HEIDELBERG, GERMANY – Newsaktuell – 27 July 2026 – It is with deep sadness that the family and the Institute for Plastination announce the passing of Dr. Gunther von Hagens, inventor of Plastination and creator of the BODY WORLDS exhibitions. He died on July 24, 2026, at the age of 81.

Gunther von Hagens fundamentally transformed the field of anatomy. Through Plastination—the preservation techni­que he invented in 1977—he created an entirely new perspective of the human body for medical education, science and the general public. He made the complexity, vulnerability and beauty of the human body—previously reserved for the dissection room and anatomical textbooks –directly accessible to the wider public.

Together with his wife and curator, Dr. Angelina Whalley, Gunther von Hagens created BODY WORLDS, one of the most successful exhibitions in the world. Since its debut, the exhibition has been visited by more than 58 million people. BODY WORLDS made anatomy publicly accessible, encouraged reflection on health, disease, lifestyle and mortality, and inspired millions of people understand and appreciate their own bodies.

“Gunther wanted to give people the opportunity to look beneath the skin — not out of sensationalism, but from the deep conviction that knowledge of one’s own body can contribute to a more conscious, healthier responsible life,” says Angelina Whalley. “His work was scientific, educational and deeply humanistic. He enabled millions of people to see their own bodies in a new light.”

His son, Rurik von Hagens, also honors his father’s life’s work, “My father never accepted that boundaries were fixed. He brought anatomy out of the closed world of specialists and into society. His courage, his perseverance and his unwavering belief that education serves humanity will continue to guide us.”

Gunther von Hagens was a pioneer, researcher, inventor and creator. His life’s work united scientific precision with exceptional craftsmanship, artistic expression and a strong commitment to education. He was an unconventional and often provocative thinker who sparked heated debates, overcame resistance and understood anatomy as an encoun­ter with life itself.

Body donation was always a central part of his work. The human specimens displayed in the BODY WORLDS come from individuals who, during their lifetime, decided to donate their bodies after death for Plastination, scientific research and anatomical education. Gunther von Hagens was deeply grateful to these individuals. He regarded their decision as an extraordinary contribution to education, science and public enlightenment.

It was Gunther von Hagens’ own wish that his body, too, be made available for Plastination after his death. His family will respect and carry out this wish.

Despite serious illness, Gunther von Hagens remained closely connected to his life’s work. The Plastination technique he developed, the Institute for Plastination, the PLASTINARIUM and the BODY WORLDS exhibitions will carry his legacy forward. His scientific and craftsmanship-based legacy lives on in a particularly visible way in Guben. There, at the PLASTINARIUM, anatomical specimens are created for use in the education of physicians and other healthcare professionals at universities, medical schools and educational institutions around the world.

Today, Plastination itself is used at numerous universities, medical schools and educational institutions worldwide.

In this way, the mission Gunther von Hagens began nearly five decades ago continues far beyond BODY WORLDS:

to preserve anatomy permanently, to make it visible, and to make it accessible for science, teaching and public edu­cation.

The family kindly asks that their privacy be respected during this time of mourning.

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

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

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 July 2026 – As the media industry becomes increasingly global and interconnected, students are seeking education that spans cultures and markets. For Jose Manuel Cervantes Sanchez, a scholarship recipient from Mexico, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) offers a platform to do exactly that.

Hong Kong: A Strategic Hub for Global Media

Currently enrolled in CUHK’s Global Communication programme, Jose is part of a growing wave of international students choosing Hong Kong for its strategic role as a cultural and commercial gateway between East and West. Long fascinated by Asian culture and influenced by family ties to the city, he was drawn to its unique position as a bridge between cultures. “I wanted to become a local with time and create bridges between Mexico and Hong Kong,” he said.

A school adviser first introduced him to CUHK as a strong option, and while he also considered universities in Canada and the United Kingdom, Hong Kong remained his first choice. Receiving the CUHK University Admission Scholarship confirmed his decision.

Academic Excellence and Creative Exploration

Jose’s experience in the Global Communication programme has met his expectations and more. What stands out most to him are the creative courses, which give students hands-on access to professional media equipment and the freedom to experiment. “Being encouraged to explore creativity by some professors has led me to discover new sides of myself,” he noted.

Outside the classroom, Jose has embraced life in Hong Kong with enthusiasm. From cultural events and student society gatherings to exploring local food streets, he has found the city lively and inspiring. The campus MTR station also makes it easy to travel to Shatin, Hong Kong Island, and even the Shenzhen border, adding to the convenience of student life.

A Creative Career Taking Shape in Hong Kong

Looking ahead, Jose hopes to take part in a semester exchange and a media production internship to further strengthen his practical skills. His post-graduation plans remain open, with possibilities in both Mexico’s rapidly growing entertainment industry and Hong Kong’s dynamic market.

For international students considering their options, Jose’s message is clear: CUHK offers academic quality, financial support, and a valuable foothold in one of the world’s most dynamic cities.

CUHK’s Global Communication Programme

CUHK’s Global Communication programme prepares students for an evolving media landscape by combining communication studies with a guaranteed overseas exchange and a curriculum built around real-world experience.

• Cutting-Edge Facilities: Access to a 4K-UHD Virtual Set Studio, Digital Radio Studio, and VR Lab.
• Guaranteed Global Exchange: One semester at a partner university in Asia, Europe, or North America.
• Hands-On Learning: Real-world experience through journalism projects and overseas study tours.
• International Classroom: A 1:1 ratio of international to local students with all courses taught in English.

For more information about CUHK’s Global Communication programme, visit https://admission.cuhk.edu.hk/programme/gcomn/

Hashtag: #CUHK

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

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

Psychology Assistant students are training in New Zealand classrooms for the first time, marking a major milestone in growing the mental health workforce. The first graduates are set to enter the workforce next year, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says.

“Today is a landmark moment. These students are the first to train for a brand-new role that will help more New Zealanders get faster access to mental health support, while creating a new career pathway for psychology graduates,” Mr Doocey says. 

“We know that every year many psychology graduates miss out on the limited number of postgraduate training places. Without other pathways available, too many of these graduates are lost from the mental health workforce. This new role gives them a way to stay in mental health, use their skills, and support more New Zealanders who need help. 

“It’s fantastic to be at the University of Canterbury today to meet the first cohort of students as they begin their training to become New Zealand’s first registered Psychology Assistants. Students are now also undertaking the programme at Auckland University of Technology. 

“Working under the supervision of registered psychologists, Psychology Assistants will provide practical support to people with mental health and addiction needs by delivering low-intensity interventions, supporting assessments, monitoring progress and providing psychoeducation. This will allow psychologists to spend more time with people who have the most complex needs. 

“Budget 2026 invested $28.45 million to establish the Psychology Assistant workforce, supporting employment, supervision and training as this new role is introduced across Health New Zealand and community mental health services. 

“That investment will support up to 50 new Psychology Assistants entering the workforce each year, growing the frontline and helping more New Zealanders access support faster. 

“This is just one part of our plan to grow the psychology workforce. We are also on track to almost double the number of clinical psychology internships, increasing from 40 in 2023 to 74 in 2026. 

“I’ve been clear that doing nothing is not an option while New Zealanders are waiting too long for support. Psychology Assistants are not replacing psychologists; they are working alongside them to help more people access support.  

“The role and its scope of practice have been approved by the New Zealand Psychologists Board, and I believe this role will make a real difference for many.”

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/24/psychology-assistants-hit-the-books/

Transport Minister Chris Bishop has today announced the reappointment of David Smol and the appointments of Lana Stockman, Steve Haszard and Murdo Beattie to the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) Board.

“David Smol’s wide-ranging regulatory, governance and public sector experience will continue to provide valuable oversight to the NZTA Board,” Mr Bishop says.

“Lana Stockman brings a diverse professional background across finance, engineering, psychology and regulation.

“Her understanding of commercial and investment trade-offs for regulators and operators in New Zealand and Australia will strengthen the Board’s capability.

“Steve Haszard is a commercially astute board member and executive leader with strong regulatory experience.

“His experience leading organisations through change, including as Chief Executive of WorkSafe and Managing Partner of Meredith Connell, will be valuable to the Board.

“Murdo Beattie brings deep commercial and investment management experience, including in complex infrastructure and transport-related transactions.

“His leadership on significant transactions, including the recapitalisation of Air New Zealand and the Crown re-acquisition of KiwiRail, will add strong commercial expertise to NZTA’s governance.

“These appointments reflect the Government’s commitment to ensuring NZTA has the governance, regulatory and commercial expertise needed to deliver for New Zealanders.

“I would like to particularly acknowledge Catherine Taylor, who is retiring after five and a half years of service to NZTA. She has made substantial contributions to the Board’s governance and oversight of NZTA. Catherine’s leadership as Chair of the Regulatory Subcommittee has been especially valuable in supporting the Board’s regulatory responsibilities. 

I also thank Pat Dougherty and Mike Rudge for the subject matter expertise and valuable contribution they have brought to the Board,” Mr Bishop says.

Lana Stockman, Steve Haszard and Murdo Beattie’s appointments are for three-year terms ending on 26 July 2029. 

David Smol’s reappointment is for a two-year term ending on 31 July 2028.

Notes to editor:

BIOs

David Smol

David Smol is an experienced leader and director with significant regulatory and public sector knowledge. He currently holds chair roles with Wellington UniVentures, GNS Science, the Ministry of Social Development’s Risk and Assurance Committee, and the Department of Internal Affairs External Advisory Committee. He also holds director roles with the Co-operative Bank, Contact Energy, Victoria University of Wellington Council, the Ministry of Housing, and the Defence Capability Board.

Lana Stockman

Lana Stockman has a diverse professional background with qualifications in finance, engineering and psychology, and has held regulatory roles throughout her career. She has a strong understanding of commercial and investment trade-offs for regulators and commercial operators, at management and governance levels in New Zealand and Australia. Her current roles include the Monash University Energy Market Institute Advisory Council, the Ethics Committee on Assisted Reproductive Technology, and Deputy Chair of the Trinity Schools Trust Board.

Steve Haszard

Steve Haszard is a commercially astute board member and executive leader, skilled in driving transformational change in business and culture. He brings strong regulatory experience through his roles with Meredith Connell, where he developed and managed the firm’s regulatory and compliance advisory business. He was Deputy Chair of the Civil Aviation Authority and Chief Executive of WorkSafe. His current roles include the Audit and Risk Committee at Debt Managers, Chair of the Governance Assurance Board at Talley’s Group Ltd, Independent Director of Stellar Projects, and Independent Director of Meredith Connell.

Murdo Beattie

Murdo Beattie has extensive experience in commercial and investment management, including complex contracting arrangements through his time at Cameron Partners. He has led significant arrangements including the recapitalisation of Air New Zealand, the Crown re-acquisition of KiwiRail, the separation of Spark and Chorus, Australian Infrastructure Fund’s acquisition of North Island gas transmission and distribution assets, the sale of Paymark, and Contact Energy’s acquisition of Mānawa Energy. His previous roles include Senior Advisor and Managing Partner/Director at Cameron Partners, Head of Business Development at Telecom NZ, Fund Manager at Fay Richwhite and Co. and Tower Insurance, Advisor to the Minister of Finance, and Policy Analyst at the New Zealand Treasury.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/24/appointments-to-the-nzta-board/

Attorney-General Chris Bishop today announced the appointment of Auckland Barrister and Solicitor Edward David (Ed) Crook as a Judge of the High Court.

Justice Crook graduated from the University of Cambridge with a Bachelor of Arts (in Law) (achieving First Class Honours in his final year) in 1992, and completed the Law Society Finals (First Class) in 1993. He started his career as a trainee with Herbert Smith in London in 1994, qualifying in 1996 and then working in the firm’s property team. In 1999 he emigrated to New Zealand with his family, joining Russell McVeagh. After an initial period there and at Buddle Findlay, he returned to Russell McVeagh, becoming a partner in 2004.

Justice Crook has worked as a transactional lawyer in the real estate and construction fields throughout his career, his client base comprising predominantly institutional investors and developers based both in New Zealand and overseas. He was the chair of Russell McVeagh’s Real Estate and Construction Team for many years, up to 2023, and chair of the partnership from 2023 to 2025.  He has also been a Director of the College of Law since 2007.

Justice Crook’s appointment as a Judge of the High Court will take effect on 24 August 2026, and he will sit in Auckland.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/24/high-court-judge-appointment/

MIL OSI

BINZHOU, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 July 2026 – On July 18, the 2026 Shandong Innovation-Driven Development Conference & 7^th Binzhou Talent Festival was held at the Yellow River Delta Trading Center in Binzhou. The event brought together academicians from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering, high-level leading talents from various fields, university research experts, and heads of sci-tech innovation enterprises to explore pathways for industrial upgrading and discuss strategies for innovation-driven development.

Co-hosted by the Shandong Association for Science and Technology, the CPC Binzhou Municipal Committee, and the Binzhou Municipal People’s Government, the conference was themed “Gathering Wisdom in the Bohai Bay· Leading the New Future — Building a New Landscape for a Modern Industrial System.” Its core mission was to promote the deep integration of technological innovation with industrial innovation.

The conference includes one main forum, five concurrent events, and nine thematic sessions. Following the conference, a series of industry-specific matchmaking activities will be launched, covering green low-carbon power, rope nets, kitchenware, artificial intelligence, fine alumina, and other sectors, forming a long-term, year-round sci-tech innovation service chain.

Tailored to Binzhou’s development needs for 11 key industrial chains and its modern industrial cluster, the conference aims to promote the deep integration of the talent chain, industrial chain, and innovation chain. The event established a high-quality platform for talent exchange, sci-tech innovation empowerment, and project landing, effectively channeling the intellectual resources of national and provincial academic societies to support the high-quality development of Binzhou’s industries and injecting strong momentum for innovation-driven growth.

Hashtag: #Binzhou

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

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

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 July 2026 – St Francis Methodist School International (SFMS) has released its latest academic results for students in the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) programme. The outcomes reflect steady ATAR performance and a range of university placements through the school’s pre-university programmes.

Overview of the WACE Curriculum at SFMS

SFMS International is among a small number of institutions in Singapore offering the WACE curriculum and has delivered this programme for over 23 years. The WACE is a recognised senior secondary qualification awarded by the School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA) on behalf of the Ministry of Education, Western Australia. It prepares students for university admission both locally and internationally.

SFMS is also currently the only school in Singapore offering a Senior High Preparatory Pathway (WACE) for students in Years 9–10. This introduces students to the structure and expectations of the curriculum earlier, building familiarity with subject content and assessment formats before progressing to the senior years. Additionally, subject selection in Years 11A and 12A is structured to meet university entry requirements and reflect students’ academic interests.

Academic Outcomes and University Placements

In 2023, 8 out of 12 WACE graduates from SFMS International achieved ATAR scores above 90, meeting the eligibility criteria for universities such as the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU). The cohort’s top scorer, Wang Dawei, recorded an ATAR of 96.15 and enrolled at NTU to study Business and International Trading. In addition to local placements, graduates were admitted to international universities such as the University of Melbourne and Fudan University in China.

In 2024, 2 out of 8 graduates also attained ATAR scores above 90. The highest scorer, Youn Chae-Won, achieved an ATAR of 95.3. Her university placement is currently pending.

Student Journeys and Holistic Development

Students in the WACE programme at SFMS International engage in both academic and co-curricular activities as part of their overall learning experience. Recent graduates have taken part in service learning, subject specialisation, and personal reflection throughout their time in the pre-university programme.

Youn Chae-Won, the 2024 valedictorian, joined SFMS International from Korea in 2021. Over time, she adjusted to a new academic environment and explored subjects such as accounting, which influenced her interest in finance-related pathways. She also took part in various aspects of school life, including a service learning trip to Bintan in 2023, where students supported local sanitation efforts. Her involvement in both academic and co-curricular settings marked a broad engagement with school life during her time at SFMS.

Andrew Zhuang, who enrolled in SFMS International in 2019, pursued subjects such as Business Management, Accounting, and English as an Additional Language (EALD). Beyond academics, he was involved in community fundraising and joined the same Bintan service trip. He also attended weekly chapel sessions and received support from peers and teachers during a period of health-related absence.

These outcomes reflect the ongoing role of the WACE programme at SFMS International in supporting students through both academic pathways and broader educational experiences. Under the leadership of Principal Mr Lee Hak Boon, the school continues to emphasise academic planning, subject selection, and student wellbeing as part of its overall approach to pre-university education.

https://www.sfms.edu.sg/
https://www.facebook.com/sfms.singapore
https://www.instagram.com/sfms_sg/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_bb9hcNhAk7WgYBE_FI61A/featured

Hashtag: #StFrancisMethodistSchoolInternational

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

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

MIL OSI

Concurrent Food Expo features “Multi-Facets of Chinese Medicine” exhibition

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 July 2026 – The 25^th International Conference of the Modernization of Chinese Medicine and Health Products (ICMCM), organised by the Modernized Chinese Medicine International Association (MCMIA) together with the HKTDC and ten scientific research institutions, will be held from 13 to 15 August at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), offering industry professionals the latest insights into Chinese medicine. This year’s conference is funded by the Chinese Medicine Development Fund of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. It is dedicated to strengthening the ties between Hong Kong’s Chinese medicine industry and the international market, while promoting Hong Kong’s leading role in the global field of Chinese medicine.

Register for the conference to stay updated with the latest industry information on Chinese medicine: https://tinyurl.com/tmvryr38

Aligning with the strategic Blueprint with a focus on “Bringing In and Going Global”

The Chinese Medicine Development Blueprint of Hong Kong (the Blueprint) released in 2025 positions Hong Kong as a bridgehead for the global internationalisation of Chinese medicine and a key highland within the national framework for Chinese medicine development. To actively support the strategic direction of the Blueprint, this year’s conference adopts the theme Clinical Translation, Regulatory Policies and Global Innovative Pathways of Traditional Medicine, focusing on two core elements: bringing in and going global. It introduces Hong Kong’s Chinese medicine regulations and resource support to participants from Chinese Mainland and overseas, while inviting overseas regulatory authorities to share their local traditional medicine regulations. This year, some 30 experts and scholars from Hong Kong, Chinese Mainland, and overseas have been invited to comprehensively explore the latest research and development trends, regulatory interpretations, and success cases in Chinese medicine.

The three-day conference is divided into five major thematic sessions, covering policy blueprints, international regulations, clinical research, success case sharing, and talent cultivation:

To help enterprises from Chinese Mainland and abroad understand Hong Kong’s Chinese medicine regulation and support, Dr. Vincent Chung Chi-ho, Commissioner for Chinese Medicine Development, Chinese Medicine Unit, Health Bureau, will elaborate on the Blueprint, while Law Kwok-wai, Robert, Chief Pharmacist (Chinese Medicine), Chinese Medicine Regulatory Office, Department of Health, Dr. Yeung Kin Wai, Senior Chemist, Government Chinese Medicines Testing Institute, Department of Health, and Prof. Bian Zhaoxiang, Hospital Chief Executive, The Chinese Medicine Hospital of Hong Kong (CMHHK) , will share in-depth insights into the latest progress in Chinese medicine regulation, quality standards testing, and clinical practice and research at the Chinese Medicine Hospital. Furthermore, Arnold Lau, Associate Director-General, Invest Hong Kong, Dr. William Cheung, Deputy Chief Manager (Life and Health Technology), Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises (OASES), Angela Yu, Deputy Head of Health Tech and TCM, Hong Kong Productivity Council and Wing Chu, Deputy Director of Research, HKTDC, will participate in a panel discussion to analyse the Hong Kong government’s resource support for the development of Chinese medicine.

To provide attendees with a comprehensive analysis of market trends, Prof. Zheng Linyun, Executive Vice President of the Shanghai Academy of International Standardization of Traditional Chinese Medicine, will share reflections and prospects on the transformation of ISO/TC249. Furthermore, Prof. Taruna Ikrar, Chairperson of the Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (BPOM), Indonesia, Nurul Anisah Binti Shahri from National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA), Ministry of Health, Malaysia and Thawatchai Nakkaratniyom, Senior Professional Level Pharmacist, Head of Pre-marketing Control Group, Herbal Products Division at Thai Food and Drug Administration, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand will jointly analyse the regulations and standards of the Southeast Asian market.

Scientific and clinical experts will share the latest progress in the scientific research and clinical application of Chinese medicine, as well as experiences regarding the R&D application and clinical efficacy of hospital-made Chinese medicine preparations. Prof. Zhang Zhongde, Deputy President of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine & President of Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine will share Chinese Mainland’s practices in the research and development of Chinese medicine. Prof. Lee Sanghoon, Dean, International Education Institute of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University will discuss the development of new natural product drugs in Korea. Prof. Pei Xiaohua, Dean of Changping Hospital Affiliated to Beijing University of Chinese Medicine and Director of the Institute of Traditional Chinese Surgery will discuss clinical needs in developing new Chinese herbal medicines for TCM-advantageous breast diseases. Locally, Prof. Zhang Ge from Hong Kong Baptist University will present innovative achievements in utilising traditional Chinese medicine to drive target discovery for triple-negative breast cancer, while Prof. Xian Yanfang Lisa, Assistant Professor, School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong will share pre-clinical and clinical studies of novel Chinese medicine formula for treating gout.

Focusing on successful industry practices, ICMCM provides an interactive platform for the industry, helping to ensure the continuous development and growth of the traditional Chinese medicine sector. Yan Han, Chairman, Beijing Tong Ren Tang Chinese Medicine Company Limited will share the cultural heritage and internationalised development of Chinese medicine, and Dr. Celine Cheng, Chief Compliance & Technology Officer of Jacobson Pharma Corporation Limited will share GMP applications in the industry. Several professors from Chinese Mainland, Australia, Canada, Macao, and Singapore—including Prof. Li Min, Dean and Chair Professor, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University; Prof. Xu Hongxi, Chairman, Belt and Road Alliance for Traditional Medicine, Honorary Dean & Distinguished Professor, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine; Prof. Zhu Xiaoshu, Co-Director, Australia-China Chinese Medicine Centre, Western Sydney University, Australia; and Prof. Linda Zhong, Director, Biomedical Sciences and Chinese Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore —will explore training models for Chinese medicine talent at home and abroad, alongside market demands for Chinese medicine products in potential markets.

The Symposium will be held on the morning of 15 August. This year, it is jointly organized by eight institutions, including four Hong Kong universities—The Chinese University of Hong Kong, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Baptist University, and The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology—alongside Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, the University of Macau, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine. The Symposium will kick off with Vincent & Lily Woo Fellowship in Memory of Dr Albert Wong endowed by Vincent & Lily Woo Foundation Award Presentation Ceremony, hosted by the Modernized Chinese Medicine International Foundation. This year’s Symposium will feature nearly 100 research presentations, including oral research presentations by 10 postgraduate students from Hong Kong, Chinese Mainland, Australia, Singapore, South Korea, Vietnam, and Serbia, and nearly 90 poster displays. The judging panel will select 10 winners for the Tianjiang Cup Li Shizhen Youth Outstanding Thesis Award. The Symposium not only provides a platform for postgraduate students in Chinese medicine to share their research progress and achievements but also promotes student collaboration and exchange, laying an important cornerstone for cultivating a new generation of scientific research professionals and driving the development of Chinese medicine.

This year’s conference continues to operate under the hybrid model, with simultaneous interpretation in both English and Putonghua offered to enable wider industry participation.

In addition to the professional conference tailored for industry practitioners, ICMCM is committed to promoting the popularisation and implementation of Chinese medicine in the community through a public education display area titled “Multi-Facets of Chinese Medicine” at the concurrent Food Expo. In response to the directives of the Blueprint, this interactive and educational display aims to significantly enhance the public’s correct understanding of and confidence in Chinese medicine.

The design of the exhibition is closely aligned with the development direction set out in the Blueprint, providing a comprehensive overview of the new chapter in Hong Kong’s Chinese medicine sector. It covers four main themes including the latest development trends of Chinese medicine in Hong Kong, the service features of the Chinese Medicine Hospital of Hong Kong, the Hospital Authority’s Chinese medicine outpatient services, Chinese medicine regulation framework and Chinese medicine practitioner registration system, alongside knowledge on Chinese medicine wellness practices.

A half-day ICMCM Public Forum will be held on Saturday, 15, August 2026, to promote the advantages of Chinese medicine services, interesting Chinese medicine wellness tips and preventive healthcare. By running industry conferences alongside public exhibitions and forums in parallel, the event aims, on the one hand, to foster academic and industrial innovation exchanges among global Chinese medicine experts, and on the other, to embed Chinese medicine culture deeply into the daily lives of the public, thereby jointly promoting Hong Kong’s development as an international centre for Chinese medicine.

Conference programme: icmcm.hktdc.com/pdf/2026/programme.pdf
Website: hktdc.com/icmcm

Concurrent Exhibitions:
HKTDC Food Expo PRO foodexpopro.hktdc.com
HKTDC Hong Kong International Tea Fair hkteafair.hktdc.com
HKTDC Food Expo hkfoodexpo.hktdc.com
HKTDC Beauty & Wellness Expo hkbeautyexpo.hktdc.com
HKTDC Home Delights Expo homedelights.hktdc.com

Hashtag: #HKTDC #ICMCM

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

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

• Deep dive into the DNA of Thailand’s wellness giants—BDMS Wellness Clinic and Chiva-Som—and their strategic blueprints to transform the kingdom into the ultimate global wellness destination.

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 July 2026 – In the modern era, “good health” has redefined the meaning of true wealth. Consumers worldwide are now heavily investing in innovations that promote longevity and extend healthspan—the period of life spent in good health. Even amid economic uncertainty, health and well-being remain top priorities for consumers. This behavioral shift helping drive the global wellness economy to a reached USD 6.8 trillion in 2024, representing a 7.9% growth from the previous year. Furthermore, the Global Wellness Institute (GWI) projects the market to surge to USD 9.8 trillion by 2029, maintaining an average annual growth rate of 7.6%. Driven by this exponential growth, nations worldwide, including Thailand, are aggressively developing wellness services and innovations to serve as a “New Growth Engine” and a key indicator of long-term national competitiveness.

Where Does Thailand Stand in the Global Health & Wellness Industry?

When evaluating Thailand’s potential, Thailand ranks among the world’s leading healthcare destinations. According to the Numbeo Health Care Index 2026, Thailand’s healthcare system is ranked 8th globally, making it the sole ASEAN nation to secure a spot in the Top 10. Focusing specifically on the health and wellness sector, Thailand achieved the highest growth rate globally in 2023, with the market value soaring past USD 40 billion—a remarkable 28.4% increase. The “Wellness Tourism” segment alone skyrocketed by 36.4%, outperforming the global average by threefold.

These figures reflect much more than financial profits; they underscore Thailand’s robust readiness and distinct advantages. The country boasts world-class medical infrastructure, accredited hospitals, highly skilled medical professionals, reasonable treatment costs, and an established reputation as a top wellness destination. Additionally, Thailand possesses unique cultural assets—such as traditional Thai herbs, Thai massage, healthy cuisine, and medical tourism—that can be strategically leveraged into a high-value economy.

Driving a High-Income Economy with Deep Tech in the Wellness Market

Prof. Dr. Yodchanan Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), announced a strategic vision to transform Thailand’s wellness industry from traditional services into a high-value, globally competitive innovation sector. The strategy aims to unlock the potential of Thai culture, local wisdom, and rich biodiversity by implementing modern science and technology to establish evidence-based efficacy. Furthermore, cutting-edge innovations such as Health Tech, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Machine Learning (ML) will be deployed to analyze deep health data. Equipping the sector with Deep Tech will significantly elevate international credibility.

Prof. Dr. Yodchanan emphasized: “MHESI is fully prepared to act as a vital gear in mitigating R&D investment risks for the private sector through an end-to-end support system. We aim to accelerate the commercialization of Thai innovations by systematically connecting the innovation ecosystem. This includes matchmaking entrepreneurs, startups, researchers, and universities, alongside injecting comprehensive financial and resource support. Our assistance spans R&D grants, advanced laboratory access, clinical trials, global production standard upgrades, and intellectual property protection. Collectively, these mechanisms will propel wellness into a New Growth Engine, boosting national competitiveness and establishing Thailand as a true global wellness hub.”

NIA’s Four Strategic Pillars to Propel the Thai Wellness Economy Globally

Dr. Krithpaka Boonfueng, Executive Director of the National Innovation Agency (NIA), stated that driving the wellness industry sustainably cannot be achieved by the private sector alone. It requires cross-sector collaboration to foster an innovation ecosystem conducive to research, technological development, standard testing, and global market expansion. The NIA has continuously supported entrepreneurs in health, wellness, and medical technology through capacity-building initiatives like the Wellness Academy, startup incubation, university network integration, and innovation competitions to translate ideas into market-ready businesses.

The NIA prioritizes data, research, and scientific evidence to build trust and add value to Thai wellness products and services. Simultaneously, the agency connects entrepreneurs to vital resources and innovation networks to stimulate the healthcare economy, creating jobs and new revenue streams through four key strategies:

1. Connecting Innovative Businesses: Fostering synergies across the ecosystem.
2. Upgrading Wellness Establishments and Labor Skills: Elevating service standards and workforce capabilities to international levels.
3. Driving Progress via Thailand Innovation Hubs: Utilizing regional hubs to stimulate localized innovation.
4. Scaling Up and Building International Recognition: Enhancing global awareness of Thai wellness as credible, safe, verifiable, and uniquely high-value.

The NIA’s ultimate goal is not merely to create new innovative businesses, but to build a sustainable ecosystem that empowers Thai entrepreneurs to grow robustly and integrate seamlessly into the global health and wellness supply chain.

BDMS Champions “Healthspan” and Preventive Medicine to Secure a Competitive Edge

As longevity becomes a primary aspiration for the global population, BDMS Wellness Clinic—a premier wellness leader in Thailand—is accelerating the preventive healthcare industry. By utilizing health science and personalized medicine, the clinic designs deep-level bodily care to firmly establish Thailand as a pioneer in modern health trends.

Dr. Tanupol Virunhagarun, Chief Executive Officer of BDMS Wellness Group, Bangkok Dusit Medical Services Public Company Limited (BDMS), highlighted that transitioning from treating illnesses to preventing them is an undeniable global megatrend. This aligns with World Health Organization (WHO) data indicating that every 1 Baht invested in wellness yields up to a 35-fold return by reducing public healthcare expenditures and enhancing citizen quality of life. This expertise has positioned BDMS Wellness Clinic as a major private-sector anchor, attracting high-spending global consumers to Thailand through its concept of “Scientific Wellness.” This approach features evidence-based healthcare, ranging from advanced genetic testing and personalized nutrition and vitamin formulations to blending modern medical innovations with traditional Thai medicine for verifiable results. Upgrading these standards shifts Thailand’s image from a leisure destination to a highly credible, advanced medical hub, serving as a crucial mechanism in partnering with the government to promote the nation as “Wellness Hub Thailand, The Land of Life” and a top-of-mind Global Wellness Destination.

Chiva-Som Showcases the “Thai Spirit” to Redefine the Health Economy

Complementing advanced medical dimensions, Thailand possesses iconic brands in health tourism marketing, such as Chiva-Som—the country’s first wellness resort and a pioneer in Asia. Spanning over three decades, Chiva-Som evolved from a modest beachfront holiday home in Hua Hin into one of the world’s top wellness resorts, capturing the loyalty of high-net-worth consumers from the West. What sets Chiva-Som apart is not just its world-class international treatments, but the “Thai spirit of hospitality”—characterized by humility, gentleness, and sincerity—seamlessly integrated with a profound understanding of holistic wellness.

Drawing from this tangible success, Mr. Krod Rojanastien, Consultant to President of Chiva-Som International Health Resort Co., Ltd., shared a pivotal insight: In a digital era where people face chronic stress and burnout, wellness has become mainstream. Thailand holds a distinct competitive advantage through its innate service spirit, gentle culture, and centuries-old traditional Thai medical wisdom. Moving forward, the priority must be backing this traditional wisdom with scientific research to secure international trust. Thailand’s future marketing goal must transcend being a temporary vacation spot; it must elevate into a global “Sanctuary” where people intentionally travel to restore their body, mind, and overall quality of life.

When science, technology, innovation, and Thai wisdom are systematically woven together, the wellness economy will transform from a mere service sector into a powerful economic engine. It will lead Thailand toward becoming a definitive Global Wellness Destination, generating economic wealth and holistic well-being simultaneously.
Hashtag: #NIA #NationalInnovationAgency

https://www.nia.or.th/

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

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

Introduction

Thank you for being here this afternoon.

Mr. President, Members of the New Zealand First Party Board, Ministers and Members of Parliament, delegates of New Zealand First nationwide, Ladies and Gentlemen.

Over the past two days we have held our thirty-third annual convention, and it was this exact weekend, in July 1993, when the New Zealand First Party began. 

To all those members who began our political party thirty-three years ago, under a First Past the Post electoral system, a genuine sentiment of gratitude to you all.

Over the decades your dedication has remained steadfast, and we have grown to become the most successful new political party in modern New Zealand history.

We salute you here today as the next generation, together with a former one, taking this party forward to new levels of success.

Serious Times Require Experience & Prudent Judgement

The world is in a troubled state, the worst we can remember. And yet, having returned last week from Singapore and Japan, we are hopeful, because our discussions were gripped by how our friends, like us, see opportunity amidst so much turmoil.

We haven’t needed lectures from others to act; no, we’ve been seizing chances to advance New Zealand’s economic and security relationships with energy ever since this term began. Our 80 plus overseas trips have not been to collect passport stamps, but to enhance existing agreements, or create new ones, whether in our region, the Pacific, or in Asia, South America, Europe and the Nordics.

In country after country, we have learned first-hand that they want to do more with us, they too see opportunity, and our job is to make the most of them.

That said, do not underestimate just how disruptive the geo-strategic environment is. It’s a hugely complex and challenging period we are facing. This places an enormous premium on experience, and through experience, good judgements that protect New Zealand’s vital interests.

We take the world as it is, not as some cloistered varsity lecturer or woke leftie wants it to be. The record shows that we have exercised sound judgement when it has mattered most. 

With experience comes prudence, and with diplomacy comes opportunity, and that is why we are guardedly optimistic that New Zealand will emerge from the serious global disruptions in a strong position to exploit every opportunity that we create or that comes our way.               

And The Time is Now

New Zealand First has always been the greatest challenge to blind ideology, to social elitism, and to the status quo.

We, from the very beginning, have been for one country, one people, one law, one flag, regardless of gender, race, or religion.

We have been for protecting our nation’s sovereignty and national interest, protecting our unique role in the world, protecting our nation’s pride in who we are, where we have come from, and our traditional Kiwi values.

We fight for the hardworking blue-collar Kiwi battler, who just wants the chance to help build a country they are proud of.

We have always been, and always will be, for common sense.

Thirty-three years ago we created this party with a vision. A vision of hope and a heart to fight for the belief of every New Zealander for the chance of a better future for our children and grandchildren. 

Our country is not just a place, it is who we are as people. 

It is a set of values, stitched together across time. It is never complete – it grows. 

It grows into what we, as a New Zealanders, together, chose it to be. 

And the question is, ‘what do we want our country to be?’

We can no longer continue to accept the status quo who represent the establishment, who want nothing more than to protect the power they think they have, and maintain the separation of the ordinary kiwi and the elite. 

In this election, we have a rare chance to change the shape of parliament for the better, and in doing so, to reshape our country the way you want it.

We can choose to continue down the path we have been on for over forty years, continuing to watch the swing of the pendulum where blue or red just wait long enough and then yell “it’s our turn now’. 

Only to then proceed to change very little, apart from continuing to manage the decline.

Or, we can make a choice with our future generations in mind, take back control from the Wellington 

Bluesky bubble, take back control from the ‘way it’s always been’, take back control from those who choose to be a CV politician, where they are here one day, run out of gas, and are gone the next – taking with them a rolodex of international job opportunities, speaking circuits, or book tours, looking back over their shoulder at New Zealand’s decline. 

New Zealand First, from our launch thirty-three years ago, has been battling that elitist status quo. 

No one can deny that. When others wouldn’t raise a finger, we have raised the roof.

We will never give up that fight against the elitest status quo, and this election is where we can turn it on its head.

In November we have the real chance to show the power of MMP. We can move away from what our system used to be and make a real change to how our country is governed and who is representing you in government.

What we are asking you to do, is to give us the tools so we can finish the job. 

We cannot fly a microlight to the moon, but if you give us an Artimus, we will reach the stars.

We have a real chance to change the path we are on as a country, give hope a chance, and make 

New Zealand great again, like it once was when we were the number one democracy in the world.

The time is now.

We Are Breaking the Shackles of the Status Quo

New Zealand First has achieved a lot over the four governments that we have been a part of, punching well above our electoral weight.

We are the Party that raised the minimum wage for workers, not once, but three times in 2005, 2017, and again in this current government.

We are the Party that increased our frontline police numbers, not once, but three times, in 2005 by 1000, in 2017 by 1800, and again in this government we will have shortly completed our coalition agreement to increase our frontline police numbers by 500.

We are the Party who demanded in our coalition agreement to introduce Coward Punch laws and tougher penalties for those who assault our First Responders.

We are the Party who fought for the SuperGold Card for our seniors in 2005, repealed the pernicious surtax, raised super to 66% of median wage, and now making the SuperGold Card a form of physical ID.

We are the Party who brought in free healthcare for children under the age of 14.

We are the Party who brought in pay parity for primary school teachers.

We are the Party who have invested billions into our struggling regions with the Provincial Growth

Fund in 2017, and again this term with the Regional Infrastructure Fund.

We are the Party that has rebuilt our regional rail network after 2017, and again this term with much needed investment into the once neglected system.

We are the Party that has increased funding to our great St John Ambulance service.

We are the Party that has a bill to let the local ratepayers decide about fluoride in their water, instead of central government ramming it down your throat. 

We demanded a second Covid Inquiry, but sadly other parties watered that purpose down. Why?

Because they are all implicated. 

We are the only Party that has called for a new select committee inquiry into those who were injured by the vaccine – and being compensated for it. We are not going to let the matter be swept under the carpet by incompetent ministers.

We stopped all work on He Puapua, we stopped the WHO imposing International Health Regulations without New Zealand’s consent.

We repealed the Natural Health Products legislation.

We have taken men out of women’s sports.

We stopped the use of puberty blockers in children.

We are making English an official language, that will stop the nonsense that led to the CRL renaming the Britomart Station “Waitamata” and the Mt Eden Station “Mangawhau” without seeking a mandate, we are fighting against that woke ideology that has pervaded our country over the past ten years.

The list goes on and on.

The width and breadth of our accomplishments is vast and has influenced and positively affected every sector, every region, every part of New Zealanders lives.

But it’s not just the policies that our party has accomplished. It is about the common sense, experience, and the values that we bring to government.

Currently, we are fighting against the Gene Tech Bill. 

We are fighting against the use of Digital ID.

And the ban on social media for under sixteen-year-olds.

But if we as a country want to truly achieve more, to see more of those great policies, to see those values and principles of nationalism, patriotism, conservatism in the true leadership of our great country, then New Zealand First needs you – to give us the tools we need to get the job done.

We need to break the shackles of the status quo, we need to stop accepting the swing of the managed decline.

Pepsi or Coke Pendulum Swing

We need to take this unique chance in November, to stop the monotonous “Pepsi or Coke pendulum swing”, and give our country the chance to be truly great again. 

We are asking you to Party Vote New Zealand First.

One local example, Labour made all the promises to build the Mill Road four-lane corridor, then did nothing about it.

National’s MP based in Papakura then said “We have a city, the size of Napier, being built at Drury and still, this Labour government thinks a cycle way will be sufficient.”

Then, National has just continued to delay this project once again.

Pepsi and Coke have promised and done nothing.

New Zealand First, the party of the Provincial Growth Fund, and Regional Infrastructure Fund, the rebuilder of the Rail Network across the country, is committing, as an election promise, to get the Mill Road corridor built as a priority.

The Problems with the FTA

New Zealand First is against the Indian Free Trade Agreement, for good reason. It is not the ‘great deal’ that has been portrayed by other political parties.

We aren’t against free trade agreements. 

It is written in the New Zealand First coalition agreement to specifically prioritise an FTA with India. 

But, what we are against are bad Free Trade Agreements that are not in New Zealand’s best interests.

If you talk about the good parts of the Indian FTA, you have to talk about the bad parts – which other political parties are conveniently ignoring, brushing off, or passing the buck. 

New Zealand First has highlighted from day one the reasons this deal is bad.

We stated from day one that this deal has unprecedented immigration settings including uncapped student numbers with working rights and 5000 visa holders entering New Zealand able to bring in families with them. This is in addition to other uncapped immigration work visa pathways within the agreement. 

The ultimate question and problem we have is why has migration been made one of centrepieces of what is meant to be a free trade deal? Why has this become a free migration deal?

There are also two clauses that are included in the FTA that no one can give an explanation as to why. 

The UN co-governance framework UNDRIP, the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of

Indigenous People, is in the agreement. This is the provision that created He Puapua.

The Paris Agreement clause is also in the FTA. The agreement that will see us send up to $22 billion overseas in a pointless and futile attempt to reduce our 0.17% CO2 emissions in the face of just four countries China, US, Russia and India producing 60% of the worlds emissions – and who produce more CO2 in a day than we do in a year.

If it is in the coalition agreement that UNDRIP is not recognised, and the Act Party is supposedly against UNDRIP and Paris Accord, why are these clauses in the FTA that both National and Act have supported?

What is more, New Zealand must promote $33 billion of investment into India over just the next 15 years, otherwise India can claw back the agreement. Billions of our dollars into a foreign country when we are desperate for investment here in New Zealand. 

We heard last weekend, when Prime Minister Modi himself said, not just once, but twice, that this was a “commitment to invest”, yet we were told by National that it was just “an aspiration”.

Do you remember John Key when he told us all not to worry because UNDRIP was “just aspirational”?

Luxon said Modi was wrong, and Hipkins washed his hands of all responsibility for this mess of different interpretations.

Surely the New Zealand people need an explanation. 

If, since 2012 New Zealand has only invested $4.2 Billion into China through that FTA, then how are we going to find $33 Billion over the next 15 years for India? Riddle me that.

To get to this point where there is such a difference in interpretation, after this deal has been signed, is a real worry. 

What is worse, is when Hipkins clearly understood that there was a very serious potential for this different interpretation of the deal to badly effect New Zealand businesses, he warned those businesses that there are “risks” with what was in the FTA. This is after Hipkins supported it.

Hipkins is now putting all that responsibility and risk that he has allowed to occur by supporting this FTA, onto New Zealand businesses. 

Why wasn’t the interpretation clear before the FTA was signed by National and before Act and Labour supported it?

National brushes it off saying ‘India is wrong’ and Labour is washing their hands of all the risk they have both created. 

This is a recipe for disaster.

Astonishingly, Luxon told media that the good news is he spoke to a New Zealand manufacturing business who told him that they are already planning to put manufacturing facilities into India.

Since when was it a good thing that New Zealand companies are moving employment and production overseas? 

Do you see how backward this has all become?

Are you seeing now why New Zealand First has opposed this FTA from the time we saw the real detail?

The Left Must Not Win

We must not forget what we inherited just three short years ago from an economically destructive and morally bereft Labour government, that left this country in a precarious and impossible position.

We inherited a broken economy, a fractured society, and a country on a road to social disaster. That road was paved with the unbelievable incompetence from the last Labour government. 

New Zealand’s debt skyrocketed, there were multiple fiscal policies with no allocated funding, racist co-governance and woke ideology had spread into legislation and throughout the public sector, universities, government departments, and schools. 

The left had simply run roughshod over our country.

Labour left us:

• A crumbling, underfunded, overwhelmed Health System.

An education system that had seen:

• a record number of children failing basic standards and truancy rate,
• an unmanageable number of schools without adequate classrooms, and
• many in the teaching force under enormous strain.

A Defence Force that had lost more than a third of its personnel over the three years.

An undermanned Police Force:

• haemorrhaging officers to Australia,
• massive shortages in recruitment,
• massive increases in crime, and
• youth ramraids and violence that was simply out of control.

Gang numbers that ballooned over the three years.

A cost-of-living crisis.

A housing crisis with skyrocketing prices and unprecedented numbers living in emergency hotels. 

Remember the Labour promise 100,000 new Kiwi-Build houses in ten years?

They left us a rate of child poverty even higher than when in 2021 Jacinda Ardern made herself the ‘Minister of Child Poverty’.

A mental health system that had seen more and more young people suffering with no help.

Crumbling infrastructure around the country with no plan, no funding, and no idea.

An unprecedented, uncontrollable level of immigration – over 133,000 entering in 2023 alone.

And during Covid, Labour left large numbers of people ostracised, demonised, shutdown and shutout, ignored and cancelled – all because those people fought for their right to say ‘no, we disagree.’

And they are hoping we have all forgotten about all of that. 

They are now actively banking on working with the wacky Greens and racist mess of the Māori Party. 

Labour care more about the seats that will give them a road to power, rather than the danger of who it is that will fill those seats. 

The Labour Party of just twenty years ago would never entertain working with the likes of those in the current Greens or Māori Party. Those two parties are self-confessed Marxists and separatists, who have unworkable dangerous policies, and care more about globalist woke ideology and geopolitical wars happening ten thousand miles away than understanding the real world here in New Zealand.

A Labour, Greens, Māori Party government would be an unmitigated disaster for our country. 

The reality is, Labour long ago deserted the traditional blue-collar workers of New Zealand.

The movement of the party to the far left has caused longtime Labour voters to feel abandoned by a party that once stood for the ‘ordinary hard-working kiwi’. 

Instead, Labour now cares more about ‘social justice’ issues, socialist economics, and cultural separatism. 

That is why we ruled out working with Labour before the last election and why we are again ruling out working with the Labour Party in 2026.

New Zealand Needs Bold Policies

New Zealand First has already announced a number of election policies that we believe are needed to affect real change in the direction of the country, drive down the cost of living, and to secure a future for kiwis.

We have announced policies to break up the power companies, split the supermarket duopoly, re-establish a competitive state owned bank, return mining royalties created in the regions back to the regions, we announced our KiwiSaver policy of making it compulsory with automatic sign-up at birth $1000 kickstart – which by the way we announced a month before National decided to steal it and announce it as its own.

We announced a policy to establish a $100 billion Future Fund that will invest in thirty-year infrastructure plan for our country – a fund that is separate from the influence of politicians and run similar to the highly successful Temasek model in Singapore.

We have also announced that we will pull out of the Paris Agreement that is senselessly hamstringing our economy.

And we have most recently announced a policy to ensure that only citizens are allowed to vote in our country. 

Unbelievably, right now someone who has been in New Zealand for just twelve months can vote on who is in government, who is in local council, and vote on referendum issues that change the social fabric of our country. Over voting rules are the most lax in the world. 

New Zealand First will fix this.

These polices will change the status quo, reform our country, and put New Zealand back on a pathway of prosperity. 

They are bold policies. But bold policies are needed to create a fair playing field in the power, food, and banking systems so we can make real change to kiwis’ lives, drive down the cost of living, give kiwis a fair go, and take back control of our country.

Election 2026 Campaign Policy Announcement

We are announcing another bold campaign policy today.

One of the most concerning issues we are currently facing as a nation is the existential threat to fuel security and fuel supply.
We have seen the immediate effects of being isolated and totally dependent on international supply lines of oil and gas, and the dramatic and costly effects it has on New Zealand’s sustainability, planning, and future certainty.
We are totally susceptible to the geopolitical choices made by other nations in the cost, supply, and certainty we need as a country to survive, today and into the future.
This needs to change.
Other parties want to ‘tinker around the edges’ with solar panel plans – which does next to nothing to address fuel and gas insecurity; we say New Zealand has one of the greatest potentials in the world to have ownership of our own supply of oil and natural gas.New Zealand potentially holds Norway-scale energy prospects in our offshore basins and that potential has never been accurately surveyed or characterised with modern tools.
If we identify those reserves in our basins, we will have the ability to utilise the natural resources we have to make our country secure, prosperous, and to build real resilience.
Analysis shows that the odds of New Zealand having a major commercial discovery in our basins is well above ninety percent. And most likely, we hold something that would be transformational for our country, and potentially the equivalent of Norway in scale.
We can no longer ignore this potential we have in our deep sea basins.
This is about future-proofing New Zealand in a world of uncertainty.
This is about making the investment now to build fuel security and fuel resilience for New Zealand’s future. We cannot afford to wait any longer.
New Zealand First will be campaigning on an initial investment of $1 billion over the term of government, into a ‘National Subsurface Development Survey’ – to identify and create one national dataset across energy, geothermal and CO₂ storage sites, and create the framework for New Zealand to develop those sites, extract those resources, and build our country’s resilience and prosperous economic future.
New Zealand has ten prospective basins with world-class potential, the Great South Basin has had eight wells drilled in its entire history and the deeper horizons are untested. The existing seismic data is two technology generations old, covering only a fraction of our subsurface inheritance.
Namibia has made the discoveries that can now transform its country and economy after a focused data acquisition campaign which began in 2022.
In under a decade, Guyana went from first discovery to South America’s third-largest producer.

We have that potential here in New Zealand.
Since the conflict in the Strait of Hormuz, capital is now moving into politically stable basins elsewhere in the world, and for it to move it needs modern data. The reality is, survey costs right now sit at structural lows.
The policy is a game changer.
Under this plan we would expect to see first results within twelve months and convert that potential into knowledge that global capital can bid against. This is at a time when we are in the midst of the largest basin-capital movement in a generation.
Within the first twenty-four months the highest-ranked basins will have surveying completed with wells identified, and the first physical proof that reserves exist.
Potentially within just six years, we will have a pathway forward for our country to own and control our own supply of energy that we can use domestically and export around the world.
New Zealand First would utilise these resources to transform our economy and our future.
We would set fair terms while explorers carry the risk of proving the fields — and over time place a royalty well above 50% on all extractions as production matures.
We would use these finds to end the gas shortfalls that have sent power prices through the roof, and to drive fuel costs down locally, export oil and gas, and establish a Norwegian-model sovereign fund.
We will transform any discovery into permanent national wealth and invest in regional industry.
New Zealand has natural resources that are there, ready to be utilised to transform our country.
This is about New Zealand’s economic sovereignty and security, we cannot wait and continue to be beholden to international interests and decision making.
We will find those energy reserves, we will extract them, and what we find, we will use to make our country prosperous again.

Conclusion

Ladies and gentlemen, we are all here because we love our country, and we are proud of it.

True democracy is a rare flower in the history of humanity.

We have inherited a free country that our forebears fought and died for, and it’s our job to preserve it.

But only if we are proud of what we have inherited can we come together and move forward to shape the vision of our country’s future.

We live in a country that, at its core, traditional New Zealand values once saw us amongst the world’s leaders – hard work, fair pay, valuing our citizenship, building a sense of community, and knowing who we are as kiwis.

We must remember, New Zealand is the beneficiary of Western values, democracy, and the rule of law. And the advancement and enhancement of those principles have only occurred in those societies that have united together as one people – and who celebrate their nationhood instead of perpetuating division.

We must take hold of new opportunities and embrace hope for a new direction. Because the past is now over, the future is coming, and New Zealand needs to be ready.

There is a lot of uncertainty around the world and at home, but we must keep hope alive that, with hard work and perseverance, tomorrow will be better.

New Zealand First is nationalist, patriotic, and socially conservative.

We are proud to not only stand for those values, but to fight for them. 

Times are tough. But we are fighting for you. And we will never give up.

We must not lose sight of how far we have come on this long road to recovery.

And, if you give us the tools, we will finish the job.

It hasn’t been easy – but things in life worth doing – are never easy.  

It is what will build the character of our country.

We must never forget that challenge.

We must never stop believing in New Zealand.

That is our vision and that is our mission.

To protect, to save, and to restore New Zealand’s place at the top of the world.

By putting New Zealand and New Zealanders first.

We are asking you to join us – and Party Vote New Zealand First.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/20/winston-peters-hope-and-a-better-tomorrow/

SINGAPORE- Media OutReach Newswire – 20 July 2026 – St Francis Methodist School International (SFMS), an international school in Singapore, is commemorating its 65th school anniversary in 2025 with a series of events reflecting on its history, present-day initiatives, and future direction.

A Look Back at the Evolution of SFMS International

From its founding in 1960 with just 27 students, SFMS International has developed into a well-established private institution, offering primary, secondary, and pre-tertiary education in an international school environment. Over the past six decades, the school has provided pathways for students from diverse backgrounds to pursue internationally recognised academic qualifications, including the IGCSE, GCE O-Levels, IB Programme, and more. At the same time, the curriculum fosters holistic growth and character education grounded in Christian values. The school’s anniversary celebrations will honour this legacy while looking ahead to its future.

Anniversary Service & Carnival: A Day of Reflection and Community

On 22 May 2025, from 9:30 am to 2:00 pm, St. Francis Methodist School International holded a school anniversary service and carnival at its campus as part of its 65th-anniversary commemorations.

Held at The Sanctuary Hall, the morning’s activities began with a dedication ceremony featuring a school introduction video, messages from school leadership, and the official opening of the renovated school building. A guided tour was followed, allowing attendees to view the upgraded facilities. The programme includes a Tree Planting Ceremony, intended to mark the occasion and acknowledge ongoing development at the school.

Following the formal proceedings, the Anniversary Carnival will take place, featuring 22 interactive stalls run by students, partner organisations, and community groups. Coupons valued at $10 ($5 for food and $5 for games) will be available for attendees. The event is expected to draw approximately 600 participants, including members of the school community and guests.

Thanksgiving Dinner at CHIJMES Hall

On 3 October 2025, SFMS International will host a Thanksgiving Dinner at CHIJMES Hall as part of its school anniversary celebrations. The evening will begin with a reception and networking hour from 5:30 pm, with photo opportunities under the event’s theme, “The Starry Journey”.

Guests will be treated to a celebration highlights video, featuring moments from various school events held throughout the year. A primary school performance, titled Starry Journey, will showcase the talents and efforts of the school’s younger students. The dinner programme will also include the Awards of Excellence, recognising students who have excelled in school-wide contests, as well as the contributions of parent volunteers through the Parent Volunteer Group (PVG). A special performance by the PVG will be planned for the evening as well.

The dinner will include games, quizzes, and giveaways, along with a four-course fusion meal and live performances by high school students and other members of the school community.

A Legacy of Purpose and Growth

As SFMS International marks its 65th school anniversary in Singapore, this milestone serves as both a moment of reflection and renewal. Moving forward, SFMS aims to maintain its focus on holistic education, emphasising not only academic development but also personal growth. Its approach continues to integrate values-based learning to equip students to engage with the world in thoughtful and responsible ways.

https://www.sfms.edu.sg/
https://www.facebook.com/sfms.singapore
https://www.instagram.com/sfms_sg/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_bb9hcNhAk7WgYBE_FI61A/featured

Hashtag: #StFrancisMethodistSchool

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

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

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 July 2026 – Academia Pte Ltd has announced the launch of its dedicated International Baccalaureate (IB) Department, marking a strategic expansion to support the growing number of IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) students in Singapore seeking specialised English training aligned with IB assessment standards.

The new department will focus initially on IB English Language & Literature and IB English Literature for Diploma Programme Year 1 and Year 2 students. The programme is designed to provide structured preparation for key IB assessment components, including Paper 1 (unseen textual analysis, including multimodal and visual texts), Paper 2 (comparative literary analysis), and the Individual Oral (IO), with optional support available for the Extended Essay.

The department launches with immediate effect, with rolling intake now open for small-group classes held at Tanglin Community Club (Whitley Road) and Upper Thomson. Each term runs for 12 weeks, with two-hour weekly sessions conducted in groups capped at 6–10 students.

The launch reflects growing demand among IB families for English training designed specifically around IB performance criteria, rather than general English tuition.

Addressing a Growing Need Among IB Families

Singapore is home to 41 IB World Schools, with more than 4,500 students sitting the IBDP examinations in 2025 across the May and November sessions. Schools offering the IB Diploma include ACS (Independent), St Joseph’s Institution, SJI International, Hwa Chong International, UWCSEA, Singapore American School, GIIS, Canadian International School, Stamford American International School, and Tanglin Trust School.

The country has consistently produced some of the strongest IB outcomes globally. In the November 2024 IB Diploma examinations, Singapore students achieved an average score of 38.4 points, significantly higher than the global average of 29.2 points. An IB score above 38 is widely regarded as equivalent to three A grades at A-Level under the UK UCAS framework.

Within this context, IB English often emerges as a key differentiator in overall Diploma scores, particularly for students aiming to achieve top-band results.

Dedicated IB-Specific Training

Academia’s IB Department is structured around component-based training aligned with official IB marking criteria, providing students with a repeatable method for approaching IB assessments.

The programme combines:

• Structured preparation for Paper 1, Paper 2, and the Individual Oral
• Analysis of literary, non-literary, and multimodal texts
• Development of comparative literary argumentation
• Training in critical literacy and rhetorical analysis
• Optional guidance for the IB Extended Essay

Classes are designed to support students aiming for high-performance outcomes, particularly those targeting a score of 6 or 7 in IB English.

Leadership with Extensive IB Experience

The IB Department is headed by Mr Azrael Tseng, an educator with more than 20 years of teaching experience. His career includes seven years with Singapore’s Ministry of Education as well as experience teaching within international school IB environments. Over the course of his career, he has taught students who have gone on to achieve the maximum 45 points in the IB Diploma.

According to Academia, the department’s curriculum is developed by educators with strong academic backgrounds in English Language and Literature at the university and postgraduate levels. The programme emphasises analytical depth and intellectual range through engagement with a diverse set of global literary and non-literary texts.

Small-Group Structure and Performance-Focused Training

Classes are intentionally kept small, with enrolment capped at 6–10 students per group, enabling close feedback and sustained engagement with student writing.

The programme also incorporates elements of metacognitive and performance training, helping students develop structured thinking processes and confidence when responding to complex texts under examination conditions.

This approach is designed to address a common challenge for IB students: translating strong analytical ideas into consistently high-scoring responses within the time pressures of the IB exam format.

https://academia.com.sg/
https://sg.linkedin.com/company/academiasg
https://www.facebook.com/academia.com.sg/
https://www.instagram.com/academia.com.sg/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCen95DWcBTx8G0-QduoYlAg

Hashtag: #Academia

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

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

Auckland, New Zealand 20th July 2026: Global payment network, UnionPay International, is continuing to strengthen its support for Chinese international students in New Zealand by building a comprehensive payment ecosystem that spans the entire student journey, from tuition payments and enrolment through to school then campus life, accommodation, dining, retail spending, and everyday living.

As New Zealand continues to attract growing numbers of students from China, UnionPay is expanding its payment acceptance network across the country’s education sector and wider merchant community, helping students and their families manage cross-border payments more conveniently and securely while contributing to New Zealand’s international education sector and broader economy.

The company’s integrated approach aims to support students from the moment they choose New Zealand as a study destination through to their arrival and daily life in the country.

Five of New Zealand’s eight public universities now accept UnionPay payments, including The University of Auckland, Victoria University of Wellington, the University of Canterbury, Lincoln University, and the University of Otago.

Beyond the university sector, many leading private schools have also enabled UnionPay acceptance, including ACG, King’s College, Kristin School, Pinehurst School, St Cuthbert’s College, St Kentigern College, Diocesan School for Girls and Parnell College, with additional institutions expected to join in the future.

China remains New Zealand’s largest source market for international students, accounting for 35 per cent of total international student enrolments. According to enrolment figures from the first semester of 2025, there were 22,645 students from China studying in New Zealand, including approximately 4,300 students enrolled in primary and secondary schools, representing 19 per cent of the total Chinese student population.

The figures reflect broader shifts occurring across China’s international education landscape, where families are increasingly considering overseas education opportunities earlier in a child’s academic journey.

Parents are placing greater emphasis on long-term educational planning and international exposure, with many in China believing that starting overseas education earlier can improve their chances of admission into leading global universities. While undergraduate study remains the most common pathway, nearly one quarter of Chinese families are now considering overseas education at the high school, middle school or even primary school level.

UnionPay believes this evolution is reshaping how families prepare for international education, creating demand for trusted services that can support students and parents before departure and throughout their time abroad.

“UnionPay has continued to strengthen its service capabilities in New Zealand’s education payments sector, with transaction volumes maintaining steady growth,” said Michelle Shao, Executive Vice President, South Pacific Division, UnionPay International.

“During peak tuition payment periods, particularly February and July, education-related transaction volumes typically increase, reflecting the growing number of international students and parents choosing to pay tuition fees through UnionPay channels. Additionally, as the number of schools accepting UnionPay is rapidly expanding, as UnionPay becomes the preferred payment option for Chinese students and their families making cross-border education payments.”

“UnionPay’s acceptance network now extends across a broad range of merchants frequently used by international students, including restaurants, retail stores, supermarkets, and gift shops, providing a more convenient and seamless payment experience,” said Michelle Shao.

“This broader ecosystem ensures students can use familiar and trusted payment methods throughout their daily lives, whether they are paying tuition fees, purchasing groceries, dining with friends or exploring New Zealand during their studies.”

For UnionPay, supporting international students extends beyond payments alone. The company sees financial connectivity as an important enabler of educational mobility. As Chinese families continue to pursue international education opportunities and New Zealand strengthens its position as a preferred study destination, UnionPay is committed to growing payment ecosystem to help make the transition easier for students at every stage of their journey.

Notes

New Zealand is frequently recognised for its emphasis on wellbeing, outdoor learning, creativity and nature-based experiences.
Observations from Chinese media indicate that decision-making has increasingly moved away from last-minute applications and towards earlier preparation, with families considering educational pathways several years in advance. New Zealand has benefited from this trend, emerging as an increasingly attractive destination due to its high-quality education system, favourable policy settings, safety, lifestyle advantages, and strong value proposition.
As more international students arrive in New Zealand at younger ages, the need for seamless financial support throughout their education journey becomes increasingly important. Chinese parents are requiring native, trusted payment solutions that allow them to manage tuition fees and provide financial support to their children from overseas, while students need convenient ways to make everyday purchases and access services locally.
For families seeking a different cultural and educational environment, New Zealand’s approach offers opportunities for children to develop independence, adaptability and broader life skills alongside academic achievement.
The growth of international education is also occurring at a time when New Zealand is evolving its approach to workforce development and digital capability building, creating new opportunities for collaboration between New Zealand and China.

Speaking in May 2026 during an interview with China Education Daily at the World Digital Education Conference in Hangzhou, Julia Wharton, Deputy Director of Education New Zealand, highlighted the country’s focus on preparing students for an increasingly digital future.

“Education in New Zealand is undergoing a transformation to help students acquire AI and digital skills to truly meet real-world needs,” said Julia Wharton.

“New Zealand’s polytechnics are rapidly expanding their AI-focused courses, ranging from micro-certificates to bachelor’s degrees, directly integrating practical, real-world AI application skills into various professional curricula to ensure students are truly competitive and prepared for the future.”

Wharton also pointed to the opportunities for deeper collaboration between New Zealand and China in emerging education fields.

“Under the existing policy framework, there is great potential to establish a deeper ‘AI + Education’ partnership with China,” she said

“New Zealand should actively explore collaborative pathways between New Zealand and China’s vocational education systems, focusing on building systemic capabilities, jointly addressing the challenges driven by artificial intelligence, and collaboratively promoting high-quality development of vocational education.”

MIL OSI

The launch combines a unified, action-oriented world model with Ambient Capture Engine 2.0, three commercial solutions and a new industry benchmark, connecting high-density data with real-world robotic operations.

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

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 July 2026 – HKT (SEHK: 6823) today announces plan to roll out its ultra-low latency 3.2Tbps AI Data Centre Inter-connect (DCI) Superhighway service, the first of its kind in Hong Kong, enabling AI infrastructure providers and institutions to have ultra-fast and seamless access to computing resources across multiple data centres to meet next-generation AI workloads.

As AI workloads continue to grow and may surpass the capacity of individual facilities, institutions increasingly require access to distributed resources across multiple data centres. The ultra-low latency 3.2Tbps AI DCI Superhighway enables AI infrastructure providers to efficiently scale training and inference operations, while empowering institutions such as universities and research labs to run complex scientific simulations by seamlessly pooling computing capacity across Hong Kong.

Upgrading from our 800Gbps AI Superhighway, the 3.2Tbps AI DCI Superhighway supports advanced industry standards including Remote Direct Memory Access (RDMA), RDMA Over Converged Ethernet (RoCEv2), Multipath Reliable Connection (MRC) and Ultra-Ethernet Transport. It will run on the advanced hollow core fibre, which is planned between Lok Ma Chau Loop and Tseung Kwan O, achieving about 30% lower latency than traditional fibre. The combination of high bandwidth and ultra-low latency keeps thousands of GPUs across data centres working in sync, reducing the time and cost of compute by minimising delays in data transmission, while simultaneously lowering power-per-bit to improve energy efficiency.

Steve Ng, Managing Director of Commercial Group, HKT, said, “At HKT, we see connectivity as the critical foundation of Hong Kong’s AI future. This next-generation fibre network delivers ultra-low latency, high-speed, and secure data exchange to unlock the full potential of AI development across the city. By seamlessly connecting and maximising Hong Kong’s computing resources, we enable faster model training, real-time data processing, and cross-sector AI innovation—strengthening the city’s position as a leading I&T hub. It also lays vital groundwork for the Northern Metropolis, linking the Hetao area with existing data centres today while paving the way for seamless access to new computing resources as they come online across the region.”

Ricky Kwong, Head of Fixed Network Engineering, HKT and CEO, Fiber Link Global, said, “HKT is firmly committed to supporting innovation in Hong Kong, with the ambition of positioning our city as one of the most advanced I&T hubs in the world. To realise this vision, we are upgrading the AI Superhighway across Hong Kong’s major data centre clusters. The first phase, connecting Lok Ma Chau to Tseung Kwan O, is targeted for completion by the end of 2026 and will support the upcoming megawatt-scale Sandy Ridge Data Facility Cluster. Through initiatives such as these, HKT is building the connectivity foundations that will power Hong Kong’s I&T ecosystem for years to come.”

HKT’s AI Superhighway interconnects Hong Kong’s leading data centre clusters and HKT’s new AI Exchange in the Lok Ma Chau Loop. The Group is also prepared to extend coverage to the upcoming Sandy Ridge Data Facility Cluster, supporting its evolution into an advanced data facility cluster.

Hashtag: #HKT

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

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

A comprehensive, high-performance sports floor treatment solution that meets the growing demands of the Asia Pacific market, reinforcing Bona’s commitment to the region’s surging basketball, badminton, and gym sectors.

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

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 July 2026 – To celebrate the 105^th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China, Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) today held the “Achievements of National Aerospace Endeavours” Thematic Exhibition Kick-off Ceremony cum Aerospace Experts Sharing Forum at Hong Kong Science Park, marking the opening of a seven-day roving exhibition.

” data-caption-display=”block” data-image-width=”0″ data-image-height=”0″ class=”c6″ readability=”7.5″>

At the first stop of the roving exhibition, Hong Kong Science Park will host the exhibition at the Atrium Link from today until 22 July 2026, showcasing the nation’s major achievements in aerospace development, as well as the participation and contributions of Hong Kong’s research community in aerospace technology, space robotics and deep space exploration. It aims to enhance public understanding of the nation’s development and foster a stronger sense of pride, while inspiring young people to develop an interest in innovation and technology (I&T) and aerospace.

The ceremony was officiated by Professor Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, together with Ms Cordelia Chung, Chairman of HKSTP, and Ms Connie Wong Wai-ching, Standing Committee Member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), and Vice President of the Friends of Hong Kong Association, alongside other distinguished guests, witnessing a new milestone in the nation’s aerospace achievements.

Professor Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, said in his remarks: “The inspiring story of Dr Lai Ka-ying becoming Hong Kong’s first astronaut is a vivid example of Hong Kong’s participation in the nation’s major scientific and technological missions, and a fruitful achievement of the great practice of ‘one country, two systems.’ Hong Kong’s R&D teams have long participated in and made active contributions to the nation’s deep-space exploration missions. For example, a team from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology independently developed the Multi-Spectral Imaging Carbon Observatory (MUSICO), Hong Kong’s first scientific payload on the national space station to monitor greenhouse gas. Recently, Dr Lai and two other astronauts completed the in-cabin assembly and testing and extravehicular installation of MUSICO, which can accurately monitor greenhouse gases across the mid- and low-latitude regions on the Earth, providing critical data for the nation’s carbon peaking and carbon neutrality strategies. As we embark on a new journey, we must leverage I&T to empower Hong Kong’s social development, enhance governance efficiency, and better integrate into and serve the nation’s development. We will also uphold the spirit of space exploration of perseverance in the face of challenges to accelerate the development of Hong Kong into an international I&T centre.”

Connecting Hong Kong’s Research Strength with National Aerospace Development

In recent years, the nation’s aerospace endeavours have continued to make breakthroughs in areas ranging from deep-space exploration and satellite technology to space science research, opening up new possibilities across multiple scientific disciplines.

Leveraging its world-class universities, outstanding research talent, internationalised innovation ecosystem, and the unique advantage of close ties with the Mainland, Hong Kong is actively contributing to the development of the nation’s aerospace technology.

The exhibition presents the development and landmark achievements of the nation’s aerospace endeavours. It also demonstrates how Hong Kong research teams apply artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, space science and engineering research to support space exploration and related technology applications. Through this exhibition, industry stakeholders and members of the public can gain a deeper understanding of the city’s research capabilities and I&T talent.

Ms Cordelia Chung, Chairman of HKSTP, said, “This year marks the beginning of the nation’s 15th Five-Year Plan, with aerospace technology identified as a key area in building the nation into a leading science and technology power. Dr Lai Ka-ying, Hong Kong’s first payload specialist, travelled into space aboard the Shenzhou-23 spacecraft, realising Hong Kong’s aerospace dream and demonstrating strong recognition of the city’s research capabilities and I&T talent. HKSTP is honoured to serve as the first stop of the ‘Achievements of National Aerospace Endeavours’ roving exhibition. Looking ahead, we will continue to bring together talent and foster interdisciplinary, cross-regional and cross-sector collaboration. By supporting frontier R&D in areas such as aerospace technology, we aim to provide a broader platform for Hong Kong’s research talent and contribute Hong Kong’s strengths to the nation’s aerospace endeavours and pursuit of greater technological self-reliance.”

Ms Connie Wong, Standing Committee Member of the National Committee for the Chinese People‘s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), and Vice-President of Friends of Hong Kong Association, shared in her speech: “We believe that the cultivation of young talent is indispensable to technological innovation. Based on this philosophy, Friends of Hong Kong Association co-organised the Achievements of National Aerospace Endeavours Thematic Exhibition, encouraging the next generation to pursue careers in science and innovation and to be contributors to the nation’s I&T endeavours.”

Three Experts Share Insights on Frontier Trends in Space Technology

An Aerospace Experts Sharing Forum was held alongside the kick-off ceremony. Moderated by The Honourable Mr Duncan Chiu, Legislative Council Member for the Technology & Innovation Functional Constituency, the forum brought together three aerospace and space technology experts from local universities and the InnoHK research and development platform:

• Professor SU Hui: Chair Professor of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Global STEM Professor, and Co-Director of the Institute for Space Science and Technology at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and Founder of Stellerus Technology
• Professor GAO Yang: Director of the Center for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics for Space Sustainability, Co-Director of the Institute for Space Science and Technology at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and Director of the Hong Kong Space Robotics and Energy Centre under InnoHK
• Professor WU Bo: Chang Xin Yu Professor of Space Science, Associate Director of the Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and Associate Director of the InnoHK Hong Kong Centre for Space Robotics and Energy

Drawing on their respective areas of expertise, the three experts shared insights into the application of AI and robotics in space missions, key technologies involved in deep-space exploration, and the experience of Hong Kong research teams participating in national aerospace projects. They also explored space sustainability, the commercialisation of research outcomes and cross-regional collaboration, while encouraging young talent to pursue opportunities in aerospace technology.

HKSTP Leads Hong Kong Tech Firms to the World’s Largest AI Exhibition – WAIC 2026, Strengthening the AI Commercialisation Ecosystem

HKSTP has long supported the accelerated adoption of AI across industries to foster cross-sector collaboration and enhance productivity.

HKSTP, together with the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), Cyberport, and Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park Limited (HSITP), will lead a delegation of 18 Hong Kong tech companies to the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference & High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance (WAIC 2026). Taking place from 17 to 20 July at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Center, the delegation will showcase Hong Kong’s growing role as a global AI innovation hub and support the nation’s AI strategy. Six HKSTP park companies among the delegation will present solutions spanning humanoid robots, smart mobility, climate technology, AI agents, and generative AI.

Stellerus Technology Limited, founded by Professor SU Hui, leading the “MUSICO” (Multi-Spectral Imaging Carbon Observatory) project — Hong Kong’s first payload project deployed on the Tiangong Space Station — will present its latest AI-powered climate and meteorological solutions at WAIC 2026.

SUTPC Digital Technology (Hong Kong) Limited, a leading enterprise in the nation’s smart city and intelligent transport sectors, and NineRay Technology Limited, which specialises in the research, development and production of high-performance, productivity-oriented humanoid robotics, will also showcase their advanced solutions in the exhibition. By demonstrating how AI can empower business operations, urban governance and sustainable development, the Hong Kong delegation aims to promote human-AI collaboration and innovation.

“Achievements of National Aerospace Endeavours” Thematic Exhibition
Date: 16–22 July 2026
Venue: Atrium Link, Hong Kong Science Park

2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference & High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance (WAIC)
Date: 17–20 July 2026
Venue: Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Center, Shanghai, China
Hong Kong Pavilion: Booth E101, Hall 2

Appendix: WAIC 2026 – List of 6 HKSTP tech entities (in alphabetical order)

1. JiHu GitLab Technology Limited
2. KNQ Technology Limited
3. NineRay Technology Limited
4. Robocore Technology Limited
5. Stellerus Technology Limited
6. SUTPC Digital Technology (Hong Kong) Limited

Hashtag: #HKSTP

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

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

Two-day flagship youth to career exploration event unites 30+ corporates and organisations for youth empowerment, officiated by Alice Mak, SBS, JP, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs

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

Collaboration Provides Students Access To Xsolla’s Publishing Suite And Launcher, Bridging Academic Learning With Commercial Game Development Practices

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 July 2026 – Xsolla, a leading global video game commerce company, today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Management and Science University (MSU), one of Malaysia’s leading private universities, to strengthen collaboration between academia and the video games industry while providing students with access to professional publishing, monetization, and distribution technologies.

The partnership is designed to support knowledge exchange and talent development across game development, digital commerce, and game monetization. Through industry talks, guest lectures, best-practice sharing sessions, and collaborative educational initiatives, Xsolla and MSU will work together to provide students and faculty with direct exposure to current industry practices and commercial opportunities in the global games market.

As part of the collaboration, Xsolla will facilitate access to its end-to-end game commerce ecosystem across its payments, monetization and distribution platforms. Students will be able to integrate professional-grade publishing, monetization, payment, and distribution capabilities into their projects, helping bridge the gap between academic learning and commercial game development.

“Today’s game developers need more than technical skills; they need to understand the complete business of bringing games to market,” said Chris Hewish, President of Xsolla. “Our partnership with MSU gives students access to the technologies, workflows, and commercial infrastructure used throughout the industry, helping prepare the next generation of developers to successfully launch and grow their games on a global scale.”

MSU is recognized as one of Malaysia’s leading private universities and is ranked #597 in the QS World University Rankings 2026. Through strategic industry partnerships and experiential learning programs, the university continues to connect studios with real-world opportunities across Information Sciences, Engineering, Technology, and related disciplines.

In addition to educational initiatives, Xsolla will participate in selected MSU convocation activities by presenting industry awards to recognize outstanding graduates. Both organizations will continue to explore additional collaborative opportunities that support talent development, innovation, and growth within Malaysia’s interactive entertainment ecosystem.

To learn more about the MoU signing between Xsolla and Management and Science University (MSU), visit: https://xsolla.pro/MSU

Hashtag: #Xsolla #ManagementAndScienceUniversity #MSU

https://xsolla.com

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

About Xsolla

Xsolla is a global commerce company that builds and provides all the things developers need to launch, grow, and monetize video games. Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, the company supports studios of every size, from indie to AAA, with solutions across direct-to-consumer commerce, intelligent payments, entertainment-based IP, and player engagement products. Xsolla helps developers fund, distribute, market, and monetize their games at scale. Trusted by more than 60% of the top 100 highest-grossing games, Xsolla operates as the merchant of record across 200+ geographies with access to over 1,000+ local payment methods worldwide. Grounded in a deep belief in the future of gaming, Xsolla is resolute in bringing opportunities together and unlocking growth for creators everywhere.

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

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 July 2026 – The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to reinforce the implementation of an Indonesian government-funded scholarship framework aimed at cultivating top-tier future talent. A cornerstone of this collaboration is the integration of Indonesia’s newly launched Garuda Scholarship to support more outstanding students pursuing undergraduate studies at HKUST. Building on the cooperation agreement established in May 2024, the new MoU solidifies the formal scholarship framework while paving the way for both parties to explore further synergistic opportunities in student internships, academic exchanges, and joint research initiatives to drive innovation in higher education.

The agreement was recently signed by Prof. Badri Munir SUKOCO, Acting Secretary General of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia, and Dr. Alison LLOYD, Associate Provost (Academic Strategy and Data Analytics) of HKUST. With the implementation of this agreement, HKUST is set to welcome its fifth batch of government-sponsored undergraduate students from Indonesia in the upcoming academic year starting this September.

Beyond providing scholarship support for undergraduate students, HKUST and the Indonesian authorities actively discussed broadening the scope of their future collaboration during their recent meeting. Both parties are keen to explore potential avenues for joint research initiatives, academic knowledge exchange, student and faculty mobility programs, and the introduction of credit-bearing internships. These efforts aim to widen students’ global perspectives, equip them with practical work experience, and better prepare them for future career success.

Dr. Alison LLOYD, Associate Provost (Academic Strategy and Data Analytics) of HKUST, said, “HKUST is the first higher education institution in Hong Kong to partner with the Indonesian Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology in nurturing outstanding Indonesian undergraduates. We are deeply honored by the Indonesian government’s enduring trust and support for HKUST’s academic excellence. Indonesian students are an integral part of our international community, enriching our campus through their talent, perspectives, and consistent excellence across various academic disciplines. The signing of this new agreement marks a significant milestone in our partnership. Moving forward, HKUST will fully leverage its strengths in education, pioneering research, and knowledge transfer to advance shared objectives with Indonesia in areas such as digital transformation, green energy, and business innovation. Together, we aspire to cultivate future leaders—equipped with a global outlook, innovative mindset, and a strong sense of social responsibility—to inject new momentum into the sustainable development of Indonesia, the ASEAN region, and the world.”

Prof. Ardi FINDYARTINI, Director of Transformative Learning Strategies and System at the Directorate General of Science and Technology, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia, said, “This partnership marks a significant milestone in our commitment to developing Indonesia’s future leaders through the Garuda Scholarship initiative. By embedding our talented undergraduate students within world-class academic and research ecosystem, we are not only expanding their global perspectives but also equipping them with essential future competencies. We highly value HKUST’s enduring trust and collaboration, and we are confident that this synergy will greatly contribute to Garuda ecosystem.

Currently, Indonesian students constitute HKUST’s second-largest international undergraduate student population. Building on this strong partnership, HKUST now hosts the largest number of Indonesian government-sponsored undergraduate students among all tertiary institutions in Hong Kong. These students are rigorously selected from leading secondary schools across Indonesia and represent the country’s most promising young talent.

This agreement will further leverage HKUST’s world-class teaching and research capabilities to cultivate outstanding talent aligned with Indonesia’s national development priorities. Currently, most sponsored Indonesian students are enrolled in programs spanning Engineering, Business and Management, Science, and Biotechnology. Moving forward, both sides plan to explore opportunities to expand their cooperation in frontier research collaboration and high-impact educational and talent-development initiatives, injecting fresh momentum into the socio-economic development of both Hong Kong and Indonesia.

Hashtag: #HKUST

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

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

Two-day flagship youth to career exploration event unites 30+ corporates and organisations for youth empowerment, officiated by Alice Mak, SBS, JP, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs

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

MIL OSI

MIL OSI