seng x HKFYG’s Seek Our Ways Social Ideation Programme / Page 7

Grand Award – Senior Secondary Division
School and
Name of
Students
Fanling Kau Yan College
Chen Tin Oi, Lee Yan Ue, Zou Tsz Ham, Liang Ka Ki and Ng Ka Yin

Theme Elderly and Wellness
Proposal One School, One Elderly Centre
Description Through interviews with frontline elderly service social workers, elderly policy researchers and secondary school management, the team discovered that current intergenerational integration programmes are often one-time services lacking continuity and depth, failing to fully address the needs of the elderly and wasting school resources. The “One School, One Elderly Centre” initiative aims to:

1. Match elderly centres with secondary schools

2. Equip members of elderly centre and secondary school students with knowledge

3. Facilitate communication between the two groups

4. Document their interactions for improved communication

The programme offers sustained, face-to-face exchange activities over one year, along with matching support, lesson plans, teaching materials and suggested activities for participating organisations through an online platform to facilitate collaboration between schools and elderly centres.

Grand Award – Tertiary Division
School and
Name of
Students
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, the University of Hong Kong, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, and Hong Kong College of Technology
Lai In Ha, Cheng Hoi Kei, Wong Ngai Fung, Yau Ho Lun and Ho Ka Hei

Theme Environment and Sustainable Development
Proposal Fruitful
Description The team proposed an innovative biomaterial solution that converts waste pulp from the juice industry into high-performance eco-friendly materials. This technology can increase the bio-based content of the pulp to over 85%, reducing carbon emissions by 95% compared to traditional materials. Additionally, it boasts excellent physical properties, effectively addressing the challenges posed by limited food waste recycling facilities.

Winning teams of “My Favourite Team” Award voted by the event’s audience

Divison Theme School Name of
Students
Proposal
Junior Secondary Environment and Sustainable Development Good Hope School Ho Lok Ting, Law Hau Wing, Lo Sin Sum and Tsang Lok Yu Byebye Traditional Plastic
Senior Secondary Promoting Sports for All St. Paul’s Convent School Chan Hoi Yau, Jiang Ka Yi, Kwok Hiu Ching, Tai Cheuk Wing and Yung Chi Kay

City of Maze Runners
Tertiary Environment and Sustainable Development The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, the University of Hong Kong, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, and Hong Kong College of Technology Cheng Hoi Kei, Ho Ka Hei, Lai In Ha, Wong Ngai Fung and Yau Ho Lun

Fruitful

Hashtag: #TheHongKongFederationofYouthGroups

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

“CP Group,” through “True IDC,” Launches Thailand’s First AI Hyperscale Data Center, Elevating Digital Infrastructure into the Giga Data Center Era and Advancing Thailand as the Digital Hub of ASEAN

BANGKOK, May 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — True Internet Data Center (True IDC), a leading data center and cloud service provider under Charoen Pokphand Group (CP), officially launched Thailand’s first AI Hyperscale Data Center, reinforcing its commitment to advancing the nation’s digital infrastructure to support the new economy and positioning Thailand as the digital hub of ASEAN.

“CP Group,” through “True IDC,” Launches Thailand’s First AI Hyperscale Data Center, Elevating Digital Infrastructure into the Giga Data Center Era and Advancing Thailand as the Digital Hub of ASEAN
“CP Group,” through “True IDC,” Launches Thailand’s First AI Hyperscale Data Center, Elevating Digital Infrastructure into the Giga Data Center Era and Advancing Thailand as the Digital Hub of ASEAN

Mr. Suphachai Chearavanont, Chief Executive Officer of Charoen Pokphand Group, stated that the launch of this AI Hyperscale Data Center marks a significant milestone in Thailand’s entry into the Giga Data Center era. Digital infrastructure not only supports technological advancement, but also serves as a key mechanism for driving the country’s new economy—benefiting both businesses and citizens. It enhances Thailand’s global competitiveness and readiness for the AI-driven future at both national and regional levels. Moreover, this data center investment fosters knowledge transfer for the Thai people.

To enable everyone—individuals, companies, and industries—to access AI and cloud technology, a fundamental requirement is a robust data center. This development brings immense benefits to Thailand and its industries, and contributes to the broader region by establishing Thailand as a regional hub while fostering domestic digital research and development.” stated by Mr. Suphachai.

Mr. Narit Therdsteerasukdi, Secretary General of the Board of Investment (BOI), added “I would like to extend my congratulations to True IDC on the launch of its new data center. This is a historic moment for a Thai company to develop hyperscale digital infrastructure. This data center will play a crucial role in elevating Thailand into a digital economic hub of the region, supported by a strong digital ecosystem and enhanced attractiveness for investment in digital and technology-driven industries.”

Mr. Thanasorn Jaidee, President of True IDC, shared, “This new AI Hyperscale Data Center sets a new benchmark for Thailand’s data center industry in terms of technology, engineering, and sustainability. It is designed to handle hyperscale workloads and clients with architecture tailored for the digital era—especially industries powered by data, cloud, and AI. This foundation enhances Thailand’s capability to independently and securely develop advanced technologies.”

This AI Hyperscale Data Center is purpose-built for AI processing and large-scale workloads, equipped with over 20 megawatts of power capacity to support high-performance and stable computing, including Graphic Processing Unit (GPU) workloads. The facility features a high-efficiency smart fan wall unit cooling system and is designed to support liquid cooling technology. It also includes high redundancy backup systems to ensure uninterrupted computing operations and continuous business services. The center is optimized for energy efficiency with Thailand’s best-in-class Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) and houses a Data Center Innovation Lab for testing and developing new solutions across various industries.

This AI Hyperscale Data Center also plays a critical role in supporting the digital transformation of industries, especially Thailand’s New S-Curve industries, such as electric vehicles (EV), digital health and medical services, smart agriculture, fintech and digital finance, digital content, and the creative economy. All of these sectors rely heavily on massive data processing and high-performance computing. Having a modern domestic digital infrastructure empowers these industries to maximize their competitiveness without relying heavily on foreign data infrastructure.

New Visions for the Future: 4th China-CEEC Expo & International Consumer Goods Fair Kicks Off

NINGBO, China, May 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A news report from Ningbo External Communication Center:

On May 22, the 4th China-Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC) Expo & International Consumer Goods Fair opened in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province. With the theme “New Visions for the Future,” the event attracted over 15,000 professional visitors from 72 countries and regions. Import purchase intentions from CEECs are expected to exceed 10 billion yuan.

The 80,000-square-meter exhibition space is divided into two main sections: the CEEC exhibition zone and the export consumer goods zone. Covering 20,000 square meters, the CEEC zone features over 400 exhibitors showcasing more than 8,000 unique products, including Czech beer, Slovenian honey, Hungarian down products, and Slovenian ski gear. Meanwhile, the export consumer goods zone features over 1,000 Chinese enterprises presenting high-quality offerings such as consumer goods and smart technologies, giving global buyers an immersive technological showcase.

During the Expo, a number of events such as business matching activities and intergovernmental exchange activities will be staged. Besides, conferences such as the China-CEEC Joint Chamber of Commerce Meeting and the 7th China-CEEC Dialogue on Customs, Inspection and Quarantine Cooperation will be held to deepen the alignment of rules. Another side event, the 2025 China-CEEC Mayors Forum, focuses on shaping a new paradigm of urban governance, and the China-Central and Eastern Europe International Regatta will set sail for promoting people-to-people exchanges. In addition, interactive activities such as the “Hi-Go” CEEC Product Shopping Festival will be held in an online-offline hybrid form.

This year, Slovenia and Slovakia serve as the Guests of Honor. In addition to full participation from all 14 CEECs, exhibitors from nine other countries—including the UK, France and Germany—are attending the Expo for the first time. Moreover, institutions such as the World Bank, the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China, and world-renowned enterprises including Sanofi, Novartis, and Morgan Stanley have been invited to attend the event.

Looking ahead, the Expo aims to unlock greater potential and expand the scope of cooperation. By promoting a regularized mechanism for exchanges and collaboration, it seeks to capitalize on new opportunities in industrial transformation and investment.


 

HKUST Opens Doors to Harvard Students Amid Global Academic Shifts

Top-ranked Hong Kong university welcomes international Harvard students  to transfer or enroll in degree programs

HONG KONG, May 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) today announced an open invitation to international undergraduate and postgraduate students currently enrolled at Harvard University, as well as those holding confirmed offers for Harvard degree programs, to continue their academic pursuits at HKUST. This initiative comes in response to evolving global academic landscapes and reinforces HKUST’s commitment to fostering a diverse, world-class learning environment.

As a leading international institution ranked among the top universities globally, HKUST is extending this opportunity to ensure talented students can pursue their educational goals without disruption. The university will provide unconditional offers, streamlined admission procedures, and academic support to facilitate a seamless transition for interested students.”

A Global Hub for Innovation and Inclusion

HKUST, renowned for its cutting-edge research, innovation-driven programs, and multicultural campus, emphasizes inclusivity and academic excellence. “Diversity fuels creativity and progress,” said Prof. GUO Yike, Provost at HKUST. “We are prepared to welcome Harvard students into our community, offering them the resources and vibrant environment needed to thrive in their fields.”

Support for Transitioning Students

The university will prioritize expedited admissions, credit transfers, and tailored support—including visa assistance and housing—to ensure a smooth transition. A dedicated team has been established to assist students with admissions, credit transfers, housing, and visa logistics. Interested individuals are encouraged to contact hkust-Harvard@ust.hk for personalized guidance.

Why HKUST?

  • Top 50 Global Rankings (QS World University Rankings 2025)
  • Top 2 in the World in the 2025 Times Higher Education Most International University ranking
  • Leader in AI – Data Science and Artificial Intelligence ranks Top 20 in the world, & 1st in Hong Kong (QS subject ranking 2025)
  • Interdisciplinary programs in science, engineering, business, humanities, and social science
  • A dynamic campus in Hong Kong, a gateway to Asia’s innovation ecosystems
  • Strategic hub in Hong Kong, bridging Asia and the world

About The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) (https://hkust.edu.hk/) is a world-class university that excels in driving innovative education, research excellence, and impactful knowledge transfer. With a holistic and interdisciplinary pedagogy approach, HKUST was ranked 3rd in the Times Higher Education’s Young University Rankings 2024, 19th Worldwide and No.1 in Hong Kong in Times Higher Education’s impact Rankings. Thirteenth HKUST subjects were ranked among the world’s top 50 in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025, with “Data Science and Artificial Intelligence” holding the 17th place, maintaining its position as first in Hong Kong. Our graduates are highly competitive, consistently ranking among the world’s top 30 most sought-after employees. In terms of research and entrepreneurship, over 80% of our work was rated “Internationally excellent” or “world leading” in the latest Research Assessment Exercise 2020 of Hong Kong’s University Grants Committee. As of May 2025, HKUST members have founded over 1,800 active start-ups, including 10 Unicorns and 17 exits (IPO or M&A).

CONTACT:
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
E-mail: media@ust.hk (for media enquiries ONLY)