Latest news with #HONGKONGSAR
The Sun
13 hours ago
- Science
- The Sun
CoolThink@JC × Cambodia Sharing and Exchange Programme MoU Signed to Advance Computational Thinking in Country's Schools
HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 20 June 2025 - The CoolThink@JC programme, initiated and funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Cambodia's Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport at Sha Tin Racecourse in Hong Kong on 18 June. Under the MoU, titled 'CoolThink@JC × Cambodia Sharing and Exchange Programme', the ministry will adopt and adapt CoolThink@JC's internationally recognised curriculum and innovative education model in Cambodian primary schools. It will also foster collaboration through experience sharing between the educational systems of Hong Kong and Cambodia. The aim is to ensure that students from diverse backgrounds have equitable access to quality computational thinking education, thus nurturing future-ready talent for the digital age. The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport plans to introduce CoolThink@JC's curricular materials and successful experiences in 100 public schools in Cambodia, benefiting approximately 30,000 students and 500 teachers, from 2025 to 2028. By enhancing students' computational thinking and problem-solving skills, the initiative can help to bridge the digital divide and open a new chapter in the development of Cambodia's education system. As an ASEAN member state participating in the Belt and Road Initiative, Cambodia plans to share this development at international platforms such as the 2026 Global Smart Education Conference in Beijing, further amplifying the programme's impact. By exploring both local and global educational perspectives and exchanging knowledge, educators from Hong Kong and Cambodia will collaborate to create better learning environments for Asian students. Translated teaching materials will also benefit ethnic minority students in Hong Kong, further promoting integrated education. Signing the MoU on behalf of Cambodia's Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, Mr Sok Tha, Director of the ministry's Department of Digital Transformation, emphasised the significance of the CoolThink@JC programme in Cambodia's education system during the signing of the MoU. The collaboration with The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust on computational thinking education not only supports the Ministry in enhancing digital education but also aligns with the Royal Government of Cambodia's vision of producing qualified digital human resources. By integrating this program into classrooms, teachers can enhance their professional development, equipping themselves with the necessary skills to effectively incorporate technology into their teaching practices. This advancement benefits both teachers and students, improving student learning outcomes in the digital age. Through workshops and training sessions, teachers can refine their coding, problem-solving, and logical reasoning skills to better guide students. He is confident that implementing the program will enhance students' critical thinking, creativity, and innovation, leading to improved learning outcomes and better preparation for careers, especially in STEM fields and beyond. Ms Winnie Ying, Head of Charities (Youth Development & Poverty Alleviation; and Talent & Sector Development) of The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, said: 'The CoolThink@JC programme has garnered wide international recognition, and its adoption by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport in Cambodia across 100 primary schools is a testament to its success and growing influence on the global stage. We are delighted to witness the establishment of the Association of Computational Thinking InnoCommunity Teachers by a group of passionate CoolThink teachers this year, facilitating experience sharing and professional exchange. Through collaboration and knowledge sharing, we aim to strengthen connections in education between Hong Kong, ASEAN and One Belt One Road regions, paving the way for high-quality, forward-looking education for the next generation. Together, we can drive innovation in education and shape a brighter future for our youth. The Club thanks the Education Bureau for its support in adopting and adapting CoolThink@JC and mainstreaming it in all publicly funded primary schools in Hong Kong.' CoolThink@JC: Advancing Computational Thinking Education Worldwide During his visit to Hong Kong, Mr Sok Tha was invited to join the first two days of the International Conference on Computational Thinking Education as a guest speaker and delivered a speech yesterday (19 June) at the conference. He remarked: 'In the post- pandemic era, the demand for digital education has been growing, and Cambodia's education system is undergoing a critical period of transformation. With comprehensive support from the government and related policies, Cambodia is dedicated to building a resilient, knowledge-based society founded on innovation, science and technology. We aim to comprehensively enhance the quality of education, sports, science and technology by integrating digital tools and STEM disciplines to equip students with crucial 21st-century skills. We look forward to our collaboration with The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust and CoolThink@JC, laying an educational foundation for Cambodia's youth towards a future-ready society.' CoolThink@JC created the International Conference on Computational Thinking Education (CTE) in 2016. Since 2021, it has provided support for the annual event to be held in different regions, attracting over 2,000 global education scholars, front-line teachers and IT professionals each year. This initiative effectively promotes computational thinking education and drives innovation globally. This year's conference is taking place from 18 to 20 June at The Education University of Hong Kong and Southern University of Science and Technology in Shenzhen, respectively. In 2023, the CoolThink@JC programme was adopted by Hong Kong's Education Bureau as the foundation for the 'Enriched Module on Coding Education for Upper Primary Level' module. The related learning and teaching materials will soon be rolled out in all publicly-funded schools in Hong Kong, supporting teachers to systematically integrate elements of innovation and technology into their curricula. This aims to cultivate students' interest and capability in information technology, while promoting and deepening STEAM education. Initiated and funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust since 2016, the CoolThink@JC programme is co-created by The Education University of Hong Kong, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and City University of Hong Kong, in collaboration with local educators and world-leading scholars. Since its inception, the programme has trained over 1,500 teachers and benefited more than 100,000 students. The programme is committed to mainstreaming computational thinking education into formal curricula, providing teachers with high-quality teaching materials, learning platforms and professional training. The curriculum emphasises problem-solving and logical reasoning skills, guiding students systematically through planning, analysis and debugging thought processes to effectively tackle challenges.
The Sun
a day ago
- Business
- The Sun
Hong Kong rises to World's No.3 most competitive economy
HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 19 June 2025 - Hong Kong has moved up two places to rank as the world's third most competitive economy, marking the second successive year that the city has jumped two places in the global rankings to reach its highest position since 2019. The World Competitiveness Yearbook 2025 (WCY 2025), published (June 17) by the Swiss-based International Institute for Management Development (IMD), assessed 69 economies around the world. Hong Kong made gains in all the factors of competitiveness: 'Government efficiency' (second), 'Business efficiency' (second) 'Economic performance' (sixth), and 'Infrastructure' (seventh). The IMD remarked that the gains across all four factors of competitiveness reflect a broad-based approach of Hong Kong to attracting private sector investment. 'The World Competitiveness Yearbook shows that Hong Kong's scores in overall terms and in many areas have improved, indicating that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government's policy directions are on the right course and that various policies have yielded results,' said the HKSAR's Chief Executive John Lee. Hong Kong has ranked among the top 10 in the world for over 20 consecutive years, since the WCY 2003. Mr Lee said the ranking also 'affirms Hong Kong's world-class business environment, reflecting business leaders' positive views on its competitiveness and strengths, including the rule of law, independent exercise of judicial power, a simple tax regime with low tax rates, an efficient and transparent market, a robust financial system, and a facilitating environment aligned with international best practices, as well as free flow of capital, information, goods and talent, which are affirmed by the business community.' Despite the current uncertain global economic landscape and geopolitical turmoil, Hong Kong recorded solid year-on-year GDP growth of 3.1% in the first quarter of 2025, with full year GDP growth expected to be 2% to 3%. Totally, 145,053 local companies were newly registered under the Companies Ordinance last year, bringing the overall number of local companies registered to a record high of 1,460,494, at end-2024. Meanwhile, 1,079 newly established non-Hong Kong companies were registered, bringing that overall total to an all-time high of 15,126. 'Under the unique advantages of 'one country, two systems', Hong Kong enjoys both the China advantage and the global advantage. We will continue to leverage Hong Kong's role as a 'super-connector' and 'super value-adder', strengthen international exchanges and co-operation, expand and deepen regional trade, explore new markets, with a view to building a vibrant economy, striving for development and improving people's livelihoods on all fronts,' Mr Lee said. To attract more non-Hong Kong incorporated companies to re-domicile to Hong Kong, the Government launched a new company re-domiciliation regime legislation last month, providing a simple and accessible mechanism for re-domiciliation to Hong Kong. Already, two insurance companies, AXA Hong Kong and Macau (AXA China Region Insurance Company (Bermuda) Limited) and Manulife (International) Limited have announced plans to re-domicile to Hong Kong under the new regime, subject to regulatory approvals. Hong Kong is actively driving reforms to strengthen and enhance its position as an international financial, trade, and shipping centre, trawling for businesses and talents. The Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises has attracted over 80 strategic enterprises to establish offices in Hong Kong, bringing about HK$50 billion total investments in the years to come, and creating over 20,000 jobs. Among the sub-factors in the WCY 2025, Hong Kong came top for 'Tax policy' and 'Business legislation' and second for 'Education', 'International investment' and 'Finance'. Ranked as a top three global financial centre, Hong Kong's stock exchange is a key barometer of financial market performance. By May 30, 2025, stock market capitalisation had increased by 24% year-on-year to over US$5.2 trillion. Notably, the Hong Kong Stock Exchange has seen a surge in initial public offerings (IPOs), with total IPO funds raised reaching nearly HK$79 billion (US$10.12 billion) so far this year, making it the leader among major global exchanges.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Jamf unveils 2025 Security 360 Report: A strategic look at Mac and mobile security risks
HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 19 June 2025 - Jamf (NASDAQ: JAMF), the standard in managing and securing Apple at work, today released its Security 360 Report, separated into analyses for mobile and macOS environments. The report spotlights the risks organizations are facing and offers insights for security leaders to consider when protecting their organizations at the user, device, application and network levels. 'Our goal with this research is to inform security leaders about the risks impacting their organizations – whether those risks impact Mac or mobile – and provide tangible recommendations for safeguarding their organizations against increasingly sophisticated attacks,' said Josh Stein, VP of Product Strategy at Jamf. 'Age-old threats like phishing remain extremely prevalent and cannot be can threats skyrocketing in popularity like infostealers. Jamf remains deeply committed to continuous threat research to not only protect our customers but also contribute valuable insights to the broader security community.' Threat trends facing mobile environments For many employees, mobile devices are the sole devices used at work. Regardless of occupation, the modern workplace is about empowering employees to connect from anywhere, at any time and on any device. This requires raising awareness about the most pervasive threats facing mobile devices and taking tangible steps to keep bad actors at bay. Jamf's mobile device threat analysis is structured into four categories found to be the highest priorities for organizations worldwide. Mobile phishing With mobile devices keeping us connected everywhere, attackers' reach continues to expand. Over 12 months, Jamf identified approximately 10 million phishing attacks, discovered that 25% of organizations were impacted by a social engineering attack, and 1 in 10 users clicked on a malicious phishing link. Training programs can be extremely valuable in mitigating phishing attacks, as can adopting a layered approach with zero-trust methodology. Vulnerability management Jamf discovered that 32% of organizations operate at least one device with critical vulnerabilities and 55.1% of mobile devices used at work are running on a vulnerable operating system (OS). Both Apple and Google routinely provide security updates to patch known vulnerabilities, and the best way to mitigate damage is to update devices accordingly. Application risk and malware Earlier this year, Jamf published research on a Transparency, Consent and Control (TCC) bypass vulnerability affecting iOS devices and published a demonstration of how a 'sideloaded' app (an app from a third-party app store) can infringe on users' privacy. The harsh reality is that using the latest OS is still not enough to protect your organization – good security practices must extend to the application layer as well. Malware and spyware High-profile users such as journalists, politicians and diplomats are often targeted by mercenary spyware attacks. Just last year, Apple sent notices of spyware compromise to users in approximately 100 countries. While malware is not as pervasive on mobile devices, when discovered, it is found to be extremely advanced and targeted. Organizations must treat mobile like every other endpoint and avoid getting complacent about the threat of mobile malware. Threat trends facing macOS environments What began as a machine for executives and creatives is becoming increasingly ingrained into the daily operations of enterprises across all industries worldwide. The threat landscape for Mac is more diverse than ever, and bad actors are only getting more creative with their attack methodologies. Jamf's Mac threat report analyzes the threat landscape affecting Macs and organizes the findings into three main categories: Application risk and malware Jamf discovered that infostealers accounted for 28.36% of all Mac malware Jamf examined, skyrocketing from accounting for just 0.25% in last year's report. Jamf's research is aligned with these findings. Employees of organizations in high-profile industries (like crypto), must remain vigilant from both a training and security tool standpoint. Vulnerability management Jamf Threat Labs has dispelled the myth that Mac is invincible multiple times, including just last year when the team discovered a vulnerability in Gatekeeper, a crucial component blocking apps downloaded from the internet that don't have a valid developer ID. Having the right controls and training is crucial for mitigating risks caused by vulnerabilities on macOS. Social engineering With Macs becoming more common at work, the attack surface continues to expand. Phishing is typically thought of as email-specific, which is far from the truth. In fact, Jamf Threat Labs published research discussing a campaign from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) that uses LinkedIn messaging as an initial lure. Training employees in the various forms of phishing that can impact the Mac environment is critical for avoiding fallout. Methodology Jamf examined 1.4 million devices protected by Jamf. The analysis was carried out in the first quarter of 2025, revisiting the prior 12-month period and spanning globally across 90 countries and multiple platforms – specifically, iOS and iPadOS and Android devices for mobile as well as Macs. The analysis in this report is informed by Jamf's Threat Intelligence, a broad collection of insights that are derived from original threat research, real-world usage metrics, along with news analysis and data feeds.
![Invented in Hong Kong, EXOTICA UMAMI [EX M], a new and natural flavour enhancer gets stamp of approval from professional chefs](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fthesun.my%2Fbinrepository%2F1200x1529%2F0c365%2F1200d800%2Fnone%2F11808%2FEWNK%2F642154-241119-exotica0840-jpg_5334826_20250619113631.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
The Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Invented in Hong Kong, EXOTICA UMAMI [EX M], a new and natural flavour enhancer gets stamp of approval from professional chefs
HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 19 June 2025 - A versatile and revolutionary new seasoning and cooking sauce is gaining attention from chefs in the restaurant industry. Invented in Hong Kong by food visionary Dan Gan, EXOTICA UMAMI (known to Chinese speakers simply as, 'Ex M') is an excellent new alternative for salt, soy sauce and MSG, making food succulent and juicy, plus with a distinctly addictive taste, while in some cases tenderizing the meat or produce. This new and natural flavour enhancer – with distinct acidic notes and a deep full-bodied umami richness – is ideal for marinating, seasoning, cooking, finishing a dish and taking it to new culinary heights. This innovative umami sauce was inspired by an ancient Roman recipe but developed and created here in Hong Kong at Gan's Exotica Gelatea Restaurant with 80-days fermentation. When his chef quit, Gan the proprietor was forced to take over. In an effort to improve his food, he created this marinate to add directly to his hamburger while grilling. The result helped earn a place on the 'Ranked: the world's best burgers' list by UK platform, Lovefood. To further refine his revolutionary seasoning sauce, Gan put his outlet on pause for the time being. Using a mixture of pork, herb, spice and secret ingredients with time-tested fermenting techniques, Gan started experimenting with his marinate to improve it to complement the requirements for fine dining. Eventually, EXOTICA UMAMI [EX M]was created. 'I'm not a chef and I don't have any training, but I just wanted my burger to stand out. I found this ancient 2,000 year-old Roman sauce recipe and thought I would try it. I introduced some modern techniques and changed the recipe, constantly refining the formula. I added it to my burger and suddenly everyone was saying it's so juicy and tender and they couldn't get enough of it. I couldn't believe it when food writers started saying it was one of the world's best burgers,' says Gan. Made in small batches, the unique multifunctional sauce has already gained a stamp of approval from the hotel, restaurant and F&B industry. One example is the New World Millennium Hotel's Chinese restaurant, Tao Li which recently offered a set featuring EXOTICA UMAMI in dishes like Smoked Diced Cod, Pan-fried East Spotted Garoupa Fillets and Poached Chicken. In addition, Towngas Cooking Centre in Causeway Bay will be planning to have Cooking Practice and Demonstration Courses of EXOTICA UMAMI starting in July/August 2025. For chefs, it offers the benefit of saving time and money while generating more flavour. As a marinate or direct application, in some cases it can also help tenderize meat and produce. Currently, EXOTICA UMAMI is exclusively available to industry professionals and not actively sold in retail. However, EXOTICA UMAMI can be purchased at the JW Marriott e-shop and will be available at Towngas Cooking Centre in Causeway Bay from 1 July for non industry professionals. For anyone interested in more information or details about the sauce or how to purchase, contact: . More information can also be found at
The Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
HKSTP Teams Up with HKU and CUHK Medical Schools to Showcase Hong Kong's Life & Health Innovations at BIO International Convention
HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 17 June 2025 - Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), in collaboration with InvestHK, led 16 prominent life and health technology companies to BIO 2025, the world's largest biotechnology event, held in Boston, USA, from June 16 to 19. This year marks the first time HKSTP joined forces with Hong Kong's two leading medical faculties—the LKS Faculty of Medicine at The University of Hong Kong (HKU) and the Faculty of Medicine at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) - to form a delegation, showcasing Hong Kong's cutting-edge research capabilities and innovation potential in life sciences and health technologies. The initiative further strengthens Hong Kong's position as a world-class biotech innovation hub. The HKSTP Pavilion highlighted the groundbreaking technologies and products of its park companies, featuring innovative solutions across diverse fields such as novel drug development, diagnostic technologies, and medical innovation. Among the 16 participating companies, they were the members of HKSTP's incubation programmes including Incu-Bio and ELITE Programme, cutting-edge work from the InnoHK research centers, and other outstanding biotech companies. On the first day of the exhibition, the delegation successfully attracted attention from global industry leaders, corporate partners, and venture capital firms. During BIO 2025, HKSTP and its park companies made significant strides in fostering cross-border innovation ecosystems and exploring new market opportunities: • Immuno Cure, partnering with HKUMed, the developer of the first-in-human novel therapeutic HIV vaccine ICVAX, announced its collaboration with PharmaJet to explore the application of a needle-free vaccination solution, accelerating the global commercialization pathway for ICVAX. • HKSTP signed a partnership agreement with DLRC to provide legal advisory services in clinical trials and certification, promoting global ecosystem collaboration and growth. Mr. Albert Wong, CEO of HKSTP, said: 'We are thrilled to partner with two leading medical schools for the first time at BIO 2025, demonstrating Hong Kong's breakthroughs and innovation in life and health technology. This delegation not only deepens collaboration between Hong Kong and top global research institutions but also highlights our unique advantages as a core I&T hub in the Greater Bay Area. With strong policy and funding support from the HKSAR government, Hong Kong will further serve as a bridge connecting Mainland China and global tech partnerships, solidifying its leadership in life sciences innovation.' Ahead of BIO 2025, the delegation participated in the '2025 Biomedical Pitch Competition', co-organized by the Boston Capital Investment Club (BCIC) and HKSTP. The event connects global life and health innovators with investors and business partners. Three HKSTP companies—ARBELE, GenEditBio, and Cogsmart—excelled in the preliminary rounds, competing against over 100 global life sciences firms, with ARBELE, HKUMed's affiliated spin-off company, winning the championship, underscoring Hong Kong's research excellence. Over the past three years, this platform has helped startups secure over USD 100 million in funding and connect with hundreds of international investors and partners, driving further business growth. HKSTP is committed to propelling Hong Kong's life sciences sector onto the global stage, showcasing the city's unique strengths to attract international enterprises and talent. The delegation also organized networking events and visits, enabling Hong Kong companies to engage with overseas investors, leading corporations, and renowned academic institutions, including visits to MIT Professor Robert Langer (Described as 'Edison of Medicine'), Harvard Innovation Labs, Cambridge Innovation Center, and more. This initiative reinforces Hong Kong's sustainable development in life sciences and its role as a global innovation leader. Appendix: List of Park Companies Participating in BIO 2025: 1. Allegrow Biotech Limited 2. ARBELE Limited 3. Beth Bioinformatics Co., Limited 4. Centre for Translational Stem Cell Biology 5. The Centre for Virology, Vaccinology, and Therapeutics 6. DECODE CURE Limited 7. GenEditBio Limited 8. Great Bay Bio 9. Hong Kong Universal Biologicals Company Limited 10. Immuno Cure Holding (HK) Limited 11. The Institute for Innovation, Translation and Policy Research (ITPR) 12. LEE'S PHARMACEUTICAL (HK) LIMITED 13. Serilink Biotechnology Company Limited 14. Xiaomo Biotech Limited 15. XUXIN (HongKong) Biotechnology Co., Limited 16. Zhaoke (Hong Kong) Ophthalmology Pharmaceutical Limited Hashtag: #HKSTP
