Following a dramatic confinement trial with Joe Wicks MBE, psychiatrist warns that trying to forcibly suppress stress may fuel physical burnout

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 October 2026 – For millions of busy Hong Kong professionals, daily stress and anxiety are often internalised as personal weaknesses or frustrating obstacles to career performance. Following World Mental Health Day, Bupa Group’s new global health experiment video series, Health or Hype, challenges this perspective by exploring a counter-intuitive question: What if anxiety is not our enemy, but a biological signal meant to protect us?

The video series features British fitness coach and best-selling author Joe Wicks MBE taking part in a confinement challenge designed to trigger feelings of stress and anxiety. To demonstrate some of the ways acute anxiety can affect human physiology in real-time, Wicks took part in a monitored challenge inside a purpose-built, pitch-black wooden box. As the door was fastened shut, Wick experienced an immediate physical respond—his heart rate surged, his breathing turned rapid and shallow, and he described a knot and cramping sensation in his stomach.

Psychotherapist Owen O’Kane, who supported Wicks during the challenge, explained that these involuntary physical reactions are primal survival mechanisms. In modern high-pressure environments, however, individuals routinely fall into the trap of trying to suppress, numb, or mentally fight these uncomfortable sensations. O’Kane highlights that attempting to eradicate anxiety may paradoxically reinforce the brain’s perception of threat; instead, learning to acknowledge anxiety without judgment allows the mind to regain emotional equilibrium. In the episode, breathwork specialist Liza Al Sady guides Wicks and international rugby legend Ruby Tui through targeted nasal diaphragmatic breathing, demonstrating how extending exhalations directly stimulates the vagus nerve to calm the nervous system.

To help Hong Kong’s busy professionals find a realistic balance and navigate intense corporate pressure, Dr. Oliver Chan, Specialist in Psychiatry, shares his medical perspective on the brain’s stress response, “Many professionals in Hong Kong view anxiety as a personal failing, trying to force themselves to ‘stop worrying’ through sheer willpower. But from a brain-science perspective, during intense panic or acute anxiety, the brain’s threat-response system can temporarily overpower logical reasoning. Think of anxiety as your body’s internal smoke alarm. When you face enormous stress or overwhelming workloads, this alarm goes off, flooding your body with stress hormones that could impair the functioning of brain regions involved in attention, planning and rational decision-making. Your heart races, your breathing gets shallow, and your body enters survival mode.

The biggest mistake people make is trying to argue with the alarm. If you try to fight, ignore, or feel ashamed of the anxiety, your brain assumes the danger is escalating, making the alarm ring even louder and eventually leading to prolonged psychological distress and fatigue. Instead, we must learn to shut off the alarm physically before we can calm down mentally. Simple breathing techniques, specifically making your out-breath significantly longer than your in-breath, act as a physical brake pedal. It may help shift the body towards a calmer physiological state and reduce the intensity of the stress response. Treating anxiety not as an enemy, but as an internal alert system we can actively manage, is essential for long-term health in a high-pressure city like Hong Kong.”

Your 60-Second Desktop Reset: Calming the Nervous System
Instead of trying to fight or suppress the physical feelings of stress, try this simple, clinically backed reset to soothe your nervous system during your workday:

• Unclench and Ground: Place both feet flat on the floor, drop your shoulders away from your ears, and consciously unclamp your jaw.
• Nasal Diaphragmatic Breath: Inhale slowly through your nose for a count of 3, allowing your abdomen to expand rather than your chest.
• Extended Exhale: Slowly exhale through your nose for a count of 5 or 6. Making the exhale visibly longer than the inhale increases parasympathetic activity and may naturally modulate your heart rate

Caring for mental wellbeing is not about eliminating stress entirely. By recognising anxiety as a natural signal and learning simple tools to reset our nervous system, every Hong Kong professional can cultivate sustainable resilience.

Watch the full episode and see Joe Wicks take part in the confinement challenge on YouTube: What if anxiety isn’t the enemy? Joe Wicks finds out – Health or Hype Episode 5: Anxiety – YouTube

Hashtag: #BupaHongKong #HealthorHype #HealthInsurance #HealthTips #StressManagement #WorkplaceHealth #EmployeeWellbeing #BurnoutPrevention

Bupa – A health insurance specialist

Source: Equinor ASA

14 October 2026 08:15 (CEST)

The Oseberg Sør platform in the North Sea. Photo: IKM / ©Equinor

Equinor and its partners Petoro and TotalEnergies have made an oil and gas discovery in exploration well 30/8-7 S Grimsnes near the Oseberg field. The partnership is planning a fast and cost-effective development.

The well was drilled in production licence PL 190 by the rig Deepsea Bergen and has proven hydrocarbons. The preliminary volume estimate is between 19 and 50 million barrels of recoverable oil equivalent (3-8 million Sm3). The exploration well is located around 15 kilometres south-west of the Oseberg Sør platform and 145 kilometres west of Bergen.

“This confirms that the area around the Oseberg field remains very attractive. We plan to quickly tie the discovery back to existing subsea facilities and produce the volumes through the Oseberg Sør platform. By making use of already paid for infrastructure we achieve good resource utilisation and competitive barrels”, says Frode Skarstein, senior vice president for Exploration and Production West in Equinor.

Norwegian oil and gas are essential to European energy security. Norway covers 20% of Europe’s oil needs and 30% of its gas needs, but production from existing fields is declining as they mature.

Maintaining high activity levels and reliable energy supplies to Europe will require continued exploration and development of marginal discoveries near existing infrastructure. Towards 2035, Equinor plans to drill 200 near-field exploration wells and deliver around 75 subsea developments.

Wellsite geologists Johanne Schøning Poulsen and Imoleayo Fashagba, with project leader well planning Ophelie Pilet in the centre. Photo: John Jackson / ©Equinor.

“To bring these discoveries on stream, we must radically change how we plan and develop subsea projects. Our aim is to halve both costs and the time from discovery to production through simpler and faster processes, more standardisation, repeatable solutions and more extensive use of industry standards. We expect the partnership to make an investment decision for Grimsnes as early as next summer, with production within three years,” says Gunnar Nakken”, senior vice president for projects and subsea on the Norwegian continental shelf.

Faster execution also means that development concepts to a greater extent will be planned prior to exploration drilling. Grimsnes will most likely be developed with two or three wells in a standard four-slot template. The discovery will now be matured rapidly towards a decision to continue, and procurement of subsea production equipment is planned early next year, well before the project has been sanctioned. Because the equipment is standardised, it can be redeployed elsewhere if a project is not sanctioned by the partnership or approved by the authorities.

Equinor’s ambition is to maintain production of 1.3 million barrels of oil equivalent per day on the Norwegian continental shelf in 2035. Around 70% of this will come from new wells and developments.

Exploration well 30/8-7 S Grimsnes

• Equinor Energy AS is the operator of the production licence, with a 50% ownership interest. The partners are Petoro AS (40%) and TotalEnergies EP Norge AS (10%). It was awarded in 1993 and contains the Tune field, which came on stream in 2002.
• The Grimsnes discovery is located around 20 km south of Tune, in the far south of PL 190. The water depth is 96 metres.

Oseberg Sør

• The Oseberg Sør platform in the North Sea came on stream in 2000.
• The Oseberg Sør field, which consists of several structures south of the Oseberg field, has been developed with an integrated drilling, accommodation and production platform with a steel jacket.
• The J, K and Stjerne subsea installations are tied back to the Oseberg Sør platform. Grimsnes is planned to be tied back to the Stjerne subsea installation.
• The oil is transported via the Oseberg Field Centre and the Oseberg Transport System to the Sture terminal.

Related links

Find out more about Oseberg: https://www.equinor.com/energy/oseberg

Official release: https://www.equinor.com/news/20261014-oil-gas-discovery-oseberg

The Malaysian ammolite and meteorite jewellery brand brings rare natural materials to two new retail destinations

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 October 2026 – Kaimirra, the Malaysian jewellery brand known for ammolite and meteorite, has opened a boutique at Pavilion Damansara Heights and a kiosk at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur. The openings give more customers access to its ammolite, meteorite and gemstone jewellery, and a chance to see these rare materials up close before purchase.

The Pavilion Damansara Heights boutique held its grand opening on 9 October 2026 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and lion dance. The kiosk brings the brand to Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur’s main shopping district.

Founded in 2021
Nelson Foo and Joshua Tan founded Kaimirra in 2021 out of a shared fascination with extraordinary natural materials. Ammolite’s vivid colours and meteorite’s journey from space drew them in, and they set out to introduce both to a wider audience through contemporary jewellery.

Their belief is simple: rare materials deserve to be worn proudly. Kaimirra gives these discoveries a place beyond private collections and display cabinets.

“Ammolite and meteorite are older than anything else you will ever wear, and no two stones are alike,” said Nelson Foo, co-founder of Kaimirra. “We wanted people to see them properly, hold them and choose a piece that feels like theirs.”

“Watching ammolite shift colour under the lights is what wins people over,” said Joshua Tan, co-founder. “That is why we wanted to give it a proper space.”

Ammolite and the colours of ancient life
Ammolite is a rare organic gemstone formed from the iridescent shells of fossilised ammonites. These marine creatures died out in the mass extinction that ended the Cretaceous Period 66 million years ago, alongside the non-avian dinosaurs. Gem-quality ammolite is commercially mined in southwestern Alberta, Canada, where Kaimirra sources its stones directly from miners.

Microscopic layers in the shell interact with light to produce colours that shift with movement and viewing angle. Each stone has its own combination of colours and patterns, so even pieces in the same design look different. For the wearer, that means jewellery no one else has.

Meteorite and a connection to space
Meteorites are fragments of extraterrestrial rock or metal that survive their passage through Earth’s atmosphere. Most originate from asteroids, while some come from the Moon or Mars. Their unusual textures and origins offer a tangible connection to space through jewellery.

Kaimirra’s collection includes Muonionalusta from Sweden, Aletai from China, Sericho pallasite from Kenya and lunar meteorite. Muonionalusta reveals fine, interlocking Widmanstätten patterns (crystal structures that appear when the metal is etched), while Aletai displays broader ones. Sericho pallasite contains olivine crystals within an iron-nickel matrix, and lunar meteorite carries the rocky texture of material from the Moon.

These textures appeal to customers drawn to astronomy, natural patterns and unconventional materials. Each piece in Kaimirra’s meteorite collection comes with a certificate stating its material type and origin.

Discovering the collections in person
The Pavilion Damansara Heights boutique features deep navy interiors, museum-style displays and a mini gallery of meteorites and ammonite fossils. Customers can examine the materials closely and see how ammolite’s colours respond to light.

Across both locations, Kaimirra pairs contemporary design with guidance on material origins, individual characteristics and jewellery care, helping customers choose pieces that reflect their interests and taste.

Visit Kaimirra
Boutique: Lot 3.14.00, Level 3, Pavilion Damansara Heights, Jalan Damanlela, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur.Kiosk: Lot P4.20.00, Level 4, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, 168 Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur.
Website: www.kaimirra.com | Instagram: @kaimirra_official

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About Kaimirra

From Italy’s Vineyard Precision to Sun-Enriched French Marine Aquaculture, EU-Certified Delicacies Showcase European Excellence with Climatic Adaptability and Natural Resilience

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 October 2026 – European culinary heritage enters a refined chapter in Hong Kong as Franciacorta PDO sparkling wines from Northern Italy and Marennes Oléron PGI oysters from Southwestern France unite for a prestigious campaign. Under the recurring motif of “European Elegance for Any Moment,” this joint initiative brings two of Europe’s most revered regional delicacies to Hong Kong’s discerning epicures and fine-dining establishments in time for the upcoming seasonal celebrations.

Underpinning this collaborative arrival is the European Union’s quality certification system established in 1992, comprising Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) labels. These certifications guarantee that every step of production adheres to strict, time-honored specifications, preserving authentic territorial identity, sustainable practices, and uncompromised excellence. Hong Kong gourmets can now discover these exceptional products through leading local food and wine purveyors across the city.

Franciacorta PDO: Adaptable Viticulture & The Art of Bottle Ageing

As the 2026 vintage unfolds, the Franciacorta appellation in Lombardy has demonstrated extraordinary viticultural agility and human expertise in response to evolving weather patterns. Following a warm spring and high summer temperatures across the rolling glacial hills of Brescia, local winegrowers initiated harvesting on July 30 in the Montorfano area, marking the earliest start in the appellation’s history. This proactive strategy allowed wineries to pick grapes at optimal balance, preserving the vibrant acidity and aromatic purity essential for traditional-method sparkling wines.

Spanning more than 3,500 hectares and 120 wineries, Franciacorta’s terroir, influenced by cooling alpine breezes from Lake Iseo, is cultivated primarily with Chardonnay, Pinot Nero, and Pinot Bianco, alongside the indigenous, late-ripening Erbamat varietal, which is also included among the permitted varieties for the denomination, bestowing extra structural depth and freshness to the wines. The appellation’s disciplined winemaking rules dictate extended secondary fermentation in the bottle, expressed through a spectrum of distinct typologies:

• Franciacorta

Crafted primarily from Chardonnay and/or Pinot Nero, with Pinot Bianco permitted up to 50% and Erbamat up to 10%. Aged on the lees for a minimum of 18 months under 5 to 6 atmospheres of pressure, delivering savoury, zesty notes of freshly baked bread and yeast, citrus, and dried fruits across dosage categories from bone-dry Pas Dosé to Demi-Sec.

• Franciacorta Satèn

Crafted exclusively from white grapes (Chardonnay with Pinot Bianco up to 50%) and bottled at a lower pressure of maximum 5 atmospheres, yielding an ultra-fine, silky, and creamy Brut profile aged on the lees for at least 24 months.

• Franciacorta Rosé

Formulated with at least 35% Pinot Nero fermented on the skins, blended with Chardonnay and/or Pinot Bianco, and aged for a minimum of 24 months, it exhibits a full-bodied structure with pronounced aromas of wild strawberry, rose, and toasted notes, finishing clean and zesty. It is produced across all dosage categories, from Pas Dosé to Demi-Sec.

• Franciacorta Millesimato

Produced only in exceptional years, this single-vintage expression requires at least 85% of the wine to originate from the stated vintage. Aged on the lees for a minimum of 30 months, its complex profile directly mirrors the distinct weather patterns and grape quality of that specific harvest. It is crafted across various dosage categories, ranging from Pas Dosé to Extra Dry, except for Satèn Millesimato, which is produced exclusively as Brut.

• Franciacorta Riserva

Representing the highest expression of single-vintage quality, Riserva wines undergo extended ageing on the lees for a minimum of 60 months. This prolonged bottle maturation imparts exceptionally complex and evolved aromas and flavours. It is crafted in Pas Dosé, Extra Brut, and Brut categories, with Satèn Riserva produced exclusively as Brut.

Marennes Oléron PGI Oysters: Sun-Nourished Excellence& Controlled Maturation

In parallel, Marennes Oléron oyster producers along France’s Atlantic coast in Charente-Maritime report a high-quality season, backed by the natural marine resilience and responsible, cycle-based aquaculture. As an ancient marine species that has adapted to shifting ocean environments over hundreds of millions of years, oysters naturally adjust to environmental changes. Operating under strict cahier des charges (production specifications), local growers practice a philosophy of restraint—using no artificial feeding or chemical treatments—while voluntarily halting summer harvesting between June and August to respect natural reproductive cycles.

This seasonal pause, combined with high levels of summer sunshine in 2026, generated an abundance of natural microalgae across the 3,000 hectares of shallow clay ponds known as claires. As harvesting resumes for the traditional claires finishing process, these sun-nourished conditions produce notably plump, firm, and flavorful oysters. The resulting portfolio offers nuanced marine profiles tailored for every seafood connoisseur:

• Fine de Claire

Light, elegant, and less fleshy, beloved for the subtle freshness of its marine profile.

• Fine de Claire Verte

Famous for its signature green-gilled hue, offering a unique vegetal nuance from naturally occurring blue microalgae in the ponds.

• Spéciale de Claire

Plump, firm, and visibly meatier, exhibiting a balance between natural sweetness and ocean saltiness.

• Pousse en Claire

The benchmark quality of the basin, cultivated for at least four months at low density in the ponds, allows each oyster extended feeding time to achieve a firm, luxurious mouthfeel filled with briny, nutty, vegetal, and mineral complexity.

Gastronomic Synergy: From Raw Bar to Contemporary Culinary Art

When paired, Franciacorta PDO wines and Marennes Oléron PGI oysters establish a harmony of umami, salinity, and effervescence. The fine bubbles and crisp acidity of crafted Franciacorta wines act as a palate cleanser, balancing the creamy texture and natural brine of fresh oysters. Served raw at ideal temperatures, between 6°C and 10°C for the sparkling wines and 5°C to 15°C for the oysters, the duo offers a sophisticated tasting experience.

The Festive Tasting Menu: A Four-Act Harmony

A curated gastronomic journey celebrating the dialogue between Italian effervescence and French ocean terroir.

Act I: The Crisp Ocean Prelude

• The Shell: Fine de Claire (light, elegant, and gracefully restrained with a delicate marine salinity)
• The Pour: Franciacorta Brut or Satèn
• The Synergy: Vibrant effervescence complements the oyster’s gentle brine, accentuating its subtle creaminess and leaving a refreshed, clean palate.

Act II: Herbal Marine & Floral Elegance

• The Shell: Fine de Claire Verte (famous for its natural green gills and subtle, herbal-vegetal notes)
• The Pour: Franciacorta Satèn or Brut Millesimato
• The Synergy: The silky, rounded texture of white-grape sparkling wine with nuances of toasted nuts and delicate florals echoes the oyster’s unique herbal complexity.

Act III: Satisfying Meatiness & Zesty Balance

• The Shell: Spéciale de Claire (plump and meatier with a balance of sweetness and ocean salt)
• The Pour: Franciacorta Brut
• The Synergy: The wine’s bright, zesty acidity and structure balance the oyster’s richer, satisfying mouthfeel.

Act IV: The High-Gastronomy Highlight

• The Shell: Pousse en Claire (slow-matured in the claires for intense, multi-layered depth)
• The Pour: Franciacorta Pas Dosé
• The Synergy: Bone-dry, mineral-driven purity meets concentrated umami, nutty richness, and deep marine complexity.

Landing in Hong Kong in time for memorable festive celebrations, Franciacorta PDO wines are now accessible at Watson’s Wine, Enoteca, and Wine Paradise. Meanwhile, Marennes Oléron PGI oysters are available for direct delivery through fine food partners, including Bon-Eat-O, Cheese Club, JFood, and Seafood Society.

Hashtag: #FranciacortaPDOWines #EUAgriPromo #MarennesOléronPGIoysters #EnjoyitsfromEurope #EnjoyREsponsibly

UAF registration strengthens compliance footing in Latin America

SANTIAGO, CHILE – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 October 2026 – XTransfer, a leading global B2B cross-border trade payment platform, announced that XTransfer Chile SpA has completed registration with Chile’s Unidad de Análisis Financiero (UAF), marking a key milestone in its Latin America expansion.

The registration strengthens XTransfer’s local compliance foundation in Chile and supports its ability to provide cross-border payment solutions to businesses in the market. XTransfer specialises in serving SMEs engaged in international trade, helping them simplify international collections and payments while navigating cross-border trade and compliance requirements.

China–Chile Trade Growth Fuels Demand for Cross-border Payments
The China–Chile Free Trade Agreement was the first bilateral free trade agreement signed between China and a Latin American country, coming into effect in 2006. Bilateral trade between China and Chile grew from over US$7 billion in 2005 to US$66.905 billion in 2025, with China remaining Chile’s largest trading partner for many consecutive years, according to China Customs data. According to XTransfer data, payment collections from Latin America rose 94% year-on-year in 2025, with collections from Chile increasing by 79%, reflecting the deepening trade ties between the two countries.

Solving the Export Payment Bottleneck
However, many exporters still face the bottleneck of “easy to export, hard to get paid”. Latin American buyers often prefer paying in local currencies, while exporters may lack suitable collection channels. USD settlement can add FX costs and cross-border fees, and post-payment steps, including conversion, settlement, and repatriation, can slow cash flow and affect fulfilment. Businesses therefore need a full-chain solution covering pay, collect, settle, and repatriate.

To address this, XTransfer leverages its global local collection network and partnerships with licensed financial institutions to provide eligible companies with local-currency collection accounts in key Latin American markets including Chile, Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Argentina and Peru, supporting currencies such as Chilean Peso, Brazilian Real and Mexican Peso. Buyers can pay from local bank accounts via local clearing, while exporters can convert and settle into RMB through XTransfer, accelerating fund return and improving cash utilisation.

“Completing our UAF registration is a key milestone in our Latin America expansion,” said Violas Xiao, Singapore and LatAm CEO of XTransfer. “XTransfer will continue to invest in regulated markets and strengthen its payment infrastructure to support SMEs participating in cross-border commerce,” she added.
https://www.xtransfer.com
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Hashtag: #XTransfer #Chile #LatAm #Crossborder #Payment #EmgergingMarkets

XTransfer

Hand-painted works of stillness and quiet dignity presented at Ca’ Foscari Esposizioni during the 61st Venice Biennale

VENICE, ITALY – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 October 2026 – Renowned Beijing-born painter, educator, and Vice President of the Li Keran Academy of Painting, Li Xiaogang (b. 1958), is featured in the research exhibition “Metamorphosis: Beyond the Real – Searching for Victoria Lu. When Humans and AI Think Together, the Story Begins.” Held at Ca’ Foscari Esposizioni (Dorsoduro 3246) during the 61st Venice Art Biennale, the exhibition—curated by Chief Curator Angelo Maggi alongside co-curators Fei Jun, Fu Sen, and Chuang Cheng-chi—examines the life of critic and curator Victoria Lu while exploring authorship, memory, and subjectivity in the age of artificial intelligence.

Presented his works (viewable at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSy-HJuSXYc) within a tech-driven narrative space, Li infuses his paintings with patience, quiet dignity, and human touch. Built slowly by hand, layer upon layer, his textured tempera surfaces bring portraits, still lifes, and rural scenes into a calm, timeless presence. His artistic outlook synthesizes the aesthetic of mono no aware—a nuanced awareness of impermanence—with the influences of Piero della Francesca, Andrew Wyeth, and Balthus.

Reflecting on the exhibition’s focus on artificial intelligence, Li emphasizes that human emotion and tactile presence remain irreplaceable. While AI thrives on rapid generation, tempera demands deliberate slowness, creating a compelling contrast that reaffirms the value of craftsmanship.

For Li, participating in the exhibition is a return to the historical origins of his medium. Having studied Renaissance tempera and fresco in Italy in 1992 following postgraduate studies in Japan under tempera master Ritsuo Maeda, Li continues his lifelong mission to bring Chinese tempera practice to global audiences. “Art ultimately confronts the universal human condition. Beyond regional labels or historical techniques, I hope global audiences experience how tempera—an ancient Western medium—can be reimagined through an Eastern lens to express a shared human experience of time, memory, and emotion.”— Li Xiaogang

To discover more about Li Xiaogang’s artistic journey and view his extended collection of works, visit https://atelierxg.com/li-xiaogang.

Hashtag: #LiXiaogang #AtelierXG #VeniceBiennale

About Atelier XG

Building on its basketball partnerships announced in March, Sprite unites three-time MVP and NBA Champion Nikola Jokić with Olympic Gold Medalist and NBA superstar Anthony Edwards to lead a global movement celebrating the continuous evolution of basketball culture.

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 October 2026 – Today, Sprite officially unveils its new global platform, “Never Stop Refreshing the Game,” with the addition of three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokić to its global basketball athlete roster alongside superstar Anthony Edwards.

Sprite is doubling down on its basketball legacy on a global stage. Earlier this year, Sprite announced its return as the NBA’s Official Global Soft Drink.

For decades, Sprite has sat at the intersection of sport, fashion, music, and culture. Since first partnering with the NBA in 1986, Sprite has remained a constant presence in basketball culture, connecting with generations of players and fans through iconic campaigns, unforgettable moments, and partnerships that reflect the sport’s evolution. From neighborhood courts to the game’s biggest stages, Sprite has continued to show up wherever basketball culture moves next.

“Sprite has a history of championing the athletes, creators and communities that shape basketball culture,” said Oana Vlad, Global Brand Vice President of Sprite. “‘Never Stop Refreshing the Game’ is about finding new ways to refresh the game for fans, from the unmistakable refreshment Sprite brings on and off the court to the experiences, stories and moments that make basketball culture so powerful. By spotlighting original voices and game changers, delivering fresh entertainment, and giving fans access to experiences they might not otherwise have, we’re committed to helping move the game forward. Nikola and Ant represent that spirit perfectly.”

Two Icons with the Drive to Keep Refreshing the Game

To ignite its next era in basketball, Sprite is bringing together two of the game’s most dynamic forces. While Nikola Jokić and Anthony Edwards represent distinct paths to greatness, they share a singular instinct: a refusal to settle and a relentless drive to evolve the sport.

• Nikola Jokić, freshly named the #1 player for the 2026–27 NBA season in ESPN’s NBA Rank for the third consecutive year*, brings masterclass precision, an unselfish high-IQ playstyle, and massive international reach that bridges fans from North America to Europe and beyond.
• Anthony Edwards, Olympic gold medalist and four-time NBA All Star, brings explosive athleticism, clutch shot-making, and an electric charisma that has made him the undeniable face of basketball’s next generation.

“Basketball brings people around the world together,” said three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokić. “Sprite has been part of the story for decades and I’m excited to partner with them to continue bringing the game to the next generation.”

Anthony Edwardsadds: “From Anta Claus to Obey Your Thirst, Sprite’s been cooking up some of the best campaigns that will live on forever. ‘Never Stop Refreshing the Game’ is no different, reminding every player out there to give it their all and stay true to who they are every time they step on the court.”

These game-changers will star in Sprite’s global campaign. The campaign will roll out worldwide starting now and into 2027. Across the ASEAN & South Pacific region, the platform will reach fans across passionate basketball hubs including the Philippines, Australia, and New Zealand– nations where basketball culture is deeply rooted in everyday life. Over the coming months, fans can expect upcoming global spots starring both Jokić and Edwards.

Bringing Fans Closer to the Game

Off the screen, fans can grab limited-edition NBA and signature Anthony Edwards and Nikola Jokić cans with scannable QR codes that unlock prizes like VIP courtside tickets, official Wilson game balls, and exclusive gear through interactive digital games. In communities worldwide, Sprite is leveling up local hoop culture by restoring neighborhood courts with vibrant “Hoops of Refreshment” murals and bringing live experiences to major events. Plus, fans can bring the energy home with NBA 2K in-game power-ups and special game-day food delivery deals.

Growing Wherever the Game Goes

By expanding its footprint across the NBA Global Games, Sprite is meeting fans where the sport is being redefined. Through immersive experiences and exclusive promotions, the brand will bring fans closer to the game, including at the NBA Mexico City Game 2026, when Nikola Jokić and the Denver Nuggets face the Indiana Pacers, as well as the NBA Manchester and Paris Games in early 2027.

The game is changing, and Sprite is leading the play.

Watch the first campaign film here Jokes Aside. For more information, follow @Sprite on social media.

Hashtag: #Sprite

About The Coca Cola Company

Over the past decade, fischer has contributed to significant projects across Malaysia, spanning a broad spectrum of sectors, including Infrastructure & Institutional Facilities, Commercial & Residential Developments, Hotels & Hospitality, Healthcare, Industrial & Manufacturing and Data Centres.

The establishment of fischer Malaysia marks the Group’s 53rd operating subsidiary worldwide and its third operating subsidiary in Southeast Asia, further reinforcing fischer’s growing presence across Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines. This strategic expansion reflects fischer’s long-term commitment to Southeast Asia and strengthens its ability to deliver globally proven expertise, innovative solutions, and market-relevant support tailored to the needs of customers across the region.

Allen Heng, Country Manager of fischer Malaysia commented: “The opening of Malaysia Subsidiary marks an important milestone in our growth journey, strengthening our presence and enabling us to better serve our customers and partners while creating new opportunities for sustainable growth in the market.”

Company Information
Fischer Systems Malaysia Sdn Bhd
Address: D-5-03 Block D, Oasis Square, 2, Jalan PJU 1A/7, Ara Damansara, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Phone: +6017-370 0118
Email: inquiry@fischer.my
Website: https://www.fischer.sg/en-sg/southeast-asia/malaysia
Website Southeast Asia: https://www.fischer.sg/en-sg

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Hashtag: #fischer #fischerMalaysia #BusinessExpansion #ASEANExpansion #MalaysiaBusiness #ConstructionIndustry #StructuralEngineering #BuildingMaterials #DfMA #Prefabrication

About Fischer Systems Malaysia Sdn Bhd

Showcasing Smart Lighting, Innovative Display Technologies and Outdoor Lighting Solutions that Shape the Future of Smart and Sustainable Lighting

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 October 2026 – Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the 28^th Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition) and the 11^th Hong Kong International Outdoor and Tech Light Expo will be held in late October. The Autumn Lighting Fair will take place at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) from 27 to 30 October, while the Outdoor and Tech Light Expo will be held at AsiaWorld-Expo from 26 to 29 October.

Renowned as two of the world’s premier lighting trade fairs, this year’s twin lighting fairs will be held under the theme “Beyond Illumination“. Bringing together some 3,000 exhibitors from more than 20 countries and regions, the fairs will showcase a diverse range of innovative lighting products and solutions that blend smart connectivity, healthy living, immersive spatial experiences and sustainability.

Register for FREE buyer badge: https://tinyurl.com/4hfpupfe

Share your bright moments at the twin Autumn Lighting Fairs with #HKLIGHTINGFAIR and @HKTDCLIFESTYLE, and capture your shot at the AI immersive photo experience next to booth GH-D02, Hall of Connected Lighting.

Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition) – HKCEC
A highlight zone of the Autumn Lighting Fair, the Hall of Connected Lighting makes a return this year with a line-up of some 70 leading global brands, including local brands Dimon and Viliya; Inventronics and TUYA from Chinese Mainland, as well as international names such as Viso Systems from Denmark; Casambi from Finland; and Signify from the Netherlands, etc. The zone will also feature global major industry alliances, including the Connectivity Standards Alliance, the DALI Alliance, the SILA-EMN Alliance and the Zhaga Consortium, alongside KNX, the global standard for smart building and home automation, which will make its debut at the fair.

Exhibitors will showcase an array of award-winning designs, design aesthetics and lighting solutions featured in landmark projects. Combined with diverse themed scenarios and immersive lighting installations, visitors will gain first-hand experience of the latest smart lighting products and solutions.

Leading lighting brand Signify will collaborate with the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team to present a racing simulator experience that extends the excitement of motorsport beyond the screen into a physical environment through innovative lighting technologies. Two professional racing simulators will allow visitors to experience the thrill of high-speed driving and sharp cornering in a highly immersive setting. Also, Philips Sky professional lighting solutions will be showcased, featuring the light formula, VitaUp and BioUp technologies. VitaUp uses low-dose UVB light to mimic natural sunlight and support natural vitamin D production, while BioUp adjusts lighting to the body’s circadian rhythm, delivering a healthier and more comfortable indoor lighting experience.

Expanding the event’s product scope, the Autumn Lighting Fair will launch the new LED Display Solution Zone to foster the development of a commercial LED display ecosystem. The zone will feature LED video walls, commercial displays, transparent and flexible LED panels, immersive audio-visual systems and integrated display solutions, covering applications ranging from retail environments and corporate presentations to exhibitions, virtual production and major commercial projects.

First-time exhibitor Ledman Hong Kong will present the QS Series IceScreen LED Display, which was deployed at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games. Featuring large-scale 8K display technology, the solution delivers highly realistic and impactful visual experiences. The company will also introduce the LEDHUB Smart Conference Solution, which integrates large-format display, video conferencing and collaboration functions into a single platform. Winner of the 2025 TITAN Innovation Awards Gold Award, the solution has been adopted by leading institutions including The University of Hong Kong, the University of Warwick and Fudan University.

Another fair spotlight, the Hall of Aurora, will feature some 500 renowned brands, presenting lighting fixtures and products that blend creativity, design aesthetics, and superior craftsmanship. Exhibitors include local pioneers Prosperity Group and Profiled Group, major players from Chinese Mainland such as Eaglerise, FSL, LEEDARSON and OPPLE, as well as international brands like Lival from Finland, Cupower from Germany, and Beghelli from Italy.

Hong Kong exhibitor Sunricher will present the award-winning Desktop Wizard, a portable smart home controller that offers a flexible and space-saving alternative to conventional remote controls and fixed wall switches. Featuring modular buttons and multiple control modes, it delivers an intuitive, user-friendly experience tailored to diverse needs. The product has earned international recognition, including the Red Dot Design Award, iF Design Award and German Design Award.

Another highlighted zone, the Residential Lighting, will showcase an array of functional and decorative household lighting products. Chinese Mainland exhibitor Yndlux Lighting will display its self-developed 5272 modular linear light, combining a flexible modular design and intelligent controls to meet diverse lighting and interior design needs.

Other zones include:

• The Commercial Lighting zone will showcase a wide range of commercial lighting products designed to meet the diverse needs of buyers across various industries, addressing the distinct lighting needs of retail, office, and other commercial spaces;
• The LED Essentials zone will feature a diverse collection of lighting accessories and components;
• The LED Lighting zone will display a diverse range of LED light sources, including LED tube, panel light, bulb etc., providing the fundamentals for energy-efficient solutions;
• The Testing, Certification & Inspection zone with companies providing professional light quality testing and certification services;
• The Trade Service & Publications zone with companies offering market intelligence, industry publications, as well as business support services for the lighting industry.

Hong Kong International Outdoor and Tech Light Expo– Hall 6, 8 @AsiaWorld-Expo)
The Hong Kong International Outdoor and Tech Light Expo will be held from 26 to 29 October at AsiaWorld-Expo, showcasing a comprehensive range of outdoor, commercial and industrial lighting products and solutions to drive smart city development. The expo will feature three thematic zones, including: the Smart Pole and Solution zone will showcase technologies and integrated solutions to optimise energy efficiency, improve urban management and elevate the quality of life for city residents; the Landscape and Architectural Lighting zone will present advanced lighting solutions that enrich urban ambience while enhancing safety, functionality and aesthetic appeal across public and commercial spaces; the Outdoor, Industrial and Technical Lighting zone will feature a wide spectrum of professional-grade lighting products designed for outdoor environments, industrial applications and technical settings such as warehouses, factories and infrastructure projects.

The expo will present newly introduced photovoltaic (PV) and energy storage solutions to help cities enhance energy efficiency, alongside lighting applications for smart city development, industrial environments, professional settings, landscape projects and architectural illumination. Among the highlights, Lansine Intelligent (Zhongshan) will present t he LX‑LC01 energy storage power station and foldable solar panel series, providing green power solutions specially designed for off‑grid applications, outdoor camping, emergency backup power, as well as small‑scale and residential energy storage.

A Rich Programme to Stay Ahead of Innovative High-End Design and the Latest Market Trends
The twin lighting fairs will collaborate with prestigious international lighting organisations to feature a series of thematic seminars, product launches and networking events. The Innovative Lighting Design Forum will take place on 27 October at the HKCEC under the theme “Treasures of Light: Artistic Brilliance Beyond Exhibitions“. Award-winning lighting designers renowned for their work on museums, exhibitions and art galleries will share the latest market trends through case studies. Featured speakers include Dr Yan Liu, Design Director, China at AT Design & Consulting Co. Ltd., who has contributed to the lighting design of the Louvre Museum in Paris and the Palace Museum in Beijing; Adam Meredith, Lighting Designer at MEGS Lighting from Australia, who led the lighting design projects for the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and M+ in Hong Kong; and Omar Elkerm, Lighting Design Manager (Africa) at Signify, who led the lighting design for several major pyramid illumination projects in Egypt.

Following this forum is “Award-Winning Illumination: Highlights from the IES Illumination Awards“, a new event co-organised with the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES). Winners of one of the industry’s highest honours—the “IES Illumination Awards”—will analyse the artistic and technological developments in different lighting design categories. Featured speakers include Hiroyasu Shoji, Representative and Lighting Designer at Lightdesign Inc., who led the lighting design for the Grand Ring at Expo 2025 Osaka, and Kelly Jones, Principal at Lighting Design Alliance, a Salas O’Brien Company, whose portfolio includes numerous projects for Disney and Universal Studios.

Another debut event, “Circularity in Lighting Design“, will be co-organised with Women in Lighting (WIL) on 28 October. Influential female designers, including Sophie O’Rourke, Principal Lighting Designer at AECOM and Co-Founding Member of the Green Light Alliance, who is working on the ongoing Gilston Park Estate project, a new mixed-use community ; Pavlina Akritas, Founder of Akritas Lighting Design, known for her work on lighting projects for some of the world’s most prestigious luxury brands; Yah Li Toh, Founder and Principal of Light Collab, who designed the lighting for the Singapore Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai; Jinkie de Jesus, Founder of Light Plan Inc., who led the lighting design of Mactan-Cebu International Airport and some of Manila’s most prestigious hotels; and Kael Gillam, Principal Lighting Designer at Buro Happold, who designed the lighting f or Bromley Old Town Hall, will discuss relevant topics in detail.

Another key event, the Connected Lighting Forum, co-organised with the Shanghai Pudong Intelligent Lighting Association (SILA), will be held under the theme “Healing Light for the Future: Illuminating Emotional Well-being“, exploring the development of intelligent and human-centric lighting technologies for psychological wellness and sharing case studies on light healing and therapy.

In addition, numerous exhibitor and buyer activities will be held at AsiaWorld-Expo, including a seminar titled “Smart Tech Integration in Outdoor Lighting” on 27 October, which will bring together experts from the Alliance of Smart Pole Industry and another industry organisation to examine how AI is driving the next generation of smart pole applications.

Providing Buyers with a Seamless Sourcing Journey
The events will adopt the EXHIBITION+ hybrid model, enhanced by the Click2Match online smart business matching platform, which will be available from 19 October to 6 November. Additionally, the Scan2Match feature in the HKTDC Marketplace App will be accessible onsite for buyers to scan dedicated QR codes from exhibitors to:

• Bookmark favorite booths and products
• Instantly access detailed product information
• View interactive electronic floor plans
• Continue conversations with exhibitors after the fair

The seamless experience ensures a smoother, more connected sourcing journey—before, during, and after the fair.

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• As sole supplier, KONE provides all 184 units to Huanggang Port, enabling vertical flow design for 300,000 daily passengers
• One-year execution under dual Hong Kong-Shenzhen standards delivers fully integrated cross-border project execution
• Introduces 24/7 connected services to enable predictive maintenance, leveraging real-time data and AI for seamless, 24-hour port operations

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 October 2026 – The Huanggang Port—the world’s largest land port and the only 24-hour passenger link between Hong Kong and Shenzhen—is officially opened. Unlike the traditional horizontal border-crossing layouts, the port adopts an innovative vertical passenger flow design fully equipped with all 184 elevators and escalators exclusively provided by Finnish’s KONE. Spanning the 9-story complex, this people flow solution is expected to slash transit times from 30 minutes to just 5 minutes for up to 300,000 daily passengers.

184 elevators and escalators across 9 levels deliver seamless vertical passenger flow
Breaking away from traditional clearance layouts, the Huanggang Port utilizes the height of its nine-story complex to create a vertical passenger flow arrangement, with immigration facilities on different levels to free up ground-level space for public transit. To bring this seamless experience to life, KONE supplied all 184 elevators and escalators, including 102 elevators equipped with regenerative drive technology and 82 escalators. Notably, the escalators feature a maximum rise of 19.2 meters, while the elevators can accommodate loads of up to 12 tons. This solution is designed to support the port’s daily capacity of 300,000 passengers, significantly reducing walking distances and waiting times, while relieving traffic congestion especially during peak periods after large-scale events.

Digital predictive maintenance supports 24-Hour operations
As the only 24-hour land checkpoint between Hong Kong and Shenzhen, the port demands utmost equipment reliability. KONE 24/7 connected services continuously monitors all units, leveraging real-time data and AI technology to identify potential risks in advance. By shifting from reactive to predictive maintenance, this digital solution enables seamless, round-the-clock operations. During over a hundred pre-opening drills, all KONE equipment successfully passed the 20,000-person Shenzhen-Hong Kong boundary-crossing pressure test. This not only validates its ultimate stability but also underscores our strong capacity to handle massive passenger surges. Looking ahead, KONE aims to integrate elevator and escalator data with building systems to drive passenger flow analysis, operational planning, and resource optimization.

Cross-border collaboration elevates service integration across GBA
Navigating the different regulations of Hong Kong and Shenzhen within a complex cross-border environment, KONE completed the installation and commissioning of all 184 units in just one year. Reflecting on KONE’s capabilities in cross-border project execution, Mr. Eric Xie, Senior Vice President of KONE Bay Region and Managing Director of KONE Hong Kong, said, “To meet the growing infrastructure demands of the Greater Bay Area, KONE has optimized its strategic setup in the region by closely integrating our Hong Kong and Shenzhen services. This investment not only strengthens our supply chain but also accelerates the delivery speed of elevator and escalator parts. By pairing Hong Kong’s world-class service standards with Shenzhen’s local technical talent and strategic location, we have built a powerful regional support network to fuel the future development of the GBA.”

From Luohu and Liantang to the Huanggang Port, KONE is one of the few companies capable of delivering complex cross-border projects. Driven by our seamless cross-border synergy, KONE remains committed to supporting public infrastructure, commercial developments, and rail transit projects, contributing to the region’s ongoing development.

Hashtag: #KONE

About KONE

Marking the Indra and Harry Banga Gallery’s 10th anniversary, the three-day conference will bring together around 120 participants from 23 cities across 13 countries and regions.

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 October 2026 – Organised by the Indra and Harry Banga Gallery (the Gallery) of City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK), 10AFEST 2026 will be held from 8 to 10 October 2026. Marking the Gallery’s 10th anniversary, the inaugural conference focuses on “Asian Art-Tech & Cultural Innovations,” convening museum leaders, artists, scholars, and innovators to explore cross-disciplinary collaboration and the real-world impact of Art-Tech on Asian culture.

The three-day festival will welcome around 120 participants from 23 cities across 13 countries and regions. The programme features four East–West Plenary Dialogues and six Network Presentation tracks, alongside performances, installations, exhibitions, and networking activities across CityUHK and local partner venues. Connecting Knowledge, Art, and Technology

Across Asia, technologies like artificial intelligence, extended reality, and data science are transforming how culture is preserved and experienced. Art-Tech is shifting rapidly beyond conventional gallery walls into education, research, entrepreneurship, conservation, and direct community engagement.

Mr Charles Chin Ying-on, Council Treasurer of CityUHK, said, “International collaboration lies at the heart of our mission to address global challenges. For this inaugural edition of 10AFEST, we are honoured to bring together participants from 13 countries and regions and 23 cities. Through intercultural dialogues and interactive networking events, I am confident that participants will forge lasting friendships and lay the groundwork for future collaboration. As CityUHK continues to advance its mission of innovating into the future, 10AFEST exemplifies how art and technology can come together to inspire new ideas and create a positive impact on society.”

Building on this vision, 10AFEST connects established cultural leaders with a new generation of practitioners to share perspectives, showcase emerging practices and develop relationships across disciplines and borders. 10AFEST aims to inspire new ideas and lasting partnerships that will contribute to the continued development of Art-Tech and cultural innovation in Asia. Four East–West Dialogues on Culture and Innovation

The sessions pair distinguished global cultural leaders from contrasting institutional and geographic backgrounds to explore how organisations navigate technological shifts and evolving public expectations.

The four key plenary sessions will focus on:

• (De)globalisation and (Re)connectivity: Explore how cultural institutions navigate shifting geopolitical landscapes and changing global networks. Professor Kyong Park (Seoul/Store Front Gallery New York) and Professor Matthias Böttger (Basel Academy of Art and Design) will examine the changing impact of globalisation and cross-border engagement, focusing on how institutions can stay relevant to a new generation of digital natives while considering whether traditional intercultural diplomacy remains vital today.
• Legacy, Diversity, and Interdisciplinarity: Focusing on the evolution of historical collections, this panel highlights the intersection of diverse cultural narratives and multi-disciplinary research. Professor Lu Xiaobo (Tsinghua University) and Monsignor Alberto Rocca (Pinacoteca Ambrosiana) will discuss how institutional structures and traditions both support and limit the pursuit of new knowledge, offering insights on bridging curation with contemporary practices.
• University Museums and Experiential Learning: Centering on the evolving role of academic museums as active spaces for immersive learning, Professor Jin Jun (Central Academy of Fine Arts) and Doctor Luke Syson (Fitzwilliam Museum, University of Cambridge) will look at the changing role of university galleries, and its contribution to campus living and whole-person education at large.
• Digital Museology and Intangible Collection: Addressing the digital transformation of heritage, this session investigates the future use of advanced technologies like XR and AI in conservation. Mr Hing Chao (Hong Kong Cultural Festival) and Ms Cora Würmell (State Art Collections Dresden) will explore the relationship between physical artifacts and living archives, looking at new methods to bridge the traditional museum divides between science, art, and history.

Celebrating a Decade of Interdisciplinary Exchange

Since its inception in 2016, the Indra and Harry Banga Gallery has served as a dynamic platform for bridging the humanities and sciences through transformative exhibitions.

Mrs Indra Banga, Founding Patron and Honorary Chairperson of the Gallery’s Advisory Committee, concluded: “Over the past decade, Harry and I shared a vision with CityUHK to support a pioneering platform that brings together art, culture, technology and research. Today, the Gallery has grown into a vibrant hub for learning and discovery, connecting talent and ideas from Hong Kong and around the world. We are delighted to reaffirm our continued support for the Gallery and the University.

Hashtag: #CityU

About 10AFEST

About the Indra and Harry Banga Gallery

Top ranking reflects exceptional career outcomes, a world-leading alumni network and a truly global executive learning experience

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 October 2026 – The Kellogg-HKUST Executive MBA (KH EMBA) Program has secured the No. 1 position globally in the Financial Times Executive MBA Ranking 2026, released today, marking an unprecedented 13th time the Program has attained the top position. Jointly offered by the HKUST Business School and the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, the Program has consistently been recognized among the world’s leading Executive MBA programs for its outstanding impact on participants’ careers, leadership development, and global business perspectives.

The latest ranking reflects KH EMBA’s continued excellence across key performance indicators, including career progression, alumni outcomes, international student body, and the strength of its global network. The achievement reinforces the program’s unique position at the intersection of East and West, equipping senior executives with the strategic insight and leadership capabilities required to navigate an increasingly complex global business environment.

The ranking also underscores the exceptional strength of the KH EMBA alumni community. RankedNo. 1 globally in the Alumni Network category, the program continues to cultivate a powerful international community of senior executives, entrepreneurs and industry leaders. Spanning geographies and sectors, this lifelong network facilitates business opportunities, strategic partnerships, professional exchange and career advancement.

Further validating the program’s transformative career impact, KH EMBA graduates reported an average “Salary Today” of USD 607,684 (over HKD 4.7 million) and an average 69% salary increase following graduation. The program also achieved an outstanding overall satisfaction score of 9.73 out of 10, reflecting alumni confidence in the quality of the learning experience, the achievement of career goals and the enduring value of the global KH EMBA network.

Prof. Frederik ANSEEL, Dean of HKUST Business School, said, “Thirteen No. 1 rankings over nearly two decades demonstrate the consistency with which this program has delivered value to senior executives around the world. Our participants are accomplished leaders, and the depth of experience they bring to the classroom is a defining part of the learning journey. They engage with world-class faculty who challenge conventional thinking, translate cutting-edge research into practical insights, and help them navigate the complex decisions they face as leaders. Equally important are the lifelong connections formed through the program, extending into a global alumni community where members continue to mentor, support and learn from one another long after graduation.”

Prof. Francesca CORNELLI, Dean of Kellogg School of Management, noted, “For more than two decades, Kellogg School of Management and HKUST Business School have fostered a close and fruitful partnership, bringing together outstanding faculty from around the world to deliver a world-class global management education. We will continue to deepen our collaboration to nurture forward-looking and responsible leaders who create long-term value for Hong Kong, Asia, and the global community.”

The Financial Times ranking evaluates the world’s leading EMBA programmes through a rigorous assessment framework covering alumni career outcomes, faculty research excellence, diversity, international exposure, and other key indicators of programme quality and institutional impact. The KH EMBA’s position at the top of the global ranking reflects its longstanding commitment to academic excellence, transformative leadership development, outstanding career outcomes, and the cultivation of a truly global network of senior executives.

The full FT Executive MBA Ranking 2026 is available at: https://rankings.ft.com/rankings/3048/emba-2026

According to the Non-local Higher and Professional Education (Regulation) Ordinance, the Kellogg-HKUST EMBA program is an exempted course. It is a matter of discretion for individual employers to recognize any qualification to which this course may lead.

Hashtag: #HKUST

About The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

• Medical cost growth is projected to slow for a second consecutive year, but continue to significantly outpace general inflation
• Cardiovascular disease, ENT/lung disorder and cancer remain the leading drivers of medical claims
• Material opportunities to beat average trend for organisations applying design, operational and technological innovation

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 October 2026 – Aon plc (NYSE: AON), a leading global professional services firm, today released its 2027 Global Medical Trend Rates Report, which projects that medical costs in Asia Pacific will increase by 9.7% in 2027, compared with 11.3% in 2026.

The projected medical trend rate remains substantially above the forecast for APAC general inflation rate of 2.5%. After accounting for inflation, the net medical trend rate is expected to decline from 8.9% in 2026 to 7.2% in 2027. Globally, the medical trend rate for 2027 is projected to decrease from 9.8% in 2026 to 9.0% in 2027.

“While medical trend growth is slowing, it remains more than three times the rate of inflation,” said Tim Dwyer, Head, Human Capital, Asia Pacific, Aon. “Employers need to manage rising costs while protecting the value of employee benefits. To outperform average medical trend rates, organisations should use workforce and claims data to evaluate plan design, provider networks and financing strategies that can help improve long-term outcomes.”

Medical Cost Trends Vary Across APAC Markets

The outlook varies considerably across markets. The decline in the regional trend rate is driven largely by China and India, which are projected to see medical trend rates decrease by 1.8 and 1.4 percentage points, respectively. Medical trend rates are also expected to moderate in Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam, although five of those markets are still projected to record double-digit trend rates in 2027.

These declines are partly offset by higher projected trend rates in Singapore and Taiwan, while Hong Kong is expected to remain flat at 9%. Across the region, ageing populations and the growing prevalence of chronic conditions continue to influence healthcare utilisation and costs.

“The moderation in the region’s medical costs should not be interpreted as uniform relief for employers,” said Alan Oates, Head, Global Benefits, Asia Pacific, Aon. “Medical trend varies significantly across markets, reflecting different healthcare systems, supply and demand factors, demographic and disease patterns. Employers must analyse their own workforce insights alongside locally relevant data and market benchmarks to make informed decisions about benefits, design and where to invest. Insurers are investing at different rates in new technologies to understand and manage utilisation and employers should ensure they compare the fast-developing capability to deliver value.”

* Projections as of October 12, 2026

Chronic Conditions Continue to Drive Claims

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading condition driving medical claims in the region, followed by ENT/lung and respiratory diseases, and cancer or tumor growth. Hospitalisation, clinics and laboratories remain the most costly elements of medical plan costs, while prescription medication has moved into third place compared to last year. Gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal and back conditions are also becoming more prevalent in the region.

In APAC, the principal risk factors contributing to future claims are high blood pressure, physical inactivity and poor nutrition, while high cholesterol and blood glucose are also increasing in prevalence.

Wellness initiatives remain the most widely expected approach to managing rising medical plan costs in the region, retaining the top rank for the third consecutive year with 95% of employers expected to use this approach. Plan design changes ranked second at 70%, followed by cost containment and financing strategies at 65%. Fifty five percent of employers are expected to undertake access and delivery restrictions and flexible benefit plans to curb medical cost escalation and promote a healthy workforce. While both increased slightly over the past year, the prevalence of flexible benefit plans has risen by 10 percentage points over the past two years, indicating the emphasis that employers are placing on flexible benefits on managing overall costs.

About the 2027 Global Medical Trend Rates Report

The 2027 Global Medical Trend Rates Report is based on insights from over 100 Aon offices that broker, administer or advise on employer-sponsored medical plans. The findings reflect the expectations of Aon professionals based on their interactions with clients and carriers across the region. Medical trend represents the anticipated annual percentage increase in the cost of treating patients and providing healthcare services. A lower trend rate means that healthcare costs are increasing more slowly, not that total costs are decreasing.

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Hashtag: #Aon #MedicalTrendRates #APAC

About Aon

PARIS, FRANCE – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 October 2026 – Atoms, the robotics and industrial automation company founded by Uber co-founder Travis Kalanick, has raised $1.7 billion in a funding round led by Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), with participation from Uber, Bain Capital, Fifth Wall, and other institutional investors.

Revolutionising the Kitchen

The funding round also brings a16z co-founder Ben Horowitz onto the Atoms board, and positions the group to accelerate development across food, mining, and transport industries. For ProKitchens, this investment strengthens the resources behind the network of commercial kitchens in Marseille, Lille, Paris, Lyon, Madrid, Barcelona, Milan, Lisbon, Warsaw, and Amsterdam. As part of the Atoms Food pillar, alongside CloudKitchens and hardware projects, ProKitchens stands to benefit directly from the growing focus across Atoms on reducing kitchen labour friction and improving operational efficiency for operators of every size.

Empowering Local Brands

For food entrepreneurs, manufacturers, and R&D teams across Europe, the support from Atoms brings a clear advantage. ProKitchens gives operators certified, ready-to-fit kitchen spaces with flexible contracts. This removes much of the capital burden traditionally associated with opening new locations.

Brands that want to test a single market or expand across borders gain infrastructure built around their needs from day one, with facilities across France, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Poland, and the Netherlands. As Atoms channels new investment into hardware automation and physical workflow management, local F&B brands that use ProKitchens can improve in efficiency, reliability, and the pace at which they are able to scale.

Hashtag: #ATOMS #ProKitchens

About Atoms

About ProKitchens

Debut of ASEAN and Qinghai Pavilions alongside four key themes spanning energy, technology, green cities and waste management

ECO Expo Asia 2026 – Connecting the World for a Sustainable Future

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 October 2026 – Eco Expo Asia 2026, jointly organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, co-organised by the Environment and Ecology Bureau of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), will be held from 26 to 29 October at AsiaWorld-Expo.

HKTDC Associate Executive Director Silas Chu said: “Last month, the Hong Kong SAR Government unveiled the Policy Address and first Five-Year Plan, setting out a vision for building a green and liveable city. Across the region and beyond, China, the European Union and many ASEAN economies are actively pursuing carbon-neutrality or net-zero emission targets, and driving decarbonisation through regulations and industrial policies. Green transformation has shifted from policy aspiration to market rule. As global demand for ESG and green solutions continues to grow, Eco Expo Asia will bring together green technologies, innovative solutions, and global business opportunities to help enterprises capitalise on the new prospects emerging from this transition.”

He added, “This year’s Eco Expo Asia brings together over 340 exhibitors from 16 countries and regions, including first-time participants from Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam, highlighting the Expo’s growing international reach. Some 200 key officials and representatives of semi-official organisations from the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong, Belt and Road countries, and ASEAN, will attend and tour the Expo, further promoting cross-regional cooperation and exchange.”

Speaking at the press conference, the Deputy Director of the Environmental Protection Department of the HKSAR Government, Dr Vanessa Au, expressed: “The 21^st edition of Eco Expo Asia, held under the theme ‘Connecting the World for a Sustainable Future’, dovetails with the HKSAR Government’s First Five-Year Plan, and implements the Policy Address precisely aligning with the National 15^th Five-Year Plan. It underscores our commitment to advancing Hong Kong’s green transformation, fostering green innovation, seizing the opportunities presented by the low-carbon economy, creating economic benefits and enhancing citizen well-being. Key highlights of this year’s expo include the HKSAR Government booth, the Environmental Campaign Committee Pavilion, the Hong Kong Pavilion and the newly established comprehensive experience zone for green technology. This year during the expo, the Environment and Ecology Bureau and the Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the People’s Republic of China will, for the first time, co-host the Belt and Road Green Innovation Conference in Hong Kong. In addition, the Environmental Protection Department, in association with the Belt and Road Initiative International Green Development Coalition and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, will jointly organise the second edition of the ‘Green Silk Road’ International Training Programme. This expo brings together stakeholders from all sectors, uniting our efforts to advance global carbon neutrality and sustainable development.”

Businesses show continued strong confidence in Hong Kong as an ESG business hub

The HKTDC has also released the “HKTDC ESG Index 2026”. The latest ESG Index stood at 67.3, up from 64.2 last year and well above the neutral threshold of 50, reflecting the continued strengthening of corporate confidence in Hong Kong’s role as an ESG hub. The survey also showed that 93% of respondents have integrated ESG into their overall business decision-making processes, while the share of businesses sourcing or selling ESG-related products and services rose from 29% in 2025 to 46% in 2026.

Silas said, “The rise in the ESG index reflects the continued strengthening of global businesses’ confidence in Hong Kong’s role as an ESG business hub. Results further demonstrate that ESG is increasingly being built into business decisions on investment, sourcing, and supply chain management, fuelling steady growth in demand for ESG products, services and solutions. ESG has evolved beyond a compliance requirement into a source of competitive advantage for companies.”

With strong demand for ESG solutions, Hong Kong is well positioned to unlock commercial opportunities across banking and finance, professional services, and innovation and technology. In terms of technological innovation, surveyed businesses identified the most impactful Hong Kong digital and ESG platforms for boosting performance as sustainable supply chain platforms (45%), AI analytics (37%), and cloud data reporting (30%). On supply chain management, respondents most valued Hong Kong’s ESG certification services (50%), followed by transparency and traceability tools (41%), and ESG audit and risk analysis solutions (36%).

Pavilion line-up expands with ASEAN and Qinghai Pavilion debuts

Eco Expo Asia brings together green innovations and technologies from around the world, offering the industry a platform to exchange ideas and explore new business opportunities. This year, the number of participating pavilions has risen to 18, covering a wider spread of regions. On the Chinese Mainland front, Qinghai Province makes its first appearance with a pavilion of its own, joined by the nine Chinese Mainland cities in the Greater Bay Area, Macao, Guangxi, Hunan, Shanghai, and Nanjing in Jiangsu Province.

Among the international group pavilions, the headline addition is a new ASEAN Pavilion, featuring 13 green technology companies from eight member countries, including Singapore, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam. An ASEAN networking reception on the opening day will further strengthen business ties with the region. In addition, Korea Institute of Fusion Energy (KFE), bringing two companies, will showcase their marine environmental technologies and waste gas treatment equipment. The US State of Illinois returns after several years, while Canada, Italy, and the Netherlands maintain their regular presence.

Regarding Hong Kong exhibitors, the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation once again leads 11 start-ups to the Expo to showcase local green innovation achievements. The Hong Kong Pavilion, supported by the Environmental Protection Department and coordinated by the Federation of Hong Kong Industries, is back with 19 local exhibitors presenting a diverse range of eco-friendly products, technologies and solutions. Rounding off the home-grown line-up, the HKSAR Government booth, featuring 11 bureaux and departments including the Environment and Ecology Bureau, and the Environmental Campaign Committee Pavilion, will highlight the city’s latest work in environmental protection and green development.

As a member of the HKSAR Government’s GoGlobal Task Force, the HKTDC will set up a GoGlobal Connect Zone, helping Chinese Mainland environmental enterprises tap international markets through Hong Kong’s professional services. A seminar on going global rounds out the programme, sharing practical experiences in expanding overseas.

Four thematic areas spotlight green innovation

Aligned with global trends and policy directions, this year’s Expo centres on four areas: Green Energy in Motion, Frontier Green Tech, Building for a Greener City and From Waste to Worth, showcasing the latest innovative green technologies, products, and solutions.

Under”Green Energy in Motion“, the Expo features green energy solutions spanning the maritime, land transport and aviation sectors. Echoing the call in the Policy Address and Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan to build a Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) industry chain, EcoCeres Ltd. (Booth: 3-F30), a global leading SAF producer, makes its Expo debut with its advanced renewable SAF made from waste materials, alongside Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO). The Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Pavilion (Booth: 3-E02) will also focus on energy, with start-ups presenting innovations such as EV chargers and modular EV conversion technology.

Under the “Frontier Green Tech” theme, around 30 start-ups and university spin-offs will show how research achievements have been transformed into practical environmental applications. Among them, first-time exhibitor Stellerus Technology Limited (Booth: 6-D27) will display the Multi‑Spectral Imaging Carbon Observatory (MUSICO), the world’s first lightweight, high‑resolution, high‑precision synergistic greenhouse gases observatory, which has already been deployed on China’s Tiangong space station. MUSICO monitors greenhouse gas emissions, supporting enterprises in formulating emission-reduction measures and supplying precise data to green finance institutions.

In keeping with the “building a green and liveable city” policy direction under Hong Kong’s Five-Year Plan, the “Building for a Greener City” theme gathers a host of innovations now in real-world use. Green Vigor Limited (Booth: 3-E02) will exhibit a modular hydropower system that converts wasted hydraulic resources from water tanks and cooling systems in buildings into electricity, a solution already in use in local shopping malls, commercial buildings and schools. AEC GreenTech Innovations Limited (Booth: 3-C20) brings a robot designed for plastering and paint spraying, which works at least five times faster than manual labour while halving material use, delivering environmental benefits. The technology has been adopted in local construction projects.

The fourth area, “From Waste to Worth“, assembles a number of leading Chinese Mainland enterprises in the waste management sector, including Chongqing Sanfeng Environment Group (Booth: 3-E30), named among Top 50 Environmental Enterprises in China and the Top 10 Influential Enterprises in China’s Solid Waste Industry, as well as listed environmental companies Dynagreen Environmental Protection Group (Booth: 3-B30) and Beijing Enterprises Environment Group (Booth: 3-D30), showcasing their waste management and resource circular solutions. Hong Kong-based Green AI Technology Limited (Booth: 3-E26) will launch REV, its new generation of the unmanned recycling station at the Expo, demonstrating how AI and automation can be applied to recycling.

Over 30 key events to gather experts from government, industry, academia and research

More than 30 forums and seminars will be held during the Expo, bringing together over 80 government officials, industry leaders and business representatives from the Chinese Mainland, Australia, Malaysia, Thailand, and other Belt and Road countries to share insights on green opportunities, success stories and forward-looking strategies.

The annual flagship event, Eco Asia Conference, will also feature a series of seminars centred on four key themes, with industry and academic experts presenting the latest developments. On 26 October, Professor Su Hui, Chair Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at HKUST, who spearheaded the development of MUSICO, will join Professor Kenneth Leung, Director of the State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Health at CityUHK, to discuss technologies for monitoring extreme weather and explore Hong Kong’s role as a regional green innovation hub. On 27 October, representatives from the Construction Industry Council and China State Construction Engineering (Hong Kong) Ltd will examine green building development from the perspectives of policy, certification and practice.

On 28 October, Avinash Persaud, Special Advisor on Climate Change to the President of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and a member of the High-Level Expert Group on Climate Finance for the COP26, 27 and 28 Presidencies, will take to the stage. Drawing on his extensive experience spanning international finance, public policy, and climate finance, he will analyse emerging global trends in the field.

Public Dayinvites everyone to embrace green lifestyles

The final day of the Expo (29 October) will be Public Day, with free admission for the public, aiming to raise awareness of environmental protection and sustainability and to encourage the adoption of green lifestyles. A series of seminars on climate, environmental protection and food waste upcycling will be held that day. Speakers include representatives from the Hong Kong Observatory, Hong Kong meteorologist and former Assistant Director of the Hong Kong Observatory Leung Wing Mo, and guests from Ways Out HK, a local social enterprise that turns food waste into jewellery. Visitors can also take part in interactive workshops, including a recycled paper making workshop, green cleaners making workshop and green mini games, enabling participants to learn hands-on how to put resource recycling and green living into practice.

Register now : https://tinyurl.com/33s7wf64

https://www.hktdc.com/event/ecoexpoasia/en
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Hashtag: #HKTDC #EcoExpoAsia #ESG #Sustainability

Source: WEEE Forum

International E-Waste Day survey finds nearly 90% of European consumers own ‘fast tech’, 29% hoard unused devices at home, 27% trash them; Experts urge consumers to recycle every unused electrical and electronic item

Brussels – With annual Black Friday and holiday shopping sprees approaching, International E-Waste Day 2026 aims a spotlight on the booming trade in “fast tech” – USB adapters, mini fans, LED lights, electronic toys and other small, inexpensive gadgets.

New research finds that almost 90% of European consumers from 12 countries own at least one such device and 78% bought one in the past year. But when they become obsolete, broken or simply no longer wanted, many are tossed into household rubbish or hoarded in drawers instead of being recycled.

This rapidly growing and largely overlooked waste stream is dubbed “fast tech” to draw a deliberate parallel with ubiquitous, inexpensive fashion products, often used for relatively short periods and easily replaced.

Commissioned by the WEEE Forum and conducted by Bellegarde Scientific Consulting, a new Fast Tech Consumer survey of 10,245 adults in 12 European countries found that fast tech has become a routine consumer purchase, driven largely by low prices, convenience and modest expectations of how long products need to last.

The findings suggest consumers often knowingly accept the implicit fast-tech bargain: the product is inexpensive, does the job for a while and can easily be replaced.

Indeed, 58% of buyers could recall a fast-tech product they had used for no more than six months, including 39% who recalled one they discarded unused, after a single use or within a month. Yet 61% of fast-tech consumers say they are satisfied overall, and only 8% are dissatisfied.

Separate research by Material Focus found that in the UK alone more than half a billion small fast tech electrical items were purchased, roughly 16 items per second.

And with Black Friday promotions followed almost immediately by the holiday shopping season, the WEEE Forum says the coming weeks will see another surge in fast tech purchases, many sold through online platforms.

“Fast tech is the blind spot of the e-waste world,” says Pascal Leroy, Director General of the WEEE Forum, which leads the International E-Waste Day, a global awareness campaign now in its 9th year conducted with WEEE Forum members worldwide.

“Black Friday and Christmas will bring another enormous wave of earphones, electronic toys, mini gadgets, chargers and other inexpensive electronics into our homes. Their low price doesn’t mean they have no environmental cost. We need them to be collected and recycled when they’re no longer in use.”

Consumers expect short lives, but keep buying

The survey reveals an apparent paradox: consumers value durability, but the convenience and low price of fast tech frequently win out.

The environmental implications of this cycle appear much less obvious to consumers than the durability trade-off. While 46% expect fast tech to have a shorter lifespan than more expensive alternatives, only 21% consider it more environmentally harmful. Just 16% simultaneously associate fast tech with both shorter life and greater environmental harm.

“Consumers understand perfectly well that an inexpensive electronic product may not last forever,” says Dimitri Naczaj, co-founder of Bellegarde Scientific Consulting, based in France. “Much less visible is what happens when those millions of individual purchasing decisions become millions of discarded cables, earbuds, lights, toys and gadgets.”

What happens when fast tech dies?

The study found no single dominant route for unwanted fast tech.

Keeping devices at home was the most common response, reported by 29% of buyers. Just 27% took products to recycling centres or municipal facilities and 19% used in-store collection points.

But incorrect disposal was also widespread: 23% reported putting fast tech in household waste, 21% in plastics recycling and 7% in street bins. Some 27% of buyers reported using only waste-disposal routes for unwanted devices, while 32% reported using only recycling or reuse routes. (Note: some survey questions offered multiple response options)

Perhaps most strikingly, incorrect disposal is not always deliberate. Among people who reported using only waste-disposal routes, 21% also said they did so to protect the environment, suggesting confusion about where small electronics belong. Habit was the most commonly cited reason for electronics end-of-life choices overall, followed by environmental protection and convenience.

By the numbers: Europe’s Fast Tech habit

The new study of 10,245 adults in 12 European countries found:

• 87% own at least one fast-tech product; at least 44% own more than five
• 78% bought fast tech during the previous 12 months
• 93% of 18-to-29-year-olds bought fast tech in the past year, compared with 61% of people aged 65+
• 55% cite low price as a reason for choosing fast tech
• 58% recall at least one fast-tech item they used for six months or less
• 61% are nevertheless satisfied with fast-tech products overall
• 80% would have paid more for a longer-lasting alternative to at least some products
• 59% would still replace a broken fast-tech product with another inexpensive one
• 29% keep unused fast tech at home
• 27% use only waste bin disposal routes for unwanted devices; 32% use only recycling or reuse routes while 16% keep the devices at home
• 21% believe fast tech is more environmentally harmful than more expensive alternatives 15.9% think fast tech is less harmful
• 57% are unaware that online platforms selling electronic devices are legally required to contribute financially to e-waste collection and recycling
• 64% do not intend to reduce their fast-tech purchasing.

The study found particularly strong age differences. 93% of respondents aged 18–29 had purchased fast tech during the previous year, declining steadily to 61% among those 65 and older.

And there is little evidence of social pressure against the trend.

Only 14% expect people important to them to disapprove of buying fast tech, while almost half of respondents believe more people are buying fast tech than before.

Nearly three-quarters of buyers encounter fast tech at least weekly.

If you sell it, help recycle it

The WEEE Forum underlines a growing structural problem: electronics sold online by companies that may not be registered under national producer-responsibility legislation.

Where sellers fail to comply, required recycling fees may not be paid, take-back responsibilities may go unmet and collection and recycling systems are left to deal with the products at the end of their lives without the corresponding financing.

The new consumer research suggests public awareness of these responsibilities remains low. Only 29% of those surveyed knew that online platforms selling electronics are legally required to contribute financially to e-waste collection and recycling; 14% had heard of the requirement but did not know the details, while 57% were unaware of it.

“The principle should be straightforward: if you make money selling electrical and electronic products into a country, you should contribute to the cost of collecting and recycling those products when consumers are finished with them,” says Leroy.

“Responsible producers already pay into these systems. Online marketplaces should not provide a back door through which electronics can enter a market without anyone taking financial responsibility for what happens to them afterwards.”

The WEEE Forum says this is both an environmental issue and a question of fairness. Companies that comply with extended producer responsibility requirements bear costs that non-compliant competitors can avoid, potentially putting responsible businesses at a disadvantage.

“Consumers shopping online this Black Friday should not have to investigate the environmental compliance of every seller,” Leroy says. “The platforms facilitating those sales are in a powerful position to ensure that sellers comply with the rules and that the recycling costs associated with the products they sell are covered.”

Small devices, big risks

Although 83% of consumers surveyed know these small products contain electronic components, the study suggests many do not necessarily translate that knowledge into appropriate disposal behaviour.

Fast-tech products contain plastics, metals and other materials that can potentially be recovered and returned to productive use. When they are thrown into general waste, those resources are lost.

A growing number also contain lithium-ion batteries, creating an additional hazard.

When discarded with household waste, battery-powered devices can be crushed or punctured inside collection vehicles, sorting plants and waste-treatment facilities, potentially causing fires that endanger workers, damage equipment and disrupt waste services.

According to findings from the WEEE Forum’s Batteries Roundtable, 36% of e-waste operators surveyed reported experiencing a battery-related fire at their facilities during the previous year.

In France, the number of fires at waste-treatment facilities linked to lithium batteries doubled between 2019 and 2023.

Single-use vapes, wireless earbuds, small electronic toys and other battery-powered products are among the items of particular concern.

Concludes Magdalena Charytanowicz of the WEEE Forum and IEWD coordinator: “A tiny battery-powered gadget tossed into a household bin may seem inconsequential. Multiply that by millions of products and it becomes a serious problem, both in lost resources and in fire risks for the people and facilities handling our waste.”

Think before the Black Friday click

International E-Waste Day falls just weeks before one of the world’s biggest periods for consumer electronics sales.

The WEEE Forum is encouraging consumers to consider not only price when buying fast tech during Black Friday and the Christmas season, but also whether they really need a new product, can they get it second hand instead, whether it can be repaired, and how it can eventually be returned for responsible recycling.

For electronics already sitting unused in homes, the message is recognise, return and demand responsibility.

Recognise it : Anything with a plug, cable, circuit board or battery should be treated as electronic waste at the end of its useful life, regardless of how small or inexpensive it is. It should not go into general household waste or bins.

Return it : Unwanted fast-tech products should be taken to official collection points, retailer take-back locations or dedicated e-waste drop-off sites. In the European Union, retailers, including online retailers, have obligations concerning the take-back of discarded electronics. Other circular options include donation, repair and reuse.

Demand responsibility : Regulators, retailers, consumers and online marketplaces can help ensure that companies selling electrical and electronic products meet producer-responsibility requirements and contribute to the systems needed to collect and recycle what they sell.

A worldwide campaign

International E-Waste Day takes place annually on 14 October. Initiated by the WEEE Forum and its members in 2018, it brings together e-waste collection schemes, producers, recyclers, retailers, governments, municipalities, universities, NGOs, schools and consumers to raise awareness and encourage responsible collection and recycling of electrical and electronic products.

Organisations around the world are invited to mark 14 October with collection drives, public events, school activities, social-media campaigns, research releases and other initiatives.

In 2025, more than 140 organisations in 50 countries across six continents participated in International E-Waste Day activities, generating an estimated 1.8 billion potential media impressions across 55 countries.

(Registration for International E-Waste Day 2026 is free and open to organisations worldwide. weee-forum.org/iewd-register)

About the WEEE Forum

The WEEE Forum is an international association representing producer-responsibility organisations that responsibly manage the collection and treatment of waste electrical and electronic equipment. Its members work to improve e-waste collection, recycling, resource recovery and circularity and to promote effective extended producer responsibility for electronics.

Introducing Private Funds, Complementing End-to-End Digital Capabilities with Dedicated Offline Wealth Management Service, Creating a Digital Wealth Management Experience That Balances Flexibility with Professionalism

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 October 2026 – Ping An Digital Bank (International) Limited (“Ping An Digital Bank” / “PingAnDB”) announces its expansion into high-end wealth management, making it the first digital bank in Hong Kong to enter this sector. By introducing private fund products coupled with seamless end-to-end digital capabilities and dedicated offline services, PingAnDB aims to reshape high-end wealth management customer experience. This enables customers to achieve diversified asset allocation and capture global investment opportunities, while enjoying a digital wealth experience defined by flexibility and professionalism.

According to the Securities and Futures Commission’s Asset and Wealth Management Activities Survey 2025, Hong Kong’s asset and wealth management industry accelerated sharply in 2025 to reach a historic high. Total assets under management (AUM) surged 20% year-on-year to HK$42.2 trillion by the end of the year. Within this, the private banking and private wealth management business demonstrated robust momentum, with AUM reaching nearly HK$12.9 trillion—a record high. This strong trajectory underscores the accelerating demand for wealth management solutions in the region. However, traditional high-end wealth management services typically impose high entry thresholds, which may not fully satisfy the needs of all individuals who possess substantial assets and seek global asset allocation or alternative investment opportunities. Ping An Digital Bank precisely addresses this market gap by launching private fund services, combining its fully digital platform and dedicated offline wealth management services to address customers’ demands for global asset allocation and financial management.

Mr. Ronald Iu, Chief Executive of Ping An Digital Bank, said, “Ping An Digital Bank remains committed to being a user-centric digital bank. Since launching our wealth services in March 2026, we have observed strong demand among customers for diversified asset allocation and flexible wealth management solutions.

Furthermore, a recent report indicates that Hong Kong has overtaken Switzerland as the world’s leading cross-boundary wealth management center, which is another reason to expect increasing capital inflows to the city. Capitalising on this momentum, Ping An Digital Bank is introducing private fund products, marking our debut as the first digital bank to step into the high-end wealth management sector. Leveraging our agile digital platform and dedicated offline wealth management services, we are reinventing the high-end wealth management experience to empower customers in optimising their portfolios and achieving their global asset allocation goals.”

Ping An Digital Bank’s wealth management service is designed around user experience at its core, streamlining processes to make the investor journey simpler and more convenient. The Bank collaborates with leading global fund houses, including J.P. Morgan Asset Management and Aberdeen Investments, to offer semi-liquid fund products to customers. Going a step further, the Bank complements its end-to-end digital capabilities with dedicated offline wealth management services. In addition to offline support, the online platform offers analysis tools and trading experiences comparable to online brokerages, ensuring swift and efficient execution to deliver an all-around wealth management ecosystem.

Looking ahead, Ping An Digital Bank will continue to advance its brand vision, “Always with You, Always Ahead,” harnessing financial technology to expand its footprint in high-end wealth management. By combining personalized offline wealth services with the agility of its digital infrastructure, PingAnDB aims to provide customers with comprehensive, flexible asset management solutions, setting a new benchmark for digital wealth management in Hong Kong.

Important Notes
Investment involves risks. Investors should carefully read the offering documents of each product to understand the detailed risk disclosures applicable to the relevant products. The information contained herein is for general reference purposes only and does not constitute, nor should it be regarded as, any investment advice, recommendation, offer, solicitation, inducement, commitment, or guarantee. Private wealth management financial products, including private funds, are not regulated by the Securities and Futures Commission and are offered solely to customers who meet the professional investor requirements under the Securities and Futures (Professional Investor) Rules.

Hashtag: #平安數字銀行 #PingAnDB #財富管理 #WealthManagement

Ping An Digital Bank

Ping An Digital Bank (International) Limited (“Ping An Digital Bank,” “PingAnDB”) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lufax Holding Ltd (“Lufax”) (SEHK: 6623; NYSE: LU) and a member of Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd. (“Ping An”) (SEHK: 2318; SSE: 601318). Ping An Digital Bank was granted a banking licence by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority in May 2019 to offer retail banking and business banking services. Backed by Ping An’s advanced technology, Ping An Digital Bank is elevating banking experience, serving customers in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area, establishing itself as Ping An Group’s integrated financial platform in Hong Kong.

• Protection for ageing parents up to age 100 against conditions such as dementia, with maximum entry age at 80* and no medical underwriting required
• Lifetime protection for the child, covering death, terminal illness, total and permanent disability, with optional crisis care add-ons

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 October 2026 – Prudential Singapore (“Prudential”) has launched PRUActive Family Care (PAFC), a whole-of-life protection plan designed for Singaporeans caring for multiple generations. The plan enables caregivers to provide protection for both their child and ageing parents under a single policy.

PAFC provides lifetime protection for the caregiver’s child, as the life assured, covering death, terminal illness, total and permanent disability (TPD). It also offers critical illness add-ons that cover 182 conditions including juvenile conditions and mental illness.

The plan also includes Parent Guard Benefit that provides protection for the caregiver’s ageing parents up to age 100, without the need for medical underwriting. It offers financial and income support when a parent is diagnosed with specified age-related conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, Dementia, Parkinson’s disease and Progressive Supranuclear Palsy.

Often, older adults may find it challenging to get insurance coverage due to health-related underwriting requirements. By including protection for parents under the caregiver’s policy, PAFC helps families address the protection gap.

The launch of PAFC comes as Singapore has become a super-aged society as the proportion of citizens aged 65 and above was at 21.4 per cent in 2026, an increase from 13.7 per cent in 2016. By 2035, more than one in four citizens is expected to be aged 65 and above¹. As such, there will be an increasing number of people taking on caregiving responsibilities.

Mr Manu Tandon, Chief Health & Protection Officer of Prudential Singapore, said: “As Singapore’s population ages and families become smaller, many caregivers in the “sandwiched generation” are caring for their ageing parents while raising their young children. These caregivers can face significant financial and emotional stress as they need to fund their children’s education, meet their parents’ healthcare needs – particularly when ongoing care is required – and save for their own retirement.”

Prudential’s recent research² also highlights the financial challenges many caregivers face. Nearly three in four Singaporeans (72 per cent) cited financial support as the most important form of assistance for caregivers, yet only 13 per cent believed their household would have enough savings if a caregiver had to stop working to provide care.

Added Mr Tandon: “PRUActive Family Care helps families prepare for rising caregiving demands with protection for both parents and child under one plan, while safeguarding the caregiver’s financial future. Importantly, the Parent Guard Benefit extends protection to the caregiver’s ageing parents without underwriting required, who may otherwise find it difficult to obtain coverage.”

Supporting the Needs of the Multigenerational Families by Protecting Ageing Parents

Reflecting the diverse needs of caregivers, PRUActive Family Care offers flexibility for individuals with or without children. It allows the caregiver (the policyowner) or their child to be the life assured, with the option to enhance the life assured’s coverage by up to five times through the Multiplier Benefit. In addition, the Parent Guard Benefit provides coverage for both parents of the caregiver.

The Parent Guard Benefit offers the following financial and income support³:

• Diagnosis Support: 20 per cent sum assured (SA) upon parent’s diagnosis of covered conditions (Alzheimer’s disease, Dementia, Parkinson’s disease and Progressive Supranuclear Palsy)
• Income Support: Up to 5 years upon parent undergoing the first treatment due to the diagnosis of the covered condition
• Accidental Fracture Hospital Income: Upon parent’s hospitalisation due to an Accidental Bone Fracture, a daily income of $150 will be paid for up to 10 days. This is an additional benefit that does not reduce the Parent Guard Sum Assured (SA).
• Family Support: Up to 8 per cent of SA upon parent’s death

Up to two parents can be included in the plan, with entry up to age 80* and coverage to age 100. Benefits are payable for eligible diagnoses in any of 13 recognised countries**.

Supporting Recovery and Rehabilitation

Beyond financial protection, PAFC is a holistic plan that provides value-added service to support recovery long after treatment or hospitalisation. The caregiver (policyholder), his/her child and parents, can tap on the recovery and rehabilitation services including physiotherapy, chiropractic care, osteopathy and traditional Chinese medicine, and home care and medical services.

For more information on PRUActive Family Care, including full product terms, eligibility criteria and exclusions, please visit https://www.prudential.com.sg/pruactive-family-care

Additional notes:

• With ageing, the risk of developing health conditions increases. In Singapore, an estimated 72,000 people were living with dementia in 2023, and the Ministry of Health projects this figure could rise to 135,000 by 2030 (Source: Ministry of Health Parliamentary QA, 4 November 2025)
• This protection is especially relevant as about 90 to 100 new cases of childhood cancer are detected each year in Singapore among children under the age of 15 (Source: Singhealth website, 5 October 2026)
• 1 in 3 adolescents aged 10–18 experience symptoms of anxiety, depression and loneliness (Source: Youth Epidemiology and Resilience (YEAR) Study, National University of Singapore, 2024)

* Based on age next birthday (ANB)

** Diagnosis must be provided by a registered medical practitioner in one of the following: Singapore, Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, China (limited to class 3 hospitals in designated cities), Hong Kong, Macau, Malaysia, New Zealand, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates (Abu Dhabi and Dubai), United Kingdom, United States

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Hashtag: #Prudential

About Prudential Assurance Company Singapore (Pte) Ltd (Prudential Singapore)

Prudential Assurance Company Singapore (Pte) Ltd is one of the top life and health insurance companies in Singapore, serving the financial and protection needs of the country’s citizens for 95 years. As at 31 December 2025, it has S$66.3 billion funds under management. The company has an AA Financial Strength Rating from leading credit rating agency Standard & Poor’s and delivers a suite of well-rounded product offerings in Protection, Savings and Investment through multiple distribution channels including a network of 5,400 financial representatives.

“Find X Series reflects our relentless pursuit of exceptional mobile imaging,” said Pete Lau, SVP and Chief Product Officer at OPPO. “Together with Hasselblad, we are taking another significant step forward with Find X10 Series, bringing true-to-life detail, color and tone to everyday photography. Simply open the camera and capture the moment as you see it, with no extra settings required.”

Find X10 Series carries forward the Find X Series’ minimalist design language with premium materials and thoughtfully crafted details. Its all-new Borderless Design features One-Piece Sculpted Glass that flows seamlessly into the camera module, softening the visual impact of the camera bump for a clean, cohesive look.

Find X10 Pro Max in Luna White draws design inspiration from classic cameras. Its LUMO Camera Island features a matte silver metallic finish and houses the new-generation True Color Camera and dual-flash system, complemented by knurled detailing and Hasselblad’s signature matte orange accent ring. Across the back, smooth matte glass meets a subtle fabric-inspired pattern in a distinctive two-tone finish.

Find X10 will be available in Glacier Blue, Glow Coral and Mist Grey, while Find X10 Pro Max will come in Titanium Grey and Luna White.

The series pairs this refined design with a major leap in imaging hardware. Find X10 features a category-first Dual 200MP Camera System co-developed with Hasselblad. Find X10 Pro Max goes even further with the industry’s first Triple 200MP Camera System, bringing 200MP sensors to the ultra-wide, main and telephoto cameras for the first time on a smartphone.

Making the most of its camera hardware is OPPO’s next-generation computational photography solution, LUMO True Image Engine. It combines OPPO’s imaging expertise with the natural tone rendering of Master Mode, supported by precise color information captured by the True Color Camera. LUMO True Image Engine delivers authentic detail, accurate color and natural tone. From nuanced skin tones and fine textures to the natural contrast of a scene, images stay true to the moment as you remember it.

Find X10 Series also brings a major upgrade to videography. On Find X10 Pro Max, all three rear cameras support 4K 120fps and 8K 30fps video recording, while Find X10 brings the same capabilities to its two 200MP cameras. Find X10 Series also introduces Open Gate Capture, using the sensor’s full imaging area to capture more of the scene and give creators greater freedom to crop and reframe the same footage for landscape, portrait and other formats in post-production.

Powering Find X10 Series are flagship MediaTek chipsets. Find X10 runs on MediaTek Dimensity 9600M, while Find X10 Pro Max is among the first smartphones to feature the 2nm MediaTek Dimensity 9600 Pro, delivering a major leap in both performance and power efficiency.

Both models feature an 8,000mAh OPPO Silicon-Carbon Battery¹, delivering up to two days of typical use on a single charge. Designed for long-term durability, the battery is also engineered to retain over 80% of its original capacity after five years of typical use.²

Find X10 Series also features the latest ColorOS 17, bringing a fresh look and smarter everyday experiences. Its new Living Flow Design combines refined visuals with fluid interactions, while AI Mind Pilot with Agent Mode connects agentic AI with files and photos on the phone, helping users complete complex tasks with a single prompt.

OPPO will reveal full specifications, pricing and availability, alongside more of the series’ latest innovations, at the global launch in Mallorca on October 21.

¹ Battery capacity may vary by market. Find X10 and Find X10 Pro Max feature a 7,150mAh battery in selected markets.
² Data from OPPO Lab. Actual battery health may vary depending on settings, usage and environmental conditions.

Hashtag: #OPPO