Category: What’s News Asia

Initiative offers 1,000 free paediatric eye examinations, 1,000 free adult myopia screenings and a planned three-year myopia-control trial

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 October 2026 – As part of its mission to eliminate avoidable vision loss, Orbis and the LKS Faculty of Medicine of the University of Hong Kong (HKUMed), partnered to tackle the growing, lifelong burden of short-sightedness (myopia) across Hong Kong. The joint initiative highlights how myopia takes root early in primary school and, if left unmanaged, poses a severe, sight-threatening risk in later life.

Rather than a minor inconvenience corrected by stronger glasses, unmanaged high myopia physically alters the structure of the eye, drastically increasing the lifetime risk of irreversible blindness. Drawing on insights from HKUMed’s academic research and data from the joint Orbis x HKUMed Vision Matters community screening project, this partnership provides a crucial wake-up call on how lifelong visual health is determined during childhood.

In direct response to this public health challenge, Orbis and the Department of Ophthalmology, School of Clinical Medicine, HKUMed, are taking immediate action by offering 1,000 free comprehensive eye examinations for local children. This initiative gives families immediate access to expert care, early detection, and evidence-based guidance to safeguard their children’s sight before permanent damage occurs. In parallel, free eye screening will be provided to 1,000 adults aged over 50 years with known myopia. The 1,000 paediatric eye examinations and 1,000 adult eye screenings are all part of the HKUMed 140 for the Community Campaign.

A Lifelong Threat: From Classroom to Later Life

The joint effort establishes a clear, connected narrative across two generations:

• Myopia Starts Early: A 2025 HKUMed study conducted at the HKU Eye Centre examined 501 children aged 5–12 and found that nearly 40% suffered from myopia. These findings reinforce the urgent need for regular professional eye examinations, even when a child has not reported any vision problems.
• Consequences Last a Lifetime: To evaluate the long-term impact, HKUMed researchers analysed 4,217 adults aged 50 and older through the Orbis x HKUMed Vision Matters: Glaucoma AI-ROTA Screening Project. The analysis revealed that 44.5% of older adults suffer from myopia, with 6.7% suffering from high myopia. Given the historical lack of recent large-scale Hong Kong data based on objective eye measurements in this demographic, these findings represent an important public health update.
• Clear Vision Does Not Remove Risk: Myopia develops when the eye grows excessively long, causing distant objects to appear blurred. While glasses can correct distance vision, they do not shorten an elongated eye or eliminate the long-term risks associated with high myopia, including retinal disease, glaucoma, cataracts, and permanent sight loss.

In the adult analysis, visual impairment or blindness was roughly twice as common among individuals with myopia and more than four times (6.3% vs. 1.5%) as common among those with high myopia, compared to those without myopia. Glaucoma—the leading cause of irreversible blindness—was also nearly twice as prevalent among people with high myopia compared to those without (13.1% vs. 6.8%). Together, these findings highlight the critical importance of identifying and managing myopia early, before it progresses into high myopia.

Practical Action: Free Screenings and Clinical Solutions

To bridge medical evidence with practical community action, Orbis and the Department of Ophthalmology, School of Clinical Medicine, HKUMed are rolling out complementary initiatives. The 1,000 paediatric examinations and 1,000 adult screenings are all part of the HKUMed 140 for the Community Campaign:

• 1,000 Free Paediatric Examinations: Providing local families with comprehensive eye checks to help identify eye problems early and obtain professional advice on appropriate follow-up care and myopia management.
• Free Eye Screening for 1,000 Adults with Myopia: Providing free eye screening to 1,000 adults aged over 50 years with known myopia.
• Landmark “2027 Children Myopia Control Study”: Supporting a three-year HKUMed clinical trial to evaluate three advanced intervention strategies among children aged 5–12: 0.05% atropine eye drops, optical defocus spectacle lenses, and a combination of both therapies.

AT A GLANCE

• Children: 39.7% of 501 children aged 5–12 screened had myopia.
• Adults: 44.5% of 4,217 participants aged 50+ had myopia; 6.7% had high myopia.
• Impact: Visual impairment or blindness affected 6.3% of adults with high myopia, versus 1.5% without myopia.
• Action: 1,000 child exams; 1,000 screenings for myopic adults over 50. All are free under the HKUMed 140 for the Community Campaign.
• Next step: Three-year trial of 0.05% atropine, defocus spectacle lenses, and combined therapy.

Leadership Quotes:

Professor Chak-sing Lau, Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Health) and Deanof Medicine, HKU:

“Myopia is an increasingly important public health challenge that places a substantial lifelong burden on individuals and society. Through the HKUMed 140 for the Community Campaign, these initiatives reflect our longstanding commitment to translating academic excellence into meaningful benefits for the community. HKUMed is dedicated to transforming pioneering research into real-world health benefits. Through our partnership with Orbis, we seek to integrate clinical excellence, technological innovation, and population health research to lessen the impact of myopia and its complications in Hong Kong, while providing robust scientific evidence to guide eye health policy and clinical practice in the region. Together, we are working to safeguard the long-term visual health of schoolchildren and the wider population.”

Kathleen Sherwin, President and CEO of Orbis International:

“This partnership connects community service directly with research. The adult screening programme gives us a clearer view of the long-term burden of myopia, while the children’s examinations and planned trial focus on acting earlier. Together, Orbis and HKUMed are turning evidence into practical steps to protect sight.”

Mary Lau, Director of Orbis Hong Kong:

“Parents should see myopia as a condition that needs active management, not simply stronger glasses. By offering 1,000 child exams; 1,000 screenings for myopic adults over 50, we want to help more families identify problems early, obtain professional advice and take action to protect their different generation’s sight.”

Professor Christopher Leung Kai-shun, Albert Bing-Ching Young Professor in Ophthalmology, Chairperson and Clinical Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, School of Clinical Medicine, HKUMed:

“Vision Matters is showing us that myopia is an important part of the eye-health burden among Hong Kong’s over-50s. Glasses can correct blurred vision, but they cannot reverse the excessive growth of the eye or eliminate the risk of permanent sight loss associated with high myopia. The earlier we act, the greater the opportunity to protect sight over a lifetime.”

Dr Helen Zhang, Principal Investigator of the 2027 Children Myopia Control Study; and Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, School of Clinical Medicine, HKUMed

“This trial will compare eye drops, myopia-control lenses and both treatments combined. We aim to provide clearer evidence to help families choose the right approach for their children.”

Dr Kendrick Shih, Investigator of the 2027 Children Myopia Control Study; and Clinical Associate Professor of Practice, Department of Ophthalmology, School of Clinical Medicine, HKUMed:

“Myopia can worsen without obvious warning signs. Regular monitoring and timely treatment can help protect a child’s vision for the future.”

What Parents Can Do

• Prioritize Annual Checks: Arrange regular professional eye examinations rather than waiting for visual symptoms to appear.
• Explore Clinical Control Options: Seek advice from a qualified eye-care professional if myopia is detected.
• Look Beyond Standard Glasses: Discuss evidence-based myopia-control options instead of relying only on stronger prescriptions.
• Encourage Healthy Visual Habits: Encourage outdoor time, regular breaks from close work, and maintain a comfortable reading distance.

Public Registration & Participation

Registration will open in phases:
Phase 1 (Now Open): Free eye screenings for children aged 5–12 (limited quotas, first-come, first-served).
Online Registration: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/CzitVUBgJQ

Phase 2 (Coming Soon): Free eye screenings for myopic adults aged 50 or above. Details will be announced on the HKU portal and official Orbis channels.

Hashtag: #Orbis #HKUMed #Myopia

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

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 October 2026 – Singapore’s workforce is undergoing significant change as automation, artificial intelligence (AI), sustainability, and changing workplace demands reshape industries. Employers are placing greater emphasis on demonstrated skills and competencies alongside formal qualifications, while working professionals are expected to upgrade their capabilities continually to remain competitive in this environment.

Hashtag: #SIMAcademy #SIMA

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

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

About SIM Academy

SIM Academy provides leading-edge professional development and enterprise solutions. SIM Academy offers over 300 executive and business programmes that help almost 10,000 professionals annually on average hone their competencies to drive business value and achieve peak personal and enterprise performance.

Our programmes encompass a comprehensive range of lifelong learning opportunities designed to empower professionals with the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to become effective change-makers and leaders in today’s volatile and uncertain business landscape.

For more information on SIM Academy, visit sim.edu.sg

CDC shares Malaysia’s AI-driven procurement experience at ADB-organised regional conference, highlighting measurable efficiency gains and responsible technology adoption.

— BERNAMA
Hashtag: #CommerceDotCom #ArtificialIntelligence #GovTech #DigitalProcurement #ResponsibleAI #Malaysia

https://www.commercedc.com.my/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/commercedotcom/posts/
https://www.instagram.com/commercedotcomm/

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

Commerce Dot Com Sdn Bhd

Established in 1999 as a procurement solutions provider, Commerce Dot Com Sdn. Bhd. (CDC) is a government-linked company under the Ministry of Finance whereby the ministry’s corporate arm, Ministry of Finance (Incorporated), holds a golden share in the company. With over 20 years of experience under its belt, CDC has established itself as among the leading procurement solutions providers in Malaysia and has a well-earned reputation for providing exceptional services through its innovative solutions.

Industry Giants Gather in Ningde to Jointly Accelerate the Layout of the “Tesson Smart Power” Ecosystem

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 October 2026 – Tesson Holdings Limited (Stock Code: 01201.HK, hereinafter referred to as “Tesson Holdings”), a company listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited, today issued an official announcement stating that its direct wholly-owned subsidiary has entered into an agreement with CCPOM Limited to acquire 100% equity interest in Contemporary Huazhi New Energy Technology Hong Kong Limited (hereinafter referred to as “Contemporary Huazhi (Hong Kong)”) for RMB 98.4 million, with a simultaneous capital injection of RMB 21.6 million (representing a total consideration of RMB 120 million).

On the same day, the “Solar-Storage-Charging-Inspection & Intelligent Zero-Carbon” Innovation Seminar and Strategic Signing Ceremony, co-hosted by Times Huazhi (时代华智) and Tesson Holdings, was grandly held at Fujian Jixin Solar-Storage-Charging-Inspection Technology Co., Ltd. (福建集新光储充检技术有限公司) in Overseas Chinese Building, Ningde, Fujian (福建宁德华侨大厦). At the seminar, Mr. Huang Shilin, Co-founder of Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (hereinafter referred to as “CATL”) and Chairman of Fujian Jixin Solar-Storage-Charging-Inspection Technology Co., Ltd. (福建集新光储充检技术有限公司) delivered a keynote speech. He conducted an in-depth analysis of the industry trends regarding the integrated development of new energy and intelligent charging/inspection, which drew enthusiastic responses from the attendees.

The signing ceremony brought together many distinguished guests. Under the joint witness of officiating guests including Mr. Huang Shilin, Professor Yu Changyuan from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and Mr. Wei Qingwen, representative of the major shareholder of Tesson Holdings, Tesson Holdings and Times Huazhi (时代华智) officially completed the agreement signing. At the same time, Tesson Holdings joined forces with Times Huazhi (时代华智), Inspur Group, EV Power, Wanji International (万吉国际), and several other industry-leading enterprises as well as top research institutions to sign multiple Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) for strategic cooperation. This marks a breakthrough achievement for Tesson Holdings in platform-based operations of smart power and new energy infrastructure layout since the launch of its new brand “Tesson Smart Power” in August this year.

Dual Strategy of Acquisition and Capital Injection: Anchoring the Innovative Track of “Solar-Storage-Charging-Inspection and Intelligent Zero-Carbon”

According to the announcement, RMB 38.4 million of the total consideration for this transaction will be paid in cash. The remaining acquisition consideration of RMB 60.0 million will be satisfied and completed by issuing consideration shares at HK$2.00 per share, while the simultaneous capital injection of RMB 21.6 million will be paid and completed as consideration for the subscription shares.

As a pioneer enterprise in the field of intelligent zero-carbon park operations for solar-storage-charging-inspection systems, Times Huazhi (时代华智) has successfully deployed multiple solar-storage-charging-inspection and zero-carbon park projects in core cities such as Shanghai and Fuzhou. Upon completion of this acquisition and capital injection, Tesson Holdings will directly incorporate high-quality new energy infrastructure assets, further enhancing the company’s operational capabilities and asset scale in high-power fast charging, energy storage, and zero-carbon microgrids.

Signing of Three Major MOUs: Building a Closed-Loop Chain of “Computing-Power Synergy + Energy-Carbon + Industry-Academia-Research”

At the signing ceremony held on the same day, Tesson Holdings and Times Huazhi (时代华智), together with several industrial partners, reached four deep strategic collaborations:

• 1. Computing-Power Synergy and Joint Innovation (AIDC): Partnered with Inspur Group and Micro-Gathering Power Sale (微聚售电) to jointly explore the integration model of AI Data Center infrastructure (AIDC) with new power sales and Virtual Power Plants (VPP).
• 2. Hong Kong Layout and Collaborative Innovation for Solar-Storage-Charging-Inspection: Partnered with EV Power, a leading EV charging operator in Hong Kong, and Wanji International (万吉国际), a green logistics operator, while introducing the 5D Power team from The University of Hong Kong and the HYBAY team from The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, to jointly create demonstration projects for solar-storage-charging-inspection and green logistics in Hong Kong.
• 3. Joint Construction of International Innovation Design Center (Hong Kong & Fujian): Partnered with Fuzhou University Design & Research Institute (福州大学设计研究院), Gesuo Technology (格索科技), and Anlaseo (a spin-off enterprise from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University) to promote the engineering applications of achievements such as smart energy replenishment stations for solar-storage-charging-inspection.

Energy-Carbon Asset Securitization Strategic Upgrading: Continuously Advancing Intelligent Zero-Carbon Transformation

Tesson Holdings and Times Huazhi (时代华智) deepened their cooperation by leveraging the advantages of the global industrial chain ecosystem resources of CATL to jointly explore the strategic collaborations implementation and innovative industrial upgrading of securitization for energy-carbon assets in new power track of solar-storage-charging-inspection.

Management of Tesson Holdings stated that the completion of this acquisition and multi-party strategic cooperation marks a crucial step for the company toward becoming an “Innovative Operator in Smart Power and Energy-Carbon”. Looking ahead, Tesson Holdings will rely on its development roadmap of “Battery Manufacturing — Zero-Carbon Microgrid & Energy Storage Operations — AI Power Trading & Energy-Carbon Asset Platform”, and fully utilize the strong support and resource empowerment from strategic shareholder Mr. Huang Shilin, Co-founder of CATL. The company will continue to deepen its green energy network layout in the Greater Bay Area and core cities, creating long-term value for urban low-carbon transformation.

Hashtag: #TessonHoldings

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

About Tesson Holdings Limited (1201.HK)

Tesson Holdings Limited (Stock Code: 01201.HK) is a company listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited, focusing on (among other things) the deep integration of the new energy industry chain. Its strategic positioning includes being an innovative operator in smart power and energy-carbon. Centering on “Smart Power Source + Smart Electricity”, the company comprehensively expands into energy storage, solar-storage-charging-inspection, zero-carbon microgrids, AI energy management, and energy-carbon asset operations, striving to connect global high-quality industrial and capital resources to empower the high-quality development of the new energy ecosystem.

In Singapore, global leaders in ocean science, exploration and conservation examine how evidence, storytelling and education can help shape the ocean’s future

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 October 2026 – What does it take to turn ocean discovery into lasting change? That question connected three days of conversations at the OceanX Summit 2026, where leaders from ocean science, government, exploration, education and conservation considered how evidence can inform protection, how immersive learning can engage the next generation, and how local leadership can shape solutions.

The Summit brought together oceanographer Sylvia Earle; filmmaker and deep-sea explorer James Cameron; Jill Tiefenthaler, CEO of the National Geographic Society; Takashi Kudo of international art collective teamLab; Benoît Dageville, Co-Founder and President of Products at Snowflake; Rizza Sacra-Dejucos, Asia Regional Coordinator of the High Seas Alliance; Professor Peter Ng of NUS; and conservation leaders Titouan Bernicot of Coral Gardeners and Rili Joani-Mohamed of the Coral Triangle Centre. Singapore Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Trade and Industry (Trade) Gan Kim Yong opened the Summit, with Minister for Education Desmond Lee later addressing the role of ocean exploration in student learning.

A clear message emerged: ocean knowledge has its greatest value when it can be shared, understood and used. Discussions on artificial intelligence highlighted both its potential to connect fragmented datasets and its dependence on high-quality information from regions that remain underrepresented. Sessions on finance and marine protected areas explored how public policy, private-sector expertise and philanthropic support can work together, with the needs of coastal communities in view.

“The Summit brought the ocean into the room in a way people could experience. Immersive education can turn curiosity into a personal connection, and help students see how their skills can contribute to ocean science and its future. We need to open those experiences and career pathways to more young people,” said Mark Dalio.

The programme connected scientific discovery with the international effort to conserve marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction. The Into the Deep: Monsoon Rise expedition, jointly led by OceanX and NUS, mapped more than 8,300 square kilometres of seafloor in the eastern Indian Ocean. Scientists from Southeast Asia and the Pacific worked alongside Singapore researchers, with approximately 2,000 specimens now contributing to continuing biodiversity research.

The Summit also explored the wider challenge of making ocean data useful across disciplines and regions, as countries implement the BBNJ Agreement. OceanX has committed a significant share of its 2027 expedition time to high seas research.

“The Summit made clear that there is a need to collect much more ocean data which is necessary to make informed decisions around ocean stewardship. We need to connect information across disciplines, close gaps in what is known, and make evidence accessible to people working on decision making. Science must work in collaboration with all stakeholders to move together if knowledge is to support lasting ocean protection,” said Vincent Pieribone.

Singapore’s partnership with OceanX through the Ministry of Education and Science Centre Board has enabled more than 570 students and educators to visit OceanXplorer since 2024, while hundreds more have joined ship-to-shore expedition livestreams. At the Summit, Desmond Lee spoke about how experiences like these help students connect classroom learning to real research and see how skills in engineering, data science and communications contribute to scientific discovery.

The Summit also featured more than 20 immersive installations developed by OceanX Education and its Changemaker community. These experiences put audiences inside ocean stories and research, demonstrating how art, media and technology can build understanding and invite people into the work.

A discussion between Mark Dalio and Anderson Tanoto of Tanoto Foundation highlighted education pathways across Southeast Asia. Nine Tanoto Foundation scholars have participated in OceanX’s Young Explorers programme, while the partnership continues to develop opportunities through fellowships, hackathons and other immersive learning experiences.

Speakers from across the conservation community showed how ocean protection is already being advanced by local leaders. Coral Gardeners founder Titouan Bernicot described an island-led movement that has grown to 97 full-time employees and planted more than 250,000 corals across French Polynesia, Fiji and Thailand. Other changemakers presented projects using AI for reef monitoring and immersive media to connect audiences with marine ecosystems.

These examples brought the Summit’s discussions back to people and places: local knowledge must shape conservation, and communities need a meaningful voice in decisions affecting their ocean. The Summit convened more than 750+ participants, including 223 students and educators, around the relationships and ideas that can carry this work forward.

Watch OceanX Summit 2026 highlights.
Hashtag: #OceanX

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

About OceanX

In Singapore, global leaders in ocean science, exploration and conservation examine how evidence, storytelling and education can help shape the ocean’s future

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 October 2026 – What does it take to turn ocean discovery into lasting change? That question connected three days of conversations at the OceanX Summit 2026, where leaders from ocean science, government, exploration, education and conservation considered how evidence can inform protection, how immersive learning can engage the next generation, and how local leadership can shape solutions.

The Summit brought together oceanographer Sylvia Earle; filmmaker and deep-sea explorer James Cameron; Jill Tiefenthaler, CEO of the National Geographic Society; Takashi Kudo of international art collective teamLab; Benoît Dageville, Co-Founder and President of Products at Snowflake; Rizza Sacra-Dejucos, Asia Regional Coordinator of the High Seas Alliance; Professor Peter Ng of NUS; and conservation leaders Titouan Bernicot of Coral Gardeners and Rili Joani-Mohamed of the Coral Triangle Centre. Singapore Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Trade and Industry (Trade) Gan Kim Yong opened the Summit, with Minister for Education Desmond Lee later addressing the role of ocean exploration in student learning.

A clear message emerged: ocean knowledge has its greatest value when it can be shared, understood and used. Discussions on artificial intelligence highlighted both its potential to connect fragmented datasets and its dependence on high-quality information from regions that remain underrepresented. Sessions on finance and marine protected areas explored how public policy, private-sector expertise and philanthropic support can work together, with the needs of coastal communities in view.

“The Summit brought the ocean into the room in a way people could experience. Immersive education can turn curiosity into a personal connection, and help students see how their skills can contribute to ocean science and its future. We need to open those experiences and career pathways to more young people,” said Mark Dalio.

The programme connected scientific discovery with the international effort to conserve marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction. The Into the Deep: Monsoon Rise expedition, jointly led by OceanX and NUS, mapped more than 8,300 square kilometres of seafloor in the eastern Indian Ocean. Scientists from Southeast Asia and the Pacific worked alongside Singapore researchers, with approximately 2,000 specimens now contributing to continuing biodiversity research.

The Summit also explored the wider challenge of making ocean data useful across disciplines and regions, as countries implement the BBNJ Agreement. OceanX has committed a significant share of its 2027 expedition time to high seas research.

“The Summit made clear that there is a need to collect much more ocean data which is necessary to make informed decisions around ocean stewardship. We need to connect information across disciplines, close gaps in what is known, and make evidence accessible to people working on decision making. Science must work in collaboration with all stakeholders to move together if knowledge is to support lasting ocean protection,” said Vincent Pieribone.

Singapore’s partnership with OceanX through the Ministry of Education and Science Centre Board has enabled more than 570 students and educators to visit OceanXplorer since 2024, while hundreds more have joined ship-to-shore expedition livestreams. At the Summit, Desmond Lee spoke about how experiences like these help students connect classroom learning to real research and see how skills in engineering, data science and communications contribute to scientific discovery.

The Summit also featured more than 20 immersive installations developed by OceanX Education and its Changemaker community. These experiences put audiences inside ocean stories and research, demonstrating how art, media and technology can build understanding and invite people into the work.

A discussion between Mark Dalio and Anderson Tanoto of Tanoto Foundation highlighted education pathways across Southeast Asia. Nine Tanoto Foundation scholars have participated in OceanX’s Young Explorers programme, while the partnership continues to develop opportunities through fellowships, hackathons and other immersive learning experiences.

Speakers from across the conservation community showed how ocean protection is already being advanced by local leaders. Coral Gardeners founder Titouan Bernicot described an island-led movement that has grown to 97 full-time employees and planted more than 250,000 corals across French Polynesia, Fiji and Thailand. Other changemakers presented projects using AI for reef monitoring and immersive media to connect audiences with marine ecosystems.

These examples brought the Summit’s discussions back to people and places: local knowledge must shape conservation, and communities need a meaningful voice in decisions affecting their ocean. The Summit convened more than 750+ participants, including 223 students and educators, around the relationships and ideas that can carry this work forward.

Watch OceanX Summit 2026 highlights.

Hashtag: #OceanX

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

About OceanX

OceanX is a nonprofit working to unlock the ocean’s sustainable potential. Through a dual focus on science and education, we’re building a new paradigm where humanity and the ocean mutually thrive. Our approach is fueled by exploration, leveraging advanced research, multimedia educational programs, cross-sector partnerships, and advanced technology to transform how people understand and value the ocean. Our work strives to fortify biodiversity and increase the sustainable use of ocean resources to help ensure the ocean remains a foundation for human wellbeing and future potential. OceanX is a nonprofit operating program of Dalio Philanthropies. For more information, visit www.oceanx.org and follow OceanX on Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 October 2026 – A leading Chinese medicine maker told a global gathering of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioners here Saturday that a 500-year-old tradition built on treating the whole patient and tailoring treatment has offered an Eastern answer to aging societies and chronic disease worldwide.

According to a press report issued by China News Service (CNS), Tianjin Pharmaceutical Da Ren Tang Group, one of China’s oldest pharmacy houses, also announced that it would conduct an international randomized, double-blind, controlled trial of its flagship heart remedy, sold in English as Suxiao Jiuxin Pills, in collaboration with Singapore General Hospital, the city-state’s largest acute tertiary hospital.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0ac_rOwMNM

Wang Lei, chairman of Da Ren Tang and president of Tianjin Pharmaceutical Group, made both points in her address at the opening ceremony of the 23rd World Congress of Chinese Medicine in Singapore. She noted that Chinese medicine’s holistic approach and pattern-based diagnosis give it an advantage in strengthening public health systems, and that the industry must demonstrate this through internationally recognized, verifiable evidence, the CNS report said.

The study marks the first time a Chinese proprietary medicine has undergone clinical trials at a major Western-medicine hospital in Singapore, the CNS report highlighted.

“We have always believed that Chinese medicine cannot stop at product exports,” Wang said, adding that the trial would offer internationally recognized and verifiable clinical evidence.

The congress, hosted by the World Federation of Chinese Medicine Societies and organized by the Singapore Chinese Physicians’ Association, ran Oct. 16-18 at Raffles City Convention Centre under the theme “Addressing Global Health Challenges, Integrating Chinese Medicine into National Health Systems.” About 1,400 experts, officials and industry representatives from 25 countries and regions participated, the CNS report added.

Wang devoted much of her speech, titled “Gathering the Wisdom of Traditional Medicine to Shoulder the Global Mission of Health,” to arguing that traditional medicine belongs in the global public health conversation rather than on its margins.

Chinese medicine’s emphasis on the body as a whole, and on tailoring treatment to individual patients’ symptom patterns, gives it a distinct advantage in strengthening public health systems, she noted.

For countries facing aging populations and a rising burden of chronic disease, TCM represents “a valuable solution with Eastern characteristics,” Wang said, highlighting its contribution to China’s “Health Silk Road” vision and its role in China’s broader approach to global health governance.

Wang said Da Ren Tang’s roughly 70 years of exporting, dating back to 1955, had taught the company that a remedy must suit the actual health needs of the people who take it rather than be shipped abroad merely as a cultural product.

She set out a three-part plan: concentrate clinical research on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, respiratory conditions, digestive health, musculoskeletal disorders and skin diseases, working with overseas medical institutions to turn traditional experience into evidence regulators can evaluate; follow international research norms while pursuing product registrations and high-quality studies abroad; and recognize that medical systems and regulatory cultures differ from country to country.

“We have to respect the medical systems and cultural contexts of each country and build an open, mutually trusting and mutually beneficial form of cooperation,” Wang was quoted as saying by CNS.

According to the CNS report, the company is working with Singapore General Hospital on the study and hopes that solid results will help traditional medicine enter national health systems and reach more patients overseas.

Wang called on the congress to bring Chinese medicine standards into alignment with international rules, build platforms for sharing research results, and tell the story of Chinese medicine to the world.

Da Ren Tang traces its pharmacy lineage to 1522 and has been listed in Singapore since 1997. The company holds 122 exclusive products and 599 drug approval numbers, sells more than 150 products in more than 20 countries, and ranks among China’s top five exporters of traditional Chinese medicine, according to the CNS report.
Hashtag: #ChinaNewsService

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

PARIS, FRANCE – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 October 2026 – Eureka has introduced the FloorShine 470 to the French market, combining wet-and-dry floor cleaning, access beneath low furniture and automated brush care in one appliance. Designed for everyday hard-floor maintenance, the model brings together practical features intended to make regular cleaning simpler and more convenient.

As floor-cleaning appliances become increasingly sophisticated, more features do not necessarily mean a better fit for every household. Everyday cleaning still comes down to familiar needs: dealing with spills, removing dust and hair, and reaching areas that are often overlooked. The FloorShine 470 addresses these tasks through a balanced combination of cleaning performance and ease of use, with a recommended retail price of €279.

With up to 17,000 Pa of suction, the FloorShine 470 combines vacuuming and washing to handle dry debris and liquid spills in a single cleaning routine. Whether collecting crumbs after a meal or removing dirt brought in from outdoors, the appliance is designed to support regular floor care. Its integrated anti-tangle mechanism also helps reduce hair wrapping around the brush roller.

Reaching difficult areas is another consideration in everyday cleaning. The 180-degree lie-flat design allows the FloorShine 470 to clean beneath sofas, beds and other low-clearance furniture. An internal water duct helps prevent wastewater backflow when the appliance is reclined, while the edge-cleaning brush reaches close to walls and skirting boards.

Maintenance has also been considered in the design. After cleaning, an automated self-cleaning and hot-air drying system helps remove residue and moisture from the brush roller, reducing the need for manual upkeep. A redesigned water-tank configuration supports comfortable maneuvering, while separate clean- and dirty-water tanks simplify routine use.

Rather than relying on increasingly complex features, the FloorShine 470 brings together essential cleaning and maintenance functions in an accessible, all-round wet-and-dry cleaner.

Pricing and Availability

The Eureka FloorShine 470 is now available in France through the official Eureka website, with a recommended retail price of €279. Prices and promotional offers may vary, and the model can also be found by searching for “Eureka FloorShine 470” on Amazon.

Hashtag: #Eureka

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

About Eureka

Eureka develops household cleaning appliances designed to simplify everyday maintenance. Its portfolio includes cordless vacuum cleaners, robotic cleaners and wet-and-dry floor washers for international markets.

Only 1 in 10 are very confident they know the interest rate their bank accounts pay

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 October 2026 – Three in four Singaporeans with spare cash do not believe it is working as hard as it could, according to new research commissioned by Chocolate Finance and conducted by independent research company Milieu. That uncertainty also extends to what the money is actually for: seven in ten have no plan for when they will use it.

The survey of 1,000 Singapore residents found that 89% of respondents hold spare cash. Among them, nearly half (48%) had looked at their cashback or reward points in the past six months, compared with 37% who checked the interest rate on their spare cash. CPF balances and discounts, vouchers or promo codes also received more attention than spare cash rates.

The findings point to an attention gap. Singaporeans are actively looking for value in the money they spend, but what their spare cash earns can receive less scrutiny and attention, once that money has been set aside.

“We’ve always known that Singaporeans want more from their spare cash. What this research proves is just how many people don’t actually know what their money is earning. People move their money around for an attractive welcome offer, but once that offer ends, the money often just sits there, earning very little. And many don’t even realise it. We created Chocolate Finance to change that,” said Walter de Oude, Founder and CEO of Chocolate Finance.

Visible rewards are winning more attention
Part of the difference comes down to visibility. Cashback, rewards and discounts provide an immediate and obvious benefit, whether at checkout, when points appear in an account, or in monthly statements. The return on spare cash, however, is less visible and can happen quietly in the background.

This makes it easier for a few dollars saved on a purchase to command more attention, while the return on a much larger pool of cash receives less scrutiny. The result is not a lack of financial engagement, but an imbalance in where that attention is going.

More financial choice makes clarity more important
Keeping track of spare cash can become harder when that money is spread across several places. Singaporeans use an average of 3.7 named banks and financial platforms, spanning traditional banks, digital banks and wealth or cash-management platforms.

Whilst more financial options can create greater choice, the findings suggest that simply having more places to put money does not necessarily make that money easier to understand. Only one in ten respondents (11%) are very confident they know the interest rate their bank accounts pay, with the majority 89% indicating that they are not fully confident.

When money is spread across several providers and people are unclear about what those accounts are paying, individual pools of spare cash can become easier to lose sight of how each fits into a bigger picture. This raises the question: beyond knowing where the money sits, do people know what they actually want that money to do?

Giving spare cash a purpose can change behaviour
For many Singaporeans, that purpose is not clear yet. Some 72% of spare cash holders either describe it as money for “one day, eventually” or do not think about timing at all, while only 29% of respondents separate all their money into clear categories for different purposes.

Giving the money a specific goal could change that behaviour. When asked how they would behave if they could separate their spare cash into categories for specific goals, 59% said they would be more likely to leave it untouched and let it grow.

That insight is behind Chocolate Finance’s new Jars feature, launching in November 2026. Jars allow customers to separate their spare cash into different ‘pots’ for goals such as an emergency fund, a holiday or a home. Instead of treating spare cash as one pool, each Jar gives the money a clearer purpose and timeframe.

Walter added: “What really stands out is that Singaporeans are already putting money aside, but many don’t have a clear plan for what that money is for. And when people give their spare cash a purpose, they’re more likely to leave it alone and let it grow. That’s a really important insight, and exactly why we’re launching Jars. We want to make it easier for people to turn their spare cash into something they’re actually working towards.”

Saving money is only the first step
Taken together, the findings point to a gap between actively saving money and deciding what happens to it next. Once money has been set aside, it can become less visible, spread across different providers and disconnected from a clear goal. The common thread is clarity: knowing what each pool of spare cash is for and what it needs to do.

This does not mean every dollar should chase the highest possible return. It means making a deliberate decision about the role of that money, rather than letting spare cash become something that has simply been saved and then forgotten.

Conclusively, Singaporeans who already have money set aside should be asking themselves not “how much have I saved” but rather “Is this money doing the job I need it to do?”
Hashtag: #ChocolateFinance #SpareCash

https://www.chocolatefinance.com/
https://sg.linkedin.com/company/chocolatefinance
https://x.com/ChocFinance
https://www.facebook.com/chocolatefinance/
https://www.instagram.com/chocolatefinance/

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

Chocolate Finance

Methodology
The online survey was conducted by independent research company Milieu from 25 September 2026 to 5 October 2026 among n=1,000 Singapore residents aged 18 and above. The results carry a margin of error of +/- 3% at a 95% confidence level.

About Chocolate Finance
Chocolate Finance was founded in 2024 and operates as a licensed fund management company offering cash management, savings and payment solutions in Singapore. The Chocolate Finance platform helps people grow their spare cash every day, no lock-ins, no complex rules. Customers can see their returns on the app every single day – simple account setup and the flexibility to spend through their linked Visa card and hold investments in SGD or USD.

For more information, please visit: https://www.chocolatefinance.com

Disclaimer
Chocolate Finance is a brand of Chocfin Pte Ltd and is regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Terms and conditions apply.

Please visit www.chocolatefinance.com to learn more. Chocolate’s returns are subject to change based on market conditions, with Chocolate top-up support offered as an incentive during the Qualifying Period. All investments involve risk, including the risk of losing all of the invested amount and may not be suitable for everyone. Past performance is not indicative of future results. This advertisement has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.

BERLIN, GERMANY – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 October 2026 – Eureka has introduced the FloorShine 470 to the German market, bringing together wet-and-dry cleaning, access beneath low furniture and automated brush care in one appliance. Designed for everyday hard-floor maintenance, the model aims to make routine cleaning more manageable without adding unnecessary complexity.

As wet-and-dry floor cleaners offer an increasing range of advanced features, the practical needs of households remain relatively straightforward: dealing with everyday spills, removing dust and hair, and keeping floors clean with less effort. The FloorShine 470 responds to these needs with a well-rounded combination of cleaning and maintenance features, available at a recommended retail price of €279.

For everyday cleaning, the FloorShine 470 delivers up to 17,000 Pa of suction to collect dry debris and liquid spills, from kitchen crumbs to dirt brought in from outdoors. An integrated anti-tangle mechanism helps prevent hair from wrapping around the brush roller, reducing interruptions during regular use.

The cleaner’s 180-degree lie-flat design allows it to reach beneath sofas, beds and other low-clearance furniture without requiring users to move heavy items. An internal water duct system helps prevent wastewater from flowing back when the appliance is fully reclined. Its edge-cleaning brush also reaches close to walls and skirting boards, addressing areas that can be difficult to clean thoroughly.

Cleaning the floor is only part of the routine. After use, the FloorShine 470’s automated self-cleaning and hot-air drying system helps prepare the brush roller for its next use by reducing residual moisture. A redesigned water-tank configuration supports easier maneuvering, while separate clean- and dirty-water tanks simplify everyday floor washing.

Together, these features reflect Eureka’s approach to bringing practical cleaning capabilities into a single, accessible appliance, without requiring households to move into a higher-priced product category.

Pricing and Availability

The Eureka FloorShine 470 is now available on the official Eureka Germany website, with a recommended retail price of €279. Actual local prices and promotional offers may vary. Consumers can also search for Eureka FloorShine 470 on Amazon.

Hashtag: #Eureka

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

About Eureka

Eureka develops household cleaning appliances designed to simplify everyday maintenance. Its portfolio includes cordless vacuum cleaners, robotic cleaners and wet-and-dry floor washers for international markets.