HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 October 2025 – AIA Hong Kong (AIA) has once again led across key market metrics in the latest provisional statistics on Hong Kong’s long-term insurance business for the first half of 2025*. Notably, AIA has retained its No.1 position in number of new business policies for 11 consecutive years**— a clear reflection of customers’ enduring trust.
AIA Hong Kong together with Blue Cross were honoured with the highest number of Top-3 Finalist Awards — winning a total of 12 accolades, including 3 Grand Awards. Pictured here is Mr. Alger Fung, Chief Executive Officer of AIA Hong Kong & Macau.
Mr. Alger Fung, Chief Executive Officer of AIA Hong Kong & Macau, said, “Thanks to our customers’ trust, AIA has led in number of new business policies for 11 consecutive years. This leadership means that when people seek protection for their future and loved ones, AIA remains their top choice because our health and wealth solutions, along with services beyond traditional insurance, truly stand out. What matters most to AIA is helping every customer prepare for the future and care for their loved ones, moving forward with confidence towards Healthier, Longer, Better Lives, while serving diverse customer needs across different coverage sizes. With the trust customers places in us, AIA will continue serving our customers and communities with unwavering commitment to helping people live Healthier, Longer, Better Lives.”
Meanwhile, at the award ceremony of the Hong Kong Insurance Awards 2025 organised by The Hong Kong Federation of Insurers on the evening of 23 October, AIA together with Blue Cross were honoured with the highest number of Top-3 Finalist Awards — winning a total of 12 accolades, including 3 Grand Awards.
AIA
3 Grand Awards:
Outstanding MPF/Employees’ Benefit Product/Service Award (won for the 6th consecutive year)
Outstanding Corporate Social Responsibility Award (won for the 4th time)
Outstanding Agent of the Year: Mr Bond Ng, Premier Senior District Director
7 Top-3 Finalist Recognitions:
Most Innovative Product/Service Award – Health
Outstanding Training & Development Award
Outstanding Customer Services Award
Excellence in Digital Transformation Award – Life Insurance
Outstanding Integrated Marketing Strategies Award
Outstanding Young Professional of the Year – Intermediary: Ms Seven Huang, District Director
Outstanding Community Intermediary of the Year: Mr Kingsley Yee, District Director
Blue Cross
2 Top-3 Finalist Recognitions:
Outstanding Claims Management – General Insurance
Excellence in Digital Transformation – General Insurance
Notes: * Source: The latest provisional statistics of the Insurance Authority on Hong Kong long-term insurance business from January to June 2025. ** Based on statistics from Insurance Authority released since 2014 – Provisional statistics of the Insurance Authority on Hong Kong long-term insurance business.
Hashtag: #友邦香港 #AIA
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 October 2025 – Led by Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) and funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, the Jockey Club Multiple Pathways Initiative – CLAP-TECH Pathway (CLAP-TECH) today released an independently conducted first-phase evaluation report assessing the impact and effectiveness of the pilot programme over its initial five years.
The report recognised CLAP-TECH as Hong Kong’s first through-train Vocational and Professional Education and Training (VPET) pathway in mainstream senior secondary and post-secondary education, noting its remarkable success in providing students with unique and effective learning experiences. Students have shown comprehensive improvement in both soft and hard skills, gained a clearer understanding of their opportunities and abilities, and are able to make informed decisions about their future pathways. Graduates have pursued a variety of pathways — including further studies, employment, and entrepreneurship — demonstrating that the programme effectively supports students’ career development and creates diverse learning and employment opportunities for students from different backgrounds.
Furthermore, the report chronicled CLAP-TECH’s five-year journey, underscoring the viability of regularising VPET within the senior secondary curriculum, and urged the Hong Kong government to enable students to concurrently pursue VPET qualifications within the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) framework.
Piloted Model Promoted Diverse Pathways, Equipping Students for Their Future
According to the report, 90% of the programme graduates indicated that they had made informed decisions about their future and were able to pursue diverse options like employment or further studies based on their interests and aptitudes. This stands in stark contrast to the 69% of their non-participating peers, underscoring the significant advantage of early vocational and professional exposure in preparing senior secondary students for successful transitions into their future endeavours. In addition, CLAP-TECH’s holistic curriculum, which seamlessly weaves classroom learning, career and life development activities, internships and workplace experiences, effectively equips students with essential hard and soft skills for the professional world.
Nearly half (46%) of students who took the Applied Learning (ApL) Course in Tech Basics under the programme, and a third (33%) of those who took the Applied Learning Course in Multimedia Storytelling, chose industries related to information technology or engineering, and media, communication, content creation, arts, and design, respectively. Taking the first cohort of students who completed the full “Through-Train Pathway” (graduated in 2024) as an example, some opted for further studies, while others secured employment with CLAP-TECH’s industry partners, and some even started their own businesses, fully demonstrating diverse career pathways.
VPET Delivered Significant Advantages, Especially for Underprivileged Students
The report revealed that CLAP-TECH graduates with comparatively lower HKDSE results (achieving Level 2 or below in five subjects) found the programme more helpful in making informed decisions (90.8%) compared to other students who met bachelor’s degree entry requirements (80%).
Furthermore, CLAP-TECH graduates residing in public or temporary housing reported a higher average self-assessment score in soft skills (86.3%) than students living in private housing or Home Ownership Scheme flats (76.6%). In terms of making informed choices, the proportion of underprivileged students was also higher than that of other students (89.7% versus 81%). This indicates that the pilot programme particularly enhances the practical skills and industry knowledge of students from disadvantaged backgrounds, enabling them to make informed decisions based on their abilities and interests through experiential learning early in their senior secondary curriculum.
Integrating VPET into Senior Secondary Curriculum Cultivates Students’ Essential Skills and Values
The CLAP-TECH curriculum integrates vocational and career development skills with theoretical knowledge, aiming to enhance students’ industry knowledge and interest in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and Creative Media. Within the ICT field, 82.8% of graduates affirmed that the programme deepened their industry knowledge, while 88.3% of students reported a surge in industry interest — figures markedly surpassing those of their non-participating schoolmates.
More pronounced results were observed in the Creative Media track, where 93.8% of graduates credited the programme with expanding their industry knowledge and 95.3% reported heightened interest, a proportion far exceeding that of non-participating students from the same schools (industry knowledge: 45.5%, interest: 54.6%). Moreover, the programme yielded substantial improvements in students’ career and life planning capabilities, cultivating essential soft skills, fostering positive values and character traits (See Appendix 1 for detailed results).
Strategic Expansion of Senior Secondary VPET Curriculum to Alleviate Workforce Mismatch
The report also identified the implementation of a tripartite partnership among secondary schools, industry partners and HKBU as a contributing factor to the programme’s success. Over 90 participating schools and 1,400 students have been involved in the programme, resulting in more than 4,300 instances of activity participation. Additionally, the programme benefited from strong support from over 40 industry partners, with more than 360 industry mentors from various fields consistently interacting with students through the Career Mentorship Programme.
The report posited that CLAP-TECH’s VPET model exhibits a high level of replication and sustainability, offering considerable advantages for students and society as a whole.
Andrew Ho, Director of Jockey Club Multiple Pathways Initiative – CLAP-TECH Centre, said: “Based on the CLAP-TECH experience, incorporating VPET into the senior secondary curriculum yields multiple educational and societal benefits. The report suggested the government strengthen senior secondary career planning by allowing concurrent vocational studies within the mainstream HKDSE framework or by adding vocational elements to existing courses. This would help students make informed decisions about life and career exploration, and also facilitate progression through the VPET curriculum for those who wish to pursue higher education. It serves as compelling evidence that CLAP-TECH’s pilot model equips students with vital workforce skills and empowers informed career decisions, effectively reducing manpower mismatches and bolstering Hong Kong’s long-term productivity and economic engagement, thus strengthening its future.”
Appendix 1
Data: Integrating VPET into Senior Secondary Curriculum Cultivates Students’ Essential Skills and Values
Information and Communication Technology
Creative Media
Industry Knowledge and Interests
Over 80% of graduates reported that CLAP-TECH’s programme enhanced their industry knowledge (82.8%) and interest (88.3%), significantly higher than those reported by non-participating students from the same schools (54.6% and 70.2%, respectively).
Over 90% of graduates agreed that CLAP-TECH’s programme boosted their industry knowledge (93.8%) and interest (95.3%), considerably higher than those of non-participating students from the same schools (45.5% and 54.6%, respectively).
Career and Life Planning
84.1% of CLAP-TECH graduates reported that the programme aided them in boosting both self-understanding and career exploration, compared to 63.4% of non-participating students from the same schools.
92.2% of CLAP-TECH graduates indicated that the programme better prepared them for further studies and career identification, compared to the 68.2% of non-participating students from the same schools.
Soft Skills Development
87.1% of CLAP-TECH graduates reported higher self-assessment of their soft skills compared to non-participating students (77.7%). Significant differences were observed in the percentage of graduates reporting improvement in four key skills: “Responsibility” (94.5% versus 86.2%), “Collaboration” (89.6% versus 80%), “Motivation” (89% versus 78.5%) and “Analytical Thinking” (86.5% versus 77.7%).
Graduates indicated an average self-assessment score of 90.6%, significantly higher than the 75% reported by non-participating students. Out of the 10 essential soft skills, notable increments were observed in eight of the key skills, namely “Collaboration”, “Integrity”, “Responsibility”, “Analytical Thinking”, “Curiosity”, “Motivation”, “Self-Management” and “Resilience”.
Values and Personality Growth
Graduates demonstrated an increased emphasis on “Compliance” and “Dependability” (importance of following instructions rose from 63.7% to 80.4%). They also showed greater appreciation for “Variety” and “Adaptability”. (The importance placed on having influence rose from 49.2% to 58.2%)
Graduates aspired to leadership roles and to make an impact through creativity. They placed less importance on money (from 75.5% to 65.7%) and were more concerned about the impact and benefits to others and society (from 53.4% to 65.6%).
Hashtag: #CLAPTECH
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Tāmaki Makaurau Police have arrested 23 people following celebrations in relation to a rugby league game this weekend.
Police monitored a number of town centres that traditionally celebrate the two league teams on Sunday night.
During this operation, Police saw a high volume of pedestrians and vehicles travelling within these areas.
While Police would like to thank the majority who celebrated peacefully and lawfully, there were multiple incidents that were disappointing to Police.
Over the course of the weekend, Police saw a range of unlawful behaviours including high-risk traffic offending, people riding on top of vehicles, and sustained loss of traction.
As a result, 14 people were taken into custody on Saturday and nine people on Sunday.
204 infringement notices were also issued for driving and road related offences.
This behaviour is not only unlawful, it poses a real risk to those participating in this behaviour, spectators, and members of the public.
Police ask those who wish to celebrate, to please do so in a lawful and considerate manner, to ensure the safety of everyone within our communities.
Police’s enforcement action will continue as we follow-up on gathered information from throughout the weekend.
If you see any unlawful or suspicious behaviour, please call Police immediately on 111 with as much information as you can safely gather.
Information can also be provided in non-emergencies or after the fact through our 105 services, or anonymously at Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 October 2025 – JFOODO (Japan Food Product Overseas Promotion Center) proudly announces its annual sake pairing campaign in Malaysia, returning under the theme “Discover New Harmonies with Japanese Sake.“ Launching on 1 November 2025, this year’s edition expands its reach and repertoire, inviting diners to explore the remarkable versatility of Japanese sake across 15 celebrated restaurants in Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Penang, and Ipoh (the complete list of participating venues is available).
Building on the success of previous years, the 2025 campaign embraces a broader culinary canvas— featuring meat, vegetables, and oceanic delicacies. The result is a curated showcase of 30 exquisite pairings, all crafted to highlight sake’s ability to elevate flavours across diverse cuisines, from Western and Indian to Mexican, Australian, and Thai.
Among the 15 participating venues are the Michelin-starred Bar.Kar KL Restaurant, the Mediterranean-inspired Michelle Butcherie & Kitchen in Johor Bahru, Penang’s charming Platta Café & Dining, and Ipoh’s inventive Opëam. Each has composed its own culinary overture—pairing sake with dishes that span from flame-grilled meats to delicate seafood and citrus-laced vegetables. These collaborations reflect not only the breadth of Malaysia’s dining scene but also the boundless adaptability of Japanese sake, inviting gourmets to savour in unexpected, unforgettable ways.
Ms.Akiko Onishi, Senior Director of JFOODO, remarked, “This year’s campaign is a celebration of culinary diversity and the subtle brilliance of Japanese sake. With Discover New Harmonies with Japanese Sake, we invite diners across Malaysia to experience sake not just as a traditional beverage, but as a versatile companion to global cuisine. Whether you’re a sake veteran or a curious newcomer, this month-long celebration promises a journey of taste, tradition, and discovery.”
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 October 2025 –Prepare to embark on a transcendent culinary voyage as JFOODO (Japan Food Product Overseas Promotion Center) proudly unveils the highly anticipated return of its celebrated sake campaign, themed “Discover New Harmonies with Japanese Sake.“In collaboration with19 of Singapore’s most distinguished dining destinations, this year’s showcase invites epicureans to indulge in38 masterfully curated pairingsthat illuminate the boundless versatility of Japanese sake. From Michelin-starred artistry to bold local favourites, each pairing is a testament to sake’s ability to harmonise not only with seafood but also with a broader culinary spectrum,including meat and vegetables. This marksa bold evolution from previous editions, inviting diners to explore the compatibility of sake with a rich diversity of ingredients and traditions. Commencing on1 November 2025, the campaign promises a nearly month-long celebration of flavour, craft, and cross-cultural resonance, offering discerning diners a rare opportunity to rediscover sake as a refined companion to global cuisine, with elegance and depth.
This year’s “Discover New Harmonies with Japanese Sake” campaign brings together 19 culinary destinations, each offering a distinct lens into the art of pairing. Among the standout participants are the Michelin-starred WHITEGRASS, where French finesse meets Japanese elegance; the genre-defying NOURI, known for its cross-cultural storytelling; the bold and convivial TheBoiler Seafood Bar & Restaurant, a local favourite for Cajun-style feasts; and the refined TheSpot, where modern European cuisine is infused with Southeast Asian flair. From haute cuisine to heartwarming comfort fare, these restaurants have crafted pairings that go beyond seafood—embracing meat and vegetables—to reveal sake’s quiet brilliance across the plate. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or newly curious, this campaign invites you to experience sake as a versatile companion to global gastronomy.
Where Harmony Meets Haute Cuisine: A Curated Look at Four Distinctive Culinary Collaborations
Located within the historic Chijmes enclave, WHITEGRASS is a sanctuary of refined French cuisine delicately laced with Japanese sensibility. Under the direction of Head ChefTakuya Yamashita, whose culinary journey spans Michelin-starred kitchens in Tokyo and Paris, the restaurant is known for its nature-inspired philosophy and poetic plating. For this year’s campaign, WHITEGRASS presents two exquisite pairings:
Lobster with Kabu and Yellow Yuzu, a dish that balances oceanic sweetness with earthy turnip and citrus brightness, paired with Nanbu Bijin Junmai Ginjo Ginginga, a sake that enhances umami while leaving a clean, lingering finish.
Amadai with Sauce Dugléré and Tokachi Mushroom, where the creamy elegance of French sauce meets the subtle depth of Japanese mushrooms, elevated by the dry, structured grace of Kuromatsu Hakushika Yamada Nishiki Karakuchi Junmai Silk. Each pairing is a study in restraint and refinement, echoing the restaurant’s ethos of seasonality and cross-cultural elegance.
At NOURI, food is philosophy. Helmed by Brazilian ChefIvan Brehm, whose heritage spans six cultures and whose resume includes Per Se and The Fat Duck, NOURI is built on the idea that no cuisine exists in isolation. Its “Crossroads Thinking” approach explores the intersections of global culinary traditions, resulting in dishes that are both intellectually provocative and emotionally resonant.
Black Gold, a composition of fragrant Koshihikari rice, Kampot peppercorns, and black fig sofrito, finished with gold leaf, reflects the timeless exchange of rice and spice. It is paired with DASSAI Future – with Farmers, a sake that celebrates the purity of rice and the dedication of its cultivators.
Boeuf à la Presse, featuring A5 Keisan-gyu wagyu ribeye with crisp white kimchi and pressed jus, is a meditation on meat as sustenance and ritual. The pairing with Heavensake Label Noir bridges French joie de vivre with Japanese craftsmanship, creating a dialogue across continents. NOURI’s pairings are not just culinary—they are cultural narratives told through flavour.
– The Boiler Seafood Bar & Restaurant Homegrown Cajun Seafood Boil | Raffles Avenue, Singapore
Founded in 2008, The Boiler is Singapore’s spirited answer to the Southern seafood boil—bold, communal, and unapologetically flavourful. Led by Chef Jay, whose 18 years of experience infuse every pot with precision and passion, the restaurant is known for its eleven-spice signature blend and lively dining atmosphere.
The Signature Chilli Crab, slow-cooked in a rich, spicy-sweet sauce, is paired with Keigetsu CEL24 Junmai Daiginjo 50, whose fruity notes and clean finish refresh the palate between bites.
The Grilled Lobster with Secret Spiced Glaze, flame-kissed and caramelised, finds its match in Hourai Junmai Daiginjo Irootoko, a sake with melon aroma, creamy mouthfeel, and crisp finish. The Boiler’s pairings bring sake into the realm of comfort and celebration, proving that elegance can be found in the most joyful of feasts.
– The Spot Contemporary European with Southeast Asian Flair | Marina One, Singapore
Situated in the heart of Singapore’s Central Business District, The Spot is a modern restaurant and bar that blends European technique with Southeast Asian soul. Led by Chef Louis Lee, whose training in modern European gastronomy and Japanese-fusion cuisine informs every dish, The Spot is a destination for business lunches, intimate dinners, and after-work indulgence.
Hay-Smoked Bonito Tataki, kombu-cured and gently smoked over hay, is served with wasabi ponzu and yuzu-chilli coulis. The pairing with Shuchuzaishin Daidai Junmai Ginjo offers crisp acidity that balances the dish’s smoky depth.
Binchotan-Grilled Sawara, dry-aged and charcoal-grilled, is layered with koji-zucchini purée, miso-butter rice vinegar sauce, and ikura. Paired with Niwa no Uguisu Junmai Ginjo 60, the sake’s soft fruit notes and gentle acidity mirror the dish’s complexity. The Spot’s pairings are a masterclass in balance—where boldness meets restraint, and sake finds new resonance in contemporary cuisine.
The Elegance of Pairing: A Refined Toast to Sake’s Global Cross-Cultural Harmony
“This year’s campaign is a tribute to culinary diversity—an ode to the richness of ingredients, the convergence of cultures, and the boundless artistry of pairing,” shared Ms. Akiko Onishi, Senior Director of JFOODO. “With Discover New Harmonies with Japanese Sake, we invite diners to reimagine sake not merely as a traditional libation, but as a refined and versatile companion to global cuisine. Whether gracing seafood, embracing meat, or accenting vegetables, sake brings a quiet sophistication—one that deepens flavour, bridges traditions, and celebrates the universal language of taste.”
The campaign runs throughout November, inviting food lovers to embark on a curated journey of taste and tradition. Each pairing is a dialogue between chef and brewer, plate and glass—an invitation to discover new harmonies.
For complete restaurant listings and pairing menus, please see below:
Appendix 1 – List of participating restaurants (*Alphabetical Order)
Restaurant Name
Address
8picure
428 River Valley Road, #01‑04, Singapore 248327
Appetite
72A Amoy Street, Singapore 069891
Café Nesuto
2 Orchard Turn, #04‑27 to 32, ION Orchard, Singapore 238801
CASA CICHETI
78 Guan Chuan Street, #01‑41, Singapore 160078
Fiasco by Juice
66 Kampong Bugis, Level M, Singapore 338987
Imperial Treasure Bar + Grill
1 Kim Seng Promenade, #02‑111, Great World, Singapore 237994
The Government is making a contribution of $150,000 to help communities in Clutha and Southland impacted by the Labour Weekend severe weather, Minister for Emergency Management Mark Mitchell announced today.
The government will contribute $75,000 to the Southland region and $25,000 to the Clutha District Council Mayoral Relief Fund, for immediate needs.
In addition, it has been classified as a medium scale adverse event and the Ministry for Primary Industries is contributing $50,000, split between Southland and Clutha, through the Mayoral Relief Fund to help the rural sector get back on its feet.
“This significant weather event has caused prolonged power outages in large areas of the lower South Island, as severe winds and heavy rain caused damage across the region,” Mr Mitchell said.
“The Government’s contribution to the Mayoral relief Funds meets the request from local leadership and will support local welfare, resilience building and recovery efforts, including clean-up.
“This has been a tough few days for impacted communities, and unfortunately, we’re not out of the woods just yet. More severe weather is on its way this afternoon. For anyone travelling home after a long weekend break, make sure to plan your journey, pack extra supplies in case you get stranded, and if you feel unsafe, consider delaying your travel if you can.
“I want to thank everyone who is working to support the communities impacted by this event – Civil Defence Emergency Management Groups, council, first responders, iwi and volunteers, and members of the community who have pitched in.”
Mayoral Relief Funds help communities bounce back after an emergency. Local communities and councils understand where the immediate needs are and how to help individuals, whānau, community organisations, and marae.
The medium scale classification also unlocks further support for farmers and growers, which could include tax relief and enables MSD to consider Rural Assistance Payments and activating Enhanced Taskforce Green.
Farmers and growers who require support are encouraged to contact their local Rural Support Trust on 0800 787 254.
Mayoral Relief Funds are intended to help fill gaps quickly where an immediate need exists. It’s not a replacement for insurance and costs covered by other funding sources.
BEIJING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 26 October 2025 – The historic Jebum-gang Lha-khang Temple in Lhasa, southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region (Tibet), has been transformed from a centuries-old place of worship and a former granary into a vibrant modern art center. This unique project has revitalized a key cultural site for a new generation.
The temple has a history of approximately 200 years and has murals from the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), according to Chinese architect Xia Yujun.
Nestled in a bustling business street and residential area at an altitude of 3,650 meters, the temple has been a center of energy for the ancient city of Lhasa and an important carrier of local Tibetan culture. Its circular construction, ancient Tibetan pillars and verandas, and centuries-old murals were among the highlights that hit him between the eyes.
First built in the late 19th century, the Jebum-gang Lha-khang Temple is the only mandalic building, featuring a symbolic Buddhist symmetrical structure. After decades of use as a granary, it has been transformed into a popular place among visitors in pursuit of modern art, thanks to five years of efforts by Xia and his team.
The building has been given a new lease on life. Xia’s team carefully repaired faded murals and fire-damaged carvings, ensuring the original architecture and layout were preserved.
The true innovation, however, lies in its new function. After the basics of the temple were restored, the space was reused as a modern art space, without altering the original structure or the spatial flow. This sensitive transformation has created a dynamic dialogue between the old and the new.
The goal was to bring it back to life, Xia says.
The rebirth of the Jebum-gang Lha-khang Temple as a modern art center required a sensitive yet thorough technological upgrade, seamlessly weaving new infrastructure into the historic fabric of the building.
Facing a near-total reconstruction of its core systems, the project began by fortifying the structure against the elements. A advanced, three-layer waterproofing system was applied to the roof, to ensure that the murals inside would not be affected for the next decade, Xia explained.
The most ingenious integration involved the floor. Old elm-wood flooring was installed using a joist structure, under which the necessary pipeline and electrical systems were embedded, paving the way for sound, lighting and electrical equipment essential to future exhibitions, thus preserving the temple’s ancient aesthetic.
The lighting system was completely re-engineered for its new role.
The incandescent lights were replaced with special lamps for museum-grade illumination, reducing the harmful rays that could damage the murals, while simultaneously crafting an ambient atmosphere that allows viewers to experience the tranquility of this sacred building.
Through these careful interventions, the temple now possesses the robust, unseen framework of a contemporary art space, all while enhancing and protecting its historical soul.
The transformation of the Jebum-gang Lha-khang Temple into a modern art center was guided by a profound understanding of its multi-sensory nature. Xia describes Tibetan ancient architecture as a multi-sensory “5D or 6D” experience, encompassing scent, sound, light, and history.
This philosophy directly shaped the restoration. The goal was not just to repair a building, but to preserve this immersive sensory atmosphere while equipping it for a new purpose. The temple’s rebirth is thus a sensitive fusion where modern functionality serves to amplify, rather than diminish, the timeless multi-sensory experience of the ancient structure.
This approach of repurposing historic buildings as art centers or museums aims to raise awareness among young generation about conservation and inspire them to engage with the preservation of architectural heritage in Xizang.
(The Chinese term “Xizang” refers to southwest China’s Tibet Autonomous Region.)
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 26 October 2025 – The metabolic “Three Highs” – hyperglycemia, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia – demonstrate a strong collective impact on cardiovascular diseases. An interim report from the HEARTWISE study, led by the School of Nursing, LKS Faculty of Medicine at The University of Hong Kong (HKUMed), reveals that patients presenting with this metabolic triad face up to 70% risk of recurrent major adverse cardiovascular events within ten years. The study further establishes that different risk factor combinations yield significantly varied recurrence patterns. These findings, powered by the locally developed AI-driven P-CARDIAC risk assessment model, highlight new opportunities for precision treatment planning to reduce recurrence rates and alleviate long-term pressures on Hong Kong’s healthcare system.
Professor Celine Chui Sze-ling, Assistant Professor, School of Nursing (middle), and Dr David Lui Tak-wai (right), Specialist in Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism, Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, and both from the LKS Faculty of Medicine at The University of Hong Kong (HKUMed) and Biu, patient with cardiovascular disease (left), present interim HEARTWISE findings. They encourage expanded patient participation to broaden P-CARDIAC’s implementation, supporting long-term goals of enhancing cardiovascular disease management and reducing Hong Kong’s healthcare burden.
High Prevalence and Clinical Complexity of the Metabolic Triad
The “Three Highs” represent a substantial health burden in Hong Kong. According to 2020–2022 population health survey, 8.5%, 29.5%, and 51.9% of residents aged 15–84 are affected by hyperglycemia, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia respectively. These conditions collectively drive cardiovascular mortality, accounting for one in five deaths in Hong Kong. Stroke alone claimed over 3,000 lives in 2023, ranking as the city’s fourth leading cause of death.
Dr David Lui Tak-wai, Specialist in Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism, Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, HKUMed, explained the underlying pathology: “The ‘Three Highs’ damage the vascular endothelium through distinct biological pathways, accelerating atherosclerosis, luminal narrowing, and plaque formation. This significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular events such as coronary heart disease, heart failure, and peripheral arterial disease” He further detailed specific stroke risks, “Hyperglycemia increases the risks of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke by 2.3-fold and 1.6-fold respectively, while hyperlipidemia substantially elevates ischemic stroke risk as well.”
“Mitigating severe event risk requires moving beyond individual biomarker management to embrace holistic vascular protection,” Dr Lui emphasised. “Current assessment relies heavily on physician experience and internationally-derived tools. A precision model built on local data and AI can transform this paradigm, enabling superior risk evaluation, tailored treatment strategies, and more effective patient communication – particularly regarding underappreciated risks such as lipid control.
Biu (pseudonym), a patient living with hypertension and diabetes, was hospitalized earlier this year after experiencing sudden chest tightness. During his stay, medical professionals discovered that two of his coronary arteries were severely blocked, necessitating immediate coronary angioplasty surgery.
This cardiovascular event has significantly altered Biu’s lifestyle. He now relies on long-term medication and has completely transformed his daily habits. Despite these changes, he continues to grapple with anxiety and uncertainty, as his condition places him at a higher risk for further health complications.
Biu believes that a risk prediction tool could serve as a valuable reference point, helping him gain clarity in planning his health goals. Such a tool would not only provide him with reassurance but also offer peace of mind to his family, whom he treasures deeply. “
P-CARDIAC: Personalised Risk Stratification for Precision Treatment
ProfessorCeline Chui Sze-ling, Assistant Professor, School of Nursing, HKUMed, explained that P-CARDIAC was developed using up to 13 million electronic medical records from the Hospital Authority. By analysing over 120 risk variables while incorporating individual patient characteristics, the model generates personalised risk scores specifically validated for Chinese populations. To establish clinical utility, the HKU School of Nursing launched the HEARTWISE study in 2024. In collaboration with cardiologists, endocrinologists, pharmacists, and nurses, the study enrolled patients with previous cardiovascular events from public hospitals.
1) Over 90% of cardiovascular patients presented with at least one “Three Highs” condition By August 2025, the study had recruited 1,248 patients, with 94% exhibiting at least one metabolic disorder. Among these, approximately one-fourth presented with all three conditions while 42% had two concurrent disorders.
2) Ten-Year Recurrence Risk Reaches 70%, with Significant Variation Across Risk Profiles P-CARDIAC analysis revealed a 70% overall ten-year recurrence risk among patients with “Three Highs” components. This risk escalated to 72% for patients with all three disorders. Notably, patients with only hypertension and hyperlipidemia demonstrated an equally elevated 73% risk, underscoring the need for individualised management strategies based on specific risk combinations.
3) Stroke Survivors Face Particularly High Recurrence Rates Analysis of the 10% of participants who were stroke survivors showed a 74% risk of subsequent cardiovascular events within ten years, indicating a critical need for intensified monitoring and secondary prevention.
Professor Chui emphasised the clinical implications, “These findings demonstrate AI’s transformative potential in clinical decision-making. We recommend healthcare professionals from both public and private healthcare systems integrate P-CARDIAC into their practice for predicting major cardiovascular event risks and developing personalised treatment plans. We anticipate P-CARDIAC will enable multidisciplinary teams to optimise prevention strategies, improve resource allocation, and ultimately reduce the healthcare system’s long-term burden.”
The HEARTWISE study continues recruitment across six public hospitals: Queen Mary Hospital, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kwong Wah Hospital, Princess Margaret Hospital, Tuen Mun Hospital, and Pok Oi Hospital. The research aims to further validate P-CARDIAC’s effectiveness in improving patient outcomes and expanding its precision treatment applications. Patients receiving cardiovascular care in cardiology, internal medicine, or endocrinology departments at these institutions may participate. Interested individuals can contact the HKU School of Nursing research team at 3917 6643 or pcardiac@hku.hk.
