Hongkong Land launches Hong Kong’s first AI-powered intelligent facility management platform

August 21, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

Key highlights include:

The Integrated Facility Management Control Tower (IFMCT) unifies over 20 standalone building systems into a single AI-powered command centre and is poised for wider implementation, with plans to expand across Hongkong Land’s regional portfolio.
The transition from reactive to proactive maintenance, powered by AI health analytics, has significantly reduced servicing frequency.
66% of work orders have been automated, boosting operational efficiency and reducing disruptions.

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 August 2025 – Hongkong Land has launched the city’s first AI-powered intelligent facility management platform, the IFMCT, setting a new industry standard for commercial property management and demonstrating the Company’s commitment to PropTech innovation. Following a successful pilot at Alexandra House, which earned the Industry Excellence Award for best practice, the IFMCT has been scaled to Charter House and Exchange Square, demonstrating its adaptability. With proven results, Hongkong Land is now preparing to roll out the platform across its entire Central Portfolio by 2026.

Hongkong Land’s Centralized Monitoring Centre (CMC) in Exchange Square

Mr Michael Smith, Chief Executive, Hongkong Land, said:” This pioneering initiative stands as a testament to Hongkong Land’s leadership in delivering forward-thinking sustainable solutions, highlighting the Group’s long-standing culture of innovation and our commitment to creating lasting value for all our stakeholders. We’re proud of the platform’s success in Hong Kong and look forward to extending its impact across our regional portfolio.”

The IFMCT unifies over 20 standalone building systems into a single platform – integrating the Building Management System (BMS), AI-driven Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Systems (HVAC), thermal comfort control, energy optimisation, and soft services such as cleaning, vendor management, procurement and tenant wellness monitoring. By leveraging real-time monitoring, advanced AI analytics, and 4D digital twin visualisation, the advanced system enhances operational efficiency and minimises disruptions, improving reliability and extending asset lifecycles.

The IFMCT drives operational excellence, accelerating decarbonisation efforts through close collaboration with tenants

The IFMCT automates workflows to optimise both hard and soft services, improving daily building operation as well as tenant experience. Shifting from traditional, reactive maintenance to a predictive, proactive model, the platform harnesses AI-powered health analytics to detect early signs of performance decline, preventing service interruptions.

For instance, Air Handling Units (AHUs) are managed like people: healthy units skip routine check-ups, while symptomatic ones receive priority servicing. This condition-based approach resulted in a 16% reduction in AHU maintenance effort after one year, cutting maintenance frequency from monthly to biannual, clearly demonstrating the tangible benefits of intelligent servicing. Other measurable outcomes include a 66% automation rate for work orders, and an 80% reduction in time needed to retrieve asset documentation. The platform has significantly decreased the volume of alarm monitoring calls to both tenants and vendors, streamlining communication.

As climate resilience takes on greater urgency, the IFMCT elevates the adaptability of buildings and operations through intelligent energy management. The platform balances energy demand and adjusts heating and cooling systems in response to forecasted weather patterns, helping Hongkong Land and its tenants reduce energy consumption and accelerate decarbonisation efforts.

Hongkong Land to scale the IFMCT regionally following successful pilot and Central Portfolio expansion

The IFMCT’s standardised data structure enables seamless integration across markets, supporting Hongkong Land’s regional expansion of intelligent property management solutions towards the ultra-premium integrated commercial properties strategy. Building on its success in Hong Kong, the platform is set to be deployed at Westbund Central in Shanghai, a development offering high-quality retail spaces, office towers, residences, hotels, and arts and cultural venues. This cross-market implementation reinforces Hongkong Land’s position as a regional leader in building management technology.

Hashtag: #HongKongLand

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

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

ITRI SEA Office and LogHealth of Mahidol University to Co-Host Smart Health Industry Forum on September 9

MIL OSI

August 21, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

TAIPEI, TAIWAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 August 2025- The Southeast Asia Office of the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) and LogHealth of Mahidol University are collaborating to host the “Smart Health Industry Forum” on September 9, 2025 in Bangkok. The event aims to explore the latest trends and developments within the smart health industry of both Taiwan and Thailand.

The smart health industry continues to grow alongside rapid technological innovations and advancements, gradually bringing the vision of quality healthcare into everyday life. As the healthcare landscape becomes increasingly complex due to changes in population structure and heightened health awareness, new demands and challenges are emerging.

The forum is designed to serve as a platform that brings together experts from the public sector, research fields, and the healthcare industry to share insights, exchange views, and explore the challenges and opportunities within the smart health sector.

The forum has invited Professor Eric Chuang, Vice President & General Director of Biomedical Technology and Device Research Laboratories, ITRI and Dr. Adichan Chuajinda, M.D., Deputy Director, Bureau of Digital Health of Office of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Public Health to share insights into the smart health policies in Taiwan and Thailand. Mr. Prasert Patcharabussarakamkul, Deputy Managing Director, RFS Co., Ltd., Mahidol University will present the vision for building future smart hospital. Mr. Daniel Lee, Chairman of Taiwan Medical and Biotech Industry Association and Associate Professor Dr. Norased Nasongkla, Ph.D. Director, Biopolymers and Nanoengineering for Drug Delivery and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Faculty of Engineering, Mahidol University will introduce opportunities within the smart health industry.

The Forum will conclude with a panel discussion moderated by Associate Professor Dr. Duangpun Kritchanchai, Ph.D., Director, Centre of Logistics Management and Healthcare Supply Chain (LogHealth), Faculty of Engineering, Mahidol University. Furthermore, Associate Professor Cdr. Sorayouth Chumnanvej, M.D., Ph.D., Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University will also partake as a panelist.

Event details as of follow.

Date: September 9, 2025 (Tuesday)
Time: 13:00-16:30
Venue: Grand Chambray Ballroom (7th Floor), Avani Sukhumvit Bangkok Hotel (2089 Sukhumvit Rd, Prakanong Nua Watthana, Bangkok)
Registration link: Smart Health Industry Forum

Hashtag: #ITRI

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

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

Operation Harvest bears fruit for Police

LiveNews Publisher

August 21, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

Attribute to Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Baird:

South Island Organised Crime Police have arrested two men and seized a large amount of methamphetamine and cash during search warrants executed at addresses in Christchurch and Dunedin this week.

The five-week investigation was terminated after the three addresses were searched on Monday 18 August.

Police seized over half a kilogram of methamphetamine, worth approximately $192,000, as well as $67,000 in cash from the properties.

A 38-year-old man is remanded in custody and is due to appear in Christchurch District Court on 17 September, charged with supplying methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine for supply, and breach of the Corrections Act 2004.

A 66-year-old man is due to appear in Dunedin District Court on 9 September, charged with possession of methamphetamine for supply.

If you have any information about those who may be involved in the supply of harmful and illicit drugs, please contact us via 105 either online or over the phone.

Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

As the matter is before the Court, Police are not able to comment further at this time.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre.

MIL OSI

Defence helicopter, plane decisions announced

LiveNews Publisher

August 21, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

Seahawk helicopters and Airbus planes are set to replace aging New Zealand Defence Force aircraft in the first major investment decisions to be made as part of the Government’s Defence Capability Plan (DCP).

Defence Minister Judith Collins and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters today announced investment decisions of $2.7 billion, with the MH-60R Seahawk the preferred option to replace the existing maritime helicopters. The Airbus A321XLR (extra long range) aircraft will replace the aging 757 fleet.

“This decision will ensure New Zealand has a critical combat capable, interoperable and dependable fleet,” Ms Collins says.

“The MH-60R Seahawk is a great aircraft for what New Zealand needs and fulfils our objective of having a more integrated Anzac force, and the new planes will give us reliable aircraft to deploy personnel and respond to international events.”

Mr Peters says these decisions show how the Government is responding to the sharply deteriorating security environment.

“Global tensions are increasing rapidly, and we must invest in our national security to ensure our economic prosperity.

“The DCP provides the foundation for our uplift in defence spending, and two-yearly reviews of the plan will allow us to adapt to an ever-changing security environment.”

The $2 billion plus investment in maritime helicopters and $700 million investment in the new Airbus A321XLRs are both part of the $12 billion in planned commitments outlined in the 2025 DCP announced in April.

Ms Collins says the maritime helicopters are versatile and add combat and deterrent capability to our naval fleet.

“These five Seahawks will increase the offensive and defensive capability and surveillance range of New Zealand’s frigates and ensure we are interoperable with our ally Australia and other partner defence forces,” she says.

“We will now move at pace to procure helicopters directly through the United States’ Foreign Military Sales programme instead of going to a wider tender, with Cabinet expected to consider the final business case next year.

“The two new Airbus A321XLR aircraft will be acquired on a six-year lease to buy arrangement, with capital costs of $620 million and four-year operating costs of $80.86 million.

“New Zealand needs reliable aircraft to deploy our personnel, deliver military equipment and humanitarian aid, support the evacuation of civilians, and transport government trade and diplomatic delegations quickly, over long distances, and often at short notice.

“The decision to acquire the extra long range aircraft reflects the importance of having an aircraft capable of such things as returning safely from Antarctica if it is unable to land due to conditions on the ice.

“Our Defence Force personnel have proven time and time again they do an outstanding job and we must ensure they have the tools that are up to the task.”

MIL OSI

CNA offers “paid media release” service in partnership with Media OutReach Newswire

MIL OSI

August 21, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 August 2025 – CNA, the global news and current affairs brand of Mediacorp, is offering a new service which allows businesses and brands from around the world to seamlessly publish their media releases in a dedicated section on its flagship website, cna.asia, via its very first partner, Media OutReach Newswire.

This new third-party paid content service offers businesses unprecedented access to one of the most trusted news platforms in Asia. Ms Jennifer Kok, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Media OutReach, said: “It is an honour to be the first newswire partner as CNA launches its new third-party content service. This partnership shows that the investment we have undertaken to deliver corporate news releases from public relations and investor relations professionals, and government bureaus across the Asia Pacific region has garnered recognition from the media. Based on data from Similarweb, we know that the highest readership can be attributed to local media, thus our focus will continue to be on forming content partnerships with local media in Southeast Asia, ASEAN, APAC, Africa, Middle East and globally.”

Commenting on the new media release distribution service, Mr Yong Chung Jin, Head of Business Operations at CNA, said: “This service is separate from our editorial operations. It is a partnership which will allow corporates and newsmakers a unique opportunity to showcase their latest developments and amplify their visibility by leveraging on CNA’s strong presence online to reach its highly engaged audiences around the world.”

Since its launch in 1999, CNA has evolved into a global news brand reaching audiences around the world with its award-winning range of content from breaking news to documentaries and current affairs programmes. Its website, cna.asia, attracts more than 90 million page views, and nearly 12 million unique visitors each month (Adobe Analytics, Jan-Jul 2025).

All published media releases on https://www.channelnewsasia.com/media-releases will be reproduced as they are received, with no revisions or edits by CNA. For more information, please visit https://www.channelnewsasia.com/media-releases.

Hashtag: #Mediacorp #CNA #MediaOutReachNewswire #pressrelease

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

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

Four arrests as aggravated robbery investigation continues

LiveNews Publisher

August 21, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

Police have made four arrests after an operation unfolded across two regions following an aggravated robbery in Flat Bush this morning.

Counties Manukau CIB are investigating with charges being confirmed for those allegedly involved.

At around 5am, a group of men arrived at a Kerrykeel Drive property.

Detective Inspector Karen Bright, from Counties Manukau CIB, says the men reportedly were carrying weapons.

“It was reported that one of these men were in possession of a firearm, before they have taken property and stolen a vehicle from the address.”

As Police deployed to the incident, the Police Eagle helicopter located this stolen vehicle on State Highway 20 heading north.

“Eagle observed this vehicle travelling in tandem with a second vehicle, which was also stolen,” Detective Inspector Bright says.

“Units moved in and signalled both vehicles to stop near Te Atatū, in which both failed to stop.”

Vehicle one – Auckland:

Eagle continued to track the vehicle stolen from the Flat Bush address, and the Auckland Armed Offenders Squad was deployed.

“AOS staff have brought the vehicle to a stop on Glenfield Road and swiftly took the sole occupant into custody without incident.”

A 20-year-old man was arrested at the scene.

Vehicle two – Waikato:

Meanwhile, the second vehicle headed south towards the Waikato region, with units pursuing the vehicle.

Waikato AOS were deployed as the vehicle carried on at high speed.

“The vehicle has collided with barriers on Tirau Road, and AOS moved in to carry out an armed traffic stop,” Detective Inspector Bright says.

Three male occupants were arrested at the scene without further issue. Those arrested were a 17-year-old and two 18-year-olds.

Police have seized both vehicles with detailed examinations to be carried out.

“Counties Manukau CIB are continuing to investigate the entire circumstances of what unfolded at the Flat Bush address this morning,” Detective Inspector Bright says.

No occupants at the address suffered any injuries, nor did any motorists on the roading network this morning.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

MIL OSI

Back on the water: Jet ski found five years after theft

LiveNews Publisher

August 21, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

A family jet ski lost to the hands of thieves five years ago has been returned to its rightful owners after a search on social media proved fruitful.

The jet ski was originally reported stolen from a property in Waitākere in October 2020.

Waitematā West Area Prevention Manager, Inspector Kelly Farrant, says the victim happened to be on Facebook Marketplace earlier this week.

Instead of finding a replacement, he spotted the long-lost jet ski that used to belong to his family.

“It was all in the timing really, the victim just happened to surfing marketplace when the jet ski came up on his feed.

“He then made contact with the seller and arranged a meeting to view the jet ski, while also contacting Police.”

Inspector Farrant says officers attended the meet up, and located the jet ski at the Henderson property.

“The victim was able to clearly identify the vehicle from the colours and other various markings.

“The seller was cooperative and handed over the jet ski without incident upon finding out the item had been previously stolen.”

She says enquiries remain ongoing to identifying those responsible for the 2020 theft.

“We’re thrilled to have been able to assist in returning this jet ski back to its owners, to hopefully be used in making more fun summer memories.”

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

MIL OSI

Weather News – Sunshine in the south, showers in the north – MetService

LiveNews Publisher

August 21, 2025

Source: MetService

Covering period of Thursday 21st – Monday 25th August – With the weekend in sight, the clouds will part, and the skies will brighten up for many regions. A line of showers, however, will be arriving in the upper North Island. This will be something to keep a close eye on for those attending weekend sports or hoping to head into the outdoors.

MetService have indicated a risk of heavy rainfall for the Coromandel Peninsula and western Bay of Plenty over the weekend. Showers are also expected to spill into neighbouring regions including Auckland, Northland and Waikato.

Further south, the story is brighter. The cloud over Canterbury is set to clear on Friday and the showers about Hawke’s Bay and the Wairarapa will begin to ease on Saturday. This will lead to fine and frosty conditions.

MetService meteorologist Michael Pawley details “The freezing southerly that we’re experiencing lightens up a bit, which will take the bite out of those daytime temperatures. In places with clear skies overhead, the temperature will still plunge overnight, allowing frost to settle.”

“I’d say the place to be is on a ski field in the South Island. They’ve had a bit of a dusting of snow recently and there are some bluebird skies instore” recomm

MIL OSI

The lure of luxury catches out alleged scammer

LiveNews Publisher

August 21, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

An alleged text scammer attempting to splash out on luxury goods is instead awaiting her next court date in custody.

Auckland City CIB have laid seven fraud charges and are continuing to investigate the visitor’s actions after she aroused suspicion at high-end retailers.

Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Bolton says Police were called to Newmarket on 10 August.

“A woman had tried unsuccessfully using multiple phones to make a pay wave purchase in excess of $6,000.

“Police were called after the woman then left the shop and attempted to enter another high-end retailer.

“Police were contacted by security at the time and the woman was arrested by our staff on arrival.”

Police enquiries have established this woman is allegedly involved in a text scam ring which has made another resurgence recently.

“It will be alleged that unsuspecting Kiwi’s credit card details were used by ghost tapping with several smart phones,” Detective Senior Sergeant Bolton says.

“We’d like to acknowledge the vigilance of the retail staff, who have prevented any further spending on a victim’s dime.”

A 25-year-old Chinese national has appeared in the Auckland District Court and was remanded in custody until her next appearance on 25 August.

Detective Senior Sergeant Bolton says Police have laid seven charges of obtains by deception, and further charges are likely.

Be wary of ‘text reminders’:

Text scams have been the subject of Kiwis’ ire in recent months.

Many report receiving reminders from ‘NZ Police’ or ‘NZTA’ reminding them to pay their unpaid fines or tolls.

Police urge extreme caution with these sorts of messages, especially when they ask you to click strange links or reply to messages.

“I know these texts can catch some people off guard and leaving you feeling flustered,” Detective Senior Sergeant Bolton says.

“Pause, and think, ‘do I know where this message is coming from?’

“It’s almost certainly scammers trying to steal your credit card or banking details.”

There will likely be several red flags: an unknown international number, an unusual weblink and often poor grammar and spelling mistakes.

Never click these links.

Police remind the public that we do not send these sorts of text messages.

You can find some further information on what to look out for on the Police and NZTA websites.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

MIL OSI

Universities – Exploring AI’s environmental costs and benefits – UoA

LiveNews Publisher

August 21, 2025

Source: University of Auckland (UoA)

How can we use artificial intelligence to help the planet – and what impacts might it have along the way?

A panel of experts will explore the opportunities and trade-offs of artificial intelligence (AI) for the environment at an event on Tuesday, 26 August, organised by University of Auckland research centre Juncture: Dialogues on Inclusive Capitalism.

The panel brings together leaders in business, technology, AI, sustainability, planetary accounting, and Indigenous futures. Dr Guy Bate, the Business School’s thematic lead in AI, will facilitate the discussion.

“How could we or should we be using AI and what are its impacts? What are its trade-offs? Is writing a big prompt the same as boiling a kettle? We’re looking to give some perspective on the actual impact of AI and put it into the context of other trade-offs as well,” says Bate.

Artificial intelligence has environmental consequences but can also be a powerful tool for analysing environmental data to help human decision-making, and one of the topics up for discussion is ‘planetary accounting’.

Panellist Mike Merry, Chief Technology Officer at Planetary Insights, utilises planetary accounting, which he likens to carbon accounting but applied across all of nature. This includes not only greenhouse gases, but also waste, water, pollution, biodiversity loss, and deforestation – capturing an overarching picture of human activity on the environment.

Planetary accounting provides sustainability insights into products, services, or organisations within Earth’s environmental limits, and according to Merry, AI can lower the technical barrier for companies to use this approach and support scaling up.

“Organisations have a lot of information about what they do, but they struggle to use this information to understand their environmental impacts.

“AI lowers the technical barrier for businesses to do planetary accounting themselves. For example, there’s some technical knowledge required to be able to say ‘this business activity translates to this sustainability background data’. AI helps to do that at scale, and for businesses to do that themselves.”

However, the environmental impact of AI raises important questions.

Panellist Dr Sasha Maher, a sustainability lecturer at the University of Auckland, has a specialist interest in both market and non-market solutions to climate change mitigation. Maher questions the environmental benefit of using artificial intelligence, saying information is only as good as its uptake.

“We’ve only got so much energy – should we expend all our energy on getting more and more accurate data? And when we know the planet’s burning, do we really need more accuracy?

“And then you could go the other way in that businesses and governments need to make business cases more than ever before; to their citizens and to critics. And so, planetary accounting enables us to get that accuracy … But, of course, it still comes down to human action.”

Bowen Pan and Dr Tania Wolfgramm are also on the panel. Bowen Pan is a product and technology leader best known for creating Facebook Marketplace and leading major product initiatives at Trade Me, Facebook Gaming, Stripe, and Common Room. Dr Wolfgramm is a psychological and social scientist, creative producer, Indigenous futurist and co-founder of Hakamana AI.

The event is taking place at the University of Auckland Business School from 5.30pm-8pm on 26 August. It’s the second in a new dialogue series offering diverse perspectives on some of the biggest challenges facing New Zealand and the world.

Juncture: Dialogues on Inclusive Capitalism is a Business School research centre exploring how capitalism can better serve people and planet. Through research, education and collaboration, the centre seeks to create opportunities for meaningful dialogues on challenging issues to enable long-term transformation.

MIL OSI

1...147148149...1,095 Page 148 of 1,095