HAIKOU, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 January 2025 – Recently, the Hainan Free Trade Port in southern China has launched various events featuring intangible cultural heritage to celebrate the Spring Festival. Visitors can look forward to abundant sunshine, a rich cultural legacy, verdant rainforests, and warm hospitality over the holiday season.
Hainan has planned 300 programs to highlight its intangible cultural heritage.
Festival, the social practices of the Chinese people in celebration of traditional New Year, was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity last December. This upcoming Spring Festival, Hainan has planned 300 programs to highlight its intangible cultural heritage. In addition to traditional activities such as Hainan Opera spear tricks, Lantern Festival flower exchange, carp lantern spring festival celebration, Qionghai Nanzhong dragon dance, Sanya Phoenix Island Carnival, and display of Li brocade craftsmanship, visitors can taste delicacies such as zhegu tea, coconut rice, and brown sugar rice cakes. With a feast for the eyes and a delight for the palate, a journey to the island promises to be truly unforgettable.
In addition, to make tourists’ winter experience delightful and tailored to their specific needs, Hainan has designed eight routes (e.g., unwinding at romantic beaches, driving around the island) and 72 packages (e.g., ethnic culture, cuisine plus culture).
Since the end of last year, China’s 144-hour visa-free transit policy has been extended to 240 hours, and two ports of entry have been added in Hainan, allowing international guests to enter and exit the island via any of its three international airports (Haikou Meilan, Sanya Phoenix, and Qionghai Boao).
“Qilou (arcaded buildings), food, surfing… I saw a Hainan that is both traditional and modern. Now that there is a 240-hour visa-free policy, I would love to visit Hainan again to explore further!” said Liu Wenxin, a Singaporean tourist who recently returned from a trip to Hainan.
According to the Hainan Department of Tourism, Culture, Radio, TV, and Sports, the three major airports in the province have resumed operations after COVID-19, with 70 international and regional passenger routes connecting Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia, the Middle East, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Hong Kong, Macao, and beyond. In particular, new routes from Hainan to the United States, the UAE, and New Zealand provide added convenience for overseas visitors.
Moreover, Hainan authorities have introduced multiple payment options to enhance the experience for international sightseers. “When I buy anything, I can scan to pay or tap to pay,” said American tourist David, who used Alipay to make a quick purchase of a souvenir on Haikou’s Qilou Old Street. “From getting off the plane to visiting scenic spots, a mobile phone is all I need. This is incredibly easy!”
Hashtag: #Hainan
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The opening of Palmerston North’s biggest social housing development will have a significant impact for whānau in need of safe, warm, dry housing, Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka says. The minister visited the development today at North Street where a total of 50 two, three, and four-bedroom homes plus a shared community space were officially opened. “The Government is deeply committed to supporting accessibility to good safe housing across New Zealand,” Mr Potaka says. “The whānau who will move into these homes, most of whom come from the Ministry of Social Development’s Housing Register, will now experience the security, safety and comfort of a stable home. “The benefits of proper housing can make a world of difference for people’s health and wellbeing as well as for stable education and employment.” The homes were developed by Soho Group and built by Isles Construction over an eighteen-month period. A team of over 50 mostly local contractors have been on site to get the work done. Kāinga Ora and Y Central have entered a partnership for the shared community space at the development, which will be used by customers and the wider community. Y Central will coordinate the community space, manage bookings and facilitate activities and services.“This partnership will help connect the local community, providing a space where people can come together,” says Minister Potaka.People and families are expected to start moving into the new North Street homes in the next few weeks. Kāinga Ora has assigned a team of Housing Support Managers to support them as they settle into their new home and community. Additional figures for editors: With 540 people on the Ministry of Social Development’s Housing Register, the new homes will help meet the demand for more social housing in Palmerston North.As at 30 November 2024, Kāinga Ora owned 1,543 state homes in Palmerston North providing a home to 3,594 customers.
A stretch of State Highway 3 south of New Plymouth will be closed to southbound traffic until later tonight.
Tomo (small hole)
SH3, between Mangorei and Hydro Road is currently closed after a tomo (small hole) formed at the Mangorei Stream Bridge, just south of Burgess Hill Road.
At this stage the southbound lane will be closed until approximately 8pm while crews work onsite. A detour is in place for southbound traffic.
The northbound lane remains open as normal.
Traffic is being diverted via Mangorei Road and we encourage road users to use SH3A/SH45 as an alternative routes south.
Crews are currently completing an urgent repair to the site, and expect to have the road open by approximately 8pm. The site may remain under a temporary speed limit over the weekend, but will be open to both lanes of traffic.
A stretch of State Highway 51 Georges Drive/Ellison Street in Napier will be closing for 2 days of resealing next month.
Crews will be working on SH51 between Marine Parade and Kennedy Road on Saturday 8 February and Sunday 9 February.
The work is being done during the day on the weekend to minimise disruption to traffic and residents.
This stretch of road will close between 6am and 8pm on Saturday and between 6am and 1pm on Sunday. The road is opening earlier on the Sunday to avoid disruption of an event at McLean Park that evening.
Following that work, the road will be under stop/go traffic management for the following 2 days for line marking and sweeping loose chip.
The road won’t be closed at night, however a temporary speed restriction will be in place.
During the work, detours will be available:
Detour 1: Kennedy Road to Wellesley Road to Latham Street
Detour 2: Marine Parade to Warren Street to Hastings Street to Latham Street
Please allow for delays, follow detour signs and instructions from our crew onsite. Traffic will be able to cross SH51 Georges Drive at the Latham Street roundabout. Emergency services will be assisted through the site.
This work is dependent on dry weather conditions. If weather delays this work, the contingency dates are Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 March.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi thanks road users for taking the detours and to communities along this stretch of road.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 January 2025 – Kaplan (Singapore) officially launched its new Odeon 333 City Campus1 on 17 January 2025, another dynamic hub for delivering Murdoch University and Kaplan programmes and fostering a vibrant environment for student activities. This landmark occasion also celebrates the longstanding partnership between Murdoch University and Kaplan, recently renewed for another 15 years in 2024.
From left to right, Professor Peter Waring, Professor Simon McKirdy, Professor Andrew Deeks, His Excellency Allaster Cox, Ms Denise Phua, Mr David Jones, and Dr Susie Khoo commemorated the launch of the Odeon 333 City Campus
The launch comes at a milestone year, with Singapore and Australia celebrating 60 years of diplomatic relations in 2025, a moment that underscores the important role of education in strengthening connections between the two nations. This year also marks Murdoch University’s 50th anniversary and 25 years of delivering quality education to students in Singapore, making the new campus opening a fitting reflection of Kaplan and Murdoch’s shared commitment to advancing education and collaboration.
Professor Andrew Deeks, Vice-Chancellor and President of Murdoch University shared, “Over the past five decades, Murdoch has grown from a single campus in Perth to a university with a global presence. We began with a culture of critical thinking, of nurturing a community of scholars who are dedicated to making a positive impact – and with a commitment to academic excellence – and this has not changed today. As we embark on this new chapter, we reaffirm our commitment to international partnerships, and we look forward to building a brighter future in Singapore for a long time to come.”
The new campus inauguration was graced by distinguished guests, His Excellency Allaster Cox, Australian High Commissioner to Singapore, and Ms Denise Phua, Mayor of Central Singapore District, who officiated the event with a symbolic LED ball lighting ceremony. Guests were also treated to a campus tour, featuring immersive VR demonstrations that brought cutting-edge technology to life, along with a livestream connection to Murdoch’s Perth campus, showcasing the exciting potential for lessons to transcend physical boundaries.
Commenting on the launch, Dr Susie Khoo, President of Kaplan (Singapore) remarked, “This campus represents more than a new space right in the heart of the city; it embodies our commitment to investing in education, offering students diverse pathways to success and supporting them in achieving their learning goals. Located in Odeon 333, a BCA Green Mark Platinum-certified2 building, it also reflects our dedication to sustainability and building a better future.”
Campus Features The Kaplan City Campus @ Odeon 333 spans three levels, offering thoughtfully designed study areas and well-equipped classrooms that promote learning and innovation in today’s tech-driven landscape. Its facilities include high-capacity computer labs, a wellness room, a reference room, and the Connexion, which is equipped with writable tables that double as height-adjustable whiteboards, enabling dynamic and interactive learning experiences. Additionally, a club room enhances the student experience by offering a welcoming space for relaxation, social interaction, and community-building.
High-Capacity Computer Labs Our state-of-the-art computer labs are designed to equip students with future-ready skills in this transformative age of AI. Featuring cutting-edge hardware for maximum performance and productivity, the labs are optimised with dual monitors and an inverted-U layout that facilitates seamless interaction between students and lecturers to enhance learning outcomes.
Wellness Room Among its key features, the campus provides a dedicated wellness room to support students’ mental and physical well-being. This serene space is designed for relaxation and self-care, ensuring a holistic approach to student support.
Club Room With amenities for leisure, collaboration, and games such as air hockey, darts, tabletop curling, and a game console, this vibrant space offers students a place to unwind, connect, and spark creativity.
Self-Study Areas Configured to facilitate self-study or productive group discussions while maintaining an environment conducive to focused studies, our multiple self-study areas offer a blend of comfort and functionality.
Odeon 333 City Campus Opening Promotion Celebrate the opening of the Odeon 333 City Campus with exclusive sign-up incentives when you enrol in selected Murdoch University programmes through Kaplan during the January or May intakes! Enjoy an Education Grant of up to S$6,540 and stand a chance to win exciting prizes like laptops and Apple AirPods in our lucky draw. Don’t miss this opportunity to kickstart your education journey with added rewards—visit https://murdoch.kaplan.com.sg/ for details.
1. Kaplan City Campus @ Odeon 333 is located at 333 North Bridge Road, Level 2, Singapore 188721 2. https://www.uol.com.sg/odeon/
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 January 2025 – KPMG in Singapore (KPMG) has launched a strategic guide, Advancing Digital Sustainable Talent for the Future, to support local businesses in developing digital talent while embedding sustainability into their operations. Created with contributions from the Infocomm Media Development Authority of Singapore (IMDA) and the Singapore Computer Society (SCS) Sustainable Tech SIG, the guide is closely aligned with national priorities such as the Forward Singapore exercise and the Singapore Green Plan 2030.
From Left to Right: Mr Francis Lee, SCS Executive Director Mr Benjamin Soh, Sustainable Tech SIG, Committee Member Ms Ang Guat Ling, Sustainable Tech SIG, Committee Member Mr Kenneth Ng, Vice-Chairman, Sustainable Tech SIG, Committee Joey Tan, Chairman, Sustainable Tech SIG, Committee Lim Bee Kwan, Vice-President, SCS Executive Council Sam Liew, President, SCS Executive Council Dr Janil Puthucheary, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Digital Development and Information of Singapore Lee Sze Yeng, Managing Partner, KPMG in Singapore Lyon Poh, Partner, Head of Corporate Transformation, KPMG in Singapore James Wilson, Partner, Technology Consulting Nicki Doble, Principal Advisor, Corporate Transformation, KPMG in Singapore Dr. Deven Chhaya, Partner, Infrastructure Advisory, KPMG in Singapore
The guide highlights how many businesses already possess essential digital talent – such as AI specialists, software developers, and network engineers – and offers actionable strategies to upskill them for evolving technological demands. It also advocates for businesses to adopt ‘Green by Design’ principles, where sustainability is built into core operations and workforce strategies from the start, rather than being treated as an afterthought.
This guide seeks to equip businesses with insights to plan ahead, offering observations of the current landscape, guidance on incorporating sustainability into business strategies, and actionable recommendations to address digital and green priorities. It supports Singapore’s vision of fostering a skilled workforce ready to leverage AI to drive sustainable innovation and long-term economic resilience.
Lyon Poh, Partner and Head of Corporate Transformation at KPMG in Singapore, remarked, “The green transition is a strategic inflection point for Singapore businesses. To succeed, companies must embed sustainability into their core strategies, not as an afterthought, but as a foundation for innovation and growth. By remapping the mindsets and skillsets of their existing workforce, leveraging digital talent to drive green innovation, and aligning with national frameworks such as the Green Plan 2030, businesses can transform challenges into opportunities. Practical steps include investing in energy-efficient technologies, redesigning operations for circularity, and collaborating across sectors to scale impactful solutions. Singapore’s strong policy environment and tech-capable workforce uniquely position it to lead in this space, creating economic value while ensuring long-term resilience. Businesses that act decisively now will not only secure a competitive edge but also contribute meaningfully to Singapore’s sustainable growth story.”
Joey Tan, Chairman, SCS Sustainable Tech SIG, said: “For a successful sustainability transformation, practitioners need to combine specialised knowledge with multidisciplinary skill sets. Green skills, including those related to green software, are essential for building a sustainable future and supporting Singapore’s transition to a resource-efficient society.”
Strategic Guide Overview – Driving Green Transformation The guide outlines four key focus areas to help businesses succeed in integrating digital and green priorities:
1. Landscape Analysis Examines Singapore’s digital and green initiatives while addressing global commitments like the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals. Identifies workforce gaps and proposes tailored solutions to improve alignment between talent development and sustainability strategies.
2. “Green by Design” Principles Inspired by Singapore’s “Secure by Design” framework, these principles advocate embedding eco-conscious practices early in procurement, systems development, and operations, ensuring sustainability underpins all processes.
3. Digital Talent Roadmap Offers a clear framework for businesses to upskill existing digital roles with emerging green competencies. For example, software engineers can optimise algorithms for energy efficiency, while network specialists can architect sustainable systems. This roadmap is designed to support Singapore’s Skills Frameworks.
4. Recommendations for Businesses Practical steps include fostering a culture of green innovation to seek competitive advantage, advancing cross-sector collaborations to scale sustainable solutions and aligning processes with national initiatives like the Singapore Green Plan 2030.
Strategic Imperatives for Businesses To seize the opportunities presented by the green economy and AI, Singapore businesses must act boldly. Key imperatives include:
Embedding Sustainability Across Functions
Integrate sustainability as a guiding principle across all departments to seek performance improvement opportunities instead of treating it as mere compliance.
Investing in Green Innovation
Commit resources to sustainable R&D and foster a culture of eco-friendly problem-solving at every level.
Uplifting and Leveraging Talent
Fully utilise current talent by embedding green mindsets and skillsets into digital roles, ensuring employees have the expertise to lead in this transformation.
Leading with Purpose
Purpose-driven organisations that align profitability with societal responsibility will differentiate themselves in this unprecedented economic shift.
A Wider Economic and Social Vision The green economy has far-reaching implications. Its benefits include:
Economic Evolution
Industries such as renewable energy, green logistics, and low-carbon technologies are expected to expand, creating opportunities for market growth and adaptation.
Global Competitiveness
Nations and businesses adopting innovative sustainability practices will lead in setting benchmarks for global operations.
Social Equity
A green transition opens up new pathways of inclusivity, enabling diverse talents to play a role in shaping the global economy.
A Call to Action The guide emphasises that the challenges posed by the green transition offer unprecedented opportunities for growth and leadership. By upskilling workforces, embedding Green by Design methodologies, and leveraging existing digital capabilities, businesses can remain competitive and contribute meaningfully to national and global sustainability goals.
KPMG’s strategic guide provides a roadmap to help enterprises lead in the green transition by making sustainability a core pillar of their operations and talent strategies. Download the guide here to take the first step in driving innovation while building a sustainable future.
Hashtag: #KPMG
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SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 January 2025 – MSIG Asia Pte Ltd (“MSIG”), a leading general insurance brand in the region, and The RiskPoint Group (“RiskPoint”), one of Europe’s largest Managing General Underwriters specialising in renewable energy, have announced a strategic partnership to advance renewable energy insurance in Asia Pacific. This collaboration underscores both organisations’ shared commitment to sustainability and innovation in addressing the evolving needs of the sector.
With approval from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) for RiskPoint’s appointment as MSIG Singapore’s MGA, the partnership will leverage Singapore’s position as a regional insurance hub to provide coverage for renewable energy projects across the broader Asia Pacific region.
Enhancing risk management for Asia Pacific’s renewable energy sector
The Asia Pacific region is projected to invest over US$3 trillion in power generation over the next decade with nearly 49% of the investment dedicated to wind and solar projects and 12% for energy storage. Renewable energy is emerging as a key driver of both economic and environmental progress as countries in the region accelerate their green efforts to combat climate change and enhance long-term energy security1.
With MSIG’s extensive regional distribution network and financial strength, combined with RiskPoint’s technical expertise and underwriting capabilities, the partnership is poised to significantly impact the renewable energy insurance landscape in Asia Pacific. Together, MSIG and RiskPoint will deliver tailored insurance solutions for construction and operation of solar, wind, and hydroelectric assets to project owners and their appointed brokers.
“The renewable energy sector faces unique challenges, including regulatory changes, natural disasters, and operational risks. Our collaboration with RiskPoint will provide significant support to our broking partners and their clients in overcoming these challenges. Together, we are confident in making a meaningful contribution to the region’s accelerated transition towards a sustainable future. We are excited to work with RiskPoint to seize the promising opportunities ahead. This partnership is a key part of our MSIG Asia 2029 Growth Ambition, as recently outlined to the financial markets2,” says Clemens Philippi, CEO of MSIG Asia.
Mack Eng, CEO of MSIG Singapore adds: “As Singapore solidifies its position as a regional insurance hub and accelerates its green energy transition, the opportunities in this space are immense. We are proud to partner with RiskPoint to support Singapore’s and the region’s green energy transition, collaborating with our business units across the Asia network to drive large-scale renewable energy projects.”
MSIG and RiskPoint share a long-standing relationship dating back to 2008 in Europe, covering renewable energy, property, casualty, and financial lines. The expansion into Asia Pacific marks a critical milestone, further strengthening RiskPoint’s market-leading panel of ‘A’ or above rated insurance companies in the renewable energy insurance sector. It also highlights the broader RiskPoint’s dedication to work with world-class insurance providers to deliver exceptional value.
Kenneth Nielsen, CEO of RiskPoint Group comments: “In our pursuit to provide service excellence and expand our footprint in AsiaPac, I am proud to welcome MSIG as a business partner. This new partnership enhances our ability to offer unique value propositions to the region and reaffirms the RiskPoint Group’s commitment to supporting the expansion of renewable energy solutions. We are excited to be part of driving the green transition also in AsiaPac in collaboration with MSIG.”
1APAC to invest US$3.3 trillion in power generation over next decade | Wood Mackenzie 2https://www.ms-ad-hd.com/en/ir/ir_event/presentation.html
Hashtag: #MSIGAsia
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Only qualifications and programmes at Levels 3 and above on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF) are eligible. Eligible qualifications and programmes must be recognised by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) or Universities New Zealand and funded by the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) from:
the Delivery at Levels 3–7 (non-degree) on the NZQCF and all industry training Fund (DQ3-7), or the Delivery at Levels 7 (degree) to 10 on the NZQCF Fund (DQ7-10), or grants under section 556 of the Education and Training Act 2020 for tertiary provision towards a qualification on the NZQCF at Levels 3 or above.
Provider-based qualifications Eligible provider-based qualifications are TEC-funded and are equal to or greater than 0.5 equivalent full-time students (EFTS). Work-based programmes Eligible work-based programmes are TEC-funded programmes comprising at least 120 credits. Qualifications and programmes that are not eligible for final-year Fees Free The following are not eligible for final-year Fees Free:
School learning programmes and secondary tertiary programmes Certificates of proficiency Pathway qualifications Zero fee programmes Programmes where fees are met under another funding arrangement, such as the Youth Guarantee (YG) Fund, Māori and Pasifika Trades Training (MPTT), or the Refugee English Fund Qualifications and programmes at Levels 1 or 2 on the NZQCF Provider-based qualifications that are less than 0.5 EFTS, or work-based programmes that are less than 120 credits.
Pathway qualifications Pathway qualifications are qualifications that prepare learners to progress into further study and training by supporting them to meet minimum entry requirements and/or develop the required skills for higher study. For the purposes of final-year Fees Free:
This includes bridging qualifications, Certificates of University Preparation, Certificates in Study and Employment Pathways, and Level 3 Study and Career Preparation (except when primarily intended for career preparation). This does not include qualifications that are used for staircasing, or programmes that comprise part of, or are cross-credited towards a higher qualification.
Any qualification confirmed as a pathway qualification will be excluded for all learners. The exclusion is not able to take into account individual learner intentions. You can view the list of pathway qualifications that are excluded from Fees Free: Pathway qualifications (XLSX 15 KB) To request to add or remove a qualification from the list of pathway qualifications excluded from Fees Free, contact customerservice@tec.govt.nz with the subject: (EDUMIS number) Final-year Fees Free – pathway qualifications. Please briefly outline how the qualification you wish to add/remove from the list does/doesn’t meet the definition of a pathway qualification. Qualification completion date The date the learner completes their eligible provider-based qualification or work-based programme is defined as the date the requirements have been met by the learner to be awarded the qualification. This should align with what is recorded on the learner’s New Zealand Record of Achievement. For provider-based study, TEOs will be required to submit the qualification completion date as part of their SDR submission from August 2025. TEOs already report work-based programme completion dates to NZQA, which NZQA provide to TEC. Qualification and programme eligibility FAQs Why must provider-based qualifications comprise at least 0.5 EFTS and work-based programmes at least 120 credits to be eligible? Setting a minimum threshold mitigates the risk of learners using their Fees Free entitlement on small pieces of study or training. For example, a learner will not be able to inadvertently consume their entitlement on a very short programme of 0.2 EFTS. Setting the eligibility criteria for provider-based qualifications at 0.5 EFTS or greater means that the large number of learners who complete qualifications at this level, and don’t go on to do further study or training, can access final-year Fees Free. A work-based programme minimum of 120 credits gives assurance that the training programme has career benefit to the learner. It reduces the risk that learners will use up their Fees Free entitlement on short training programmes directed by (and often entirely paid for by) their employers, or that employers will shift training costs onto learners. Why aren’t Level 1 and 2 qualifications covered by Fees Free? The Fees Free policy aligns eligibility with student support and government tuition subsidies. Foundation programmes and qualifications (at NZQCF Levels 1 and 2) are excluded because provider-based Level 1 and 2 study is already fees-free, and learners shouldn’t have to use their Fees Free entitlement on courses and programmes intended to prepare them for tertiary education at Levels 3 and above. Why do programmes and courses have to be recognised and funded to be available for Fees Free? Fees Free was designed to help New Zealanders access high-quality tertiary education that provides skills for life and work. When a course or programme is both recognised by the NZQA or Universities New Zealand, and funded by the TEC, it means the course is of a high educational standard. Are private training establishment (PTE) courses covered by Fees Free? Yes, as long as the provider-based qualification or work-based programme meets the eligibility criteria. What happens if a learner is enrolled in two qualifications at the same time? For provider-based study, a learner enrolled in two qualifications at the same time will only receive Fees Free on completion of their first qualification. This applies, for example, when a learner is enrolled in a concurrent degree, or is studying towards two qualifications simultaneously. We’ll use the qualification completion date reported by TEOs to determine the first completed qualification. For work-based learning, eligibility is based on the learner’s first programme completion (apprenticeship or training programme) rather than the qualifications that make up that programme, many of which will be under the 120-credit minimum.
