Category: What’s News Asia

From Routine Check-ups to Advanced Endoscopy: Building a “Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery” Lifeline for Every Stage of a Pet’s Life

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 February 2026 – As a leading animal medical institution in Hong Kong, the Veterinary Emergency Centre (VEC) has always been committed to providing the most comprehensive and reliable health protection for pets. To further enhance its “General Family Vet” care experience, VEC is pleased to announce the official appointment of Dr. Martin, a professional general practitioner. Dr. Martin will lead a wide range of outpatient services, covering everything from routine physical examinations, dental care, and geriatric/pediatric care to advanced endoscopic procedures. This appointment reinforces VEC’s one-stop health commitment of “from prevention to recovery,” serving as a trusted medical backbone for pet owners.

VEC is dedicated to integrating its professional 24-hour emergency mechanism with in-depth general care. Equipped with advanced medical systems—including sophisticated operating theaters, Intensive Care Units (ICU), and CT scanners—VEC ensures precision in every step from routine screenings to deep diagnostics. Through a rigorous triage process, the centre can immediately respond to emergencies such as accidental ingestion of foreign objects, ensuring no delay in life-saving treatment. This round-the-clock intensive care capability provides the most stable support for endoscopy, dental care, and soft tissue surgery, achieving seamless protection from preventive medicine to the recovery phase.

Starting from Prevention: Building a Health Defense Line for the Entire Life Cycle

VEC’s professional dental care services for cats and dogs aim to maintain healthy teeth and gums, ensuring pets live longer and healthier lives. Many pet owners may be unaware that dental disease is one of the most common health issues in pets; up to 80% of dogs and cats begin to suffer from dental problems around the age of three. Dental disease not only causes discomfort but can also allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream and spread throughout the body, leading to more serious conditions such as kidney, heart, and metabolic diseases.

Regular dental care helps prevent various health issues and reduces the risk of pain or gum infections. Early detection of dental problems significantly improves a pet’s quality of life. With extensive clinical experience, Dr. Martin excels at handling the diverse care needs of pets from puppy/kittenhood to their senior years. He firmly believes that excellent medical care should not stop at “treatment” but must begin with “prevention.”

“The role of a general family vet is to accompany pets through every stage of their lives,” says Dr. Martin. “Through regular physical exams, oral care, and ultrasound monitoring, we can detect potential health risks early and intervene before a disease develops. This not only alleviates the pet’s suffering but also significantly enhances their quality of life.” Dr. Martin also reminds pet owners: “Prevention is better than cure. Owners should pay attention to subtle but persistent changes in daily life, such as appetite, water intake, weight, and behavior patterns. These are often the most overlooked aspects of a health check-up.”

Case Study: Advanced Endoscopy Saves Pet from Major Surgery

Dr. Martin holds a keen interest in endoscopy and soft tissue surgery, utilizing advanced equipment for precise diagnosis. He recently handled a memorable emergency case involving Taro, a mischievous Jack Russell Terrier. While his owner was playing a board game, Taro curiously swallowed a die, leading to immediate vomiting and loss of appetite.

Facing this critical situation, Dr. Martin leveraged his clinical experience to perform an endoscopic procedure during the “golden window” of time. This allowed him to successfully retrieve the foreign object from Taro without the need for invasive surgery, avoiding the trauma and risks associated with traditional laparotomy. Taro recovered rapidly after the procedure and was able to return home the same day.

Dr. Martin’s diagnostic and treatment philosophy aligns perfectly with VEC’s core values. Supported by VEC’s robust 24-hour emergency infrastructure and high-end equipment, Dr. Martin provides immediate, high-level endoscopic treatment for sudden cases like Taro’s, saving critical time and reducing the risks associated with hospital transfers.

Seamless Trilingual Communication: Caring for the Vet-Patient Relationship with a “Family-First” Heart

Beyond his medical expertise, Dr. Martin’s linguistic advantages provide transparency and psychological support for pet owners. Graduating from the University of Edinburgh in 2018, Dr. Martin is fluent in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin. Not only can he manage various soft tissue surgeries and endoscopic treatments, but his “internal and external” versatility allows him to communicate accurately and warmly with pet owners from diverse backgrounds, helping them choose the most suitable treatment plans.

He practices medicine under the philosophy of “Caring for pets and owners with a family-first heart.” Dr. Martin believes that effective communication can alleviate the anxiety owners feel when their pets are ill, building a deep bond of trust. “I hope every owner who enters the consultation room can feel the sincerity of ‘treating pets as our own,’” he adds. “When we treat patients as family, the diagnosis becomes deeper and the treatment warmer.” This human-centric communication model helps address not only the pet’s physiological pain but also supports the owner through the ups and downs of the treatment process.

By combining VEC’s powerful hardware and 24-hour emergency system with compassionate, detailed communication, the addition of Dr. Martin ensures that the “General Family Vet” experience remains person-centered, helping pet families build a stronger and more transparent health defense line.

VEC Veterinary Emergency Centre (Belcher’s Street)
Address: Shop B2-C, G/F, Luen Wai San Chuen, 136-142 Belcher’s Street, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong
Scope of Service: Open 24/7, providing 24-hour emergency and inpatient services, house-call services, and professional support for emergencies at any time.

VEC Veterinary Emergency Centre (Davis Street)
Address: Shop C & H, G/F, Luen Kee San Chuen, 9-9C Davis Street, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong
Scope of Service: Providing specialized internal medicine, various surgical and orthopedic procedures, and outpatient services.

Outpatient Appointment: 2334 2334
24-Hour Emergency Hotline: 6828 6620
WhatsApp: 5599 1144

Hashtag: #VEC

https://www.vec.com.hk/zh-hant
https://www.facebook.com/vec.vethk
https://www.instagram.com/vec.vethk
https://youtube.com/@vecvethk

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

About VEC Veterinary Emergency Centre

VEC Veterinary Emergency Centre possesses advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies. Our team is comprised of experts certified by the Veterinary Surgeons Board, registered veterinarians, and professionally trained staff. We provide excellence in medical services, covering various specialties, surgery (including cardiology), and animal acupuncture to meet every need of your pets.

商務局會談：聚焦量子産業的現實路徑

在商務局的會談中，各方圍繞香港發展量子産業的獨特優勢展開了務實探討。

彭承志院士指出，香港兼具「一國兩制」制度優勢、成熟金融生態與高度國際化營商環境，為量子科技研發及金融行業應用提供了得天獨厚的條件。他特別提到，金管局「金融科技2030」戰略對量子安全的重視、北部都會區提供的産業空間，以及活躍的市場資本，共同構成了推動量子金融發展的現實基礎。

會談中，各方代表達成共識，量子産業對香港的價值不僅體現在技術迭代層面，更是鞏固其國際金融中心地位、構建下一代金融安全體系的關鍵支撑。商務局代表表示，量子科技對提升金融體系韌性和鞏固香港國際競爭力具有戰略意義，未來將協同相關部門進一步研究相關措施。

立法會報告：構建「量子安全護盾」與三層推進戰略

隨後，彭承志院士和國富量子代表共同參訪立法會，由彭院士向立法會議員及秘書處職員做《量子科技新賽道》的專題報告。

在報告中，彭承志院士以生動的語言和詳實的數據，展示了量子科技的發展脉絡與現實影響。他預警，量子計算對傳統密碼體系的潜在威脅已迫在眉睫，構建「量子安全護盾」成為金融基礎設施的必答題。他特別肯定了香港金管局前瞻性探索「量子準備度指數」的舉措。

彭院士進一步為香港提出了「三層推進」的戰略建議：短期內以金融安全為切入，構建量子加密應用體系；中期發揮平台功能，建立跨境合規互認與資本對接機制；長期目標則是引領國際標準制定，建設「金融+科技」融合的世界級樞紐。這一藍圖清晰指向香港在國家量子發展大局中不可替代的戰略支點作用。

國富量子企業實踐：以金融優勢賦能産學研跨境融合

作為此次交流的企業代表，國富量子在金融資本催化量子科技創新與産業落地方面已有具體實踐。

據瞭解，國富量子正積極依托香港的國際金融中心地位，構建「資本+平台+生態」的全周期賦能體系，探索建立面向全球的量子科技産業投融資平台與孵化載體。公司此前不僅戰略投資了量旋科技、夸密量子等硬科技企業，更通過發起設立專業的量子科技投資基金加速「量子躍遷」。這種産融結合的模式，有望為香港量子科技生態的培育注入系統性動能。

國富量子代表在交流中表示，公司正計劃發揮「超級連絡人」作用，促進內地科研成果與香港及國際資本、市場的高效對接，從而實質性地推動産學研用深度融合，加速香港建設量子科創産業高地。

本次彙聚政界、學界與企業界的三方對話，不僅為香港量子産業發展勾勒出清晰路徑，更展現出香港擁抱「量子時代」的開放姿態與創新决心。國富量子作為市場化的關鍵推動者，將繼續以金融活水灌溉科技沃土，助力香港打造成為輻射全球的量子科技創新與産業融合高地。

Hashtag: #國富量子

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

Advances multi-typology brand expansion into more than 10 new cities in Asia Pacific and Europe, including lyf in Wellington and Ascott in Taipei

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 February 2026 – The Ascott Limited (Ascott), the wholly owned lodging business unit of CapitaLand Investment (CLI), signed a record 19,000 units across 102 properties in 2025, marking 27% year-on-year growth in new signings. Its asset-light expansion was led by higher-fee segments such as resorts, supported by accelerating franchise momentum and strong conversion activity. Ascott entered more than 10 new cities across Asia Pacific and Europe, growing its global footprint to over 230 cities in more than 40 countries. The company now operates and has under development more than 1,000 properties[1] with over 176,000 units globally.

Mr Kevin Goh, Chief Executive Officer, Ascott, said: “2025 marked a key milestone for Ascott as we accelerated asset-light signings and strengthened revenue visibility. With these new signings, we now have the embedded income to exceed our S$500 million fee target as pipeline projects turn operational. Our flex-hybrid model and multi-typology brand strategy enable us to optimise performance for property owners across market cycles, while disciplined investments in loyalty, technology and business development position us to capture growth in higher-fee segments including resorts, branded residences, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, Exhibitions) and wellness. I thank our global teams and partners for their continued support as we advance our ambition to be the preferred hospitality company.”

Ms Serena Lim, Chief Growth Officer, Ascott, said: “As travel evolves into a lifestyle, consumers are seeking greater flexibility and choice in how they live, work and explore. Guided by insights from our owners and guests, we have pursued a deliberate growth strategy anchored in our flex-hybrid model and a differentiated suite of flexible living offerings. We are heartened by the robust growth in 2025, driven by strong owner commitment as reflected in portfolio deals across multiple brands. Approximately 30% of new signings came from existing partners expanding with us, underscoring trust in Ascott’s platform and our ability to meet diverse traveller and resident needs worldwide.”

Strategic City Expansion
In 2025, Ascott entered more than 10 new cities in Asia Pacific and Europe, including notable first properties in Wellington and Taipei, resort destinations such as Phuket, Phu Quoc and Langkawi, as well as emerging Tier-2 cities like Lucknow and Thanjavur in India.

Key milestones included the company’s expansion into New Zealand beyond its Quest franchise, with lyf making its debut in Wellington. Construction is expected to commence by the end of 2026, with the 108-room property set to transform six floors of a commercial building in the CBD, incorporating lyf’s signature social spaces and interconnected rooms for group travellers. With its strategic location in the heart of the capital’s business hub, the property embodies lyf’s experience-led social living philosophy, providing an accessible base for travellers, professionals and long-stay guests to connect with Wellington’s vibrant urban energy.

Ascott also entered Taipei, launching its flagship brand with the 185-room Ascott Nangang Taipei in Nangang Software Park, one of the city’s premier business districts. Scheduled to open in 1Q 2027, the serviced residence is part of a prime mixed-use development that also houses Taiwan Fertilizer Co., Ltd.’s headquarters and multinational companies including HP, Yahoo, Philips and Intel. It is further supported by a vibrant MICE and tourism ecosystem, with direct footbridge access to the Nangang Exhibition Centre, Taipei Nangang Exhibition Centre metro station and LaLaport shopping mall. The Nangang High Speed Rail station is also within walking distance. Designed for both short and extended stays, the property builds on Ascott’s expertise in transit oriented, mixed-use developments and supports its continued growth in the market.

Resort Portfolio Expansion
Capitalising on strong leisure travel demand, Ascott’s multi-typology brand strategy drove 15 resort signings in prime locations such as Phuket, Phu Quoc, Nha Trang and Bali, expanding its portfolio in resort destinations to over 50 properties. Notable additions include the 693-unit HARRIS Resort Cam Ranh, marking the brand’s first entry into Vietnam, alongside a 250-unit lyf and a 120-unit Somerset at Lagoon City Seville, Spain, a mixed-use development anchored by an 18,000-square-metre man-made lagoon.

The company also expanded its branded residences portfolio by partnering with quality developers on two new properties, adding over 1,000 units: Residences at Ascott Abov Patong Phuket, next to Ascott Abov Patong Phuket Resort, and Oakwood Premier Branded Residences Luohu Shenzhen, co-located with Oakwood Premier Luohu Shenzhen. Leveraging its hospitality expertise and brand recognition, Ascott is well-placed to deliver lifestyle-oriented residences that meet growing demand in Asia Pacific while generating fee growth. Co-locating branded residences with its hotels enhances operational and marketing synergies, diversifies revenue streams and strengthens Ascott’s value proposition to owners and investors.

Franchise Growth Momentum
More than a quarter of the units signed in 2025 were under franchise agreements, supporting Ascott’s asset-light expansion. Franchise momentum in East Asia accelerated as the company strengthened its regional pipeline. Five Quest properties were secured in China through Ascott’s joint venture with Jin Jiang, alongside four franchise agreements to expand Citadines’ presence in the country. The largest franchise signing of the year was the 510-key Oakwood in Gangneung, South Korea, a resort-led development in Gangneung’s Cultural Olympic Special Zone with strong connectivity to Seoul, demonstrating Oakwood’s scalability in leisure and extended-stay markets.

In other regions, Ascott’s Quest franchise contributed five new signings in Australia, while franchise agreements for the Oakwood, Somerset and The Unlimited Collection brands in Europe and Africa further strengthened the company’s global footprint.

Conversions-led Growth
Over 38% of units signed in 2025 were conversions, reflecting owners’ preference for faster, lower-risk routes to market and Ascott’s ability to execute conversions efficiently across its diversified brand portfolio. Recent conversions, including Citadines Antasari Jakarta, Oakwood Bencoolen Singapore and lyf Zhangjiang Shanghai, were completed within months of signing, demonstrating Ascott’s capability to reposition assets swiftly and accelerate revenue generation for owners.

Brand Performance and Expansion
Ascott’s brands achieved milestones in scale and geographic reach in 2025. Citadines surpassed 200 properties globally with 17 new signings, boosted by its conversion-friendly positioning, while Oakwood secured 16 signings, maintaining strong owner appeal across business, leisure and extended-stay segments. Ascott’s collection brands continued their geographic expansion, with The Unlimited Collection expanding in Africa and Europe, while The Crest Collection entered the Middle East. Following the signing of The Unlimited Collection in Casablanca, Morocco, Ascott’s portfolio in the country now comprises 10 operational and pipeline properties across Casablanca, Tangier and Marrakech. This underscores Ascott’s strong momentum in Morocco, one of Africa’s most dynamic hospitality markets.

The flagship Ascott brand recorded 10 new signings, expanding its global portfolio to 87 properties including operational and pipeline assets. Notable additions include Ascott Coronation Square Johor Bahru, which secures a flagship position at the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone with direct connection to the upcoming Rapid Transit System Link, and Ascott Shenton Way Singapore, the brand’s third property in the city-state. Opening as a dual-format hotel and serviced residence, Ascott Shenton Way Singapore will integrate wellness-driven experiences with sustainable operations, showcasing the brand’s evolution in a prime CBD location.

Hashtag: #TheAscottLimited #Hospitality #Growth #NewSignings

https://www.discoverasr.com/en
https://sg.linkedin.com/company/the-ascott-limited
https://www.facebook.com/discoverasr/
https://www.instagram.com/discoverasr/

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

The Ascott Limited

The Ascott Limited (Ascott) is driven by a vision to be the preferred hospitality company, enriching global living with heartfelt experiences. With a portfolio of more than 1,000 properties spanning over 230 cities across more than 40 countries, Ascott’s presence spans Asia Pacific, Central Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the USA. Its diverse collection of award-winning brands includes Ascott, Citadines, lyf, Oakwood, Somerset, The Crest Collection, The Unlimited Collection, Fox, Harris, POP!, Preference, Quest, Vertu and Yello.

Ascott specialises in managing and franchising a wide range of lodging options, including serviced residences, hotels, resorts, social living properties and branded residences, catering to the varying needs and preferences of global travellers. Through the Ascott Star Rewards (ASR) loyalty programme, members enjoy exclusive privileges and curated experiences, enhancing every aspect of their travel journey.

As a wholly owned business unit of CapitaLand Investment Limited, Ascott generates fee-related revenue by leveraging its expertise in both lodging management and investment management. It also drives the expansion of funds under management by growing its sponsored CapitaLand Ascott Trust and private funds.

For more information on Ascott and its sustainability programme, please visit www.discoverasr.com/the-ascott-limited. Alternatively, connect with Ascott on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn.

CapitaLand Investment Limited

Headquartered and listed in Singapore in 2021, CapitaLand Investment Limited (CLI) is a leading global real asset manager with a strong Asia foothold. As at 5 November 2025, CLI had S$120 billion of funds under management. CLI holds stakes in eight listed real estate investment trusts and business trusts and a suite of private real asset vehicles that invest in demographics, disruption and digitalisation-themed strategies. Its diversified real asset classes include retail, office, lodging, industrial, logistics, business parks, wellness, self-storage, data centres and private credit.

CLI aims to scale its fund management, lodging management and commercial management businesses globally and maintain effective capital management. As the investment management arm of CapitaLand Group, CLI has access to the development capabilities of and pipeline investment opportunities from CapitaLand Group’s development arm.

CLI is committed to growing in a responsible manner, delivering long-term economic value and contributing to the environmental and social well-being of its communities.

The celebrations feature a wide range of programs designed to offer residents and visitors alike an immersive cultural experience. Visitors can explore the “Langzhong Stone Rubbing Exhibition for the Lunar New Year”, which showcases precious rubbings of stone inscriptions dating back 1,500 years, and trace the past through their tangible imprints. They may also encounter the “Old Man of the Spring Festival” roaming the streets in traditional costumes to bestow blessings and offer traditional New Year’s greetings.

To enrich the visitor experience, the ancient city has curated a wide array of interactive experiences, with millennium-old folk customs unfolding one after another. A vibrant intangible cultural heritage (ICH) market will present more than 40 nationally and provincially recognized ICH items. Visitors can try their hand at crafting delicate shadow puppets or cutting festive paper window decorations. They may also choose to watch a performance of the Ba Commandery Nuo Opera, a representative ICH item of Sichuan Province that blends ancient ritual practices with folk opera and carries a distinctive sense of regional mystique. Running throughout the festive period, the New Year Grand Temple Fair brings together cultural performances, themed exhibitions, and modern recreational attractions. Whether watching the large-scale cultural stage play Legend of Langyuan or experiencing water tours or low-altitude flights, visitors of all ages are sure to be thoroughly entertained.

Langzhong’s reputation as the “Ancient City of the World and Birthplace of the Spring Festival” stems from Luo Xiahong, an astronomer of the Western Han Dynasty, who compiled the groundbreaking Taichu Calendar here. Luo was the first to incorporate the 24 solar terms into the Chinese calendrical system and to designate the first day of the first lunar month as the official start of the year, thereby establishing the Spring Festival as a fixed annual celebration. For this historic contribution, he is revered as the original “Old Man of the Spring Festival”. This calendar profoundly shaped Chinese agriculture and folk life for more than two millennia, securing Langzhong’s place as one of the cradles of Spring Festival culture. Today, Langzhong Ancient City stands ready to extend its warmest welcome to every visitor from afar, offering the most authentic New Year customs and the most heartfelt warmth of its people.Hashtag: #NanchongInformationOffice

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