The delegation was led by Bui Huy Vinh, Deputy Secretary of the Phu Tho Party Committee, and included representatives of the provincial People's Committee, members of the Party Standing Committee, and leaders of several departments and agencies.

Receiving the delegation were Nguyen Dieu Linh, acting head of the Vietnamese Embassy in Finland, and embassy officials responsible for political affairs and bilateral relations.

The visit followed the elevation of Vietnam-Finland relations to a Strategic Partnership in 2025, a development expected to create new opportunities for cooperation in economic development, trade, education, innovation, digital transformation and sustainable development.

That growing relationship is also supported by a sizeable Vietnamese community in Finland. More than 17,000 Vietnamese people currently live in the country, mainly in Helsinki, Tampere, Vaasa, Oulu and Turku. In the municipality of Närpiö, Vietnamese residents account for around 25 per cent of the population. Vietnamese workers are highly regarded for their professional qualifications, vocational skills and ability to integrate into Finnish society, providing an important bridge for expanding bilateral ties.

To maintain momentum from the visit, the Phu Tho Investment Promotion and Enterprise Support Centre was designated as the focal point for future coordination with the embassy in information sharing, partner engagement and cooperation activities.

The Phu Tho delegation hold talks with officials of the Vietnamese Embassy in Finland on June 8 as part of a European investment promotion programme

Against this backdrop, Vinh briefed embassy officials on Phu Tho's socioeconomic development following the merger of the former provinces of Phu Tho, Vinh Phuc and Hoa Binh in July 2025.

He said the province is pursuing a strategy aimed at maintaining double-digit economic growth through 2030, with industry identified as the main growth driver. Phu Tho is prioritising projects in high-tech manufacturing, green industry, logistics, trade, digital transformation and innovation.

“Phu Tho is continuing to implement a range of measures to sustain strong growth momentum while improving the investment environment and expanding cooperation with international partners,” said Vinh.

The province's development ambitions align closely with areas where Finland is seeking more in-depth engagement with Vietnam. Linh said Finland currently considers Vietnam one of four priority countries for attracting highly skilled workers.

“Finland currently considers Vietnam one of four priority countries for attracting highly skilled workers. In 2025, the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding to facilitate the recruitment of Vietnamese experts, skilled workers and seasonal labourers, creating a framework for deeper labour cooperation between the two countries,” she said.

Building on these favourable conditions, the two sides discussed opportunities to expand cooperation in human resource development, skilled labour cooperation, green transition initiatives and infrastructure development.

Beyond economic cooperation, tourism was identified as another area with significant potential. The Phu Tho delegation sought support in encouraging the cultural heritage of Vietnam, together with key destinations such as the Hung Kings Temple Historical Site, Xuan Son National Park, Tam Dao and the province’s growing eco-tourism and resort offerings.

The Phu Tho delegation met with officials of the Vietnamese Embassy in Finland

The delegation also proposed exploring tourism links between Finland and Vietnam while attracting investment into eco-tourism, accommodation, long-stay resort and elderly-care projects targeting visitors from Nordic countries.

In response, Linh pointed to the Matka International Travel Fair in Helsinki, the largest annual tourism exhibition in the Nordic region, as a potential platform for introducing Phu Tho’s tourism offerings to Finnish businesses and travellers through promotional materials and multimedia campaigns.

She added that the embassy is prepared to support the province’s participation in events such as Vietnam Day in Finland, ASEAN Day and other international cultural exchange activities. Growing interest among Nordic travellers in wellness and healthcare tourism could also create new opportunities for destinations in Vietnam, including Phu Tho.

Concluding the meeting, Vinh expressed his hope that the embassy would continue supporting efforts to boost the province’s investment environment, tourism potential and development opportunities among Finnish businesses and investors.

To maintain momentum from the visit, the Phu Tho Investment Promotion and Enterprise Support Centre was designated as the focal point for future coordination with the embassy in information sharing, partner engagement and cooperation activities.

Phu Tho accelerates industrial growth as post-merger economy gains momentum Phu Tho is witnessing robust industrial expansion after provincial consolidation.

Phu Tho lays groundwork for next investment wave Phu Tho province is stepping up investment promotion efforts with a pipeline of 175 priority projects for the 2026-2030 period across industry, urban development, infrastructure, and high-tech agriculture.

Phu Tho calls on Spanish investment in high-tech, green growth projects Phu Tho province has called on Spanish businesses to invest in high-tech and green growth projects, offering tax incentives, fast-track procedures, and expanding industrial infrastructure.

The partnership will jointly develop up to 1 GW of utility-scale wind, solar and battery capacity, underpinned by a long-term power purchase agreement. Both parties will collaborate on the investment and asset management of targeted projects.

Brookfield’s stake in the partnership will be made through its Catalytic Transition Fund, its primary vehicle for investing in and facilitating the transition to net-zero in emerging markets and developing economies including Southeast Asia.

Daniel Cheng, head of Energy at Brookfield Asia Pacific said, “Brookfield’s partnership with Foxconn underscores the scale of corporate demand for renewable power in Vietnam, one of Asia’s fastest-growing economies. As global manufacturers increasingly turn to renewables for its cost-competitiveness, speed to market and energy security benefits, we’re seeing strong and rising demand for long-term supply from across the region."

“Policy momentum around Southeast Asia is also providing a second-order tailwind for renewables development and our Catalytic Transition strategy, which has been very active over the past 12 months,” said Cheng.

James Tu, chief investment officer of Foxconn, said, “We are pleased to be a strategic partner to Brookfield to secure long-term access to renewable energy for our operations and supply chain in Vietnam. This initiative, where we’re investing and managing alongside Brookfield, ensures stable and cost-effective power supply for our continued growth in the region.”

The partnership is expected to progress alongside Vietnam’s evolving direct PPA framework.

Foxconn's Vietnam unit raises registered capital A Foxconn subsidiary in Vietnam has increased its charter capital by nearly $40 million across two separate adjustments in early 2026.

Foxconn pumps additional $287 million into Bac Ninh facility Taiwan’s Hon Hai Precision (Foxconn), a key electronic supplier to Apple, has poured an additional $287.1 million into Fulian Precision Technology Component Co., Ltd, its wholly-owned unit in Bac Ninh province.

Brookfield builds Southeast Asia platform with first catalytic transition investments New York-headquartered Brookfield Asset Management, a leading global investment firm with more than $1 trillion in assets under management, has made its first renewables investments in Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines, creating a significant decarbonisation platform in Southeast Asia.

The move, announced on May 25, aligns with the State Bank of Vietnam's (SBV) strategy to accelerate digital transformation and improve security in payment operations. The SBV has launched the system to monitor accounts suspected of fraud, in line with Plan No.02/KH-NHNN issued by the Governor on February 13 on science, technology and digital transformation tasks in the banking sector for 2026.

SIMO stands for System of Information Monitoring Online. It is an information system for managing, supervising, and preventing fraud risks in payment operations, serving as a platform to receive reports from banks, foreign bank branches, and payment intermediary service providers.

Developed and managed by the State Bank of Vietnam in close collaboration with relevant agencies, SIMO is considered the banking sector's national 'digital shield' in the fight against cybercrime. The system compiles a list of payment accounts and e-wallets showing signs of fraud, scams, or legal violations to provide timely warnings to users.

Once operational, the integration of the SIMO system will bring significant benefits to Nam A Bank’s customers through the direct and immediate protection for money transfer transactions.

First, the system will warn and prevent risks in real time. If the target account or e-wallet is on SIMO's suspicious list, the transaction screen will display an immediate warning. Based on this reminder, customers can stop the transaction and double-check the information to minimise the risk of financial loss.

Secondly, the system helps eliminate information 'blind spots'. Previously, customers often found it difficult to verify whether an unfamiliar account was linked to fraudulent activity before clicking the transfer button. Through an industry-wide data interconnection mechanism, Nam A Bank’s customers can benefit from continuously updated data from regulatory bodies and other financial institutions, thereby increasing transparency regarding the destination of capital flows.

Thirdly, customers will be able to make secure transactions at every touchpoint. Customers are not limited by protection boundaries. Leveraging heavy investment in technology and personnel, Nam A Bank ensures the SIMO system operates smoothly 24/7, ready for deployment from May 25. Customers can verify information and make secure transactions from the Open Banking digital banking platform, OneBank 365+ digital transaction points, to the counter.

Fourthly, the system ensures maximum protection of personal information. It strictly ensures security and personal data protection in accordance with the regulations of the regulatory bodies. As a result, customers can conduct transactions safely without concerns about personal information leakage.

"Against the backdrop of increasingly sophisticated and complex online fraudulent activities, it is no longer the sole responsibility of individual institutions, but requiring the collaborative efforts of the entire industry to protect customers’ assets," a representative of Nam A Bank said. "The SBV has selected Nam A Bank as the early adopter of the SIMO system, underscoring the bank’s technological capabilities, comprehensive risk management system, and proactive commitment to optimising experience and bringing peace of mind to customers. At the same time, the initiative also contributes to building a healthy, secure, and sustainable digital payments ecosystem."

Nam A Bank forms position as strategic member at VIFC through three key partnerships After becoming a strategic investor in Vietnam's International Financial Centre, Nam A Commercial Joint Stock Bank has implemented a series of strategic partnership agreements to deploy practical solutions as part of its commitment to building a green, modern, and integrated financial centre.

Nam A Bank and Proparco sign MoU strengthening green financial resources Southern lender Nam A Commercial Joint Stock Bank (Nam A Bank) and Proparco, the development finance institution of the French Development Agency, have signed an MoU to develop and mobilise green financial resources.

Nam A Bank joins IFC trade programme in strategic partnership Nam A Commercial Joint Stock Bank has established a strategic partnership with the International Finance Corporation, marking a significant step in its international expansion.

Spanning 18 countries, this year's honorees were identified through data gathered as part of FTG's Star Ratings, based on exacting incognito inspections conducted globally. The bars selected for the list excelled in scores related to their beverage program and presentation, as well as providing seamless, luxurious service and an exceptional guest experience.

"The 2026 Hotel Star Bars showcase extraordinary hotel bar experiences that create lasting impressions with guests," said Hermann Elger, CEO of Forbes Travel Guide. "From inventive cocktail programs to thoughtful hospitality and distinctive settings, these hotel bars deliver experiences that resonate long after the final sip."

This year's 37 honorees include both storied icons and emerging standouts redefining the modern hotel bar experience.

Shanghai and Tokyo led this year's list with three winning bars each. Five bars earned repeat recognition: Le Bar at Capella Shanghai, Jian Ye Li; Le Bar Américain at Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo; Le Bar Botaniste at Shangri-La Paris; Library by the Sea at Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa; and The St. Regis Bar at The St. Regis Macao.

Some notable new standouts include:

• The Champagne Bar at Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club, a palm-filled hot spot with Miami's largest collection of champagne.
• The Bvlgari Bar at Bvlgari Hotel Tokyo, a 45th-floor Mediterranean garden in the sky.
• Vault Bar at Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam, a cozy former bank vault serving innovative drinks.
• Don Manuel's at Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal, an open-air oasis with distinctly Mexican cocktails.

To view the full list of 2026 Hotel Star Bars, visit ForbesTravelGuide.com.

Connect with Forbes Travel Guide:

For more information, visit ForbesTravelGuide.com.

Rockwell Automation Expands SecureOT Portfolio with Cybersecurity Assessment and Managed Service Capabilities

Facing an increasing volume of alerts and limited visibility into operational technology (OT) assets, cybersecurity teams are under pressure to detect and respond quickly. SecureOT's industrial cybersecurity solution suite enables industrial enterprises to stay proactive and resilient without the need to add infrastructure or specialized staff.

"Understanding the current state of the OT environment is the foundation for defining the future," said Maria Else, senior global product manager, Cybersecurity Projects, Rockwell Automation. "Manufacturers are under increasing pressure to strengthen cybersecurity without slowing production. With SecureOT, we combine clarity, prioritized action plans and managed expertise to help industrial organizations secure what matters while keeping plants running safely and efficiently. We also leverage technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) to identify vulnerabilities, automation to maintain efficiency and advanced intelligence to support analysis and understand the latest risks."

OT Cybersecurity Assessment Suite

The OT Cybersecurity Assessment Suite features a structured, modular approach tailored to the unique operational realities of industrial environments at every stage of their security journey. Combining OT-specific data collection with business-ready insights, the cybersecurity assessment delivers a clear path to building resilience.

Built for OT environments by OT professionals, the assessment offerings leverage new proprietary AI and machine learning models to help streamline analysis and standardize evaluation to deliver results and actions in an efficient manner.

SecureOT Platform Managed Services

SecureOT Platform is Rockwell Automation's risk and vulnerability management solution. Rockwell is now layering its deep industry knowledge on top of the platform to deliver SecureOT Platform Managed Services focused on continuous, professionally managed risk prioritization.

The latest update brings managed platform updates, providing the latest features and capabilities, management of the ongoing asset discovery and inventory, and drives programmatic discussions through technical account managers with the customer so security teams can quickly address cybersecurity exposure while minimizing downtime.

Managed Secure Remote Access (MSRA) and Beyond

Rockwell's new MSRA service connects OT assets, helping to reduce risks, improve efficiency and simplify operations in a vendor-neutral, Rockwell-managed and identity-driven environment. The cloud-routed remote access layer supports OT assets and enables customers to get up and running quickly with turnkey deployment, identity security and reduced workload for internal teams. MSRA enables faster troubleshooting and safer collaboration with vendors, delivered as a scalable service that adapts to each facility.

This latest update also introduces Rockwell's refreshed OT Cybersecurity Policy & Procedures offering. Built by Rockwell's OT Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) professionals and aligned with international standards, frameworks and best practices, the service provides a comprehensive set of documents to guide and strengthen security programs across the OT environment.

Now available for manufacturing and critical infrastructure organizations, these enhancements expand on Rockwell's SecureOT solution suite, a comprehensive industrial cybersecurity offering designed to help manufacturers assess, protect and continuously improve their OT security posture.

SecureOT solution suite is supported by Rockwell Automation's broader commitment to industrial cybersecurity, including product security protections embedded across the automation lifecycle and backed by its IEC 62443-4-1 Maturity Level 4 certification – the highest level for the secure product development lifecycle. Combined with capabilities such as assessment, managed services and secure remote access, this approach gives manufacturers a stronger foundation for managing OT risk and improving resilience.

To learn more about SecureOT and Rockwell's latest cybersecurity offerings, visit rockwellautomation.com/en-us/capabilities/industrial-cybersecurity.

To learn more about how we are bringing the Connected Enterprise® to life across industrial enterprises, visit www.rockwellautomation.com.

AI-driven transformation, upgrading the partner alliance to keep pace with the times

Junfeng Li (Wind), Vice President of Huawei, CEO of Global Public Sector BU, pointed out in his keynote speech that we are in a wave of transformation driven by AI. As the bedrock of sustainable human development, the education and healthcare sectors face a global imperative for intelligent transformation—a challenge that concurrently harbors immense opportunities.

He emphasized Huawei's commitment to pioneering optimal pathways for the intelligent transformation of education and healthcare, aiming to leverage AI and other frontier technologies to democratize access to high-quality education and optimize healthcare delivery globally. The launch of the "AHEAD" Program is a crucial step for Huawei to work with global partners to build an industry community for the future.

Partner Alliance 2.0 deepens global cooperation in six dimensions

Scaling from the 1.0 infrastructure to a more integrated global ecosystem, the Partner Alliance 2.0 optimizes six critical collaborative pillars: trend insight, empowerment, solution co-creation, marketing, opportunity sharing, and expansion, collectively driving superior value for partners and customers.

Robert Yang, Director of Partner Development Dept, Global Public Sector BU, Huawei, outlined the core roadmap for the alliance upgrade, highlighting Huawei's intent to mobilize the collective expertise of global partners. By fostering a collaborative framework, Huawei is positioned to bring forth more innovative, industry-specific solutions, thereby driving a quantum leap in the digital and intelligent transformation of education and healthcare sectors.

The success of this Global Education & Healthcare Partners China Convention stands as a testament to the collective commitment of Huawei and its partners to advancing these sectors. Looking ahead, Huawei will deepen strategic synergy with partners to explore high-value application scenarios, co-innovate on cutting-edge technologies, and navigate global challenges. Together, Huawei and partners are set to redefine the roadmap for the digital and intelligent transformation of education and healthcare on a global scale.

As part of the transaction, AXON will integrate Greenwave's leading-edge software-defined connectivity and Network-as-a-Service (NaaS)orchestration technology portfolio (f.k.a WAVELY), including software-defined mobile network core, into the AI-native, cloud-agnostic AXON Maestro platform, purpose-built for telecom operators, institutions, and enterprise service providers. AXON also gains from Greenwave a team of cloud-savvy operational support system and business support system (OSS/BSS) experts with deep experience in mobile network deployments, enabling accelerated development of new OSS service management modules. With wireless technologies like Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite continuing to gain momentum in the access network, operators pursuing best-in-class deployments of these technologies will increasingly value real-time, end-to-end orchestration from the mobile core to in-home devices to provide the best connectivity experience across their fixed and wireless networks. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

"Operators and enterprises building advanced autonomous networks need to address dozens of functions across multiple categories, but are often reluctantly shackled to bespoke operational support systems that require significant customization and ongoing professional services," said Martin Manniche, CEO and Founder of AXON Networks. "This limits their agility and effectiveness, delaying innovation and time-to-market for new services By bringing together Greenwave's expertise and the WAVELY technology portfolio with the AXON Maestro AI-first automation platform, we're able to provide a simplified, unified, and AI-automated OSS/BSS architecture. Combining these solutions into one platform promises to accelerate operator and enterprise new service time-to-market and improve the subscriber and network operator experience by removing complex dependencies."

Creating a Unified Architecture and Platform

OSS/BSS inventory management systems for networks and services often require costly professional service engagements and "do-it-yourself" IT initiatives. Even after significant investment of time and money, they can remain out of sync, inaccurate, and incomplete because of poorly correlated data sets. With the Greenwave and WAVELY portfolio acquisition, AXON can provide operators and enterprises with a unified architecture and platform that leverages real-time Digital Twin as a foundation for next-generation inventory management that is up-to-date, accurate, and complete, and that can accelerate services deployment.

By integrating SDN-based systems, assurance engines, provisioning and OSS/BSS layers into a unified universal architecture, AXON is moving up the stack to help operators and enterprises digitally transform their network infrastructure, processes and operations.

Leveraging the Past to Leap Forward

Greenwave was founded in 2008 by former Cisco executives with strong mobile and fixed network industry expertise, including Martin Manniche and other current AXON executives, to build a platform for managing connected devices at scale. Initially focused on smart home and IoT services delivered through telecom operators, Greenwave expanded over time to include energy management for utilities, as well as broadband service assurance, Wi-Fi performance, and network intelligence, supporting millions of connected devices.

"This acquisition brings our platform heritage fully under one roof and allows us to continue moving forward with a clear focus: delivering AI-native, Digital Twin-driven operations for mass market and enterprise networks across both traditional fixed network and emerging technologies such as FWA and LEO satellites," said Siddhartha Dattagupta, Chief Technology Officer, AXON Networks. "By consolidating intellectual property, engineering expertise, and platform assets that originated at Greenwave and later evolved within AXON into one engineering team, we are formalizing the integration of technologies that have played a foundational role in our evolution while strengthening our unified platform strategy. Greenwave technologies will become modules within the AXON Maestro platform and its engineering team will focus on OSS/BSS product development with the expanded support for mobile connectivity."

The investment underscores Thunes' commitment to addressing critical use cases for global money movement from US-based enterprises. By scaling its infrastructure and deeply embedding itself in the US market, Thunes aims to empower American gig economy platforms, marketplaces, payment service providers and financial institutions to instantly pay out to billions of endpoints globally, removing the friction, high costs, and delays traditionally associated with cross-border commerce.

Crucially, Thunes differentiates itself by owning and operating its own regulatory licenses across the US states and territories, holding 50 Money Transmission Licenses (MTLs). Thunes' direct, proprietary license footprint enables superior compliance control and transaction speeds for its Members. The opening of the New York office marks an important milestone in Thunes' continued global expansion as the company extends its Direct Global Network, connecting its Members to billions of endpoints across over 140 countries and 90 currencies.

For Thunes Members and partners, establishing a base in one of the world's most vibrant financial hubs signals its ongoing business momentum and investment in the region. The proximity to local industry leaders allows for enhanced collaboration and more direct engagement within the financial ecosystem. Furthermore, as Thunes continues to deliver against its growth strategy, the New York hub will serve as a critical centre for regional expansion and talent acquisition.

Simon Nelson, Chief Commercial Officer at Thunes, said: "The opening of our New York office is a pivotal moment for our team, but it is just one piece of a much larger picture. Our investment into the US market this year is a direct response to the massive demand from American businesses looking for faster, more transparent ways to move money globally. Positioning ourselves in Union Square, in the heart of the city and right next to many of our Members, we are ensuring that Thunes is better equipped to support the ambitions of our partners and drive innovation in a key strategic market."

Kyle Rosen, Head of Americas at Thunes, added: "What truly sets Thunes apart in the US is that we own and operate our licenses in every state. This total control over our regulatory footprint is a huge differentiator for us and guarantees the highest level of reliability and speed. Our growth in New York is a testament to the hard work of our global team and our commitment to building a world-class presence in the U.S. We are thrilled to welcome our new NYC-based Thunesters and are actively looking for top talent to join us in this new chapter."

The company is currently recruiting for several key roles to support its expanding operations with a focus on business development. Interested candidates are encouraged to explore open positions at thunes.com/jobs/.

Learn more about Thunes: https://www.thunes.com/

Through the license agreement with CDC, SK bioscience has become the first Korean company to receive vaccine technology from the CDC. Previously, the CDC developed the injectable inactivated rotavirus vaccine technology and sponsored a Phase I clinical trial. SK bioscience plans to rapidly implement this technology domestically, establishing a production process that simultaneously enhances vaccine efficacy and reduces costs, while advancing through clinical development and ultimately commercialization.

The project is further supported by the Research Investment for Global Health Technology Foundation (the RIGHT Foundation). SK bioscience signed a research and development funding agreement with the RIGHT Foundation for the rotavirus vaccine process in June 2025.

The RIGHT Foundation is the first non-profit international public-private partnership funding agency in Korea, established through a three-way partnership between the Government of Korea, the Gates Foundation, and Korean life science companies. The foundation provides official development assistance (ODA) that supports essential R&D to reduce the infectious disease burden in low- and middle-income countries.

Rotavirus is a leading infectious disease that causes severe diarrhea and dehydration in children under five worldwide. According to Johns Hopkins University, approximately 24.4% of childhood deaths are due to diarrhea caused by rotavirus infection. With the introduction of rotavirus vaccines, infection rates have declined significantly in high-income countries, resulting in 99% of global rotavirus-related deaths being concentrated in low- and middle-income nations.

The introduction of oral rotavirus vaccines has significantly reduced infection rates in high-income countries, achieving over 85% vaccine effectiveness. However, in low- and middle-income countries, the vaccine effectiveness falls below 50% due to challenging environmental conditions and poor nutritional status. Consequently, these countries are turning their attention to injectable vaccines, which are expected to deliver stronger protective effects than oral formulations.

According to Business Research Insights, the global rotavirus vaccine market is expected to grow from USD 8.12 billion in 2024 to USD 13.9 billion by 2033, representing a CAGR of 6.2% due to increasing demand for rotavirus vaccines.

In addition, UNICEF's 2024 report shows that UNICEF procured a total of 329 million courses (2–3 doses per course) of rotavirus vaccines between 2011 and 2023. Most of these were supplied to Gavi-supported low-income countries. The procurement volume increased from 0.9 million doses in 2011 to 57 million courses for 57 countries in 2023, and demand from Gavi-supported countries is projected to reach approximately 64 million courses by 2028.

Jaeyong Ahn, CEO of SK bioscience, said, "We are pleased to collaborate with the CDC on the development of a rotavirus vaccine that has the potential to advance global public health. With the support of the RIGHT Foundation, we will continue to develop innovative vaccines to improve child health in low- and middle-income countries and fulfill our responsibility as a company contributing to a healthier future for people around the world."

COPD is a progressive, irreversible lung disease and the third leading cause of death worldwide. Driven by immune-mediated airway inflammation and persistent airflow obstruction, the disease makes even routine daily activities a struggle. Its defining feature is exacerbations — sudden, severe flare-ups that lead to emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and lasting declines in lung function. Despite currently available inhaled background therapies, more than 3 million patients with moderate-to-severe COPD remain at high risk of recurrent exacerbations, underscoring an urgent need for better treatment options.

SIRIUS is a global, Phase 2 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-finding study. It is designed to evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of HBM9378/WIN378 in patients with moderate-to-severe COPD.

"We are very pleased to see the continued clinical advancement of HBM9378/WIN378 by our partner Windward Bio with the initiation of the Phase 2 SIRIUS COPD study," said Dr. Jingsong Wang, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Harbour BioMed. "This milestone further highlights the potential of HBM9378/WIN378 as a differentiated, ultra long-acting anti-TSLP antibody for immunological diseases. As one of the originators of this promising molecule and a new investor in Windward Bio, we strongly believe in the potential of HBM9378/WIN378 and Windward Bio's execution capabilities. We look forward to supporting the continued advancement of the program and ultimately bringing innovative treatment options to patients living with COPD worldwide."

For more information, please visit www.harbourbiomed.com.

Deploys Unitree G1 Humanoid Robots to Build Proprietary Enterprise Datasets; Integrates Automation into Core IFM Platform for Scalable Revenue Growth.

SINGAPORE, June 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- YY Group Holding Limited (NASDAQ: YYGH) ("YY Group" or the "Company"), an AI-native workforce management platform and integrated facility management (IFM) provider operating across Asia and beyond, today announced the strategic deployment of Unitree G1 Edu Ultimate B-U4 humanoid robots. This initiative accelerates the integration of autonomous AI into the Company's enterprise facility management portfolio to optimize labor efficiency and expand operating margins.

The deployment initiates YY Group's commercial framework to monetize proprietary real-world training datasets for humanoid robotics applications in the high-demand commercial facility management sector. The Company's initial focus centers on high-frequency, labor-intensive commercial sanitation and facility maintenance workflows across shopping malls, hotels, and asset-heavy commercial real estate environments.

YY Group (NASDAQ: YYGH) deploys the Unitree G1 Edu Ultimate humanoid robot with NVIDIA Jetson Orin AI architecture for commercial facility management data training.

To fast-track dataset monetization, YY Group's cleaning personnel will wear proprietary data-collection gear during active operational shifts. This captures high-fidelity, real-world workflow data—including spatial interaction, human kinematics, environmental telemetry, and real-time operational decision-making—directly converting labor hours into proprietary digital assets.

The data will process through YY Group's advanced data training lab to scale imitation learning and simulation-to-real (Sim2Real) development. By converting human capital expertise into proprietary, structured automation data, YY Group is positioning itself as a key data provider and operator within the autonomous facility management ecosystem, driving long-term software-as-a-service (SaaS) and automation revenue lines.

The Unitree G1 Edu Ultimate B-U4 humanoid robot architecture—featuring advanced mobility, 3D touch-sensitive robotic hands, and the NVIDIA Jetson Orin onboard AI computing platform—serves as the hardware foundation for YY Group's proprietary software models.

"This initiative bridges the gap between physical labor workflows and scalable AI data infrastructure," said Mike Fu, Chief Executive Officer of YY Group Holding Limited. "We are aggressively transforming operational know-how into a proprietary, high-margin data asset. This deployment directly targets the structural labor shortages in the IFM market, optimizing contract economics and driving long-term value for enterprise clients and Nasdaq shareholders."

The humanoid robotics initiative directly integrates with YY Group's existing AI-native ecosystem, including its workforce optimization platform, YY Circle, and the 24IFM software platform. By blending automated workforce deployment with physical robotic execution, YY Group is scaling a hybrid operating model engineered to maximize labor productivity, lower operational overhead, and accelerate margin expansion across all asset tiers.

About YY Group Holding

YY Group Holding Limited (Nasdaq: YYGH) is an AI-native workforce management platform and integrated facility management (IFM) provider, headquartered in Singapore and operating across Asia and beyond. The Company's intelligent workforce solutions platform, YY Circle, helps clients across hospitality, food and beverage, retail, and other service sectors predict, plan, and optimize workforce deployment. In YY Group's IFM business, its 24IFM software platform and comprehensive IFM subsidiary portfolio support clients across hospitality, transportation, banking, retail, and mixed-use facilities.

As both business lines scale, the Company is systematically embedding AI and automation capabilities – progressing from intelligent decision support toward increasingly autonomous workforce management – to improve service quality, reduce deployment costs, and drive long-term margin expansion. Listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market, YY Group is committed to infrastructure innovation, measurable client outcomes, and long-term value creation.

Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the YY Group Holding Limited's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, and a number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. These factors include, but are not limited to, (i) growth of the hospitality market across Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, and other markets in which the Company operates, (ii) capital and credit market volatility, (iii) local and global economic conditions, (iv) our anticipated growth strategies, (v) governmental approvals and regulations, (vi) our ability to successfully develop, deploy, and commercialize our AI-powered products and capabilities, including through strategic partnerships, and (vii) our future business development, results of operations and financial condition. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as "may," "will," "expect," "anticipate," "target," "aim," "estimate," "intend," "plan," "believe," "potential," "continue," "is/are likely to" or other similar expressions. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and YY Group Holding Limited undertakes no duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.

Investor Contact
Jason Zhi Yong Phua, Chief Financial Officer
YY Group
enquiries@yygroupholding.com

At the Closing & Awards Ceremony, Ritchie (Honghua) Peng, President of Huawei ICT Strategy & Business Development Department, said the competition reflects the company's long-standing commitment to using technology for good and for sustainable social and environmental development. Peng added that the Innovation Competition demonstrated the value of learning through competition as a tool to address real-world challenges, and that participants in the Practice and Programming Competitions stood out for their dedication, curiosity, and deep technical focus. He also announced the introduction of a new Ascend AI Operator Development Track in the Chinese mainland for the next edition. The track is designed to help young developers engage more directly with cutting-edge industry technologies through task-based challenges.

Dr. Shafika Isaacs, Director a.i. of UNESCO Institute for Information Technologies in Education and Chief of Section for Technology and AI in Education, praised the partnership between UNESCO and Huawei and commended the participants for their performance. She highlighted that the future of AI requires collaboration among governments, international organizations, academia, and industry. She also noted that UNESCO and Huawei have been working together through initiatives such as AI capacity building programs in Arab countries and ICT education partnership programs in Central Asia and the Caucasus. These efforts aim to strengthen higher education and vocational training systems and develop future-ready talent. She said students in this year's Huawei ICT Competition demonstrated their ability to tackle real-world challenges across cultural boundaries by applying emerging technologies – showing not only creativity but also a responsible approach to technology that embodies the purpose of education.

This year marked the 10th edition of the Huawei ICT Competition. After the Practice, Innovation, and Programming Competitions, 18 outstanding teams from eight countries were awarded the Grand Prize:

• Practice Competition—Network Track Grand Prize: Algerian team, Brazilian team, Nigerian team, and Shenzhen Polytechnic University
• Practice Competition—Cloud Track Grand Prize: Egyptian team, Algerian team, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, and Kenyan team
• Practice Competition—Computing Track Grand Prize: Egyptian team, Henan Institute of Economics and Trade, Dominican Republic team, and Algerian team
• Practice Competition—Ascend AI Track Grand Prize: Shenzhen Polytechnic University
• Innovation Competition Grand Prize: Wuhan University of Technology, Ahmadu Bello University, National University of Singapore, and Fujian Normal University
• Programming Competition Grand Prize: Wuhan Vocational College of Software and Engineering

Special awards were also presented during the ceremony. The Women in Tech Award went to seven all-female teams from Azerbaijan, Nigeria, Kenya, China, and Bahrain; while the Green Development Award was won by two teams from Ghana and China. Ten students from China received Fast Passes to the Huawei Future Business Leader Track. The Most Valuable Instructor Award was conferred on 16 exceptional instructors from nine countries and regions, including Pakistan, China, Nigeria, Egypt, UAE, Brazil, Thailand, Türkiye. Six teams from Egypt, Brazil, Malaysia, Poland, Pakistan earned the ICT Competition Online Popularity Award.

During the Global Final, Huawei also hosted the AI Accelerating Education Transformation Summit, where it launched the ICT Academy AI Course Solution and released the ICT Skills Development Insight Report with Recommendations for Nine Countries of Central Asia & the Caucasus.

As demand for talent in AI, computing, big data, and cybersecurity continues to grow, the Huawei ICT Competition provides students with an international platform to develop practical skills, solve real-world challenges, and prepare for the digital economy through industry-academia collaboration and shared educational resources.

Dexterous manipulation — enabling humanoid robots to perform fine-grained tasks such as precision assembly, sorting, and packaging — has emerged as the decisive frontier in humanoid AI development. Yet the industry lacks both a common framework for objectively measuring and comparing humanoid dexterity performance, and a shared data standard for training dexterous manipulation models at scale — gaps that slow both technology development and commercial deployment.

Junghee Ryu, CEO of RLWRLD, said: "Without a shared language for measuring and reproducing the precise movements of a robot hand, the commercial potential of dexterity AI remains constrained. By establishing DexBench and a data standard with NVIDIA, RLWRLD is stepping beyond model development to architect the infrastructure of an entire industry. We are confident this collaboration will set a new reference point for the global humanoid AI ecosystem."

Amit Goel, Head of Robotics Ecosystem at NVIDIA said: "Measurable and reproducible dexterous manipulation is essential to scaling robotics adoption in industrial environments. DexBench's integration of the NVIDIA Isaac platform provides the robotics community with the standardized metrics and data infrastructure required to accelerate the development of reliable, high-precision manipulation."

DexBench Development… Dual-Validation Framework Spanning Simulation and Real-World Settings

RLWRLD's DexBench benchmark will be integrated into NVIDIA's Isaac Lab-Arena environment, establishing a system for validating dexterity performance across both simulation and real-world conditions. DexBench was developed directly from dexterous manipulation tasks observed in industrial environments, and defines five core evaluation domains — Grasp Diversity, Spatial Precision, Temporal Precision, Contact Precision, and Context Awareness — spanning 18 Key Atomic Tasks. Standardized evaluation metrics grounded in actual industrial tasks including assembly, sorting, and packaging will be proposed as an open industry specification — giving robot manufacturers, researchers, and enterprises a common yardstick for the first time, and a clear path from benchmark performance to commercial deployment.

5-Finger Dexterity Humanoid Data Standard… Building a Shared Foundation for Global Robot Manufacturers and Research Institutions

A data format for dexterous manipulation training will be defined in collaboration with NVIDIA to ensure compatibility with NVIDIA Isaac Lab pipelines. The standard aims to serve as a common data interface for global robot manufacturers and research organizations worldwide.

RLDX-1, RLWRLD's foundation model for humanoid dexterous manipulation, has demonstrated state-of-the-art performance across 8 established simulation benchmarks — including RoboCasa Kitchen, RoboCasa GR-1 Tabletop, and LIBERO-Plus — outperforming frontier models such as NVIDIA GR00T N1.6 and Physical Intelligence π₀.₅. These results validate RLWRLD's architectural approach, while DexBench addresses the next frontier: standardizing how the industry measures dexterity performance that existing benchmarks were not designed to capture.

RLWRLD has been expanding its global footprint through a series of RLDX-1 launch events under the "Dexterity Night" banner. At the San Francisco debut last month, NVIDIA's Head of Robotics Ecosystem and Edge AI Product Amit Goel took the stage and called RLWRLD "one of the core partners in the physical AI ecosystem we are building at NVIDIA," drawing strong interest from the global robotics community. Following subsequent events in Japan, the company will next bring Dexterity Night to Seoul on June 10.

The event will showcase the latest innovations from various markets, such as educational toys, creative products, childcare and safety solutions, and early childhood education support tools.

IBTE 2025. Photo: VINEXAD

IBTE Hanoi aims to meet market demand while helping businesses identify key products, secure stable supply sources, expand distribution channels, and stay updated on the latest consumer trends and technological advancements in the industry.

Beyond being a platform for new product launches and distribution expansion, IBTE Hanoi also serves as a strategic bridge, enabling businesses to effectively tap into the vast potential of the Vietnamese market in particular, and Southeast Asia as a whole.

IBTE Hanoi 2026 will continue to elevate service quality, professionalism, and trade connection efficiency, aiming to build a dynamic and effective trade platform that deeply connects the markets of China, Vietnam, and Southeast Asia.

Throughout the exhibition, industry seminars and business matching activities will be organised to strengthen supply chain capabilities and expand regional cooperation opportunities.

The Asian Toys & Baby Products Association Alliance—a highly influential organisation in Asia—will support the event by connecting international association delegations and buyers to participate in effective trade activities, enabling direct networking, discussions, and negotiations with exhibitors.

In addition, the exhibition will offer various engaging visitor experiences. Activities such as mini-games and lucky draws will provide valuable prizes and exciting surprises, ensuring that visitors not only gain access to quality products and business opportunities but also enjoy a memorable experience.

Furthermore, many well-known brands will participate and showcase new products, including Dongguan Yuankang Toy Manufacturing Co., Ltd, Zen of Collectible Culture (Shantou) Co., Ltd, 52TOYS, and Zhongshan Unimass Animation Culture Co., Ltd.

Some brands will also host product launches and exclusive limited-edition sales at the exhibition, offering unique collaboration opportunities for distributors and brand enthusiasts–creating a comprehensive platform that combines business cooperation with brand elevation.

Traditional toys indispensable at Mid-Autumn Festival Amid the abundance of colourful modern toys displayed in Hanoi’s Old Quarter during the Mid-Autumn Festival, traditional offerings till have their place in the hearts of Vietnamese children.

Expos showcase baby products, toys, gifts, and housewares The Vietnam International Baby Products & Toys Expo (IBTE), along with the Vietnam International Gift and Housewares Expo (IGHE), is taking place at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre in Ho Chi Minh City during December 18-20.

IBTE 2025 to return to Ho Chi Minh City this December The Vietnam International Baby Products & Toys Expo (IBTE) will return to Ho Chi Minh City in December, bringing together manufacturers, distributors and retailers from across the region to tap into the growing maternal and children’s market.

IBTE 2025 spotlights opportunities in Vietnam’s baby product and toy industry The Vietnam International Baby Products & Toys Expo (IBTE) is opening its doors to visitors from December 18-20 at the Saigon Exhibition & Convention Centre (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City.

How are shifting global supply chains affecting logistics providers and exporters in Vietnam?

I think the key word today is 'crisis'. Geopolitical developments are driving significant changes in global supply chains, prompting companies to diversify manufacturing, storage, transportation, and distribution activities across different countries and regions.

For Vietnam, this presents both opportunities and risks. As companies shift operations and supply chains, logistics providers must adapt quickly. New business models, new markets, and new partnerships require companies to review their operating procedures, conduct fresh risk assessments, and develop a more profound understanding of unfamiliar operating environments.

Every time a business changes the way it operates, it introduces new forms of risk. Companies may need to work with new partners, navigate different regulatory environments, and manage more complex supply chain networks. Vietnamese logistics providers and exporters will need to address these challenges while maintaining service quality and security.

At the same time, the opportunities are substantial. Businesses can establish new partnerships, enter new markets, develop new service offerings, and create additional revenue streams. However, these opportunities can only be realised if risks are managed effectively. Ultimately, resilience is not about luck. It depends on having strong systems, effective leadership, and high-performing teams. Organisations must be able to contain crises when they arise, while also executing their business strategies and serving customers throughout periods of disruption.

What security standards should Vietnam's logistics sector focus on to meet the expectations of multinational companies?

Vietnam’s logistics sector needs to align with internationally recognised standards across security, safety, and sustainability.

Vietnam SuperPort has adopted standards developed by the Transported Asset Protection Association, widely recognised by multinational companies, particularly in aviation logistics and the movement of high-value goods. We have also adopted C-TPAT standards, which are highly valued by many international customers, especially those connected to the US market.

These standards are no longer simply about compliance. Increasingly, they are becoming prerequisites for market access and commercial partnerships. Many multinational companies expect logistics providers and supply chain partners to demonstrate recognised security credentials before they are considered for business opportunities.

At the same time, these standards provide practical value beyond certification itself. They establish clear frameworks for risk management, operational discipline, cargo protection, and business continuity. They help organisations identify vulnerabilities, strengthen governance, and improve consistency across operations.

That is why we view international standards not as business requirements, but as tools that help build stronger, safer, and more resilient supply chains. Ultimately, they enhance both credibility and operational performance.

What do resilient supply chains mean in today's operating environment?

Resilience is often described as the ability to recover from disruption or adverse events. In today's environment, where geopolitical tensions, cyber risks, climate-related disruptions, and supply chain shocks have become increasingly common, resilience is no longer optional. It has become a core capability for businesses and economies alike.

Vietnam's development journey demonstrates the importance of resilience. The country and its people have repeatedly shown an ability to adapt, recover, and continue growing despite external challenges. That resilience is one of Vietnam's greatest strengths and one reason why the concept remains central to our discussions.

Trust is equally important, but it is becoming more complex in the digital era. Traditionally, trust was built between people and organisations. Today, we must also consider trust in data, digital platforms, and technology systems.

As supply chains become increasingly digitalised, questions around data integrity, cybersecurity, interoperability, and system reliability are becoming critical. Businesses need confidence that their information is secure, their systems are reliable, and their digital partners can be trusted.

This was one of the reasons we brought together technology companies, logistics operators, and ecosystem partners at the conference. Discussions about data integration, interoperability, workflow visibility, and digital trust are becoming increasingly important because vulnerabilities often emerge where systems are disconnected.

Ultimately, trusted supply chains require more than trusted people. They require trusted systems, trusted data, and strong governance frameworks that can help organisations manage risks and respond effectively to future threats.

How is Vietnam SuperPort using technologies such as real-time tracking, data analytics, and AI to enhance shipment security across its operations?

Technology and digitalisation are embedded throughout our logistics ecosystem.

We have carefully examined every stage of the workflow, from cargo screening and security inspections to cargo consolidation, transportation, and final delivery. Our objective is to ensure visibility, traceability, and security throughout the entire journey.

This starts with physical infrastructure and security systems, but increasingly it is being enhanced through digital technologies. We have invested in intelligent monitoring systems and are integrating AI into our operational processes to improve both efficiency and risk management.

AI can support shipment screening, identify potentially risky objects, improve monitoring capabilities, and provide predictive insights that help operators respond more effectively to potential threats. Rather than relying solely on human intervention, intelligent systems can analyse large volumes of data and identify patterns that may otherwise go unnoticed.

However, we see AI as more than a standalone technology. We are exploring how it can support the entire workflow, from planning and operations to security management and customer service. This is where concepts such as agentic AI become increasingly relevant because they allow businesses to optimise entire processes rather than individual tasks.

At the same time, technology transformation must serve multiple stakeholders. It must create value for customers, improve the experience of frontline workers, support business objectives, and enhance productivity. Ultimately, the goal is to improve throughput, increase efficiency, strengthen security, reduce costs, and deliver better outcomes across the supply chain.

How can stronger shipment security and trusted supply chain standards help Vietnam pull in high-quality investment?

Vietnam is entering an important stage of development, and strategic infrastructure particularly airports and seaports will play a growing role in supporting trade, investment, and economic growth.

However, infrastructure alone is not enough. Building an airport or port is relatively straightforward. The greater challenge is creating an ecosystem around it. Investment is driven not by a single facility, but by the ability to integrate air cargo, sea cargo, inland logistics, customs, digital systems, and supporting services into a seamless network.

Singapore’s experience illustrates this clearly. The country succeeded not because of abundant natural resources, but because it built strong connectivity, efficient logistics systems, and integrated ecosystems that facilitate the movement of goods, capital, and people.

Vietnam holds many of the same advantages. It is both a maritime nation and a gateway to neighbouring markets such as Laos and Cambodia. Through stronger connectivity and closer integration between transport modes, Vietnam has the potential to become a major regional logistics hub.

Trusted shipment security and supply chain standards will also be critical. As multinational companies place greater emphasis on resilience, transparency, and risk management, countries capable of providing secure and reliable logistics ecosystems will be better positioned to engage high-quality investment and integrate more deeply into global supply chains.

In the long term, the opportunity extends beyond transportation itself. By building trusted logistics ecosystems that facilitate the movement of goods, capital, and investment, Vietnam can strengthen both its economic competitiveness and the strategic value of its infrastructure within regional supply chains.

Siemens' SENTRON 3QD2 semiconductor circuit breaker

Andreas Weisl, executive vice president and chief sales officer of Industrial and Infrastructure at Infineon, noted that AI data centres and factories are becoming increasingly electrified and complex. This increases vulnerability to electrical failures and drives the demand for more efficient and reliable power distribution systems.

“By combining our advanced silicon carbide technology with Siemens' expertise in power distribution, we are addressing this demand to ensure fast, safe and reliable operations in power-critical environments,” he said.

A semiconductor circuit breaker, also known as a solid-state circuit breaker, is an electronic device that protects electrical circuits from damage caused by excessive current flow, such as short circuits or overloads.

Unlike traditional electromechanical circuit breakers, which rely on mechanical parts to interrupt the current and typically operate on the millisecond scale, the SiemensSentron 3QD2 uses semiconductor components and smart protection algorithms to perform this function.

This enables ultra-fast interruption in the microsecond range, up to 1,000 times faster than conventional systems. This capability is essential for direct current (DC) grids and offers a significant increase in protection and system availability, which is crucial in applications like industrial manufacturing and AI data centres, where even a slight delay can cause costly downtime, data loss or expensive hardware damage in the event of electrical failures.

Markus Grabmeier, CEO Electrical Products at Siemens Smart Infrastructure

“Our new direct current portfolio offers innovative solutions that not only improve energy efficiency but also enable the development of resilient, future-proof infrastructure,” said Markus Grabmeier, CEO Electrical Products at Siemens Smart Infrastructure.

“Direct current applications can decrease energy consumption and substantially cut material usage. By integrating batteries, peak power can also be significantly reduced. With this approach, we are making a decisive contribution to the decarbonisation of our industries, while reinforcing our commitment to developing technologies that deliver tangible value to our customers and society.”

The collaboration addresses the increasing demands of power‑critical applications, where speed, precision and reliability are essential.

By integrating Infineon's 62mm CoolSiC MOSFET module 1200V into Siemens' advanced protection concepts, the companies are contributing to more resilient, efficient and future-ready power infrastructure.

This joint approach supports the growing adoption of DC grids and highly electrified environments, helping industrial and infrastructure operators meet rising performance and reliability requirements.

A demo showcase of the Siemens Sentron 3QD2 semiconductor circuit breaker will be exhibited at the Infineon booth – hall 7, booth 470 – at PCIM Europe 2026, a leading international exhibition and conference for power electronics, in Nuremberg, Germany, from June 9-11.

Siemens and NVIDIA expand partnership to build industrial AI operating system Tech majors Siemens and NVIDIA on January 6 announced a significant expansion of their strategic partnership to bring AI into the real world.

Siemens and VSIP announce landmark strategic partnership Siemens Limited Vietnam and Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Park Joint Venture Co., Ltd. have signed a deal to drive the development of cutting-edge data centre parks across Vietnam.

How Siemens supports the green and digital transitions Anchored in the EU-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and Global Gateway, Siemens leverages its expertise in electrification, automation and digitalisation to support Vietnam’s greener, digital economy, CEO Pham Thai Lai told VIR’s Khoi Nguyen about how the company is partnering for impacts.

• S$149 price point: An affordable compact digital camera for everyday photography, travel and casual creators.
• 64MP photos: Captures detailed images for daily memories, family moments, social outings and trips.
• 4K video at 30fps: Records clear video clips for travel highlights, casual content and everyday moments.
• 16 built-in filters: Lets users create different photo styles directly in-camera, without relying on editing apps.
• Flip screen: Makes it easier to frame selfies, group photos and creative angles.
• 16x zoom: Brings distant subjects closer for travel, events and everyday scenes.
• Built-in flashlight: Supports shooting in dim indoor settings, parties and low-light moments.
• Compact design with USB-C charging: Easy to carry daily and convenient to charge through a laptop, power bank or car.

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

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

The awards presentation ceremony was successfully held on the same day at the Charles K. Kao Auditorium in the Hong Kong Science Park, gathering over a hundred representatives from the cultural, design and business scene. Miss Drew Lai, Commissioner for Cultural and Creative Industries of CCIDA, graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour, joining other esteemed guests to witness the outstanding achievements of local designers.

Bridging Design and Business: A Celebration of Hong Kong Creatives

First launched in 2012, the Hong Kong Smart Design Awards has been officially renamed Smart Design Global this year, setting sail for new horizons. This year's ceremony was larger in scale than previous years, with the judging panel personally presenting the awards, demonstrating the inheritance and continuation of Hong Kong's creative design spirit.

During her remarks, Ms. Helena Chiu, Chairman of the HKEA, expressed her gratitude to all supporting organisations and participants, noting, "Smart Design Global provides local designers with a vital platform for creative exchange and showcase, established with the goal to build a holistic design ecosystem and shape creativity as a new economic driver for Hong Kong. Moving forward, the Hong Kong Exporters' Association will continue to foster cross-sector collaboration, harnessing design creativity to unlock global business opportunities. By elevating Hong Kong's influence in the design sector, our efforts are dedicated to ensure more locally created works shine in markets worldwide."

When the Guest of Honour, Miss Drew Lai, Commissioner for Cultural and Creative Industries of CCIDA, delivered her speech, she expressed the hope that after this year's project upgrade, it will further become an important platform driving Hong Kong design towards the international stage, significantly enhancing the global influence of Hong Kong design.

The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency has always adhered to the industry-oriented principle, supporting the industrialisation and development of the creative sector through the "CreateSmart Initiative". The Government will continue to fully support industry organisations in organising high-quality design projects, promoting cross-sector collaboration, and consolidating Hong Kong's position as Asia's creative capital and a centre for cultural and artistic exchanges between China and the rest of the world.

Spanning Four Major Categories: Corporate and Conceptual Groups Shine Brightly

This year's Smart Design Global presented a total of 54 awards (52 awarded products) across four major product design categories: LIVE, DINE, GIFT, and PLAY. The accolades included 5 Grand Awards, 9 Gold Awards, 36 Winner Awards, 3 Green Awards and 1 Student Award. The Corporate Group and Conceptual Group secured 44 and 10 awards respectively, with the LIVE and GIFT categories standing out front and centre. All winning works demonstrated outstanding design aesthetics as well as strong commercialisation potential, reflecting Hong Kong's diverse creativity and market appeal.

Smart Design Global 2026 Awards Details

Going Global: Set to Appear in Two Overseas Exhibitions

Following the awards presentation ceremony, the winning works will embark on an international tour, set to be showcased at two major overseas exhibitions: the Mega Show Bangkok and Maison&Objet Paris. Through these two prominent international platforms, winners will gain direct exposure to global markets, unlocking a wealth of trade and collaboration opportunities that transform bold creativity into profitable global business growth.

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• Frozen, in which topiary versions of Anna, Elsa and Olaf preside over an enchanting snowy landscape, brought to life through themed lighting that imagines a frost-kissed world of wonder. Inspired by Elsa's Ice Palace, visitors can step on a floor where magical snowflakes dance and respond to movement.
• Disney princesses, where Rapunzel appears alongside her best friend Pascal the chameleon; Belle is with the Beast and their enchanted companions; and Jasmine is accompanied by her loyal tiger Rajah.
• Hundred Acre Wood, where Winnie the Pooh, Eeyore, Piglet and Tigger gather in a cheerful party scene. Tigger bounces up and down while Piglet twirls, and visitors can picture themselves joining everyone at the table!
• Toy Story 5, where Woody, Jessie and Buzz Lightyear appear as topiaries in a playful setting inspired by Bonnie's Room, alongside displays of new characters Lilypad and Smarty Pants.
• Go Local, a Singaporean-themed zone where Disney characters are reimagined in familiar local settings. Chip 'n Dale perch atop a giant ice cream sandwich; Minnie Mouse and Daisy Duck share the spicy rice noodle dish laksa; and Mickey Mouse makes the traditional beverage teh tarik with Donald Duck.

Outside Floral Fantasy, a 4m-tall Sorcerer's Apprentice Mickey marks the entrance and welcomes visitors to Gardens by the Bay.

The hand-assembled topiaries are crafted from more than 40 species of preserved and dried floral materials, which took more than 16,000 man hours.

Each material was selected for its colour, texture and form, helping to reflect each character's features. Plenty of flowers are used for the Disney princesses for example, while Rapunzel's hair is crafted from Stipa, a perennial grass that has fluffy or oat-like flowerheads.

The surrounding landscapes also use plant palettes that reflect the mood of each zone — sunflowers and marigolds reflect the honey-toned meadow setting of Winnie the Pooh, while lilies and roses bring out the romantic and jewel-toned settings of Disney Princess stories. Hydrangeas and dusty miller evoke the icy blues, whites and silvers of Frozen.

Throughout the duration of Garden of Wonder, visitors can enjoy select weekend Meet and Greet sessions with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in outfits inspired by Singapore's national flower, the Vanda Miss Joaquim. Donald Duck and Daisy Duck will also join the experience on select weekends, dressed for a sunny getaway on our tropical island. Meet and Greet dates are available at www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/disneygardenofwonder.

Visitors can round off their experience with shopping at the gift shop, which carries items launching exclusively at Disney Garden of Wonder.

Disney Garden of Wonder Date: 8 June 2026 to 14 March 2027 Time: 10am to 9pm Venue: Floral Fantasy at Gardens by the Bay Details: Tickets are priced at SG$24 for adults and SG$16 for children Getting here: Take the MRT to Bayfront station. Alternatively, drop off at the Bayfront Plaza carpark via taxi or ride-hailing service. More information available here.

Visit www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/disneygardenofwonder for more details.

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During this year's event scheduled from 17 to 20 June 2026 at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, PolyU will showcase its achievements at the Hong Kong Tech Pavilion organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC). Located at Booth 1C11, Hall 7.1, the University will present five outstanding PolyU-nurtured startups across high-growth tech domains, including AI and Robotics, Health Tech, Sustainable and Climate Tech, and FinTech. For more information about these innovative ventures, please check out the event's online leaflet.

As Europe's most influential innovation gathering, VivaTech brings together global visionaries, startup founders, industry leaders, investors and corporate innovators, providing as a pivotal platform for cross-border collaboration and technological knowledge exchange. PolyU's participation at VivaTech further extends its global innovation footprint into Europe, and connects the University and its startups with international investment and market resources.

In addition to the exhibition, PolyU will host an exclusive thematic session on-site and engage in high-level industry dialogues to deepen collaboration between Europe and Hong Kong. On 18 June, PolyU will stage a dedicated seminar titled "Breaking Barriers with Autonomous Systems: Transforming Industries with AI Innovation", where Prof. Chao will deliver the opening remarks, and Prof. Zheng will share his insight on how Hong Kong is scaling innovation as a leading AI hub, driving technological advancement and fostering global collaboration. Meanwhile, the five PolyU startups will share about their journeys in innovation and entrepreneurial endeavours.

On 19 June, Prof. Chao will participate as a distinguished speaker in the Executive Dialogue during the HKTDC-hosted Hong Kong Seminar-cum-Networking Reception. Centred on the theme "Talent & Infrastructure Powering the Hong Kong Tech Leadership and Global Collaboration", the high-level seminar also features distinguished leaders representing the forefront of Hong Kong's innovation and technology ecosystem. Prof. Chao will engage in in-depth topics such as how to attract and nurture global talent, and how academia-driven initiatives can drive technological synergies between Hong Kong and Europe.

For full details of PolyU's participation at VivaTech 2026, please visit the webpage of PolyU's Knowledge Transfer and Entrepreneurship Office.

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1. Social first teaser campaigns and creator-led content to fuel desirability
2. High impact in store theatre and online dominance to drive conversion
3. O+O activation models that ensure seamless consumer journeys from discovery to purchase

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As part of the programme, Simon Chan, Chairman of Cyberport, met with key innovation and technology stakeholders in both countries. He visited the Astana Hub, a local technology and innovation park in Kazakhstan, including its Artificial Intelligence Supercomputing Centre, to gain deeper insights into the latest developments in artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure in the region. He also visited IT Park Uzbekistan to learn more about the country's rapidly growing digital economy ecosystem, and to explore opportunities for deeper collaboration in innovation and technology development, talent cultivation and market expansion. These engagements further strengthened Hong Kong's exchanges with Central Asia and supported the development of closer cross-regional collaboration in innovation and technology.

Simon Chan, Chairman of Cyberport, said, "Central Asia is a strategically important market under the Belt and Road Initiative. Both Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are actively advancing digital transformation, digital upgrading and technological innovation. From national artificial intelligence development blueprints to large-scale digital infrastructure projects, both countries have demonstrated strong growth momentum, a pressing demand for cutting-edge innovation and technology solutions, and immense market potential.

As Hong Kong's digital technology hub and AI accelerator, Cyberport is home to over 2,300 companies, including 18 listed companies with a combined market capitalisation of over HK$500 billion, as well as 9 unicorns with a total valuation exceeding HK$150 billion. Its innovation ecosystem spans areas such as AI, data science, fintech, digital assets and blockchain, cybersecurity, smart living, and digital entertainment. This aligns closely with Central Asia's demand for technological innovation, creating extensive opportunities for collaboration through complementary strengths. Cyberport has also established partnerships with Astana Hub and IT Park Uzbekistan to actively promote bilateral business expansion, deepen ties between Hong Kong and Central Asia in innovation and technology, finance and trade, and support enterprises from Hong Kong and the Mainland in jointly expanding into high-potential emerging markets.

Leveraging Hong Kong's unique role as a 'super-connector' and 'super value-adder', Cyberport will continue to support Hong Kong and Mainland enterprises in expanding into Belt and Road and international markets. At the same time, we will actively attract Central Asian companies to establish a presence in Hong Kong, injecting fresh momentum into the development of the digital economy and smart cities across the three regions, and further strengthening Hong Kong's position as an international innovation and technology centre and a leading AI hub."

Signs MoUs with the Countries' Largest Tech Parks Leveraging "Hub-to-Hub" Collaboration Advantages

Among them was a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on 1 June 2026 between Cyberport and Autonomous Cluster Fund "Astana Hub" (Astana Hub) of Kazakhstan, the largest international innovation cluster in Central Eurasia. Astana Hub is currently home to more than 1,800 IT companies, including over 450 international members, generating a collective income of US$3.9 billion. It has established a comprehensive innovation ecosystem that provides acceleration programmes, supports technological business incubation, offers educational initiatives, and hosts a wide range of industry events. This strategic partnership aims to promote technology transfer, support tech companies in areas such as AI, fintech, smart city solutions and Web 3, and facilitate overseas expansion and global market access for innovation and technology companies from both regions.

Another key highlight of the delegation was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 4 June 2026 between Cyberport and The Administration of Technology Park of Software and IT (IT Park) of Uzbekistan, a national IT ecosystem operator dedicated to advancing the country's digital industry development. IT Park Uzbekistan is a government-supported technology hub and one of the largest tech parks in Central Asia, with more than 2,800 member companies spanning IT services, software development, game development, creative industries and education. The MoU focuses on providing mutual soft-landing support, infrastructure access and regulatory incentives to facilitate technology companies' expansion between Hong Kong and Central Asian markets, while fostering deeper collaboration in innovation and technology development between the two regions.

As an ideal gateway for Central Asian technology companies seeking to expand into East and Southeast Asia, Cyberport leverages Hong Kong's international business environment and robust regulatory framework, together with its extensive network of enterprises, investors, technology companies, professional service providers and industry partners. This enables Cyberport to serve as a strategic base for Central Asian enterprises looking to access the Mainland, ASEAN, Asia-Pacific and global markets, accelerating their commercialisation journey and transforming innovative solutions into tangible business collaborations and investment opportunities.

At the same time, Cyberport companies can leverage the two leading technology parks in Central Asia as launchpads into emerging markets, bringing technology solutions from Hong Kong such as artificial intelligence, fintech and smart city technologies to support the region's digital economy and smart city development. These collaborations will further enrich the innovation and technology ecosystems of both regions. Cyberport has been actively supporting local enterprises in establishing and expanding their presence in Central Asian market. Cyberport's community is also highly international, with founders of one-third of its onsite companies coming from 27 countries and regions, while Cyberport companies have expanded into more than 35 global markets.

Cyberport received delegations from Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to Cyberport for exchanges in tech innovation and entrepreneurship over the past year, laying foundations for cross-regional partnerships and collaborations. Cyberport will continue to align with the national 15th Five-Year Plan and support the HKSAR Government's development strategies by strengthening ties with emerging markets and innovation and technology hubs along the Belt and Road. As a vital bridge between Hong Kong and Central Asia, Cyberport facilitates cross-regional exchanges and collaboration, helping local enterprises capture global business opportunities while simultaneously attracting outstanding overseas technology talent and leading enterprises to establish a presence in Hong Kong. These efforts will inject diversified momentum into Hong Kong's economy and further reinforce the city's position as an international innovation and technology hub.

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For more information, please visit https://www.cyberport.hk/en

Designed for adult children balancing work, family, and caregiving responsibilities, ELLO combines the Vision One 3K WiFi Camera with the ELLO App to detect critical events such as falls, fainting, wandering, smoke, and signs of distress, sending caregivers a clear, plain-language alert within 60 seconds when something needs attention. Its Daily Summary feature also gives families a simple overview of their loved one's day, helping them stay connected while preserving a calmer, less intrusive approach to home care.

The launch comes as Singapore and Malaysia face a growing ageing and caregiving challenge. In Singapore, citizens aged 65 and above made up 20.7 per cent of the citizen population in 2025 and are expected to reach around one in four citizens by 2030. In Malaysia, the population aged 65 and above rose to 8.0 per cent in 2025, up from 7.6 per cent in 2024, with 12 states already classified as ageing.

"Most families do not need another camera that creates more work for them. They need something that understands when something is wrong and tells them clearly, so they can act," said Ivan Mun, Founder of Hello Ello. "With ELLO, we wanted to build care technology that works quietly in the background, respects the dignity of ageing parents, and gives families the reassurance that someone is always paying attention to what matters."

Vision One is built around the realities of care at home. The camera offers 3K clarity, a 135-degree wide view, night vision, two-way talk, and context-aware alerts that distinguish between motion and meaning. Through the ELLO App, families can receive alerts for falls, fainting, wandering, smoke, and distress detection, as well as a short daily summary every evening to understand how their loved one's day went.

For many families, this demographic shift is already being felt at home. Adult children are increasingly balancing work, parenting, and the responsibility of checking in on ageing parents, especially those who live alone, live with a helper, or require support due to memory loss, frailty, or changing routines. Hello Ello's core users are not necessarily the elderly themselves, but the "sandwich generation" of caregivers, particularly those in their 40s to 60s who are caring for parents in their 80s and 90s while also managing their own families.

Unlike regular security cameras that record footage and require users to review what happened after the fact, ELLO is designed to watch for caregivers. It learns daily routines, identifies unusual activity, and alerts families only when something appears wrong. Through the app, caregivers can receive critical event notifications, check live streams, review key moments, and ask plain-language questions such as "Where's Dad?" or "Has Mum been up today?" without having to scroll through hours of video footage.

The need for this is especially clear in homes where traditional monitoring tools fall short. Wearables require seniors to remember to charge or wear them, while emergency buttons only work if the person is able to press them. ELLO removes that burden by working quietly in the background, with no bracelet, button, or watch required.

Privacy and dignity are also central to the product. According to Hello Ello, only invited family members or caregivers can access alerts and daily summaries, and users can choose between cloud storage or local microSD storage. The company also states that it does not sell user data, share it with advertisers, or use what happens inside a parent's home to train other AI models.

"Ageing at home should not mean families are left to worry in silence, and care should not feel like surveillance," added Ivan. "The goal is not to watch parents all day. The goal is to help families know when to step in, while allowing Mum or Dad to continue living with independence and dignity."

Vision One is priced at SGD$89 for the camera, with the ELLO Family plan at S$29.90 per month. The plan includes fall and faint detection, wandering alerts, smoke detection, distress detection, Daily Summary, family sharing, Ask ELLO conversational AI, 30-day cloud storage, one detection zone, and support for up to three cameras. The first month is free, with no contract or lock-in.

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

For more information please visit: https://www.helloello.co/

Now in its 11th edition, the biennial event takes place against the backdrop of utilities and cities facing mounting pressure on aging urban water systems, higher energy costs, increasing water demand, unsustainable water extraction practices, and more frequent and extreme flooding in urban areas. Caused by rapid urbanisation and economic growth, these effects are further exacerbated by climate impacts from extreme weather patterns and rising sea levels, and growing demand from water-intensive industries such as data centres.

Addressing these challenges would require governments to adopt a holistic and integrated approach in water management, coupled with good governance, effective policies and regulations, adoption of innovative technological solutions, and active engagement of stakeholders.

To this end, SIWW2026 will focus on triple key themes of municipal water solutions, coastal and flood resilience, and industrial water solutions. In total, more than 80 sessions — ranging from high-level panels, roundtables, summits, workshops, forums and partner events — will be held over 4 days covering a wide spectrum of topics and issues related to these themes, with 2,000 global leaders and experts expected in attendance, along with 25,000 trade visitors who are expected to visit the Water Expo.

SIWW2026 at a Glance: Key Programme Highlights

Guest-of-Honour, Gan Kim Yong, Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry, will deliver the opening address at the opening of SIWW2026 on Tuesday, 16 June 2026. This will be followed by the Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize 2026 Award Ceremony, where the 2026 Laureate Professor Joan Bray Rose will receive the Prize medallion and certificate from Gan.

The Ministerial Plenary will be held on the same morning after the opening, where Ms Grace Fu, Singapore's Minister for Sustainability and the Environment and Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations, will join other invited foreign Water and Environment Ministers to share their perspectives on how countries can work together to advance the water and climate agenda.

Other programme highlights at SIWW2026 include:

• Thought Leadership:High-level platforms such as the SIWW Keynotes, Titans of Industry, Coastal and Flood Resilience Leaders Summit, and the Water Leaders Summit will bring together global government, city, utility and industry leaders to exchange insights on latest trends, solutions, and case studies across various thematic areas.
• Solutions and Technology: The Water Convention, TechXchange, and the Industrial Water Solutions Forum will provide water experts, technology providers, scale-ups, utilities and industrial users with platforms to share urban water management, for municipal and industrial users.
• Business and Networking: The Water Expo, organised in cooperation with IFAT, will serve as a pre-eminent marketplace for the global water, coastal and flood community to converge and find opportunities in business. Featuring more than 20 pavilions and close to 500 international exhibitors, the Expo — alongside networking functions and partner events — will bring together industry players, utilities and governments to foster collaboration and partnerships.

Distinguished Leaders from Utilities, Cities and Industry at SIWW2026

More than 55 utilities around the world, including the USA, Europe, Middle East, Australia and Asia, will be participating in SIWW2026, with at least 40 represented at C-level. These senior executives will be attending the Utilities CEO Roundtable, while technical experts will be speaking in other sessions and workshops during the week.

These utilities would be joined by close to 30 cities worldwide, including Copenhagen, Rotterdam, Hong Kong, New York City, Antwerp, Dubai, Jakarta, Melbourne, Quezon City, Tokyo and Yokohama. City officials from these cities would be participating in the City Leaders Roundtable, as well as Leaders Summit.

Senior leaders from international organisations and associations, such as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Asian Development Bank, World Bank Group, C40 Cities, International Water Association, International Desalination and Reuse Association will also be in attendance. They are joined by global executives and experts from the water industry, including engineering consultants, technology providers, system integrators contractors, and OEMs.

For more information on SIWW2026, visit the event website at www.siww.com.sg/home or access the full programme at siww2026-app.siww.com.sg

SIWW is part of the strategic programme of the Singapore Government to grow the water industry and develop water technologies. The event also supports Go Green SG and Singapore's Year of Climate Adaptation, reinforcing collective action towards sustainability and climate resilience.

https://www.siww.com.sg/water-expo

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

The 11th Singapore International Water Week will be held from 15 to 18 June 2026.For more information, visit www.siww.com.sg