More Than Half of Workers in Hong Kong are Considering Changing Employers in 2025, Aon Study Reveals

February 20, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 February 2025 – Aon plc (NYSE: AON), a leading global professional services firm, today released results from its 2025 Human Capital Employee Sentiment Study with new insights specific to employees in Hong Kong. The global study of more than 9,000 employees across 23 geographies, including the U.S., UK, China, India and Australia, found that more than half of workers in Hong Kong are considering changing employers.

The research reveals a troubling trend: almost one in five employees (17 percent) in Hong Kong feel undervalued in their current roles compared to seven percent in mainland China and 13 percent globally.

Dissatisfaction with Compensation and Benefits

The study reveals that 60 percent of employees in Hong Kong do not believe their compensation is fair compared to similar roles in the industry, a figure significantly higher than the global benchmark of 37 percent. Further, more than one third of the workforce (35 percent) in Hong Kong is not confident there is adequate investment in their skills development — double the global average. These results point to growing employee dissatisfaction in the Hong Kong market and may explain why the majority (63 percent) either plan to switch jobs or are considering doing so within the next year.

Competitive pay and meaningful benefits are identified as the most influential factors when deciding to stay with or join a company, signalling the need for employers to act swiftly to improve employee benefits and offer competitive rewards.

Paid Time Off Ranked Top-Value Benefit

The study identified the top five benefits valued by employees in Hong Kong:

Paid time off
Medical coverage
Work-life balance programs
Retirement savings
Dental insurance

Medical coverage was the second highest valued benefit across all generations, with Gen X and Gen Z rating it higher than Gen Y (Millennials). Rising cost of living and an ageing workforce has increased health and financial concerns, prompting employees to seek better medical coverage and support.

More than half of the employees (57 percent) would be willing to sacrifice existing benefits for a better choice of benefits, presenting an opportunity for employers to provide personalised and flexible benefit options to meet the needs of their workforce.

A staggering 75 percent of employees in Hong Kong prefer office-based working arrangements, over 20 percent higher than the global average.

Top Employee Expectations

The study also identified the top expectations employees have of their employers:

33 percent said employers should help employees save for retirement/long-term needs.
28 percent said employers should support employee wellbeing.
20 percent said employers should support women’s health (e.g., menstruation, menopause).
19 percent said employers should help them establish an emergency fund.
18 percent said employers should support with eldercare or family care.

Ernest Leung, head of Hong Kong for Aon said, “While organisations may perceive unmet salary expectations as the primary reason for employee turnover, employees evaluate all aspects of their roles and total rewards when deciding whether to remain with an organisation. With evolving technologies and an ageing workforce, the growth of businesses in Hong Kong will greatly depend on the ability of organisations to attract and retain top talent across multiple generations. It is crucial, therefore, for organisations to adopt more creative and innovative compensation practices using data-driven analytics and insights as part of their overall people strategy.”

The study also brings attention to the lack of equity in pay and career development practices, with 41 percent of employees not confident their employer ensures gender pay equality. Additionally, women are 11 percent more likely than men to want career development and learning. This reinforces the need for employers to take steps to offer customised benefits across demographics including pay transparency and career development to attract and retain top women talent.

Read Aon’s Human Capital Employee Sentiment Study here.

Hashtag: #Aon

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

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

CUHK Leads Healthcare Innovation Whilst Advancing in Global Rankings

MIL OSI

February 20, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 February 2025 – The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) has achieved its highest-ever rankings: 44th in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2025 and 36th in the QS World University Rankings 2025. Through its Faculty of Medicine, CUHK demonstrates how academic excellence translates into meaningful improvements in people’s lives.

The Faculty of Medicine (CU Medicine), a cornerstone of CUHK’s success since its establishment in 1981, has impressed the world with outstanding achievements in recent global rankings, driving innovation across its five schools and 14 departments. In Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2025 by Subject: Medical and Health, it is ranked 24th globally and 4th in Asia, being one of the youngest medical schools among the top 25 in the world. In the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Ranking by Subject 2024, CU Medicine ranked 1st in Hong Kong, 2nd in Asia; while in the 2024 Global Ranking of Academic Subjects (GRAS) by ShanghaiRanking, CU Medicine ranked 1st in Asia in Clinical Medicine and is the only Asian medical school among the Top 50.

Pioneering Healthcare Solutions

Professor Dennis Lo, the newly appointed CUHK’s Vice-Chancellor and President, has transformed prenatal care globally through Non-invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT), benefitting over 10 million pregnant women annually across more than 100 countries. His innovations extend to cancer detection, where his team’s plasma-based screening for nasopharyngeal carcinoma has dramatically improved early detection rates.

Empowering Global Health Talent

Dr. Subhankar Mukhopadhyay, an Indian PhD graduate and Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme awardee, exemplifies the faculty’s success in nurturing talent. “CUHK’s interdisciplinary approach and state-of-the-art facilities created the perfect environment for innovative research,” says Dr. Mukhopadhyay, now a postdoctoral researcher at CUHK’s JC School of Public Health and Public Care.

Building a Healthier Future

CU Medicine is dedicated to enhancing global health through advancing healthcare, medical education and research. It conducts research in areas of primary concern to Asia and Hong Kong, including projects on cancers, gut microbiota, and metabolic diseases. By combining scientific excellence with a deep commitment to social responsibility, CU Medicine continues to pioneer solutions that make quality healthcare more accessible and effective for communities worldwide.

For a full list of postgraduate programmes available at CU Medicine, visit www.gs.cuhk.edu.hk/medicine.

Hashtag: #CUHK

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

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Media crisis continues amid Government inaction – E tū

LiveNews Publisher

February 20, 2025

Source: Etu Union

E tū, the union for journalists and media workers, is sounding the alarm over the confirmation of an additional 30 job losses at NZME’s newsroom, as the wave of media cuts continues.

E tū Director Michael Wood says the latest redundancies are yet another blow to journalism in Aotearoa.

“Confirmation that a further 30 jobs will be lost from the NZME newsroom is part of a massacre of journalist capacity across the country,” Michael says.

“It follows on from NZME closing 14 regional titles, major job reductions at Stuff, and successive rounds of cuts at TVNZ. Cumulatively, these reductions mean that the New Zealand media system has less ability to perform its core functions – holding decision-makers to account, providing information in response to natural disasters, covering breaking news, and undertaking long-term investigations that help to inform the public on important issues.”

E tū members at NZME have engaged constructively, securing some changes to the original proposals that have preserved journalistic capacity. Michael says this underscores the value of union membership and collective action.

“The work of E tū members at NZME resulted in some changes to the original proposals, which have preserved some capacity, showing the value of union membership and engagement.

“However, we remain deeply concerned by the scale of these cuts and the clear signal from NZME that resources will be increasingly steered toward content that generates clicks. NZME must find a balance between generating short-term revenue and continuing to invest in high-quality journalism that drives long-term value.”

Responsibility also lies squarely with the Government, which has failed to act on the systemic issues affecting the sector.

“Primarily, though, this further round of cuts can be sheeted home to a Government that is missing in action,” Michael says.

“The sector continues to suffer because the content it produces gets used by social media platforms that do not contribute to its costs while earning advertising revenue from it. Last year, the Government committed to advancing the Fair Digital News Bargaining Bill to address this issue, but now appears to have wilted in the face of lobbying from big overseas corporates.”

E tū is calling on the Government to take urgent action to support our local media.

“In the wake of yet another round of cuts, it is more evident than ever that the Government needs to wake up and take action so that we preserve a media system that supports New Zealand’s democracy.”

MIL OSI

Multi-sensory artwork Waimahara brings Auckland Pride Festival to a reflective close

LiveNews Publisher

February 20, 2025

Source: Auckland Council

On Saturday 1 March the 2025 Auckland Pride Festival will conclude, completing the city’s month-long celebrations in a thoughtful, restful and reflective way.

Hāmiora Bailey, Auckland Pride’s Executive Director, explains that Auckland Pride 2025 was shaped to give visibility to the history and healing of our people across the whole community.

“We wanted it to be grounded in the arts, carry cultural relevance in both te ao Māori and Takatāpuitanga and be truly generational.

“Building on that intention, our closing event shifts away from the traditional Pride March and Pride Party. It reflects on the strength within our communities and galvanises our shared vision of queer liberation and social justice.

“I can’t imagine a better place for us to round out our festival than Waimahara. It’s fitting for our festival as this multi-sensory artwork in the underpass is a hinge between the Arts Quarter and Myers Park. Both places are significant for us,” Hāmiora says.

Headliners for the Auckland Pride closing event Nia and Nganeko with Pride Auckland Executive Director Hāmiora Bailey at Waimahara in Myers Park.

Read about artist Graham Tipene (Ngāti Whātua, Ngāti Kahu, Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Hāua, Ngāti Manu), the technology team at IION and the composers behind Waimahara and view video of the artwork at Our Auckland.

Councillor Richard Hills says Auckland Council is committed to supporting our rainbow communities in Tāmaki Makaurau. He is thrilled to see Myers Park playing a part.

“We are pleased Auckland Pride has chosen this venue. We are very proud of Waimahara and this is the first time we’ll see the upgraded part of the park as an outdoor amphitheatre.

“Auckland Council is delighted to support this celebration of our rainbow and Takatāpui communities, bringing performance, thought leadership, storytelling and reflection all together in one place,” says Councillor Hills.

He explains that the artwork is designed to deepen visitors’ connection with this place.

“Waimahara describes the memory of water, specifically Te Waihorotiu the stream flowing from Myers Park through the underpass and down to the Waitematā Harbour.

“Like the stream, this artwork is alive. It responds to our presence through changing light patterns and sound as we enter the underpass. Two waiata have been composed especially for people to sing into the sensor and activate the artwork further,” he says.

The lyrics and the tune, with a ‘how to’ video, can be found via a QR code on-site. Or watch the ‘how to’ video here.

Waimahara in Myers Park.

Sharing the same name as the artwork the closing event for Auckland Pride, WAIMAHARA, begins in Aotea Square. A short hīkoi then makes its way into the underpass experiencing the ambient light and sound effects of Waimahara, and further into Myers Park.

There will be pockets of performance by talented Māori artists Nganeko and Nia, panel discussions, letter writing and picnics.

For detailed times and full schedule visit Auckland Pride.

Auckland Pride 2025 is supported by Auckland Council and the city centre targeted rate. Read more about Auckland Council’s commitment to supporting the region’s rainbow communities.

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Weather News – An end to the mugginess at last – MetService

LiveNews Publisher

February 20, 2025

Source: MetService

Covering period of Thursday 20th – Sunday 23rd February – Muggy conditions finally come to an end as rain and fresh southwesterlies spread from the south. The rain is expected to ease off towards the end of the weekend with dry sunnier skies increasing.

MetService is forecasting yet another muggy day for North Islanders today (Thursday), little did we know that we would be looking forward to cooler conditions after the ‘not so welcomed’ delayed start to summer earlier on in the year. Rain will move up the South Island along with a change to cooler, less humid air brought by southwesterly winds.

A band of showers spreads onto the lower North Island Friday morning, then up the island through the day with those southwesterlies finally bringing some respite after the muggy conditions. Sunnier skies start to increase in the east of the South Island and the south of the North Island, but not before a period of occasionally heavy showers and possible thunderstorms in Canterbury, north of Ashburton, up to Wairarapa during the afternoon and evening.

On Saturday a high-pressure system sits out to the west, allowing for fresh southwesterlies to persist over the country.

MetService meteorologist Oscar Shiviti says, “Another front moves up the South Island on Saturday resulting in wet weather in the west, however things are looking drier for those in the east with the exception of areas south of Alexandra”.

Largely sunny skies are expected for the North Island on Saturday, which should be a good day for outdoor enthusiasts, especially if you do not mind a southwesterly breeze. “It is looking like optimum weather for football’s A-League New Zealand derby on Saturday afternoon between Auckland FC and Wellington Phoenix with sunny skies expected” added Shiviti.

From Sunday into early next week, the high-pressure brings largely settled weather across the country, with only a few areas seeing showers. However, a rain band is set to move onto the South Island late Monday into Tuesday, briefly interrupting the settled weather.

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Appointments – New CEO for Grasslanz Technology Limited

LiveNews Publisher

February 20, 2025

Source: Grasslanz Technology

Grasslanz Technology Limited is pleased to announce the appointment of Megan Skiffington as its new Chief Executive Officer, starting on 3 March 2025.

Megan’s appointment follows Dr John Caradus’ decision to step down as CEO after 19 years and move to the new role of Chief Technology Officer, so that he can focus on the science side of the business.

Grasslanz Technology is a commercial subsidiary of AgResearch focussed on the development and commercialisation of cutting-edge plant and microbial solutions for the primary sector.

As CEO, Megan will be responsible for leading the organisation into its next phase of development, with a focus on commercial delivery, solving problems for the sector and collaboration. This includes collaboration opportunities arising from the upcoming science system reforms, in which AgResearch will merge with other Crown Research Institutes to form a Public Research Organisation.

Megan brings with her a proven track record of successful partnerships, understanding of the research commercialisation process and strong relationships within the primary industry.

Grasslanz Board Chair Dr Ian Boddy says: “We are thrilled to welcome Megan to the GTL team and look forward to seeing her working with John and the team to continue delivering value for Grasslanz, our shareholders and NZ”.

Megan says she is excited about the opportunity to lead a company that is always innovating and focused on solutions for farmers and New Zealand.

“I’m excited to get alongside the team at Grasslanz to keep delivering innovative solutions for our farmers with our partners.”

MIL OSI

Northland News – Where’s wallaby? Free wild food treats back for field days

LiveNews Publisher

February 20, 2025

Source: Northland Regional Council

Free ‘Tex-Mex wallaby quesadillas with parmesan mayonnaise’ will be on the menu at the Northland Regional Council (NRC) marquee at the upcoming Northland Field Days.

About 40 kilogrammes of minced wallaby will be used to create the quesadillas which will be made available to visitors at the upcoming Thursday 27 February to Saturday March 01 Dargaville event.

A joint creation by the NRC, NorthTec | Tai Tokerau Wānanga Level 4 cookery students and their tutor Hughie Blues, the council expects to give away about 1800 portions of quesadillas over the three days of field days from the council’s usual site – I1 and I2.

Council Kaipara constituency representative John Blackwell says last year’s giveaway was venison bruschetta with red onion jam and horopito creme fraiche.

“Over the years the council has transformed a variety of pest animals, plants and even insects into an array of edible field day treats all designed as a fun way to spark added public interest in its broader work.”

The wallaby for the giveaway has been sourced from Blenheim company Premium Game because there’s no local wild wallaby stock.

Councillor Blackwell says while there are no known wallaby populations in Northland, they could potentially spread to the region from nearby areas like Kawau Island and Rotorua Lakes.

“These animals are classified as an ‘exclusion pest’ due to their potential to cause significant environmental and economic harm.” “They threaten native bush by eating seedlings, hindering regeneration, and also impact farming and forestry by consuming pasture and exotic seedlings.”

Councillor Blackwell says the council has successfully collaborated with the hospitality students for field days over a number of years and he’s pleased the two organisations will be working together again this year.

Lisette Buckle, NorthTec | Tai Tokerau Wānanga Pathway Manager- Service Industries, says the relationship between Northtec and the council is yet another chance for Level 4 cookery students to work on something “a little bit out of the ordinary”.

“Students and their chef tutor, Hughie Blues, will be on site over the three days preparing and serving the food.” “It’s always good for our hospitality students to get out and about, catering at events and gaining experience which will help them get into a great career.”

Councillor Blackwell says for anyone keen to try the wallaby quesadillas, the best time to visit is around 10:30am, 12.30pm or 2pm each day.

He says council’s site is on a popular road at field days with other community groups and agencies nearby making it easy for the public to access information and have a chat about all things environmental.

“A key focus for field days this year is biosecurity, including our Regional Pest Management Plan (RPMP) and this event is the perfect opportunity to engage directly with some of our key stakeholders.”

He says as biosecurity is a focal point, the council will be highlighting the importance of managing pest animals and plants to ensure biodiversity thrives. (This includes addressing issues related to incursions of deer, wallabies, turtles, clams, and other pest species).

“Our usual crowd favourites, pest animals, and pest plants (including how to get rid of weeds) will feature alongside biodiversity information, including updates on dune lakes and bitterns.”

Staff from our land management team will also be on site again, showcasing a catchment model and providing information on the Hill Country Erosion Fund, as well as the use of poplars and willows for erosion control.

Councillor Blackwell says the council’s climate action team will be seeking active participation in one of their ‘serious games’ such as the NIWA climate game and wave simulation.

“They will also be sharing information about the Electrify Northland initiative and conducting climate change surveys and we’ll also have information about other council work, including our Environmental Awards, and other general business.”

A number of regional councillors, including Cr Blackwell, will be on site during the field days and look forward to catching up with those attending the event.

MIL OSI

ACT MP congratulates Labour MP for pro-freedom bill

LiveNews Publisher

February 20, 2025

Source: ACT Party

Responding to the draw of the Financial Markets (Conduct of Institutions) Amendment (Duty to Provide) Amendment Bill:

“Finally, the House of Representatives will have a chance to debate the wokery in the banking sector that has seen farmers and other unfashionable sectors treated like second-class borrowers,” says ACT Rural Communities spokesperson Mark Cameron, who is also leading an inquiry into rural banking practices.

“The ACT team will be looking at the detail of this bill. We’ll continue to make the case for tackling woke banking practices at its cause. That includes the Net Zero Banking Alliance, which major banks in the United States, Canada, and Australia are rightly fleeing. We’ve also challenged the stupid climate commitments placed on banks by the Financial Markets Authority.

“In the meantime, I’m celebrating the fact that these issues, once only discussed with frustration across the farm fence, are now being addressed in New Zealand’s highest chambers of power.”

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Static child poverty stats highlight need for urgent action

LiveNews Publisher

February 20, 2025

Source: Green Party

This morning’s Stats NZ child poverty statistics should act as a wake-up call for the government: with no movement in child poverty rates since June 2023, it’s time to make the wellbeing of our tamariki a political priority.

“Poverty is a political choice we do not have to accept. We can choose to end it–our mokopuna deserve nothing less,” says Green Party co-leader and Child Poverty spokesperson, Hon Marama Davidson.

“Every child in Aotearoa deserves a warm, dry home and a full belly. We have all the tools we need to give them that and more.

“What we need is ambition and commitment to end the cycle of thousands of children across generations falling through the cracks and being set up to fail for the rest of their lives. It is high time we started supporting our children to thrive.

“It’s well understood that the first few years set the stage for the rest of a child’s life. Living in a household mired in poverty has lasting consequences for the wellbeing of our pēpi and tamariki.

“Unfortunately, as we have seen today, 156,000 children are growing up in material hardship. This is a national shame.

“Māori, Pacific and disabled children are disproportionately affected by child poverty, with 1 in 4, 1 in 3, and 1 in 5 children growing up in material hardship respectively. These are the very groups hit the hardest by the policies of a Government which has bent over backwards to hand billions of dollars in tax cuts to wealthy landlords, while ignoring the many struggling.

“The Green Party campaigned to end poverty for all families in Aotearoa by providing everyone with an Income Guarantee that would ensure every household and every child has all they need to thrive.

“We can’t keep tinkering around the edge and watering down child poverty reduction targets like we’ve seen the coalition doing this term. Our plan will put children’s wellbeing at the centre of decision-making and policy, where it should have been all along,” says Marama Davidson.

The Stats NZ report can be found in full here.

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Closures this Sunday on SH2 HB Expressway and SH50

LiveNews Publisher

February 20, 2025

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Crews will be carrying out routine maintenance overnight Sunday on a stretch of State Highway 2 Hawke’s Bay Expressway.

The stretch of road between Omahu Road and Evenden Road will be closed from 8pm and reopening at 5am on Monday, in time for commuter traffic.

Signposted detours will be available.

During the closure, crews will be working on a range of maintenance, including focusing on flexible median barrier repair, signage repair and road surface repairs if and where needed within the Omahu to Evenden stretch.

Sunday’s closure is part of routine monthly maintenance – one Sunday night a month, crews will be focused on a range of maintenance on a different section of the expressway.

At this stage, the following dates have been confirmed for the remainder of the year:

23 March 24 August

27 April 28 September

25 May No October closure at this stage

29 June 2 November

27 July 7 December

While these dates are confirmed, the stretch of expressway closed on any date may change at short notice depending on the maintenance priorities at the time.

The dates are also weather dependent and if postponed, the following Sunday will be used as the contingency date.

Further north, a section of State Highway 50 through Ahuriri, in Napier, will be closed during the day on Sunday for a triathlon event.

There will be other local road closures too.

Road closures(external link)

SH50 will be closed from Napier Port’s eastern gate through Ahuriri Truck Bypass, Bridge Street and Hyderabad Street to the peanut roundabout intersection with Pandora Road.

The road will be closed from 6.30am til 3pm.

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