BEIJING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 October 2025 – CGTN published an article about Chinese Premier Li Qiang attending a series of leaders’ meetings on East Asian cooperation. Highlighting the successful partnership between China and ASEAN and the planned upgrade of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area, the article emphasized that the China-ASEAN relationship has become the most successful and vibrant cooperation model in the Asia-Pacific and a prime example of building a community with a shared future for humanity.
As Chinese and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders gather in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, a planned upgrade of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area comes into the spotlight. This year, the two sides will formally sign the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (CAFTA) 3.0 Upgrade Protocol to advance regional economic integration and global trade.
Since its launch in 2010, CAFTA has promoted the deep integration of the China-ASEAN economic and trade cooperation, injecting strong momentum into regional economic stability and growth and bringing tangible benefits to the people.
The China-ASEAN relationship has grown into the most successful and vibrant model for cooperation in the Asia-Pacific and an exemplary effort in building a community with a shared future for humanity, Chinese President Xi Jinping once stressed.
As each other’s largest trading partners for the fifth consecutive year, China and ASEAN have achieved numerous milestones amid rising external uncertainties.
Addressing the fifth Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Leaders’ Meeting in Kuala Lumpur on Monday, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said China will continue to support ASEAN centrality and, together with all parties, safeguard the stability of the regional multilateral trading system, calling for achieving more practical outcomes in RCEP cooperation and creating a bright future of shared prosperity.
Expanded cooperation
In recent years, under the strategic guidance of leaders from both sides, China and ASEAN countries have deepened practical cooperation across various fields. Economic and trade exchanges have maintained strong momentum, with trade volume and investment cooperation continuing to expand.
Bilateral trade value has soared from less than $8 billion in 1991 to nearly one trillion dollars in 2024. In the first three quarters of this year, China’s total imports and exports with ASEAN were valued at 5.57 trillion yuan (about $785 billion), an increase of 9.6 percent year on year.
With platforms such as the China-ASEAN Expo and the China International Import Expo, specialty products from ASEAN countries, including Cambodian rice, Thai latex pillows and Lao beer, have continued to enter the Chinese market. Meanwhile, Chinese products such as new energy vehicles, machinery equipment and electronic appliances have also made their way into ASEAN countries.
Numerous infrastructure projects, such as the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway and the China-Laos Railway, are having a positive impact across the region, enhancing connectivity and reducing logistics costs.
Openness and cooperation are valuable experiences explored and accumulated through practice and should be cherished and carried forward at all times, Li said during the 28th ASEAN Plus Three Summit in Malaysia.
Deeper regional integration
Standing at a new starting point, the region is broadening collaboration on infrastructure, digital and green transition, trade facilitation and people-to-people exchanges, paving the way for deeper regional integration. Notably, emerging fields such as digital economy, artificial intelligence, electric vehicles and clean energy are adding to the mutually beneficial cooperation between China and ASEAN.
In Vietnam, Chinese-made agricultural drones are helping farmers spray pesticide, making their work easier and safer. Meanwhile, at Laem Chabang port in Thailand, China’s electric and self-driving trucks have become reliable partners for the port workers. In Indonesia, the Cirata floating solar power plant, built by a Chinese company, has boosted the country’s renewable energy supply.
According to China’s Ministry of Commerce, CAFTA 3.0 will introduce nine new chapters, covering areas such as the digital economy, the green economy and supply chain connectivity. These new chapters are expected to help China and ASEAN promote broader and deeper regional economic integration under new circumstances and facilitate the integration of their industrial and supply chains.
Li urged continued commitment to resolving differences through dialogue and consultation, upholding free trade and the multilateral trading system, opposing all forms of protectionism, and steadily advancing regional economic integration.
For more information, please click: https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-10-27/China-ASEAN-join-hands-to-write-new-chapter-in-regional-integration-1HOH4LtABXi/p.html
Hashtag: #CGTN
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Showed Growing Interest in Healthcare Technology Event Featured a 30-second AI Retinal Imaging to Screen 55 Health Risks Instantly
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 October 2025 – “Prevention is better than cure” is a common saying that reflects the concept of “preventive healthcare,” which advocates for citizens to proactively manage their health in daily life to reduce the future financial burden of treating illness. This year’s Policy Address stated that, to address the challenges brought by an aging population, the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, and pressure on healthcare resources, the Government would deepen healthcare system reform, including strengthening primary healthcare. The government is also promoting the development of AI+, empowering governance and industries with AI to enhance people’s livelihood. Healthcare is a significant use case for AI, while AI health technology investments are highly favored by the market. International research indicates that preventive healthcare projects have a faster valuation growth than conventional medical care.
Cyberport, eHealth Consortium, and innovative health technology company LIVE4WELL jointly organized the “AI-driven Preventive Healthcare Launch Event” today. Group photo of guests of honors Hon. Mr. Duncan CHIU, HKSAR Legislative Council Member (Technology & Innovation) (4th right) and Ms. Joyce CHEUNG, JP, Assistant Head, Chief Executive’s Policy Unit (4th left) along with three co-organizers Ir. Eric CHAN, Chief Public Mission Officer of Cyberport (3rd right) , Dr. Charleston SIN , President, eHealth Consortium (3rd left), Ms. Miranda WONG, Co-founder, LIVE4WELL (2nd right), Mr. Leo ZHUANG, Chairman of LDC GROUP and Co-founder of LIVE4WELL (2nd left), and keynote speakers Prof. Hong Fung, JP, Professor of Practice, Jockey Club School of Public Health & Primary Care, CUHK (1st left), Dr. Gary Lau, Director of HKU Stroke, Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Medicine, HKU Med (1st right).
Today, Cyberport, eHealth Consortium, and innovative health technology company LIVE4WELL jointly organized the “AI-driven Preventive Healthcare Launch Event” and invited prominent experts to share their insights. A survey report titled “Hong Kong People’s Awareness, Behavioral Patterns, and Support Expectations for ‘Preventive Healthcare’” was also shared at the event, revealing a growing demand among the public for AI-powered, data driven and personalized technologies. The on-site AI health screening devices were also highly appealing to participants, including a 30-second AI retinal imaging, which can identify up to 55 health risk factors such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Hon. Mr. Duncan CHIU, HKSAR Legislative Council Member (Technology & Innovation) and Ms. Joyce CHEUNG, JP, Assistant Head, Chief Executive’s Policy Unit were invited as the guests of honor and officiated the launch ceremony with three co-organizers.
Ir. Eric CHAN, Chief Public Mission Officer of Cyberport, stated, “With the growing challenges of an ageing population and the rise of chronic illnesses, the idea of ‘preventive care’ not only addresses societal shifts but also sets a key course for advancing health management. Artificial intelligence is transforming how we approach healthcare, using data-driven insights and personalized solutions to empower people to proactively manage their well-being in daily life. This also aligns with the paradigm shift of Hong Kong’s Public Primary Healthcare policy from Treatment to Prevention and the establishment of District Health Centers, reinforcing the importance of early intervention and community-based support. As Hong Kong’s digital tech hub and AI accelerator, Cyberport is committed to driving AI applications in healthcare and fostering cross-sector collaboration. Today’s event showcases AI’s transformative impact on health and marks a significant step toward a smarter, healthier future for Hong Kong.”
Dr. Charleston SIN, President,eHealth Consortium, said, “The Hong Kong Government has expressed its hope to develop Hong Kong into a health and medical innovation hub. With the rapid technological advancement in innovative therapies and electronic health records, now is the optimal time for integrating medical expertise with technology. The concept of self-health management is becoming increasingly prevalent, with more citizens showing greater interest in managing and utilizing their own health data. The eHealth Consortium is pleased to see the Government and industry actively driving innovation to empower proactive self-health management and advance a healthier community. We firmly believe that the integration of AI and medical technology will be a key trend for future development.”
Ms. Miranda WONG, Co-founder, LIVE4WELL, introduced their AI wellness concept today, “LIVE4WELL empowers the public to practice the concept of ‘preventive healthcare’, marking a milestone of ‘Wellness 3.0’. We firmly believe that prevention is better than cure, and that preventive healthcare is an irreversible future trend. Therefore, we have transcended traditional passive medical models by integrating AI technologies with health management, transforming vast health data into personalized solutions. This helps citizens take greater ownership of their health and enables an early identification of health risks. Through building an AI wellness ecosystem, we hope to truly integrate preventive healthcare into daily life, contributing to a healthier city.”
Deloitte Survey: Over 70% ofrespondentsbelievetechnologywill playagreaterroleinhealth
At the same event, Deloitte released the survey report titled “Hong Kong People’s Awareness, Behavioral Patterns, and Support Expectations for ‘Preventive Healthcare’”. In this October, Deloitte conducted a survey with a sample of 1,004 Hong Kong residents. The survey found that 77% believed that technology will play a greater role in wellness in the future.
The survey data indicated the strong confidence in wellness technology. When asked about their interest in specific products, the top three were personalized nutrition plans (42%), AI fitness coaching (41%), and mental health technology (37%). These findings reflected respondents’ general anticipation toward personalized health management platforms and AI technology applications, demonstrating the growing demand for AI-driven health management.
Speaking on AI-driven preventive healthcare, Prof. Hong FUNG,JP, Professor of Practice, Jockey ClubSchool of Public Health & Primary Care, CUHK, discussed AI’s potential significant contributions to the healthcare system. Currently, there are over 1,200 medical devices embedded with AI software have been cleared by FDA and AI based clinical decision support tools are widely available. He noted that AI could support personalized risk assessment and early disease detection, as well as help citizens to continuously monitor their health, thereby enhancing the management of chronic diseases and even providing support for mental health.
Dr. Gary LAU,Director of HKU Stroke, Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Medicine, HKU Med, focused on the theme of stroke prevention and rehabilitation in the era of AI. He explained how the development of AI can transform stroke treatment from reactive to proactive, enabling patients to continuously monitor their health and develop personalized medical plans. This approach helped the public to detect health risks early and take appropriate preventive healthcare measures.
Expert panels alongside AI healthcare screening experience zone
While experts shared insights on stage, the experience zone was just as popular as the panel discussions, offering hands-on experience with AI health technology, participants could explore how Wellness AI was integrated into everyday life to support the goal of preventive healthcare. One of the highlights was the “30-second AI retinal imaging”, which instantly identified up to 55 health risk factors through retinal imaging, including early signs of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
Other experiences included: “Body Composition Analysis”, which precisely measured 17 body indicators including visceral fat, muscle distribution, and metabolic age. “3D postural scanning”, which completed a 360-degree full-body scanning in 1 minute, identifying 15 types of posture problems, including pelvic anteversion and “AI Fitness Test”, which used AI motion capture technology for real-time analysis to comprehensively score participants’ fitness performance. Participants were able to comprehensively experience AI-driven healthcare, practicing the concept of “self-health management.”
The event featured several AI health devices, including the highlight “AI Fitness Test”, which used AI motion capture technology for real-time analysis to comprehensively score participants’ fitness performance.
High resolution photos HERE
Photo Captions:
Photo 1: Cyberport, eHealth Consortium, and innovative health technology company LIVE4WELL jointly organized the “AI-driven Preventive Healthcare Launch Event” today. Group photo of guests of honors Hon. Mr. Duncan CHIU, HKSAR Legislative Council Member (Technology & Innovation) (4th right) and Ms. Joyce CHEUNG, JP, Assistant Head, Chief Executive’s Policy Unit (4th left) along with three co-organizers Ir. Eric CHAN, Chief Public Mission Officer of Cyberport (3rd right) , Dr. Charleston SIN , President, eHealth Consortium (3rd left), Ms. Miranda WONG, Co-founder, LIVE4WELL (2nd right), Mr. Leo ZHUANG, Chairman of LDC GROUP and Co-founder of LIVE4WELL (2nd left), and keynote speakers Prof. Hong Fung, JP, Professor of Practice, Jockey Club School of Public Health & Primary Care, CUHK (1st left), Dr. Gary Lau, Director of HKU Stroke, Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Medicine, HKU Med (1st right).
Photo 2: Ir. Eric CHAN, Chief Public Mission Officer of Cyberport, delivered a speech.
Photo 3: Dr. Charleston SIN, President, eHealth Consortium delivered a speech.
Photo 4: Ms. Miranda WONG, Co-founder, LIVE4WELL, introduced their AI wellness concept today.
Photo 5: Mr. Sunny IP, Deloitte China Consulting Partner, shared the findings of the survey report titled “Hong Kong People’s Awareness, Behavioral Patterns, and Support Expectations for ‘Preventive Healthcare’”.
Photo 6: The event featured several AI health devices, including the highlight “AI Fitness Test”, which used AI motion capture technology for real-time analysis to comprehensively score participants’ fitness performance.
Photo 7: Other experiences included “Body Composition Analysis”, “30-Second AI retinal imaging” and “3D postural scanning”, allowing participants to experience “self-health management”.
The culinary documentary Feast of Guizhou unlocks Thai audiences with a “Cultural Key”
Guizhou, China – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 October 2025 – When Thai Michelin two-star chef Chumpol ventured into the underground caves of Libo, Guizhou, China, and tasted steaming hotpot and unique sour meats in a natural “air-conditioned” environment at 15°C, the camera captured not only a novel experience but also a sensory connection spanning 1,300 kilometers. Recently, the culinary documentary The Feast of Guizhou (TASTEPERIMENT·GUIZHOU) has sparked a viewing craze in Thailand. Its success can be attributed to the precise use of a “cultural key” that unlocks the hearts of Thai audiences.
Spicy and Sour as the Bridge, Guizhou’s Flavor Meets Thailand! How The Feast of Guizhou Unlocks Thai Audiences with a “Cultural Key”
Precise Targeting: The “Spicy and Sour” Resonance, Revealing the Hidden Wonders of Guizhou
The documentary The Feast of Guizhou cleverly anchors its appeal in the “spicy and sour” flavor profile, which is deeply familiar to Thai audiences. In Kaili, Guizhou, the camera contrasts the Miao people’s sour soup with Thailand’s famous Tom Yum soup—both sharing a base of chili and spices, yet offering distinct flavors due to regional ingredients. This “familiar unfamiliarity” instantly bridges the psychological distance between the two cultures. The documentary also carefully selects elements that are sure to captivate Thai viewers: cliffside coffee, the picking of ancient tea trees, and the Miao people’s “High Mountain, Flowing Water” toast ceremony. Each moment serves as a “visual explosion” that refreshes Thai audiences’ perceptions.
Emotional Connection: Bridging Language Barriers, Food as a Bridge of Friendship
The documentary The Feast of Guizhou goes beyond showcasing landscapes and cuisine, focusing on the warm interactions between people. The camera captures the hearty laughter of a shopkeeper in Zhi Jin, the crisp “Sawasdee Ka” from a little girl at a night market, and the warm smiles of the Miao, Bouyei, and Dong people—conveying the simple, heartfelt hospitality shared between Guizhou and Thailand. This emotional resonance, which transcends language, becomes a key factor in touching the audience. In the final segment, Chef Chumpol creates six “Guizhou-Thailand fusion dishes” in Guiyang, further materializing this emotional connection: lemongrass as a Thai greeting, and wood ginger as a Guizhou return gesture. The kitchen becomes a living room for a cultural dialogue through food.
Social Media Buzz: Sparking the Impulse to Explore
Following the release of The Feast of Guizhou, the documentary quickly gained traction across social media platforms. Many viewers expressed being deeply moved by Guizhou’s unique natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and the warmth of its people—remarking that “Guizhou feels like a never-ending book of surprises!” and “I want to book a flight there right now!” This cultural ripple effect, ignited by food, vividly illustrates the power of cross-border cultural exchange. The Feast of Guizhou reveals a timeless truth: the most compelling dialogues between civilizations often begin with the palate and resonate in the heart.
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Igniting a Creative Renaissance, New Book Evolving Creative Mindsets Provides the Roadmap to Transform Hong Kong Schools
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 October 2025 – AFTEC today hosted the official book launch for Evolving Creative Mindsets: Thinking Through the Arts, where leading experts from academia and policy research called for a systemic shift in education to secure Hong Kong’s future. The event, held at the Fringe Club, brought together educators, policymakers, and cultural leaders to discuss the critical role of creative learning in an era of global uncertainty.
Authored by Ms Lynn Yau, AFTEC’s Chief Executive Officer, and published by Hong Kong University Press, the book arrives at a pivotal moment. The latest OECD PISA creative thinking assessment has highlighted a global need to strengthen creative skills, and this book offers a timely roadmap for Hong Kong to address this challenge and cultivate a more innovative generation.
A Call to Action: Nurturing ‘First-Class Humans, Not Second-Class Robots’
Speaking at the launch, author Ms Yau said: “For too long, the arts have been perceived as peripheral—for entertainment or school portfolios, but not as a core driver of learning and innovation. This book is a call to action, built on 16 years of frontline work with AFTEC. It demonstrates through real-world case studies how we can bridge the gap between the arts and education. We need to move away from siloed thinking and build a true ecosystem where creative mindsets can flourish. This is not just about creating artists; it’s about nurturing what Andreas Schleicher, Director for Education and Skills at the OECD, calls ‘first-class humans, not second-class robots.’”
Although the arts have been firmly planted in the Hong Kong school system since the 1950s, they are often sacrificed in place of core subjects and preparation for examinations. Drawing on over 16 years of exploration and experience, Yau makes the case that arts are critical to cultivating creative mindsets, which are our best resource for innovating and responding to challenges in this complex world of sudden changes. Through case studies and conversations with practising artists and educators, the book demonstrates why arts and education, two normally discrete disciplines, should be broadly integrated into the local Hong Kong curriculum, and how this can be—and has been—achieved.
The book launch began with a guided exhibition tour led by the AFTEC team, followed by a dynamic panel discussion. Experts including Mr Victor Kwok, Deputy Director of Research at Our Hong Kong Foundation; Professor Anna Hui of City University of Hong Kong; and independent evaluator Mr Robert Li explored the policy barriers, the economic case for investing in creativity, and the practical steps needed to foster a more innovative education system.
Inside the Book: A Blueprint for Transforming Hong Kong’s Schools
Evolving Creative Mindsets: Thinking Through the Arts is a comprehensive guide that deconstructs the challenges and opportunities facing Hong Kong. It explores:
The “Poverty of Imagination”: An analysis of how economic and educational constraints can limit the cognitive and emotional growth of young people, and how the arts can redress this imbalance.
A Proven Pedagogical Model: Detailed case studies from AFTEC’s programmes, such as the Sm-ART Youth and Bravo! Hong Kong Youth Theatre Awards, which showcase practical methods for fostering creativity, critical thinking, and resilience.
A Blueprint for Policy: A proposal for a phased, 10-year human resources plan designed to cultivate a new generation of “Creative Practitioners” and build a more sophisticated, engaged audience.
The Future of Learning: An examination of how skills nurtured through the arts—such as abstract thinking, emotional intelligence, and collaboration—are precisely the competencies demanded by a future global economy where 47% of jobs may be automated.
The book challenges the status quo, urging a move from short-term, “copy-and-paste” collaborations to deep, sustainable partnerships. It critiques the current “service provider” model, where arts groups are hired for one-off school performances, and instead advocates for embedding creative practitioners within the educational fabric. The work has already received high praise from international and local leaders in arts education, policy, and culture (see appendix II).
In her closing remarks, Ms Yau reiterated the book’s central message: “The core question we must ask is how to empower our youth to navigate a world of increasing complexity and ambiguity. The answer lies in evolving our mindsets. This book is an invitation to our entire community—educators, artists, policymakers, and parents—to sit side-by-side and build a truly creative city together. The future starts now.”
This book is intended for policymakers, teaching and learning professionals at K-12 and tertiary levels, visual and performing arts establishments, and arts institutions that nurture educators and artists. The volume will also appeal to readers curious about how and why the arts should be foundational to education and capacity building in the twenty-first century.
The copy is available on https://hkupress.hku.hk/Evolving_Creative_Mindsets
Appendix I: Synopsis
Chapter
Synopsis
Selected Quote
Introduction
The introduction establishes the book’s central thesis: Hong Kong’s education system sacrifices the arts, hindering the development of creative mindsets crucial for the 21st century. It defines key terms like “arts-in-education” and presents a roadmap for integrating the arts and education, framing the book as a call to action for policymakers, educators, and artists.
“Our best resource is our creative mindset, hence the cultivation of our people.”
Part A: Origin
Chapter 1: Cracking the Creativity Code: The Future Starts Now
This chapter traces two decades of Hong Kong’s education reforms, revealing a persistent gap between policy aspirations for creativity and classroom reality. It makes a powerful economic case for change, citing global reports on the future of work to argue that creative and social intelligence—skills honed by the arts—are essential for the jobs of tomorrow.
“Rote learning cannot save jobs. Adaptability and flexibility to deal with suddenness are crucial.”
Chapter 2: The Power of Imagination: Redressing Poverty?
The author introduces the concept of a “poverty of imagination” as a direct consequence of a deficit-based education system focused on rote learning. The chapter argues that redressing this requires a shift to an asset-based model that uses the arts to release the imagination, making empathy and a belief in alternative futures possible.
“As dismal as economic poverty is the poverty of the imagination. In the end, these children may not see alternative ways of living, ways to gain a better quality of being because they are not exposed to, nor do they understand, possibilities and probabilities.”
Part B: Passage
Chapter 3: In Praise of Gaps: Programming with Voids
This chapter details AFTEC’s core strategy: identifying and filling “gaps” in the arts and education ecosystem. Instead of routine programming, the organisation creates targeted projects—from theatre productions that embed learning to cross-sector collaborations with medical schools—that serve as proven models for change and capacity-building.
“Gaps need not be ascribed as failings; they can be opportunities to create something of substance to fill the void.”
Chapter 4: Passivity to Engagement: Sm-ART Youth Case Study
Through a detailed case study of the seminal Sm-ART Youth project, this chapter provides a practical roadmap for transforming passive students into engaged learners. It demonstrates how to cultivate a creative classroom by rethinking the physical environment, building trust, and integrating cultural outings and parent collaboration to foster autonomy and self-expression.
“Cookie-cutter activities in which the standardised requirement of the teacher reigning as the sole source of information and students producing the same answers were replaced by authentic experiences that engaged the child’s own experiences, thoughts, and feelings.”
Chapter 5: Reflections as Assessment: Acknowledging Considered Thinking
This chapter challenges the traditional view of assessment in the arts, moving “from measurement to judgement.” It champions reflective practice—through journals, dialogues, and guided questioning—as a powerful tool to assess and document qualitative growth. Using case studies, it shows how this approach makes intangible changes in students’ confidence and critical thinking visible and valuable.
“Assessment and evaluation are about storytelling, that through narratives, we can tell how we are doing what we are doing, thereby giving confirmation to why we should continue (or not) doing it.”
Chapter 6: Those COVID Days: The Arts and Well-Being
Using the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic as a backdrop, this chapter explores the critical link between the arts and well-being. It documents how AFTEC adapted through a “growth mindset” and presents compelling case studies and international research showing how arts engagement promotes mental health, resilience, and social-emotional learning, especially for the vulnerable youth.
“It took a global pandemic to start this conversation.”
This chapter analyses Hong Kong’s lacklustre performance in the landmark 2022 PISA creative thinking assessment, contrasting it with top-performing economies like Singapore. It argues that the results are a direct reflection of a school system that, despite policy rhetoric, does not systematically cultivate the creative habits of mind needed for a truly innovative city.
“If we are indeed to be the East-West Centre for International Cultural Exchange, then the degree of contentment, or complacency, should be a driving force.”
Chapter 8: Museums and Performing Spaces: Sites of Creative Learning
The author reimagines museums and performance venues not just as places for consumption but as dynamic “Sites of Creative Learning.” The chapter argues that by moving beyond chronological displays and passive viewing, these spaces can become powerful environments for fostering inquiry, critical thinking, and deeper audience engagement.
“The tightness of space need not hamper the expanse of the mind. Their evolution as sites of creative learning has immense possibilities.”
Chapter 9: Contextualising Human Resource Planning: A Triumvirate Concept
This chapter presents a strategic blueprint for developing Hong Kong into an East-West cultural hub by strengthening the “triumvirate” of audience, schools, and creative practitioners. It argues that the current supply-demand imbalance in the arts can be rectified by investing in a recognised, professionalised corps of “Creative Practitioners” who can elevate both arts education and audience sophistication.
“Quantity may be good as long as funding lasts; quality delivers higher sustainability through investing in current and future generations.”
Chapter 10: Myths and Misunderstandings: Musings and Replies
In this concluding chapter, the author directly confronts and debunks common myths about the arts—from the idea that they are merely peripheral to education, to the belief that creativity is only for artists. It serves as a final, passionate plea for a more nuanced and accurate understanding of the value of the arts in society.
“The arts have everything to do with everyone if only we manage to open up, through creative learning, to create curiosity and subsequent inquisitiveness.”
Epilogue: First-Class Humans
The epilogue serves as a powerful concluding call to action. It poses a critical question for Hong Kong’s future: “How can we ensure our young people become first-class humans and not second-class robots?” The answer, the author concludes, lies in systemically embedding creative learning at the heart of education and society.
“In space-constrained Hong Kong, physical limitations can inspire the growth of mental capacity when we nurture creative thinking and artistic expression.”
Appendix II: Testimonial ‘Our schools and professional communities increasingly need creatively vibrant learners to succeed. Evolving Creative Mindsets hits the bull’s-eye exactly, showing creative practitioners how the AFTEC approach, proven by research and by similar best practices around the world, effectively develops the innovative learners and active creators we want and need. Bravo.’
– Eric Booth, co-founder of International Teaching Artist Collaborative (ITAC) and author of Making Change: Teaching Artists and Their Role in Shaping a Better World
‘Lynn’s lived experiences are painstakingly distilled into a book that advocates the imminence of creative thinking as a top future skill set and how to cultivate it. This book speaks to those in education, culture and creativity, policy and grant-making, community NGOs, youth development, and even healthcare. Most importantly, this is one for all the parents in the city.’
– Helen So, board member of the Hong Kong Palace Museum
‘Evolving Creative Mindsets is an eloquent, evidence-rich treasure. Lynn Yau weaves Hong Kong’s vivid case studies with universal insights – uniting policy, assessment, well-being, and creative thinking in one compelling narrative. A practical handbook and visionary manifesto, it will inspire educators, policymakers, and artists striving for sustainable, globally resonant arts learning.’
– Anne Bamford, OBE, director of International Research Agency and former Strategic Education, Skills, and Culture Director for the City of London
Hashtag: #AFTEC
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About AFTEC
Advancing creative learning and arts education in Hong Kong
Creativity allows us to recognise potential within ourselves and the world around us. It promotes problem-solving, nurtures relationships, cultivates resilience, and can transform lives in countless ways. At AFTEC, we work with students, educators, and creative practitioners to plant the seeds of creativity in our community—seeds we have seen yield season after season.
As a proudly homegrown Hong Kong organisation, we nurture the city’s greatest natural resource — its people. Through co-designed, collaborative, and inclusive bilingual educational programmes, we create supportive environments where young minds are free to explore, express, and flourish. We spark imagination, build confidence, and foster a sense of growth and belonging together.
61% of retail investors in Hong Kong and Chinese Mainland are set to double their investment allocations to funds — driven by features unlocked through tokenization and digital money innovation.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 October 2025 – Retail investors in Hong Kong and Chinese Mainland may double their asset allocation to funds, leveraging digital money and advanced features enabled by tokenization, according to new research commissioned by Aptos Labs, core contributor to the Aptos Layer-1 blockchain, and Boston Consulting Group (BCG). This follows a successful joint pilot with Hang Seng Bank conducted under Project e-HKD+.
With the rapid evolution of digital money and tokenization worldwide, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) renamed Project e-HKD as Project e-HKD+ in 2024 and commenced Phase 2 of the e-HKD Pilot Program (Phase 2), expanding its coverage from e-HKD only to a more comprehensive exploration of the digital money ecosystem in Hong Kong. Under Phase 2, Hang Seng Bank, Aptos Labs, and BCG collaborated on a joint pilot to explore new business features and investor use cases, which was followed by the Digital Money & Tokenized Assets Hong Kong Survey, conducted by Aptos Labs and BCG, to validate the commercial viability of these features.
Conducted between May and June 2025, the Digital Money & Tokenized Assets Hong Kong Survey engaged over 500 retail fund investors to assess their behavior, perceptions, and demand for tokenized fund products. The findings revealed strong investor interest and confirmed that these innovative features are not only feasible but also highly valued by retail investors.
Innovative Features Fuel Investor Appetite
The survey findings highlight strong momentum for tokenized funds, with 61% of retail investors in Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland planning to double their allocations – driven by innovative features enabled by tokenization. In particular, Chinese Mainland respondents expressed a high demand for cross-border investment avenues. The results also signal a shifting investor landscape, where attributes such as liquidity, transparency, and faster access to capital are becoming increasingly valued alongside traditional performance metrics.
“The survey results underscore the scale of opportunity in tokenized funds and programmable digital money,” said Solomon Tesfaye, Chief Business Officer of Aptos Labs. “These technologies are transforming the investment landscape and investor expectations – unlocking efficiency, transparency, and new possibilities. Aptos Labs is honored to be part of Phase 2 of the e-HKD+ pilot program and the e-HKD Industry Forum in partnership with Hang Seng and BCG, contributing to building the infrastructure that helps bring these opportunities to life.”
David Chan, Managing Director and Partner at BCG, added, “Our global experience in digital money initiatives and business builds suggests that successful digital money adoption depends on delivering a clear value proposition for each client segment. Firms need a holistic operating model to orchestrate rapidly evolving technologies for effective value delivery. We hope our survey findings help guide healthy and responsible industry growth.”
Distinctive Needs and Opportunities Between Investor Groups
The survey has identified four distinct investor personas, each showing a strong willingness to increase fund allocations to tokenized products – provided the features align with their specific investment needs:
Hong Kong Frequent Traders – A dynamic cohort of young to mid-aged investors focused on active trading for amplified returns. They anticipate increasing fund allocations from 10% to 26%, drawn to features like 24/7 trading access and greater allocation flexibility, which enable faster cycles and opportunities.
Hong Kong Wealth Legacy Planners – Investors with significant assets under management, focusing on wealth transfer strategies and trust creation, are especially attracted to programmable fund structures that support tailored trust setups and transparent fund management. Their average allocation is expected to grow from 5% to 16%.
Hong Kong Long-Term Investors – Discerning mid-aged investors who value security, transparency, and liquidity in their investment choices. They see strong utility in tokenized funds for instant capital redemption and using tokenized funds as collateral for short-term financing needs. Their planned allocation increase is from 8% to 25%.
Chinese Mainland Investors – Affluent individuals seeking diversification beyond mainland markets into promising Hong Kong investment avenues. Their average allocation is set to rise from 11% to 24%, with tokenized funds offering a strategic route around capital controls. Programmability features allow flexible investment across Hong Kong fund products, utilization of profits locally, and seamless overseas transfers.
The survey revealed that tokenization unlocks a wide range of capabilities, with each investor persona valuing different features based on their unique investment goals. While programmability emerged as a universally appreciated benefit, preferences varied from wealth transfer solutions to global diversification strategies, highlighting how tokenization can flexibly meet diverse investor needs. This signals a strong opportunity for targeted adoption and product innovation.
Regulatory Tailwinds and Mature Technology Accelerate Digital Money Adoption
These insights align with Hong Kong’s growing momentum in digital asset development. Following the passage of the Stablecoins Bill by the Legislative Council, the city now hosts a formal licensing regime for fiat-referenced stablecoin (FRS) issuers.
As a member of the e-HKD Industry Forum and the Programmability Working Group established by HKMA, Aptos Labs works alongside leading financial institutions to address challenges in scaling the adoption of new digital money formats and shaping future institutional standards. The company also brings extensive global experience, supporting major stablecoin ecosystems with over US$60 billion in monthly transactions facilitated through the Aptos blockchain.
Together, these regulatory and institutional tailwinds provide a strong foundation for the investor demand reflected in the survey, signaling a market ready for large-scale adoption, redefined capital flows, and a new generation of financial infrastructure powered by blockchain technology.
Hashtag: #AptosLabs
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Household living costs increase 2.4 percent – news story
28 October 2025
The cost of living for the average New Zealand household increased 2.4 percent in the 12 months to the September 2025 quarter, according to figures released by Stats NZ today.
The 2.4 percent increase, measured by the household living-costs price indexes (HLPIs) follows a 2.6 percent increase in the 12 months to the June 2025 quarter. The most recent high was 8.2 percent recorded in the 12 months to the December 2022 quarter.
Meanwhile, inflation – as measured by the consumers price index (CPI) – was 3.0 percent in the 12 months to the September 2025 quarter, following a 2.7 percent increase in the 12 months to the June 2025 quarter. The most recent CPI high was 7.3 percent, recorded in the 12 months to the June 2022 quarter.
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—Hong Kong brand DR H fuses Eastern philosophy and cutting-edge innovation to reshape the global smart wearables landscape.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 October 2025 – In today’s smart wearables market, the hottest segment of the Consumer Electronics industry, leading brands dominate resources, while endless spec races and price wars leave consumers overwhelmed and uninspired. Beneath this seeming prosperity lies a landscape of homogeneity and aesthetic fatigue.
Amidst this, DR H, a rising smart wearables brand from Hong Kong Science Park, is charting a new course, where technology meets aesthetics, and intelligence meets emotion. By fusing cutting-edge innovation with refined design, DR H is transforming wearables from mere devices into intelligent lifestyle companions.
Precise Positioning: Finding Space in a Saturated Market
While most wearable brands focus on technical specs, DR H identified a clear gap—the lack of thoughtful design.
According to insights shared at the 2025 Rednote Trend & Tech Summit, young consumers are shifting their focus from technical specs to prioritizing experiential scenarios. They seek products that express personality, complement their style, and fit seamlessly into everyday life, rather than focusing on powerful devices.
At this pivotal moment, DR H seized the opportunity to merge rational technology with emotional aesthetics. Collaborating with renowned Hong Kong designer Alan Chan, the brand infuses Eastern philosophy into its products—drawing on concepts like TAIJI and WUJI to balance technology and lifestyle. The result: smart devices that transcend cold hardware to become elegant, expressive fashion accessories.
By making design its core competitive advantage, DR H has established a clear identity in a homogeneous market—not selling gadgets, but curating a refined, intelligent, and balanced way of life.
Growth Through Emerging Niches
In the fast-evolving tech landscape, success lies not in chasing trends but in recognizing the turning points. DR H’s rise reflects this strategic foresight. Rather than competing in the saturated smartwatch category, the brand focused on emerging, unsaturated niches like smart rings and smart glasses, optimizing products for specific lifestyle scenarios and unlocking new growth opportunities.
TAIJI Smart Ring: A Philosophy of Balance for Day and Night
The brand’s first TAIJI Smart Ring integrates Eastern balance philosophy, introducing an innovative dual-ring system for day and night use. It offers 24/7 monitoring of heart rate, blood oxygen, body temperature, emotional stress, sleep quality, and activity levels, helping users understand both physical and emotional well-being. During the November 2024 e-commerce sale season, the TAIJI Smart Ring achieved a position within the Top 3 in the smart ring category on JD.com, signifying DR H’s significant success in the health wearables sector.
WUJI Smart Ring: Where Jewelry Meets Technology
The WUJI Smart Ring takes the concept of Luxury Technology further. Inspired by the ancient Chinese notion of round heaven and square earth, its distinctive square-inside-round shape is both symbolic and elegant. With a full-diamond finish and adjustable fit, it’s not just a wellness tracker but a statement of taste and individuality.
Smart Glasses: Entering the Audio-Visual Intelligence Era
In smart eyewear, DR H once again demonstrates its instinct for innovation. Two distinct series cater to different lifestyles:
DR H IntelliShade Sunglasses – A stylish fusion of sunglasses, headphones, and smart interaction for trendsetters on the go.
DR H IntelliView Glasses – Sleek rimless glasses for professionals, supporting music playback, calls, navigation, remote photo control, and voice interaction—a discreet assistant for the modern workplace.
In addition, DR H plans to launch smart brooches, smart bracelets, and other niche wearables, continuously expanding the boundaries of smart lifestyle design.
True Innovation That Cares
In an industry crowded with “conceptual” products and superficial gimmicks, DR H pursues authentic, tangible innovation, making technology genuinely perceptible and emotionally resonant. Its holistic approach connects functionality, emotional value, and service ecosystems, building multidimensional competitiveness from hardware to experience.
This vision comes to life through the brand’s companion app, DR HHH, which powers the smart ring ecosystem:
Comprehensive Health Insights: Aggregates mind-body data into visual weekly, monthly, and annual reports, complete with personalized guidance.
Personal Health IP: TAIJI GIRL – A virtual companion offering free, evidence-based wellness advice informed by over a million medical studies.
Value-Added Ecosystem: Integrates mindfulness courses, psychological counseling, and wellness services via DR H’s strategic partners, creating a complete “Monitor–Analyze–Act” loop for holistic health.
From Hong Kong to the World
Rooted in Hong Kong yet born with a global vision, DR H is actively expanding into Europe, the Middle East, and beyond, adapting its designs and marketing to local cultures.
In an increasingly competitive market, DR H stands out by redefining what smart wearables can be, where technology meets aesthetics, data meets humanity, and function meets emotion. With its commitment to design, innovation, and empathy, DR H continues to paint a new picture of wearable technology—one that is intelligent, stylish, and deeply human.
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SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 October 2025 – MyRepublic today announced the launch of two exclusive broadband bundles in collaboration with Disney Consumer Products to feature Disney Lorcana Trading Card Game (TCG). Disney Lorcana TCG is a trading card game set in the wondrous realm of Disney Lorcana, where players take on the role of Ilumineers and wield magic ink to summon a team of Disney characters, who appear in both familiar and fantastical ways. The collaboration coincides with the upcoming release of Disney Lorcana TCG: Whispers in the Well, the tenth set in the Disney Lorcana TCG series.
Disney Lorcana: Whispers in the Well
The collaboration highlights MyRepublic’s high-speed connectivity and one of the most anticipated trading card game expansions of the year, creating an integrated offering for both collectors and players in Singapore.
Two broadband promotional bundles will be introduced as part of this limited-time initiative. The Disney Lorcana TCG GAMER 3Gbps Plan, priced at S$48.99 per month, includes two Disney Lorcana TCG: Whispers in the Well Booster Boxes valued at S$384. Meanwhile, the Disney Lorcana TCG GAMER 10Gbps Plan, offered at S$61.99 per month with a one-time top-up of S$50, includes two Booster Boxes of the same value and a Wi-Fi 7 Router worth S$799. Both bundles combine MyRepublic’s high-performance broadband service with Disney Lorcana TCG product sets, delivering an integrated experience for collectors and gamers alike.
The first 30 customers to subscribe to any of the promotional bundles will receive a Disney Lorcana TCG playmat featuring artwork of Jasmine or The Brave Little Prince, worth $27.
The initiative underscores MyRepublic’s continued investment in Singapore’s gaming and trading card ecosystem, which further integrates premium connectivity with community-based entertainment experiences.
“Our collaboration with Disney Consumer Products to feature Disney Lorcana Trading Card Game aligns with MyRepublic’s focus on providing customers with differentiated, experience-driven connectivity solutions,” said Terry Williams, VP Consumer, MyRepublic. “We’re passionate about growing the trading card community, making it easier for anyone to get started, connect with others, and enjoy the game with friends and family.”
The Disney Lorcana TCG: Whispers in the Well broadband bundles will be available from 23 October 2025, exclusively via MyRepublic’s website and retail outlets while stocks last. For more information on Disney Lorcana TCG, please visit the official website, DisneyLorcana.com.
For more information on the bundles, please visit https://myrepublic.net/sg/disney-lorcana/
Powering the Intelligent Age Summit announced the ASEAN AI Safety Network and Sustainable AI White Paper, aligning regional collaboration with sustainability and trust
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 October 2025 – The Ministry of Digital, through the Malaysia Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (MYCentre4IR), in collaboration with the World Economic Forum (WEF), today hosted the Powering the Intelligent Age: Driving Innovation with Southeast Asia and Beyond Summit at Sasana Kijang. The event aimed to deepen collaboration on artificial intelligence (AI), digitalisation and clean industrial transformation. The event also marked a key milestone in Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship, positioning the country as a convener of regional dialogue on technology governance and innovation, with a strong focus on digital transformation, and the region’s broader energy transition agenda.
The summit drew over 400 delegates from 14 countries and was attended by senior policymakers, corporate figures, researchers and startup founders. The wide representation from ASEAN’s digital and energy sectors, together with development partners and industry experts reflected strong collaboration across public, private and international sectors in advancing responsible and sustainable technology adoption across ASEAN.
A major highlight of the summit was the announcement on the ASEAN AI Safety Network (ASEAN AI Safe), a Priority Economic Deliverable for Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship. Envisioned to be anchored in Kuala Lumpur, the Network connects policymakers, researchers and industry players to advance safe and inclusive AI adoption. The initiative forms part of Malaysia’s wider effort to position ASEAN as a globally trusted hub for responsible innovation and digital transformation.
YB Gobind Singh Deo, Minister of Digital said, “Malaysia wants to become an AI Nation by 2030, supported by trusted governance, inclusive talent development and investments that drive real economic impact. As ASEAN Chair, we are focused on building collaborative frameworks that ensure technology is deployed safely, transparently and for the benefit of all communities. The ASEAN AI Safe marks an important step forward, but it is only one part of our broader mission to create an ecosystem where innovation and accountability move together.”
Reflecting these priorities, the summit’s agenda was designed to move from policy to implementation, focusing on practical collaboration and measurable outcomes. Discussions centred on establishing a common baseline for AI governance across ASEAN, aligning sustainability with technology adoption and accelerating industrial transformation through innovation partnerships. Another key milestone was the announcement of the Sustainable AI White Paper, developed in partnership between MYCentre4IR and ERM, in consultation with Microsoft , to guide responsible and energy-efficient AI deployment across the region.
A Leader’s Dialogue between YB Gobind Singh Deo and Cathy Li, Head of the Centre for AI Excellence and Executive Committee Member at the World Economic Forum, examined ASEAN’s framework for responsible AI development and discussed strategies to enhance the region’s access to AI capabilities in support of economic growth. The session focused on how regional collaboration can promote responsible AI, and build public trust in technology.
“The potential for successful transformation of Southeast Asia’s economy through AI is still largely untapped, and the region has a unique chance to shape the global AI standards of tomorrow”, said Cathy Li. “But this requires alignment across the region, to create a shared governance framework that fosters trust, transparency and sustainability into the fabric of innovation, and joint strategies for building sustainable and inclusive resilient AI ecosystems”.
The World Economic Forum is committed to supporting the region in realising a successful AI journey, by convening and partnering with Governments and all actors of the AI value chain.
The summit also featured a special address by Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for ASEAN Economic Community H.E. Satvinder Singh, who highlighted that regional collaboration is central to ensuring technology becomes a driver of shared prosperity and inclusion. He emphasised ASEAN’s role in developing policies that strengthen cross-border collaboration, support digital economy growth and build institutional readiness for the Intelligent Age.
At the industry level, the Transitioning Industrial Clusters (TIC) dialogue showcased how data platforms, advanced automation and clean-energy integration can help ASEAN industries strengthen competitiveness while reducing emissions. The summit’s focus on regional transition highlighted how ASEAN is aligning industrial policy, technology, and innovation to build a cleaner and more resilient future. Dialogue on cross-border green-electron trade under the ASEAN Power Grid, industrial decarbonisation and nuclear energy readiness reflected the region’s determination to strengthen energy security while advancing sustainability goals.
The summit highlighted the growing convergence between artificial intelligence and industrial sustainability as the drivers of ASEAN’s future competitiveness. It demonstrated how cross-border collaboration between governments, industry leaders, academia, and innovators is essential to harness technology responsibly while advancing shared regional goals. The Ministry of Digital is committed to ensuring that Malaysia’s national digital ambitions remain aligned with ASEAN’s themes of sustainability and inclusivity. The collaboration with industry and Microsoft as one of the trusted partners in establishing Malaysia as a sustainable digital hub and a secure location for digital assets across the region reflects the Ministry’s vision of a future where innovation, inclusivity, and environmental responsibility move in tandem – positioning ASEAN as a global hub for safe, trusted, and sustainable digital transformation.
Hashtag: #MyDIGITAL #WEF #MYCentre4IR
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