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SBF partners UOB, Rajah & Tann and RSM to help Singapore companies expand into ASEAN through business missions

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SINGAPORE, Aug. 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The Singapore Business Federation (SBF) has successfully hosted the eighth edition of the ASEAN Conference, a prestigious annual event that convenes leading decision-makers from the private and public sectors across the region. This year’s conference, which took place at Singapore’s Sands Expo and Convention Centre, provided a vital platform for exploring and shaping the future of international business partnerships in ASEAN.

1. Themed “Reimagining ASEAN for a Sustainable Tomorrow,” the conference delved into emerging trends in the circular economy and explored how businesses can leverage new resources to drive their next growth phase. The event commenced with a Ministerial Dialogue featuring Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Mr Gan Kim Yong, who underscored the importance of collaboration and economic resilience in positioning the region as a hub for innovation and sustainable development in the years to come.

2. The conference also featured a fireside chat with Chief Minister of Johor, YAB Dato’ Onn Hafiz bin Ghazi. He discussed how the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone will contribute to ASEAN’s vision of a shared economy, highlighting its potential impact on regional integration and cross-border collaboration.

3. Two insightful panel discussions were also held at the event. The first panel reviewed the progress and achievements of the AEC as it approaches 2025, examining its impact on regional businesses. The second panel explored emerging trends in the circular economy and discussed how businesses can utilise new resources and financial tools to reassess and enhance their strategies within the region.

4. In a significant development, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed during the conference between SBF, UOB, Rajah & Tann and RSM Singapore. The MOU aims to support Singapore companies in expanding within the ASEAN region, through collaboration on internationalisation activities and knowledge sharing. The signing ceremony was witnessed by DPM Gan Kim Yong and covers the following areas of collaboration:

Strategic Platform: Utilise the ASEAN Conference platform to support the internationalisation of Singapore-based businesses.Business Mission: Partner in facilitating market exploration for Singapore companies through mission trips in ASEAN.Knowledge Sharing: Offer insights and in-market knowledge to aid business expansion within the ASEAN region.

5. Two additional MOUs were also signed by UOB with Lingang Group, a state-owned enterprise specialising in industrial park development and with Invest Johor, a one-stop-centre that represents the state of Johor in dealing with investment matters. 

6. Mr Lim Ming Yan, Chairman of the Singapore Business Federation, remarked, “ASEAN holds significant economic potential, with a GDP of US$3.6 trillion and a population of over 650 million. As we approach the milestone of the ASEAN Economic Community 2025 (AEC 2025), this conference underscores SBF’s and our partners’ pivotal role in steering crucial discussions on ASEAN’s economic future, providing a vital platform for strategic dialogue and collaboration among top decision-makers in Singapore and the region.”

7. Mr Wee Ee Cheong, Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of UOB, remarked, “Amid complex global challenges, the ASEAN economies continue to be resilient and outpace global growth. UOB is committed to Southeast Asia for the long term and our multiple partnerships with government investment agencies will enable us to continue our role as an effective gateway for companies expanding across borders.”

8. Mr Chia Kim Huat, Regional Head, Corporate & Transactional Practice Group of Rajah & Tann, said, “We are honoured to be part of the ASEAN Conference right from its inception. This year’s focus is on driving deeper collaboration and strengthening partnerships across ASEAN, amidst geo-political tensions and rising protectionism. Together with our conference partners, we are committed to advancing regional integration and fostering sustainable growth.”

9. Mr Terence Ang, Partner & Head of Advisory of RSM, said, “At RSM, we firmly believe that collaboration is key to success. The ASEAN Conference provides us with a valuable opportunity to strengthen our relationships and partnerships, reaffirming our commitment to supporting Singaporean companies in making a global impact. This MOU is a testament to our dedication to this mission.”

10. The conference also included regional tracks focusing on Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand, which discussed the digital and sustainability landscapes in Indonesia, business and investment opportunities in Malaysia, and green investments in Thailand. Notable attendees included Indonesia and Thailand Ambassadors and Malaysia High Commissioner to Singapore, Indonesia Deputy Minister for Investment Mr Nurul Ichwan and Secretary General of Thailand Board of Investment Mr Narit Therdsteerasukdi. 

11. The event attracted more than 500 government leaders and C-suite executives from across the region, affirming its status as a premier forum for advancing regional economic dialogue and partnerships.

– End –

About the ASEAN Conference

Launched in 2015, the ASEAN Conference is an annual signature event that brings together key decision makers from both the private and public sectors predominately in ASEAN to examine various business and investment-related topics with the vision to help the regional business communities tackle challenges, explore opportunities and concretise deals in ASEAN and beyond. Organised by Singapore Business Federation and jointly supported by United Overseas Bank, Rajah & Tann Asia and RSM Singapore as founding partners, the ASEAN Conference is a premium conference that features high-level speakers from Singapore and other ASEAN states to offer insights and contribute to the dynamic growth and development in ASEAN.

About Singapore Business Federation

As the apex business chamber, the Singapore Business Federation (SBF) champions the interests of the business community in Singapore in trade, investment and industrial relations. Nationally, SBF acts as the bridge between the government and businesses in Singapore to create a conducive business environment. Internationally, SBF represents the business community in bilateral, regional and multilateral fora for the purpose of trade expansion and business networking. For more information, please visit: www.sbf.org.sg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/sbf-partners-uob-rajah–tann-and-rsm-to-help-singapore-companies-expand-into-asean-through-business-missions-302232936.html

SOURCE The Singapore Business Federation (SBF)

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HKAGE Showcases Gifted Students’ Learning Journeys at InnoCarnival 2026

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Promoting “Technology for Good” Through Innovation and Creativity 

HONG KONG, Oct. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Hong Kong Academy for Gifted Education (HKAGE) has been invited to participate in InnoCarnival 2026, organised by the Innovation and Technology Commission. Under the theme “Technology for Good, Innovation for All”, HKAGE will showcase the learning journeys of gifted students who have completed programmes on AI robotic arms, underwater archaeology, etc., demonstrating how technology can be harnessed to address societal needs.

Having proactively aligned its work with the education development strategies of the Education Bureau (EDB), HKAGE fully supports the EDB’s Blueprint for Digital Education in Primary and Secondary Schools, which seeks to advance the digital transformation of school education in Hong Kong. Building on its Talent Development Model, HKAGE systematically develops programmes, provides diversified learning experiences and engages in cross-sector collaborations to nurture gifted talents equipped with innovative capabilities, technological literacy, and a strong sense of social responsibility. At the exhibition this year, HKAGE will present how students applied knowledge gained through gifted education programmes and learning experiences in areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, environmental science, underwater archaeology and sustainable development to design socially conscious solutions. These experiences reflect the students’ ability to serve society with knowledge and respond creatively to diverse challenges.

Among the highlights is the learning journey of students in the “Artificial Intelligence Course: Creative AI Robotic Arm for Inclusion”. After acquiring foundational knowledge in artificial intelligence, robotics and sensor applications, students designed, tested and refined intelligent robotic arm prototypes through real-time data analysis and algorithms. With the aim of improving the quality of life for the elderly and caregivers, students explored various application scenarios for intelligent robotic arms. Another showcase features the “Environmental Science Course: Bat Echoes – Voices of the Night”. Through acoustic monitoring, the exhibition demonstrates how students recorded bat voices and analysed related activity data and characteristics. The programme enabled students to gain a deeper understanding of local biodiversity and explore practical approaches to ecological conservation.

The HKAGE exhibition booth also features an interactive photo-taking device, allowing visitors to take photos with different gifted programme themes and share the joy of learning.

On the first day of the exhibition, a “Build Your Own Glider Parent-Child Workshop” is specially organised by HKAGE for the visitors. Under the guidance of instructors and assisted by HKAGE students, participants will learn the basic principles of aerodynamics, including lift, gravity, thrust and drag. They will also learn to design, assemble and decorate their own gliders by using lightweight and durable materials, experiencing the joy of science and engineering.

Mr WONG Chung Po, Acting Executive Director of HKAGE, said: “The Academy is committed to providing gifted students with diversified learning platforms and encouraging them to transform knowledge into innovative practices that generate positive social impact. Participation in this exhibition not only provides students with a valuable learning experience that helps consolidate the knowledge acquired in gifted programmes, but also enables the public to better understand how gifted education nurtures a new generation of creative and socially responsible talents to jointly advance the philosophy of ‘Technology for Good’.”

InnoCarnival 2026 – The Hong Kong Academy for Gifted Education

Date:

24 Oct – 1 Nov

Venue:

The Hong Kong Science Park

Booth:

C08-09

Time:

10:00 – 17:00 (Mon to Fri)

10:00 – 18:00 (Sat & Sun)

 

About the HKAGE

Established in 2008 and subvented by the Education Bureau, the HKAGE offers gifted education services actively to local primary and secondary school students to unleash their potential. It also provides gifted education-related information and support for teachers, parents, and other relevant stakeholders.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/hkage-showcases-gifted-students-learning-journeys-at-innocarnival-2026-302918606.html

SOURCE Hong Kong Academy for Gifted Education

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LEAP Group Relaunches HumanView, a Growth Intelligence System Built to Explain Why Customers Behave the Way They Do

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Reimagined from the ground up, HumanView pairs statistical modeling with expert analysts to turn millions of real-world customer signals into business decisions

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — LEAP Group today announced the relaunch of HumanView, its growth intelligence service. The new version has been rebuilt from the ground up and now has a dedicated home at leapgroupnetwork.com/humanview.

HumanView analyzes what customers say and do across social platforms, e-commerce sites, review platforms, search behavior and user-generated content, including signals from Reddit, TikTok, YouTube, Meta, Amazon and Walmart+ that general AI tools cannot always access. Because the data reflects unprompted, real-world behavior, it avoids the response bias built into surveys and focus groups.

The service works in three layers. HumanView captures signals at scale, decodes millions of records through validated statistical models such as regression, correlation and clustering, and then relies on experienced analysts to interpret the patterns. Clients receive clear, human-validated insights instead of another dashboard.

“Machines find the patterns. Humans find the point,” said Alan Gilleo, CEO at LEAP Group. “The first version of HumanView showed us how much customers reveal when nobody is asking them questions. This version is built to explain why they act the way they do, and to put those answers in front of everyone making decisions, from product to service to marketing.”

HumanView focuses on three areas:

Growth Intelligence: customer motivations and how people perceive a brand and its competitors

Market and Category Intelligence: product pain points, service friction, unmet needs and competitive gaps

Audience Intelligence: new segments, positioning opportunities and gaps in the market

Every model is designed and validated by data scientists and benchmarked before it informs a recommendation.

To learn more about HumanView, visit leapgroupnetwork.com/humanview.

About LEAP Group
LEAP Group is a boutique marketing agency holding company with offices in Louisville, Indianapolis, Cincinnati and Chicago. Guided by the belief that brands should “Market Less. Matter More.,” LEAP gives clients access to specialized experts across its entire network. Learn more at leapgroupnetwork.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/leap-group-relaunches-humanview-a-growth-intelligence-system-built-to-explain-why-customers-behave-the-way-they-do-302918557.html

SOURCE LEAP Group

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STEPHEN A. SMITH ADDRESSES WHITE HOUSE DINNER ATTENDANCE, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO HBCUs AND PROTECTING CORPORATE INVESTMENT IN BLACK EDUCATION

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NEW YORK, Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Stephen A. Smith, media mogul, New York Times bestselling author, and proud 1991 graduate of Winston-Salem State University, is addressing the public discussion surrounding his decision to attend a White House dinner with President Donald Trump, emphasizing his commitment to the long-term financial stability of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

For Smith, the decision was rooted in a commitment to institutions that have educated generations of Black leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, and public servants.

“I will always advocate for HBCUs and the students whose futures depend on them,” Smith said. “My reason for attending the White House dinner was to discuss the challenges these institutions face in securing long-term funding and to make the case that corporate America must continue to invest in them.”

Smith acknowledged federal support through the FUTURE Act while expressing concern that political tensions surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) could discourage private companies from supporting HBCUs. He maintains that these institutions deserve sustained corporate partnerships, philanthropic contributions, and public investment.

“If we truly believe in free-market capitalism, businesses should be able to support educational institutions and charitable causes without fear of criticism or repercussions,” Smith said. “HBCUs have made extraordinary contributions to this country. They deserve sustained public and private investment.”

Ashley Christopher, Esq., Founder and CEO of the HBCU Week Foundation, recognized Smith’s advocacy and decision to engage with the administration.

“Stephen A. Smith has been a powerful advocate for HBCUs, using his platform and influence to shine a national spotlight on our institutions,” expressed Christopher, “His continued support of HBCU Week helps advance our mission of connecting students with life-changing educational opportunities, and we are proud to have him as our ambassador.”

Since Smith became an HBCU Week Ambassador in 2019, the initiative has facilitated more than 15,000 on-the-spot college acceptances and raised and awarded more than $150 million in scholarships, according to the HBCU Week Foundation.

As public discussion continues, Smith is emphasizing the importance of ensuring HBCUs have the resources and partnerships needed to educate future generations and expand opportunities for students.

CLICK HERE to watch Smith’s full response to his White House visit.

MEDIA CONTACT:

media@mrsasinc.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/stephen-a-smith-addresses-white-house-dinner-attendance-reaffirms-commitment-to-hbcus-and-protecting-corporate-investment-in-black-education-302918547.html

SOURCE Straight Shooter Media

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