The Apipatana Foundation Donates S$50,000 to Support Lower-Income Students in Singapore

Supported by the Collective for a Stronger Society, this donation is doubled through the SG Gives Matching Grant, expanding its impact

The Apipatana Foundation has donated S$50,000 through the Community Foundation of Singapore (CFS)’s donor-advised fund to support children from lower-income families in Singapore.

This donation qualifies for a 1-to-1 match under the SG Gives Matching Grant through the Collective for a Stronger Society (CSS) – a CFS-led initiative that consolidates resources to drive impactful social programmes.

These funds will fully support a year of operational costs for CATCH THEM YOUNG’s new KidsExcel+ programme, an afterschool initiative dedicated to primary school students from households earning a per capita monthly income of S$750 or less. By ensuring sustained access to quality educational and extracurricular support, this investment directly empowers children with the skills, confidence, and opportunities needed for long-term success.

“I am honoured to support the KidsExcel+ programme with this inaugural donation,” said Thanit Apipatana, Founder, The Apipatana Foundation. “Many children face hurdles that go beyond the classroom, making it harder to stay on track academically. I look forward to seeing this programme support students in their studies and beyond.”

“Real change doesn’t happen on its own – it happens when people come together,” said Paul Tan, CEO, Community Foundation of Singapore (CFS). “We’re proud to support The Apipatana Foundation and Catch Them Young in their shared mission to uplift children’s lives. For 17 years, CFS has been a trusted partner, empowering givers like Thanit to fulfil their philanthropic purpose for good. We remain committed to advocating for a generous society and helping to build a more caring and inclusive Singapore for generations to come.”

The donations will benefit 650 participating lower-income students under the Ministry of Social and Family Development’s (MSF) ComLink+ and the Ministry of Education’s Financial Assistance Scheme this year.

KidsExcel+ is an expanded version of the original KidsExcel programme, and following a successful pilot in 2024, it will fully replace the latter this year. The new programme has integrated a more holistic range of offerings to improve academic and socio-emotional development outcomes for its student intake.

The KidsExcel+ programme will run for 50 weeks every year, with weekly three-hour sessions that provide academic tutoring in English, Mathematics, and Science. Beyond the core curriculum, the programme incorporates team sports to help students develop confidence, resilience, and teamwork skills, with biannual sports camps offering additional opportunities to strengthen leadership and collaboration. Students will also have access to e-resource libraries, adaptive assessments, and Android tablets with mobile connectivity – tools that allow them to learn on their own.

“The generosity of our donors surpasses our expectations each year. We applaud their enthusiasm in seeing disadvantaged children succeed. According to the 2023 Household Expenditure Survey, lower-income families in Singapore spend nearly 4 times less on tuition than high-income families,” said Kevyn Sim, CEO, CATCH THEM YOUNG. “Donations like Mr Apipatana’s make it possible for us to help alleviate the burden on lower-income families by helping their children excel in school.”

The KidsExcel+ programme aims for 50% of participating children to improve their academic performance in at least one subject by 15%, and for 50% of them to achieve a higher Strengths & Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) score after completing the 50 week long programme.

About The Apipatana Foundation
Established in November 2024, The Apipatana Foundation is a philanthropic initiative under the Community Foundation of Singapore, dedicated to funding education and community programmes that provide academic support, mentorship, and essential resources for underprivileged groups.

Established by Thanit Apipatana, a Bangkok-based entrepreneur, investor, and startup advisor, The Apipatana Foundation focuses on initiatives that create direct, measurable impact. Apipatana has invested in companies such as Singapore’s Mogul.sg and Thailand’s Life Below Labs, with a portfolio spanning venture building, real estate, F&B, and sports. He actively supports projects that improve access to education and strengthen social support systems.

About The Community Foundation of Singapore (CFS)
The Community Foundation of Singapore empowers individuals and organisations to fulfil their philanthropic giving with purpose and impact. Our vision is to nurture a generous society of caring, inclusive and thriving communities.

As specialists in Singapore’s philanthropic ecosystem, our dedicated team provides trusted guidance to help donors structure and optimise their giving based on their values and interests. We support a wide range of causes – from uplifting disadvantaged families and vulnerable children, to championing the arts, culture, and the environment.

To ensure every donation makes a meaningful difference, we uphold the highest standards of corporate governance and collaborate with over 400 charity partners to drive effective, measurable impact.

As at March 31, 2025, CFS has raised over S$344 million in donations, including legacy gifts, and disbursed over S$200 million to diverse charitable causes.

Visit www.cf.org.sg to learn more about what we do.

About CATCH THEM YOUNG and KidsExcel+
CATCH THEM YOUNG is a charity that supports children from disadvantaged profiles by trying to level the playing field. One of its key programmes is KidsExcel+, which is a sports and academic enrichment programme, comprising weekly sessions held over the year.

Partnering primary schools and social agencies, each year we support 500 children from financially disadvantaged backgrounds. Through regular, consistent engagement, we hope to achieve sustained academic and behavioural progress in our children. KidsExcel+ aims to develop resilient, confident children with positive learning attitudes.

For more details about the KidsExcel+ programme, please visit: https://www.cty.sg/kidsexcel

MBZUAI Unveils First-of-its-Kind Undergraduate Program in Artificial Intelligence Designed to Empower Future AI Leaders

The Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) is disrupting the AI education landscape with the launch of its first-ever undergraduate program. Unlike traditional AI curricula, this Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence program blends core AI expertise with leadership, entrepreneurship, industry experience, and real-world impact.

MBZUAI’s undergraduate program is innovative and multidisciplinary as it will equip students with a strong foundation in AI fields such as machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and robotics, and provide cross-disciplinary training in business, finance, industrial design, market analysis, management, and communication. Students will benefit from a hands-on experiential curriculum to develop an entrepreneurial mindset to lead AI transformations. The goal is to develop visionary thinkers and multi-faceted problem-solvers who will lead the AI evolution globally.

His Excellency Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of MBZUAI’s Board of Trustees, stated: “This undergraduate program will play a transformative role in fulfilling our leadership’s vision of ensuring that the UAE continues to lead in AI research, application, and commercialization to drive innovation, economic growth, and societal progress. It will equip the next generation of homegrown talent with deep technical expertise and an understanding of AI’s broader impact. In doing so, it will strengthen the nation’s ability to foster a skilled workforce capable of driving AI advancements that benefit not only our country and the region but the world.”

Beyond the core technical AI skills, MBZUAI is committed to shaping the next generation of AI innovators, developers, managers, and visionaries. This comprehensive program equips them with the leadership acumen, financial and legal fundamentals, and essential human skills such as management, communication, and critical thinking that are crucial for driving the future of AI development and deployment.

MBZUAI’s new undergraduate program embraces a co-pilot education model, which integrates AI into every aspect of the student educational journey. AI will assume a central role in the student learning experience, enhancing critical thinking and problem-solving skills and preparing students to excel in a rapidly evolving AI landscape.

The curriculum will cover advanced topics such as deep learning, generative AI, and AI for science, alongside business and entrepreneurial training. Students will also explore cutting-edge areas such as AI for health and medicine, AI for sustainable living, and 3D vision and mixed reality. They will have the opportunity to work with true global leaders across all domains of AI and gain unparalleled hands-on experience with the teams who develop state-of-the-art large language models including MBZUAI’s world-leading JAIS, the world’s most advanced Arabic LLM, and K2, the only third-party reproducible LLM to outperform major private sector models.

MBZUAI President and University Professor Eric Xing emphasized the university’s forward-thinking approach: “Our undergraduate program will be the first of its kind, as it integrates AI education with entrepreneurship, problem-discovery, and key skills for a product journey. We are reshaping what it means to be educated in AI-producing not just engineers, but also entrepreneurs, designers, influencers, executives, and visionary innovators prepared to drive AI innovation in every sector at all stages.”

Cross-disciplinary training and hands-on learning will be the cornerstone of the program. Students will embrace the humanities, business and a liberal arts curriculum, as they work well outside the bounds of classic computer science and STEM. Furthermore, they will engage in co-operative industry placements, internships, mentorships, and partnerships with top players in industry and AI research.

Professor Xing added, “Our students won’t just be taught theory and programming. They will graduate with critical understandings of society and people, of markets and the economy, and the practical experience and confidence to drive and lead AI initiatives, whether within established companies or through their own entrepreneurial ventures. We’re focused on preparing our graduates for the rapidly changing landscape of AI.”

MBZUAI’s program offers two distinct streams: a Bachelor of Science in AI – Business, which focuses on business integration and entrepreneurship, and a Bachelor of Science in AI – Engineering, which centers on AI model development and deployment across the breadth of AI, and real-world applications in different sectors.

Students will benefit from an environment that includes high-end AI computational resources, smart classrooms, dedicated incubation spaces, and world-renowned faculty with backgrounds in both academia and industry.

This pioneering program is open to both local and international students and aims to attract the brightest and most ambitious minds, positioning MBZUAI at the forefront of undergraduate AI education.

“We are not just educating students; we are building future generations of workforce and community of AI. With this undergraduate program, MBZUAI is setting a new standard in AI education, ensuring our graduates are equipped to transform industries and drive global progress,” Professor Xing concluded.

About Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI)
MBZUAI is a research-focused university in Abu Dhabi, and the first university dedicated entirely to the advancement of science through AI. The university empowers the next generation of AI leaders, driving innovation and impactful applications of AI through world-class education and interdisciplinary research. In 2025, MBZUAI launched its first ever undergraduate program, a Bachelor of Science in AI, with two distinct streams: Business and Engineering. For more information, please visit www.mbzuai.ac.ae.

To apply for admission, visit mbzuai.ac.ae or contact admission@mbzuai.ac.ae. For press inquiries, please contact:

Aya Sakoury
MBZUAI’s Head of Communications

Amy Rogers
MBZUAI’s Senior Communications Specialist
media@mbzuai.ac.ae

Roger Field/Aya Hassan
Wallis PR

SOURCE: MBZUAI

Maharashtra gets Major Economic Boost as CIDCO Signs Landmark MoUs at World Economic Forum, DAVOS

  • Historic International Educity Launches in Navi Mumbai, Set to Revolutionize Education

In a ground-breaking move, CIDCO has signed four landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble CM, Shri. Devendra Fadnavis, and guidance of the Honourable Deputy Chief Minister & Urban Development Minister, Shri. Eknath Shinde, giving a major boost to Maharashtra’s economy. Shri. Vijay Singhal, IAS, Vice Chairman & Managing Director, CIDCO, played a pivotal role in facilitating these partnerships.

CIDCO signs four landmark MoUs at WEF 2025, Davos, under the leadership of CM Devendra Fadnavis, Dy CM & Urban Dev. Minister Eknath Shinde, and the pivotal role played by Shri. Vijay Singhal, IAS, VC & MD, CIDCO (Source: CMO Maharashtra Facebook)
CIDCO signs four landmark MoUs at WEF 2025, Davos, under the leadership of CM Devendra Fadnavis, Dy CM & Urban Dev. Minister Eknath Shinde, and the pivotal role played by Shri. Vijay Singhal, IAS, VC & MD, CIDCO (Source: CMO Maharashtra Facebook)

Two of these significant MoUs were signed with Eruditus and BookMyShow, creating history in the development of Navi Mumbai. The MoU with Erulearning Solutions Private Limited (Eruditus) is signed for a proposed investment of $2.4 to $3 billion over 10 years, creating 20,000 direct employment opportunities. Meanwhile, the MoU with BookMyShow involves an investment of $204 million to develop an outdoor entertainment arena in Maharashtra, creating 500 job opportunities in the state.

Global Education Hub: Navi Mumbai’s International Educity to Attract Students and Faculty from Worldwide

CIDCO has launched the first-ever International Educity in Navi Mumbai, bringing together 8-10 esteemed foreign universities from around the world. CIDCO played a pivotal role in making this initiative a global benchmark. The International Educity in Navi Mumbai is poised to become a global learning hub, offering students from around the world the opportunity to learn from renowned international faculty.

For its commitment to creating a world-class educational hub, CIDCO has identified a prime location for this project, situated within a 5 km radius of the forthcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport. This ambitious initiative aims to create a vibrant academic community, fostering cross-cultural exchange and collaboration among students and educators from diverse backgrounds.

With its focus on innovation, accessibility, and community engagement, this Educity is set to redefine the education landscape in India. In a pioneering initiative, Navi Mumbai will become home to India’s first-ever international university campus, featuring 8-10 foreign universities. This project will not only give a new identity to the city but also will help in exponential development of Navi Mumbai.

Navi Mumbai Emerges as India’s Ultimate Outdoor Entertainment Arena!

CIDCO has unveiled plans to develop a state-of-the-art Outdoor Entertainment Arena in Navi Mumbai, modeled after iconic venues like Madison Square Garden in New York and The O2 Arena in London. This ambitious project aims to create a unique and unparalleled entertainment experience, setting a new benchmark for the industry.

The proposed venue will host a wide range of events, including concerts, sports, theatre productions, and more, catering to diverse audiences and tastes. To bring this vision to life, CIDCO has partnered with BookMyShow, combining the expertise of two industry leaders to ensure world-class standards and attention to detail.

Located in close proximity to Bollywood, this state-of-the-art outdoor entertainment arena will have a massive capacity of 20,000 seated or 25,000 standing, making it the largest and first-of-its-kind in the country. This iconic venue will become the epicenter of entertainment, hosting concerts, award shows, sports tournaments, and more throughout the year.

Maharashtra’s Economic Growth Strengthened by Two Additional MoUs

These landmark agreements are expected to propel Maharashtra’s economy forward, driving growth, employment, and opportunities for generations to come. With CIDCO’s commitment to innovative and sustainable development, Maharashtra is poised to become a hub for business, entertainment, and education.

In a significant development, CIDCO has signed two additional MoUs, further bolstering Maharashtra’s economy:

  • Panchshil Realty: A proposed investment of $3 billion to set up a state-of-the-art data center in the CIDCO area. This project will enhance Maharashtra’s digital infrastructure and create new avenues for businesses and entrepreneurs.
  • Welspun World: A proposed investment of $183 million in a logistics park, creating 2,000 direct employment opportunities.

With these two MoUs, CIDCO has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering economic growth, innovation, and job creation in Maharashtra. These MoUs will drive progress and prosperity for years to come.

These investments are a testament to Maharashtra’s growing reputation as a premier investment hub. The International Educity will feature a diverse range of universities, each specializing in various fields, thereby propelling the education industry forward and enhancing the value of education in national development.

Located near Navi Mumbai International Airport, this International Educity will enjoy proximity to key infrastructure, including Aerocity, Sports City, Medicity, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust, and proposed transport corridors.

As the country’s first-of-its-kind, this International Educity will serve as a model for future educational hubs, driving growth, employment, and opportunities for generations to come.

For more details, contact:
Priya Uttam Ratambe
PRO-CIDCO
+91 73875 55907
sr.pro@cidcoindia.com 

The 34th Education & Careers Expo opens today

  • Offering diverse activities and experience workshops, four-day event spanning the weekend, free admission to the public

– The Expo brings together over 820 educational institutions, government departments, businesses, and professional associations from 22 countries and regions, providing the latest education and employment information
– Covering lifelong learning courses to promote cross-generational learning
– Featuring over 4,000 job opportunities, with some employers conducting on-the-spot interviews
– The event offers free “CV Clinic” services including AI CV enhancement, AI job matching, one-on-one resume consultation, and resume photo-taking
– Featuring over 100 events, including seminars aligned with four themed days, celebrity talks, and immersive workshops, with free entry for the public

The 34th Education & Careers Expo, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), opens today and will run for four days (16 to 19 January, Thursday to Sunday) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The Expo gathers over 820 educational institutions, government departments, businesses, and professional associations from 22 countries and regions to provide students and working professionals with the latest and most comprehensive information on education, training, and employment. This event actively supports government policies aimed at developing Hong Kong into an international hub for post-secondary education and attracting high calibre talent. The Expo also introduces a free “CV Clinic”, offering services including AI CV enhancement, AI job matching, one-on-one resume consultations and resume photography. Over 100 events are being held, featuring established figures such as renowned film artist Gordon Lam, and former Hong Kong athletes Vivian Ma and Yip Pui Yin sharing their experiences. Various workshops and hands-on activities suitable for families are also available, with free admission to the public throughout the four-day event.

Officiating at the Expo’s opening ceremony this morning was Margaret Fong, HKTDC Executive Director and Chris Sun, Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government. Ms Fong said in her welcoming remarks: “The Education & Careers Expo is now in its 34th edition, providing the public with an excellent platform that gathers all-round and up-to-date information on education and employment opportunities. This year’s Expo, themed ‘Go with Your Passion, Go Beyond Limits,’ not only brings together major educational institutions and representatives from consulates in Hong Kong to introduce local, Mainland Chinese, and overseas education information, but also invites various government departments, public bodies, and private enterprises to recruit talent, enabling attendees to explore pathways and embrace new opportunities for the future.”

Supporting the policies of developing Hong Kong into an international hub for post-secondary education and talent acquisition
This year’s Expo is divided into two main sections – “Education” and “Careers.” It features four themed days focusing on “Arts & Sports,” “Tourism & Hospitality“, “Innovation & Technology“, and “Greater Bay Area Opportunities.” Each day hosts numerous activities discussing education and career information and industry developments. The sharing sessions under the “Tourism & Hospitality” theme align with the government’s recent release of the “Development Blueprint for Hong Kong’s Tourism Industry 2.0”, promoting sustainable tourism and enriching the pool of tourism industry talent. The Expo helps students and working professionals plan and realise their aspirations, in line with the government’s efforts to promote Hong Kong as an international post-secondary education hub and its talent acquisition policies.

Featuring insights from prominent figures like renowned film artist Gordon Lam
Throughout the exhibition, over 100 activities will be held, offering a wide range of information on further education and training in Hong Kong, Mainland China and overseas, as well as insights into employment market trends and strategies across various industries. This aims to provide job seekers with strategies and essential knowledge for entering various fields. Additionally, the Expo features insights shared by a number of celebrity guests and industry professionals.

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*Visitors can pre-register to attend the themed lecture series and celebrity sharing sessions on the exhibition website. Seats are limited. Pre-registering and attending the events will entitle participants to a complimentary gift.

A one-stop information hub featuring institutions from 22 countries and regions
This year’s Expo’s “Education” section consists of four main areas. The “Local Studies” zone combines a number of universities and tertiary institutions. With the annual total construction volume in Hong Kong projected to reach HK$300 billion, necessitating a significant number of skilled professionals, the Hong Kong Institute of Construction presents programmes aimed at cultivating a pool of technical talent.

The “Non-Hong Kong Education” zone brings together various consulates in Hong Kong, officially recognised institutions and universities, among others, offering educational consultation services from various countries and regions including Europe, the Americas, Asia, Mainland China, and more. The “Lifelong Learning” zone provides diverse continuing education courses for individuals of different age groups and life stages, with the Employees Retraining Board hosting multiple learning activities covering skills such as knowledge of traditional Chinese medicine and video production techniques for online streaming. The “Youth Zone” offers career planning and ongoing education information for young people, as well as a variety of job opportunities including summer jobs, internships, and full-time positions.

Offering over 4,000 job opportunities at the Expo
The Expo offers over 4,000 job opportunities in the “Careers” section, where 16 government departments and seven public institutions have booths set up, including the Civil Service Bureau and the Digital Policy Office.  The Civil Service Bureau has set up a recruitment information corner at their booth to introduce the work of various government departments and job posts. They have also invited more than 10 bureaus and departments to hold a series of “Careers in the Government” seminars. In addition, aviation-related organisations like the Airport Authority Hong Kong are offering training and employment information at the “Aviation Corner” for those interested in the industry. Social welfare organisations, banks, insurance companies, and other organisations are also recruiting at the event.

The “Recruitment Square” gathers multiple job platforms, recruitment consultancy firms, and companies, accepting job applications on-site, with some providing on-the-spot interviews. Job seekers are encouraged to bring their resumes to apply for positions.

This year the fair has introduced a new “CV Clinic” that provide a range of services, including helping users to enhance their resumes and match resumes with over 4,000 job vacancies from the Education & Careers Expo via AI systems on an online platform. Additionally, on-site services include one-on-one resume consultations and resume photography. These services are offered in collaboration with recruitment platforms TechJobAsia and Jobsdb respectively. Job seekers can access the CV Clinic’s online services through the Expo website and make appointments in advance for the on-site services. Quotas are limited, and registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Pre-registration is encouraged.

The fair also features a series of workshops and hands-on activities suitable for parents to attend with their children, such as transforming wine boxes and painting a mural using eco-friendly paint and creating virtual characters with mobile apps. There are also samba dance experiences and police dog demonstrations. Participants can engage in tasks arranged by the Civil Service Bureau that involve various government department roles, as well as experience physical training at the Fire Services Department booth and take photos while wearing children’s firefighter uniforms.

During the four-day Expo, the public are welcome to participate in the exhibition for free. Pre-registered visitors will receive a complimentary gift; limited availability on a first-come, first-served basis.

Photo download: http://bit.ly/3C7fyya

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Education & Careers Expo Website: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkeducationexpo/en
Events’ information: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkeducationexpo/en
HKTDC Media Room: https://mediaroom.hktdc.com/en

Media enquiries
HKTDC’s Corporate Communications Department:

Clementine Cheung Tel: (852) 2584 4369Email: clementine.hm.cheung@hktdc.org
Stanley So     Tel: (852) 2584 4049Email: stanley.hp.so@hktdc.org

About HKTDC
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitionsconferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus.

Over 80,000 international buyers at HKTDC’s first three trade fairs in 2025

  • Successfully expanded customer base and injected new momentum into Hong Kong’s economy

– Three fairs attracted over 80,000 buyers from 119 countries and regions
– Buyer numbers from ASEAN countries including Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand grew significantly
– One green toys exhibitor expected new orders generated by this year’s fair to grow by 10-15 percent over last year’s fair
– Tech toy products remained popular among buyers. A US buyer spent some US$450,000 on related products  

The 51st HKTDC Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair, 16th HKTDC Hong Kong Baby Products Fair and 23rd Hong Kong International Stationery & School Supplies Fair concluded successfully today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair and Hong Kong Baby Products Fair were organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), while the Hong Kong International Stationery & School Supplies Fair was jointly organised by the HKTDC and Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd. The four-day physical fairs attracted over 80,000 buyers from 119 countries and regions, marking a promising start for the HKTDC trade shows this year, while promoting the development of Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) and driving Hong Kong’s economic growth.

As the first round of trade fairs this year, some 40,000 buyers visited the Toys & Games Fair, while more than 26,000 buyers attended the Baby Products Fair and over 14,000 buyers came to the Stationery & School Supplies Fair. The fairs adopted the HKTDC’s hybrid EXHIBITION+ model, which includes the physical shows and virtual access through the Click2Match smart business matching platform, connecting exhibitors and buyers until 16 January. 

Sophia Chong, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director, said: “This year’s trio of fairs were very international, bringing together more than 2,500 exhibitors from 34 countries and regions to showcase innovative ideas from all around the globe, and kickstarting HKTDC’s 2025 calendar of events. We have actively promoted the events through more than 50 HKTDC offices around the world, and online and offline channels to attract international buyers and exhibitors to participate in the fairs and stay overnight in Hong Kong, to promote MICE tourism and Hong Kong’s economic development. This year, buyer numbers from ASEAN countries including Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand grew significantly compared to 2024. The fairs also received European buyers from Germany, Italy, Russia and the United Kingdom, as well as those from Israel, Mexico and the US.”

Expanded new customer base and created cross-industry business opportunities
Themed New Play for All, the three exhibitions featured multiple zones, from toys for infants and toddlers to STEM education toys, smart-tech toys & games, green toys to collectible toys designed for adults with a childlike spirit, catering to the needs of all age groups and market demands.

The Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair saw a floorspace expansion at the Electronic and Remote Control Toys and Educational Toys & Games zones. Funded by the Trade and Industrial Organisation Support Fund of the Trade and Industry Department, HKSAR Government, the Toys Manufacturers’ Association of Hong Kong and FHKI Group 19 (Hong Kong Toys Council) presented the first ESG pavilion, showcasing toys incorporating Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) elementsGreen Leaf Label was displayed at the booths of green exhibitors at the Toys and Stationery fairs for buyers’ easy reference. This year, over 370 exhibitors displayed products with a Green Leaf label, 70% more than last year.

Panley (H.K.) Ltd., an exhibitor selling green toys made from Forest Stewardship Council – certificated paper, adopts soy ink printing and paper packaging in the production line. The company’s senior sales manager, Peter Law said: “Buyers’ feedback has been encouraging. The number of buyers visiting our booth increased by 30-40 percent as compared to last year.  We have found more than 10 potential buyers from Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Spain, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates and the US. They are leading importers, distributors and school supplies buyers with strong purchasing intention. Besides, the Click2Match smart business matching platform helped us connect buyers from the Czech Republic, Spain and Thailand in advance, before we meet at the physical fair. We expect new orders generated by this year’s fair to grow by 10-15 percent over last year’s fair. The ESG Pavilion provides an excellent platform for us to promote eco-friendly toys to international buyers and demonstrate our ESG pledge. We see a bright prospect for green toys.”

Tech toy products remained popular among buyers. Odyssey Toys, a toys wholesaler from the US, sells high-tech toys, including drones, remote-controlled vehicles, and educational gadgets to retailers across the country. The company’s owner, Michael Irigoyen, said: “We found some suppliers from Mainland China and plan to spend some US$450,000 on products such as remote-controlled boats, drones, planes, and digital cameras for kids.”

Johnny Mui, Vice President – Merchandise of the Toys”R”Us (Asia) Limited, said: “The Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair and Hong Kong Baby Products Fair are the must-attend international sourcing events for Toys“R”Us Asia each year. Looking ahead, we see tremendous opportunities in the growing kidult and plush segments. We are proud to contribute to and benefit from the momentum driven by Hong Kong’s pivotal role as a global hub for the toy industry.” The fair also attracted buyers from outside the toy industry. Media Prima Berhad, a multi-platform media group from Malaysia, attended the Toys & Games Fair to procure corporate promotional toys. The company’s business lead, Hafiz Nazer, stated that the total value of the orders exceeds US$100,000.

With more than 660 exhibitors, this year’s Hong Kong Baby Products Fair boasted the most exhibitors ever with an increase of 7% more than last year. The popular ODM Strollers and Gear zone continued for the second consecutive year with over 80 exhibitors, made it easier than ever for buyers to source products from original design manufacturers.

Korean exhibitor i-angel Co., Ltd.,has participated in the Hong Kong Baby Products Fair since 2008, and it’s CEO, Jinseop Lee said: “Hong Kong is an international trading hub, and a perfect place for us to look for new distributors and explore new business opportunities. In fact, the fair has helped us connect with our current distributors. We launched our new collection of hipseat baby carriers at the fair this year and have received positive feedback from international buyers. We have been in touch with a potential distributor from Canada and a potential buyer from a large department store chain in Thailand. We expect to generate at least US$1 million in new orders from the fair.”

The Hong Kong International Stationery & School Supplies Fair showcased the latest in creative art supplies, gift stationery, school and office supplies. Türkish exhibitor, Mercanlar Mutfak Esyalari San. Tic. A.S., presented their water bottles and back-to-school sets at the fair. The exhibitor has connected with buyers from Belarus, Germany, Hong Kong, Taiwan, the UK and US. The company’s export manager, Özlem Durmaz said: We are in proactive discussion with serval new customers with potential orders estimated at a total of US$100,000. Two US retailers were also looking to source our products, with each order amounting to more than US$100,000.”

Asian Toys & Games Forum explore social responsibility of toy makers
The flagship event Asian Toys & Games Forum was held during the Toys & Games fair. Themed Beyond Fun and Play: Fostering Social Responsibility in the Toy Industry, international toy and game industry experts discussed the role of toys and games in daily life. Terrence Hui, Executive Committee Member of Hong Kong Toys Council hosted the discussion with a panel of expert speakers and covered the opportunities for the toys industry in the health sector and the ageing market.

For more comments from exhibitors and buyers, please visit the following websites:

HKTDC Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hktoyfair/en/success-stories
HKTDC Hong Kong Baby Products Fair: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkbabyfair/en/success-stories
Hong Kong International Stationery & School Supplies Fair: 
https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkstationeryfair/en/success-stories

Fair Websites
HKTDC Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair: hktoyfair.hktdc.com
HKTDC Hong Kong Baby Products Fair: hkbabyfair.hktdc.com
Hong Kong International Stationery & School Supplies Fair: hkstationeryfair.com

Photo Download: https://bit.ly/3PvqA3g

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Media enquires
Please contact HKTDC’s Communication & Public Affairs Department: 

Sharon HaTel:2584 4575Email:sharon.mt.ha@hktdc.org
Jane CheungTel:2584 4137Email:jane.mh.cheung@hktdc.org

HKTDC Media Room: http://mediaroom.hktdc.com

About the HKTDC
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitionsconferences and business missions to create bumediaroom.hktdc.comsiness opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus.

Education & Careers Expo opens next Thursday

– Featuring free ‘CV Clinic’ with resume consultation and AI job matching services, offering over 4,000 job opportunities

  • The Expo gathers over 820 institutions from 22 countries and regions, providing the latest education and employment information
  • The four themed days include “Arts & Sports,” “Tourism & Hospitality,” “Innovation & Technology,” and “Greater Bay Area Opportunities”
  • The event offers free “CV Clinic” services including AI CV enhancement, AI job matching, one-on-one resume consultation, and resume photo-taking
  • 23 government departments and public institutions will run booths, with a designated “Aviation Corner” featuring organisations providing training and employment information, including the Airport Authority Hong Kong
  • Over 100 seminars and activities will be held, featuring renowned figures like film artist Gordon Lam and former Hong Kong athletes Vivian Ma, and Yip Pui Yin

Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the 34th Education & Careers Expo will be held from 16 to 19 January (Thursday to Sunday) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The Expo is divided into “Education” and “Careers” sections, bringing together over 820 institutions from 22 countries and regions, offering more than 4,000 job opportunities as well as comprehensive education, training, and employment information for students and job seekers. This year’s Expo also introduces a free “CV Clinic,” including AI resume enhancement, AI job matching, one-on-one resume consultations and resume photo-taking services, and is free to all members of the public. Pre-registered visitors will receive a complimentary gift, limited availability on a first-come, first-served basis. Early registration is encouraged.

Jenny Koo, HKTDC Assistant Executive Director, said: “This year’s Expo, titled ‘Go with Your Passion, Go Beyond Limits,’ features four themed days covering arts and sports, tourism and hospitality, innovation and technology, and opportunities in the Greater Bay Area, providing a comprehensive forum to develop social needs and address market demands. In the ‘Education’ section, students have the opportunity to interact directly with educational institutions and training organisations and explore programmes and admission guidelines worldwide; on the ‘Careers’ front, various government departments, public bodies, and private enterprises are actively recruiting. The Expo supports students and working professionals in pursuing their dreams and career development, aligning with the government’s policies of finding high calibre talents and developing Hong Kong into an international hub for post-secondary education.

Applied Gerontology degree programme offered by the Tung Wah College steers the development of the silver economy
The “Education” section of this year’s Expo features four zones: “Local Studies,” “Non-Hong Kong Education,” “Lifelong Learning,” and “Youth Zone.” The “Local Studies” zone showcases numerous universities and tertiary institutions; the Tung Wah College offers a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Applied Gerontology degree to train experts to serve the elderly and promote the silver economy and covers topics like end-of-life education related to issues raised in the film The Last Dance. The Vocational Training Council offers programmes like a Higher Diploma in Tourism and Mega Event Management to cultivate talent in the mega event industry. The government previously launched the “Blueprint for Arts and Culture and Creative Industries Development,” creating more opportunities for the industry. The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts and the Hong Kong Art School will introduce programmes designed to foster talent in these fields at the Expo.

Gathering education insights from across 22 countries and regions
The Expo offers education insights from across 22 countries and regions in total. In particular, the “Non-Hong Kong Education” zone features exhibitors such as consulates, institutions, universities, and education centres from outside Hong Kong. They will offer consultation services and insights on pursuing education in various countries and regions including Mainland China, Europe, America, Asia and more. The “Lifelong Learning” zone caters to individuals of all ages, with exhibitors like the Table for Choices Limited using theatrical games to create a new educational model from a traditional setting. The “Youth Zone” offers career planning, continuous learning information, as well as various job opportunities like summer jobs, internships, and full-time positions for young people. For the first time, the Prince Philip Dental Hospital will participate in the Expo, bringing programmes for training dental assistants.

The Expo’s Careers section offers free “CV Clinic” services
The “Careers” section of the Expo presents over 4,000 job opportunities, with a number of government departments and public institutions present, including the Fire Services Department, Civil Service Bureau, and the Immigration Department, along with social welfare organisations, banks, and insurance companies, all looking to recruit at the Expo. This year sees the introduction of the “Aviation Corner,” where aviation-related organisations like the Airport Authority Hong Kong will provide information for those aspiring to enter the aviation industry.

The “Recruitment Square”, comprised of various recruitment platforms, will be accepting job applications on-site, with some offering on-the-spot interviews. Job seekers are encouraged to bring their resumes.

This year the fair has introduced a new “CV Clinic” service in collaboration with recruitment platform TechJobAsia. The service helps job seekers review and enhance their resumes through an AI-powered system. They can also match their resumes with over 4,000 job vacancies from employers at the Expo and interact with potential employers on-site. Additionally, TechJobAsia will provide one-on-one resume consultation services on the second and fourth days (17 and 19 January) of the Expo. Employment consultants from recruitment platform Jobsdb will also offer one-on-one resume consultation services and free resume photos throughout the four-day exhibition. Job seekers can access the CV Clinic and make appointments for counselling through the Education & Careers Expo website. On-site services have limited places and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis so visitors are advised to register online in advance.

Four themed days introduce career trends and industry prospects
During the Expo, over 100 exciting activities will be held, with four themed days offering job seekers strategies for entering different industries and inviting celebrities and industry professionals to share their experiences. Renowned actor, scriptwriter, and producer Gordon Lam will share his own experiences on 17 January, inspiring students to forge ahead in their learning and creative journeys.

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Visitors can pre-register on the fair website to participate in the above events, as well as other seminars in the themed day series and star-sharing sessions. Seats are limited, and registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Those who pre-register and attend the event will receive a dedicated gift.

Photo download: https://bit.ly/4fQ4eUR

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Education & Careers Expo Website: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkeducationexpo/en
Events’ information: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkeducationexpo/en/intelligence-hub

HKTDC Media Room: 
https://mediaroom.hktdc.com/en

Media enquiries
HKTDC’s Corporate Communications Department:

Clementine CheungTel: (852) 2584 4369Email: clementine.hm.cheung@hktdc.org
Stanley So    Tel: (852) 2584 4049Email: stanley.hp.so@hktdc.org

About HKTDC
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitionsconferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus.

The Bilingual Book Company Launches New, Innovative Bilingual Audiobook App

The app offers line-by-line translation for bilingual audiobooks, making language learning portable and accessible via a mobile/iOS device for learners of all ages.

Language-learning innovator Angeline Pompei now offers an app for The Bilingual Book Company, which offers bilingual audiobooks based on interest-based learning for kids and language students, revolutionizing how listeners experience and learn languages through bilingual books.

“Bilingual audiobooks inspire curiosity and empower children to explore their interests independently in two languages,” Angeline said. “Now available on the app in addition desktop version, users can listen to and read bilingual audiobooks with line-by-line translation, making language learning accessible and enjoyable for people of all ages.”

The seamless and engaging app is another milestone for The Bilingual Book Company in providing high-quality bilingual audiobooks for children and language students. The line-by-line translation capability ensures that listeners can follow along with the text in their native language while simultaneously hearing the audio in the target language. This approach has proven to enhance comprehension and retention, making it an invaluable tool for language learners.

The app supports different language combinations, including English paired with Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, German, Mandarin, Japanese, and Korean. It caters to the learners’ needs, whether a native English speaker looking to learn Spanish or a Korean speaker interested in improving her English.

The user-friendly interface allows users to select their preferred language combination. Users should turn off any page translators to see the bilingual text on the site.

The app features a language section with verbs separated by pronouns. There is repeating text and audio for pattern recognition to help with memorization. Angeline says, “We are learning differently. As a language learner and visual hands-on learner myself, I decided to replicate text and audio so that the language students could really see the patterns and rules of conjugation.

The Bilingual Book Company provides bilingual books for kids to read and listen to subjects that interest them to effectively learn a new language and make it part of their daily activities or routines. “Interest based learning is a key component to the program. I believe language learners, both children and adults, will study longer if they are truly interested in the topic,” Angeline stated. The varied selection allows children to pick a fascinating topic and learn about it in two languages – so language learning is not the sole focus.

“I created my own material, which was just line-by-line translations in English-Spanish and English-French,” Angeline said in an exclusive interview. “I started producing bilingual books and took it a step further by creating bilingual audio, utilizing artificial voices that mimic authentic English, Spanish, and French speakers, allowing listeners to follow along with the text.”

Angeline said “Having a variety of books also empowers children to choose what they want to read or learn about, making them confident lifelong learners. “Acquiring a language takes time and daily practice. It was important for me to make learning a positive addition to a child or the language student’s daily routine.”

For more information about The Bilingual Book Company and its new app, please visit www.thebilingualbookcompany.com.

About Angeline Pompei
Angeline Pompei is an entrepreneur, recording artist and adult language learner with a degree in aerospace engineering and a TELF certification to teach English internationally as a second language. She is also a certified AI Prompt Engineer. Founder and CEO of Learn English Fast®, she created The Bilingual Book Company®, which comprises Angeline Pompei’s unique series of line-by-line bilingual books for learning languages. As a recording artist and songwriter, she created the album, “Verbiage,” available on all streaming platforms. Verbiage is a collection of songs that sound like normal songs but aims to teach English through hidden grammar, vocabulary themes, and verb conjugation through music. The album “Verbiage” is available on all streaming platforms. Her songbook that goes along with her album, “Verbiage,” is available free on her website, https://LearnEnglishFast.com.

Angeline Pompei is an entrepreneur with 20 years of experience in skincare and skincare marketing. A multi-faceted individual, she uses all her experience to teach adults English through interest-based learning, bilingual materials, and music. All Learn English Fast® resources are available on her websites LearnEnglishFast.com and TheBilingualBookCompany.com

Contact Information
Maria Penaloza
Media and Content Strategist
maria.penaloza@issuerdirect.com

Angeline Pompei
+1-647-883-6979

.SOURCE: Angeline Authentic

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Global Humanitarian Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar to Give Keynote Address at United Nations World Meditation Day, Followed by Live Global Meditation

  • Millions to join “World Meditates with Gurudev” on December 21, 9:30 AM EST / 2:30 GMT / 10:30 PM SGT
  • Art of Living Foundation (AOLF) Singapore to host a series of special programmes for collective meditation in celebration of World Meditation Day

With the UN General Assembly (UNGA) declaring December 21 as the World Meditation Day, renowned mental wellbeing expert and global peace ambassador Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, will guide a live World Meditation on Saturday, December 21. This historic event establishes an annual global celebration of meditation, recognising its transformative benefits for mental and physical health, as well as its power to foster peace and unity.

The commemorative event at the United Nations will feature a keynote address by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. This momentous occasion, themed “Meditation for Global Peace and Harmony,” would mark the First World Meditation Day.

“The recognition of meditation by the United Nations is a profound step forward,” said Gurudev. “Meditation nurtures the soul, calms the mind, and offers a solution to modern challenges.” He added.

Key Highlights:

  • Keynote Address by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in the United Nations: Renowned for his pioneering efforts in stress relief and conflict resolution, Gurudev will address global dignitaries, including senior UN leaders, diplomats, and international representatives, underscoring meditation’s critical role in fostering peace and unity.
  • Global Livestream Event: On December 21, Gurudev will host a worldwide livestream, uniting millions in meditation to mark the Winter Solstice—an auspicious time for reflection and renewal.
    • What: “World Meditates with Gurudev”
    • When: Sat, December 21, 2024 at 9:30am EST / 2:30pm GMT / 10:30pm SGT
    • Where: aolf.me/world-meditation-day

Why World Meditation Day Matters

The unanimous adoption of World Meditation Day by the UN General Assembly is a bold acknowledgment of meditation’s capacity to address the challenges of modern life—from rising stress and violence to the erosion of trust and connection in society. Gurudev, who has dedicated 43 years to spreading the benefits of meditation across 180 countries, believes it is the most effective tool to cultivate mental clarity, emotional resilience, and societal harmony.

From geopolitical conflicts to personal crises, the practice of meditation offers a universal solution that transcends boundaries of nationality, culture, and belief. By integrating inner peace with outer action, meditation becomes a cornerstone for global peace-building efforts.

Singapore Events:

The milestone event comes as the Art of Living Foundation (AOLF) continues its impactful work in mental wellbeing and community engagement. Recently, Art of Living Singapore achieved a Singapore National Record for the largest mass yogic breathing exercise at the SafePod Recharge event and has been a key partner in Queenstown’s Safe Pod Recharge initiative, promoting holistic community wellbeing. The Foundation’s decades of evidence-based mental health programmes, including the renowned Sudarshan Kriya technique, have touched over 500 million lives worldwide, reaffirming its commitment to fostering peace and well-being globally.

In honour of the historic UN World Meditation Day event, Art of Living Singapore is hosting a series of special programmes to unite communities in collective meditation and celebration.

On Thursday, 19th December, meditation enthusiasts can visit the Art of Living Centre at 433 Race Course Road, Singapore 218679, for an evening of heartwarming music, meditation, and vibrant community spirit. The programme begins with Satsang at 7:00 PM, followed by Meditation at 7:40 PM.

On Saturday, 21st December, there are two exciting events to participate in.

About Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is a global humanitarian, spiritual leader, and peace envoy. He has helped millions of people worldwide find peace and resilience in the face of adversity, learning not only how to excel in their own lives, but also how to become powerful agents for social change.

Gurudev is a keynote speaker at global forums including United Nations, UNESCO and World Economic Forum.  At the European Parliament Think Tank conference in June 2023, he emphasised the urgency for governments to address global mental health issues, “Mental health is one of the greatest challenges the world is facing today. Whether it is in developing or developed countries, in war or peace zones, it is an issue that affects the entire world”. Referencing the World Health Organisation’s World Health Report 2022 findings of “one in every three individuals in the world suffering from anxiety and depression”, he highlighted mental health and loneliness as the “silent epidemics”.

Gurudev has created trauma-relief and meditation programmes for at-risk youth, war veterans, prisoners and survivors of disaster. He has also created numerous educational and self-development programmes and tools that facilitate the elimination of stress and foster deep and profound inner peace, happiness and well-being for individuals.

Standing for the Gandhian principles of non-violence, Gurudev has mediated and progressed negotiations for peace in conflict-stricken areas such as Sri Lanka, Iraq, Venezuela, and Colombia, where he is credited for playing a central role in ending the violent 52-year conflict between FARC and the Colombian government. He has received 57 governmental awards, including highest civilian awards from several nations. Twenty-seven universities have awarded him with honorary doctorates for his peace-keeping and humanitarian efforts.

About Art of Living Foundation
Operating in 180 countries, The Art of Living Foundation (AOLF) is a non-profit, educational and humanitarian organization founded in 1981 by the renowned humanitarian and spiritual leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. All of AOLF’s programmes are inspired by Gurudev’s philosophy of creating world peace through a stress-free and violence-free society. AOLF has touched over 800 million lives through numerous educational and self-development programmes and tools that facilitate the elimination of stress and foster deep and profound inner peace, happiness and well-being for individuals.

Media contact:
Shruti
Bloomingdale Public Relations
shruti@bloomingdalepr.com 

EdgePoint Infrastructure Inks Strategic Partnership with CelcomDigi to expand connectivity in Malaysia at TowerXchange Meet Up Asia 2024

Signs second agreement with Malaysian Technical Standards Forum Bhd aimed at ensuring quality infrastructure is deployed in Malaysia

EdgePoint Towers Sdn Bhd (EPT), part of EdgePoint Infrastructure (EdgePoint), the ASEAN-based independent telecommunications infrastructure company today inked a strategic partnership with leading mobile network provider (MNOs) in Malaysia, CelcomDigi Bhd (CelcomDigi), at the annual TowerXchange Meet Up Asia 2024, an exclusive meeting place for Asia-Pacific tower players.

Mr Suresh Sidhu – Chief Executive Officer at EdgePoint Infrastructure
Encik Muniff Kamaruddin – Chief Executive Officer at EdgePoint Towers Sdn Bhd
Yang Berbahagia Datuk Mohamad Idham Nawawi – Chief Executive Officer, CelcomDigi Bhd
Mr Joachim Rajaram – Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, CelcomDigi Bhd [L-R]

Present at the event were Yang Berbahagia Dato’ Mohd Ali Hanafiah Mohd Yunus, Managing Director of Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission and Yang Mulia Tunku Dato’ Mahmood Fawzy Tunku Muhiyiddin, Chairman of EdgePoint Malaysia Holdings. This partnership represents EdgePoint’s increasing commitment to serve MNO partners holistically to help them not only overcome today’s challenges but to prepare for the opportunities of tomorrow.

Partnering with Malaysia’s largest MNO CelcomDigi Berhad, EdgePoint Towers Sdn Bhd inked a Memorandum of Agreement (“MoA”), to collaborate on the expansion of CelcomDigi’s connectivity reach, realise network synergies and focus on cost optimisation aimed at ultimately benefiting CelcomDigi customers with seamless connectivity. This partnership also lays the foundation for advanced, future-ready connectivity solutions opportunities such as in-building solutions and small cells for improved indoor coverage, ensuring that CelcomDigi is prepared for growth and increased data demand.

Muniff Kamaruddin, Chief Executive Officer of EdgePoint Towers said, “This partnership is a natural extension to the fruitful working relationship EdgePoint and CelcomDigi has enjoyed to date. We look forward to helping CelcomDigi realise the benefits of the merger, as well as prepare for the future. As Malaysia accelerates its efforts for ubiquitous connectivity, we look forward to continuing to develop and deploy future ready infrastructure and innovative technologies quickly to enhance the digital experiences of consumers and enterprises alike in the country”.

Datuk Idham Nawawi, Chief Executive Officer of CelcomDigi said, “The country is in prime position to be a regional leader in 5G and AI development. We are committed to building a state-of-the-art network for our customers and advance the nation into a 5G-AI powered digital society. Through partnerships like this, we will be able to optimise our newly modernised network to better serve our customers in more areas across the country and accelerate Malaysia’s digital transformation.”

Also at the event, a second agreement aimed at ensuring quality infrastructure is deployed in Malaysia was signed between Persatuan Penyedia Infrastruktur Telekomunikasi Malaysia (PPIT) and Malaysian Technical Standards Forum Bhd (MTFSB), the standardisation body for Malaysia’s communications and multimedia industry, with all members of PPIT committing to fulfilling the requirements of network interoperability, safety and other technical aspects of network facilities, network services, approval of equipment and all matters related to designing and deploying infrastructure. Signing on behalf of PPIT was the organisation’s President, Muniff Kamaruddin with Puan Normarinee Mohd Nor, Chief Executive Officer of MTSFB.

Speaking at the event Puan Normarinee Mohd Nor, Chief Executive Officer of MTSFB said “As the telecommunications industry continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, it is our responsibility to ensure that we set clear, forward-thinking and relevant standards that enable innovation while maintaining reliability, security, sustainability and interoperability. Our goal is to foster a collaborative ecosystem where industry leaders, regulators, infrastructure and technology providers can work together to build a more connected, sustainable future for all”

EdgePoint currently owns more than 15,000 towers across Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

ABOUT EDGEPOINT INFRASTRUCTURE
EdgePoint Infrastructure is an ASEAN based independent telecommunications infrastructure company that aspires towards Building a Connected, Digital ASEAN. Headquartered in Singapore with operations in Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines, through EdgePoint Towers Sdn Bhd, PT Centratama Telekomunikasi Indonesia, Tbk and EdgePoints Towers Inc. respectively, the company is focused on providing sharable and leading-edge telecom structures, small cells and in-building systems. EdgePoint aims to be an industry leader through scale and innovation, driving operational efficiencies through the adoption of analytics and digital technologies.

For more information on EdgePoint, please visit https://edgepointinfra.com/

ABOUT CELCOMDIGI
CelcomDigi is Malaysia’s largest mobile network operator with more than 20.2 million users on its network. Established on 1 December 2022 from the merger of Celcom and Digi, the company aims to serve the growing digital needs of its customers by leveraging its newly combined widest network footprint, distribution touchpoints, innovative range of digital products and services, and superior customer experience, powered by passionate CDzens. The company has clearly defined ambitions to advance the nation, inspire Malaysian society, and be a leader in inclusion and ESG practices. For more information on CelcomDigi, visit www.celcomdigi.com.

ABOUT MTFSB
The Malaysian Technical Standards Forum Bhd (MTSFB) is the leading standardization body for Malaysia’s communications and multimedia industry. MTSFB was first established on 8 June 2004 as a company limited by guarantee and was later designated as the Technical Standards Forum by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) on 27 October 2004 pursuant to Section 94 (Chapter 9 of Part V) and Section 184 (Chapter 3 of Part VII) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (CMA 1998) to develop and maintain technical codes for Malaysia’s communications and multimedia industry (CMI)”

EDUtech Asia 2024 Returns for Its 9th Edition: Uniting Educators to Reimagine the Future of Education with Technology

EDUtech Asia 2024, will be back for its 9th edition from 6 to 7 November. Organised by Terrapinn, EDUtech Asia 2024 will offer a distinguished lineup of education leaders, decision-makers, policy makers, educators, innovators and disruptors to collaborate and reimagine the future of education with the power of tech.

EDUtech Asia will have the honour of having Madam Halimah Yacob, Chancellor of the Singapore University of Social Sciences and former President of Singapore, gracing the conference as our Guest of Honour. On 6 November, Madam Halimah will deliver the welcome address, marking the official opening of the event.

Headlining the conference are Prof Guo Yike, Provost at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Dr Jason Lodge, Deputy Associate Dean (Academic) at The University of Queensland and Dr Ng Pak Tee, Associate Professor at the National Institute of Education (NIE) Singapore. As a pioneer in AI, Prof Guo will explore AI’s impact on traditional education and its potential to personalise learning experiences during his keynote, “AI at the helm: breaking boundaries in education”. Discussing the application of self-regulated learning strategies to balance student engagement with high-quality learning Dr Jason Lodge, will address “The Digital Learning Paradox: Navigating Technologies Without Losing Direction.” Posing the provocative question, “If AI is Artificial Intelligence, What is Real Intelligence”, Dr. Ng Pak Tee stresses the growing importance of nurturing human intelligence alongside AI advancements.

Alongside the keynotes, over 400 speakers will also be addressing pressing issues on the minds of educators including AI, leadership, teaching and learning, digital transformation and infrastructure, wellbeing, lifelong learning, assessments and more across six breakout stages.

“EDUtech Asia offers an invaluable opportunity for educators to connect, share insights, and discover cutting-edge educational technologies that are transforming learning experiences,” says Ms Sophia Ku, EDUtech Asia Managing Director, Terrapinn Pte Ltd.

Alongside the main conference, EDUtech Asia will also feature a series of activities within the exhibition

– EdTech Showcase: Over 200 EdTech solution providers, including Google for Education, Lenovo, Microsoft, Samsung Electronics Singapore, i-Scream Media, Canvas by Instructure and Kami, will exhibit their transformative educational technologies. The start-up city features up-and-coming start-ups introducing their solutions to the wider education community. There will also be two free-to-attend stages featuring live demos across the two days.

– Free seminars for educators, by educators: Designed to provide educators with a platform to voice their thoughts, EDUtech Show & Tell highlights successful campus initiatives and processes where technology was used effectively in the classroom, and aims to empower attending educators to progress on their digital journeys. Additionally, the Ask Me Anything Lounge puts the spotlight on attendees and encourages them to ask their burning questions to experts on topics including AI, wellbeing, assessments, data and immersive learning.

– The inaugural Planet Protectors Sustainability Challenge, powered by Google for Education, seeks to empower students to take the lead in tackling sustainability challenges. With this year’s theme tackling the issue of waste, fifteen student teams from K-12 and Higher Education institutions will be showcasing their ideas and solutions. 

– EDUtech Asia is proud to team up with Plastify, a social enterprise dedicated to transforming recycled plastic into reusable products, to produce its EDUtech Asia branded memorabilia . Attendees will not only learn about sustainability initiatives but also enjoy a unique, hands-on experience to create their own EDUtech Asia memorabilia made out of 100% recycled plastic in just under 30 seconds. 

– The Early Childhood Education Showcase will highlight a series of projects by students from the National Institute of Early Childhood Development (NIEC), Singapore. Attendees will get to experience some of the students’ creations, from digital story books and fun educational programmes, and listen to some of the exciting findings from their research.

– The finals of the “Temasek Foundation Education Challenge: Empowering Teachers through EdTech” competition will take place at EDUtech Asia. Here, ten innovative EdTech start-ups will compete with their solutions. The challenge seeks to discover and support innovative solutions that evolve the roles of educators, enhance the effectiveness of teaching and introduce new models to reach underserved communities.

Registration for EDUtech Asia 2024 is still open at www.terrapinn.com/EDUtech_Asia_24. Premium conference passes as well as free-to-attend exhibition visitor passes are available.

EDUtech Asia 2024 will take place in B2 Halls D, E, F, at Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Singapore, on 6-7 November 2024.

For more information on EDUtech Asia 2024, please visit: www.terrapinn.com/EDUtech_Asia_24

EDUtech Asia

Conference dates and opening hours:
6 November 2024: 08:50 – 18:00 
7 November 2024: 08:50 – 17:10 

Exhibition opening hours: 
6 November 2024: 09:20 – 18:00
7 November 2024: 09:20 – 17:30 

Venue: B2, Halls, D, E & F, Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Singapore 

About Terrapinn 

Terrapinn has been sparking ideas, innovations and relationships that transform business for over 30 years. Using our global footprint, we bring innovators, disrupters and change agents together, discussing and demonstrating the technology, strategies and personalities that are changing the way the world does business. Whether you’re looking to make new connections, introduce product or inspire change in your industry, we invite you to join us as agitators of change. Terrapinn – spark something

Terrapinn – spark something.
www.terrapinn.com  

Press attendance is complimentary. Enquiries should be directed to: Jessica Foong at jessica.foong@terrapinn.com