News related to
Program

World Cup Fever Returns: Learning Emotional Management on the Pitch

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 June 2026 – The four-yearly World Cup is in full swing, and the football fever once again sweeps the globe. The pitch has long been known as a “proving ground” for heroes; even for world-class players with years of experience, the joy of scoring a goal is often balanced by the sight of others in tears, frustrated by a defeat. The prowess of these players will be etched into the hearts of countless children, inspiring a lifelong love for the sport.

Save the Children Hong Kong firmly believes that the football pitch is more than just a venue for competition—it is an ideal classroom for Social-emotional Learning. For eight-year-old Kai-long, the setbacks and failures experienced on the pitch have proven far more vital to his personal growth than mastering technical skills or perfecting “step-overs”.

The Play to Thrive programme empowers children to master emotional management and communication skills while staying active in sports. Compared to a “Zidane turn”, these are the skills that will truly serve them for a lifetime.

On the training ground, eight-year-old Kai-long’s skills are clearly “a cut above the rest”. From the way he carries the ball to the power of his strikes, he already carries himself like a mini professional. During internal matches, he frequently finds the back of the net, scoring multiple goals for his side.

However, the moments that truly bring a smile of approval to the coaches and teachers are not Kai-long’s technical displays, but his small yet heart-warming gestures. For instance, he is seen helping teammates by steadying the inflatable goalposts during shooting drills. Even when knocked down during a match, if the coach does not blow for a foul, Kai-long doesn’t complain; he simply brushes it off with a smile and gets straight back to chasing the ball.

When Excellence Becomes a Burden: Children Trapped by the Need to Win

“He has a personality that tends to be quite fixated on winning and losing. Because of his own performance, or because his classmates’ performance didn’t meet his expectations, he would sometimes experience emotional ups and downs,” explains Mr. Lui, the PE teacher. He admits that while Kai-long’s football skills are outstanding, his stubborn nature previously caused friction with teammates and classmates. Mr. Lui noted that since Kai-long was already a member of the school’s reserve team, he recommended him for the Play to Thrive programme not to “learn football”, but in the hope that he would learn how to get along with others.

Consequently, what moved Mr. Lui the most was not Kai-long’s “goal-scoring show”, but his reaction during a match when other students deliberately moved the inflatable goalposts. Instead of complaining or losing his temper as he might have done in the past, Kai-long continued to play with a smile on his face. “Previously, he might have called it unfair or had an emotional outburst, but today he didn’t complain; he even found it quite funny. He is no longer fixated on winning or losing.”

In the eyes of his father, Chung, Kai-long has been a child with extremely high expectations of himself and a drive for perfection since he was young. “Whether it is schoolwork or his behaviour, he hopes to be a good role model and be very well-behaved.” However, Chung also mentioned that this perfectionist streak serves as a source of pressure for Kai-long.

Interpersonal Skills Are More Important Than Footballing Ability

Chung admits that Kai-long used to be very fixated on winning and losing: “In the past, if he lost a game of football against his elder brother, he would be resentful; when he was younger, he even tried to hit him.” While it is natural to crave goals and seek victory on the pitch, Chung also believes that how one treats others and interacts with peers is a vital part of growing up, which is why he enrolled Kai-long in Play to Thrive.

“Football is a natural educational tool,” says Ms. Wong Shek Hung, Director of Hong Kong Programmes at Save the Children Hong Kong. She explains that experiencing victory, defeat, and frustration is inevitable in sports, providing the perfect opportunity for children to learn emotional management. She adds that Play to Thrive originated from a community football programme developed by Save the Children UK for children in Jordan and Indonesia.

The core of the programme lies in integrating Social-emotional Learning into football training to help children build five core competencies: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. Furthermore, the programme is open to all children regardless of gender, ethnicity, or background, allowing them to master self-awareness, emotional regulation, and team communication skills within a diverse and inclusive environment.

No Ordinary Football Training

As this is unlike conventional football training, every coach is required to undergo professional training covering “Child Safeguarding” and emotional support knowledge. Ms. Wong Shek Hung notes that during the “debriefing” session at the end of each practice, coaches guide the children to reflect on their experiences on the pitch, attempting to translate these moments into emotional literacy. The ultimate goal is “to let children learn how to become ‘masters of their own emotions’.”

Demonstrating Personal Growth and Cultivating Leadership Skills

Mr. Lui noticed that after joining the programme, Kai-long not only showed progress in his personal emotional management but also learned how to consider things from others’ perspectives. During PE lessons, Kai-long has become more willing to take the initiative to help his classmates and has learned to accept teammates with different abilities, even proactively coaching others. “He gets along with his classmates much more harmoniously now; the barriers that existed before have disappeared,” Mr. Lui remarked. He further revealed that Kai-long’s form teacher, having observed this growth, officially appointed him as a class monitor for the second term.

His father, Chung, observed that since joining the programme, Kai-long has demonstrated a level of resilience rarely seen before. He recalled a match where Kai-long served as both captain and goalkeeper; even when facing conceded goals and falling behind, “his first instinct wasn’t to feel discouraged, but rather to keep encouraging his teammates from the back to keep running and keep attacking.”

Ms. Wong Shek Hung reaffirmed that this is precisely the philosophy of Play to Thrive: “We emphasise ‘Football Second, Growth First’, ensuring that even if children lose a match, they learn to handle their emotions, communicate, and cooperate throughout the process.”

Building Resilience: Transforming Lives Through Football

Ms. Kalina Tsang, CEO of Save the Children Hong Kong, stated that she has always believed football is a powerful tool for building resilience in children: “We have always been concerned about children’s physical and mental well-being. Football is more than just a sport; beyond honing technical skills, it can be used to build a child’s resilience. By combining football training with Social-emotional Learning, and under the guidance of professionally trained coaches, Play to Thrive ensures that the sweat shed by children on the pitch is transformed into self-awareness and emotional management skills.” Ms. Tsang also noted that Kai-long’s growth perfectly embodies the programme’s success. She said, “We are deeply gratified to see Kai-long progress from initial emotional fluctuations to confidently cooperating with teammates and facing victory or defeat positively—improving both on a personal level and in his interactions with peers.”

As for Kai-long himself, it is difficult for an eight-year-old to describe his transformation in detail. But when asked what was different about him, he said with an innocent smile, “I used to blame my teammates for not passing the ball, but now I’ve learned not to. I tell them: ‘It’s okay, pass it again next time. We’ll win the ball back together.'”

Launched in Hong Kong in 2023, the Play to Thrive programme is a service that integrates Social-emotional Learning with football training. It aims to create a safe and supportive space for schoolchildren, promoting their physical, social, and mental health through sport. The programme currently operates across various districts in Hong Kong, including community teams in areas such as Sham Shui Po and Tin Shui Wai. The school-based project collaborates with over 30 primary schools across the territory, integrating football training into school life to help students recognise and manage their emotions, build healthy interpersonal relationships, and enhance their confidence and resilience. In response to the current situation where up to 39% of primary and secondary students in Hong Kong face mental health challenges, the programme places special emphasis on SEL to help children master effective communication and emotional management both on and off the pitch.

In 2025 alone, the community and school projects of Play to Thrive held a total of 744 training sessions, with total service hours exceeding 1,000 hours. The programme reached 1,120 children and their families across Hong Kong, establishing close partnerships with 32 schools and 4 non-profit organisations. In terms of impact assessment, participant satisfaction was high, with satisfaction rates for the community and school projects reaching 80% and 75%, respectively.

Interview Video: https://savethechildren.click/PTT-KaiLong-Video-2026
Hashtag: #SavetheChildrenHongKong #香港救助兒童會 #mentalhealth #精神健康 #football #足球 #WorldCup #世界盃

https://savethechildren.org.hk/en/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/save-the-children-hong-kong
https://www.facebook.com/savethechildrenhk
https://www.instagram.com/savethechildrenhk/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/savehk

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

Save the Children Hong Kong

Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. In Hong Kong and around the world, we do whatever it takes – every day and in times of crisis – so children can fulfil their rights to a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. With over 100 years of expertise, we are the world’s first and leading independent children’s organisation – transforming lives and future.

Established in 2009, Save the Children Hong Kong is part of the global movement which operates in around 100 countries. We work with children, families, schools, communities and our supporters to deliver lasting change for children in Hong Kong and around the world.

Xi’an is one of China’s oldest cities and one of its most popular international tourist destinations. Shaanxi Culture Industry Investment Group (SCG) is working with partners like Huawei, China Telecom Shaanxi, and China West Airport Group (CWAG) to promote cultural tourism using digital technologies including AI and 5G-A.For example, BoGuan is used to support a new AI travel companion agent that had been made available to over 4 million users by March of this year.

In September 2025, SCG and Huawei unveiled the BoGuan Large Model, the world’s first commercial multimodal LLM for cultural tourism. It is also China’s first industry-specific model dedicated to the preservation of cultural heritage. This model is built on intelligent computing infrastructure and a high-quality dataset. The dataset has over 1.2 PB of data, including 31 million images, 4.4 million minutes of video footage, 2.18 million minutes of audio recordings, 510 3D models, and 960 million pieces of structured text.

BoGuan can generate highly-accurate multimodal content, such as museum-quality content about cultural relics. This allows it to support the creation of new digital relic presentations, the digitalization and preservation of traditional craftsmanship, and the creation of digital IP for intangible cultural heritage. Zhang Beiyuan, a dough sculpture artisan, said, “With this model, I can complete a dough sculpture that used to take two or three months in less than a week.” BoGuan is also used to create digital IP like the popular cartoon character Tang Biaobiao, which is designed by integrating local cultural heritage elements with the stone carvings of the Six Steeds of Zhao Mausoleum. The sales of related digital collectibles and creative products have exceeded CNY2 million.

In addition to supporting cultural heritage preservation, BoGuan has been used to develop a range of cultural tourism apps, such as AI photography and AI travel companion agent. Visitors can directly talk with this agent on the GO-SHAANXI app to create and adjust travel itineraries and get real-time performance recommendations at attractions. The Zhiying Camera mini program provides paid services that instantly integrate user photos with AI-generated scenes from history, allowing visitors to “travel back to ancient times.” These new consumption options unlock the business value of quality cultural tourism data. Furthermore, SCG is using BoGuan to integrate short drama production with cultural tourism and improve production efficiency and quality in Xi’an, a renowned short drama hub.

Additionally, China Telecom Shaanxi and Huawei have deployed a 5G-A network based on three component carrier aggregation (3CC) technology at Xi’an’s Grand Tang Mall, a popular tourist attraction. The network delivers peak uplink and downlink rates of 600 Mbps and 3.5 Gbps, respectively, about 10 times faster than common 5G networks. During the 2026 May Day holiday, this network supported concurrent access for 23,000 users, guaranteeing smooth video watching and social media experiences. Furthermore, 5G-A-powered HD live streaming at the Grand Tang Mall has become an important way for the attraction to bring in new visitors. According to public data, the average user dwell time of these live streams has nearly doubled and the average transaction value has increased by 62%.

Edric Chu, General Manager of Huawei’s Shaanxi Rep Office, said, “Artificial intelligence is not simply a stack of technologies. It has become a key enabler that can activate thousands of years of cultural heritage, reshape travel experiences, and inject new momentum into the industry. Moving forward, Huawei will continue working with our partners to enhance cultural heritage preservation with digital and intelligent technologies, and stimulate development within the cultural tourism industry.”

Hashtag: #Huawei

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

By Nantoo Banerjee West Bengal’s first ever Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government’s resolve to rebuild the state to its “old glory” sounds good though reversing decades of economic stagnation and industrial decline remains an incredibly difficult challenge. Economically, West Bengal’s rank among Indian states has dropped from No.1 till the mid-1960s to below 10 now. […]

The article Bid To Rebuild Bengal To Its Old Glory Is Welcome, Though Difficult appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

With more than two decades of experience in the pulp and paper industry and a decade of service on ABAF’s Fiscal Council, Branco brings extensive expertise in governance, finance and institutional engagement to the role. Under his leadership, ABAF will continue promoting dialogue among industry, government, communities and civil society to support the sustainable growth of Bahia’s forestry sector.

“The forestry sector plays a critical role in generating employment, supporting regional development, fostering innovation and contributing to environmental conservation,” said Fernando. “Through constructive dialogue, transparency, legal certainty and shared governance, we can strengthen the sector’s positive contribution to Bahia’s economy and sustainable development,” he added.

As one of the world’s leading producers of dissolving pulp and specialty cellulose, Bracell believes that sustainable forestry is fundamental to addressing global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity conservation and the transition to a low-carbon economy. The company has consistently invested in sustainable forest management practices, research and development, biodiversity protection, carbon monitoring initiatives and partnerships that promote responsible land use and environmental stewardship.

Bracell’s forestry operations are guided by a long-term sustainability strategy that combines productive eucalyptus plantations with the conservation of native vegetation, protection of water resources and preservation of biodiversity. Through its 1-for-1 commitment, the company has expanded its conservation efforts and strengthened its contribution to climate and nature-positive outcomes.

The company also recognises that the sustainable development of the forestry sector extends beyond environmental stewardship. Bracell, a member of the RGE group of companies founded by Sukanto Tanoto, works closely with local communities through initiatives focused on education, income generation, environmental awareness and social development, helping create lasting value in the regions where it operates. In Bahia alone, tens of thousands of people have benefitted from the company’s social programmes.

Branco’s appointment comes at a time when the forestry sector is increasingly called upon to contribute solutions for sustainable economic growth and climate resilience. Fernando’s leadership at ABAF represents an important opportunity to further strengthen collaboration across the sector and advance shared sustainability goals for Bahia and Brazil, the company said.

Through ABAF, Bracell will continue supporting initiatives that strengthen the competitiveness, transparency and sustainability of Bahia’s forestry value chain while contributing to a sector that generates renewable products, supports local economies and helps build a more sustainable future.

Hashtag: #RGE #Bracell #Sustainability #SustainableDevelopment #Conservation #Forestry #Brazil #Bahia #ABAF

https://www.bracell.com

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

About Bracell

Bracell is a global leader in the production of dissolving pulp and specialty cellulose with two main mill operations in Brazil in Bahia and São Paulo. In addition to its operations in Brazil, Bracell has a management office in Singapore and sales offices in Asia, Europe and the U.S.

Please visit Bracell’s website for more information.

Spacebiz in Hong Kong – a golden opportunity for Professional Services and STEM

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 June 2026 – Space Economy Association (Hong Kong) Ltd, or “SEA”, officially formed in the midst of the space economy boom. It is an independent membership-based non-government organisation dedicated to connecting and facilitating space-related industries, businesses, investors, educators, experts, and governments worldwide in their pursuit for businesses and technology in commercial space. SEA helps establish Hong Kong as a super-connector hub in the international space ecosystem by capitalising on our professional services, led by finance.

The new renaissance is in the space economy. The US$630 billion global space economy is set to triple to US$1.8 trillion^[1] by 2035. With launch costs dropping 10-fold in the last 20 years, private and public sectors will soar with all humanity set to benefit. Space economy is ubiquitous and creating value beyond rocketry and satellites, everyone will flourish as the space economy grows 9% per annum. China is the world’s second largest player in space, highlighting it as one of the four emerging strategic industries in its 15th National Five-Year Plan. Its commercial space sector has already launched 81 rockets and 336 satellites into orbit, with over 100 space start-ups and companies raising around US$6.5 billion. Hong Kong, as a key international financial centre practicing Common Law with international arbitration system and robust insurance, data and intellectual property protection capabilities, uniquely stands to serve China and other countries to pursue capital, business, technology and talent in commercial space.

“From Hong Kong’s perspective, the NewSpace economy is not simply about rockets or satellites; it is about the commercial possibilities they create for our professional services community. As the nation advances its aerospace ambitions, Hong Kong’s strengths in finance, insurance, law and related fields equip the city to support activities ranging from project financing and initial public offerings to risk management and crossborder transactions. Our bankers, insurers, accountants and lawyers are ideally positioned to help turn space initiatives into viable enterprises — and to participate directly in the value they generate.” said the Honourable Bernard Charnwut Chan, GBM, GBS, JP. Patron of SEA.

“Hong Kong’s top-class professional services would facilitate the processes from research and innovation to startup, scale-up and successful space business. Besides a hub for IPOs, Hong Kong offers funding from seed and angel, to private equity, venture capital, mergers and acquisitions, in debt, equity, and lease financing. This space economy would contribute plentiful job and business opportunities to become a key pillar of Hong Kong in terms of economy and quality opportunities for our young generation,” said Professor Richard Leung, Chairman of SEA. “SEA’s global network of partners grows beyond Asia, North America and Europe to include the UNOOSA ecosystem. SEA is a platform that empowers astropreneurs to launch towards humanity’s collective space dream.”

SEA is governed by a Board of 19 members and supported by nine committees. SEA is also strongly supported by a Patron and five Fellows who share the vision to position Hong Kong as a leading hub in the international space economy. The Honourable Bernard Charnwut Chan, GBM, GBS, JP is SEA’s Patron with Fellows Dr. Anthony Neoh, KC, SC, JP, Chairman, Asian Academy of International Law, Prof. Jin-Guang Teng, BBS, JP, President, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Mr. Jimmy Tsang, General Manager, Goldlion, Mr. Roger Tong, Chief Executive Officer, AsiaSat, and Prof. Gregg Li, Adjunct Professor at the Laboratory for Space Research, The University of Hong Kong.

As this new economy requires education first, SEA began as the Orion Astropreneur Space Academy or OASA, with an aim to herald and teach this new economy. OASA was formed in 2020 to accelerate the awakening of young executives and professionals through action-learning and Artificial Intelligence, preparing them for the NewSpace economy. OASA has made important strides in advancing NewSpace awareness, talent development, and ecosystem building. It has engaged more than 200,000 visits, worked with over 50 partner organisations, and organised more than 60 courses and activities. As OASA evolves into SEA, the OASA remains the brand for school development programmes and youth-focused education.

SEA membership is a community of 100 co-founders, 150+ active members, 250+ student members, and 40+ industry partners shaping the future of NewSpace in the Greater Bay Area. Members connect with leading innovators, world-class institutions, global mentors, and industry leaders at the forefront of the commercial space. SEA provides a trusted platform for dialogue, collaboration, and engagement through events and direct connections. Members can access closed-door industry dialogues, international delegations, early opportunities for partnerships, and connect with an internationally respected network.

SEA’s membership framework has full, associate, and fellow membership options to serve this diverse community. All members benefit from preferential event rates, networking opportunities, curated market intelligence, professional development, and selected business support services. Full Members enjoy governance rights at general meetings, while higher-tier and charter members receive additional recognition and priority access.

Hashtag: #SpaceEconomyAssociation #SEA

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

About Space Economy Association (Hong Kong) Ltd

Space Economy Association (Hong Kong) Ltd (SEA) is an independent, membership-based NGO dedicated to connecting and facilitating space-related industries, businesses, investors, educators, experts, and governments worldwide in their pursuit of commercial space business and technology. SEA aims to help establish Hong Kong as a super-connector hub within the international space ecosystem by capitalising on its strengths in professional services, led by finance. SEA’s membership comprises a community of 100 co-founders, over 150 active members, more than 250 student members, and 40+ industry partners, all contributing to shaping the future of NewSpace in the Greater Bay Area. Members benefit from access to closed-door industry dialogues, international delegations, early partnership opportunities, and connections with a respected global network, including the UNOOSA ecosystem. SEA’s growing global network of partners spans Asia, North America, and Europe.

The event, staged on 27 June under the theme “Empowering Enterprises to Go Global, Pioneering the Blue Ocean of Silver Economy”, brought together senior government officials, banking executives, fund specialists and business figures at a time when Hong Kong is sharpening its role as an international asset and wealth management centre. The programme focused on three closely linked priorities: helping companies expand overseas, strengthening Hong Kong’s position as a global offshore renminbi hub, and turning demographic change into investable opportunities across healthcare, insurance, lifestyle and retirement planning.

Michael Wong, Acting Financial Secretary of the HKSAR Government, Christopher Hui, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, and Stephen Chan, Deputy Chief Executive of BOCHK, officiated at the event. Other participants included Ko Wing-man, Standing Committee member of the National Committee of the CPPCC; Siu Sai-wo, General Manager for Business Operations at TVB; Pauline Ngan, Deputy Chairman and Managing Director of Mainland Headwear Holdings; Sam Yu, Chairman of the Hong Kong Investment Funds Association; Jack Yang, RMB Business Executive Director of BOCHK; Terry Wong, Chief Executive Officer of Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation; Angus Chan of Chinachem Group; and Wilson Tang, Chief Executive of BOC Group Life Assurance.

The expo’s opening forum examined how wider use of the renminbi could support enterprises expanding beyond their home markets. Speakers discussed changing global investment conditions, cross-border settlement, capital-market access and Hong Kong’s role as a bridge between the mainland and international investors. The focus reflected a policy push to deepen offshore renminbi activity while helping companies manage foreign exchange, financing and liquidity risks during overseas expansion.

Stephen Chan said Hong Kong was positioned to benefit from the 15th Five-Year Plan’s support for the city as an international asset and wealth management centre. BOCHK would align with government policy by deepening regional business development and promoting wider use of the renminbi, while contributing to Hong Kong’s standing as an international financial centre.

The event also gave prominence to the silver economy, a fast-expanding theme in Asian wealth and business strategy as ageing populations reshape demand for health services, insurance, property, retirement products and lifestyle consumption. The summit forum explored how traditional industries could adjust supply chains and develop services for older consumers, with particular attention to healthcare, elderly care, insurance and technology-enabled services.

Hong Kong’s wealth industry has entered the year with strong structural tailwinds. The city’s asset and wealth management business stood at more than HK$35 trillion at the end of 2024, with more than half of assets sourced from outside the mainland and Hong Kong. The number of single-family offices exceeded 3,380 by the end of 2025, up by about 680 from the end of 2023. Hong Kong has also overtaken Switzerland as the world’s largest cross-boundary wealth management centre, with cross-border wealth booked in the city reaching about $2.9 trillion in 2025.

That momentum is being matched by more intense competition and tighter compliance expectations. Banks and wealth managers are expanding advisory services, digital platforms and family-office offerings, but cross-border flows are facing closer scrutiny as authorities seek to ensure funds move through proper channels. The challenge for the city is to preserve its appeal to private clients while remaining aligned with broader policy priorities, including corporate treasury management, offshore renminbi use and regulated investment connectivity.

The expo’s workshops covered global fund and equity-market conditions, retirement wealth planning, emerging-market investment and multi-asset income strategies. One session examined renminbi assets and China’s equity and bond markets in the context of deeper economic links with ASEAN, the Global South and Belt and Road partner countries. Another looked at income opportunities across Asia-Pacific and emerging markets as investors reassess portfolios amid volatile global equity and bond markets.

The defining feature of the new network is Vietnam’s first and only multi-connected robotic surgery ecosystem. Rather than deploying standalone robotic systems, Vinmec has established an integrated operating platform that brings together multiple world-leading robotic technologies across its hospital network. Vinmec Times City International Hospital serves as the clinical coordination hub, linking robotic surgery centers at Vinmec Smart City, Vinmec Da Nang, Vinmec Central Park, Vinmec Can Tho and other Vinmec hospitals throughout the country.

For general surgery, Vinmec operates three of the world’s leading robotic surgery platforms: Da Vinci Xi at Vinmec Times City, Hugo RAS at Vinmec Da Nang and Vinmec Central Park, and Toumai MT-1000 at Vinmec Smart City and Vinmec Can Tho. Together, these technologies enable surgeons to access deep anatomical structures, perform highly precise procedures within confined surgical spaces, and select the most appropriate platform based on each patient’s condition. Notably, the Toumai MT-1000 also introduces the capability for 5G-enabled remote robotic surgery, laying the foundation for future models of connected healthcare delivery.

In orthopedic surgery, Vinmec has deployed a comprehensive portfolio of next-generation joint replacement robots, including ROSA at Vinmec Smart City, MISSO at Vinmec Times City and Vinmec Can Tho, and CORI across Vinmec Ocean Park 2, Hai Phong, Da Nang, Central Park, Phu Quoc and Nha Trang. These technologies enable personalized surgical planning based on each patient’s anatomy while supporting millimeter-level precision in implant positioning and joint balancing, helping optimize clinical outcomes and accelerate postoperative recovery.

For neurosurgery and spine surgery, Vinmec has integrated the StealthStation S8, Mazor X Stealth Edition robotic guidance system and the O-arm with StealthStation O2 imaging platform at Vinmec Smart City and Vinmec Da Nang. This advanced technology suite provides real-time navigation, intraoperative imaging and continuous surgical verification, enabling surgeons to accurately access complex anatomical structures while improving procedural safety and reducing the risk of complications.

Complementing its advanced technology ecosystem, Vinmec is also the first healthcare provider in Vietnam to develop a “3-in-1” robotic surgery model built on Personalization, Automation and Standardization. Every patient receives an individualized treatment plan through preoperative 3D reconstruction and surgical simulation, benefits from AI-enabled robotic assistance during surgery, and is treated according to internationally recognized standards in clinical practice, education and research.

Technology delivers value only when placed in the hands of highly skilled professionals. To operate this large-scale robotic surgery ecosystem, Vinmec has developed a multidisciplinary team of specialists who have undergone rigorous training, competency assessments and international robotic surgery certification programs. Their expertise forms the foundation for delivering safe, high-quality and consistently effective surgical care.

Alongside the launch of the robotic surgery network, Vinmec also announced the establishment of the Robotic Surgery Patient Support Fund, backed by nearly VND 300 billion in funding from Vingroup. The fund is expected to reduce financial barriers and expand patient access to advanced robotic surgery, particularly for those facing financial hardship.

At the event, Prof. Tran Van Thuan, MD, PhD, Deputy Minister of Health, remarked: “I highly appreciate Vinmec’s vision of not only investing in advanced medical equipment but also building a comprehensive ecosystem encompassing clinical care, medical education, scientific research, technology transfer, and international collaboration.” The Deputy Minister also acknowledged the humanitarian value of the Robotic Surgery Patient Support Fund, which helps expand access to advanced surgical technologies for eligible patients.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, Prof. Tran Trung Dung, MD, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of Vinmec Healthcare System, said:

“Our High-Tech Robotic Surgery Network is built on a model of multidimensional connectivity connecting experts, hospitals and the world’s leading technology partners within a single integrated ecosystem. Our goal is to provide patients in Vietnam with access to the most advanced surgical innovations while progressively positioning Vietnam as a regional destination for high-tech healthcare and precision surgery.”

According to Assoc. Prof. Pham Van Binh, MD, PhD, Director of the Vinmec High-Tech Robotic Surgery Network, the true strength of the centers lies not only in their advanced robotic systems but also in their ability to transform technology into sustainable clinical excellence.

“Our vision extends beyond building a treatment center. We are establishing an academic institution for robotic surgery that integrates clinical practice, academic training, scientific research and technology transfer, bringing together leading robotic surgeons from Vietnam and around the world.”

The launch of Vinmec’s High-Tech Robotic Surgery Network represents not only a significant milestone in the healthcare system’s development but also an important step forward in accelerating Vietnam’s transition toward an era of precision, personalized and technology-driven surgery. By bringing world-class surgical innovation closer to patients, Vinmec is laying the foundation for Vietnam to emerge as a new regional hub for robotic surgery and advanced medical treatment in Southeast Asia.

Hashtag: #Vinmec

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

There is much to celebrate. This year marks the 50^th anniversary of the Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races as well as 35^th anniversary of both the co-organiser, Hong Kong China Dragon Boat Association, and the sanctioning body, International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF). The IDBF added to the occasion by announcing earlier this year the relocation of its headquarters back to Hong Kong.

Riding on the wave of excitement, the organiser, Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), extended the annual Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Festival period to 13 days (June 19 – July 1), beginning on the historic Tuen Ng Festival (Dragon Boat Festival) and concluding on July 1, which is the 29^th anniversary of the Establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

As the headline international flagship event of “Hong Kong Summer Fun”, Dr Peter Lam, Chairman of the HKTB, said the Festival not only ran over a longer period, but also featured a stronger race line-up and more vibrant entertainment programmes than in previous years, offering an experience found only in Hong Kong for locals and visitors, while showcasing Hong Kong’s position as the Events Capital of Asia.

More than 220 teams from 16 countries and regions will compete for top honours in the world‑renowned setting of Victoria Harbour. This year’s event also introduces the special 50^th Anniversary Fishermen Invitational Cup and the 50^th Anniversary Championship, paying tribute to the traditional spirit of dragon boat racing.

Visitors will be able to enjoy a series of thematic activities along the Avenue of Stars, including a 22-metre traditional wooden dragon boat, a dragon boat-themed installation in collaboration with the new film Minions & Monsters, live music performances and a line-up of intangible cultural heritage performances, including martial art Wing Chun, Chinese juggling diabolo, traditional musical instruments ruan and guzheng.

Highlighting Hong Kong’s reputation as the birthplace of modern international dragon boat racing, as well as its strengths as a global hub city, the IDBF has taken a significant step in its long‑term global strategy with the formal incorporation of International Dragon Boat Federation Limited in Hong Kong on 29 April 2026.

“Incorporation in Hong Kong is not a conclusion, but a beginning. It anchors our Federation in the city where our international story started and strengthens our ability to serve our members and the global dragon boat family,” said Claudio Schermi, President of the IDBF.

As part of this new chapter, the IDBF has applied for funding under “the Pilot Scheme to Strengthen the Presence of Hong Kong in Asian and International Sports Associations”, which was recently introduced by the HKSAR Government’s Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau. The Pilot Scheme is an initiative designed to support Asian and international sports associations establishing their headquarters or regional headquarters in the city.

The Dragon Boat Festival has a long and colourful history dating back more than two thousand years. Held each year on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, the day commemorates the patriotic poet Qu Yuan.

According to legend, Qu committed suicide for his beliefs by throwing himself into the Luo River. The villagers nearby raced out on their dragon boats, banging gongs and drums to scare away fish and other underwater creatures to stop them from eating Qu’s body. The tradition continues to this day, with dragon boat competitions taking place at locations across Hong Kong, each reflecting the unique characteristics of its neighbourhood.

Traditional dragon boat treats feature prominently during the festival, notably zongzi. These glutinous rice dumplings, traditionally wrapped in bamboo leaves and steamed or boiled, are widely available during the festive period.

Hashtag: #hongkong #brandhongkong #asiasworldcity #dragonboatraces #dragonboatfestival

https://www.brandhk.gov.hk/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-hong-kong/
https://x.com/Brand_HK/
https://www.facebook.com/brandhk.isd
https://www.instagram.com/brandhongkong

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