Uzbekistan’s Education Ministry Partners With Singapore’s Marshall Cavendish Education To Upskill School Leaders and Educators and Digitalise Schools’ Curriculum
Since unveiling plans for a significant reform in its education sector[1], the Ministry of Preschool and School Education of the Republic of Uzbekistan has partnered with Singapore’s Marshall Cavendish Education to introduce a robust action plan to train and upskill school leaders, education trainers and teachers throughout the country while introducing the world-topping Singapore Mathematics and Science curriculum.
The partnership seeks to guide educators in Uzbekistan to transition schools to adopt the curriculum and introduce relevant textbooks and resources. Titles from the Marshall Cavendish Education Science series from grades 5 to 11 will now be available in Uzbekistan with the recent appointment of Novda Edutainment LLC as Marshall Cavendish Education’s key distributor in Tashkent. The action plan also seeks to conduct professional development (master trainer’s training) programmes that acquaint educators with relevant competency frameworks to sustain a dynamic learning environment for schools.
Schools would also be introduced to AI solutions that allow a real-time and personalised learning journey. Marshall Cavendish Educations is set to conduct three training modules covering topics such as leadership, Mathematics and Science. Trainers from Singapore will present modules to help educators and teachers understand key concepts such as problem-solving skills and scientific inquiry, ultimately working towards the goal of students in Uzbekistan to attain a sustained academic success when placed on a global platform.
The official launch of the curriculum and training programmes saw more than 300 attendees at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Tashkent on 7 June, consisting of school leaders, educators and teachers from across the country. The event was also attended by Ms Saida Shavkatovna Mirziyoyeva, the First Assistant to the President of Uzbekistan, Mr Shavkat Miromonovich Mirziyoyev.
The event jointly held by the Ministry of Preschool and School Education of the Republic of Uzbekistan and Marshall Cavendish Education introduced the key theme of ‘Effective Reforms – Sustainable Results’, emphasising the importance understanding the key trends in teaching and including technology such as AI in the classroom.
The partnership will see through the training of more than 400 school leaders across schools nationwide that will subsequently become master trainers and centers for other teachers and educators to receive training throughout Uzbekistan.
“As we embark on this journey in Uzbekistan, Marshall Cavendish Education is determined to guide educators in understanding the key strategies to make learning joyful and enriching. Our veteran trainers would be present to help the ministry master techniques and adapt to latest teaching resources, allowing a seamless online and offline solution to elevate its teaching and learning experience,” shared Mr. Siew Peng Yim, CEO, Times Publishing Limited.
“You cannot teach children of the 21st century using the approach of the 20th century, this is why teachers have to always be ready to change and learn” said Ms. Khilola Umarova, Minister of the Preschool and School Education of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
The training programmes began on 10 June and its first phase is expected to be completed by this July.
About Marshall Cavendish Education
Marshall Cavendish Education (MCE) is a global education solutions provider dedicated to nurturing the joy of learning and preparing students for the future. We believe the best way to do so is by simplifying learning and listening to the needs of schools, teachers, students, and parents. MCE makes world-class educational content more accessible through a seamless experience that integrates both print and digital resources. We provide holistic and end-to-end solutions customised to the school’s requirements, with professional development to help educators implement the curriculum. We’ve worked with ministries, policymakers, educators, and parents in over 90 countries, designing education solutions in 14 languages for Pre-K to 12. MCE is the only Asia-based publisher that is an endorsement partner of Cambridge International Education.
Ministry of Preschool and School Education of the Republic of Uzbekistan Dilfuza Sobirova Head of Press service of the Ministry of Preschool and school education +998 998981839
Singapore’s myFirst Tech Holdings Pte Ltd’s (“myFirst”) has appointed SGX Mainboard-listed Fu Yu Corporation Limited (“Fu Yu”) as its exclusive contract manufacturer to propel a major North American expansion of its kid-safe digital platform. The two homegrown companies signed a S$15 million contract today for Fu Yu to commence mass production this month.
Fu Yu’s Group CEO Mr David Seow, with myFirst’s co-founder and CEO G-Jay Yong in front of myFirst’s retail store at Suntec City
The pioneer of the world’s first kids’ tech ecosystem, myFirst’s myFirst Circle app allows each child to build a unique digital community that is parentally secured to interactions with trusted family and close friends. Through this kid-safe network, children can socialise and share experiences using myFirst’s products, such as watchphones, cameras, earbuds, 3D pens and headphones. Parents will have classification capabilities and also be able to track a child’s whereabouts.
There is an increasing awareness among parents and educators about the importance of social media safety, as many children start to engage with such devices before the age of 5, while nearly one-in-five children under 12 have their own smartphone.[1] These technologies, while offering new learning and development opportunities, carry significant risks in terms of privacy, inappropriate content and safety.
myFirst addresses this gap by offering a unique ecosystem of child-centric tech products that marries the physical interactivity of hardware with real-world technology tailored for children, offering a holistic experience that meets the demands of a parent’s educational goals and a child’s curiosity.
Following a Pre-Series A funding round from Lynx Asia Partners and angel investors, myFirst is set to expand its presence in North America, increasing from 4,000 to over 20,000 locations, including major retailers like Walmart, Costco, and Best Buy. With 46.6 million children under 12[2] in the US, myFirst is well-positioned to meet the rising demand for kid-safe technology. The company, already operating in 40 countries, previously received investments from tech founders and executives from companies like PatSnap, Google, Rainforest, TNB Aura, and Zopim in 2022.
Singapore-headquartered Fu Yu is one of Asia’s largest manufacturers of high-precision plastic products. It will provide a full suite of solutions to manufacture and assemble myFirst’s products. Fu Yu will scale up production, supported by its Smart Factory in Tuas which includes new production introduction and rapid prototyping capabilities, metal 3D printing, liquid silicone rubber injection moulding and high- precision tool fabrication.
Depending on myFirst’s requirements, component production can be manufactured across Fu Yu’s six facilities located across Singapore, Malaysia and China, providing a high level of interoperability and flexibility. Fu Yu’s strategic geographical distribution also ensures a robust supply chain, facilitating efficient cross-border logistics and reducing turnaround times.
Prior to mass production of each of myFirst’s products, Fu Yu’s New Product Introduction (“NPI”) team will engage with myFirst to offer bespoke product design assistance, while optimising the production process to allow for shorter time-to-market while improving quality and high production yield. Both parties will also explore the use of bio-rated materials to manufacture certain components, further enhancing sustainability across the production line.
G-Jay Yong, Co-founder and CEO of myFirst, said, “myFirst is excited to partner with a fellow Singaporean homegrown company in our global expansion. Every time myFirst has expanded, we have faced a sudden surge in demand. We are globally available but the US is a big market and this partnership has given us the backing to be able to cater to this demand surge.
“Parents in the US have been asking us when they could get onto our kids tech ecosystem as they’re very concerned about their kids’ safety online and also in the real world, so now we can assure them we are ready.”
Mr David Seow, Group Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of Fu Yu, said, “We are honoured to play such a key role as myFirst embarks on its most significant expansion since its inception. The partnership underscores our ability to meet the high-precision demands for new devices and potential product ramp-ups. Over the past year, Fu Yu has been tirelessly evolving, developing new NPI capabilities to provide early-stage engagement and enhancing our capabilities with cutting-edge manufacturing techniques.”
“Our business transformation led to us being appointed as myFirst’s exclusive contract manufacturer, marking our inaugural venture into box-building manufacturing of Internet of Things (IoT) enabled smart devices. We are now well-poised to meet the advanced manufacturing requirements of our customers, and will continue to build upon our strong record and maintain a healthy project pipeline.”
About Fu Yu Corporation Limited
Established in 1978, Fu Yu is Singapore’s oldest and one of Asia’s largest manufacturers of high-end precision plastic and metal components, and products.
Backed by more than 45 years of operating knowledge, Fu Yu provides vertically-integrated manufacturing services to a diversified and loyal customer base across segments and geographies. We operate 6 strategic manufacturing sites across Singapore, Malaysia, and China, and have more than 1.5 million square feet of production floor capacity.
Our Supply Chain Solutions arm was established in 2021 to provide commodity supply chain management services for our customers.
myFirst is the world’s first kids tech ecosystem connecting over 1 million families. Real tech for kids with fun devices, connected services and kid-safe social network to socialise, share and go anywhere, all safely connected with their friends and family.
Our fun devices are the gateway to our kids’ suitable social circle network, myFirst Circle, which is specially designed for kids, their friends, parents and grandparents, to interact within circles of trust with no ads, no strangers, only real, trusted connections.
Providing timely assistance to parents of SEN children through the support of academic research Collaborating with The Hong Kong Police Force to Promote Child Protection Education Experts offer insight on AI Technology Application and Parent-School Collaboration
ALO Parent Education App/Digital Platform (ALO) is collaborating with The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) to provide greater support for students with special educational needs (SEN) and their parents. Celebrating its one-year anniversary, ALO has announced significant system updates and an expansion of its content, including collaboration with the Hong Kong Police Force to promote child protection messages. To mark this momentous occasion, ALO organized the “ALO and EdUHK Collaboration ” Launch Ceremony and Inaugural Seminar. The event not only unveiled the scope and direction of the collaboration with EdUHK but also featured accomplished professionals from the education sector sharing insights on different topics, including the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in the field of education. Representative from the Hong Kong Police Force was also present to promote child protection messages. Distinguished guests in attendance included Mr. Jeff SZE Chun Fai, JP, Under Secretary for Education; Professor Kenneth SIN Kuen Fung, MH, EdUHK; Ms. YU Hoi Kwan, Chief Superintendent of Police (Crime Support); Mr. Eugene FONG Yick-jin, Chairman of Committee on Home-School Co-operation; Mr. Henry TONG Sau-Chai, MH, JP, Vice Chairman of HKTA The Yuen Yuen Institute; Dr. Kevin YUNG Wai Ho, EdUHK; and Mr. CM CHUNG, Principal of Shanghai Alumni Primary School, among others.
CHOI Man-Kwan, JP, District Officer (Kowloon City); Mr. Fletch CHAN Wai-wai, Director of Information Service; Mr. Percy LEUNG Tsz-Kin, District Commander (Shatin) of Police; Professor Kenneth SIN Kuen Fung, MH, EdUHK; Mr. Peter TSANG Cheung, JP, the founder of ALO; Mr. Jeff SZE Chun Fai, JP, Under Secretary for Education; Ms. YU Hoi Kwan, Chief Superintendent of Police (Crime Support); Mr. Wong Chin Ho, Deputy Division Chief of the New Territories Sub-office of the LOCPG; Mr. Stephen Law Cheuk Kin, JP, CPPCC National Committee Member; Mr. Henry Tong Sau-Chai, MH, JP, Vice Chairman of HKTA The Yuen Yuen Institute
The officiating guest, Mr. Jeff SZE Chun Fai, JP, Under Secretary for Education, expressed, “I am pleased to attend the ‘ALO and EdUHK Collaboration’ Launch Ceremony and Inaugural Seminar, and also celebrate ALO’s first anniversary. It is gratifying to witness the continuous improvement of the ALO Parent Education App/Digital Platform over the past year, as well as its efforts to connect with more schools to expand services and enhance the quality of parental education in Hong Kong. Additionally, I am delighted to see the collaboration between ALO and EdUHKm that enables parents to systematically learn effective parenting methods and knowledge through the digital platform. I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the ALO team and EdUHK for their ongoing efforts and contributions to parental education.”
“ALO utilises artificial intelligence technology and combines it with the expertise and experience of the EdUHK team. For parents of students with special educational needs, the journey of parenting is never smooth. The Education Bureau attaches great importance to parental education. The care and love of parents, along with the guidance and support of schools, are crucial for nurturing children’s growth. The Education Bureau is committed to supporting parents with diverse needs, including initiatives such as the “Smart Parent Net” information platform and the “SENSE” website. These platforms provide essential information for supporting students’ physical and mental development, as well as practical information and videos to assist parents in caring for children with special educational needs, helping them establish a positive parent-child relationship and promote children’s overall development. The successful implementation of parental education relies on the support and collaboration from various stakeholders. The collaboration between ALO, EdUHK, and the Hong Kong Police Force serves as a testament to the importance of interdisciplinary and cross-professional cooperation. In the days ahead, I hope that we can continue to work together to enhance society’s emphasis on parental education, creating a joyful and healthy learning and growth experience for children, enabling them to enjoy learning, unleash their potential, and fully develop their strengths,” Jeff added.
Mr. Peter TSANG Cheung, JP, the founder of ALO, delivers welcome speech at the event.
Mr. Peter TSANG Cheung, JP, the founder of ALO, stated, “Since its launch in 2023, ALO has been serving for a year. I would like to express my gratitude to all colleagues for their hard work, as well as the support and encouragement from the society. ALO has achieved significant milestones during this time. We have garnered participation from over 100 schools and received positive feedback from principals and teachers responsible for parent education, who are eager for the speedy activation of ALO. We are committed to continuously gathering feedback and improving the platform’s content quality and quantity, enhancing functionality and user experience, and expanding our range of services. In the upcoming enhanced version, ALO 4.0, we will introduce new categories such as ‘Special Education,’ ‘National Education,’ and ‘Law-abidingness Education.’ Through collaborations with various partners, we aim to provide more authoritative content. Notably, ALO will collaborate with EdUHK to launch the Parent Education and Special Education Certificate Course. We are also grateful for our collaboration with the Hong Kong Police Force in promoting child protection messages to the public. Looking ahead, we anticipate ALO’s continued engagement with diverse sectors of society in creating a happier and more nurturing environment for the next generation.”
Collaboration with EdUHK to launch Parent Education and Special Education Certificate Courses, seizing the “golden period” to provide support for SEN Students
To better support SEN students, it is essential to identify and intervene during the critical “golden period” between the ages of 3 and 6. Accessing support services early on greatly enhances their integration into the mainstream education system. However, the demand for SEN support services currently surpasses the available supply in Hong Kong. Consequently, parents face significant pressure and may experience emotional difficulties due to the caregiving responsibilities involved. In this collaboration, EdUHK is supporting ALO to address the unique learning needs of SEN students. Together, they are launching Parent Education and Special Education Certificate Course, which aims to provide tailored support to SEN students and facilitate their seamless integration into the mainstream education system.
Professor John LEE Chi Kin, JP, President of EdUHK, delivers speech on the collaboration with ALO at the event.
Regarding this collaboration, Professor John LEE Chi Kin, JP, President of EdUHK, expressed, “In the process of children’s holistic development, parents play a crucial role. Currently, the EdUHK’s teacher training programs also cover topics related to parent education, including communication with children, parent-school cooperation, and parental support. At the same time, EdUHK is actively developing various educational resources, such as e-learning materials for special education, to assist parents in teaching their children at home. I am delighted that the EdUHK team from the Institute of Special Needs and Inclusive Education (ISNIE) will collaborate with ALO to provide information and training on special education. This collaboration will enable parents to better understand their children’s needs, abilities, interests, and aspirations, fostering their growth in a positive environment. I sincerely wish for the steady development of the collaboration between EdUHK and ALO, jointly promoting parent education and the holistic development of students.”
Seminar centered around two key topics: the application of AI in education and how to create an ideal environment for children’s growth
ALO’s inaugural seminar focused on two key topics: the application of AI in education and creating a better growth environment for children to unleash their potential. The development of AI has brought revolutionary changes to our daily lives, and ALO, as an easy-to-use and digitally-driven interactive platform, keeps up with the times by actively incorporating AI elements to enhance content quality and comprehensively address the challenges of parenting and education in Hong Kong. During the seminar, ALO showcased examples of AI applications, such as the introduction of a virtual teacher avatar function and an AI-powered video generation platform. These innovations significantly reduce teachers’ workload, enhance students’ learning motivation, and greatly increase teaching flexibility. For instance, teachers no longer need to regularly record videos for students learning at home. Instead, they can simply input the content and generate videos using generative AI. Dr. Kevin YUNG Wai Ho from EdUHK demonstrated how artificial intelligence can facilitate self-directed learning at the event.
Guest speakers at the sharing session includes (From left to right): Mr. Henry TONG Sau-Chai, MH, JP, Vice Chairman of HKTA The Yuen Yuen Institute; Mr SAU Hang-chor, Principal of Sam Shui Natives Association Lau Pun Cheung School; Ms. KAN Shuk-Ching, Principal of ELCHK Ma On Shan Lutheran Primary School; Mr. Paul CHEUK Tak-Kan, Principal of Tung Wan Mok Law Shui Wah School; Mr. CHEN Tak-Nam, Principal of Hoi Ping Chamber of Commerce Secondary School; Mr. Alan LAI Chun-Wing, Principal of HKTA The Yuen Yuen Institute No.3 Secondary School; Mr. CHU Ka-Tim, Principal of Shatin Pui Ying College; Mr. Eddie LAM Tak-Yuk, Principal of Tseung Kwan O Methodist Primary School; Ms. LI Wai-Man, Principal of S.K.H. Kindly Light Church Holy Carpenter Kindergarten Nursery; and Mr. Eugene FONG Yick-jin, Chairman of Committee on Home-School Co-operation.
Dr. Kevin YUNG Wai Ho, from EdUHK, discussed the role of AI in instructional transformation, stating, “Artificial intelligence brings significant autonomous motivation to students in teaching. Its advantages include providing personalized instruction, adaptive learning, 24/7 availability of services, supporting the role of teachers, meeting the needs of non-mainstream and special education, avoiding human bias, and providing real-time feedback/actions.” Dr. Kevin Yung also mentioned that he has personally witnessed the impressive generation of AI virtual characters, whose lip movements and body gestures are very natural. This has made him look forward to the greater contributions that ALO can make in education in the future.
The AI avatar of Dr. Kevin YUNG Wai Ho, from EdUHK, generated by ALO using artificial intelligence.
Mr. CM CHUNG, Principal of Shanghai Alumni Primary School, shared practical examples of AI integration in teaching and expressed, ” Shanghai Alumni Primary School has been implementing ALO for some time, and indeed, artificial intelligence brings revolutionary new learning modes and educational methods, providing practical assistance for school operations. Teachers can pre-record videos, input text content, and automatically generate videos with teaching presentations, significantly reducing time costs. For students with special educational needs, the teaching pace or replay can be adjusted according to their needs and absorption abilities. Particularly during the peak of influenza season, even if teachers are absent due to illness, substitute teachers can easily access teaching materials from the intranet, ensuring smooth progression of the curriculum.”
Professor Kenneth SIN Kuen Fung, MH, from EdUHK, shared insights on assisting underprivileged students in unleashing their potential, remarking, ” In recent years, Hong Kong adopts a dual-track mode in providing special education, resulting in an increasing number of students with SEN attending mainstream schools. In fact, many SEN students have exceptional talents. For example, a few years ago, an autistic athlete represented Hong Kong in the Special Olympics and won a gold medal. The truth is that many students have untapped talents, and with the use of technology, they can be discovered and nurtured, benefiting more students, schools, and teachers.”
Additionally, the event invited eight principals from kindergartens, primary schools, secondary schools, and special schools participate in sharing session. They shared their views on how parents and schools can collaborate to create a better growth environment for children, including Mr. Henry TONG Sau-Chai, MH, JP, Vice Chairman of HKTA The Yuen Yuen Institute; Mr SAU Hang-chor, Principal of Sam Shui Natives Association Lau Pun Cheung School; Ms. KAN Shuk-Ching, Principal of ELCHK Ma On Shan Lutheran Primary School; Mr. Paul CHEUK Tak-Kan, Principal of Tung Wan Mok Law Shui Wah School; Mr. CHEN Tak-Nam, Principal of Hoi Ping Chamber of Commerce Secondary School; Mr. Alan LAI Chun-Wing, Principal of HKTA The Yuen Yuen Institute No.3 Secondary School; Mr. CHU Ka-Tim, Principal of Shatin Pui Ying College; Mr. Eddie LAM Tak-Yuk, Principal of Tseung Kwan O Methodist Primary School; Ms. LI Wai-Man, Principal of S.K.H. Kindly Light Church Holy Carpenter Kindergarten Nursery; and Mr. Eugene FONG Yick-jin, Chairman of Committee on Home-School Co-operation.
ALO’s enhanced 4.0 version features a collaboration with the Hong Kong Police Force to promote child protection messages and advocate for the well-being of parents.
ALO has continuously gathered feedback and expanded its service coverage, this includes collaborating with different government departments and university institutions to provide authoritative content, aiming to assist parents in various situations within the community. In response to the latest educational needs, ALO enhanced its 4.0 version by introducing the categories of ‘National Education’ and ‘Law-abidingness Education.’ Simultaneously, ALO collaborates with the Hong Kong Police Force to provide the latest information, such as Crime Prevention Alerts, and also promote messages related to child protection to the general public.
Ms. YU Hoi Kwan, Chief Superintendent of Police (Crime Support), expressed her thoughts on the collaboration, stating, “I am delighted to collaborate with ALO through the ‘Crime Alerts Network (CAN)’ and ‘SafeCity Ambassadors’ initiatives, providing the platform with the latest crime prevention and child protection information. ALO’s lively and engaging animations enhance public awareness of law-abidingness, allowing parents to familiarize themselves with legal knowledge and methods of seeking assistance in child protection. This collaboration complements the work of law enforcement agencies, working hand in hand to promote the safety and well-being of children.”
According to the Curriculum Framework on Parent Education by the Education Bureau, the four major categories of parent education include “Understanding of Child Development,” “Promotion of Healthy, Happy and Balanced Development of Children,” “Promotion of Parents’ Physical and Psychological Well-being,” and “Fostering Home-school Co-operation and Communication.” However, the aspect of “Promotion of Parents’ Physical and Psychological Well-being” is often overlooked. Recognizing this, ALO is committed to incorporating content in this category into its platform. Mr. Peter TSANG Cheung, JP, the founder of ALO, also shares his experience in practices such as “Stake-Standing” and Tai Chi Chuan, which he has cultivated over the years, through the ALO mobile application, aiming to promote the physical and mental well-being of the public, including parents, principals, teachers, and students.
Looking ahead, Mr. Peter TSANG Cheung, JP, the founder of ALO, stated, “As an educator, one of the most important principles is to keep pace with the times and ensure that students acquire knowledge and skills that meet the needs of the era when they enter society. ALO, as an educational platform, has never stopped improving the quality and quantity of its content, optimizing functionality and user experience, and expanding its service coverage. We aim to provide the necessary assistance to parents facing various situations in society, enabling the next generation to grow up in a joyful and happy environment. In the future, ALO will stay true to its original mission of ‘Unite Hong Kong to Support Parents ; Build a Prosperous Society Through Positive Parenting,’ contributing to the construction of a prosperous society in Hong Kong!”
About ALO Established in 2021, ALO is Hong Kong’s first parent education digital app/platform system launched by the non-profit organization Children Social Network (CSN). Based on the Curriculum Framework on Parent Education launched by the Education Bureau (EDB) for kindergartens and primary schools, ALO creates authoritative, systematic as well as interesting multimedia positive parenting information, providing a holistic support for the promotion of parent education. The content covers four major aspects “understanding of child development”, “promotion of healthy, happy and balanced development of children, “promotion of parents’ physical and psychological well-being” and “fostering home school cooperation & communication.”
Supported by a team of education professionals responsible for planning, producing, supporting, and supervising the multimedia content for parent education, ALO responds flexibly to the need of modern parents on raising children, and offers a new space for home-school interaction, communication as well as experience sharing for local schools and parents. Together with different industry sectors, ALO is committed to working towards the future of children.
This press release is issued by Strategic Communications Consultants Limited on behalf of ALO. For any enquiries, please contact:
Strategic Communication Consulting Services Limited (SCC)
Speaks at length on number of topics ranging from foreign affairs to education
India’s External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar had a vibrant interaction with members of the Indian diaspora in Singapore and students of the Global SchoolsGroup at a three-hour long session at the Quantum Arena of One World International School Campus on Sunday.
Dr S Jaishankar at OWIS Digital Campus
The session was an interaction with the respected and popular Foreign Minister of India who is in Singapore on a 3-day visit on account of his book tour following the release of his latest work ‘Why Bharat Matters’. Dr Jaishankar spoke extensively on a number of issues including India’s economic progress as a nation, its relationship with the diaspora and its aspirations for the future. He also touched up on many topics including sustainability, start-up culture and student community.
“India’s bounce back from the pandemic has been remarkable, showcasing its economic prowess and societal resilience,” Dr Jaishankar said, adding, “We have streamlined business regulations, invested in rural infrastructure, and embraced digitization, laying the foundation for a prosperous future.” He also took a range of questions from students of OWIS and GIIS, as well as from members of the audience, answering them with flair and poise.
The event was attended by business professionals, students, educationists and members of the Indian community in Singapore. It began with a ‘Ganesh Vandana’ – the auspicious Indian way of commencing any event by invoking the Elephant God Ganesha – performed by students of GIIS.
A 20-minute documentary on Indian freedom fighter Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and his connection with Singapore was also shown during the occasion, in collaboration with the local Tagore Society. “India has marked a significant milestone in its history by honouring one of its greatest freedom fighters, Netaji Bose, with the unveiling of his statue at Kartavya Path in the capital,” Dr Jaishankar observed. “Netaji remains a beacon of inspiration for our nation, guiding us through our journey of progress and development,” he said. “As we celebrate India’s rise on the global stage, it is essential to pay homage to the struggles that paved the way for our success.”
In addition, Dr Jaishankar also said that as India embarks on its journey of growth and development, there is value in investing in its people and creating economic opportunities for all. “Our roots define who we are as a nation, and it is essential to nurture and cherish them. By investing in our people and fostering prosperity, we lay the groundwork for a more inclusive and sustainable future.”
During his visit to Singapore, Dr Jaishankar met with the city-state’s prime minister Lee Hsien Loong, and also gave a lecture at the Institute of South Asian Studies. This was his maiden visit at the Global Village Campus, and third visit to Global Indian International School.
Renowned mental wellness expert and global peace ambassador Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar will conduct an immersive Mental Health Masterclass to advance strategies and techniques for enhanced mental wellness on 24 March 2024. The event is expected to attract full capacity at The Theatre at Mediacorp.
Gurudev’s commitment to advance mental health is the core of the Art of Living Foundation (AOLF), the non-profit organisation he founded in 1981. The AOLF has taught evidence-based programmes to promote mental wellness for 41 years. Its powerful proprietary Sudarshan Kriya technique, supported by published research has helped millions worldwide.
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’s holistic programme, with emphasis on treatment and preventive care aligns with Singapore’s national mental health and well-being strategy. AOLF is pulling out all the stops to ensure the Masterclass offers the solution to maintaining optimum mental well-being for all. Gurudev is conducting the Masterclass as part of his 11 Countries Far East Asia Tour, heralding a reinvigorated mindset towards mental health as a universal human right. This is Gurudev’s first visit to Singapore after 6 years, the 8th stop in the tour.
The Journey Within: Wisdom Series Masterclass 24 March 2024 The Theatre at Mediacorp One-North Ave, Singapore 138507 1030am – 630pm
About Art of Living Foundation https://www.artofliving.sg Operating in over 180 countries, The Art of Living Foundation (AOLF) is a non-profit, educational and humanitarian organisation. Founded in 1981 by the renowned humanitarian Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. 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 educational and self-development programmes and tools that foster well-being.
About Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is a global humanitarian, spiritual leader, and peace envoy. He has helped millions find resilience in the face of adversity, and become powerful agents for social change. 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. He has received 39 governmental awards, including the highest civilian awards from several nations. Twenty-four universities have awarded him with honorary doctorates for his peace-keeping and humanitarian efforts.
Media Contact: Pradnyesh pradnyesh@bloomingdalepr.com Bloomingdale Public Relations (on behalf of The Art of Living Foundation)
The Group runs 64 campuses for K-12 schools from Asia to Europe
Global Schools Group (GSG) has launched its new logo last Friday (Jan 26), as the Singapore-based educational institution aims to chalk a new chapter in its 20+ year journey for the next decade and more.
Global Schools Group New Logo inaugurated by the Group
GSG, an initiative of Global Schools Foundation, owns and operates a network of 64 award winning international schools around the world educating more than 45,000 students studying international curricula for outcomes that propel them on the path of global leadership.
The launch of the new logo at its Singapore conference coincided with the group’s aims for the future which is to maximise potential through personalisation, competency-based learning and inspiring students to fall in love with learning.
“GSG aims to have its future schools drive significant value for its students and parents and new GSG logo reflects the aspirations and modernity that is expected by our stakeholders,” said Mr Atul Temurnikar, Chairman of Global Schools Group.
GSG schools include 12 school brands which run 64 campuses across Asia, Middle East & UK/Europe. These include One World International School (Singapore, Riyadh, Osaka, Bangalore), Glendale International School (Hyderabad, Dubai), Global Indian International School (India, Singapore, Japan, UAE, Malaysia, Thailand), Dwight School Seoul (Korea), Harrods International School (Cambodia), Regent International School (Malaysia), Chinese International School Manila and Domuschola International School (The Philippines), Heath House Preparatory School (The UK), Vikaasa Group of Schools, Witty Group of Institutions (both India) and Emirates American School (UAE).
ABOUT GSG Global Schools Group is an initiative of Global Schools Foundation, a not-for-profit which was founded in 2002 as a community-oriented education institution whose mission is to cultivate and nurture young minds into global leaders of the future. In the last two decades, the Group has grown as a leading premium K12 education institution. Its schools provide multiple international curricula, including International Baccalaureate, Cambridge IGCSE, British National Curricula, American common core and IPC curricula to over 45,000 students which study across 64 campuses in 11 countries in Asia, Middle East and Europe.
In 2021, GSG’s parent body was recognised as “World’s Most Awarded Network of Schools” by World Book of Records UK & Switzerland, for being a recipient of 235 awards for innovation, Green initiatives, Performance excellence, Business excellence etc.
Over 100 events covering a wide range of industries and latest information on education and careers – More than 800 institutions from 17 countries and regions have brought in the latest information on education and careers. – Over 3,000 job opportunities are being offered, with some employers providing on-site interviews. – The latest on local and overseas education from representatives of educational institutions and Consulate-Generals. – Events covering four main themes: Arts & Culture, Innovation & Technology, Greater Bay Area Opportunities, and Aviation & Maritime.
Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council(HKTDC), the 33rdHKTDC Education & Careers Expo runs from today until 28 January (Thursday to Sunday) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). The Expo assembles over 800 institutions from 17 countries and regions, offering comprehensive information on studies, training, and career opportunities. Public visitors are welcome to join the Expo and it is free of charge.
The Expo is divided into Education and CareersZones, with over 100 events featured, covering Arts & Culture, Innovation & Technology, Greater Bay Area Opportunities, and Aviation & Maritime. Star speakers are invited from various industries to share their experience, discuss the anticipated challenges in local, Mainland China and overseas education, as well as analyse the different education systems, hence facilitating students to map their paths and equip themselves for a better future.
Officiating at the expo’s opening ceremony this morning was Margaret Fong, HKTDC Executive Director and Ingrid Yeung, Secretary for the Civil Service, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government. Ms Fong said in her welcoming remarks: “As one of our longest-running fairs, the Expo continues to provide an ideal platform, disseminating up-to-date information to the public on further studies and career opportunities. I would like to thank our partners for their support of this year’s Education & Careers Expo. I wish everyone a fruitful event, and the best of luck to those seeking new opportunities.”
The Expo features diverse content, including information on further studies in Hong Kong, Mainland China, and overseas universities as well as the latest information on the employment landscape and trends in various industries. The four-day Expo is divided into four main themes. The first day’s theme is Arts & Culture. Representatives from the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority has provided insights on how to pursue one’s artistic dreams; and Mr Tom Chan, Founder and Creative Director of Boom Theatre, has shared his valuable experience in the theatre industry.
On the Innovation & Technology theme day tomorrow, representatives from the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department and the Hong Kong Institute of Construction will share the career paths and prospects of the industry. Mr Raymond Mak, Co-founder & Chief Empowerment Officer of Farmacy HK Limited, will share his experience of becoming an entrepreneur in the field of innovation and technology. The other themes are Greater Bay Area Opportunities and Aviation & Maritime. Star speakers and exhibitors will share their views on the opportunities of studying and working in the Greater Bay Area. This will include the Labour Department’s introduction of the Greater Bay Area Youth Employment Scheme, which has become a regular programme since last year. Additionally, Hong Kong’s first female Vessel Manager, Joanna Kwok, will share the pains and joys of her seafaring career.
There will be over 100 events, including seminars that feature star speakers and experts from the education sector and various industries. Representatives from Hang Seng University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Shue Yan University; the Consulate General of France in Hong Kong & Macau and South African Consulate General in Hong Kong SAR; Managing Director of Britannia StudyLink Samuel Chan and Secretary of Starian Vincent Ng will share their views on Hong Kong and overseas education programmes.
Experts from various industries will also share their insights on career paths, including those from less explored sectors. For example, representatives from the Greening, Landscape & Tree Management Section of the Development Bureau of HKSAR will discuss career paths for landscape architects and forestry trainees on the first day.
The exhibition is divided into Education and Career Zones. The Education Zone comprises four zones, including the Local Studies Zone featuring an array of universities and tertiary colleges, such as The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, the Vocational Training Council; and three local private universities. The Overseas, Mainland China & Macao Education Zone covers overseas education information and services for 16 countries and regions, such as Europe, America, Asia, and Mainland China; the Lifelong Learning Zone explores continuing education courses on technology education and more while the Youth Zone provides information on continuing education and career planning, including summer jobs, internship opportunities and full-time positions.
The Careers Zone offers more than 3,000 job openings, with 18 government departments and nine public organisations recruiting at the Expo. Private organisations such as banks and insurance companies are also recruiting at the fair. Recruitment Square, a hub that brings together job search platforms and employers from public and private companies, accepts applications from graduates, entry-level job seekers and experienced professionals. On-site interviews will be offered at the fairground. Visitors can bring their resumes to the expo for onsite application.
Ingrid Yeung, Secretary for Civil Service of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, officiated at the opening ceremony for the 33rd edition of the HKTDC Education & Careers Expo
Margaret Fong, HKTDC Executive Director gave welcome remarks at the opening ceremony, saying that as one of our longest-running fairs, the Expo continues to provide an ideal platform, disseminating up-to-date information to the public on further studies and career opportunities
(from left to right) Professor Gillian CHOA, Director of The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts; Matthias Kaufmann, Deputy Head of Office of European Union Office to Hong Kong and Macao; Ir. Thomas Ho, Chairman of the Construction Industry Council; Margaret Fong, HKTDC Executive Director; Ingrid Yeung, Secretary for Civil Service of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Christile Drulhe, Consul General of Consulate General of France in Hong Kong & Macau; Stefanie Seedig, Deputy Consul General of German Consulate General Hong Kong; and Dr Eric Liu, Acting Executive Director of Vocational Training Council attended the opening ceremony.
The Expo featured a variety of activities, providing information on further studies and the latest information on the employment landscape and trends in various industries
Tom Chan, Founder and Creative Director of Boom Theatre, shared his valuable experience in the theatre industry
Representatives from Development Bureau of HKSAR provided career paths for landscape architects and forestry trainees.
This year’s Expo features four education-themed zones, the Local Studies Zone include an array of universities and tertiary colleges in Hong Kong
Careers Zone offers over 3,000 job opportunities. Recruitment Square which brings together job search platforms and employers from public and private companies, is set to accept job applications from graduates, entry-level job seekers and experienced professionals and conduct on-site interviews
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 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 exhibitions, conferences 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. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn.
The Global Partnership for Education and the Institute for Economics & Peace have released new research providing compelling evidence of the strong relationship between education and peace.
The Global Partnership for Education (GPE), and the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP), have released new research providing compelling evidence of the strong relationship between education and peace. Released on the International Day of Education, the analysis demonstrates how improvements in education levels are closely linked to more peaceful societies.
The past decade has been marked by lethal conflicts, crises and wars. Across the globe, wars keep taking countless lives, displacing civilians from their homes and leaving many more in a dire need of life-saving assistance. There is an urgent need to rebuild the foundations that can underpin lasting peace, and yet too often one of the most crucial of these, education, is often relegated to a development afterthought.
“This year began with a dismal global outlook for peace, but we can restore hope by urgently investing more in education,” said Laura Frigenti, GPE Chief Executive Officer. “It is time we heeded the mounting evidence that education is a smart, mutually sustaining investment in prosperity and peace.”
While the disastrous impacts of conflict on education are widely acknowledged, research on the reciprocal relationship between peace and education has been sparse and outdated. To fill this essential knowledge gap and provide evidence to drive sound policies, the GPE has partnered with the IEP to break down and better understand the relationship between education and peace.
Key finding: Countries with higher primary school completion rates are in general more peaceful. Conversely, countries that enjoy high levels of peacefulness have secondary school completion rates of 99 percent. On the other hand, countries that suffer from low levels of peacefulness have on average secondary school completion rates of only 52 percent.
Countries with high education levels enjoy more overall social and political stability, and the opposite is also true: countries with low education levels tend to experience a higher occurrence and intensity of internal conflict. In other words, better performance in education can reduce the severity and duration of societal violence and save lives.
Improvements in peace indicators see more investment in education. Countries that invest more in education enjoy higher levels of peacefulness. For example, in 2020, Namibia, one of the most peaceful countries in Africa, had the sixth-highest rate of government investment in education globally as a percentage of GDP.
Mounting evidence has shown that investing in education is essential for peacebuilding. There is an urgent need to ensure adequate resources are channeled to education. This can allow governments, donors and international organizations to live up to their collective responsibility of giving every girl and boy the opportunity to get the knowledge and skills they need to usher in a more peaceful and prosperous future.
NOTES TO EDITORSAbout Global Partnership for Education (GPE): GPE is a shared commitment to ending the world’s learning crisis. We mobilize partners and funds to support nearly 90 lower-income countries to transform their education systems so that every girl and boy can get the quality education they need to unlock their full potential and contribute to building a better world.
About Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP): IEP is an independent, non-profit think tank dedicated to shifting the world’s focus to peace as a positive, achievable, and tangible measure of human well-being and progress. It achieves its goals by developing new conceptual frameworks to define peacefulness; providing metrics for measuring peace; and uncovering the relationships between business, peace, and prosperity as well as promoting a better understanding of the cultural, economic, and political factors that create peace.
Over 800 institutions provide education and employment information, onsite job interviews offered – More than 800 organisations from 17 countries and regions have brought in the latest information on education and careers. – Over 3,000 job opportunities are being offered, with some employers providing on-site interviews. – The career zone includes four main themes: Arts & Culture, Innovation & Technology, Greater Bay Area Opportunities, and Aviation & Maritime. – More than 100 activities will be held during the expo, include sharing sessions from representatives of sectors such as Performing Arts, Smart Agriculture, and Start-ups, among others.
The 33rd Education & Careers Expo, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), will take place at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from 25 to 28 January (Thursday to Sunday). Divided into Education and Careers sections, the Expo assembles over 800 institutions from 17 countries and regions, offering comprehensive information on studies, training and career opportunities. More than 3,000 job opportunities are available, with some employers offering on-the-spot interviews. The public is welcome to attend and it’s free of charge.
Speaking at today’s press conference to announce details of the expo, Jenny Koo, HKTDC Assistant Executive Director, said: “Themed Go with Your Passion, Go Beyond Limits, the Expo serves as a crucial nexus, congregating a multitude of educational institutions, professional bodies, public entities and private enterprises. These organisations collaboratively deliver up-to-date information on education, skill enhancement and job opportunities. Serving as a comprehensive one-stop platform, the expo enables students to engage exhibitors directly. This not only fosters a more profound understanding of both local, mainland China and international study programmes and considerations but also aids students in identifying suitable academic institutions. On the other hand, a number of government departments, public entities and private enterprises are actively recruiting at the Expo. This presents abundant opportunities for job seekers, enabling them to strategically map out their career paths.”
Education-themed zones offer details of local and overseas education programmes
This year’s Expo features four education-themed zones: Local Studies Zone exhibitors include an array of Hong Kong universities, and tertiary colleges, such as The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Vocational Training Council; and three local private universities;
Overseas, Mainland China & Macao Education Zone offers overseas education consulting services for 16 countries and regions, such as Europe, America, Asia and mainland China;
Lifelong Learning Zone explores continuing education courses on technology education and more;
Youth Zone provides information on continuing education and career planning, including summer jobs, internship opportunities and full-time positions.
On-the-spot job interviews available at the Career-themed Zones The career-themed zones provide more than 3,000 job opportunities, facilitating job seekers to understand the latest employment information and job market trends. Along with 18 government departments and 9 public organisations joining the Expo, a variety of private sector entities – such as banks and insurance companies, professional services and more – will also attend the fair to recruit talents. At the Recruitment Square, job search platforms and employers from public and private companies will accept applications from graduates, entry-level job seekers and experienced professionals and will conduct on-site interviews at the fairground. Visitors can bring their resumes to the expo and apply for posts that interest them.
Four themes introduce career trends and prospects The four-day event features more than 100 stimulating activities under four main themes. The primary theme of Arts & Culture brings in representatives from West Kowloon Cultural District Authority to share insights on the pursuit of artistic dreams, while Mr Tom Chan, Founder and Creative Director of Boom Theatre, will share his success story on the production of Our Journal of Springtime, the longest-running musical in Hong Kong. The second theme focusing on Innovation & Technology will feature representatives from The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, Hong Kong Institute of Construction and others to present an array of career opportunities intimately linked with the disciplines of engineering and technology at the expo. The Rocket Academy is going to host a seminar on soft skills for success in the technology world. Mr Raymond Mak, Co-founder & CEO of Farmacy HK Limited, will share his career path in the innovation and technology sector. For the theme of Greater Bay Area Opportunities, as well as Aviation & Maritime, experts will discuss career prospects in Nansha, while The Hong Kong International Aviation Academy will share on the steps to pursue a pilot career.
Speaking at a press conference to introduce this year’s Education & Careers Expo, Jenny Koo, HKTDC Assistant Executive Director, said: “The Expo serves as a crucial nexus, congregating a multitude of educational institutions, professional bodies, public entities and private enterprises. These organisations collaboratively deliver up-to-date information on education, skill enhancement and job opportunities.”
Representatives from different organisations provide details of key expo events at the press conference, offering the latest information on education, training and careers. Pictured from left to right are Foong Leung, Head of Operations, Rocket Academy; Carol Tang, Deputy Director, Communications and Public Relations Office, Vocational Training Council; Jenny Koo, Assistant Executive Director, HKTDC; Dr Terry Lam, Senior Lecturer (Digital Screen Design), School of Film and Television, The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts; and Steven Lui, Executive Director and Head Coach, HKCareers
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 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 exhibitions, conferences 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. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn
Revolutionary initiative set to optimize child development by aligning psychological well-being with academic excellence, aims to impact child development of 10,000 families
Nutrigene Modern Sciences Sdn. Bhd. (Nutrigeneor the Company), a pioneer in the field of science-driven approach for child development, proudly announces the nationwide launch of Personalised Development Program (PDP). Representing a paradigm shift in parenting and education, this initiative harnesses the power of DNA to harmonize nature and nurture, fostering the holistic development of children.
L-R: Joyce Chan, MD of Nutrigene Modern Sciences; Dato Dr, Gavin Voon; Dato Sri Chuah Poh Khiang; Benjamin Yuen, TVB artist; Dr Choo Wenxi, Founder & CEO of Nutrigene Modern Sciences; Shaun Tam, TVB artist; Dato Sri Tommy Lee; Tyler Teh, Director of Nutrigene Singapore; and Carven Chan, Director of Educational Program
TVB artists sharing experiences on their children’s DNA report with Dr Choo Wenxi, Founder & CEO of Nutrigene Modern Sciences
Dr. Choo Wenxi, Founder & CEO of Nutrigene, emphasises the transformative nature of the program, “We’re committed to transforming the concept of parenting through the power of DNA. PDP is more than an educational program, it’s a comprehensive approach to nurturing children’s psychological well-being alongside their academic growth. Our goal is to assist families in understanding and supporting their child’s unique needs holistically, thereby shaping their futures.”
PDP is designed to catalyse a shift in educational paradigms, focusing on the psychological as well as the academic development of children. The program is designed to nurture diverse developmental domains, encompassing language, numeracy, world discovery, motor skills, arts and music. Aligned with forward-thinking families, educators, and childcare professionals, Nutrigene envisions a more informed and comprehensive approach to child development, fostering collaborative ventures to empower educators and parenting coaches to excel in their fields.
Dr. Choo added, “Our hallmark RIASEC (Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising And Conventional) Career Talent DNA Test has been innovatively applied to early childhood development. This framework enables parents to comprehend their child’s inherent strengths and inclinations from a young age, facilitating more informed and supportive parenting.
Nutrigene is proud to offer both RIASEC Career Talent DNA Test and PDP as a holistic solution for parents. We aspire to assist 10,000 families to recognize that every child deserves to develop physically, mentally and academically in their unique way by 2025. We are open to collaborations with individuals and organisations who share our vision of unlocking the full potential of every child through innovative and personalised education.”
In tandem with the launch of the PDP, Nutrigene announces the inauguration of its maiden branch in Kuching, Sarawak. Beyond business expansion, this move underscores Nutrigene’s commitment to democratizing their innovative educational approach, ensuring every child receives an education tailored to their unique needs, shaping a brighter and fulfilling future.
With the introduction of the PDP and the opening of a new branch in Sarawak, Nutrigene is poised to redefine the standards of personalized education, showcasing unwavering dedication to nurturing and empowering the next generation to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Dr. Choo said, “Ensuring qualified and compassionate educators at our center is crucial. Nutrigene values each educator, acknowledging their pivotal role in shaping young minds, and is committed to enhancing their professional journey, offering career advancement opportunities and personal growth. We aim to create a nurturing environment where educators feel respected, supported and empowered to deliver their best.”
