Transforming QS Practice in a New Era: Integrating Digital Construction, Collaborative Contracting and Payment Security

HONG KONG, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 October 2026 – The Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors (HKIS) Quantity Surveying Division hosted the HKIS Quantity Surveying Division Conference 2026 (the Conference) today at the CIC-Zero Carbon Park.

This year’s theme, “Transforming QS Practice in a New Era: Integrating Digital Construction, Collaborative Contracting and Payment Security”, reflects the evolving role of Quantity Surveyors during a time of economic restructuring.

The Conference brought together around 200 participants both in person and online, including government officials, industry leaders, professionals, academics, and young practitioners.

Mr LAU Chun Kit, Ricky, JP, Permanent Secretary for Development (Works) for Development Bureau of the HKSAR Government, attended as the Guest of Honour and delivered a keynote speech.

Quantity Surveyors are trained professionals with expert knowledge of construction costs and contracts who play a crucial role throughout the project development cycle, from investment feasibility studies and procurement strategy to commercial governance, contract administration, and dispute management. The seminar aims to explore how, amidst the ever-changing landscape of the digital revolution and the implementation of new legislation, quantity surveyors can evolve from their traditional roles in contract and cost management into enablers who drive successful value creation in construction projects.

Mr. LAU Chun Kit, Ricky, JP, Permanent Secretary for Development (Works), Development Bureau, said: “The theme of this year’s conference is both timely and visionary. The Conference serves as a strategic platform for surveying practitioners and professionals to exchange insights, explore best practices, and formulate a collective vision for the future of the surveying profession. The insights and best practices generated will not only contribute in advancing the role of surveying profession in the new era, but also reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as a leader in construction excellence.”

The conference featured 20 distinguished speakers from Hong Kong Government bureaux and departments, the private sector, academia, professional institutions, and law firms to share their insights and best practices in the quantity surveying field. Through thought-provoking discussions, the event not only enhanced participants’ technical knowledge but also catalyzed long-term cross-sector collaboration, empowering the industry to continuously deliver highly efficient and resilient built assets in the future.”

Sr WAN Wai Ming, Tony, President of the Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors, noted in his welcome speech, “As the construction landscape undergoes profound shifts, quantity surveyors are evolving from traditional cost guardians into strategic value architects. Under this year’s theme, we gather to explore emerging challenges, tackle critical issues, and seize new opportunities. Together, we redefine our professional identity, share actionable insights, and shape a forward-looking roadmap for the quantity surveying industry in Hong Kong.”

Sr TING Yuen Chun, Eric, Chairman of the HKIS Quantity Surveying Division, acknowledged that the built environment is facing increasingly complex social and economic pressures. He emphasised that these challenges serve as an important reminder that, while technology is a vital enabler of progress, built-environment professionals must continue to apply their expertise and professional judgement, while strengthening collaboration across disciplines, to navigate change and deliver sustainable value to society.

Sr WONG Kin Yan, Winnie, Organising Committee Chair of the Conference stated in her closing remarks, “Developments in Collaborative Contracting, Digital Construction, and Payment Security present an opportunity for our profession to evolve beyond traditional cost management.

Today’s quantity surveyors are increasingly called upon to serve as trusted advisers, driving collaboration, leading digital transformation, and championing transparency and fairness across the entire project lifecycle. By embracing these changes, we can continue to play a pivotal role in delivering sustainable, resilient and high-performing built assets for our community.”

List of Speakers (in order of presentation delivery)

Keynote Speech by Guest of Honour

1. Mr LAU Chun Kit, Ricky, JP, Permanent Secretary for Development (Works), Development Bureau, HKSARG

Session 1: Collaborative Contracting

1. Mr LEUNG Lap Ki, Francis, Team Leader (Trade & Procurement), Development Bureau, HKSARG
2. Sr CHOI Wing Chung, Hayman, Project Strategy and Delivery Leader (Asia), Mott MacDonald Hong Kong Limited
3. Ir LEUNG Cheuk Lun, NEC Strategic Advisor, Civil Engineering and Development Department, HKSARG
4. Ir WANG Yan Hua, Chairman and Managing Director, China Road and Bridge Corporation (Hong Kong)
5. Sr Yau Wan Fong, Deputy Director, WT Partnership (HK) Limited

Session 2: Digital Construction

1. Mr WU Jin Ying, Technical Officer, Glodon (Hong Kong) Software Limited
2. Mr Elvis LI, CEO, isBIM Limited
3. Ir NG Chun Keung, CEO, dRoW Limited
4. Mr Put HUI, Senior Digital Transformation Lead, Innovative Technology, Gammon Construction Limited
5. Mr Ronald CHAN, Head of Sustainability for APAC, Currie & Brown
6. Sr Sunny CHOI, Chairman of Digitalisation Sub-committee, Quantity Surveying Division, The Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors; Past Chairman of Quantity Surveying Division, The Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors (2021-2023)
7. Sr Dr Paul HO, Past Chairman of Quantity Surveying Division, The Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors (2005-2006)

Session 3: Payment Security

1. Sr Tommy CHAN, Executive Director, Arcadis Hong Kong Limited
2. Cr Sr Ir ZA Wai Gin, Tony, Executive Director, Hip Hing Construction Co., Ltd.
3. Sr Hinson CHEUNG, Partner, Pinsent Masons
4. Sr Terry CHAK, Director of North Asia Region, Rider Levett Bucknall Limited
5. Sr TT CHEUNG, BBS, JP, Past President, The Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors
6. Sr CHONG Lui Chuen, Executive Committee Member, CSHK Professional Committee
7. Mr Eric CHUNG, Barrister-at-Law, Pacific Chambers
8. Sr Prof LEUNG Hing Fung, Professor and Head, Department of Law and Business, Hong Kong Shue Yan University; Adjunct Professor, Department of Real Estate and Construction, University of Hong Kong; Barrister-at-law, Arbitrator and Mediator

List of speakers and topics are downloadable here

Conference booklet is downloadable here

High-resolution event photos are downloadable here

Photo Caption:

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About the Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors

Vinhomes Green Paradise, the first Official Participant in New7Wonders’ “7 Wonders of Future Cities” campaign, advances to the global vote as the developer takes its township model into five overseas markets

HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 October 2026 – For decades, the world has known Vietnam by what it ships: rice, coffee, cashews, black pepper, apparel and footwear. VinFast then proved that a Vietnamese company could export advanced technology. Now Vinhomes is preparing a different kind of export: its all-in-one integrated mega-city model. The company’s flagship, Vinhomes Green Paradise in Can Gio, was the first project New7Wonders recognized as an Official Participant in its “7 Wonders of Future Cities” campaign and has since advanced to the global vote.

As Vietnam’s leading real estate developer, Vinhomes has brought 32 projects and urban developments into operation, serving hundreds of thousands of residents nationwide. That strategy is now reaching beyond Vietnam’s borders, with projects and development plans in Congo, India, Australia, the Philippines and Indonesia. The model is built to meet a defining challenge of rapid urbanization: delivering homes together with commercial, educational, healthcare, transportation and public infrastructure, rather than years later.

An All-in-One Model Built for a Rapidly Urbanizing World

Vinhomes’ integrated townships, typically larger than 300 hectares in strategic locations, are designed to function as economies in miniature. U.S. market data shows master-planned communities outselling standalone developments and attracting households with markedly higher incomes than their surrounding areas.

The world is in the midst of a historic wave of urbanization. According to the United Nations’ World Urbanization Prospects 2025, cities are now home to 45% of the world’s 8.2 billion people, more than double their 20% share in 1950. Cities are also projected to absorb two-thirds of global population growth between now and 2050.

The real challenge is not how many homes get built, but whether infrastructure can keep pace with the people who move into them. In many fast-growing cities, housing comes first while schools, hospitals, parks and transit arrive years later, leaving residents with long commutes, scattered services and a steadily eroding quality of life.

Vinhomes’ model tackles that problem at the source. The company focuses on internationally benchmarked integrated townships, typically larger than 300 hectares in strategic locations, where homes are delivered alongside commercial, educational, healthcare, transportation and public facilities. Built this way, a township ceases to be merely a real estate product and begins to function as an economy in miniature, generating its own jobs, services and investment as residents move in.

International market data underscores the value of integration. Zonda’s Master Plan Outlook found that U.S. master-planned communities averaged 2.3 home sales per month in the third quarter of 2025, compared with 2.1 for standalone communities; in the entry-level segment below $300,000, the gap widened to 51%. Research by Cushman & Wakefield found that median household incomes in the master-planned communities it studied were 38% higher than in surrounding areas, a profile that helps draw premium retail and services.

What sets Vinhomes apart is its ability to execute at rare scale and speed. After visiting the company’s project in Can Gio, New7Wonders Director Jean-Paul de la Fuente observed that few developers anywhere have the capacity to build at such scale and pace while still managing the complexity involved.

Vinhomes Green Paradise Showcases a Human-Centric City Built for Export

Spanning 2,870 hectares with a construction density of just 16%, Vinhomes Green Paradise is the flagship of the Vinhomes model. Having stood out across New7Wonders’ three pillars of Environment & Nature, Smart City and Human-Centric Development, the project has advanced to the global vote of the “7 Wonders of Future Cities” campaign.

If one project captures the global ambition of the Vinhomes model, it is Vinhomes Green Paradise. The 2,870-hectare development reserves most of its land for greenery and water, including a natural seawater lagoon of up to 800 hectares and 121 kilometers of shoreline. It sits beside the 75,000-hectare Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve, recognized by UNESCO.

Vinhomes Green Paradise became the first project New7Wonders recognized as an Official Participant after the “7 Wonders of Future Cities” campaign opened on Oct. 31, 2025. Under the organization’s evaluation framework, the Vietnamese entry stands out across three pillars: Environment & Nature, Smart City and Human-Centric Development. The project has since advanced to the campaign’s global vote.

The human-centric pillar comes to life in a new idea of the second home: the city by morning, the sea by evening. Once the planned Ben Thanh–Can Gio rail line, designed for speeds of up to 350 km/h, is complete, the trip from downtown Ho Chi Minh City to the coast is expected to take about 13 minutes. By road, with the Can Gio Bridge replacing the Binh Khanh ferry and Rung Sac Boulevard widened, the drive should take around 35 minutes. Families could leave work on Friday, have dinner by the sea and be back in the city Monday morning. Such travel times would bring a coastal home within daily commuting range of the city center.

The project is designed so that every generation finds its own joy in a shared place. Children can paddleboard and swim in the lagoon, cycle along seaside paths and explore the 122-hectare VinWonders, with 280 attractions and 30 shows a day, while Young Paradise Hub nurtures their talents in technology and the arts. Grandparents can stroll through 370 parks, unwind in thermal mineral waters at Retreat Hub, connect with friends at New Horizon Center and share their experience at the Wisdom Academy within Vin New Horizon. Shared moments can be simple: a sunset on the lagoon’s sandy shore, fireworks over the bay, an evening at the Song Xanh theater.

A city model becomes exportable not because of its size, but because it addresses a challenge shared by cities worldwide: creating places where people choose to live, work and return to each day. Having applied the model from Hanoi and Ha Long to Can Gio, Vinhomes is now taking it to international markets as a new kind of “Made in Vietnam.”

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Hashtag: #Vinhomes

Markets, not savings, powering the gain

Global financial assets increased by 8.6% in 2025 to a record EUR268.4trn, despite a challenging geopolitical and economic backdrop. Markets did the heavy lifting in 2025, as rising asset prices accounted for roughly 4 out of every 5 euros of new household wealth. Fresh savings fell 5.4% to EUR4.1trn. “Global wealth set another record in 2025, but that only tells half of the story,” said Ludovic Subran, Chief Economist and Chief Investment Officer at Allianz. “Since 2019, nominal financial assets are up 50%, but in real terms, stripped of inflation, they only grew 23%. The situation is worse in Western Europe where financial assets in real terms are up 0.5% compared to 2019. It is 21% in North America and 70% in China.”

Portfolios set the tone

Portfolio composition increasingly determines who captures the gains from wealth creation. Securities increased by 12.4% in 2025, more than twice as fast as deposits (5.7%) or insurance and pensions (5.0%), pushing their share of global financial assets to a record 46.9%. North American households, with 60.7% of their portfolios invested in securities, benefited particularly strongly from rising markets; their region generated 51.4% of the global increase in financial assets. Over the past decade, valuation gains accounted for 71% of North American financial-asset growth, compared with only 36% in Western Europe, reflecting the importance of investing savings over holding them in low-earning accounts.

2026-27: AI as a swing factor amid slowing GDP growth

We estimate that global financial assets could grow by a solid 9% in 2026, but the medium-term backdrop is turning tougher as slower growth, persistent inflation, fragmentation and high public debt weigh on returns. Going forward, AI is therefore the key swing factor: stronger productivity and earnings could sustain asset returns, but the growing reliance on AI-powered markets to drive household wealth also creates vulnerability. With the S&P 500 up around 95% since end-2022, much of the recent wealth boost rests on elevated market valuations and AI expectations. We find that a 25% correction in the S&P 500 would erase around USD27trn of US household wealth in the year of the shock, equivalent to almost 14% of total net worth, weighing on confidence and consumption, and pushing the US economy into recession.

But the AI wealth story is not only about how much wealth is created, it is also about who captures the gains. “AI could become the next great wealth engine, but the key question is who gets a stake in it,” said Katharina Utermöhl, Head of Thematic & Policy Research at Allianz Research. “As AI potentially shifts more value creation towards capital, broader participation in capital returns and policies that help workers adjust will be key to making the AI wealth dividend more widely shared.”

Singapore: The world’s 4th-richest country by net wealth per capita

Gross financial assets of Singapore’s private households increased by 9.1% in 2025 to EUR1.4trn, up from 8.5% growth in 2024, modestly above the global average (8.6%) though just below the average for the surveyed Asian countries excluding Japan and China (9.8%).

Securities grew fastest among all asset classes, up 12.7%, ahead of insurance and pensions (9.3%) and deposits (6.8%). However, due to Singapore’s strong capital-funded pension system, insurance and pension remained the dominant asset class in the average private household’s portfolio, with a share of 47.2%, followed by deposits with 33.2%. Securities accounted for just 19.6% of Singaporean portfolios – well below both the regional average of 30.8% and the global figure of 46.9%.

Adjusted for inflation, Singaporean financial assets grew by 8.1% in real terms in 2025, up from 6.0% in 2024. They have increased by a cumulative 33.3% since 2019 – below the regional average of 39.6%, though well above the global average of 22.9%.

Private households’ liabilities rose by 7.4% to EUR269.9bn, growing more slowly than gross financial assets. As a result, net financial assets increased by 9.5% to EUR1.1trn. With net financial assets of EUR192,840 per capita, Singapore ranked 4th among the world’s richest countries in 2025.

Net financial assets per capita in 2025

The interactive “Allianz Global Wealth Map” can be found here on our homepage:
https://www.allianz.com/en/economic_research/research-data/interactive-wealth-map.html

You can find the study here on our homepage:
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Hashtag: #AllianzResearch

About Allianz

Frank Eagleton promoted to Managing Director, Asia Pacific, and Rehan Wickremeratne appointed Partnerships Lead as Aircall invites partners to collaborate on AI voice agents

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 September 2026 – Aircall, the AI-powered customer communications platform trusted by more than 24,000 businesses worldwide, today announced the next phase of its Asia Pacific strategy: building on an established base in Australia and New Zealand to expand across Southeast Asia.

With more than 24,000 customers worldwide, Aircall is strengthening its commitment to a region where demand is accelerating. It reflects a clear shift toward customer communications that combine intelligent voice agents, automated workflows and real-time coaching in a single platform.

Aircall is investing heavily in Asia, and localisation is central to that strategy. Integration with WhatsApp is one clear example of how that plays out in practice.

“Asia is a natural market for AI voice agents. The region spans dozens of languages and markets, each with its own customer expectations, and voice remains a primary way people reach the businesses they buy from,” said Frank Eagleton, Managing Director, Asia Pacific, Aircall.

Regional appetite is strong: 87% of Asia Pacific CEOs expect a return on their AI investments within three years, according to KPMG. That confidence is meeting rapid change in customer service, where Gartner reports 85% of customer service leaders will explore or pilot customer-facing conversational generative AI in 2025.

According to Aircall, AI Voice Agent will help teams around APAC meet this always-on demand by handling routine, high-volume conversations at any hour and in local languages, while passing the interactions that call for judgement or empathy to a person.

To lead this next stage, Aircall’s Frank Eagleton has stepped into the role of Managing Director, Asia Pacific. Eagleton will oversee the company’s regional growth and market expansion through a channel-first approach, working alongside partners to reach and support customers across diverse Asian markets.

Aircall has also appointed Rehan Wickremeratne to lead the push, charging him with developing the partner ecosystem that will support it. “Southeast Asia is a dynamic and key growth region for us, and we’re building our presence the same way we built ANZ: through partners who already have the trust of local businesses. Across these markets, that means being where customers already are”

“AI voice agents are changing what customer conversations can do. They’re handling routine demand instantly while freeing teams to focus on the moments that need a human,” said Eagleton. “That’s the shift we’re bringing to Asia, and it’s a practical one: technology that does real work and takes tangible action. After huge success in Australia and New Zealand, expansion across Southeast Asia is the natural next step.”

The benefits run both ways. For customers, AI voice agents mean faster resolutions, round-the-clock availability and conversations in their own language, without losing the human connection that builds trust. For channel partners, they open a clear opportunity: to localise, integrate and deliver AI voice agents as a service, building deeper, longer-term relationships with the businesses they serve. Aircall is inviting technology providers, resellers and service partners across the region to explore how they can work together to bring these capabilities to local markets.

“The most useful AI voice agents won’t be built in isolation. They’ll be shaped with partners who understand local markets, languages and customer expectations,” said Wickremeratne. “We want to expand that ecosystem across Asia, and we would welcome conversations with partners who share that ambition.”

Hashtag: #Aircall

About Aircall

Aircall is an AI-powered customer communications platform that brings together intelligent voice agents, automated workflows and real-time coaching in one intuitive platform. The platform helps more than 24,000 businesses collaboratively manage voice, SMS, and WhatsApp conversations, deliver real-time coaching and AI playbooks during live calls, handle high-volume inbound and outbound interactions autonomously through AI Virtual Agents, automate post-call workflows, and connect every interaction to the tools they already use across 250+ native integrations. Founded in Paris, Aircall has surpassed $200 million in ARR and serves customer-facing teams across more than 100 countries.

Source: Workers First Union

Woolworths has confirmed that the company will close its New Zealand Customer Care Centre and send around 130 jobs to Australia, Workers First said today.

The decision follows a consultation that began on 1 September, in which Woolworths said the move would net it an extra $4.1 million by the 2029 financial year. The affected workers are the same team locked out by Woolworths at Christmas after refusing worse terms and conditions.

Rudd Hughes, Workers First Deputy Secretary, said the decision was short-sighted and an insult to workers and customers alike.

“Woolworths has just banked $163 million in earnings from Kiwi shoppers, and its response is to put 130 New Zealanders out of work to save pocket change,” said Mr Hughes.

“It’s short-sighted, it’s greedy, and it’s a company turning its back on a country it has extracted mega-profits from.”

“Woolworths blew over $400 million on a rebrand and is clawing back about one percent of that from the people who actually keep its customers happy.”

“With unemployment at 5.6%, now is the time to keep Kiwi jobs in Aotearoa. It’s a staggeringly self-interested decision by Woolworths and New Zealanders should feel betrayed and let down.”

A New Zealand Customer Care worker, who asked not to be named, said the decision made no sense to the people who do the job.

“We’ve built up years of knowledge about the products, the brands and the stores. It’s not something you can replicate from another country. We’re often told by customers: thank goodness I’m talking to someone in New Zealand who understands my issue.”

“We’ve spent this year putting information into new systems, including training AI tools, and now we understand that’s what will be used to train the new Australian reps. It feels like they’ve taken advantage of our knowledge and extracted what they needed from us before casting us aside.”

“We haven’t been given a clear reason for this decision other than saving money. This is a successful, world-class operation that’s run in New Zealand for years. It’s not being shut down because we did a bad job.”

“It’s nonsensical heading into peak trading time, when customers are busy and want things sorted. People here relied on these jobs and thought they were secure.”

Workers First will now work to ensure Woolworths lives up to its redundancy obligations, pursues redeployment wherever possible and desirable, and does right by every worker affected.

Third annual forum co-hosted with Mastercard and FTAHK to explore how AI is reshaping financial services

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 September 2026 – As artificial intelligence (AI) moves from experimentation to enterprise-wide adoption, organizations across Hong Kong are increasingly exploring how AI can transform customer experience, productivity and decision-making. Against this backdrop, Citi, Mastercard and the FinTech Association of Hong Kong (FTAHK) co-hosted the third edition of Citi’s annual fintech forum under the theme “Beyond AI-Ready: Shaping the Agentic Future of Finance“. The event brought together regulators, financial industry leaders and fintech innovators to discuss how financial institutions can responsibly scale the adoption of agentic AI and unlock its potential across wealth management, banking and payments.

Discussions focused on the opportunities and challenges presented by agentic AI, including customer engagement, advisor productivity, governance, cybersecurity, operational resilience and the future of work. Speakers included representatives from Citi, Mastercard, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, the Financial Services Development Council (FSDC), Accenture, AlipayHK, Ant International, Google Cloud, Hong Kong Cyberport and NVIDIA.

Vicky Kong, Head of Wealth, Asia North and Australia, Citi, said, “The industry conversation is no longer about whether organizations will adopt AI, but how they can scale it responsibly and effectively. At Citi, we are working closely with regulators and partners to help advance AI adoption across Hong Kong’s financial industry. By investing in data, technology and talent, we aim to equip our advisors with deeper insights and enhance the customer experience, while ensuring that trust, accountability and human judgment remain at the heart of financial services.”

Joe Bonanno, Head of Wealth Intelligence, Citi Wealth, said, “We are entering a new era where agentic AI can transform how financial institutions harness data and intelligence to elevate the colleague and client experience. At Citi Wealth, platforms such as Citi Sky represent a major step forward, bringing together research, superior client service, expertise and advanced AI capabilities on a single platform. By connecting these capabilities more seamlessly, we can provide advisors and clients with faster access to actionable insights based on their financial goals and objectives.”

A key highlight of the forum was the showcase of Citi Sky, Citi Wealth’s conversational AI capability developed using Google Cloud and Google DeepMind technologies. Engineered as an always-on digital companion, the platform is designed to redefine how clients access market insights, identify financial opportunities and engage with their wealth advisors. Built on a secure data foundation and leveraging real-time interactive capabilities, Citi Sky represents a significant step in translating advanced data intelligence into highly personalized and accessible wealth management experiences.

Dr. Peter Robejsek, Executive Vice President, Market Development, Asia Pacific, Mastercard, said, “Asia Pacific is uniquely positioned to capitalize on the opportunities presented by agentic AI. Consumers and businesses are increasingly leveraging AI to enhance discovery, decision making and transactions, shaping the next generation of commerce. At Mastercard, we are committed to providing a safe, secure and intelligent infrastructure that fosters innovation, efficiency and responsible growth across the evolving agentic ecosystem.”

Michele Fung, Board Member, FinTech Association of Hong Kong, said, “Building on last year’s vision of turning Hong Kong into a leading AI-ready economy, we are now entering the next frontier of financial evolution. It is no longer just about preparing our systems for artificial intelligence, but actively shaping an agentic future where intelligent, autonomous technologies drive real-world outcomes. By continuing to unite the collective expertise of regulators, financial institutions, and technology innovators — alongside our AI Strategic Advisory Council — the FTAHK partnering with Citi and Mastercard remains dedicated to pioneering the frameworks that will define this next era. Together with industry leaders, we are moving beyond readiness to ensure Hong Kong leads the global financial ecosystem in responsible, agentic innovation.”

The forum reflects Citi’s continued commitment to supporting Hong Kong’s development as a leading international financial center and fostering industry collaboration on the responsible adoption of emerging technologies.
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About Citi

Source: Maritime New Zealand

Maritime New Zealand’s Rescue Coordination Centre (RCCNZ) has coordinated the rescue of four sailors on an Australian flagged vessel that was abandoned after hitting a whale 250 nautical miles North of Norfolk Island.

“At approximately 1pm Saturday New Zealand time RCCNZ received an alert from an EPIRB from the 51ft Australian yacht Tai Tam. It was taking on water and began sinking after reporting it had struck a whale,” Rescue Coordination Centre Operations Manager Mike Clulow said.

“The yacht was experiencing seas of up to 2m, and a Royal New Zealand Airforce P-8A Poseidon was tasked with assisting. Several vessels were in the area and diverted to assist.

“The four sailors on the vessel had to abandon ship and spent several hours in a life raft before being rescued around 6am this morning by the crew of the MV SOFRANA SURVILLE, a 143m cargo vessel who was first on the scene.

“This was a well-coordinated and executed rescue, and I’d like to thank our partners at the New Zealand Defence Force for their assistance, along with the assistance of JRCC Australia and MRCC Noumea who provided support. Our thanks also extend to crew of the MV SOFRANA SURVILLE and a private sailing vessel who effected the rescue.

“The crew of the yacht did all the right things, and it was unfortunate to have struck a whale in open water. They were well prepared and the early activation of their EPIRB was key to helping get them to safety. It is an excellent reminder that being prepared when going to sea can save your life,” Mike Clulow said.

The crew are now safe onboard the MV SOFRANA SURVILLE and are being taken to the nearest port to disembark.

Singapore-founded healthtech company brings its Anzu clinical AI platform to Thailand, with further regional growth planned across Southeast Asia

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 September 2026 – Singapore-founded healthtech company AIGP Health is expanding its footprint across Southeast Asia, launching its Anzu clinical AI platform in Thailand through a strategic partnership with Borderless Healthcare Group (BHG) as part of its wider regional growth strategy.

The Thailand launch builds on AIGP Health’s presence in Singapore and Australia, bringing its current footprint to three markets. Through its regional growth, the company aims to bring its clinical AI technology to a wider range of physician-led care settings, including hospitals, clinics, wellness centres, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practices and other healthcare environments where doctors and clinicians are involved in patient care.

AIGP Health’s regional expansion comes as healthcare providers increasingly explore how artificial intelligence can support clinicians beyond administrative tasks and clinical documentation. Its Anzu platform is designed to support clinicians across the patient journey by bringing together relevant patient information and clinical context to support more informed decision-making, while keeping clinicians firmly in control.

“Anzu addresses a complete new category, called Clinical Risk. Anzu tackles clinical risk, keeping the patient at the centre. What this means is that Anzu highlights drug-drug interactions, lays out differential diagnosis, trigger factors and more, which are personalised to each patient. Our USP is our deep clinical workflows built to be able to address these factors, therapy wise,” said Sheetal Nanwani Doshi, Co-Founder and Chief Growth Officer of AIGP Health.

“This is personal for me, having been through the specialist merry-go-round only to get varied differential diagnosis – from a life threatening to a chronic case. Doctors do not lack information, they lack the structure to make the right decision within the consultation time.”

Anzu is designed to work alongside healthcare providers’ existing technology infrastructure. Through its plug-in and integration capabilities, the platform can connect with existing medical CRM and clinical management systems, allowing healthcare providers to incorporate Anzu into their current workflows without having to replace the systems they already use.

The platform builds on AIGP Health’s experience with more than 3,000 live patients across Singapore and Australia, with its entry into Thailand providing a new market to demonstrate how its technology can support clinicians and patients across different healthcare settings.

“Healthcare systems across Southeast Asia may be at different stages of digital transformation, but clinicians across the region face a common challenge: making important decisions within limited consultation time while navigating increasingly complex patient information,” said Dr Anindita Santosa, Co-Founder and CEO of AIGP Health.

“Our aim is not to replace clinical judgement, but to give doctors clearer access to the information and context they need to make more informed decisions. As we bring Anzu into more markets, we want to demonstrate how clinical AI can be adapted to different healthcare environments while keeping doctors and patients at the centre of care.”

Commenting on the partnership, Dr Wei Siang Yu, Founder and Chairman of BHG, said: “The future of healthcare will increasingly depend on how effectively technology can support doctors while maintaining the human connection at the heart of patient care. Through our partnership with AIGP Health, we are bringing together complementary technologies that can support clinicians with better access to patient information and clinical context. Thailand provides an important environment to demonstrate how these innovations can work together in real-world care settings, with the potential to support new models of healthcare across the region.”

In Thailand, AIGP Health has introduced its technology within the country’s healthcare and wellness ecosystem, beginning with a deployment at the Global Institute of Aesthetics (GIA), a longevity, wellness and aesthetic centre in Bangkok.

GIA serves as AIGP Health’s flagship launch site in Thailand, where clinicians have access to the company’s Anzu clinical AI platform to support consultations and patient care. The deployment brings AIGP Health’s technology into a real-world care environment spanning longevity, wellness and aesthetic medicine.

The Anzu platform includes Anzu Dr Assist, an in-consult clinical assistant designed to support clinicians during consultations, and Anzu Preclerk, which supports pre-consultation clerking and patient intake. Together, the tools are designed to help clinicians access and manage relevant patient information more efficiently throughout the consultation journey.

Through the partnership, AIGP Health’s clinical AI technology is being brought together with Borderless.ai’s healthcare technology ecosystem, providing a foundation to demonstrate how AI-assisted clinical care can be applied across different healthcare settings.

Thailand represents a strategic growth market for AIGP Health given the country’s established healthcare sector and position as a regional destination for wellness and medical tourism. Beyond its initial deployment at GIA, AIGP Health plans to build relationships with more clinics, hospitals and healthcare institutions as it expands its presence in the country.

Thailand isn’t just our next market — it’s proof that Anzu works in yet another market. Our thesis has always been that clinical AI only earns its place when it proves itself inside a live consultation, not a slide deck, and Borderless.ai gives us exactly that: distribution, an operating ecosystem, and the regulatory rigor this market demands,” said Sheetal Nanwani Doshi, Co-Founder and Chief Growth Officer of AIGP Health.

We’re deliberately building market by market, not chasing headlines. We’re not building a product that sits on top of healthcare — we’re building the layer that helps clinicians see what they’d otherwise miss, so patients get the care they deserve. That’s the bar we hold every collaboration to as we scale from three markets to ten. If you’re a clinic, hospital or investor ready to bring Anzu into your practice or your portfolio, this is the moment to reach out — talk to our team at www.aigp.health.”

Building on its operations in Singapore and Australia and its latest launch in Thailand, AIGP Health is also exploring expansion opportunities in Malaysia and Indonesia as part of the next phase of its Southeast Asian growth.

Hashtag: #AIGPHealth

About AIGP Health

AIGP Health is a Singapore-founded healthtech company, founded by a clinician and patient advocate, addressing current lapses in the healthcare ecosystem. AIGP is building AI-powered technology that helps clinicians make safer, more informed decisions at the point of care. Its Anzu platform goes beyond clinical documentation, supporting clinicians across the patient journey — from pre-consultation intake to in-consult decision support — while keeping clinical judgement and responsibility firmly with healthcare professionals. AIGP Health is HSA Class A-certified and operates across Singapore, Thailand and Australia.

About Borderless.ai

Borderless.ai is the AI division of Borderless Healthcare Group (BHG), a Singapore-founded healthcare ecosystem operating across health and wellness, longevity, and consumer healthcare innovation. Founded by Dr Wei Siang Yu, Chairman of Borderless.ai and Founder of BHG, Borderless.ai is building a network of AI hubs across Asia, starting in Bangkok, to help health and wellness partners bring AI-enabled products into real clinics and markets across the region, including Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam.

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Hashtag: #Citibank

About Citi

Mayo Clinic Laboratories and PAH are deepening a long-term relationship that brings together Mayo’s global clinical and diagnostic expertise with the regional healthcare network, capabilities and market knowledge of PAH and its genomics subsidiary, LifeStrands Genomics. William Morice II, M.D., Ph.D., president and CEO of Mayo Clinic Laboratories, has been appointed Scientific Adviser to PAH.

Genomics is a central focus of the collaboration, delivered through LifeStrands Genomics. Mayo Clinic Laboratories and LifeStrands Genomics will work together to broaden access to advanced molecular and genomic testing across Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand, with applications spanning the identification of genetic conditions, disease risk assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning, enabling healthcare providers to integrate clinically relevant genomic insights into more personalised patient care.

LifeStrands Genomics will operate as “LifeStrands in collaboration with Mayo Clinic Laboratories” in certain markets, reflecting the organisations’ shared commitment to expanding access to advanced genomic testing and precision medicine across the region.

Together, the organisations will pursue joint scientific initiatives, education and thought leadership to support the integration of genomics into patient care. “Healthcare providers across Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand are increasingly seeking advanced diagnostic solutions to guide patient care,” said Dr. Morice. “Our collaboration with PAH and LifeStrands Genomics reflects our commitment to a long-term strategic relationship that unites complementary strengths in laboratory diagnostics and genomics. Through this collaboration, we are bringing advanced diagnostic capabilities closer to patients and equipping healthcare providers with the insights needed to deliver personalised care.”

“Mayo Clinic Laboratories’ investment marks an important milestone in our relationship and a strong foundation for the next phase of diagnostic innovation across the region,” Christopher Ting, M.D., founder and CEO of Pathology Asia Holdings, added. “Combining Mayo Clinic Laboratories’ global clinical and scientific expertise with PAH’s regional diagnostic capabilities and network will enable us to broaden access to advanced testing and increase access to genomics and precision medicine capabilities across Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand.”

https://www.lifestrandsgx.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/lifestrandsgx/

Hashtag: #MayoClinicLaboratories #PathologyAsia #LifeStrands #LifeStrandsGenomics #LifeStrandsGenomicsAustralia #DNALAB #DNALaboratories #PrecisionMedicine

Mayo Clinic Laboratories

Mayo Clinic Laboratories, the global leader in turning test results into clinical answers, provides advanced testing and pathology services for healthcare organisations worldwide in partnership with Mayo Clinic’s Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology. Mayo Clinic Laboratories offers more than 4,400 tests and pathology services, delivering specialised diagnostic expertise to help healthcare providers make informed decisions and improve patient care.

Pathology Asia

LifeStrands Genomics

LifeStrands Genomics is a leading Asia-Pacific clinical genomics company comprising three specialist laboratories: LifeStrands Genomics Singapore, LifeStrands Genomics Australia, and DNA Laboratories. Together, the group provides advanced molecular and genomic testing across oncology, reproductive health, inherited disorders and wellness. Operating through CAP- and ISO 15189-accredited laboratories, LifeStrands Genomics delivers clinically actionable insights that empower healthcare professionals to make informed decisions, advance personalised care and improve patient outcomes.

A New Chapter in Toblerone Innovation

In 2024, Toblerone introduced its distinctive diamond-shaped truffles to the market, marking a bold step beyond the brand’s legendary triangular bar. The launch proved a resounding category success, redefining what consumers expect from premium boxed chocolates. Now, Toblerone takes this innovation further with a partnership that is set to captivate chocolate lovers worldwide: Toblerone Diamond Truffles with Biscoff^®.

Each diamond-shaped truffle is individually crafted from smooth Toblerone milk chocolate, filled with smooth Biscoff^® spread and finished with crunchy nougat pieces. The result: the unmistakable caramelised taste and crunchy texture of Biscoff^®, elevated by Toblerone’s signature chocolate craftsmanship.

When Two Global Icons Unite

Biscoff^® has become one of the world’s most sought-after biscuits, transcending categories and cultures. This collaboration between Toblerone and Biscoff^® represents a strategic partnership that unites two iconic brands to create something truly new in the premium chocolate category – a product that meets growing consumer demand for innovative, indulgent experiences.

Iain Livingston, President Toblerone & World Travel Retail at Mondelēz International, proudly says: “Toblerone has always stood for being never square, and celebrating unapologetic indulgence. With our diamond-shaped truffles already proving a category success, combining them with globally loved Biscoff^®, was a natural next step. People look for surprising combinations of familiar tastes, and this is a collaboration that only two icons could bring to life. We couldn’t be more excited to share it with the world.”

The excitement is shared by Lotus Bakeries as Isabelle Maes, Chief Marketing Officer at Lotus Bakeries, emphasizes: “Biscoff^®‘s unique caramelised taste and crunchy texture have become a global phenomenon, loved across cultures and age groups. Partnering with Toblerone – a brand synonymous with quality and indulgence – allows us to bring our iconic Biscoff ^® biscuit and spread experience to consumers in an entirely new and exciting format.”

The Perfect Treat – Available in Two Formats Across Key Global Markets

Toblerone Diamond Truffles with Biscoff^® are available in two pack sizes to meet different consumer occasions – perfect for gifting, sharing, or an indulgent treat:

• 495g premium box – an exclusive format launching with retailer Costco across the United States, Canada, Taiwan, Australia, United Kingdom, Spain, France, Sweden, Iceland as well as New Zealand.
• 180g sharing box – available in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Switzerland, and Australia. More to follow.

The exclusive Costco deal represents a landmark moment for Mondelēz International and its Toblerone brand, marking the first time the company has partnered with Costco to launch a product range on a global scale. Another testament to the strength of both the Toblerone brand and the universal appeal of Biscoff^®.
https://www.mondelezinternational.com/our-brands/toblerone/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/mondelezinternational/
https://www.instagram.com/toblerone

Hashtag: #Toblerone #Biscoff #NeverSquare

Toblerone

Biscoff®

Since 1932, Biscoff® has been delighting consumers’ taste buds with its delicious caramelised taste and crunchy texture. Originally from Belgium but now loved all over the world, Lotus Biscoff® cookies were first brought to market by Jan Boone Sr., who created a caramelised cookie using only natural ingredients. This unique recipe and cookie remain the basis of our three hero products: the original Lotus® Biscoff® cookie, the Lotus® Biscoff® sandwich cookie and the Lotus® Biscoff spread. Whether they are enjoyed at home, on the go, at the office or on a flight, Biscoff® provides everyone around the world with a unique moment to truly enjoy!

Fraser Suites Reserve Bangkok starts welcoming guests at One Bangkok in December 2026

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 September 2026 – Frasers Hospitality, a business unit of Frasers Property, today announced Fraser Suites Reserve, a new luxury serviced living brand created for discerning global travellers seeking the privacy, ease and familiarity of home while away, complemented by the service and standards of luxury hospitality.

Building on Frasers Hospitality’s longstanding expertise and established track record in extended stays, Fraser Suites Reserve addresses a distinct segment at the luxury end of the market. Its introduction further sharpens the company’s portfolio of clearly differentiated brands.

“Fraser Suites Reserve represents the next strategic step in strengthening our portfolio,” said Eu Chin Fen, Chief Executive Officer, Frasers Hospitality. “It draws on our experience in long stays, while responding to the evolving expectations of an increasingly sophisticated segment of travellers accustomed to the world’s finest hospitality.”

Time for what matters

Fraser Suites Reserve is anchored in the belief that time is the ultimate luxury for today’s global professionals. Each property brings together refined design, intuitive service, curated wellness and lifestyle experiences intended to make life away from home easier, leaving guests free to focus on what matters most, whether their work, wellbeing, relationships or personal pursuits.

Designed as private sanctuaries within the city, its rooms are designed to offer privacy and calm. Many feature integrated kitchenettes, allowing guests to maintain familiar routines of home while away, an independence that becomes particularly valuable during longer stays. The experience is complemented by the discreet yet highly personalised service of luxury hospitality.

Beyond the rooms, guests can enjoy distinctive dining concepts, wellness and leisure experiences on property, as well as Club Frasers, a private lounge designed for conversation, connection and curated experiences.

“For guests accustomed to the highest standards, luxury service gives the assurance that every detail has been carefully thought through and every need understood,” said Chew Hang Song, Chief Operating Officer, Frasers Hospitality. “With Fraser Suites Reserve, this means providing an experience that feels immediately familiar and deeply human, supported by service that is warm and intuitive, yet respectful of their privacy.”

Wellbeing, made part of everyday

Holistic wellbeing is integrated into the Fraser Suites Reserve experience. At Fraser Suites Reserve Bangkok, the House of Rejuvenation will offer a dedicated environment for recovery and renewal, pairing therapist-led treatments with advanced wellness facilities such as thermal pools, cold plunges, compression therapy, dry flotation and red-light therapy.

Guests will also have access to The Wellness Edit, Frasers Hospitality’s proprietary global wellness programme. Through simple, repeatable everyday rituals that can be incorporated naturally into a guest’s stay, the programme is designed to integrate wellbeing with simple gestures, making wellbeing easier to sustain even amid demanding schedules and frequent travel.

Global debut at One Bangkok

Fraser Suites Reserve Bangkok, the brand’s first property, will begin welcoming guests in December 2026 as part of a phased opening. Its grand opening is planned for March 2027 when the complete range of facilities and experiences will be available.

The 255-room property will occupy the top ten floors of a 45-storey premium office and retail tower at One Bangkok, located right in the heart of Bangkok at the intersection of Rama IV Road and Wireless Road, with panoramic views of the Bangkok skyline and Chao Phraya River with easy access to Bangkok’s dining, entertainment and cultural attractions. Further details to be announced in the coming months.

Find out more about Fraser Suites Reserve at frasershospitality.com/en/our-brands/fraser-suites-reserve/

NOTE:
For more information, please visit www.frasershospitality.com.

Hashtag: #FrasersHospitality #FraserSuitesReserve

About Frasers Hospitality