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Two-year collaboration to support Hong Kong’s talent pipeline by strengthening STEM readiness and industry exposure among teen girls and young women aged 12-19

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 January 2026 – The FutureGen Girls Foundation (“the Foundation“) and Microsoft Hong Kong have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to launch a two-year strategic collaboration aimed at expanding access to artificial intelligence (AI) and STEM education for teen girls and young women aged 12-19 across Hong Kong. The collaboration will focus on developing future-ready skills, mentoring networks, and pathways that help teen girls and young women imagine and pursue diverse career opportunities in a rapidly evolving world of work and further expand outreach to all.

Starting in year 2026, Microsoft Hong Kong will support the Foundation to support the development of new learning experiences that integrate AI education, hands-on digital skills training, and real-world career exposure opportunities. Through workshops, mentorship, recognized learning programs, and outreach initiatives, the collaboration seeks to broaden participation in emerging fields and level the playing field from teen girls and young women to all students.

This initiative aligns with the Foundation’s mission to empower teen girls and young women, helping them bridge youth to careers with confidence, purpose, and access to diverse industry pathways. Key highlights of the collaboration include:

• AI Skills Education: Integrating age-appropriate Microsoft AI learning tools and certification courses into FGG programs.
• Mentorship & Role Modelling: Connecting students with Microsoft professionals and student ambassadors.
• Community Engagement: Joint workshops, outreach activities, and participation in Foundation Youth Career Fairs.
• Real-World AI Application: Showing how AI is applied across industries and helping students understand real-world applications and inspire problem-solving skills.
• Inclusive Access: Ensuring opportunities reach students across diverse schools and districts.

“For many secondary school students, future development pathway can feel distant or unclear simply because they may not yet have the access or exposure to see what is possible,” said Jennifer Yu Cheng, Founder of the Foundation. “Our aim is to make that exploration easier – to open doors across more than 20 industries.”

“By expanding access to future ready learning and real world career experiences, we are helping to build a strong and diverse talent pipeline ready to step into the opportunities of tomorrow. This is the foundation of our collaboration with Microsoft Hong Kong.”

“Through this collaboration, we hope to empower students to unlock the courage to try, to explore different fields, and to image big futures for themselves,” said Secy Cheung, Foundation Founding Board Director. “The most meaningful change happens when young people realize that their voice and vision matter.”

Leo Liu, General Manager of Microsoft Hong Kong shared, “At Microsoft, we are deeply committed to empowering the next generation by democratizing access to AI and future-ready skills. Through trusted, secure platforms and hands-on learning experiences, we strive to make advanced technology accessible to all, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and lifelong learning. Together with the FutureGen Girls Foundation, we look forward to supporting Hong Kong’s youth to become frontier talent in the digital era.”

The foundation and Microsoft Hong Kong are committed to exploring further opportunities in future.

Hashtag: #FutureGenGirlsFoundation

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

About the FutureGen Girls Foundation

The FutureGen Girls Foundation (“the Foundation”) is a registered charitable organization dedicated to empowering teen girls and young women, bridging youth to careers. By collaborating with schools, industry partners, and community organizations, the Foundation creates pathways that support skill-building, career exploration, and youth leadership development across Hong Kong.

About Microsoft

Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT” @microsoft) creates platforms and tools powered by AI to deliver innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers. The technology company is committed to making AI available broadly and doing so responsibly, with a mission to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.

This award is less about the trophy itself and more about what it represents — years of steady progress, consistent teamwork, and a shared commitment to improving the way we support businesses. It reflects the long-term effort of our team and partners who continue to learn, adapt, and refine how we use the Xero ecosystem to bring real value to clients.

“We are truly grateful for this recognition,” says Alex So, Founder of FastLane Group. “Each award reminds us that we’re on the right path, but it also keeps us grounded. Our progress comes from continuous effort, small improvements made every day, and the trust our clients place in us. Technology should empower people — not replace them — and we will keep working quietly and consistently to help businesses grow with clarity and confidence.”

From Cloud to Intelligence
FastLane’s journey with Xero began with cloud accounting — transforming how businesses manage compliance and financial data. Today, the partnership has evolved into something more ambitious: using AI to make accounting faster, smarter, and more human.

Xero’s latest AI companion, JAX (Just Ask Xero), automates tasks such as reconciliation, invoicing, and financial insights through simple conversational commands. For Alex, JAX represents the next leap in professional practice.

“Cloud technology gave us speed,” he explains. “AI gives us insight. When our accountants can ask a system a question and get an intelligent answer instantly, they can spend their time advising clients, not crunching numbers.”

Trust, Transparency, and the Human Touch
As AI becomes more embedded in accounting, FastLane emphasizes responsibility and human oversight. The firm aligns with Xero’s commitment to transparent and ethical AI — ensuring that every automated decision still begins and ends with human judgment.

“AI doesn’t take away our role; it amplifies it,” Alex says. “Technology can process data, but it can’t replace human intuition, empathy, or trust. That’s what clients truly value — and that’s what we protect.”

A Vision for the Future
FastLane’s influence now extends across Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Malaysia, where it helps entrepreneurs and growing companies build smarter, more scalable financial systems. Beyond compliance, the firm focuses on advisory, automation, and strategy — redefining how accountants support business growth in an AI-driven world.

“The future accountant isn’t just a number-keeper,” Alex concludes. “They’re a strategic partner, powered by technology and guided by purpose. AI gives us back the time to think, lead, and create real impact.”

Hashtag: #FastLaneGroup

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

About FastLane Group

FastLane Group provides full-stack accounting services to startups, SMEs, and large corporations in Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Taiwan. As a Xero Platinum partner, the Company leverages Xero’s cloud-based accounting software to provide efficient services that comply with local accounting standards. The services cover customised professional accounting services, accountancy, bookkeeping, taxation, offshore formation, company secretary, etc. It was honoured as the Total Xero Award 2025 – Winner, Xero Asia Advisory Partner of the Year 2024 – Winner, and Xero Accounting Partner of the Year Hong Kong 2019 – Winner.

For more information, please visit the official website:
https://fastlane-global.com/hk/

By Nitya Chakraborty The invasion of Venezuela by the United States on the early hours of January 3 along with the kidnapping of President Nicholas Maduro and his wife marks a new phase in Donald Trump’s foreign policy which has been termed by The Guardian columnist as “naked imperialism”. The announcement by Trump that the […]

The article U.S. Invasion Of Venezuela May Set The Process Of Trump’s Down Turn In November Mid Term appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

People familiar with the transaction said the capital injection is structured to provide QXO with flexibility to pursue large-scale deals while maintaining access to public markets. The funding is expected to be deployed alongside existing cash and debt capacity to accelerate consolidation across a fragmented construction materials supply chain that spans roofing, insulation, waterproofing and related products.

QXO, chaired and controlled by Jacobs, was formed to assemble a scaled distribution platform capable of competing with established regional and national players. Jacobs, known for building multibillion-dollar logistics businesses through serial acquisitions, has positioned QXO as a long-term consolidator targeting steady cash flows and pricing power in non-cyclical end markets such as residential repair, maintenance and infrastructure upgrades.

Apollo’s participation signals institutional backing for that strategy at a time when dealmaking in building products is reshaping supply networks in North America. The alternative asset manager has extensive experience in industrial and services investments, and its involvement is expected to reassure lenders and potential sellers as QXO negotiates transactions that could reshape the sector’s competitive landscape.

People briefed on the matter said the investment gives QXO additional firepower to support a transformative purchase announced earlier, while also preserving capacity for follow-on acquisitions. The company has indicated that scale is critical to improving procurement economics, expanding private-label offerings and deploying technology to optimise inventory and logistics across a wide branch network.

Market participants note that building products distribution has drawn sustained private equity interest due to its resilience during economic slowdowns and its exposure to long-term housing and infrastructure demand. While new construction can fluctuate with interest rates, repair and renovation spending tends to be more stable, supporting predictable earnings for distributors with diversified customer bases.

Apollo’s investment arrives amid cautious optimism in credit markets. Financing conditions have improved compared with earlier tightening cycles, though borrowers remain selective and focused on leverage discipline. By bringing in a deep-pocketed sponsor, QXO reduces reliance on debt at a time when acquisition multiples remain elevated for high-quality assets.

Executives close to the company have said QXO aims to balance rapid growth with operational integration, avoiding the pitfalls that can accompany aggressive roll-up strategies. Jacobs has emphasised disciplined capital allocation, standardised systems and experienced management teams as cornerstones of value creation.

The transaction also underscores Apollo’s broader strategy of partnering with founder-led platforms that can compound value through scale rather than short-term financial engineering. The firm has increasingly favoured equity-heavy structures in sectors where operational improvements and market positioning drive returns over extended horizons.

Analysts covering the building products space say the investment could intensify competitive pressure on mid-sized distributors, many of which face succession challenges or capital constraints. For sellers, a well-capitalised buyer with public currency and sponsor backing can offer certainty of execution, a factor that often influences deal outcomes alongside price.

QXO’s shares have reflected heightened investor attention since the company outlined its acquisition plans, with trading volumes increasing as the market digests the implications of a more aggressive growth profile. The Apollo-backed financing is expected to reduce uncertainty around funding while sharpening focus on execution and integration milestones.

The change in outlook has been swift. Until the latest tax measures, ITC had ranked among the most favoured large-cap stocks on domestic brokerage lists, supported by steady cash flows from cigarettes and growing contributions from fast-moving consumer goods, hotels and paperboards. That balance has been questioned after the government raised duties on tobacco products, squeezing margins in the company’s most profitable segment.

ITC hit by analyst downgrades after tax move has become a defining theme in market commentary as earnings models are recalibrated. Analysts who turned cautious point to limited scope for further price hikes in cigarettes without risking volume erosion, at a time when consumption growth has already been uneven.

Cigarettes contribute a majority of ITC’s operating profit despite accounting for a smaller share of revenue, making tax changes particularly sensitive. The latest duty increase, structured through a combination of higher specific excise and cess components, has raised the effective tax burden across key cigarette categories. Brokerages estimate that, unless offset by price increases or cost efficiencies, operating margins in the segment could compress by 150 to 250 basis points over the coming quarters.

Some analysts expect ITC to pass on part of the tax through selective price increases, a strategy the company has used in earlier cycles. However, several broker notes highlight a more competitive environment, with illicit trade and regional players limiting pricing power. Volume growth assumptions for the cigarette business have been trimmed, with some forecasts now factoring in flat to marginally negative growth.

The reassessment has translated into rating cuts from buy to hold or equivalent neutral stances. Target prices have also been lowered, reflecting reduced earnings visibility and a narrower valuation premium for the cigarette franchise. A few brokerages have flagged that ITC’s valuation multiple had already priced in regulatory stability, leaving little cushion for adverse policy surprises.

Not all analysts are bearish. A significant portion of coverage has retained positive recommendations, arguing that the market reaction may be overdone. Supporters note ITC’s strong balance sheet, consistent dividend payouts and diversified portfolio as buffers against near-term volatility. The company remains debt-free and continues to generate robust free cash flow, providing flexibility to absorb tax shocks.

Attention has also turned to ITC’s non-cigarette businesses, which management has been positioning as long-term growth drivers. The FMCG segment, covering packaged foods, personal care and agri-branded products, has delivered double-digit revenue growth in several quarters, albeit with thinner margins. Analysts broadly agree that sustained investment is required before this segment can materially offset any slowdown in cigarettes.

The hotels business, demerged earlier into a separate listed entity, has been another focal point. While the demerger unlocked value and allowed sharper capital allocation, it also removed a stable earnings contributor from ITC’s consolidated results. Some analysts argue that the timing has amplified the perceived impact of the tobacco tax, as investors now view ITC more squarely through the lens of its cigarette exposure and FMCG transition.

Market participants are also weighing the broader regulatory backdrop. Tobacco taxation remains a policy lever tied to public health objectives and revenue needs, creating an element of unpredictability. Analysts caution that while steep tax hikes may not be annual, periodic adjustments are likely, keeping long-term risk premiums elevated for cigarette makers.

ITC’s management has yet to signal any immediate strategic shift in response to the tax increase. Past commentary has emphasised disciplined pricing, supply chain efficiencies and portfolio premiumisation to protect margins. The company has also highlighted investments in agri-sourcing and digital distribution to strengthen competitiveness across categories.

For investors, the debate has narrowed to whether the stock’s recent underperformance adequately reflects these risks. Some analysts see value emerging if earnings downgrades stabilise and FMCG margins continue to improve. Others maintain that sentiment will remain cautious until clearer evidence emerges that cigarette profitability can be sustained without sacrificing volumes.

The Scholarship Awards aims to recognize and support students pursuing life sciences or biomedical sciences programs at local UGC-funded institutions. Each awardee would receive a HK$50,000 scholarship, mentorship from industry professionals through the HKLSS Mentorship Scheme, and priority enrollment in the HKLSS Life Sciences Summer Internship Program, which offers students an integrated hands-on learning experience across Hong Kong, the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) Region and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).

Brought together by the Scholarship Awards, three awardees of cohort 2025/26 – SANTOSO Rachelle Jacinda (Y3 BSc in Biological Sciences, CityUHK), RAHMAN Syed Rayan (Y3 BSc in Applied Biology with Biotechnology, PolyU), and TAI Wing Yin Vincy (Y3 Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences, HKU), embarked on a shared journey – to be nurtured, grow, and ultimately bloom as future leaders in life sciences, contributing their skills and passion to advance Hong Kong’s life sciences ecosystem and build a better tomorrow through inter-disciplinary collaborations.

Homegrown Biological Sciences Dream Fuels Up in Hong Kong
Arriving from Indonesia three years ago, SANTOSO Rachelle Jacinda (Rachelle) joined Hong Kong’s life sciences community as an undergraduate with determination and hope. Her passion was first ignited by family medical challenges and her curiosity for biology drove her to pursue deeper studies in biological sciences.

What opened her door to her true calling was the hands-on laboratory work. Rachelle came to appreciate not only the essential role of doctors but also the vital impact of scientists, both working together to advance healthcare. This realization fueled her dream for postgraduate studies, a goal that she once deemed rather idealistic.

She described the Scholarship Awards as a “confidence boost”. She recalled receiving an affirmation from one of the Scholarship Awards interviewers about her future plans, “I think you’re in a quite good place” reassured her that she was on the right path.

With her confidence boosted, Rachelle plans to leverage the scholarship to establish herself in Hong Kong – a supportive nurturing ground for life sciences students, and growing global healthcare investment. Embracing the local culture, she is now learning Cantonese and improving her Mandarin to gear herself up and pursue future opportunities in both Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland.

From Hometown to International Life Sciences Research Lab
“I wanted to become a surgeon [in the past] because I wanted to save lives every day. But if I become a researcher in the life sciences field, one single breakthrough can change millions of lives,” said, RAHMAN Syed Rayan (Rayan), who discovered his real passion in the research lab.

Rayan’s fascination with science began at the age of ten in Bangladesh, where he observed animals in his hometown. Like Rachelle, his enthusiasm for life sciences brought him to Hong Kong, where he was encouraged to immerse himself in research at the university laboratory, guided by professors with profound global research expertise. During semester breaks, Rayan seized every opportunity to broaden his knowledge. Now based in Hong Kong, on his freshman and sophomore years, he pursued an internship in Canada and a summer exchange in the UK, where research primarily followed a fundamental approach. He was thankful for the diverse doors Hong Kong had opened, as exposure to different research methods taught him to see things more holistically, which benefited his work in Hong Kong, known for its focus on translational research.

As Rayan continued to build his career in the life sciences field, receiving the Scholarship Awards meant a great deal to Rayan as he felt “trusted by the panel” and empowered him to be aware of his actions. “Having somebody else to tell you that you are on the right path and believe in you, is very important,” Rayan emphasized.

Rayan also feels especially grateful and refreshed to have found the amazing community he discovered through the Scholarship Awards, as he gets a chance to connect with like-minded peers, who all work towards the same goals and similar challenges. The Scholarship Awards has paved his way to additional opportunities, including priority access to the Society’s industry experience focused Summer Internship Program.

Scientists on TV Ignite Big Ambitions
TAI Wing Yin Vincy (Vincy), raised in Hong Kong, developed her passion for life sciences as a child watching scientists in action on TV. Inspired by her curiosity and determination to make a difference, she chose to study biomedical sciences at The University of Hong Kong, following her passion despite conventional expectations.

During her time at university, she gained practical experience through internships in both laboratory and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)-compliant facility, which reinforced her ambition. She also minored in Sustaining Cities, Cultures and the Earth to explore inter-disciplinary connections, “As a student, we should not only focus on life sciences, but also learn more about the global perspective, especially when sciences can influence the world,” she said.

These experiences deepened her dedication to the field and the Scholarship Awards became more than an award – it offered a source of belonging that affirmed her place in the life sciences community. “I feel like I am part of the Society, someone who can eventually grow and evolve together with the community and industry,” she said.

The Scholarship Awards has helped bridge her to the broader life sciences ecosystem, as Vincy was connected with previous and other same-cohort awardees at the Presentation Ceremony, and she looks forward to meeting more entrepreneurs, researchers, and C-suite executives from the life sciences sector and gaining guidance from them through HKLSS’ Mentorship Scheme and Summer Internship Program.

Powering Ambition: HKLSS Opens Paths Beyond the Classroom with its Pillar Programs
From different beginnings, Rachelle, Rayan, and Vincy find common ground through HKLSS. For them, the Scholarship Awards is more than financial support – it brings them to the pillar programs, a gateway to industry-centered mentorship, industry experience, and a vibrant community driving the future of life sciences in Hong Kong, the YRD, the GBA and beyond.

“I would very much love to go there [Shanghai and Shenzhen] because I will have the opportunity to explore new places and also to meet people with different cultures,” Rachelle said, while Rayan and Vincy also saw the internships as valuable opportunities to gain experience in the Chinese Mainland. “I have heard so many good things from my friends, especially the pharmaceutical companies over there,” Rayan added.

As a life sciences ecosystem enabler, HKLSS continues to expand its pillar programs, activities, and network to meet the evolving needs of members at different career stages. To address the growing demand for life sciences talent and attract both local and non-local professionals to the city, HKLSS also launched Biotech Talent, a dedicated job platform that connects talent with opportunities in the life sciences and biotechnology industry, and offers employers direct access to a diverse talent pool. Through a growing suite of initiatives, the Society partners with its network to support and cultivate a vibrant life sciences ecosystem with dedication.
Hashtag: #HongKongLifeSciencesSociety #HKLSS #香港生命科技青年會 #LifeSciences

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

About Hong Kong Life Sciences Society

Hong Kong Life Sciences Society (HKLSS) is an organization established by Nan Fung Group in 2018 aiming to build a dynamic life sciences ecosystem in Hong Kong. Through knowledge exchange, collaboration and public engagement, HKLSS aims to attract, cultivate and retain talent in Hong Kong’s life sciences and biotechnology sectors.

Members of Hong Kong Life Sciences Society
Founder and Board Chair: Mr Vincent Cheung
Board Vice-chair: Mr Shannon Cheung, Prof Nancy Ip, Mr Antony Leung
Executive Director: Prof Ken Wong

Members of the Advisory Board
Prof Tom Cheung, Dr Vanessa Cheung, Ms Irene Chu, Mr Shan Fu, Mr Meng Gao, Ms Gladdy He, Prof David Ho, Dr Lu Huang, Mr Emmanuel Hui, Prof Daniel Lee, Ms Nisa Leung, Prof Suet Yi Leung, Prof Kai Liu, Prof Stephanie Ma, Dr Jay Mei, Prof Malik Peiris, Prof Leo Poon, Dr Jin Seok Seo, Prof Anderson Shum, Dr Qiusong Tang, Mr William Tang, Prof Lap-Chee Tsui, Prof Yung Hou Wong, Mr Frank Yu, Prof Kwok-Yung Yuen

For more information about the Hong Kong Life Sciences Society, please visit:
Website: www.hklss.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/HKLifeSciencesSociety
Instagram: www.instagram.com/hklifesciencessociety
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/hklss/
Media inquiries: info@hklss.org