Education – LiveNews.co.nz

Cambodian secondary school championing environmental practices wins US$15,000 AIA Outstanding Health & Sustainability Award 2026

MIL OSI — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 00:49:28 +0000

Source: Media Outreach

KAMPOT, CAMBODIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 July 2026 – Angchum Lower Secondary School – a secondary school in Kampot, Cambodia, which has launched a “Plastic Free School” campaign and is championing healthy environmental practices from tree planting to hygiene awareness – has been awarded the US$15,000 AIA Outstanding Health & Sustainability Award 2026.

Now in its fourth year, the competition is a flagship initiative of the AIA Healthiest Schools programme (AHS), which empowers students aged 5 to 16 to embed healthy living into daily life across four key pillars: healthy eating, active living, mental wellbeing and sustainability.

Angchum Lower Secondary School was selected from nearly 1,000 entries across Asia-Pacific, the highest participation level since the programme’s launch, and was announced at a regional ceremony in Bangkok, Thailand.

The AIA Healthiest Schools Competition challenges schools to turn their best health and wellbeing ideas into practical action. By applying what they have learned to real-life issues, students are embedding healthy habits into daily life while creating positive impact within schools and across their wider communities.

Stuart A. Spencer, Head Judge of the AIA Healthiest Schools Competition and AIA Group Chief Marketing Officer, said:

“The AIA Healthiest Schools Competition is the largest programme of its kind in Asia and is helping young people take ownership of their health by turning knowledge into action.

“Congratulations to Angchum Lower Secondary School from Cambodia. Your shining example will inspire countless others across the region, shaping a healthier future for young people all over Asia.”

In his speech at the event, Mr. Lee Yuan Siong, AIA Group Chief Executive and President, said:

“What is most powerful about this programme is that it turns health from something students are taught into something they do every day.”

Hashtag: #AngchumLowerSecondarySchool

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

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Genetic Study Reveals Multiple Introductions and Human-Mediated Spread of Invasive Blackchin Tilapia in Thailand

MIL OSI — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 11:04:18 +0000

Source: Media Outreach

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 July 2026 – Researchers from Aquatic Resources Research Institute (ARRI), Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University have recently uncovered new genetic evidence explaining how the invasive blackchin tilapia (Sarotherodon melanotheron), a species native to West Africa, became established throughout Thailand.

Based on genetic analysis of 466 fish samples collected nationwide, the study identified high genetic diversity, including 19 distinct haplotypes, revealing that the species originated from multiple introduction events rather than a single release. The findings also show that subsequent human-mediated translocations within Thailand played a major role in the species’ rapid spread.

The study represents one of the most comprehensive genetic assessments of blackchin tilapia in Thailand to date. Researchers confirmed that the invasive populations belong to Sarotherodon melanotheron melanotheron subspecies and identified 13 private haplotypes unique to specific populations. Several of these occurred at relatively high frequencies in Samut Songkhram, Prachuap Khiri Khan and Surat Thani, indicating multiple introduction sources and limited mixing among some regional populations.

Using haplotype distribution patterns, network analysis and phylogenetic comparisons, the researchers traced the origins of Thailand’s blackchin tilapia to multiple geographic sources, including Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, as well as potentially other unsampled native populations in West Africa.

The study also found that blackchin tilapia populations in different parts of Thailand are genetically distinct, particularly in Samut Songkhram, which is believed to be the earliest site of the invasion. At the same time, researchers discovered that fish sharing the most common genetic signature were found in provinces across eastern and southern Thailand, including Chachoengsao, Rayong, Chanthaburi, Chumphon, Nakhon Si Thammarat and Songkhla, suggesting they were transported by human activities rather than spreading naturally through connected waterways.

The researchers said “The findings provide valuable scientific evidence for strengthening surveillance and management of the invasive species. By identifying introduction pathways and patterns of dispersal, the study offers important guidance for preventing further spread, improving biosecurity measures and mitigating ecological impacts on Thailand’s freshwater ecosystems.”

Link to the research paper https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352513426002152

Hashtag: #ChulalongkornUniversity

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

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Local News – Awards recognise Porirua volunteers

LiveNews Publisher — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 00:08:09 +0000

Source: Porirua City Council

This year’s Porirua’s Civic Awards highlight and recognise volunteers in our community who are helping to make our city a more vibrant, connected and welcoming place.

They were recognised in an awards ceremony at Pātaka on Tuesday night with Ngāti Toa Kaumatua Dr Taku Parai opening the ceremony, and Councillor Ross Leggett as MC.

Porirua Mayor Anita Baker thanked all of the recipients for their service, noting that there were two husband and wife teams amongst this year’s Civic Award recipients.

“I am so proud to live and work in Porirua. Our city is made up of kind, generous and dedicated people who give their time and energy making a difference for everyone in our city.

“You all have an outstanding sense of community and a desire to be part of what makes Porirua a great place to live. Thank you all for your service to our city.”

2026 Mayoral Award recipient for services to refugees settled in Porirua:

Jenni Norton has worked as a Red Cross volunteer since 2016 and has helped many refugee families who have come to New Zealand. She has made a huge contribution to their lives and her generosity is legend in the Syrian community, spending hundreds of hours with lawyers helping families with tough reunification issues and to deal with the physical and mental effects of the trauma they have suffered.

Jenni set up an Arabic School in Porirua and organised trained teachers to run a culture and language programme for the children of Arabic refugee families. To do this they had to set up an incorporated society which was a totally unfamiliar concept to them. Jenni taught the community leaders how to set up and run these organisations and how governance works in New Zealand.

The 2026 Civic Awards recipients were:

– Brent Tuohy, a driving force behind the Paremata Plimmerton Rugby Football Club and the Plimmerton community for more than three decades, with an extraordinary legacy of leadership, commitment, and generosity. His 30 years of service has left a lasting mark of excellence, inclusion, and community strength, making him a truly deserving candidate for civic recognition.

– Evelina Gaualofa has dedicated many years to Tokelau culture in Porirua, helping young people stand proud in their heritage. Her commitment has strengthened participation in Tokelau language, music, and performing arts, especially among children and young people. This includes teaching songs, dance, language, and values, while also providing transport, fundraising, encouragement, and practical care.

Together with her husband Alfred, Evelina has enriched Porirua’s cultural life and strengthened whānau, youth confidence, and community wellbeing.

– Alfred Masoe has given his time and energy strengthening Tokelau culture in Porirua. He has helped young people stand proud in their heritage, with a sense of belonging, resilience, and intergenerational connection. Alfred has enriched Porirua’s cultural life and strengthened whānau, youth confidence, and community wellbeing through quiet, consistent, and deeply meaningful service. Through humble but powerful service, he continues to build a stronger, more inclusive, and culturally vibrant community for all.

– Brienela Tauira-Kisona’s long-standing service is a powerful example of community leadership and cultural commitment in Porirua. Brienela has tutored local school groups for the Te Kiwa Nui Festival, giving countless hours to rehearsals, choreography, language support, costume coordination, and pastoral care. She has also helped the Porirua Tokelau Sharks prepare for the major Tokelau Easter Festival, the largest Tokelau gathering in the world.

Brienela, along with her husband Fredwyn, ensures that young people are not only performance ready, but also connected to language, identity, and cultural values.

– Fredwyn Kisona’s service over many years is an exemplar of community leadership and cultural commitment in Porirua. He has guided the Porirua Tokelau Sharks as they prepare for the major Tokelau Easter Festival, tutored local school groups for the Te Kiwa Nui Festival, ensuring young people are not only performance ready, but also connected to language, identity, and cultural values. Fredwyn demonstrates generosity, tautua, and cultural pride while serving others and his dedication is making a lasting difference.

The Porirua Civic Awards have been running since 1993 and these local heroes deserve our thanks for their selfless and generous service, often over many years.

MIL OSI

ChildFund NZ – Fatal floods hit Rohingya refugee camps just weeks after fires

LiveNews Publisher — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 02:22:57 +0000

Source: ChildFund New Zealand

Disaster has become a cycle that children living in the world’s largest refugee camps cannot escape,” says ChildFund CEO Josie Pagani.

Just weeks after a devastating fire destroyed vital food-growing gardens in Cox’s Bazar, deadly monsoon rains have hit.

Nine people are dead, including one child killed in a landslide. More are injured, nearly 400 have been forced from their homes, and almost 800 shelters are damaged or destroyed.

“Heavy rain is not just bad weather for these children. It can mean landslides, destroyed make-shift homes, disrupted learning, and serious risks to safety.”

Two hundred and fifty millimeters of rain fell in a single day.

“An already vulnerable population will struggle to cope without support.

Ten years ago they had to flee violence in Myanmar, leaving their country and their homes behind. Now they face flooded shelters, damaged facilities, and the threat of more rain.

Children need safe places to learn, recover and be protected. Learning Centres, Early Childhood Education Centres, Women and Girls Safe Spaces – the very facilities set up to give these children some stability are among those now flooded.”

Heavy rainfall means the risk of landslides and flash flooding remains high, and forecasters are warning there is more to come. The priority is to keep children away from hazardous areas, support families who have been displaced, and protect essential services.

“Our partners on the ground have activated emergency response teams. But the scale of what’s needed will only grow if this rain continues.”

ChildFund New Zealand has a long-standing emergency appeal supporting Rohingya refugee children and families living in Cox’s Bazar, where more than 1.1 million people remain displaced.

“These children are facing crisis after crisis with nowhere else to go. They need the world to keep paying attention” says Josie Pagani.

ChildFund New Zealand’s Child Refugee Crisis Appeal remains open to those who wish to support children and communities facing ongoing displacement and repeated disasters.

MIL OSI

Health and Taxes – Cutting tobacco excise tax wrongfooted, say researchers

LiveNews Publisher — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 23:53:15 +0000

Source: Health Coalition Aotearoa

Tinkering with excise tax is foolhardy and would jeopardise public health, say leading tobacco researchers, concerned at Associate Health Minister Casey Costello’s move to review the levy.

Costello told Newstalk ZB she has put forward a paper to Cabinet proposing a review of tobacco excise tax, raising concerns she will push to reduce that tariff.

“Research tells us that, for people quitting smoking, price remains a key reason why they want to become smokefree,” says Professor Chris Bullen, tobacco researcher at the University of Auckland and co-chair of Health Coalition Aotearoa’s Smokefree Expert Advisory Group.

“For young people, the high cost of smoking is a strong deterrent to experimentation and helps us maintain low smoking prevalence among adolescents.”

Costello told Newstalk ZB that the problem with illegal tobacco trade in Australia was to do with reduced access to legal tobacco.

“They [Australia] taxed well higher than we are [sic], and anything that was less harmful, they made prescription only,” Costello said.

“So we end up with a double-whammy, which is why they have seen the massive loss in excise [tax] that they had, and the criminal market that they’ve got.”

Against industry pressure, the Australian Government proceeded with annual tobacco excise increases of five percent between 2023 and 2025, arguing that maintaining high tobacco prices remained an important public health measure. See aph.gov.au.

Reducing tobacco tax in New Zealand would play into the hands of the tobacco industry, say the HCA researchers, plus it is a battle no government can win.

Illegal tobacco products are cheap to produce and extremely profitable, says Professor Janet Hoek, co-director of the ASPIRE Aotearoa Research Centre at the University of Otago, Wellington, and spokesperson for Health Coalition Aotearoa’s Smokefree Expert Advisory Group.

“Illicit traders can easily outmatch any excise tax reductions and ensure illicit tobacco remains cheaper than legally sold tobacco,” Hoek says.

“Does the Government really want to preside over an unholy bidding war that could place millions of dollars in excise tax revenue at risk?” Hoek asks.

Cutting tobacco tax just plays into the hands of the tobacco industry, she says.

“Instead, we need better resourcing for Customs, Police and the Ministry of Health taskforce to undertake more sophisticated border surveillance and better detect and penalise illegal sales.

“A comprehensive retailer licensing system, along with strong enforcement and significant penalties, should be urgent priorities for any government concerned about controlling the illicit tobacco trade,” says Hoek.

“But, more fundamentally, if the number of people who smoke can be dramatically reduced through evidence-based support to quit, reducing the number of retail outlets, and regulating the addictiveness of tobacco, then demand for illicit tobacco will also decline.”

Australia ‘completely different’

The situation in Australia is completely different, says tobacco researcher and head of public health at Flinders University Dr Richard Edwards.

“Australia has a major illicit tobacco problem because of a combination of factors including the involvement of organised criminals and the existence of numerous local tobacconist shops that have been willing or coerced into selling illicit tobacco,” Edwards says.

“Most of all, the growth of the illicit market has been due to the failure of governments to take robust enforcement action in a timely fashion.

“New Zealand has the opportunity to do that now.”

MIL OSI

ASB backs Kiwi sport through new NZOC and Athletics New Zealand partnerships

LiveNews Publisher — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 23:46:50 +0000

Source: ASB

ASB is teaming up with the New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) and Athletics New Zealand to help more Kiwi participate in sport, supporting their progress and performance from grassroots programmes to the world stage.

ASB has signed partnerships with the NZOC and Athletics New Zealand for seven and five years respectively, with funding to cover direct support for the New Zealand Team to pinnacle events and a school education programme for NZOC, and two major youth development programmes for Athletics New Zealand.

ASB Executive General Manager Business Banking Ben Speedy says sport has a powerful way of bringing New Zealanders together, whether cheering on tamariki from the sidelines or watching our best athletes take on the world.

“ASB’s NZOC partnership will support our top athletes as they compete internationally and inspire the next generation, while the Athletics NZ partnership will help grow nationwide programmes for kids across all ages that build movement skills and confidence. We look forward to bringing these partnerships to life and encouraging more Kiwi to get active.”

With the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games only weeks away, Chief Executive Officer of the New Zealand Olympic Committee Nicki Nicol said she is proud to welcome ASB to the NZOC’s Premium Partner whānau. The long-term commitment from ASB will see this support for the New Zealand Team athletes extend beyond the LA28 Olympic Summer Games through to the ‘home Games’ in Brisbane 2032.

“The New Zealand Team has a unique ability to bring New Zealanders together through moments of pride, ambition and achievement. Working alongside ASB creates opportunities to extend that impact beyond the field of play and into communities across the country,” said Nicol. A key focus of the partnership will be ASB’s support of the NZOC Olympic Education Programme and give students the opportunity to hear directly from New Zealand Team athletes about goal setting, preparation and perseverance.

Cam Mitchell, Chief Executive of Athletics New Zealand, says ASB’s support comes at a pivotal time for the sport and will help Athletics NZ reach more tamariki and rangatahi across the country.

“There’s huge momentum behind our sport, and ASB’s support of our ASB Get Set Go, and ASB Run Jump Throw programmes will help get even more Kiwi kids involved with athletics. We’re supporting them to develop fundamental movement skills for life. It’s about turning their energy into opportunity, building confidence and giving more Kiwi the chance to give sport a go.”

MIL OSI

University Research – AI drives experts from online community – UoA study

LiveNews Publisher — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 23:46:47 +0000

Source: University of Auckland (UoA)

The rise of generative AI is causing some expert contributors to leave the online communities they helped build, according to University of Auckland research.

When AI can instantly generate expert-looking answers, people who have spent years developing specialist knowledge may feel their contributions are no longer valued or recognised, says Business School researcher Dr Kenny Ching.

Analysing activity on Stack Overflow, the world’s largest online community for software developers, Ching found respected, high-reputation users started withdrawing from the platform at accelerated rates in 2022, when generative AI tools became more widely available.

“As AI-generated content becomes more common, people might feel their expertise and effort no longer stand out or are valued. Some stop contributing altogether.”

Worryingly, says Ching, the people most likely to withdraw are often knowledgeable and capable contributors.

“They aren’t leaving because they can’t compete with the technology; they’re leaving because their hard-earned expertise is no longer distinct from a chatbot’s answer.”

Ching says although his research focuses on Stack Overflow, similar scenarios are likely playing out in other areas.

“This isn’t just about coding platforms. I argue this exact same dynamic is discouraging genuine effort in classrooms, corporate workplaces, and scientific communities. The long-term risk is that by crushing the incentive to show genuine effort, AI might actually truncate the formation of future human expertise.”

Created in 2008, Stack Overflow is a question-and-answer site mainly for computer programmers. People can vote questions and answers up or down, similar to Reddit.

Users of the website, which has around 23 million registered accounts, can earn reputation points for well-informed answers and valued contributions.

For example, a person with 10,000 reputation points has provided answers that the developer community repeatedly judged to be accurate, helpful, and well-explained.

Ching analysed 24,304 contributors over 17 months.

He found that following 2022, which saw the widespread availability of generative AI tools, including the launch of ChatGPT, the rate at which higher-reputation users left the platform sped up over time – steadily closing the gap with less established contributors, who tended to leave first, but whose departures didn’t speed up in the same way.

AI, says Ching, can make expert and non-expert contributions look increasingly similar, reducing the visibility and value of genuine expertise.

He calls this ‘signal compression’.

“On Stack Overflow, the withdrawal of genuine contributors is real, measurable, and accelerating, and the most affected are often those whose authentic expertise is most valuable and hardest to replace.

“If everybody can create a good quality response or output using AI, some people may think, ‘Why should I make an effort to share my expertise and participate?’”

His study argues that people with ‘high ability,’ who have typically invested most in their knowledge, face the sharpest devaluation of that investment as a result of AI, and they eventually stop participating and leave the platform.

Read Dr Kenny Ching’s working paper, When Effort Stops Signalling: AI, Signal Compression, and the Withdrawal of Authentic Performance.

MIL OSI

Singapore Team Crowned Champion at the Inaugural Asian Hackathon for Green Future 2026 in Vietnam

MIL OSI — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 12:34:03 +0000

Source: Media Outreach

HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 July 2026 – Outperforming 439 teams and nearly 1,500 participants from 22 countries and territories, Team Helios, comprising two participants, Pratham Ranjan and Alok Vernekar from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, has been crowned champion of the Asian Hackathon for Green Future 2026, a competition dedicated to developing technology-driven solutions for a sustainable future.

Prof. Duong Nguyen Vu, Chair of the Competition’s Judging Panel, Vice Provost for Graduate Education at VinUniversity, and Chief Scientific Officer at VinUniversity’s Center for AI Research (right), and Dr. Thai-Ha Le, Managing Director of the “For Green Future” Foundation, Vingroup, present the First Prize to Team Helios. Photo: Organizing Committee.

The competition was jointly organized by three not-for-profit entities under Vingroup: the “For Green Future” Foundation, VinUniversity, and the Vingroup Young Technology Talent Club (VinTechTalent). It is the first pan-Asian environmental hackathon exclusively for undergraduate and master’s students to be held in Vietnam. The Final Round and Awards Ceremony took place on July 4 at VinUniversity, Hanoi.

With the project titled “An Urban Simulation Platform for Low-Carbon Infrastructure,” Team Helios won the First Prize, worth USD 8,000. The team’s solution addresses a critical challenge facing many cities today: how to determine whether a green infrastructure project will truly be effective before committing significant resources to its implementation.

The team developed a district-level urban simulation platform that enables users to test options such as EV charging stations, public transportation, solar energy, and climate-resilient infrastructure, while assessing their expected impacts on travel behavior, emissions, costs, and the power grid. The solution helps city authorities identify projects worth investing in, avoid wasting resources on ineffective initiatives, and accelerate the transition to low-carbon cities.

The Second Prize, worth USD 5,000, was awarded to Team VFluxion, comprising four participants, Nguyen The Anh, Vu The Vinh, Tran Hung Vi, and Do Thi Nhu Y, from the University of Information Technology, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

VFluxion’s solution addresses an increasingly important need in the transition to green mobility: how to effectively connect and coordinate electric vehicles with urban energy systems.

The team proposed a platform that coordinates bidirectional charging and discharging, enabling electric vehicles not only to consume energy but also to serve as distributed energy storage resources that can help balance electricity demand when needed. The solution aims to optimize energy use, enhance power grid stability, reduce the need to deploy high-emission backup power sources, and protect battery longevity.

Two Third Prizes, each worth USD 3,000, were awarded to two teams from Vietnam: Future Greener and ALT F4.

Team Future Greener, comprising Nguyen Nguyen Tam Nhu, Truong Dong Hung, Pham Ho Kim Ngan, and Bui Hoai Ngoc from UEH.ISB Honours College, University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City, and FPT University’s Ho Chi Minh City campus, developed a project addressing the challenge of managing the life cycle of electric vehicle batteries amid the rapid growth of electric mobility, which brings with it the risk of used batteries being stored, discarded, or handled unsafely.

The platform tracks battery information throughout its life cycle, supports battery health assessment, and helps determine whether a battery should be repurposed or sent for recycling. The solution aims to reduce environmental risks from discarded batteries, increase transparency in the used EV market, and promote a circular economy in the battery industry.

Team ALT F4, comprising Nguyen Tuan Minh, Nguyen Thanh Vinh, and Tran Phi Anh Nhat from the University of Science, Vietnam National University Hanoi, British University Vietnam (BUV), and Hanoi University of Science and Technology, won a Third Prize for its early warning system for saltwater intrusion.

The system monitors water conditions in estuarine areas, forecasts the risk of saltwater intrusion 24 to 72 hours in advance, and sends alerts in Vietnamese directly to the phones of farmers and local officials. This early warning window can enable timely action to close sluice gates, preserve freshwater supplies, and adjust irrigation practices, thereby reducing crop losses, protecting farmers’ livelihoods, and strengthening resilience to climate change.

The Organizing Committee also awarded five Consolation Prizes, each worth USD 1,000, to Project Gaia from Vietnam, AVERTIX from India, ReRootSG from Singapore, Forust from Hong Kong, China, and Seekers from India.

To reach the Final Round, the 30 finalist teams underwent a selection and training journey lasting nearly three months. From 439 teams that entered the Preliminary Round with project proposals and introductory videos, the Top 30 teams advanced to a month-long online training program with multidisciplinary experts to sharpen their problem-solving approaches and prepare for the final challenge.

At VinUniversity, the finalist teams took part in an intensive 36-hour hackathon, during which they analyzed real-world challenges, developed solutions, built functional prototypes, and refined their final presentations under the guidance of expert mentors from Vingroup’s technology companies.

Reflecting on the competition’s outcome, Dr. Thai-Ha Le, Managing Director of the “For Green Future” Foundation, Vingroup, said: “What makes us proud is that the Asian Hackathon for Green Future 2026 has shown that Vietnam can truly become a regional hub for Asia’s young talent in the journey of innovation for sustainable development. Here, cross-border ideas are not only shared, but also tested, refined, and transformed into practical solutions capable of creating lasting value for communities.”

From energy and transportation to climate, water resources, and agriculture, the environmental challenges facing Asia increasingly transcend national borders and demand regional collaboration. By bringing together young talent from diverse countries and disciplines, the Asian Hackathon for Green Future aims to foster a regional space for collaboration, where knowledge, technology, and diverse perspectives can converge, complement one another, and develop into solutions with the potential to create real-world impact.

Following the success of its inaugural edition, the competition will return for a second season in 2027 with an expanded scale and geographical reach, aiming to attract more young talent from across Asia and other regions of the world to jointly develop solutions for a green and sustainable future.

Hashtag: #Vingroup

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

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Animal Welfare – More Than 181,000 Animals Lost Their Lives Through New Zealand’s Research, Testing and Teaching System in 2025

LiveNews Publisher — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 02:22:57 +0000

Source: Beyond Animal Research

More Than 181,000 Animals Lost Their Lives Through New Zealand’s Research, Testing and Teaching System in 2025

New Government statistics released today by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) show that 274,985 animals were used in research, testing and teaching (RTT) in New Zealand during 2025.

The figures also reveal that 181,043 animals ultimately lost their lives because of the research, testing and teaching system. This includes 99,711 animals killed during or for research, testing and teaching, and a further 81,332 animals bred for research but never used before being killed as “excess” animals.

Beyond Animal Research (BAR), a New Zealand charity dedicated to working with the science community to replace harmful animal use with modern scientific methods, says the figures highlight the need to accelerate New Zealand’s transition towards animal-free science.

“While the total number of animals used has decreased compared with 2024, these figures show that more than 181,000 animals still lost their lives because of New Zealand’s research, testing and teaching system,” says Tara Jackson, Co-Founder of Beyond Animal Research.

“Almost half of these animals were never used in any scientific procedure. They were bred for the research, testing and teaching system, but were ultimately killed as excess.

This is a profound waste of sentient lives, and one that deserves far greater public attention.”

The five most commonly used species in 2025 were cattle (69,579), sheep (58,016), fish (56,506), mice (45,553) and fowls/chickens (10,730).

The species most commonly killed during or for research, testing and teaching were mice (43,334), fish (34,302), fowls/chickens (9,227), rats (6,270) and sheep (1,897).

BAR emphasises that the annual statistics require careful interpretation. Not every animal included in the figures undergoes invasive procedures or experiences significant suffering, and annual totals naturally fluctuate because some long-term projects are only reported when they conclude.

“Looking at one year’s statistics in isolation doesn’t tell the full story,” says Jackson.

“But what these figures do tell us is that New Zealand continues to rely on the harmful animals in research, testing and teaching, despite rapid advances in animal-free technologies around the world.”

Jackson says New Zealand now needs a coordinated strategy to accelerate the uptake of these approaches.

“The tools to transition exist. The alternatives are improving. The science is evolving. What we need now is to remove long-standing barriers across institutions, regulators and government so New Zealand can accelerate the uptake of modern, animal-free methods wherever they can replace harmful animal use.”

“Working with the science community and not against, BAR believes that real progress comes from trust, collaboration and transparency. By working together, as a science alliance for animals, Aotearoa New Zealand has the opportunity to become a global leader in scientific innovation that no longer involves animal suffering.”

About Beyond Animal Research:

BAR is a science alliance for animals working with progressive scientists, institutes and organisations from the animal science and research community in NZ and beyond.
Our science advisors are highly respected figures in the international scientific community, recognising BAR as a revolutionary charity – the first of its kind, created to unite for animals and scientific progress.
Together, we believe in an Aotearoa, New Zealand that leads the world in the ethical use of animals for science.

The full report from MPI can be found here: https://www.mpi.govt.nz/animals/animal-welfare/animals-research-testing-teaching/statistics-on-the-use-of-animals-in-research-testing-and-teaching

A summary of the key statistics from 2025 can be found on the latest Blog from BAR: https://www.beyondanimalresearch.org.nz/post/nz-government-releases-2025-animal-use-statistics

MIL OSI

60,000 Accountancy and Corporate Finance Professionals to Be AI-Ready Over Three Years

MIL OSI — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 12:03:15 +0000

Source: Media Outreach

ISCA and IMDA launch AIxAccountancy, the first AI fluency programme for non-tech professionals under the National AI Impact Programme

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 July 2026 – The Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) and the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) officially launched the AI Fluency Programme, AIxAccountancy, today. The programme will empower accountancy and corporate finance professionals with the skills, confidence and know-how to use artificial intelligence (AI) effectively and responsibly at work. It supports ISCA’s broader commitment to strengthening AI capabilities across the profession, in line with its ambition to upskill 60,000 accountancy and corporate finance professionals [1] over a three-year period.

2. AIxAccountancy is the first training programme developed through IMDA’s partnership with professional bodies under the National AI Impact Programme (NAIIP) [2], which aims to train 100,000 non-tech professionals to become AI bilingual over the next three years. Prior to its launch, more than 20,000 individuals [3] across the public and private sectors, including tertiary students, had already expressed interest in AIxAccountancy, reflecting strong demand to build AI capabilities. The Accountant-General’s Department is also planning to incorporate the programme as part of the learning and development of all 4,000 public sector finance and internal audit officers. To make the programme widely accessible, AIxAccountancy will be offered free to ISCA members who are Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents, including tertiary students.

Flexible AI training programme with industry-recognised credentials

3. AIxAccountancy is designed to offer flexible and structured online learning tailored for working professionals to learn at their own pace, fitting in their busy schedules so that their professional and personal commitments are not disrupted. The programme will be delivered in two progressive phases, enabling learners to develop core AI capabilities before advancing to specialised applications. Learners will gain hands-on experience with widely used AI tools such as ChatGPT, Claude, Copilot and Gemini, with the curriculum regularly refreshed to stay industry-relevant.

Phase 1 will focus on AI foundations for common workplace tasks, such as creating AI-enabled workflows for financial statement analysis. Learners will gain essential AI knowledge, hands-on experience with a range of AI tools, and the confidence to use AI effectively in their day-to-day work.
Phase 2 will focus on applying AI to role-specific workflows across accounting, finance, auditing, taxation and related disciplines.

4. Upon completing both phases, ISCA will award participants a Certificate of Completion, a digital badge and Continuing Professional Development Education (CPE) hours. The digital badge serves as a verifiable, tamper-proof record of achievement that recognises AI proficiency, signalling credibility to employers. It can be easily shared across professional platforms including LinkedIn.

5. Accounting professionals in, or aspiring to, management roles can also enrol in modules focused on AI implementation after completing the two phases. These modules are designed to equip them to lead the responsible adoption of AI and drive AI transformation within their organisations.

An AI sandbox to experiment and learn from peers and industry leaders

6. As part of AIxAccountancy, participants will also have access to AI Nexus, a dedicated hub for accountancy and corporate finance professionals to learn and share insights, resources and best practices on AI adoption. Through AI Nexus, participants can experiment, prototype and build their own AI-assisted workflows in a sandbox environment, applying their learning directly to real industry needs. Participants can also connect with peers, technology providers and educators to share and work on new use cases. Regular sharing sessions by leading accountancy companies and AI tool providers will further enrich the learning experience with best practices and real-world applications. Together, these channels ensure participants receive both expert guidance and meaningful peer-to-peer learning throughout the programme. Participants can access AI Nexus at: https://ainexus.isca.org.sg/.

7. Mr Lee Boon Teck, President of ISCA, said: “AI is reshaping the future of the accountancy profession. The professionals who will thrive are those who become AI bilingual, combining deep accounting expertise with the ability to use AI confidently, responsibly, and with sound professional judgement. AIxAccountancy is more than a training programme. It is a national profession transformation initiative that equips accountants and finance professionals with the skills and confidence to create greater value for businesses and society.”

8. Mr Ng Cher Pong, Chief Executive Officer of IMDA, said: “AI delivers the most impact when it is grounded in domain expertise and applied to the work professionals know best. Our partnership with ISCA on AIxAccountancy reflects this approach by equipping accounting and corporate finance professionals not just with AI skills, but also with the ability to apply them meaningfully and responsibly in their day-to-day work. We look forward to seeing more professionals harness AI with confidence and purpose, becoming not only fluent, but truly AI bilingual in their field.”

9. Mrs Chia-Tern Huey Min, Chief Executive Officer of Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority, said: “ISCA’s AI Fluency Programme, AIxAccountancy, comes at an opportune time, as AI continues to reshape industries and redefine the way we work. It complements the refreshed Skills Framework for Accountancy, which embeds AI fluency across all 44 job roles – spanning data analytics, visualisation and strategic decision-making. Through this programme, accounting and finance professionals will gain the practical AI skills they need to thrive in this rapidly evolving landscape.”

10. The launch of the AIxAccountancy underscores ISCA and IMDA’s commitment to help the accountancy profession navigate the AI era. By equipping professionals with accessible learning, practical AI experimentation and community collaboration, ISCA aims to accelerate AI adoption across the profession while ensuring professional judgement, ethics and trust remain at the core of professional accountants in an increasingly AI-driven business environment.

[3] These include professionals from accounting and professional services firms, corporates, individuals who registered their interest through the AIxAccountancy sign-up form, and other industry professionals, as well as tertiary students.

Hashtag: #ISCA #CharteredAccountants #AIxAccountancy #AIFluency #AIBilingualism #DifferenceMakers #Accounting #Accountancy

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

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Southeast Asia’s First AIGC Creation Ecosystem Platform – Omirol Launched, Partnering with China’s V Valley Industrial Chain to Build a New China–Malaysia AI Landscape

MIL OSI — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 02:31:53 +0000

Source: Media Outreach

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 July 2026 – The 2026 Malaysia AI Innovation and Development Exchange Forum and the launch of Omirol, Southeast Asia’s first native AIGC creation ecosystem platform, were successfully held in Kuala Lumpur. The event was jointly organized by FSBM Holdings Berhad, a Bursa Malaysia-listed company, and MOCHI MEDIA SDN. BHD. Through keynote speeches, panel discussions, Omirol showcases and MOU signing ceremonies, the forum explored the current development, challenges and future trends of the AIGC industry in Southeast Asia, while providing a platform for regional exchange and cooperation.

From left: Dato’Dr. Hafiz Kahar, Executive Chairman and Group President of Olympia International Group; Ms. Li Chen, President of Hainan Airport Cross-Border Industry Development Co., Ltd.; Mr. Ian Neo Chee Hua, President of the Southeast Asia Research Center for Humanities(SEARCH); Mr. Cheong Chen Khan, Vice Chairman of FSBM Holdings Berhad; Puan Norsham binti Abdul Latip, Deputy Secretary-General (Technology Development), Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), Malaysia; Ms. Zhou Jing, Vice Chairman of the Chian Malanshan Global Expansion Alliance and Chairman of Fuhui Media Group; Ms. Joyin He Jiaying, Founder and CEO of Omirol AI & Mochi Media; Professor Dato’ Dr. Hashim Bin Salleh, President of the Kuala Lumpur International Chamber of Commerce; Professor Dr. Loke Chui Fong, Vice Chancellor of Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT); and Mr. Jason Zhang Yaozhi, Chairman of the ASEAN Headquarters of the World Internet of Things Convention, pose for a group photo during the official launch ceremony of the 2026 Malaysia AI Innovation & Development Exchange Forum.

The event was officially supported by Malaysia’s Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI). Deputy Secretary-General (Technology Development) Puan Norsham binti Abdul Latip attended the event and delivered a keynote address, noting that Malaysia is actively supporting innovation in the local digital content industry. She stated that the launch of Omirol, as Southeast Asia’s first native AIGC creation ecosystem platform, demonstrates Malaysia’s leading position in technological innovation in the region. By integrating mature international industrial resources to support the rapid development of local enterprises, technologies and talent, Omirol is highly aligned with Malaysia’s strategic direction in advancing artificial intelligence, the digital economy and the cultural and creative industries, while also offering a new practical pathway for deepening China–Malaysia digital economy cooperation. The event brought together nearly 300 guests, including representatives from BytePlus Malaysia, Vision Tech Singapore, IBM Malaysia, TusStar Malaysia, Telekom Malaysia, Xiamen Airlines, xFusion Technologies Malaysia, Solution Group, China Mobile Malaysia and the Chinese Film Association of Malaysia, etc.

Strategic Partnerships to Build a Regional AIGC Ecosystem

One of the forum’s major highlights was the signing of strategic cooperation agreements between Omirol AI and six organizations, including the Southeast Asia Research Center for Humanities(SEARCH), TAR UMT (Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology), the animated feature film “Nanyang Volunteers”, ZIVO AI and Do Drama. The collaborations cover AI education, content marketing, production, distribution, and ecosystem development.

Among them, the strategic partnership with China’s V-Valley – Malanshan Video Cultural & Creative Industrial Park marked the most significant milestone. Ms. Zhou Jing, Vice Chairman of the Malanshan Global Expansion Alliance and Chairman of Fuhui Media Group, attended the forum in Kuala Lumpur to deliver a keynote speech and sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The agreement officially establishes a long-term strategic partnership between China’s national-level digital cultural industry cluster and Southeast Asia’s first native AIGC ecosystem platform. Both parties will collaborate across digital content creation, AI talent development, industrial resource sharing, and international cultural exchange to accelerate the coordinated development of the China–Malaysia digital creative industry.

Building an Open and Sustainable AI Ecosystem

During her keynote speech, Ms. Zhou Jing noted that Malanshan has rapidly evolved from a leading video content industrial park into one of China’s most important hubs for the integration of digital content and artificial intelligence. The recently established Malanshan Global Expansion Alliance brings together over 30 leading Chinese organizations, including Mango TV, Central South Publishing & Media Group, Hunan International Channel, CBG Tianze, AI technology companies, and international communication institutions, forming a comprehensive ecosystem covering content production, AI technologies, international distribution, and cross-border services. She emphasized that the future competition in AI will not simply be about who owns the most advanced technology, but about who can build an open, collaborative, and sustainable industry ecosystem. With a population exceeding 700 million and rich cultural diversity, Southeast Asia represents one of the world’s fastest-growing digital content markets and an important strategic destination for China’s cultural and creative industries.

Six Key Areas of Collaboration

According to the signed Memorandum of Understanding, Omirol AI and Malanshan will jointly promote practical cooperation across six major initiatives:

China–Malaysia AIGC Joint Training Academy
Develop AI filmmaking and digital content creation programs with Malaysian universities such as TAR UMT by leveraging Malanshan’s educational resources and industry expertise.
Cross-border Licensed IP Resource Library
Establish a shared IP ecosystem covering film, animation, tourism, cultural heritage, and digital assets to support AI-generated short dramas, animation, and creative productions.
Technology Integration and AI Infrastructure
Connect leading Chinese AIGC technologies with the Omirol AI platform, enabling collaboration in computing power, AI models, and content generation technologies to improve production efficiency.
Global Content Distribution Network
Expand international distribution channels for original Omirol AI content while supporting the localization and commercialization of premium Chinese digital content across Southeast Asia.
China–Malaysia AI Short Drama Competition
Jointly organize an international AI short drama competition, accompanied by incubation programs and funding initiatives to cultivate globally competitive Southeast Asian IP.
Industry Collaboration & Investment Platform
Establish regular China–Malaysia AI industry matchmaking events to promote technology exchange, global AIGC OPC community, project collaboration, and cross-border investment between enterprises from both countries.

Omirol AI: Building Southeast Asia’s Native AIGC Creaation Ecosystem

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Ms. Joyin He Jiaying, Founder and CEO of Omirol AI, said:

“Omirol is built to be the infrastructure of Southeast Asia. Our vision goes beyond providing AI tools—we aim to build an open ecosystem connecting creators, universities, enterprises, and industry resources, empowering Southeast Asia to become one of the world’s leading hubs for digital content innovation.” She added that Omirol AI has already integrated with China’s ‘LaiShu Processing’ pilot infrastructure in Shantou and is exploring collaboration with Inspur Information (Shantou) to significantly reduce token costs for Southeast Asian users.

Combined with the joint China–Malaysia technical team established together with FSBM and Malanshan’s mature AIGC industry resources, Omirol AI aims to deliver a fully localized, one-stop

AIGC ecosystem tailored to creators, businesses, and educational institutions across Southeast Asia.

A New Model for Cross-border AI Industry Collaboration

As the global AIGC industry shifts from competition in individual technologies to competition between complete ecosystems, integrated capabilities in AI platforms, content creation, IP commercialization, talent cultivation, and international distribution are becoming the key drivers of long-term competitiveness. Industry observers believe this partnership represents more than a business collaboration—it marks the first systematic integration of China’s mature digital content industry with Southeast Asia’s emerging AI innovation ecosystem. By combining technology, content, talent, and industrial collaboration, China and Malaysia are jointly pioneering a scalable model for international AIGC cooperation that could become a benchmark for the future development of Southeast Asia’s digital creative economy.

Event Video：https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1CpLCytXn1/
Event Post: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19C1wQyTLL/

Hashtag: #Omirol

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

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

IperionX Completes Strategic Camden Acquisition – Unlocking Ultra-High-Grade Critical Minerals to Accelerate U.S. Supply Chain

MIL OSI — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 12:37:19 +0000

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-NZ-AU)

INVESTMENT HIGHLIGHTS

Transformational asset integration & strategic scale: IperionX has successfully completed the acquisition of the Camden critical mineral, heavy rare earths, and infrastructure assets. Highly synergistic with the adjacent Titan Project in Tennessee, this acquisition materially consolidates and expands IperionX’s landholding across the Big Sandy Critical Minerals Province.
Ultra-high-grade surface stockpiles: Decades of historical high-purity silica sand operations have effectively pre-processed the heavy critical mineral fractions. This has generated approximately 70 acres of at-surface, ultra-high-grade critical mineral stockpiles, uniquely enriched in titanium, zircon, and high-value rare earth minerals.
Exceptional stockpile assay results (up to 10x uplift): Grab samples from the surface stockpiles returned outstanding Total Heavy Minerals (THM) grading up to 21.5%. Previous 1-ton bulk samples yielded 9.9% and 23.0% THM — an exceptional 5x to 10x uplift compared to Titan’s average Mineral Resource grade.
Accelerated ‘stockpile-first’ pathway: Accessing at-surface, pre-processed critical minerals provides vital ‘starter feedstocks’ with the potential to reduce capital intensity and lower mining and processing costs.
Large-scale, pre-stripped Lower McNairy advantage: Historical silica operations at Camden successfully “pre-stripped” approximately 180 acres of overburden, providing rapid, near zero-strip-ratio access to the Lower McNairy mineralization — historically proven by drilling at Titan to hold the highest grade and richest assemblage of high-value heavy rare earth, titanium and zircon minerals.
Turnkey infrastructure potentially reduces CAPEX: The acquired site provides an established industrial footprint with active grid power, water, natural gas utilities, and heavy-haul rail access. This provides the potential to significantly de-risk development timelines and reduce capital expenditure that is currently included in Titan DFS capital cost build up.
Heavy rare earths upside: Mineralization in the McNairy formation has been proven to be rich in monazite and xenotime – heavy rare earth containing critical minerals typically rich in dysprosium (Dy), terbium (Tb), and yttrium (Y) – which are vital for advanced U.S. industries.
Minerals-to-metals integration: Camden-Titan is a potential near-term supply of upstream American-sourced critical minerals, while IperionX’s downstream mineral and titanium technologies and Virginia titanium manufacturing platform provide the pathway to finished U.S. titanium metal products.
Strategic funding engagement: IperionX will engage U.S. government stakeholders, downstream processors, and strategic customers as further technical and economic data becomes available.
2026 Camden-Titan techno-economic roadmap: IperionX is now advancing an accelerated work program prioritizing sonic drilling of stockpiles, advanced metallurgical test work, infrastructure optimization, with an integrated Camden-Titan techno-economic study targeted by the end of 2026.

IperionX CEO Taso Arima said:

“The strategic importance of Camden is now clear, it gives IperionX a turnkey platform adjacent to Titan with mineral rights, ultra-high-grade stockpiles, established infrastructure and the potential to accelerate U.S.-sourced rare earth and critical mineral feedstock supply.

The most powerful feature of Camden is that the opportunity starts at surface with exceptional grades. These stockpiles have already been mined, moved and pre-processed through historical silica sand operations, creating ultra-high-grade starter feedstocks containing titanium, zircon and rare-earth-bearing minerals such as monazite and xenotime.

Camden also adds ready-access to approximately 180 acres of pre-stripped Lower McNairy mineralized areas, which could further enhance development scalability of the Camden-Titan platform. This gives IperionX the potential opportunity for a faster, lower-capital-intensity and lower opex development pathway.

The United States is investing across rare earth processing, metallization, alloying and magnet manufacturing. But downstream capacity requires secure upstream mineral feed. Camden-Titan is now positioned as a unique upstream opportunity for strategically vital titanium, zircon and rare-earth-bearing mineral products, sourced securely from the United States.

Camden does not replace Titan, it strengthens it. Together, Camden and Titan have the potential to accelerate long-term domestic supply of titanium, zircon and heavy rare earth feedstocks, crucially – dysprosium, terbium and yttrium – into markets that are central to national security, advanced manufacturing, electrification, aerospace and high-performance magnet technologies.”

SOUTH BOSTON, Va., July 02, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — IperionX Limited (NASDAQ: IPX, ASX: IPX) is pleased to announce the successful completion of the Camden critical mineral, property, and infrastructure assets acquisition, located adjacent to the Titan Critical Minerals Project and within the Big Sandy Critical Minerals Province in Tennessee.

Increased Scale + Accelerated Commercialization

The Camden acquisition combines four value-drivers that are rarely available together in a U.S. critical minerals development project:

Scale: Adjacent mineral sands position increases the scale of the combined Camden-Titan project.
Ultra-high-grade stockpiles: Pre-mined, pre-processed critical mineral stockpiles of approximately 70 acres at surface.
Pre-stripped mineralization: approximately 180 acres of near-zero-overburden access to the rich Lower McNairy seam.
Established, turnkey infrastructure: Ready-to-use industrial assets, utilities and rail infrastructure.

Camden’s historical silica sand operations created this opportunity. For decades, the operation was optimized to produce high-purity silica. The commercial processing circuits were not designed to recover titanium, zircon or rare-earth-bearing minerals; instead, those heavier mineral fractions were separated from the silica product stream and accumulated in surface stockpiles.

IperionX has now secured those stockpiles, along with the surrounding mineral rights, pre-stripped Lower McNairy areas and established industrial infrastructure. This converts a historical processing blind spot into a potential strategic catalyst: at-surface critical-mineral-bearing stockpiles that may be evaluated as an early high-grade starter feed for the district-scale Camden-Titan critical minerals platform.

The strategic opportunity is clear: Titan brings district-scale mineralization; Camden brings high-grade surface stockpiles, established infrastructure and a potential ultra-high-grade stockpile-first development pathway.

Unlocking Camden’s Ultra-High-Grade Surface Stockpiles

Two 1-ton bulk samples were collected from these pre-processed surface stockpiles in 2020 which returned exceptional grades of 9.9% and 23.0% THM, with historical drilling indicating depths of approximately 12 meters of mineral stockpiles prior to intersecting the Lower McNairy formation. Subsequent exploration grab sampling in 2025 consistently returned ultra-high-grades of ~20% THM. When compared to the Titan Project’s Resource Estimate of 431 Mt at 2.2% THM, this material represents an outstanding 5x to 10x grade uplift.

Figure 1: Illustrative example of the potential benefits attributable to high grade feedstocks in mineral extraction and processing operations.

In practical terms, higher-grade feedstock can potentially mean less material needs to be moved and processed to produce a given amount of heavy mineral concentrate. That can be important for plant size, capital intensity, operating cost and speed to first product, subject to resource definition, metallurgical recoveries, product quality and customer qualification.

This grade advantage also has a very significant impact for the in-situ proportion of the heavy rare earth bearing minerals monazite and xenotime, which are often found in very low concentrations in mineral sand deposits. The pre-concentrating and stockpiling of these minerals through historic silica operations provides the potential for rare earth values in excess of those found in commercial operations in developments around the globe. As an example, the grab samples grading at 19% or greater have an average in-situ monazite + xenotime value of approximately 1,100 ppm (along with average in-situ grades of rutile and zircon of 2.1% and 1.1% respectively).

IperionX will accelerate a drilling campaign at Camden to quantify the stockpiled material with the intent of delivering a mineral resource estimate for this material class.

Camden Pre-Stripped Advantage: Ready-access to high-grade Lower McNairy mineralization

Historical mining at Camden effectively removed the overburden (“pre-stripped”) across approximately 180 acres, directly exposing the Lower McNairy high-grade mineralized formation – known to be rich in heavy minerals, including rare earths. At the Titan Project this seam makes up about 70% of the minerals contained within the total mineral resource estimate, with grades of rutile, ilmenite and zircon approximately 2x the concentration of the Upper McNairy, and grades of rare earths approximately 10x the concentration of the Upper McNairy.

The significant amount of pre-stripping allows the potential for rapid mining development of the Lower McNairy formation without incurring significant cost of pre-stripping the overburden as well as hauling and sorting the related material.

IperionX intends to initiate a drill campaign at Camden in the coming months to quantify the material that has been pre-stripped, with the intent of delivering a mineral resource estimate for this material class.

Figure 2: Mining development areas at Camden (upper LHS) highlighting the extensive pre-stripped exposed Lower McNairy formation aligned with the regional stratigraphic column (RHS).

Figure 3: Camden acquisition in relation to the Titan Critical Minerals Project.

Turnkey Infrastructure: De-risking Capex and Timelines

The existing Camden infrastructure is highly strategic as it is an established industrial minerals processing hub with active high-voltage power, industrial-scale water, natural gas, and heavy-haul rail infrastructure. The potential to integrate Titan’s planned mineral processing into Camden’s existing infrastructure footprint provides an opportunity to reduce execution risk and capital requirements that are currently included in Titan DFS capital cost build up.

Camden-Titan: The upstream heavy rare earth feedstock platform the U.S. supply chain needs

The United States is rapidly rebuilding its rare-earth-to-magnet supply chain, with growing investment in refining, separation, metallization, alloying and magnet production. Yet one of the most important vulnerabilities remains upstream: secure domestic heavy rare earth-bearing mineral feedstock.

This is particularly important for dysprosium, terbium and yttrium — heavy rare earths that are vital for high-performance NdFeB magnets used in defense, aerospace, electric vehicles, drones, robotics and high-temperature advanced technology applications. Without reliable, uninterruptible heavy rare earth-bearing feedstocks, downstream processing and magnet capacity remains exposed to the same strategic supply-chain risk the United States is working to eliminate.

Camden-Titan is positioned to help address this upstream vulnerability by evaluating a domestic mineral sands platform that uniquely combines:

The large-scale Titan Project with rare earth and critical minerals
Ultra-high-grade Camden surface stockpiles
Existing turnkey infrastructure
Large-scale, pre-stripped, higher-grade Lower McNairy seam access
Secure, strategically positioned location in Tennessee, USA

Subject to resource definition, metallurgical qualification and development studies, Camden-Titan has the potential to become a strategically important U.S.-origin feedstock platform for titanium, zircon and rare-earth-bearing mineral products. Camden-Titan has the potential to underpin the long-term upstream feedstock foundation needed to support the U.S. buildout of rare earth refining, metal, alloy and magnet capacity.

Figure 4: U.S. rare earths supply chain components and associated U.S. Government funding¹.

Next steps and development catalysts

IperionX is now advancing a series of techno-economic activities to define the integrated Camden-Titan commercial development pathway. Key 2026 milestones include:

Resource Definition: Sonic drilling of the 70-acre surface stockpiles and 180-acre pre-stripped zones to establish a formal JORC/S-K 1300 compliant Mineral Resource Estimate.
Metallurgy: Detailed assemblage analysis to optimize recoveries of titanium, zircon, monazite, and xenotime.
Commercial Engagement: Fast-tracked commercial qualification with downstream processors, strategic customers, and U.S. Government stakeholders.
Integrated Economic Studies: Delivery of an integrated economic assessment for the development of the Camden-Titan complex.

This announcement has been authorized for release by the CEO and Managing Director.

For further information and enquiries please contact:

info@iperionx.com
+1 980 237 8900

About IperionX

IperionX is a leading American titanium metal and critical materials company – using patented metal technologies to produce high performance titanium alloys, from titanium minerals or scrap titanium, at lower energy, cost and carbon emissions.

Our Titan critical minerals project is the largest JORC-compliant mineral resource of titanium, rare earth and zircon mineral sands in the United States.

IperionX’s titanium metal and critical minerals are essential for advanced U.S. industries including space, aerospace, defense, consumer electronics, fasteners, automotive and additive manufacturing.

Forward Looking Statements

Information included in this release constitutes forward-looking statements. Often, but not always, forward looking statements can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “may”, “will”, “expect”, “intend”, “plan”, “estimate”, “anticipate”, “continue”, and “guidance”, or other similar words and may include, without limitation, statements regarding plans, strategies and objectives of management, anticipated production or construction commencement dates and expected costs or production outputs.

Forward looking statements inherently involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company’s actual results, performance, and achievements to differ materially from any forecast future results, performance, or achievements. Relevant factors may include, but are not limited to, changes in commodity prices, foreign exchange fluctuations and general economic conditions, increased costs and demand for production inputs, the speculative nature of exploration and project development, including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses and permits and diminishing quantities or grades of mineralization, the Company’s ability to comply with the relevant contractual terms to access the technologies, commercially scale its closed-loop titanium production processes, or protect its intellectual property rights, political and social risks, changes to the regulatory framework within which the Company operates or may in the future operate, environmental conditions including extreme weather conditions, recruitment and retention of personnel, industrial relations issues and litigation.

Forward looking statements are based on the Company and its management’s good faith assumptions relating to the financial, market, regulatory and other relevant environments that will exist and affect the Company’s business and operations in the future. The Company does not give any assurance that the assumptions on which forward looking statements are based will prove to be correct, or that the Company’s business or operations will not be affected in any material manner by these or other factors not foreseen or foreseeable by the Company or management or beyond the Company’s control.

Although the Company attempts and has attempted to identify factors that would cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those disclosed in forward looking statements, there may be other factors that could cause actual results, performance, achievements, or events not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended, and many events are beyond the reasonable control of the Company. Accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward looking statements. Forward looking statements in these materials speak only at the date of issue. Subject to any continuing obligations under applicable law or any relevant stock exchange listing rules, in providing this information the Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any of the forward-looking statements or to advise of any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

Competent Persons Statement

The information in this announcement that relates to Exploration Results is based on, and fairly represents, information compiled and/or reviewed by Mr. Adam Karst, P.G., a Competent Person who is a Registered Member of the Society of Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration (SME) which is a Recognized Professional Organization (RPO). Mr. Karst is an employee of Karst Geo Solutions, LLC. Mr. Karst has sufficient experience which is relevant to the style and type of mineralization present at the Titan Project and Camden areas and to the activity that he is undertaking to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 edition of the “Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves” (the 2012 JORC Code). Mr. Karst consents to the inclusion in this report of the matters based on this information in the form and context in which it appears.

Compliance Statement

This announcement contains information relating to a Mineral Resource Estimate and an Ore Reserve Estimate for the Titan deposit (where the Mineral Resource Estimate was prepared by Mr. John Eckman, a Competent Person, and the Ore Reserve Estimate was prepared by Mr. Justin Douthat, also a Competent Person) extracted from an ASX market announcement titled “IperionX Titan DFS Confirms High-Return U.S. Rare Earths and Critical Minerals Project” and published on the ASX platform (www.asx.com.au) on 4 June 2026. The Company confirms that it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information included in the original market announcement and that all material assumptions and technical parameters underpinning the estimates in the release of 4 June 2026 continue to apply and have not materially changed. The Company confirms that the form and context in which the Competent Persons’ findings are presented have not been materially modified from the original market announcement.

The full release can be found here.

Contacts

Anastasios (Taso) Arima, Founder and CEO
Toby Symonds, President
Dominic Allen, Chief Commercial Officer

Investors: investorrelations@iperionx.com
Media: media@iperionx.com

+1 980 237 8900
www.iperionx.com

^{_____________________
1} Source: MP Materials (link), Energy Fuels (link), USA Rare Earths (link)

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/80836bd0-5f2b-4a8a-861e-8fdcb0dbed89

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7ad3a6fb-ffa9-42d5-99bc-1e91dcc6609d

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9b9e0bc5-5abb-4a4f-bfb6-2711b33c5084

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2788712e-6827-48b8-a0f7-a3b0b9036703

– Published by The MIL Network

Dr Savitha Dharan Takes the Helm as CEO of Thomson Hospital Kota Damansara

MIL OSI — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 05:19:39 +0000

Source: Media Outreach

Appointment reinforces the hospital’s commitment to clinical excellence, strategic growth and delivering exceptional patient care.

KOTA DAMANSARA, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 July 2026 – Thomson Hospital Kota Damansara (Thomson) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Savitha Dharan as its Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 July 2026.

Dr Savitha brings more than 20 years of experience in clinical practice, hospital operations, strategic partnerships, business development and healthcare leadership. She holds a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery and Bachelor in the Art of Obstetrics (MB BCh BAO) from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) and completed executive education in Managing Health Care Delivery at Harvard Business School.

Following a decade in clinical practice across the public and private sectors, Dr Savitha progressed into healthcare leadership, holding senior roles within recognised private healthcare groups and institutions. As a Chief Executive Officer, she has successfully led business transformation, operational excellence, service innovation and strategic growth initiatives.

Welcoming the appointment, Dato’ Dr. Adzuan Rahman, Group Chief Executive Officer of TMC Life Sciences Berhad, said:

“We are delighted to welcome Dr Savitha to the TMC Life Sciences family. Her strong clinical foundation, proven leadership and strategic vision make her the right leader to guide Thomson Hospital Kota Damansara into its next phase of growth. We are confident she will further strengthen the hospital’s position as a leading multidisciplinary tertiary healthcare provider while advancing our commitment to clinical excellence, innovation and value-driven care.”

Dr Savitha’s appointment underscores Thomson’s commitment to clinician-led leadership, recognising that strong clinical expertise, coupled with sound management capabilities, forms the foundation of patient-centred decision-making and the delivery of high-quality healthcare.

Commenting on her appointment, Dr Savitha stated, “It is a privilege to lead Thomson Hospital Kota Damansara, an organisation with a strong reputation for delivering exceptional patient care. As both a clinician and a healthcare leader, I believe the best outcomes are achieved by empowering our people, embracing innovation, and continuously improving patient experience. I look forward to working alongside our dedicated teams to build on the hospital’s strong foundation and shape its next chapter of excellence.”

Hashtag: #ThomsonHospital

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

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Education – Union representing polytechnics files for facilitation in bargaining

LiveNews Publisher — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 04:31:47 +0000

Source: Tertiary Education Union

Today the Tertiary Education Union | Te Hautū Kahurangi has filed with the Employment Relations Authority for facilitation over the failure of the polytech employers to engage in bargaining in good faith.

TEU says that so far the employer parties have not engaged with or provided responses to claims endorsed by members. Instead they have kept a narrow focus on obtaining new separate agreements for over 2,500 members across 11 polytech employers.

Louise Simpson, polytech bargaining team member says that this is not good enough.

“Our TEU bargaining team prepared and came to the table feeling positive and ready to put our claims forward. So it’s been disappointing and frustrating to then get stuck in a discussion around single collective agreements. We’ve been ready to hear our employers claims for months, but we have been stymied by their failure to move forward in bargaining.”

National Presidents Māori and Te Tiriti, Garrick Cooper and Ti Lamusse say that the bargaining team just wants to get on with negotiations.

“Our hopes with filing for facilitation is that we can make some progress. The team come to the table ready to talk constructively about the terms and conditions that will benefit TEU members and we all want the employers to do the same thing. We remain ready to bargain in good faith.”

MIL OSI

Aviation – CAA sets direction and priorities with latest planning documents including new 2026-2027 safety and security focus areas

LiveNews Publisher — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 22:31:45 +0000

Source: Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)

The Civil Aviation Authority’s (CAA) Statement of Intent (SOI) and Statement of Performance Expectations (SPE), published on 1 July, set out what the organisation will deliver and how it will measure progress.

Both documents can be downloaded from our corporate publications page.

For the first time the SPE highlights CAA’s new safety and security focus areas for the 2026-2027 year. See table below.

“These will drive where we direct our regulatory effort across the aviation system, so we can have the greatest impact,” CAA Director Kane Patena says. “We’ll work closely with the sector through targeted engagement and education, helping participants and organisations meet their safety and security responsibilities and manage their own risks effectively.”

“A recent example of this approach is our work on dangerous goods and lithium battery safety through airport security. By identifying this as a key risk area, we focused efforts on targeted education and awareness activities, helping industry participants and passengers better understand and manage the risks traveling with these items brings.” Patena says.

These focus areas have been informed by ICAO’s global and regional priorities, alongside an understanding of New Zealand’s unique aviation environment and domestic context. The CAA intends to review these periodically to ensure they remain fit for purpose and to ensure our regulatory efforts continue to be directed towards the areas where they can have the greatest impact on aviation safety and security outcomes.

Patena says the documents provide a clear line of sight between the organisation’s strategy, delivery and Government expectations.

“The SOI and SPE outline what matters most for aviation safety and security right now, and how we will demonstrate progress against our deliverables with practical actions and measurable results.”

“Our intent is on being a safety-focused, efficient, and responsive regulator to support the aviation sector, align with Government expectations and facilitate a safe and secure aviation system for New Zealand.”

The SOI outlines the CAA’s medium-term direction for the next four financial years from 2026 to 2030, including how it will track progress against its vision and purpose.

The SPE is published annually and focuses on delivery in 2026-27. It sets out the five activities the CAA is funded to deliver, the results it is aiming to achieve, and how performance will be measured. These activities are:

Policy and rule settings
Education and engagement
Certification and licensing
Monitoring and investigation
Security delivery.

Together, the SOI and SPE meet the CAA’s statutory reporting requirements under the Crown Entities Act 2004 and provide transparency about its priorities, performance, and use of public resources.

The performance measures in these documents also support quarterly and annual reporting, providing a clearer picture of progress and impact. The SPE includes financial statements and estimated costs for 2026-27, outlining the resources required to deliver work programmes.

Performance measures for 2026-27 have been refreshed to ensure they remain relevant, clear, and useful for tracking performance over time.

Overall, the SOI and SPE link the CAA’s strategic direction with its day-to-day activities, showing how priorities translate into measurable results and public value.

CAA’s focus over the next 18-24 months also includes work to modernise CAA’s regulatory certification and decision-making processes, continue its progress with the Rules Update Programme, and deliver a new Business Transformation Programme which will make targeted investments across technology, capability and systems to drive CAA’s performance.

As New Zealand’s aviation regulator, the CAA’s primary focus is maintaining aviation safety and security. This focus underpins all decisions and actions, helping ensure the aviation system remains safe and secure for those who work in, and rely on it. Over time, this has contributed to a sustained reduction in aviation accidents and fatalities.

Safety and security focus areas 2026-27

Safety focus areas	Outcomes sought from CAA activities
Dangerous goods	Ensuring dangerous goods on passenger aircraft are handled safely and meet required standards
Avoiding Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT)	Reducing terrain and weather-related risks in regional air transport and helicopter operations
Uncontrolled airspace and aerodromes	Supporting safer operations in busy uncontrolled environments and reducing mid-air collision risks
Airworthiness and maintenance	Supporting participants and organisations to mitigate component failures and loss-of-control events through strengthened maintenance compliance and practices
Runway and aerodrome safety	Reducing runway incursions and excursions at aerodromes that support passenger air transport using large aircraft

Security focus areas	Outcomes sought from CAA activities
Security of air cargo	Enhancing security across the secure cargo system, including known-customer arrangements and cargo-only aircraft
Airside boundary integrity	Strengthening access controls and protecting airside security areas at security-designated aerodromes
Security in vulnerable locations	Improving physical and personnel security in landside areas at airports with security screening and lifting practices at regional aerodromes
International security risks	Improving our understanding of offshore risks and the security performance of foreign air operators.

MIL OSI

Education – From resettlement training to online learning: Open Polytechnic celebrates 80 years of helping New Zealand’s workforce

LiveNews Publisher — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 21:56:43 +0000

Source: Open Polytechnic

Open Polytechnic turns 80 this year, celebrating its history of providing hundreds of thousands of Kiwis access to career-focussed, flexible distance learning wherever they live.

“Since 1946 we have been helping learners from all over Aotearoa New Zealand change their lives through access to flexible distance learning,” says Open Polytechnic Chief Executive Sharon Cooke.

“Over its 80-year history, Open Polytechnic has continually evolved to meet the changing vocational learning needs of New Zealand’s workforce.”

Open Polytechnic has gone from enrolling 615 learners in 1946 to 40,000 today, with 73% of learners studying while working and 97% studying part-time.

Graduates include industry leaders and business owners who have made the most of studying with New Zealand’s leading flexible online learning provider to advance or change their careers.

Well-known landscape designer Bayley LuuTomes changed careers from advertising to horticulture more than a decade ago and has never looked back.

He worked as a gardener in Wellington, before enrolling in Open Polytechnic’s National Certificate in Horticulture (Level 4) which he completed in 2012.

Since then, Bayley has run his own business for the past decade, Bayley LuuTomes Design and travels the world from his Christchurch base designing gardens.

In recent years, he has also appeared on My Green Dream Home TV show and worked with Open Polytechnic Academic Staff Member in floristry Megan Parker on The Welcome Garden at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show. One of many international shows he has exhibited at.

“Studying through Open Polytechnic gave me the foundation and confidence to pursue a career in landscape design,” Bayley says.

“When I enrolled, I could never have imagined that my career would one day take me onto international stages, television screens, and award-winning projects around the world.”

Waikato-based Sabine Lang used her New Zealand Certificate in Business (Small Business) (Level 4) to help set up her own gluten-free bakery called Lang’s Little Bakery in 2023.

“I could’ve never pulled off starting or running my own business without the knowledge I gained during the programme,” Sabine says.

“It has not only given me the knowledge, but also the confidence.”

The family business is going so well that it has hired two additional staff and is looking to expand its operation from a food trailer to a bakery shop and cafe in Cambridge in the Waikato soon.

Taking her career to new heights, Open Polytechnic graduate Hana Whaanga (Ngāti Rakaipaaka) is now a nominated member of the Library and Information Association of New Zealand Aotearoa (LIANZA) national board.

Hana graduated from Open Polytechnic with a Bachelor of Library and Information Studies (BLIS) in 2023 and works as a Learning and Discovery Librarian at the Hastings District Libraries, where she has been for the past nine years.

“Having my Open Polytechnic tohu (qualification) makes me feel incredibly proud of the work I’ve done to date in and for this field. I am most proud of the depth of relationships that I have developed and nurtured over time and this whanaungatanga (sense of connection) is what I value overall,” Hana says.

History of Open Polytechnic

Open Polytechnic began life as the Technical Correspondence School under its first principal Dr John Nicol, opening on 1 July 1946, providing distance learning from its home base in Wellington.

Its role was to provide resettlement training, predominantly in trades and farming subjects, for returned servicemen and women following World War 2.

Courses in these early years covered farming, motor mechanics, engineering, agriculture, horticulture, surveying, electrics, plumbing, textiles and more.

Under 1990 tertiary education reforms, The Open Polytechnic of New Zealand name was introduced, resulting in a fundamental change to the organisation’s role as an education provider for learners anywhere in New Zealand.

With this change, Open Polytechnic became the specialist national provider of open and distance learning at tertiary level.

The education reforms meant that the Open Polytechnic was able to start offering degrees, with the first graduate of its Bachelor of Business in 1995.

Fast forward to 2026 and Open Polytechnic offers more than 100 qualifications and 1,000 courses from certificate to diploma and degree level and is one of the oldest distance learning institutions in the world.

Degrees at Open Polytechnic are now offered in accountancy and business, applied management, psychology, communication, information technology, information & library studies, social health and wellbeing, social work, engineering technology, and early childhood education. Open Polytechnic also offers certificates and diplomas in construction management, engineering, business and small business, psychology, information technology, health and wellbeing, legal executive and real estate, pharmacy, education and financial services.

About Open Polytechnic

Open Polytechnic is New Zealand’s largest specialist provider of open and distance learning; Open Polytechnic enrols over 40,000 mainly part-time learners per year. The majority of learners are adult learners, combining work and study.

Website: www.openpolytechnic.ac.nz

MIL OSI

IperionX Awarded Up to US$6.6M by OSW-SWIB to Scale U.S. Titanium Plate for Defense Applications

MIL OSI — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 12:37:31 +0000

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-NZ-AU)

IperionX awarded up to US$6.6 million by the Office of the Secretary of War – Submarine Workforce and Industrial Base program (OSW-SWIB)
The award forms part of a larger, multi-organization program to scale production of high-performance titanium alloy products, including ballistic-grade titanium plate, for land and maritime defense platforms
Funding will support expanded manufacturing capability for large-format military titanium components at IperionX’s Titanium Manufacturing Campus in Virginia, strengthening U.S. capacity for mission-critical titanium products and critical-material supply chains
IperionX will collaborate with the George H. W. Bush Combat Development Complex (BCDC) and the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Army Research Laboratory (ARL) to accelerate product scale-up, validation, and transition pathways for defense and strategic industrial applications
Alongside the OSW-SWIB award, IperionX has received an additional purchase order from the U.S. Army Ground Vehicle Systems Center to manufacture a range of titanium fasteners for the JLTV in support of U.S. Army and Marine Corps operational requirements

SOUTH BOSTON, Va., July 01, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — IperionX Limited (IperionX) (NASDAQ: IPX, ASX: IPX) has been awarded up to US$6.6 million under a U.S. Department of War (DoW) program, funded by the Office of the Secretary of War Submarine Workforce and Industrial Base, or OSW-SWIB.

The award forms part of a larger program to scale domestic production of high-performance titanium alloy products, including ballistic-grade titanium plate, for maritime and land defense platforms.

The multi-organization defense program will focus on titanium mill products and components for platforms requiring exceptional strength-to-weight performance, corrosion resistance, durability, ballistic-impact tolerance, and shock survivability. These requirements represent some of the most demanding performance standards in advanced defense materials, especially for applications exposed to harsh operating environments, high-impact loads, and extended service-life demands.

Funding will support capital equipment at IperionX’s Titanium Manufacturing Campus in Virginia, expanding manufacturing capabilities for large-format titanium components and strengthening U.S. capacity for mission-critical titanium products. The program will be completed in two phases with Phase 1 granting US$0.2 million for project scoping and test work. Upon successful completion, IperionX is expected to receive a further US$6.4 million to scale manufacturing capacity and purchase capital equipment.

The program directly supports IperionX’s strategy to establish a secure, low-cost and resilient American titanium manufacturing platform for defense and advanced industrial customers.

Conventional titanium plate production is technically complex, capital- and energy-intensive, and often characterized by low yields. The process typically involves sponge production, vacuum melting and remelting, ingot or slab casting, breakdown forging, hot rolling, repeated annealing, and final surface conditioning. Each of these steps can contribute to extended lead times, elevated production costs, material yield losses, and supply-chain constraints.

IperionX’s patented titanium technologies are designed to simplify and shorten this production route. The Company’s proprietary HAMR process can produce low-cost titanium powder from titanium minerals or recycled titanium, while its HSPT and THRM technologies deliver high-performance, wrought-like titanium properties without reliance on the full conventional melt-remelt-forge pathway.

Together, these technologies support IperionX’s powder-to-plate titanium manufacturing platform, which is designed to reduce process steps, lower capital intensity, reduce energy intensity, improve material utilization and strengthen domestic supply-chain resilience for strategic titanium products.

Through this program, IperionX will produce and evaluate high-performance titanium alloy products for applications where titanium can provide lightweight alternatives to steel, including armor precursor plate, hatches, covers, brackets, structural components and maritime systems.

In maritime applications, titanium’s high strength, durability and corrosion resistance can support improved readiness, reduced maintenance and longer service life. Across land defense platforms, lower component weight can support improved mobility, payload capacity, fuel efficiency and survivability.

IperionX will collaborate with the George H.W. Bush Combat Development Complex, an organization within The Texas A&M University System (TAMUS), and the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Army Research Laboratory. The collaboration is expected to support material testing, ballistic and shock-survival evaluation, product validation and transition into defense and strategic U.S. industrial applications.

The project is a systematic metallurgical study to demonstrate how THRM/HSPT microstructural engineering can be used to achieve ballistic performance. This project complements separately DoW-funded IperionX programs for powder-to-plate production. Together these DoW-funded activities provide an alternative pathway that has the potential to reduce the U.S. dependency on imported titanium sponge.

Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) fastener prototype order

Alongside the OSW-SWIB award, IperionX has received a purchase order from the U.S. Army Ground Vehicle Systems Center to produce a range of prototype titanium fasteners for the JLTV and associated trailer – known as the “workhorse” of the Marine Corps’ ground tactical vehicle fleet – to support U.S. Army and Marine Corps operational requirements.

The JLTV is a U.S. military light tactical vehicle, originally built by Oshkosh Defense, designed to replace many Humvees by providing greater protection, mobility, payload capacity, and networked mission flexibility for combat and support operations.

While the value of the initial purchase order is not considered material, a successful prototyping program has the potential to progress into an accelerated roll-out program across a large number of ground vehicles, providing lightweight, strong and corrosion resistant titanium components for the U.S. warfighter.

IperionX Senior Adviser U.S. Army Lieutenant General Ross Coffman U.S. Army (Retired) said:

“During my time as Deputy Commanding General of Army Futures Command, I enjoyed my collaboration with BCDC, and I saw firsthand the importance of a secure U.S. low-cost titanium supply chain for national security.

The Army has a pressing need to reduce the weight of our ground vehicle platforms to maintain combat effectiveness. The benefits of titanium across all defense mobility platforms, including robotics, are well known and I’m proud to be on this mission with IperionX.”

IperionX CEO Taso Arima said:

“This award is an important validation of IperionX’s strategy to scale high-performance titanium manufacturing capacity in the United States. By combining lower-cost titanium feedstocks with our patented HAMR, HSPT and THRM technologies, we are developing a more efficient domestic manufacturing platform for high-performance titanium plate and components.

Our objective is to shorten the conventional titanium production chain, reduce supply-chain complexity and build a more resilient, lower-cost U.S. titanium supply chain for defense, aerospace and advanced manufacturing customers.

In addition to the award, the new prototype order for titanium fasteners for the JLTV is a further signal of the important role that is developing for IperionX in supporting the U.S. defense industrial base.”

APPENDIX

Award details

IperionX has been awarded an initial $0.2 million in funding under the OSW Submarine Workforce and Industrial Base Program for project scoping and test work (Phase 1). Upon, and subject to, successful completion of Phase 1, IperionX will be awarded a further $6.4 million to scale process technology and purchase capital equipment to be installed at IperionX’s Titanium Manufacturing Campus (Phase 2). Phase1 and Phase 2 of the project are scheduled to be complete within two years.

About THRM and HSPT

IperionX’s patented THRM and HSPT processes use hydrogen-enabled thermodynamics and powder-metallurgy processing to engineer wrought-like microstructures and mechanical properties in titanium alloys. These technologies reduce processing complexity and limit reliance on conventional high-cost forging and extensive thermo-mechanical work, enabling a faster and lower-cost route to advanced titanium components.

IperionX’s leading R&D team includes THRM and HSPT co-inventor Dr. James Paramore, who joined the Company after previously serving at both the U.S. Army DEVCOM ARL and BCDC.

Titanium for U.S. Defense Industrial Base

U.S. Department of War’s SWIB program reflects the strategic priority of rebuilding domestic industrial capability in critical defense materials.

Why titanium matters

Defense platforms require titanium plate, sheet and fabricated components where weight, durability, corrosion resistance and strength matter most.
In land defense systems, titanium plate supports armor precursor plate, hatches, covers, brackets and structural components where lower mass can improve mobility, payload, fuel efficiency and survivability.
In maritime defense platforms, titanium’s strength, durability and corrosion resistance can reduce maintenance, extend service life and improve readiness.

Why incumbent production is difficult

Conventional wrought titanium plate typically requires sponge production, vacuum melting and remelting, ingot or slab casting, breakdown forging, hot rolling, repeated annealing and final surface conditioning.
Titanium’s high reactivity requires tight process control, multiple high-temperature steps and large specialized equipment, driving high capital intensity, long lead times and significant energy use.
As plate thickness falls, manufacturing costs compound. Repeated rolling and annealing reduce throughput, while alpha-case removal through grinding, pickling or chemical milling lowers product yield.

IperionX’s powder-to-plate manufacturing platform

HAMR produces low-cost titanium powder from titanium minerals or recycled titanium, and HSPT + THRM deliver wrought-like titanium properties without the full conventional melt-remelt-forge pathway
Together, these technologies support a powder-to-plate manufacturing platform with fewer major process steps, lower capital intensity, lower energy consumption, improved material utilization and stronger domestic supply-chain resilience

About IperionX

Our Titan critical minerals project is the largest JORC-compliant mineral resource of titanium, rare earth and zircon minerals sands in the United States.

IperionX’s titanium metal and critical minerals are essential for advanced U.S. industries including space, aerospace, defense, consumer electronics, hydrogen, automotive and additive manufacturing.

Forward Looking Statements

Contacts

Anastasios (Taso) Arima, Founder and CEO
Toby Symonds, President
Dominic Allen, Chief Commercial Officer

Investors: investorrelations@iperionx.com
Media: media@iperionx.com

+1 980 237 8900
www.iperionx.com

– Published by The MIL Network

Samsung Brings Back Solve for Tomorrow 2026 to Spark Youth-led Innovation and Drive Social Change

MIL OSI — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 06:03:01 +0000

Source: Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 July 2026 – Samsung Solve for Tomorrow 2026, the highly-anticipated youth innovation competition, is back for its 10th edition in Singapore! As the world looks to navigate the uncertainties ahead, Solve for Tomorrow provides a platform for young changemakers to be equipped with the knowledge and skills to shape a better tomorrow for all. By inspiring youths in Singapore to rise up to the challenge and address key societal issues via innovation and technology, the competition encourages them to turn their creativity, ingenuity and passion into tangible solutions that can drive meaningful change in their communities.

“At Samsung, we believe that youths hold the key to shaping a better tomorrow for all. When given the right platform and opportunity to utilise their critical thinking and problem-solving skills as well as their knowledge in STEM and artificial intelligence, they have the potential to devise groundbreaking innovations that can make a positive impact on our society and the world,” said Jeffrey Hahn, President, Samsung Electronics Singapore.

He added: “Solve for Tomorrow 2026 aims to be the catalyst that inspires meaningful change and positive action among our youths. This year, we are calling for youths in Singapore to join us in igniting the change for a better future. As they come together to dream big and turn ideas into action, we believe that they will find their place in our society and be equipped to make the change that they want to see in their future.”

Bella Teo, a member of Team BuddyBot, the Grand Prize winner of the Solve for Tomorrow 2025 competition, shares her experience: “Participating in the Solve for Tomorrow competition has truly expanded our horizons. The trip to Samsung’s innovation facilities in South Korea was an eye-opening experience that taught us how innovation that combines vision, fundamental values and the desire to solve real-world problems can create long-lasting impact. Seeing Samsung’s remarkable innovation journey, as well as the passion and inventiveness of other teams, spurs us on to continue our innovation journey. I am confident that we can achieve so much more if we set our minds to it, especially with the right support, mentorship and partners.”

Solve for Tomorrow 2026 will provide the opportunity for youths to develop interdisciplinary skills like critical thinking, problem-solving capabilities, as well as to expand their Science, Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) and AI knowledge, elevating their potential while preparing them for the workforce.

Ignite the Change Together for a Better Future

Samsung has identified four key themes for this year’s competition, to encourage submissions that can shape a better future for Singapore in 2026. Participants can develop their ideas around these themes:

1. Environmental Sustainability

Climate change is one of the most critical challenges of our time, and each person has a role to play in shaping a more sustainable future. Whether it’s conserving energy, reducing resource consumption, or improving recycling efforts, your actions can make a real difference. This is your moment to innovate, take action, and help build a better future for your nation and the world.

2. Sport, Health and Technology

Health is the foundation for a fulfilling and productive life—and innovation can make it more accessible for everyone. In a fast-changing world, sport and technology play a powerful role in supporting physical, mental and emotional well-being. By making it easier to stay active, reduce stress and build healthier lifestyles, your ideas can drive lasting impact for those around you.

3. Inclusivity and Social Harmony

Our society is constantly evolving, and everyone has a role in shaping a more inclusive and harmonious future. From creating solutions that remove existing barriers for people with disabilities, to fostering social inclusion for disadvantaged communities, you have the opportunity to make an impact by building a Singapore where everyone feels at home.

4. Trust, Security and Privacy

As AI reshapes our world, it presents powerful opportunities as well as new responsibilities. Building trust in the AI era requires a strong commitment to security, fundamental respect for privacy, and the skills to optimise the technology safely. By empowering society with these foundations, we can unlock innovation while shaping a secure and inclusive digital future for all.

Call for Entries Now Open, Ends 18 September 2026

From now till 18 September 2026, students can submit their entries for the competition by forming groups of two to four and submitting their innovative ideas or solutions on the Solve for Tomorrow 2026 website.

Eligibility: Full-time students aged 12 to 18 years old, enrolled in a secondary or international school in Singapore, including:
- Secondary 1 to Secondary 5 students if they are enrolled in the following schools:
  - Government schools (including autonomous schools)
  - Government-aided schools (including autonomous schools)
  - Independent schools
  - Specialised independent schools (SIS)
  - Specialised schools
  - Special education (SPED) schools

Secondary 1 to Secondary 4 students if they are enrolled in IP (Integrated Programme) secondary schools with 6-year IP programmes.
Students studying in equivalent levels in International Schools in Singapore

The top three teams will receive the following prizes:

First Prize Winning Team
- S$10,000 worth of Samsung products
- S$7,000 cash prize
Second Prize
- S$6,000 worth of Samsung products
- S$4,000 cash prize
Third Prize
- S$3,000 worth of Samsung products
- S$2,000 cash prize

For more information visit the Solve for Tomorrow 2026 website or reach out to the organising team at samsungsolvefortomorrow@infom.asia.

Hashtag: #Samsung #SFT_SG_2026 #TogetherForTomorrow #ShapeTheFuture #SolveForTomorrow #SFT26

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

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Health and Education – Substandard school lunches: ‘Our tamariki deserve better’

LiveNews Publisher — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 05:52:56 +0000

Source: Health Coalition Aotearoa

A damning Audit Office report on the Healthy School Lunches Programme is in line with research by experts from Health Coalition Aotearoa.

The report delivered to Parliament on 30 June found the cut-price programme, ordered by Associate Education Minister David Seymour in 2024, has made savings but has had multiple issues with the procurement process, food quality, waste and monitoring.

The Ministry of Education’s monitoring found, in 2025, only half of the school lunches met nutritional standards.

“Yes, there were cost-savings with the School Lunch Collective’s cut-price school lunch programme, but Minister Seymour did not talk about the ‘effectiveness’ side of the ‘cost-effectiveness’ equation,” says Health Coalition Aotearoa co-chair Professor Boyd Swinburn, a researcher on population nutrition at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland.

“There was no evaluation of effectiveness – the last version, Ka Ora Ka Ako, was heavily evaluated and came out showing significant improvements on nutrition, school attendance, quality of life and full tummies.”

Swinburn led one evaluation finding the original Ka Ora, Ka Ako programme rated extremely well against its primary outcomes of alleviating hunger in schools, providing healthy meals, improving mental health, reducing financial burden, increasing mana, and strengthening local economies. Read more.

This is in a context where a report out this morning (1 July) found one in six households are living in income poverty after housing costs, just over one in ten have to go without essential items regularly, and one in three households experienced food insecurity in the last year. ( NZ Council of Christian Social Services report 1 July 2026.)

An analysis found that students in Aotearoa who go hungry due to lack of money, even just once a week, are two to four years behind in their achievement scores compared to students who never go hungry. (See McKelvie Sebileau P, Swinburn B, Seymour J: Frontiers in Education Jan 2025.)

The strong focus on cost-cutting has led to multiple problems, Swinburn says.

The Ministry’s data for meals assessed in 2025 showed that on average only 50.5% of the School Lunch Collective meals complied with the nutrition standards, the Audit Office report says.

However, public health and nutrition researchers at Health Coalition Aotearoa tested school lunches in 2025 and found the meals were very low in energy (kJ), providing approximately half of the energy expected for a school lunch and 30 to 40 percent less than lunches provided under the previous Ka Ora Ka Ako model.

“Of the 13 meals that could be analysed against at least one of the Nutrition Standards, none met all standards for all age groups,” the researchers said in a PHCC briefing.

“Based on available information, the School Lunch Collective is delivering substandard lunches to children, which is a major breach of their contractual requirements,” the researchers said.

Dr Kelly Garton, a food policy spokesperson for Health Coalition Aotearoa and senior research fellow in the School of Population Health at the University of Auckland comments that the report finds the programme was unfairly procured, ignored risks with the suppliers, one of which went into liquidation, and has not been properly measured, monitored and managed.

“What has been measured shows poor performance on key target outcomes, chiefly that half the lunches, on average, are not meeting the nutrition standards,” says Garton.

“Despite the changes being justified as ways to reduce surplus and waste, neither of these have been managed effectively: surplus (untouched or overdelivered lunches) increased to 17 percent in 2026, despite a contractual limit of 10 percent, and waste (measured in Term 3 2025) was higher for the School Lunch Collective delivery model than internal school-based and iwi models.

“Schools and students report receiving poor-quality lunches, with many going uneaten due to being unappetising.

“Slashing funding isn’t ‘delivering savings’ if you are actively undermining programme delivery,” says Garton.

“Our tamariki deserve better. It’s time to revert to proper funding for this essential programme which was delivering excellent value for investment before 2025, according to independent evaluation.”

Health Coalition Aotearoa’s researchers are calling for a properly and permanently funded Ka Ora Ka Ako Healthy School Lunch Programme, paid for from Vote Education.

“We have got to go for version three. We’ve had version one – it was generously funded and had good outcomes,” Swinburn says.

“We have a low-cost version now. It has saved money but has problems that have been highlighted by the Auditor General. Let’s get a version three that works for taxpayers, kids and meets nutritional standards.”

This year, the incoming government must commit permanent Vote Education funding to Ka Ora, Ka Ako healthy school lunch programme at a fair and sustainable level, enabling providers to supply meals that meet at least 25 percent of children’s daily energy needs and dietary guidelines, and offer schools flexible delivery options, HCA’s food researchers say.

It is time to do better for our tamariki, their long-term futures and the future of Aotearoa.

HCA is a coalition of member organisations committed to closing the health prevention gap in Aotearoa by advocating for Te Tiriti-led, evidence-based, policies that reduce consumption of harmful products and increase access to health-giving food.

MIL OSI

Universities – Relationship property law needs urgent reform – UoA researchers

LiveNews Publisher — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 05:37:49 +0000

Source: University of Auckland (UoA)

From children’s wellbeing to second relationships, legal experts say New Zealand’s relationship property law needs urgent reform.

Why are children’s needs often sidelined when relationship property is divided? What happens when a person enters a second marriage with significant assets or an existing family home?

Those questions and more are on the table as legal experts from across the country meet at Parliament to discuss how to reform New Zealand’s Property (Relationships) Act, which many say is no longer fit for purpose.

University of Auckland Law School Professor Mark Henaghan is speaking at the Property (Relationships) Act 1976: Fifty Years On National Conference this Friday, 3 July.

He’s been vocal about the need for reform.

He says under the Property (Relationships) Act, children’s needs are rarely at the centre of decision-making.

“The primary caregiver and children are often worse off post-separation. Primary caregivers, usually mothers, can face severe economic disadvantage as the family home – the main asset – is sold to satisfy both parties’ claims. For children, this disrupts their education, support networks and sense of identity.”

Henaghan also points to New Zealand research indicating that in the first year following the end of a relationship, women experience an average 29 percent decline in income, while men see a 15 percent average rise.

“The Act has not delivered on one of its key purposes which is to recognise the equal contributions of partners to a relationship and a key principle that men and women have equal status and their equality should be maintained and enhanced.”

Professor Mark Henaghan, Auckland Law School

The Property (Relationships) Act conference, organised by University of Otago researchers and supported with funding from the Michael and Suzanne Borrin Foundation, also involves presentations from legal practitioners, including judges from all courts.

Director of Otago’s Children’s Issues Centre Professor Nicola Taylor and fellow Otago family law experts Professor Margaret Briggs and Professor Nicola Peart are leading the conference.

In 2002, the Property (Relationships) Act (the PRA) expanded on the original Matrimonial Property Act 1976, which applied only to married couples. Since then, Peart says it has worked well in many respects, particularly for couples whose first relationship has ended and who built up their assets during the relationship.

However, she says the Act doesn’t work well for second relationships or for couples who come into the relationship with significant assets.

Law Commission finds Act not fit for purpose

A Law Commission review of the Act from 2016-2019 found that it was no longer fit for purpose.

The Commission’s 2019 report recommended repeal of the Act and the adoption of a new statute, which would apply only on separation. Property entitlements on death were considered in a separate review of succession law.

Henaghan says the Law Commission made strong recommendations, including changes to how family homes, economic disparity, trusts and asset disclosure are treated, to better reflect modern relationships and reduce lengthy disputes.

So far, the Government has not acted on the Commission’s 140 recommendations.

“In the current climate of uncertainty and the state of the economy, there appears to be little political will to act on the recommendations,” says Peart.

“We hope that by holding this conference in the Beehive, Parliament will be persuaded to take action. Separation and death affect people every day.”

The Honourable David Goddard KC, Chairperson of the Grants and Scholarships Committee at the Michael and Suzanne Borrin Foundation, says the conference provides an opportunity to reflect on the Act 50 years after its enactment and to discuss its future.

“By bringing together researchers, practitioners, and policymakers, this conference will help advance understanding and evidence-based reform of a law that has profound consequences for separating couples, families and children.”

MIL OSI

Appointments – GUARDIANS APPOINTS NEW HEAD OF DATA & ANALYTICS

LiveNews Publisher — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 05:31:50 +0000

Source: Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation

The Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation, manager of the $93 billion New Zealand Superannuation Fund, has named Anastasia Moskvina as its new Head of Data & Analytics.

Moskvina, who joined the Guardians’ Data & Analytics team in 2022 from the BNZ, has a Masters in Information Technology, Mathematics and Economics from Irkutsk State University and a PhD in Computer Science from the Auckland University of Technology.

Guardians co-Chief Investment Officer Will Goodwin said the Guardians was intent on building data, analytics and AI capability to support better investment outcomes. Moskvina’s expertise in modelling and analysis and her ability to harness data science to meet business needs were ideally suited to this important work.

“Anastasia is already playing a leading role in shaping our thinking on AI and advanced analytics — including AI governance, practical use cases, and how we build scalable capability across the Guardians,” said Goodwin.

“Her appointment reflects the combination of technical ability and leadership qualities she brings to the team.”

MIL OSI

Wesley Methodist School Kuala Lumpur (International) Brought Together Youth from ASEAN, China and Russia Through the Universal Language of Poetry

MIL OSI — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 03:05:15 +0000

Source: Media Outreach

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 July 2026 – Wesley Methodist School Kuala Lumpur (International) successfully welcomed student delegates from Brunei Darussalam, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Russia and Thailand for the Sayembara Deklamasi Puisi Artistik Remaja ASEAN, China dan Rusia 2026.

Representatives from Brunei Darussalam, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Russia and Thailand gathered with distinguished guests, judges, and educators at the Sayembara Deklamasi Puisi Artistik Remaja ASEAN, China dan Rusia 2026, hosted by Wesley Methodist School Kuala Lumpur (International)

More than a literary competition, the event served as a platform for cultural diplomacy, youth engagement and international friendship, demonstrating how education and the arts can unite diverse communities through shared values and mutual understanding.

YB Tuan Yuneswaran Ramaraj, Deputy Minister of National Unity of Malaysia (right), received a commemorative token of appreciation from Madam Gan Swit Peng (left), Principal of Wesley Methodist School Kuala Lumpur (International), in recognition of his support and officiation of the Sayembara Deklamasi Puisi Artistik Remaja ASEAN, China dan Rusia 2026

Held under the theme “Universal Voice of Humanity”, the programme brought together young people from different cultures and backgrounds to share perspectives on peace, humanity, heritage and global citizenship through artistic poetry performances.

The event highlighted the growing importance of international collaboration in education and reinforced Malaysia’s position as a regional hub for educational excellence and cultural exchange. Through literature and performance, participants developed intercultural awareness, strengthened communication skills and forged meaningful connections across national boundaries.

Hosted and organised by Wesley Methodist School Kuala Lumpur (International), the gathering reflected the school’s commitment to preparing students for an increasingly interconnected world while fostering respect for diversity and cultural identity. The programme also provided opportunities for delegates, educators and cultural leaders to engage in dialogue and celebrate the richness of their respective traditions.

Distinguished guests, literary scholars and education leaders attended the event, underscoring the important role of schools and educational institutions in promoting people-to-people connections and international understanding.

The Sayembara Deklamasi Puisi Artistik Remaja ASEAN, China dan Rusia 2026 demonstrated that despite differences in language, nationality and culture, young people share common aspirations for peace, understanding and a better future. Through poetry, they showcased the enduring power of the human voice to build bridges across nations and inspire a more harmonious world.

https://kl.wms.edu.my/
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Hashtag: #MethodistCouncilofEducation

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

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Advances in AI Adoption and Data-Driven Capabilities Accelerate in the Philippines, but Talent Gaps Threaten Momentum, Aon Study Finds

MIL OSI — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 02:19:12 +0000

Source: Media Outreach

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 July 2026 – Aon plc (NYSE: AON), a leading global professional services firm, today released findings for the Philippines from its inaugural Human Capital Trends Study, highlighting a workforce at a key moment of change.

Organisations in the Philippines are accelerating the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and investing in data-driven capabilities, supported by strong participation in upskilling programmes. However, limited availability of AI talent, underdeveloped pay transparency practices and a widening gap between employee expectations and workplace experience continue to shape workforce outcomes.

AI Adoption Accelerates

According to the study, the Philippines is keeping pace with global AI adoption with 72 percent of organisations having already deployed AI or piloting programmes, signalling continued progress in how organisations are adopting and applying AI. This progress is supported by continued investment in workforce development, with 94 percent of organisations expecting AI to create new roles and reshape skill requirements.

However, only 17 percent of organisations say they can recruit and retain enough AI-skilled talent, highlighting a gap between AI ambition and workforce readiness.

“Organisations in the Philippines are taking meaningful steps to prepare their workforce for the future through AI adoption and skills investment,” said Rahul Chawla, partner and head of Talent Solutions in Southeast Asia for Aon. “As demand for talent continues to grow, organisations that align workforce planning, job architecture and pay strategies with AI adoption will be better positioned to translate innovation into growth.”

Data Maturity Provides a Foundation, but Gaps Remain

One of the clearest signals in the Philippines is the strength of workforce data, supported by benchmarking sources such as Aon’s Radford McLagan Database. More than half of organisations (53 percent) report high levels of HR data maturity, indicating a strong foundation for more informed workforce decisions.

This capability is not yet fully translating into workforce outcomes. Only 20 percent of organisations have a clearly defined and well-understood employee value proposition, limiting their ability to connect workforce insight with engagement and retention.

Employee Expectations and Benefits Gap

While organisations are confident in their people strategies, there is an opportunity to further strengthen alignment with employee experience. Seventy-seven percent of organisations believe their wellbeing strategies meet workforce needs, yet only 25 percent report strong and visible leadership commitment.

A similar shortfall is evident in benefits. While 71 percent of employees value customised benefits, only 9 percent report receiving them, highlighting an opportunity to better align employer offerings with employee expectations.

This imbalance extends to compensation practices. Pay transparency remains underdeveloped, with only 13 percent of organisations reporting mature practices, and 55 percent have not benchmarked compensation recently, which may influence their ability to compete effectively for talent as demand continues to grow.

“Organisations are making meaningful investments in benefits and employee experience, with an opportunity to further strengthen clarity, personalisation and communication,” said Cris Rosenthal, strategic advisory lead for Human Capital capabilities in the Philippines for Aon. “Closing the gap between employer intent and employee experience will require more integrated, data-driven and personalised approaches to health and benefits which will be key to improving engagement and workforce performance.”

Aligning Investment with Outcomes

The findings reflect continued progress in AI adoption, building workforce capability and data maturity. At the same time, rising employee expectations are placing greater pressure on organisations to translate these investments into measurable outcomes. Future growth will depend less on the pace of investment and more on the effectiveness of execution.

The findings highlight three priorities for organisations in the Philippines to succeed:

Converting strong data maturity into actionable workforce and talent strategies
Strengthening compensation transparency and benchmarking to compete for scarce skills
Aligning benefits design with employee experience through personalisation and clearer communication

As the Philippines continues to evolve as a key talent and services hub in Asia, aligning technology investment with workforce strategy will be key to sustaining growth and strengthening long-term competitiveness.

About the Report

Aon’s Human Capital Trends 2026 Study surveyed 2,361 business, HR and people leaders globally, including 504 respondents from APAC across markets including Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, the Philippines and Singapore. More information about the report is available here.

Hashtag: #Aon

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

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

SIM Academy Enhances Flexible Upskilling Pathways for Adult Learners and Working Parents

MIL OSI — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 01:33:02 +0000

Source: Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 July 2026 – SIM Academy today announced its continued commitment to supporting adult learners and working parents through flexible, industry-relevant upskilling pathways designed to meet the demands of modern work and life.

As workforce transformation accelerates, many adult learners face a common challenge: balancing professional responsibilities, caregiving commitments, and personal development. Recognising that time constraints remain a key barrier to learning, SIM Academy has developed a range of flexible programme formats that enable learners to upskill without disrupting their daily routines.

Short and focused pathways for working parents
Learning programmes with long course duration can be intimidating for busy adults. Working parents often prefer shorter and more manageable course modules. This is especially useful for parents who may only have short windows of time in the evenings, during lunch breaks, or over the weekend.

Instead of commuting to class every session, parents can learn from home and control their pace more easily. SIM Academy’s online courses are designed to support career mobility and future-proof skills. This is a practical option for learners who need both flexibility and relevance. When pathways are flexible, learners can choose the direction that best aligns with their current stage of life and career.

Supporting career progression across growth areas
SIM Academy’s learning pathways are structured to support progressive skill development across key industry domains. Learners can begin with foundational courses and advance to specialised areas aligned with their career goals.

For instance, individuals seeking to transition into digital roles can build core capabilities before moving into more advanced technical or applied programmes. Similarly, professionals aiming to strengthen leadership competencies can develop skills in communication, collaboration, and people management.

In response to the growing importance of sustainability, SIM Academy also offers programmes tailored for senior professionals, including C-suite leaders, senior management, and SME decision-makers. These courses focus on equipping leaders with the knowledge and tools to address climate-related risks, strengthen governance frameworks, and integrate sustainability into business strategy in line with evolving regulatory requirements.

Enabling Lifelong learning through flexible delivery

SIM Academy’s multi-modal delivery approach, spanning online, blended, and in-person formats, provides learners with the flexibility to pursue continuous education at their own pace. By offering industry-aligned programmes in areas such as leadership, innovation, sustainability, and essential workplace skills, SIM Academy empowers adult learners to remain competitive and future-ready.

As organisations continue to evolve, SIM Academy remains committed to enabling lifelong learning through accessible, practical and flexible education pathways that support both professional growth and personal responsibilities.

References

Catalyse Your Career Growth with SIM Academy: https://www.sim.edu.sg/professional-development/overview
Why Learn at SIM?https://www.sim.edu.sg/professional-development/why-sim-for-professional-development
Online short professional courses: https://www.sim.edu.sg/professional-development/courses/online-courses
Sustainability courses for C-suite Leaders: https://www.sim.edu.sg/professional-development/courses/sustainability-courses

https://www.sim.edu.sg/

Hashtag: #SIMAcademy #SIMA

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

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Yeebo Announces Annual Results for FY25/26 Consolidated Revenue Increased by 13.7% to Approximately HK$1,181 Million Profit Attributable to Owners Amounted to Approximately HK$1,951 Million

MIL OSI — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:33:08 +0000

Source: Media Outreach

AI Business on the Rise, Revenue Soared by Nearly 2.8 Times Fuelling Future Growth

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 July 2026 – Yeebo (International Holdings) Limited (“Yeebo” or the “Company”, stock code: 00259.HK, which together with its subsidiaries is referred to as the “Group”) announces its annual results for the year ended 31 March 2026 (the “Year”).

The Group recorded a consolidated revenue of approximately HK$1,181.0 million for the Year, representing a year-on-year increase of 13.7%. The Group’s product portfolio comprises Liquid Crystal Displays (“LCDs”), Liquid Crystal Display modules (“LCMs”), Thin Film Transistor modules (“TFTs”), Capacitive Touch Panel modules (“CTPs”) (collectively “Display Business”), as well as artificial intelligence (“AI”)-related products and AI computing services (collectively “AI Business”). During the year under review, revenue for Display Business increased by 2.6% to HK$1,021.7 million. Among which, the contribution of CTPs to the Group’s total revenue has become increasingly significant, reflecting the Group’s progress in expanding into higher value-added product segments. Meanwhile, the AI Business recorded strong growth, with revenue rising significantly by nearly 2.8 times to HK$159.3 million, emerging as a new growth driver. This rapid expansion highlighted the Group’s early success in developing this segment, which is expected to play an increasingly important role in supporting the Group’s long-term revenue and profitability.

For the year ended 31 March 2026, the Group achieved a gross profit of HK$125.9 million. The gross profit margin decreased slightly to 10.7%. This decline was mainly due to the high fixed costs associated with the AI Business. Profit attributable to owners of the Company surged to approximately HK$1,950.6 million, representing a decrease of HK$838.1 million as compared with that for the preceding year. This was primarily due to a non-recurring gain recorded in the preceding year from the disposal of the Group’s entire interests in Nantong Jianghai Capacitor Company Ltd. (“Nantong Jianghai”) (including the deemed disposal of the remaining 13.81% equity interests), which was a former associate of the Group. Basic earnings per share were HK212.7 cents. The board of directors (“Board”) has proposed to recommend the payment of a final dividend of HK5.0 cents per share for the Year.

Commenting on the annual results of the Group, Mr. Fang Yan Tak, Douglas, Chairman of Yeebo, said, “During the year under review, the global business environment remained challenging. Amid geopolitical tensions and macroeconomic uncertainties, Yeebo remained committed to prudent execution, strengthening operational resilience, and focusing on long-term value creation. On one hand, we continued to broaden the application base of our core display business and deepen customer relationships. On the other hand, we made encouraging progress in scaling up our AI business, advancing ecosystem development, and driving commercial deployment. During the Year, the Group continued to increase its investment in AI compute and related businesses, achieving notable results in building a more comprehensive domestic AI compute service platform in Mainland China. Benefiting from the rapid development of the domestic AI compute industry, our AI business delivered strong growth and has increasingly become a key engine driving the Group’s overall development.”

For the Display Business, Yeebo is encouraged by the meaningful progress made in broadening our product offering, reflecting stronger product development capability and deeper engagement with customers. During the Year, the Group successfully secured consistent or first mass production orders across four application segments, namely (i) commercial coffee machines, (ii) automotive, (iii) household appliances and (iv) agricultural and construction machinery, demonstrating the Group’s continued market expansion and laying a solid foundation for robust growth in Display Business going forward.

Regarding to the AI Compute and related business, Yeebo has operated its AI compute and related businesses through its wholly owned subsidiary, Suanova Technology Limited (“Suanova”) over the past few years, and has successfully established itself as a key participant in China’s AI industry value chain. Yeebo continued to step up its investment in AI compute and related businesses during the Year. Its investments into early-stage AI companies, including MetaX Integrated Circuits (Shanghai) Co Ltd (688802.SH), Shanghai Biren Technology Co Ltd (06082.HK) and Shanghai Xizhi Technology Co Ltd (01879.HK), have generated strong and favorable returns.

For the AI Business development, the Group expanded the number of domestic graphics processing unit (“GPU”) clusters operated or managed under the public cloud service model to five, with utilization generally maintained at above 90%. These compute resources supported a broad range of AI for Science (“AI4S”) applications as well as foundation model training and inferencing scenarios. It demonstrated the Group’s increasingly mature capabilities in multi-network architecture compatibility, multi-platform scheduling, layered compute optimization and diversified application deployment. At the same time, the Group began to engage in the integration and delivery of private cloud GPU clusters of different scales and commenced the development of full-stack end-to-end AI solutions, taking initial steps toward becoming a domestic compute service provider with broader and more comprehensive service capabilities.

Over the past year, users of domestic GPU clusters were primarily concentrated in the AI4S field. Through long-term collaboration with leading universities and research institutions (Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Fudan University, Tsinghua University, the Shanghai AI Laboratory, the Shanghai Institute for Advanced Algorithms, Zhejiang University, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Westlake University etc.), the Group established a strong base of core users for the domestic GPU clusters. The Group progressively expanded the usage of domestic GPU clusters to foundation models and vertical industry-specific models across both training and inferencing. Through investing in selected early-stage AI companies with differentiated core capabilities, the Group further promoted the adoption of domestic GPU clusters. In addition, the Group has also completed the first single domestic GPU cluster training task at the thousand-card scale, further strengthening its leading position in the industry.

The Group believes the long-term strategic importance of domestic compute capabilities remains compelling. Through equity investments, joint research and development and business collaboration, the Group has actively begun to build an integrated ecosystem. Leveraging the AI computing ecosystem, the Group has collaborated closely with various key domestic hardware and software partners to enhance mutual compatibility and achieve synergistic optimization. This further strengthens the Group’s capabilities in computing adaptation and scheduling optimization. Looking ahead, the Group will further accelerate the development of end-to-end domestic AI compute solutions for selected industries, including healthcare, financial services and AI4S, as well as model tools and extensions (such as low bit low resource training and memory OS). By combining relevant AI solutions with integrated domestic AI compute hardware and software, and offering flexible deployment through public cloud or private cloud models, we believe this business is increasingly well positioned to capture the opportunities arising from the continued development of AI.

The Group’s capacitor-related investment interests continued to contribute to the overall strength of the Group’s asset base during the Year. As at 31 March 2026, the Group held 100,600,932 shares in Nantong Jianghai, with a fair value of approximately HK$3.3 billion.

Mr. Fang Yan Tak, Douglas, Chairman of Yeebo, concluded, “Looking ahead, we will continue to refine our product portfolio, elevate production excellence, and optimize our customer structure to sustain our market position in the display market, while exploring new applications for our products across various sectors. We will continue to strengthen its strategic deployment in AI computing, and actively support Suanova in unlocking its technological innovation capabilities and platform potential. We believe that as AI applications continue to expand and deepen, computing power is gradually evolving into a core driving force behind a new wave of industrial upgrading. In the face of the historic opportunities brought by the AI wave, the Group will further intensify its investment in AI business, focusing on high-growth technology companies, and create synergies through collaboration to fully capture the development opportunities arising from the continued expansion of the AI computing market. We firmly believe that by upholding our commitment to technological innovation and continuously deepening ecosystem collaboration, we will sustain a leading position in the intelligent era and deliver long-term, sustainable value to the Group and its shareholders.”

Hashtag: #Yeebo

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

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.