Africa USA Today, 2-3, 2020

AFRICA USA TODAY MAGAZINE

Politicosocionomics of World Peace

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Olawale Idreez, Publisher Mary Ellen Richard, Executive PR

PUBLISHER’S OPINION

by Olawale Idreez, Publisher, AFRICA-USA Today Magazine.

Imagine if you are invited to dine with Pope in Vatican, or Queen Elizabeth in Buckingham Palace, or President Buhari in Aso Rock, or even incumbent President Trump in the White House; how very important you would feel, VIP-ishly.

I humbly and unequivocally present to you those invitations because they are very important and prestigious by any human standard. But the Almighty God’s compassionate invitations as expressed respectively, in the Good Book of Isaiah 1:18; and Matthew 11:28, “Come now and let us reason together.” And “Come unto Me, all you that are labored and are heavy ladened, and I will give you rest……”

The reason for these quotations is to remind us that only the Almighty God can make promise and fulfill to manifest. In other words, man can propose, but only God can ultimately dispose. There were two separate cases that happened recently in Chicago and Oakbrook, IL (USA). We, as in “A” Super team of the African Cultural Festival Exchange proposed to invite H.I.M (His Imperial Majesty) Oba Babatunde Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ooni of Ife, OJAJA 11, to chair and host the 6th Annual Cultural Exchange Festival in Chicago on September 8th. However due to circumstances that surrounded the specific date, we later learned that the King must not disobey the authority of the deities that governed that kingdom, albeit, he could override it, at his own peril. Thank Almighty God he did not use his veto power entrusted upon him to defy it.

Nevertheless the participants and the attendees at the 6th Annual Cultural Exchange Festival can attest to the fact that the two nights events, are kind of disappointed that they could not take photos (in their elegant regalia with the king); but the nights are without regrets that they got their money’s worth. The Saturday Gala/night of the said event laced with glamorous African attires, the foods, (the Ambassador /King’s Representative, His Majesty Honorable Lekan Alabi), the VIP Obas, The Chiefs, the African Leaders in the likes of President of A.I. H, Patrick Woodtor, Dr. Amuwo, Dr. Margaret King, Dr. Ewa, Dr. C. Akinwowo, Dr. Olaosebikan, Mr. Onayemi, the Eminent Political Leaders (including but not limited to the U.S. Congressman Danny K. Davis, whom we celebrated his birthday); the high caliber of top socialite Ladies, the dynamic Firsteye Concept, Inc’s energetic cultural dancers, the traditional BENIN Dancers leading by my friend, Honorable Ehi Kingsley, and my good friend, Mama Miliki Queen Bunmi Abeni Ajibade (Juju Sensational Guitarist), and the entire dynamic team/volunteer members headed by none other than Dr. Collins Awosika. Firsteye Concept, Inc, in conjunction with AFRICA-USA Today Magazine salutes you all. Thank you a zillion times.

In a similar replica with the above-mentioned scenario, another event that happened on the same Sunday, September 8th, organized by the Game Changers International, (one of my best favorite organizations around Illinois, headed by honorable Todd Schweich) in which the Prince Charles of Wales, United Kingdom, supposedly programmed to have attended his Polo Sports Tournament in Oakbrook, IL (USA); but could not attend for one reason, or not. Nevertheless the event went down as glamorous and successful as it gets.

The point is, man can proposed, only God can dispose. But be thankful that you are alive to enjoy it. Amen.

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PUBLISHER’S OPINION contd.

Lest I forget, it was on the same weekend Sept 6, 7, and 8th my Nigerian family friends (The Olunloyo, and Sode) families gave their son and daughter to wedding at an elaborate and highly spiritual Church marriage as ordained by the Almighty God. The Publisher wishes happy married life. Be Peaceful, Joyful, fruitful and multiply in Jesus Mighty Name. Amen.

I extend Kudos to my friend, Ephraim Matin’s International Promotions, who also celebrated his annual Jerk Veges Festival, on the weekend of September 7th and 8th. I’m thankful to him and his staff. He just promoted me to Staff Member that I’ve been yawning for more than 7 years. Thanks Boss!

I cannot stop this piece without reminding us of that quotation by our own Radio/Talk Show Icon, Mr. Steve Harvey, that said, “Blowing someone else’s light out, does not necessarily makes yours brighter.”

I humbly and specially dedicated this Publisher’s Opinion to the beautiful children of the late Evangelist D.L. Moody’s (TMC, Chicago); who participated in the annual SUMMER BLAST in August 1 through 5, 2019. There is probably nothing more inspirational, humbling, exciting, and fun at the same time, than volunteering with these 500 plus children every summer at TMC. Congratulations Girls, for winning this year. And thanks Boys for being “a man” about it. Like the young master, Mason, whispered in my ears. He said, “Mr. Wale, we are the best team in the house”. I rejoiced in his enthusiasm, and Roared, Yeah!

But I soliloquized in my heart that, winning is good in any sport, but I believed the best winner is the one that puts smiles on other people’s face. Thank you, Master Mason. Let’s do it again, Lord willing!

In conclusion AFRICA-USA Today Magazine salutes my beloved nation, NIGERIA on her glorious 59th INDEPENDENCE DAY felicitations across the world. God bless you, NIGERIA. And I love you. I really do.

Respectfully, Olawale Idreez, Publisher, AFRICA-USA Today Magazine.

Please follow us on Facebook/Olawale Idreez; LinkedIn@Olawale Idreez usafriglo@yahoo.com

My Dream Sky-Jet named “Ambition”

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MARKETING DIRECTOR DINA KUPER

PUBLIC RELATIONS RAQUEL LACOUR REGIONAL EDITOR ADEMOLA LAWAL

FASHION CONSULTANT KEYY LANG

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

PR CONSULTANT TINA WASHINGTON

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Olawale Idreez, Publisher Africa U.S.A. Today Magazine

Robert L. Scott Sr. Photography

Contents

JOHN E. SMITH JR. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Celebrating Black & Women’s History In this issue we highlight Black History as well as Women’s accomplishments in the past & in this new decade that has made a difference. We have the beginning of a new decade, and with it an opportunity to making the world a better place. We can do more and are stronger by working together.

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About the Chicago Urban League At the Chicago Urban League we believe that a strong African American community makes a stronger Chicago. For nearly a century, the Urban League—through unique community, corporate and civic relationships,—has helped people find jobs, affordable housing, educational opportunities, and grow businesses. We are passionate advocates for educational equality, economic development and social justice.

Vision A strong African American Community is a better Chicago.

Mission The Chicago Urban League works for economic, educational and social progress for African Americans and promotes strong, sustainable communities through advocacy, collaboration and innovation.

The Chicago Urban League is committed to implementing its mission with a strategic focus on educational equality, economic development and social justice and through the well-informed pursuit of the following strategies: Ensuring access to quality education that prepares individuals to become lifelong learners and to be competitive and successful in the global economy.

Preparing individuals for work at all levels in an ever-changing economy, developing engaged citizens, and building strong families.

Supporting community based investment and growth through facilitating entrepreneurship, business development, and home and real estate ownership Advocating for policies and programs that ensure equal participation by African Americans in the economic and social mainstream.

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EVENTS

The Golden Fellowship Dinner (GFD) is the Chicago Urban League’s biggest fundraiser of the year and one of the most anticipated galas in Chicago. Now in its 58th year, the gala helps fund operations for the organization and supports its service to more than 15,000 Chicagoans each year.

The theme for GFD58 is Getting to Equal Together. This builds on the theme for our 2019 SUMMIT Luncheon, where we revived the State of Black Chicago report. It also emphasizes the fact that the Chicago Urban League cannot achieve its mission of racial equity alone. Our work is enabled by corporate and foundation partners who share and support our vision of stronger African-American communities leading to a better Chicago.

A Black Tie Gala Featuring a Performance by Chaka Khan

The highlight of the evening will be a special performance by one of the world’s most gifted and celebrated music icons, Chaka Khan.

A singer, songwriter, actor, author, philanthropist, entrepreneur and activist, Chaka has influenced generations of music creators during her four decades as an artist. A 10-time GRAMMY ® Award winner, she has the rare ability to sing in a number of musical genres, including R&B, pop, rock, gospel, country, world music and classical.

During her legendary career, Chaka has released 22 albums and racked up 10 Number One songs on the Billboard charts, seven RIAA-certified gold singles and 10 RIA-certified gold and platinum albums. Chaka’s recordings have resulted in more than 2,000 catalog song placements.

Tickets: $600 each Register and Purchase Tickets or Tables

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EVENTS

Honorees

The Golden Fellowship Dinner (GFD) is the Chicago Urban League’s biggest fundraiser of the year and one of the most anticipated galas in Chicago. Now in its 58th year, the gala helps fund operations for the organization and supports its service to more than 15,000 Chicagoans each year.

The theme for GFD58 is Getting to Equal Together. This builds on the theme for our 2019 SUMMIT Luncheon, where we revived the State of Black Chicago report. It also emphasizes the fact that the Chicago Urban League cannot achieve its mission of racial equity alone. Our work is enabled by corporate and foundation partners who share and support our vision of stronger African-American communities leading to a better Chicago.

A Black Tie Gala Featuring a Performance by Chaka Khan

Valerie B. Jarrett Senior Advisor to the Obama Foundation

The highlight of the evening will be a special performance by one of the world’s most gifted and celebrated music icons, Chaka Khan.

A singer, songwriter, actor, author, philanthropist, entrepreneur and activist, Chaka has influenced generations of music creators during her four decades as an artist. A 10-time GRAMMY ® Award winner, she has the rare ability to sing in a number of musical genres, including R&B, pop, rock, gospel, country, world music and classical.

Valerie B. Jarrett is a senior advisor to the Obama Foundation and to ATTN:, a Senior Distinguished Fellow atracked the up University ofsongs Chicago Lawcharts, School, During her legendary career, Chaka has released 22 albums and 10 Number One on the Billboard seven RIAA-certified singles and 10 RIA-certified gold and Lyft, platinumthe albums.

Chaka’s have resulted in more 2,000 catalog song placements. and Board Chair of When We All Vote. She also serves on the boards gold of Ariel Investments, 2U, John F.recordings Kennedy Center forthan Performing Arts, and the Economic Club of Chicago. Her New York Times bestselling book, Finding My Voice: My Journey to the West Wing and the Path Forward, was released in April.

Ms. Jarrett was the longest serving Senior Advisor to President Barack Obama. She oversaw the Offices of Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs and Chaired the White House Council on Women and Girls. Ms. Jarrett worked throughout her tenure at the White House to mobilize elected officials, business and community leaders, and diverse groups of advocates. She led the Obama Administration’s efforts to expand and strengthen access to the middle class, and boost American businesses and our economy. She championed the creation of equality and opportunity for all Americans, and economically and politically empowering women in the United States and around the world. She oversaw the Administration’s advocacy for workplace policies that empower working families, including equal pay, raising the minimum wage, paid leave, paid sick days, workplace flexibility, and affordable childcare, and led the campaigns to reform our criminal justice system, end sexual assault, and reduce gun violence.

Ms. Jarrett has a background in both the public and private sectors. She served as the Chief Executive Officer of The Habitat Company in Chicago, Chairman of the Chicago Transit Board, Commissioner of Planning and Development, and Deputy Chief of Staff for Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley. She also served as the director of numerous corporate and not-for-profit boards including Chairman of the Board of the Chicago Stock Exchange, Chairman of the University of Chicago Medical Center Board of Trustees, and Director of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. Ms. Jarrett has also received numerous awards and honorary degrees, including TIME’s “100 Most Influential People” as well as the Abner J. Mikva Tickets: $600 each Legal Legends Award.

Register and Purchase Tickets or Tables

Jarrett received her B.A. from Stanford University in 1978 and her J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School in 1981.

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Black History

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Black History Quick Facts NAME: Harriet Tubman OCCUPATION: Civil Rights Activist BIRTH DATE: c. 1820 DEATH DATE: March 10, 1913 PLACE OF BIRTH: Dorchester County, Maryland PLACE OF DEATH: Auburn, New York Originally: Araminta Harriet Ross Nickname: Minty Nickname: Moses Nickname: General Tubman

Best Known For Harriet Tubman escaped slavery to become a leading abolitionist. She led hundreds of enslaved people to freedom along the route of the Underground Railroad.

Harriet Tubman biography Synopsis Harriet Tubman was an American bondwoman who escaped from slavery in the South to become a leading abolitionist before the American Civil War. She was born in Maryland in 1820, and successfully escaped in 1849. Yet she returned many times to rescue both family members and non-relatives from the plantation system.

She led hundreds to freedom in the North as the most famous "conductor" on the Underground Railroad, an elaborate secret network of safe houses organized for that purpose.

Early Life Harriet Tubman was born to enslaved parents in Dorchester County, Maryland, and originally named Araminta Harriet Ross. Her mother, Harriet “Rit” Green, was owned by Mary Pattison Brodess. Her father, Ben Ross, was owned by Anthony Thompson, who eventually married Mary Brodess. Araminta, or “Minty,” was one of nine children born to Rit and Ben between 1808 and 1832. While the year of Araminta’s birth is unknown, it probably occurred between 1820 and 1825.

Minty’s early life was full of hardship. Mary Brodess’ son Edward sold three of her sisters to distant plantations, severing the family. When a trader from Georgia approached Brodess about buying Rit’s youngest son, Moses, Rit successfully resisted the further fracturing of her family, setting a powerful example for her young daughter.

Physical violence was a part of daily life for Tubman and her family. The violence she suffered early in life caused permanent physical injuries. Harriet later recounted a particular day when she was lashed five times before breakfast. She carried the scars for the rest of her life. The most severe injury occurred when Tubman was an adolescent. Sent to a dry-goods store for supplies, she encountered a slave who had left the fields without permission. The man’s overseer demanded that Tubman help restrain the runaway. When Harriet refused, the overseer threw a two-pound weight that struck her in the head. Tubman endured seizures, severe headaches and narcoleptic episodes for the rest of her life. She also experienced intense dream states, which she classified as religious experiences.

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Black History

Obama being sworn in As Presient

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DuSable Museum of African American History, Chgo., IL

Folorunsho Alakija:

Nigeria’s wealthiest woman

How One of The Richest Black Women In The World Did It With No College Degree

By: Krystle Crossman

When you go to high school you are pushed to figure out which college you want to attend and what you would like to do with your life. They make college out to be something that you must do if you want to be successful.

This is not always the case however. You can still be very successful in life without having a college degree under your belt. That is exactly what Folorunsho Alakija did. She is Nigeria’s wealthiest woman. She revealed recently that she never went to college but yet she has still managed to become a billionaire.

Forbes.com estimates that Alakija is worth $2.6 billion. She stresses that college is not the only way that you can be successful in life. She spoke to students at the University of Lagos at the 2014 U.N. International Youth Day and told them: “So I am 63 and I am not yet done. So what is your excuse? I never went to a university, and I am proud to say so because I don’t think I have done too badly.”

She did let the students know that a college degree was something that could definitely help them to be successful and that it would help them to get a better job and possibly higher salaries, but it was not a requirement. She told them that they can still reach their dream goals with persistence and hard work. She said that these are the two critical components to becoming the person that you wish to be.

When she was younger Alakija studied fashion design and secretarial studies in London. When she went back to Nigeria she was a secretary at a bank. While she was working for the bank she founded Supreme Stitches; a clothing company. The company took off and she began to cater to high-end clientele like the former first lady of Nigeria. She then acquired a license in oil prospecting in 1993 and formed the company Famfa Oil which now has a 60% stake in the oil field. On top of these businesses she has founded a foundation that helps widows and orphans. The foundation is called The Rose of Sharon Foundation.

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BUSINESS

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Chicago Mayor Lightfoot, IL Governor Pritzker, World Business Chicago joined Fifth Third Bank to Invest approx. $20 million in Investment Opportunity Zones in Chicago CHICAGO – Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot, Governor JB Pritzker, and World Business Chicago today joined Fifth Third Bank to announce its equity investment of approximately $20 million in Qualified Opportunity Zones in Chicago. The announcement of these new funds aligns with the City’s INVEST South/West initiative, dedicated to marshaling public and private resources to drive transformational growth in priority investment communities across Chicago.

“We thank Fifth Third and Decennial for partnering with the City to create inclusive growth and committing to bring measurable, lasting investment to areas of Chicago with the greatest need,” said Mayor Lightfoot. “This will further our common goal of ensuring that INVEST South/West community corridors receive strategic investments, enhancing the quality of life and economic growth to benefit all our neighbors.”

The new partnership will be announced at the Stony Island Arts Bank in the Grand Crossing community, a neighborhood adjacent to areas targeted for investment as part of INVEST South/West, and which includes several opportunity zones. Overall, Chicago has 135 qualified Opportunity Zones located primarily on the city’s South and West sides, many of which overlap with the city’s INVEST South/West communities.

Fifth Third is partnering with Chicago-based Decennial Group which will invest in Qualified Opportunity Zone projects in the city and region to lift up communities and increase economic development in the areas.

“We are thrilled to partner with Decennial to work on Qualified Opportunity Zones in Chicago and throughout Illinois and the Midwest,” said Mitchell Feiger, regional chairman and CEO of Fifth Third Bank, Chicago. “With this agreement in place, Decennial Group is working to immediately identify qualified development opportunities in Chicago and other Midwest markets. The group’s goal is to deploy Fifth Third’s capital and accelerate market activity to create high-quality, affordable housing.

We’re excited to have the support of both Mayor Lightfoot and Governor Pritzker, who share our enthusiasm about realizing the full potential of Opportunity Zones to improve the quality of life and benefit the lives of residents, regardless of zip code.”

All Fifth Third funding will be prioritized for key investment categories, including: affordable housing; workforce housing and other community priorities for multifamily development; and certain nonresidential or mixed-use real estate serving a particular community need, as well as projects that contribute to local job and business growth.

“Supporting equitable economic growth is one of the central goals of our historic $45 billion capital plan,” said Gov. Pritzker. “By investing $12 million in Rebuild Illinois funds in Opportunity Zone projects, we can take advantage of this federal tax incentive to stretch our capital dollars further while creating jobs and opportunity in communities that have suffered from a lack of investment for decades.”

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President Donald Trump was in Chicago, Il for the International Association of Chiefs of Police

President Donald Trump visited Chicago, Illinois on October 28, 2019 to address The International Association of Chiefs of Police, an organization of police officers from across the globe. The Nigerian Police Department was present at the conference. Photo Credit: Parthenia Luke via John L. Alexander.

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Nigerian Police Department was in Chicago, Il for the International Association of Chiefs of Police

Photo Credit: Parthenia Luke via John L. Alexander

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Nigerian Police Department was in Chicago, Il for the International Association of Chiefs of Police

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Photo Credit: Parthenia Luke via John L. Alexander

President Donald Trump was in Chicago, Il for the International Association of Chiefs of Police

Photo Credit: Parthenia Luke via John L. Alexander

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CELEBRITY PROFILE

Krystal Okeke Journalist, Artist, Super Model, and American Nigerian Ambassador.

A former Mrs. Illinois USA Universal 2016, CEO Miss & Mrs. America Nation and Kids Multicultural World Recently awarded: Peace Ambassador by Nigerian top officials.

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CEO From: Krystal Okeke (kristle.okeke@gmail.com) To:

idreezolawale@gmail.com; jes3122001@yahoo.com

Date: Thursday, January 9, 2020, 07:12 PM CST

Journalist , Artist, Super model and American Nigerian Ambassador - Krystal Okeke a former Ms. Illinois USA Universal 2016. CEO MISS & MRS AMERICA NATION AND KIDS MULTICULTURAL WORLD .

Recently awarded : Peace Ambassador by Nigerian top officials.

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OFFICE OF THE COOK COUNTY TREASURER Maria Pappas 118 North Clark Street, Room 212

FOR RELEASE

Chicago, Illinois 60602

Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2019

Information: Maria Pappas (312) 603-6202

Paper applications no longer required

Attention: 60,000 homeowners should update their mailing address at cookcountytreasurer.com About 60,000 property owners in Cook County should use cookcountytreasurer.com to update the name or mailing address on their tax bills, another example of how the internet can make things easier for taxpayers, Treasurer Maria Pappas said today.

The online application replaces thousands of paper forms that the Treasurer’s Office processes each year, Pappas said. “We’ve already eliminated the paper application for most refunds. Now we are changing the most routine request our office receives,” she added.

To help homeowners who have mail-delivery problems, cookcountytreasurer.com shows when tax bills have been returned by the U.S. Postal Service. The Treasurer’s Office has reduced the number of properties with incorrect mailing addresses by nearly a third, to 60,082.

To see if your bills have been returned or to change the name and address on your bill, visit cookcountytreasurer.com and: • Select the purple box labeled “Your Property Tax Overview” • Enter your address or Property Index Number (PIN) • Look for a red warning box that appears if your bills have been returned • Select “Update Your Information” to change the taxpayer name or mailing address To avoid the hassle of the mail, select “eBilling” on the website to receive your tax bill by email. Paper name/address change applications will continue to be accepted. ## AFRICA USA TODAY 39

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NETFLIX

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NETFLIX

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EVENTS Press Release 29th Education & Careers Expo Opens One-stop Information Hub for Learning and Employment 24 January 2019 – The 29th HKTDC Education & Careers Expo opened today and continues until 27 Jan at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). Open to the public free of charge, the expo provides comprehensive information on education and job opportunities, helping students and jobseekers to plan more effectively.

Kevin Yeung, Secretary for Education of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), officiated at the opening ceremony this morning. In her welcoming remarks, Margaret Fong, HKTDC Executive Director, said, “Entering its 29th edition, this annual expo is a one-stop platform for graduating students and jobseekers looking to review a broad range of education opportunities and career options. This year, we are delighted to welcome 880 exhibitors, including educational institutions, government departments, public organisations, professional associations and private enterprises from 22 countries and regions.”

New Education Themed Zones Provide Diverse Information The expo features the Education Zone and Careers Zone. This year, four new education themed zones are launched to clearly define opportunities available in further studies and continuing education. The Creative and Educational Support Services zone features iACL Pacific to introduce the learning environment of space school HASSE, space exploration projects and applications of artificial intelligence and virtual reality. The Tertiary Academy zone gathers universities and higher education institutions, including Hong Kong Shue Yan University, the Hang Seng University of Hong Kong, Medical Doorway, Raffles International College and more. China Education Exchange (Hong Kong) Centre will introduce the “Scheme for Admission of Hong Kong Students to Mainland Higher Education Institutions” at the zone, with participating institutions including Tsinghua University and Peking University. At the Continuing Education zone, Education in Ireland, EF Language, Wall Street English and the Japanese Language School Affiliated with Tokyo International University offer value-added programmes. The Vocational and Professional Education zone features the Vocational Training Council (VTC), Hong Kong Institute of Construction and Hong Kong Institution of Engineers, introducing career-oriented diploma and bachelor programmes.

The expo’s education theme days highlight studying in the United States (25 Jan) and Europe (26 Jan). Representatives from EducationUSA and the European Union Office to Hong Kong and Macao will introduce their education systems, admission prerequisites and procedures, as well as information on campus life. Visitors can also find abundant information on studying and working abroad at the International Exchange Village, presenting Consulate General offices and officially recognised bodies from Italy, Japan, Korea, Spain, Sweden and the United States as well as Belt and Road countries such as Austria, the Czech Republic and Hungary.

Career Theme Days Highlight Hot Industries Understanding the nature and prospect of a job is essential for career planning. This year’s expo features four career theme days, highlighting employment trends and job opportunities in specific industries.

(New) Culinary Arts Day (24 Jan): Co-organised with the Chinese Culinary Institute and International Culinary Institute, four interactive workshops on sugar blossom making, plating demonstration, vinaigrette preparation and dumpling making are arranged to provide hands-on experience for visitors looking to work in the culinary industry.

(New) Exploring Construction Day (25 Jan): Co-organised with the Hong Kong Institute of Construction, industry experts are invited to interact with visitors interested in the construction field. Other events include the “Modular Integrated Construction (MIC)” seminar as well as talks on future industry developments, training and job information.

(New) Tech & Creativity Day (26 Jan): Co-organised with the Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute, a seminar will explore how augmented reality (AR) can be applied to develop Hong Kong as a smart city, using Pokemon Go and Iron Man as examples. In the “Your Next Station – Impactful Tech” seminar, an industry expert will share his career experience along with industry developments.

Civil & Public Services Day (27 Jan): Representatives from government departments and the disciplined services, such as the Hong Kong Police Force, the Hong Kong Fire Services Department, the Immigration Department, the Correctional Services Department and the Customs and Excise Department, along with public organisations including Airport Authority Hong Kong and the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority, will introduce various job openings, career paths, application procedures and interview tips.

More than 2,500 On-the-spot Job Vacancies The Youth zone returns this year with information on continuing education and career planning for young people. The Labour Department introduces various employment opportunities as well as working holiday programmes that allow young people to gain overseas experience.

The debut Recruitment Square gathers private companies such as the Hong Kong Jockey Club, Sa Sa Cosmetic and Sportshouse to provide on-site job recruitment, with some offering on-the-spot interviews. Crystal Jade Culinary Concepts offers more than 100 vacancies for such positions as restaurant managers and shop supervisors. The Hong Kong Police Force, Hong Kong Fire Services Department, Immigration Department, Correctional Services Department, West Kowloon Cultural District Authority and Airport Authority Hong Kong also have on-site recruitment. Together, they offer more than 2,500 job opportunities during the expo.

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Media Room > Press Release > Jan 2020 > 3,500+ finance, business leaders join Asian Financial Forum

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15 Jan 2020

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3,500+ finance, business leaders join Asian Financial Forum Survey shows over half of respondents gloomy on global economy

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15 January 2020 – More than 3,500 distinguished speakers and influential global financial experts, policymakers, business leaders, economists and investors attended the 13th Asian Financial Forum (AFF), a two-day event that concluded yesterday. Under the theme “Redefining Growth: Innovation ∙ Breakthrough ∙ Inclusiveness”, the forum enabled participants to examine the current global economic landscape, gauging their views through on-site real-time polling on issues ranging from prospects for the global economy and sustainability challenges to investment opportunities and the risks brought by technology and innovation. Close to 700 one-on-one matchmaking meetings were arranged during the AFF Deal Flow Matchmaking session, helping investors and project owners to explore investment and business opportunities.

Business sector negative on economy, protectionism stifles global trade Real-time polling conducted through HKTDC mobile apps at various sessions during the AFF enhanced interactivity and gauged the views of participants on a broad range of subjects. When asked about the outlook for the global economy in 2020, 22% of respondents were optimistic, 38% were neutral, while 40% of respondents expressed pessimism, reflecting a generally negative view on the overall economic outlook. When asked about the major challenge for global growth in 2020, 38% of respondents believed it would be Sino-US trade tensions, followed by intensifying geopolitical risks (36%) and limited headroom for monetary and fiscal policies to support growth (19%).

Regarding the outlook for global trade in 2020, a total of 53% of respondents expressed optimism and neutrality, while for the key driver for the growth of global trade in 2020, most respondents (50%) thought it would be an effective multilateral system.

At the keynote luncheon on the first day of the forum, Dr Janet L Yellen, Chair, Board of Governors, Federal Reserve System (2014– 2018), mentioned that central banks will face difficult challenges in implementing policy in the years ahead and may have to rely on quantitative easing and other unconventional policies to combat future downturns. Regarding the Sino-US trade dispute, she said “The dialogue between senior Chinese and US officials is useful and I am glad to see the resumption of the U.S. China Comprehensive Economic Dialogue, which may be helpful in easing tensions in the years ahead. However, Sino-US tariffs are much higher now than before the trade war began and will still have a significant impact on decisions pertaining to supply chains and investment; there are indeed remaining differences to be overcome between China and the United States.”

AI to bring biggest breakthroughs in development of financial services In response to the AFF’s theme this year, “Redefining Growth: Innovation ∙ Breakthrough ∙ Inclusiveness”, the poll asked participants how likely it was that innovative solutions, such as the development of fintech and sustainable finance, would help address structural issues and bolster global growth. A total of 61% respondents felt it was very likely and likely, while 31% of respondents believed artificial intelligence (AI) would lead to the greatest breakthroughs in the development of financial services, followed by big data analytics (21%), blockchain (17%) and the rise of virtual banks and virtual insurers (15%).

Financial inclusion promotes reform in developing countries Prof Abhijit Banerjee, joint winner of the 2019 Nobel Prize in Economics and Ford Foundation Professor of Economics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, addressed delegates at the keynote luncheon on the second day and shared his studies on how financial inclusion can benefit poorer people in developing countries by providing them with a mechanism to access credit and investment services to help them achieve financial self-reliance. “In this world there are lots of talents. Some of these people are the future of the world and some people are going to do nothing. Somehow what finance needs to do is find ways to identify them, bring them forward, give them what they need, and that way finance can really change the world.”

This year’s AFF also examined environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues for businesses. Most survey respondents (38%) expected climate change and carbon-related issues would be the most prominent ESG issues, followed by environmental regulations (27%) and changing consumer preferences towards more responsible products and services (19%).

Around 700 meetings organised through AFF Deal Flow Matchmaking session This year’s forum once again featured the AFF Deal Flow Matchmaking session to provide one-to-one deal-sourcing and matchmaking meetings for project owners and investors. Investors taking part in the session included Beyond Ventures, Mizuho Bank and Betatron. Close to 700 meetings were held, covering projects including manufacturing, green technology, the Internet of Things (IoT), fintech and healthtech. The sessions sought to foster more concrete cooperation between participants.

Launched last year, the Fintech Showcase returned in 2020, together with the inaugural FintechHK Startup Salon, to present a plethora of innovations and next-generation business ideas from close to 90 fintech start-ups as well as leading financial institutions and technology firms from Hong Kong and beyond. The InnoVenture Salon was back for the third time on an expanded scale and with enriched content, making it the ideal platform to connect start-ups with potential investors and partners. Through the Startup Zone, Fireside Chat, Pitching, Startup Clinic, one-to-one matchmaking meetings as well as meetups with Hong Kong regulators and market facilitators, comprehensive support was provided to facilitate the development of start-ups.

Overview of 2020 Asian Financial Forum participants’ polling results

1. Global economic outlook in 2020

Polling result

2. Major challenge for global growth in 2020

Optimistic

22%

Limited headroom for monetary and fiscal policies to support growth

19%

Neutral

38%

China-US tensions on trade, technology and

38%

Polling result

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EVENTS

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EVENTS

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REFLECTIONS

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REFLECTIONS

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Book Club

Dr Iyabo Ojikutu is a board certified pediatrician, a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. She received her medical degree at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Nigeria. She has been practicing medicine for 27 years, and currently owns a practice in Atlanta, Georgia, where she lives with her two daughters. She has been teaching and mentoring medical students for 13 years, and serving a low income, poorly advantaged community in Georgia where her practice is located.

Dr. Ojikutu’s first book is titled Permanent Happiness, which was published in May, 2017. She hopes her writing and her story will inspire and empower young women everywhere. She began writing in December 2015, after her father passed. She wrote another book which is not yet published, and is currently writing her third.

Dr Ojikutu hosted a reception at the United Nations on September 19, 2017 and gave a presentation on Peace and Permanent Happiness. In 2018 she has since participated in two more speaking events at the United Nations. She is committed to promoting and supporting Peace on many levels, which she believes is the gateway to overall World Peace.

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