Latest news with #InlandRevenueOrdinance
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
Yew Chung College of Early Childhood Education offers Hong Kong's Only Government-Recognized Special Child Care Work Registration within its PGDE(ECE) Programme
HONG KONG, June 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Yew Chung College of Early Childhood Education (YCCECE) proudly announces that its Postgraduate Diploma in Education (Early Childhood Education)(PGDE(ECE)) Programme has received formal recognition from the Social Welfare Department as equivalent to One-Year In-service Course in Special Child Care Work (SCCW). Professor Kerry Lee, President & Chair Professor of Child Development at YCCECE, stated, "We are proud to be the only institution in Hong Kong to offer a government-recognized Special Child Care Work Registration within our PGDE(ECE) Programme. This recognition underscores our commitment to providing exceptional training for future educators in early childhood development." Graduates of YCCECE's PGDE(ECE) programme will now: Be eligible to registration as: Qualified Kindergarten Teachers (Education Bureau) Child Care Workers (Social Welfare Department) Child Care Supervisors (Social Welfare Department) Special Child Care Workers (Social Welfare Department) Graduates can pursue further study at Master's and/or Doctoral Degree programmes in ECE and related disciplines as the most direct extension and upgrading in their own area of specialism. With 3 years teaching experience in kindergarten, graduates are also qualified to enrol in the Certification Course for Kindergarten Principals approved by the EDB. YCCECE's distinguished local and international teaching team brings a wealth of expertise and diverse perspectives to the classroom. The programme emphasizes hands-on learning through our extensive Professional Integrated Learning and Practicum placements, bridging theory and practice to ensure that participants are fully prepared for their future careers. "Our extensive network within the Yew Chung Yew Wah Education Network allows participants to access a wide array of international and local kindergarten internship opportunities, including the Yew Chung Yew Wah Teachers of Tomorrow Scheme." Professor Lee added. "This experience enables them to apply their knowledge in real-world settings, developing essential skills for a successful career in early childhood education." About Yew Chung College of Early Childhood Education ("YCCECE") The Yew Chung College of Early Childhood Education ("YCCECE"), a member of Yew Chung Education Foundation (YCEF), is an accredited degree-awarding institution registered in Hong Kong under the Post-Secondary Colleges Ordinance (Cap. 320), with charitable status under Section 88 of the Inland Revenue Ordinance. It is the first and only higher education institution in Asia specialising in Early Childhood Education (ECE), invested wholly in this exciting foundational field. YCCECE, formerly known as the Yew Chung Community College ("YCCC"), was founded in 2008. In 2014, it was the first private higher education institution to provide formal teacher training in Hong Kong with the launch of its Higher Diploma in ECE (HDECE) programme. In 2018, YCCC was transformed into YCCECE with the launch of its flagship Bachelor of Education (Honours) in ECE (BEdECE) degree programme. This milestone represented a full-circle in YCEF's 90-year history, with the completion of a novel 'B to B' (Baby to Bachelor) education spectrum. In 2022 the College became the first self-financed tertiary institution in Hong Kong offering the Certification Course for Kindergarten Principal. In 2024, the College has successfully achieved institutional accreditation for operating postgraduate degrees, enabling it to launch the new Master of Education and Postgraduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education programmes in the 2025/26 Academic Year. The College's main campus is situated in Tin Wan, while its city campus is located in Kowloon Tong. YCCECE is deeply committed to nurturing new generations of passionate and inspired ECE professionals, who will have an enduring impact on the lives of numerous young children and their families, growing a better future together. Media Enquiries and Contact: Yew Chung College of Early Childhood Education Marketing, Communications, and Development Office: comms@ View original content: SOURCE Yew Chung College of Early Childhood Education
HKFP
22-05-2025
- Business
- HKFP
Hong Kong press union says gov't made ‘mistakes,' ‘unreasonable claims' in independent news sector tax audits
The Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA) has said that the government's tax authority made errors and 'strange, unreasonable claims' when auditing independent media outlets and issuing additional demands. 'We've noticed that the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) made numerous mistakes while reviewing the tax [records of media outlets and reporters],' Selina Cheng, the chairperson of the union, said in Cantonese on Wednesday. facing simultaneous tax audits and backdated demands. At least six independent outlets and 20 individuals, including the heads of media outlets and their spouses, have received notification of audits and additional tax demands since November 2023, Cheng said. The outlets include InMedia,The Witness, ReNews, Boomhead, HKFP, and one that did not wish to be named. The financial years being probed span the full six or seven years allowable under the IRD's remit. Those inspected usually receive a notice of assessment of additional tax first, the press union chief said. Then, they are requested to pay a provisional tax demand before the investigation into any alleged underpayment is complete. Cheng said an individual who did not run any companies received a notice from the IRD with a company Business Registration (BR) number, and was asked to pay tax for the firm. The union searched the number and found that it did not exist. 'That journalist was asked to pay profits tax even though they didn't conduct any business,' she alleged. Another media outlet had its tax audited for a financial year before the company was even established, Cheng added. 'We noted that the IRD had some kind of strange, or unreasonable claims with details that we noted that didn't make any sense,' Cheng has said. In some other cases, Cheng said the IRD had calculated individuals' taxable income as double the actual amount. Cheng told HKFP on Thursday that the union was undecided as to whether they would approach the government watchdog, the Ombudsman, about the apparent errors. In response to HKFP about the journalist group's claims, the IRD said on Wednesday that the authority 'has established procedures' to review the information provided by taxpayers and to verify the amount of tax payable. 'If there is any information showing that any person may have breached the provisions of the Inland Revenue Ordinance (IRO), the IRD will follow up the case in accordance with the IRO,' the IRD said. Statement: HKFP, which was 'randomly selected' for an audit in 2024, has always met its tax obligations, paid demands immediately, and ensured meticulous record-keeping. Donor data was withheld in paper submissions to Inland Revenue, with all 'hold' demands reduced to HK$0.… — Hong Kong Free Press HKFP (@hkfp) May 21, 2025 It added that the 'industry or background of a taxpayer has no bearing on such reviews.' In a statement on Wednesday, HKFP said it has been cooperating fully with its tax audit, having 'always met its tax obligations, paid IRD demands immediately, and ensured meticulous record-keeping since our 2015 inception.' The HKJA itself has also faced a probe. In January, it said the IRD demanded HK$400,000 from the group after reviewing its 2017-2018 accounts. 'Additional time and energy' According to the HKJA, the total amount demanded from the six media outlets and other related organisations was around HK$700,000, while the total amount demanded from individuals was around HK$1 million. Companies and individuals have a month to raise objections, according to IRD procedures. Cheng said all the media outlets, individuals and the HKJA raised objections and most of them saw the requested payment of provisional tax suspended. However, being subject to such audits burdens the independent media sector, which often has limited resources and manpower. 'They have to budget for additional audits, additional legal fees, additional time and energy seeking professional advice,' she said. Reports of government scrutiny come as the state of press freedom in Hong Kong remains in the spotlight. In the annual Reporters Without Borders (RSF) Press Freedom Index, released last month, Hong Kong tumbled five spots to enter the 'red zone' – meaning a 'very serious' situation – for the first time, alongside China. Since the Beijing-imposed national security law came into effect in 2020, dozens of civil society groups have shuttered. Two of Hong Kong's biggest independent media outlets – Apple Daily and Stand News – also saw their offices raided and their top staff arrested. Apple Daily's founder Jimmy Lai, who has been remanded since December 2020, has been charged with two counts of conspiring to collude with foreign forces under the Beijing-imposed national security law, and a third count of conspiring to publish seditious materials under colonial-era legislation.
Zawya
28-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
AIA Hong Kong partners with Tottenham Hotspur to support youth development
Match-worn Spurs jerseys signed and auctioned to raise funds for AIA Foundation HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 28 February 2025 - Following the exciting match between Tottenham Hotspur ("Spurs") and Manchester United on 17 February, Spurs players signed special jerseys featuring the AIA Foundation logo. These signed jerseys are now available for global auction online until 2 March, with all proceeds going to the AIA Foundation. The funds raised from this charity initiative will support educational and personal development programmes for young people in Hong Kong, helping them live Healthier, Longer, Better Lives. Since 2013, AIA Group has proudly partnered with Spurs and is now their Global Principal Partner. AIA and Spurs work together to promote health and wellness through community football training programmes, inspiring communities across Asia to actively participate in sports and develop healthy lifestyles. The special-edition jersey auction was first initiated in the 2015/16 season. Each season, during a designated Spurs home match, Spurs players wear jerseys featuring the logo of a selected charity from one of the AIA markets to show their support. After the match, these jerseys are signed by the players and auctioned to raise funds for the featured charity. Over the years, the initiative has supported charities and communities in Mainland China, Thailand, Cambodia and the Philippines. For the 2024/25 season, proceeds will go to the AIA Foundation for the first time. Donna-Maria Cullen, Executive Director, Tottenham Hotspur and Trustee of the Club's Foundation, said: "We are proud to continue our work alongside AIA to provide a unique platform to raise awareness for worthy causes from across the Asia-Pacific region every season, with the fantastic work of AIA Foundation promoted to a global audience of billions around our fixture with Manchester United." Melissa Wong, Chief Customer and Marketing Officer of AIA Hong Kong and Macau, said, "We are honoured that AIA Foundation in Hong Kong has been selected as the featured charity this season. This charity initiative makes our partnership with Spurs even more impactful, extending beyond football and health and wellness to also support youth development and nurture the next generation of leaders in Hong Kong." Fans can bid on the signed jerseys from Spurs players by visiting from now until 2 March 11:59pm (GMT) to support young people in Hong Kong in realising their dreams. Established in 1995, AIA Foundation is a charitable organisation recognised under Section 88 of the Inland Revenue Ordinance in Hong Kong. It is dedicated to promoting social and economic development through various charitable activities, creating shared value for all sectors of the community. With a focus on nurturing children and young people, the Foundation is committed to fostering healthier and more productive talent resources in Hong Kong. This includes the establishment of AIA Scholarships, pledging USD 100 million to help 100 undergraduates every year over the next several decades attend Hong Kong universities. Hashtag: #AIAHongKong The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About AIA Hong Kong & Macau AIA Group Limited established its operations in Hong Kong in 1931. To date, AIA Hong Kong and AIA Macau have over 17,000 financial planners 1, as well as an extensive network of independent financial advisors, brokerage and bancassurance partners. We serve over 3.6 million customers 2, offering them a wide selection of professional services and products ranging from individual life, group life, accident, medical and health, pension, personal lines insurance to investment-linked assurance schemes with numerous investment options. We are also dedicated to providing superb product solutions to meet the financial needs of high-net-worth customers. 1 as of 30 September 2024 2 Including AIA Hong Kong and AIA Macau's individual life, group insurance and pension customers (as of 30 September 2024) AIA Hong Kong
