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Intergenerational Care: The Earlier the Eye Protection, The Better – “When Vision Fades, It’s Already Too Late”

Eyes are the windows to the soul, and good vision is key to maintaining quality of life and dignity for seniors. Clear vision allows everyone to live life to the fullest. Yet, many local seniors dismiss deteriorating vision as an inevitable sign of aging and choose to endure it. As early-stage eye diseases are often painless and asymptomatic, by the time seniors experience noticeable blurriness or vision impairment, they have often missed the golden window for effective treatment.

On World Sight Day, the message from organizers was clear: caring for aging eyes is a shared family responsibility. Through twin themes of “Intergenerational Care” and “Early Screening, Early Control,” they called on younger generations to accompany their elderly loved ones on the journey to better vision. Eye care should never be put off until problems arise. A gentle word of concern, a thoughtful reminder, or simply offering to accompany parents to an eye exam could be the very thing that catches a silent disease early and protects seniors’ clarity, confidence, and quality of life.

Three Key Program Highlights: From Interactive Sensory Games to In-Depth Eye Screening

The full-day event offered a comprehensive eye care experience:

• Interactive Sensory Games: Featured 5 interactive eye care booths (including AR eye disease simulation and Braille challenges), allowing residents and young caregivers to experience visual challenges faced by seniors firsthand while learning eye care knowledge.
• Professional Medical Seminars: 3 specialized seminars hosted by HKOS specialist ophthalmologists unraveled “silent vision thieves” like cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration in accessible terms, attracting over 500 seniors and caregivers.
• In-Depth Eye Screening: On-site HKOS specialist ophthalmologists provided free Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) scans and diagnostic consultations to 120 underprivileged seniors from the Southern District, issuing specialist referral letters to cases requiring further medical follow-up.

Quotes from Officiating Guests

Ms. Sandy CHEUNG, JP, District Officer (Southern)

“The Southern District Office has always been committed to bringing together government, charitable organizations, and community forces to serve residents. We are delighted to coordinate the Southern District Care Team, partnering with Orbis and the Hong Kong Ophthalmological Society to bring top-tier eye care resources directly to Wah Kwai Estate for free screenings for local seniors. The Care Team will continue to leverage its community network to care for the physical and mental well-being of the elderly.”

Ms. Kathleen SHERWIN, President & Chief Executive Officer of Orbis International

“For over 40 years, Orbis has firmly believed that cross-sector collaboration is key to preventing and treating avoidable blindness. Hong Kong has always been a vital global hub for Orbis. As a centerpiece of Orbis’s World Sight Day community initiatives, this event aims to promote ‘Intergenerational Care’ and encourage the younger generation to actively care for their elders’ eye health.”

Prof. YAM Cheuk Sing, Jason, President of Hong Kong Ophthalmological Society

“Common elderly eye conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration often develop silently in their early stages. By the time seniors notice blurred vision, irreversible vision damage may already have occurred. HKOS is honored to mobilize specialist ophthalmologists into the community to conduct screenings, putting the medical philosophy of ‘Early Screening, Early Control’ into practice.”

Ms. HUI Sze Man, Orbis “Sight Ambassador” & Senior Artiste

“Having had cataract surgery myself, I was fortunate that my habit of regular eye checkups allowed me to recover my vision completely post-surgery! My five grandchildren are always caring for my eyes. I strongly urge fellow seniors not to endure vision problems silently, and encourage the younger generation to show more care by taking their elders for regular eye checkups!”

Cross-Sector Unity to Achieve “Early Screening, Early Control”

The event featured a simple yet solemn kick-off ceremony. Officiating guests affixed colorful “E” chart props onto a giant eye chart backdrop, symbolizing the four-party partnership across government, medical, charitable, and district sectors, uniting to restore clear vision to Southern District seniors. This was followed by a mass photo op with over a hundred seniors and family members holding eye care props and chanting slogans in a warm, enthusiastic atmosphere.

Photo Captions

Photo 1 (Joint Kick-off Ceremony): Ms. Kathleen SHERWIN, President & CEO of Orbis International (right 3); Ms. Sandy CHEUNG, JP, District Officer (Southern) (left 3); Prof. YAM Cheuk Sing, Jason, President of HKOS (right 1); Ms. LAM Yuk-chin, BBS, MH, Representative of the Southern District Care Team (left 2); Ms. Mary LAU, Executive Director of Orbis Hong Kong (right 2); and Ms. HUI Sze Man, Orbis “Sight Ambassador” (left 1) officiate the “World Sight Day Senior Eye Care Action” launch ceremony by placing colorful “E” props on a giant eye chart.

Photo 2 (Mass Intergenerational Group Photo): Officiating guests pose with nearly 160 Southern District seniors, residents, and family members, holding eye care props and calling for “Early Screening, Early Control” and promoting “Intergenerational Care”.

Photo 3 (Free Specialist Eye Screening): HKOS specialist ophthalmologists provide free comprehensive consultations and OCT scan evaluations for underprivileged seniors in Wah Kwai Estate.

Photo 4 (Sight Ambassador Experience): Orbis “Sight Ambassador” Ms. HUI undergoes a professional eye checkup on-site and shares her story of overcoming cataracts to encourage seniors not to endure eye issues silently.

Photo 5 (Community Eye Care Booths and Seminars): The event featured AR eye disease simulation booths and medical seminars to help residents experience patient perspectives and deepen community eye health education.

Hashtag: #Orbis

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

Dubbed as the “Tiny Titan,” the VF 3 asserted its popularity among first-time Filipino EV owners looking for compact and practical vehicles. Already gaining strong traction before recent oil price hikes, the VF 3 saw demand surge during the global energy uncertainty as volatile domestic fuel prices pushed Filipino motorists towards cost-efficient mobility options.

Beyond the impressive specifications of the VF 3, the model’s market dominance is credited to VinFast’s comprehensive Ownership System that helps address key barriers to EV adoption. The number one BEV brand’s first-of-its-kind initiatives such as the Battery Subscription Policy, which lowers upfront costs, and the Residual Value Guarantee Program, which protects long-term asset value, continue to appeal to Filipinos looking for practical mobility solutions. Coupled with its free charging program until March 31, 2029, the brand’s expanding charging networks in the country builds a strong total cost of ownership case for VF 3, attracting Filipinos to make the EV shift amidst fuel price volatility.

Mr. Antonio “Toti” Zara III, CEO of VinFast Philippines, said: “We are deeply grateful and incredibly proud of the warm reception that VF 3 received in the Philippines. Achieving the number one spot is a milestone that demonstrates Filipino drivers’ readiness to embrace electric mobility when backed by an ecosystem that supports their entire journey. The incredible reception of the VF 3 proves that eliminating traditional barriers through our comprehensive Ownership System makes going electric a seamless, practical choice. But the Tiny Titan leading the charts is only the beginning of our mission in the country, as we vow to continuously expand and evolve this ecosystem to ensure sustainable EV ownership remains accessible, effortless, and dependable for every Filipino motorist.”

The VF 3’s success in the Philippine market reflects consumer reception and the model’s suitability for local mobility needs. To continue meeting consumer needs and enhancing the ownership experience, VinFast is steadily expanding its vehicle lineup and further developing its comprehensive Ownership System – encompassing growing dealership networks across the Philippines, the Battery Subscription and the Residual Value Guarantee programs, the V-Green network, and dedicated aftersales support. VinFast continues to remove barriers to EV ownership and make electric driving a practical, seamless choice for Filipinos.

VinFast is expected to sustain this momentum by continuing to expand its charging network and dealership footprint across the country. To experience the country’s best-selling electric mini-SUV firsthand, customers are invited to book a test drive or visit any authorized VinFast dealership nationwide.

Hashtag: #VinFast

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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.

Malaysia claims the inaugural Nations’ Trophy as athletes representing four Southeast Asian nations compete in Bangkok

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 October 2026 – Brazilian athlete Yasmin Yukare, representing Indonesia, and Malaysia’s Saddam Pittli were crowned the inaugural Red Bull Power Race International Champions in Bangkok, while Malaysia claimed the Nations’ Trophy. Yukare and Pittli secured their historic victories with winning times of 8:26 and 7:16, respectively, becoming the first international titleholders in the new competition.

The International Final in Bangkok rounded off a world premiere season that began in Kuala Lumpur and moved on to Yangon and Jakarta before reaching the Thai capital for the Thailand National Final on 17 October. The following day, the 12 fastest men and 12 fastest women representing each of the four countries competed in the International Final, with 96 athletes vying for the inaugural titles. Across the four national events held in 2026, Red Bull Power Race attracted participants from 33 different countries and territories, from Brazil to South Korea, highlighting its appeal well beyond the four host nations.

The competition delivered fiercely contested racing throughout the day, including a dramatic photo finish in the men’s semi-finals, where three athletes were separated by just four hundredths of a second.

Brazilian athlete Yasmin Yukare, representing Indonesia, was crowned the first women’s Red Bull Power Race International Champion after a commanding performance in Bangkok. Having set the pace throughout qualifying and the semi-finals, Yukare delivered her fastest time of the competition in the final, crossing the finish line in 8:26. Malaysia’s Hui Teng Tobee Yip claimed second place in 8:51, narrowly ahead of compatriot Natasha Nazamil, who completed the podium in 8:52.

Malaysia’s Saddam Pittli claimed the inaugural men’s Red Bull Power Race International Championship with a winning time of 7:16, producing his fastest performance of the day in the decisive race. Having finished second in the semi-final standings, Pittli found another level in the championship final, improving his time by more than 21 seconds to secure victory. Indonesia completed the podium, with Damar Prasetyo taking second place in 7:30 and Ghian Herdiyana third in 7:31.

Beyond the individual titles, athletes also competed for national pride in the Nations’ Trophy, earning points for the country they represented based on their finishing positions. Malaysia emerged victorious with the highest combined points total, claiming the inaugural trophy and rounding off a day of intense competition and friendly international rivalry.

Ms Supasita Kraisri, Chief Global Marketing Officer of TCP Group, said: “Red Bull Power Race brings our international sporting spirit to a new generation. Young adults across Asia are choosing more variety in the ways they exercise that fit around busy modern lives, and this format speaks directly to that. Beyond the competition, it’s also about bringing people together, building communities and creating shared experiences through sport. We want to inspire young adults to pursue their own goals and strengthen Red Bull’s connection with their active lifestyles.”

Billed as “The Fastest Race, The Greatest Rush”, Red Bull Power Race is built around familiar bodyweight exercises in a short high-intensity format that requires no specialist exercise equipment. That makes it accessible to anyone with the determination to take it on. Athletes complete four 400m runs separated by three stations of push-ups, sit-ups and squats, with men performing 40 repetitions at each station and women 30.

Yasmin Yukare said: “I still can’t believe I’ve won! The other women from Malaysia, Myanmar and Thailand were so strong, and I knew it wasn’t going to be easy. I just kept pushing and never gave up. The atmosphere was incredible, and hearing my friends cheering me on around the course gave me so much energy. Crossing that finish line was such a special moment. To anyone thinking about trying Red Bull Power Race, don’t be afraid to give it a go. The energy here is amazing, and you can do it!”

The short, high-intensity format leaves little margin for error, with success demanding more than just speed and strength. Athletes must balance explosive effort with smart pacing, knowing when to push and when to conserve energy. With every second counting, strategy and composure can make the difference between winning and losing.

Saddam Pittli said: “Representing Malaysia was my biggest motivation. Every lap, every station, I kept thinking about my country, and that pushed me to give everything I had. To become the first Red Bull Power Race International Champion makes me incredibly happy and proud. I really enjoyed the competition, and I hope my victory encourages more people to give it a try. Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself. Just come and experience it!”

Official Results: Red Bull Power Race International Final 2026

Women’s Individual Championship

• 1st Place: Yasmin Yukare (Brazil, representing Indonesia), 8:26
• 2nd Place: Hui Teng Tobee Yip (Malaysia), 8:51
• 3rd Place: Natasha Nazamil (Malaysia), 8:52

Men’s Individual Championship

• 1st Place: Saddam Pittli (Malaysia), 7:16
• 2nd Place: Damar Prasetyo (Indonesia), 7:30
• 3rd Place: Ghian Herdiyana (Indonesia), 7:31

Nations’ Trophy Winner: Malaysia

For more information, visit redbullsport.com

Hashtag: #RedBullPowerRace2026 #TheFastestRaceTheGreatestRush

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

By Nantoo Banerjee The prolonged blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, lately due to the ego tussle between the United States and Iran, have inflicted severe financial, operational, and human costs on India’s merchant marine industry and broader import-export trade. But, thanks to an excellent supply chain management effort, it failed to impact the country’s […]

The article Excellent Supply Chain Handling Helped India Avoid A Major Stagflation appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

By Kalyani Shankar A novice in politics, Tamil Nadu’s nearly five-month-old Chief Minister Joseph Vijay and his party, the TVK, have joined the Congress-led INDIA opposition coalition, reshaping the state’s political landscape. His predecessor was a key member of INDIA, but M.K. Stalin stepped down after the 2026 Assembly elections. Vijay is learning politics as […]

The article TVK’s Joining INDIA Bloc Has Big Consequences For Tamil Nadu Politics appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

By Dr. Nilanjan Banik The Union Cabinet’s approval, on 14 October 2026, to sell the government’s and LIC’s combined 60.72% stake in IDBI Bank to a Fairfax Financial Holdings subsidiary for about ₹52,878 crore is more than another entry in India’s disinvestment ledger. At roughly $5.6 billion, it is the largest foreign investment yet in […]

The article IDBI Bank-Fairfax Deal Has Some Lessons For Modi Govt’s Disinvestment Strategy appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

China’s gross domestic product grew 4.5% year on year during July to September, exceeding economists’ forecast of 4.4% and accelerating from 4.3% in the preceding quarter, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.

Bitcoin briefly climbed towards $82,500 as cryptocurrency traders responded to the stronger economic figures and improving conditions in traditional financial markets. Nasdaq futures also advanced, reflecting renewed demand for technology shares following a difficult period for companies associated with artificial intelligence.

The market recovery was uneven, however. South Korea’s Kospi faced selling pressure after an initial improvement, highlighting continuing concerns about technology valuations and the substantial financing requirements of artificial intelligence development.

US Nasdaq futures gained approximately 1% during Asian trading, while contracts tracking the broader S&P 500 advanced around 0.7%. Lower energy prices provided additional support as investors assessed their implications for inflation, corporate earnings and borrowing costs.

China’s economic figures offered a measure of reassurance about activity in the world’s second-largest economy. Quarterly output increased 1.2% from the preceding three months, exceeding expectations for a 1.1% expansion and improving from 0.9% growth during April to June.

The stronger performance was supported by exports and industrial production, although weaknesses in household consumption and property investment continued to complicate the economic outlook.

Official figures showed industrial production increasing 5.5% year on year in September, compared with 5.2% in August. Retail sales grew 1.1%, indicating modest improvement in consumer spending despite persistent pressure on household confidence.

China’s government has established an annual economic growth target of approximately 4.5% to 5%, making the third-quarter performance significant for policymakers considering whether further stimulus measures are necessary.

Growth during the first nine months reached 4.6%, according to official estimates, keeping the economy within reach of the government’s full-year objective.

Financial markets nevertheless remained sensitive to concerns that China’s expansion depends heavily on exports and industrial investment rather than sustained improvements in domestic demand.

The property sector remained a particular concern, with investment continuing to contract despite measures intended to support homebuyers and stabilise developers.

Oil markets supplied another important influence on trading. Brent crude futures declined approximately 1.7% to $107.95 a barrel, while US crude futures slipped 0.8% to $100.62.

The decline followed developments surrounding Washington’s sanctions policy towards Russia. President Donald Trump indicated that restrictions could be eased, potentially allowing additional Russian energy supplies into international markets, although the administration had not finalised its position.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that the administration could take up to 60 days to assess the economic consequences of changing sanctions arrangements.

Lower crude prices helped ease immediate concerns about inflation, particularly because energy costs influence transport, manufacturing and household expenditure across major economies.

US government bonds strengthened as yields declined. The benchmark 10-year Treasury yield fell approximately four basis points to 5.0525%, providing some relief to financial markets concerned about elevated borrowing costs.

Expectations surrounding Federal Reserve policy remained important for cryptocurrency investors. Lower inflation could eventually create additional room for monetary easing, although policymakers face competing pressures from energy markets and economic activity.

The Federal Reserve’s benchmark interest rate currently stands between 4.75% and 5%, with financial markets expecting policymakers to leave borrowing costs unchanged at their next meeting.

Across Asian equities, the initial advance reflected bargain hunting following substantial losses in technology stocks. Japan’s Nikkei and South Korea’s Kospi both experienced volatile trading as investors reassessed exposure to semiconductor manufacturers.

Concerns about artificial intelligence spending remained prominent. Goldman Sachs estimates that five major technology companies could increase their combined capital expenditure to approximately $1.2 trillion next year, raising questions about investment returns.

China’s currency strengthened against the dollar, with the yuan reaching approximately 6.6828, its strongest level since July 2022.

Gold traded around $4,181 an ounce, supported by declining bond yields, while the dollar remained under pressure against several currencies.

Elsewhere, European equity futures weakened amid political uncertainty in France, demonstrating the differing regional influences on international investment flows.

Chinese blue-chip shares edged lower after initially benefiting from the economic figures, with investors continuing to assess whether stronger industrial activity would translate into a sustained improvement in domestic consumption.

The partnership aims to connect healthcare brands with consumers seeking everyday tools to monitor and manage their health. In Singapore, 21.4% of citizens were aged 65 and above in June 2026, underscoring the need for accessible health and wellness solutions. The global wellness economy reached US$6.8 trillion in 2024 and is projected to approach US$9.8 trillion by 2029.

SACH brings experience in technology, e-commerce, retail, consumer engagement and live events, helping brands reach consumers through online and offline channels. Solomon, an independent business financing firm, will serve as Capital Partner, contributing capital and commercial and financial expertise to support distribution and expansion.

The companies intend to develop the partnership in stages: Solomon first supports SACH’s distribution of BUZUD as Capital Partner, then joins the distributorship, before both parties establish a dedicated business unit to secure distribution rights and distribute brands across multiple territories. Key terms and responsibilities are being finalised.

BUZUD focuses on accessible healthcare through medical devices and digital health technologies. It has a research collaboration with Tan Tock Seng Hospital to develop AI-supported diabetes management solutions combining carbohydrate estimation with continuous glucose monitoring. BUZUD also operates retail outlets at Raffles Hospital and Novena Square 2, alongside a retail partnership with Guardian Singapore.

Distribution will begin in Singapore, with expansion into other Southeast Asian markets as rights are secured, through e-commerce, retail, live events and partnerships with businesses, hospitals and research bodies.

“We strongly believe capital should do more than support business growth — it should create opportunities and meaningful impact. Our partnership with SACH represents a strategic step into the fast-growing healthcare and wellness sector, where we see tremendous long-term potential. By combining our financial expertise with SACH’s distribution capabilities, we aim to help promising brands like BUZUD expand their reach, scale sustainably and bring innovative healthcare solutions closer to the people who need them,” said Liong Qin Kai, Partner, Solomon Credit Management.

“Great healthcare products only create impact when they reach the people who need them. Our partnership with Solomon marks an important step for SACH into the healthcare and wellness sector, combining their financial strength with our distribution and consumer engagement capabilities. BUZUD is the first of many brands we hope to bring to market, helping them expand their reach, build lasting relationships with customers and make innovative healthcare solutions more accessible across Southeast Asia,” said Jonathan Zhang, CEO, SACH.

The partners are targeting completion of the proposed arrangement in December 2026, with further details to be announced once terms are finalised.
Hashtag: #SACH

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

About Solomon Credit Management

Solomon Credit Management is an independent business financing firm lending its own capital to small and medium-sized companies and larger corporates. Its financing approach is grounded in disciplined credit assessment and a clear understanding of each borrower’s business, cash flows and assets.

About SACH

SACH develops products and services across technology, e-commerce, retail, consumer engagement and live events.

Under the theme “A Season of World-Class Landscapes,” the new season focuses on the development of the Greater Zhangjiajie International Tourism Area. Host Wang Han leads the program’s food exploration team through Zhangjiajie, Cili, Jishou, Fenghuang, Changde, Shaoyang and Huaihua, presenting a cultural tourism journey that connects local cuisine with spectacular landscapes and the stories of the people who call these places home.

Connecting Landscapes Through Food

The opening episode takes viewers to Zhangjiajie, beginning with the towering Bailong Elevator before following the hiking trails along Golden Whip Stream. International tourists encountered along the way share that Zhangjiajie was their planned first stop in China. Zhangjiajie welcomes more than one million international visitors annually from over 190 countries.

Yet the destination’s international appeal extends beyond its extraordinary scenery. It also lies in the flavors nurtured by the land and the people whose lives are rooted in it.

In Longweiba Village, young entrepreneurs who have returned to their hometowns are rediscovering local ingredients such as kudzu root and vine tea, incorporating them into coffee and bingfen, a traditional chilled jelly dessert. Their creations bring new life to familiar mountain flavors and introduce them to younger generations.

In Cili, local cuisine reveals stories passed down through generations. The dish known as Yanghe Dumi carries a history of mutual support dating back to 1935. After receiving help from their neighbors during difficult times, local residents cut pork tripe into rice-sized pieces to prepare a dish that could be shared among more people. The recipe became a lasting reminder of community solidarity.

The team also visits a centuries-old tree associated with the Red Army and samples Xikou beef. Revolutionary commanders He Long and Xiao Ke once held a pre-battle mobilization meeting at the site. The ancient tree, which survived a lightning strike, embodies the resilience of the local community, a quality echoed in the firm, chewy texture of Xikou beef. Together, the stories and flavors reveal the enduring spirit of the mountains.

Discovering the People Behind the Flavors

At Jixiang Rice Noodle Shop in Jishou, owner Wang Jixiang has been running her business for 35 years. The shop serves four varieties of rice noodles with a selection of toppings. Among them, rice noodles topped with stir-fried pork and fermented chili offer a distinctive combination of sour and spicy flavors characteristic of western Hunan.

The journey continues along the Wanrong River and across Xinnü Bridge, adorned with wish plaques, before reaching the creative home of the Miao folk band Miao Ren San Man.

The band members moved from their mountain village to town to support their children’s education and earn a living by running a business, but they never abandoned their musical aspirations. Performing their original song Calling to the Mountains in a Miao village, they express a longing to reach a mountaintop together and release their deepest frustrations through a collective shout.

In Fenghuang, restaurant owner Xiao Yang offers another example of how local culinary traditions are finding new audiences. After leaving military service, he worked as a tour guide and discovered that many visitors knew little about Fenghuang’s distinctive local cuisine.

He subsequently introduced Miao-style smoked pork trotters in sour soup, a specialty of the La’ershan area, to a wider market, making modest adjustments to suit broader tastes while preserving its traditional character.

Wang Han also shares the history of Miao sour soup, which he learned about when first tasting the dish. During the migrations of their ancestors, the Miao people often faced shortages of supplies, including salt. They fermented green vegetables and relied on sour flavors for seasoning. Over time, sour soup became a culinary reminder of those journeys.

Today, the distinctive fermented flavor continues to evolve as it is paired with an increasingly diverse range of ingredients. Rather than remaining unchanged, traditional recipes continue to thrive through new interpretations, connecting generations of people to the land and its history.

Connecting Local Journeys with the World

One distinctive feature of the fourth season is the introduction of a food-tasting panel at each destination, bringing together local residents, visitors from other regions and international guests.

After sampling the dishes, panel members vote to select the “Hunan Flavor Signature Dishes.”

Among the selected specialties are claypot rice with farm-raised Chinese giant salamander and Tujia-style Sangun Wawa from Zhangjiajie; Xikou beef and Lao Sizhong rice noodles from Cili; and Fangyuan rice noodles and smoked pork trotters in sour soup from Fenghuang.

This interactive format demonstrates how people from different cultural backgrounds can experience and interpret the same dish in their own ways.

The towering sandstone peaks of Zhangjiajie, the Loushui River in Cili, the Wanrong River in Jishou, and the Tuojiang River, Hongqiao Bridge and traditional stilt houses of Fenghuang together form the scenic landscape of the Greater Zhangjiajie International Tourism Area.

Meanwhile, rice noodles, cured meats, sour soup and distinctive local delicacies bring warmth, flavor and everyday life to these natural and cultural landscapes.

About Season 4 of Go Where Flavors of Hunan Abound

Under the theme “A Season of World-Class Landscapes,” Season 4 of Go Where Flavors of Hunan Abound focuses on the Greater Zhangjiajie International Tourism Area and adopts a two-episode format for each destination.

The first episode, focusing on rural and mountain flavors, takes viewers hiking, exploring lesser-known destinations and participating in local challenges while visiting ordinary households to discover traditional home-cooked dishes.

The second episode explores the culinary life of urban neighborhoods, visiting long-established restaurants, discovering local food traditions and featuring signature dishes prepared by experienced chefs.

Landscapes provide the setting, while local flavors bring the stories to life. By bringing together China’s distinctive natural scenery and authentic regional cuisine, Go Where Flavors of Hunan Abound presents the Greater Zhangjiajie International Tourism Area to international audiences as a vibrant destination rich in culture, character and culinary heritage.

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