logo

News related to
Range

Cornell University undergraduates have won the grand prize at The Farm Robotics Challenge with an autonomous robot that kills weeds using targeted electric shocks, strengthening investor interest in farm automation as growers look for alternatives to herbicides, fuel-heavy machinery and costly manual labour. The winning project, developed by Rootline Robotics, beat 95 other teams in the 2026 competition, which drew entries from 13 countries and spanned schools, […]

Free Medication Counselling Service to Prevent Misuse of Medicines and Protect Public Health

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 June 2026 – Mannings is launching its “Safe Disposal of Unused Medicines Programme” for the fourth consecutive year. This year, the programme further expands its collection network through collaboration with six community organisations, increasing the number of collection points across Hong Kong to 75. From 26 June to 23 July 2026, citizens can visit any of the 62 Mannings stores with pharmacies (except Elements, Landmark, Uptown Plaza, and Airport branches) or 13 designated community organisation collection points to dispose of leftover or expired medications (pills only, excluding dangerous drugs, liquid medications, and Chinese medicines) in the “Unused Medicines Collection Box.”

Mannings' Safe Disposal of Unused Medicines Programme 2026
Mannings’ Safe Disposal of Unused Medicines Programme 2026

The participating community organisations this year include the Christian Family Service Centre, Hong Kong Christian Service, St. James’ Settlement, The Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation, Hong Kong Family Community Pharmacy, and HKUMed Community Pharmacy. These organisations will set up “Unused Medicines Collection Boxes” at 13 designated service centres to facilitate proper disposal. Hong Kong Christian Service will also continue to collect the unused medicines and provide pharmaceutical knowledge directly to the elderly through its home care outreach services, promoting safe medication use.

All collected medicines will be handed over to a chemical waste collector licensed by the Environmental Protection Department and then properly destroyed at a chemical waste treatment centre. The programme encourages citizens to join hands with Mannings in safely disposing of unused medicines, enhancing medication knowledge, and safeguarding both the environment and community health. Please note that the disposal service is available only during the hours when Mannings pharmacists or healthcare professionals at community organisations are on duty. For more details, you can visit any Mannings pharmacy branch or consult a pharmacist on duty via WhatsApp (https://bit.ly/400s4sc).

Complimentary Medication Counselling Service to Educate the Public on Reducing Pharmaceutical Waste at Source
Mannings aims to address the issue at its source by encouraging citizens to develop the habit of regularly checking their home medicine cabinets. This helps prevent excessive storage of medicines, reduces waste, and minimises environmental pollution, while ensuring safe medication use. In addition to the Collection Boxes, Mannings registered pharmacists will enhance support in providing free medication counselling services to assist citizens with any medication-related questions. Citizens who have medication-related enquiries can bring their medicines to any Mannings pharmacy or consult a pharmacist via WhatsApp (https://bit.ly/400s4sc). Pharmacists will explain in detail whether medications overlap or interact, and guide proper usage to reduce accumulation and waste. The service requires no appointment and is completely free of charge.

Over 15 Million Tablets Collected since Programme Launched in 2023

As the first major community pharmacy chain in Hong Kong to pioneer unused medicine disposal services, Mannings has successfully collected and properly disposed of over 15 million tablets between 2023 and 2025. Mannings’ registered pharmacists also sort, tally, and analyse the collected medicines, helping to reduce environmental impact while gaining insights into and educating the public on proper medication practices. This reflects Mannings’ commitment to fulfilling its social responsibility as a community pharmacy and safeguarding public health.

Philip Chiu, Chief Pharmacist of Mannings says, “From the past few years of the programme, we observed that many households accumulate significant amounts of unused medicines, including those requiring completion of the entire course, such as antibiotics or chronic disease medications. When citizens fail to follow doctors’ instructions and complete the course, it not only delays recovery but may also increase healthcare costs in the long run. This year, we would like to further promote the idea of ‘home pharmacy checks,’ reminding citizens to regularly review their medicine cabinets to avoid expired or misused medicines, and to feel more reassured in medication use. ”

Chiu further states, “Community pharmacists play a vital role in this process. Beyond providing disposal services, they also educate and counsel citizens to establish correct medication habits. Through this programme, Mannings hopes to help the public understand that medication management and environmental protection are equally important, and that both can progress hand in hand to contribute to community health and sustainable development.”

For details on participating Mannings pharmacies and other designated community collection points for the “Mannings Safe Disposal of Unused Medicines Programme,” please visit https://bit.ly/3UuWGy5.

Hashtag: #Mannings #TrustedAdvisorForWellness #HealthandBeauty #SafeDisposalofUnusedMedicines #DFIRetailGroup

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

About Mannings

Mannings is Hong Kong’s largest health and beauty products chain store with over 320 outlets and over 60 in-store pharmacies operating in Hong Kong and Macau, providing a wide range of quality health care, personal care, skin care and baby products to customers. Our team of Community Health Professionals is available at many of our stores, offering expert advice and free consultations from registered Pharmacists, Dieticians, Beauty and Health Advisors. Mannings has been named by the Hong Kong Retail Management Association (HKRMA) as “Quality Service Retailer of the Year – Personal Care Products Category” for 15 consecutive years (2011 to 2025). Mannings has also been recognised as the “No.1 Most Preferred Brand” in online surveys conducted by global market research company Ipsos (2021-2024) and Nielsen (2025-2026) in Hong Kong for six consecutive years.

ByteDance is exploring a $20 billion offshore loan as the TikTok owner seeks fresh financial firepower for artificial intelligence infrastructure, in what would be the company’s largest global borrowing if completed. The Beijing-based technology group has opened preliminary discussions with banks on a facility that could run for three years, with an option to extend the maturity to as long as five years. The size, pricing and […]

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Ruggieri has formed a project-based collaboration with Dubai-based Novara Events Management to develop large-scale pyrotechnic and multimedia experiences for the Gulf events market, bringing together one of Europe’s oldest fireworks houses and a regional organiser targeting high-impact live productions. The agreement positions the 300-year-old French pyrotechnics specialist to deepen its presence in a market where festivals, national celebrations, destination launches, private events and […]

Bitcoin Suisse has secured a crypto-asset service provider licence in Liechtenstein, giving the Zug-based digital-asset group a regulated platform for expanding its services across selected European Economic Area markets as the region’s MiCAR regime reshapes competition among crypto firms. The licence, granted by the Liechtenstein Financial Market Authority to Bitcoin Suisse AG, allows the company to operate under the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation, the European framework designed […]

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 June 2026 – Paris VivaTech 2026, Europe’s largest startup and technology event, has successfully concluded. The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) led four top Hong Kong innovation and technology (I&T) enterprises in a strong showing, presenting Hong Kong’s cutting-edge technologies in emerging and future industries, including smart mobility, green technology, advanced manufacturing and the low-altitude economy, to global industry leaders, technology experts and investors from around the world. This year, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), in partnership with the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels as a Strategic Partner, has set up the “Hong Kong Tech Pavilion”. As one of the supporting organisations, HKPC collaborated with various partners to collectively advance the growth of Hong Kong’s vibrant I&T ecosystem.

Through "The Cradle – Go Global Service Centre", HKPC actively empowers Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong enterprises to expand into global markets.
Through “The Cradle – Go Global Service Centre”, HKPC actively empowers Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong enterprises to expand into global markets.

As one of the members of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government’s GoGlobal Task Force, HKPC provides enterprises with “Six Tactics to Go Global” through “The Cradle – Go Global Service Centre” (The Cradle), delivering comprehensive going-global services spanning smart manufacturing, international standards and testing services, as well as technology R&D and evaluation. HKPC actively empowers both Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong enterprises to expand into global markets. Simultaneously, HKPC is actively enabling European and international enterprises to access the Chinese Mainland market through Hong Kong, fully building a seamless, two-way bridge that highlights Hong Kong’s unique strategic advantage as an indispensable “two-way springboard”.

Mr Yonghai DU, Chief Innovation Officer of HKPC, attended the Hong Kong Seminar-cum-Networking Reception, themed “Building Resilient Tech Ecosystems: Powering the Next Wave of International Tech Leadership from Hong Kong,” organised by the HKTDC, engaging in in-depth exchanges with global industry leaders to advance Hong Kong’s position as an international I&T centre connected to the global innovation ecosystem.

Empowering Local I&T Enterprises to Seize Global Business Opportunities, Deepening Two-way Collaboration Between the Chinese Mainland and Europe

Mr Yonghai DU, Chief Innovation Officer of HKPC, said: “As one of the world’s leading technology events, VivaTech serves as an exceptional gateway for Hong Kong’s I&T enterprises to step onto the international stage. HKPC continues to lead the industry in participating in prestigious exhibitions at home and abroad, showcasing Hong Kong’s R&D strengths in full. Hong Kong’s unique advantage in integrating with the world allows it to provide high-quality strategic support that helps Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong enterprises to ‘go global’, while also serving as a key ‘two-way springboard’ that helps outstanding European and international enterprises entre the Chinese Mainland market through Hong Kong. HKPC will continue its unique position as a bridge, driving complementary strengths and fostering mutually beneficial collaboration across regions.”

He added that since its establishment, “The Cradle” has received more than 500 expressions of interest and has provided over 300 projects with go global services, including preliminary assessments, smart manufacturing technologies, testing and certification, as well as on-site visits. Drawing on HKPC’s extensive experience in leading enterprises to go global, HKPC will continue to empower more I&T enterprises successfully expand overseas and tap into global markets.

Top-tier and Diverse I&T Achievements Make Their Debut, Shining on the European Tech Stage

The four participating Hong Kong I&T enterprises showcased a range of cutting-edge technology fields to the European market at the “Hong Kong Tech Pavilion”, including Asgard Group Limited, specialising in smart energy and EV charging solutions; Laputa Eco-Construction Material Company Ltd, which develops sustainable construction technology, specialising in carbon capture and utilisation technologies; Oriental Materials Hong Kong Limited, which focuses on advanced manufacturing and manufacturing of semiconductor equipment; and Harmony SkyTech Limited, which specialises in the low-altitude economy and unmanned systems.

Representatives from all four I&T enterprises agreed that their participation helped them tap into cross-regional business opportunities, making a significant landmark for Hong Kong’s I&T sector, while HKPC’s “The Cradle” provided indispensable professional team support, helping them align precisely with international technical standards and localise their products, serving as a solid backing for their cross-regional expansion and rapid entry onto the international stage.
Hashtag: #HKPC

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

About Hong Kong Productivity Council

The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) is a statutory body established in 1967, dedicated to enhancing the productivity and competitiveness of Hong Kong enterprises through world-class applied R&D, innovative technology services, and integrated manufacturing solutions. As a market-oriented, international R&D organisation, HKPC leverages its deep expertise and extensive industry experience in key areas such as AI, advanced manufacturing, life and health technology, green technology and new energy to drive new industrialisation and support the growth of emerging and future industries.

HKPC focuses on addressing businesses challenges and industrial technology needs, promoting the full integration between technological and industrial innovation. Through technology transfer, product innovation, intellectual property protection and commercialisation of R&D outcomes, the Council fosters collaboration with the local business community as well as top global R&D institutions, delivering added value to industries and advancing the development of new productive forces. HKPC’s world-class R&D achievements have been widely recognised over the years, winning an array of local and overseas accolades, reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as an international innovation and technology centre and a smart city.

To help enterprises capitalise on Hong Kong’s strengths in international connectivity to expand into global markets, HKPC offers comprehensive overseas expansion services tailored to critical areas including product development, technology, manufacturing, and management, enabling businesses to successfully go global from Hong Kong.

HKPC is also committed to providing timely and practical support to SMEs and startups with timely and practical , assisting them in accessing Government funding programmes. Through its FutureSkills training initiatives, HKPC helps both industry and academia stay ahead in latest digital and STEM technologies, nurturing a future-ready talent pool for Hong Kong.

  • Safety and Shipping Review 2026: Vessel and cargo value in region shows importance of maritime chokepoints. Managing geopolitical disruptions is now a top priority for shipowners and cargo operators.
  • Geopolitical tensions challenge shipping’s ongoing long-term safety improvements. Incidents fell 16% to fewer than 3,000 globally in 2025, while fire remains a major loss driver with over 200 incidents, the second highest total in a decade.
  • More complex and volatile risk landscape enforces need for greater operational resilience versus cost efficiency.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 June 2026 – Given that 90% of international trade is transported across oceans, maritime safety and stable shipping trading routes are critical. According to Allianz Commercial’s latest Safety and Shipping Review, incidents like the closure and reported mining of the Strait of Hormuz are the latest in a series of recent disruptions to have impacted shipping. They signal a transition toward a “new maritime order” defined by escalating security risks along strategic shipping corridors, the disruption of established trade routes, persistent uncertainty, higher risk premiums, and a greater strategic emphasis on resilience over pure cost efficiency.

In addition to geopolitical uncertainty, traditional risks for the shipping industry remain a major concern, although the numbers of total vessel losses and incidents have continued to decline in recent years. Machinery damage or failure and fires are among the main loss drivers in this regard, leading to significant economic and insured losses.

“Our analysis shows the shipping industry has made significant improvements in maritime safety in recent years. However, it has also undergone a fundamental transformation, from decades of relative stability, defined by steady trade flows and largely predictable operating conditions to becoming increasingly complex and volatile. The Middle East conflict and Strait of Hormuz closure is just the latest in a series of severe interruptions to hit shipowners and cargo operators. Resilience, geopolitics, and efficiency must be balanced in an increasingly unpredictable world, where the cost of uncertainty is reshaping the shipping industry,” explains Thomas Lillelund, CEO of Allianz Commercial.

Geopolitical uncertainty becomes top risk for shipping industry
The conflict in the Middle East paralyzed the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil trade route. Allianz Research data shows that around 1,150 cargo-carrying vessels (over 100GT*) with an estimated vessel and cargo value of approximately $125 billion, a volume of 29 million GT, and as many as 20,000 seafarers are in the Persian Gulf waiting to resume operations following recent diplomatic breakthroughs. This underscores the structural importance of maritime chokepoints and how critical they are for shipping and international trade, while also highlighting the severe disruptions to vessel operations and mental strain that has been placed on those seafarers who have endured months on board facing the threat of attack.

Marine insurance cover has been available throughout the conflict, albeit at increased hull and cargo premiums. However, the real issue for shipowners has been more about the risk to the crew and the vessel when transiting a conflict zone, rather than pure insurance considerations. Even if the US and Iran agreement holds and the Strait of Hormuz is reopened, solid assurances of safe passage will be required, involving the international community, particularly if traffic is to return to its pre-war levels, up to as many as 140 vessels a day.

“We are seeing growing uncertainty around shipping routes. Any type of event – a conflict, pandemic or a grounded vessel blocking a key port or shipping canal – can potentially cause a major disruption to shipping and supply chains. The events in the Middle East have been more impactful than many would have expected. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz sets a dangerous precedent and raises questions around the long-term future of this and other critical chokepoints. What is becoming clear is that we have to pay a price for uncertainty, shifting from ‘just-in-time’ to ‘just-in-case’ supply chains, and prioritizing resilience over cost efficiency,” says Captain Rahul Khanna, Global Head of Marine Risk Consulting at Allianz Commercial.

Total loss and incident numbers decline despite industry headwinds
The review’s latest analysis shows that there have been more than 900 total losses reported over the past decade (vessels over 100GT). Between 2016 and the end of 2020, there were 555, an average of 111 per year. This number declined to 350 between 2021 and the end of 2025, an average of 70 (37% down on the previous five-year period), reflecting the positive effect of an increased focus on safety measures over time – 43 total losses have been reported in 2025, with more than 30 of these vessels over 500GT. The South China, Indochina, Indonesia, and the Philippines region is the main loss hotspot globally over the past year, and the past decade (255). A huge volume of imports and exports flow through the region, resulting in high levels of shipping traffic, which is reflected in the number of incidents.

Around the world, the number of shipping incidents declined over the past year by around 16% (2,818 in 2025 compared to 3,353 in 2024). The East Mediterranean and Black Sea region saw the highest number (622), followed by the British Isles (619), which is also the location of the most incidents over the past decade. Machinery damage or failure was the major cause of shipping incidents globally, accounting for over half (1,505), followed by vessel collision (260). Fires on large vessels, including container ships and car carriers, remain a worry. There were more than 200 incidents on large vessels reported during 2025, down from 2024, but still the second highest total over the past decade, with at least nine total losses reported.

The increasing size of vessels is also driving a trend for a rise in general average claims, where the shipowner and cargo interests share losses or expenditure to save the whole venture in an emergency. Such claims are typically complex and large. Contributions to cover losses can be as high as 50% of the cargo value, which if a vessel is carrying a few thousand electric cars, for example, could easily be over US$100mn.

“Insurance markets react quickly to crises, but the real challenge for companies is understanding how risks are interconnected. That’s why resilience and risk management are becoming just as important as insurance coverage. The shipping industry is facing turbulent times, not only from geopolitical instability, but also from traditional hull and machinery risks, where we see claims costs continue to rise, as well as from decarbonization and fleet renewal challenges. Our role as an insurer is to support our clients as both a risk carrier and a resilience partner to mitigate risks before they become a damaging loss event,” says Justus Heinrich, Global Product Leader Marine Hull at Allianz Commercial.

Geopolitics and high demand drive trend for older vessels
The average age of the global fleet increased to 23 years in 2025, up from around 20 years old just before the Covid-19 pandemic, as shipowners retain vessels for longer due to the volatile geopolitical climate. Conflict in the Middle East has seen tankers and container ships stranded and rerouted around the Cape of Good Hope, for example, resulting in longer transit times and a squeeze on existing fleet capacity.

Older vessels pose significant safety risks at sea, with vessels over 20 years old accounting for over half of all safety incidents, analysis shows. As ships age, the likelihood of incidents increases due to structural, mechanical, and technological obsolescence, creating risks for crew, cargo, and the environment.

“Shipowners are under pressure to scrap older vessels and replace them with new, more efficient, safer and compliant ships. However, the recent pushback against net zero targets and full order books at the major Asian shipyards are other factors which could ensure the average age of vessels is likely to remain elevated in the near term,” says Captain Nitin Chopra, Senior Marine Risk Consultant, Allianz Commercial.

Hashtag: #Allianz

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

About Allianz Commercial

Allianz Commercial is the center of expertise and global line of Allianz Group for insuring mid-sized businesses, large enterprises and specialist risks. Among our customers are the world’s largest consumer brands, financial institutions and industry players, the global aviation and shipping industry as well as family-owned and medium enterprises which are the backbone of the economy. We also cover unique risks such as offshore wind parks, infrastructure projects or film productions. Powered by the employees, , and network of the world’s #1 insurance brand, we work together to help our customers prepare for what’s ahead: They trust us in providing a wide range of traditional and risk transfer solutions, outstanding and services as well as seamless handling. Allianz Commercial brings together the large corporate insurance business of Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty (AGCS) and the commercial insurance business of national Allianz Property & Casualty entities serving mid-sized companies. We are present in over 200 countries and territories either through our own teams or the Allianz Group network and partners. In 2025, the integrated business of Allianz Commercial generated around €17.3 billion in gross premium globally.

Advertisements
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 June 2026 – In a labour market shaped by rapid industry transformation and evolving skills demands, the link between higher education and employment outcomes has become a key consideration for students and families evaluating their education pathways.

In Singapore today, employability is no longer defined by academic achievement alone. Employers are looking for graduates who can apply knowledge in real workplace settings, work across cultures, adapt to new technologies and continue learning as industries evolve. This is especially relevant as Singapore’s labour market continues to move towards growth areas such as digitalisation, technology, sustainability, healthcare, business transformation and professional services.

Against this backdrop, Singapore Institute of Management Global Education, or SIM GE, continues to strengthen its role as a private education institution that prepares learners for the demands of today’s workplace and the opportunities of tomorrow’s economy.

Employability begins with industry relevance
For prospective students, one of the biggest considerations when choosing a higher education pathway is whether their studies will remain relevant by the time they graduate. This is particularly important in a job market where roles are changing quickly and where employers increasingly value both technical capability and transferable workplace skills.

SIM GE addresses this by offering a broad range of academic programmes through partnerships with reputable universities from Australia, Europe, the United Kingdom and the United States. These programmes span disciplines such as business, computing, social sciences, aviation, nursing and other applied fields, giving students access to international curricula while studying in Singapore.

This global education model is particularly relevant for Singapore’s open economy. Graduates entering the workforce are expected to understand local business realities while being able to operate in regional and international contexts. By learning from local and international faculty, and studying alongside peers from diverse backgrounds, SIM students are exposed to global perspectives that can support their workplace readiness.

Career support that connects learning to work
Employability also depends on how students translate classroom learning into career action. At SIM GE, career preparation is supported through Career Connect, which provides career workshops, career guidance, résumé reviews, mock interviews, profiling support, internship and job opportunities, as well as career events such as company visits, networking sessions, career talks and fairs.

This structured support is important because many students do not only need a qualification, they also need guidance in understanding industries, articulating their strengths, preparing for interviews and building professional networks. These practical areas can influence how confidently graduates enter the job market.

Through CareerSense, SIM students can also access an integrated online platform to browse and apply for internships, jobs and career events. This helps students take a more proactive approach to career planning while creating a clearer bridge between academic life and employment opportunities.

Real world exposure through internships and traineeships
One of the strongest contributors to graduate employability is exposure to work before graduation. Internships allow students to understand workplace expectations, test their skills in real business scenarios and build confidence before entering full time employment. SIM GE supports this through internships with a range of employers, from SMEs to multinational corporations. Its Work Integrated Learning for Life initiatives and internship related awards further encourage students to gain practical experience and develop holistically across cognitive, interpersonal and applied skills.

For fresh graduates, SIM’s Graduate Traineeship Programme provides structured traineeship opportunities across industries, typically lasting three to six months. The programme is designed to help graduates gain hands on experience, build workplace confidence and develop industry relevant capabilities as they transition into full time employment. This emphasis on work exposure responds directly to a key concern among prospective students, which is whether they will be ready for employment after graduation. By combining academic learning with career guidance, internships and traineeships, SIM GE helps students build not only credentials but also workplace familiarity.

The value of practical exposure is reflected in the experience of Keisha Shevila, a SIM-University of Wollongong Computer Science graduate who secured a Software Engineer role before completing her degree. In sharing her journey, she credited Career Connect with helping her better understand the job search process and preparing her “more confidently for entering the workforce”.

Building future ready graduates through skills and adaptability
The future of work is increasingly shaped by AI, automation, sustainability and cross functional collaboration. In this environment, students need more than role specific knowledge. They need adaptability, communication skills, critical thinking, creativity, cultural awareness and the confidence to keep learning.

SIM GE’s broader student experience supports this development. Beyond academic programmes, students can participate in more than 70 student clubs and co-curricular activities that build leadership, communication and teamwork skills. The EDGE Award, developed in partnership with employers, recognises students’ cumulative achievements across their learning journey and encourages a more holistic approach to personal and professional growth.

SIM GE’s diverse learning environment also plays an important role. With students from more than 50 nationalities, the campus experience provides opportunities for cultural exchange, collaboration and global awareness. These are qualities that are increasingly valuable in multinational and regional workplaces.

Aligning with Singapore’s skills first economy
Singapore’s workforce strategy continues to place strong emphasis on skills, lifelong learning and adaptability. National reports and government agencies have highlighted rising demand in areas linked to the digital, green and care economies, as well as the importance of AI literacy and transferable skills. This makes higher education choices more consequential. Prospective students are not simply choosing a programme. They are choosing a platform for long term career resilience.

SIM GE’s approach aligns with this direction by combining academic pathways, global university partnerships, employability support, industry exposure and continuous skills development. Its graduate outcomes also reflect this emphasis, with SIM reporting a secured employment rate of 81 per cent based on the Private Education Institution Graduate Employment Survey 2024/2025.

Preparing graduates for Singapore today and tomorrow
Employability in Singapore today is shaped by industry relevance, practical exposure and future ready skills. SIM GE’s proposition sits at the intersection of these priorities. For students, this means access to internationally recognised academic pathways, career services, internships, traineeships, employer engagement, student development opportunities and a diverse campus environment. For employers, it means a pool of graduates who have been encouraged to build both knowledge and workplace ready capabilities.

As prospective students consider their higher learning options, the question is no longer only what they can study. It is also how that education will prepare them for the future of work. For SIM GE graduates, the answer lies in an education experience designed not only to support academic achievement but also to develop employable, adaptable and globally minded individuals ready to contribute to Singapore’s evolving economy.

References

  1. The SIM Advantage – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/sim-global-education/sim-advantage
  2. SIM Career Services – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/life-at-sim/career-services
  3. Achieving the three “Beyond” at individual, industry and institutional levels: Minister Chan Chun Sing at the inaugural SIM Future of Work Series – https://www.sim.edu.sg/news-events/achieving-the-three-beyonds-at-individual-industry-and-institutional-levels
  4. How One International Student Graduated Career-Ready: Keisha Shevila’s Journey at SIM – https://www.sim.edu.sg/articles-inspirations/how-one-international-student-graduated-career-ready-keisha-shevila-journey-at-sim
  5. Job Vacancies 2025: Labour demand gradually shifting to growth areas as firms adjust hiring plans – https://www.mom.gov.sg/newsroom/press-releases/2026/0320-job-vacancies-report-2025
  6. Opening Address by Ms Gan Siow Huang, Minister of State, Ministry of Education for the Launch of the Skills Demand for the Future Economy Report 2025, Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre – https://www.moe.gov.sg/news/speeches/20250122-opening-address-by-ms-gan-siow-huang-minister-of-state-ministry-of-education-for-the-launch-of-the-skills-demand-for-the-future-economy-report-2025-marina-bay-sands-expo-and-convention-centre
  7. SDFE 2025 report – https://jobsandskills.skillsfuture.gov.sg/sdfe-2025

Hashtag: #SIMGlobalEducation #SIMGE #GlobalEducation #InternationalDegree #CareerReady #FutureSkills

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

About SIM Global Education

SIM Global Education (SIM GE) is a leading private education institution in Singapore and the region. We offer more than 140 academic programmes ranging from diplomas and graduate diploma programmes to bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes with some of the world’s most reputable universities from Australia, Canada, Europe, United Kingdom, and the United States. SIM GE’s cohort is made up of 17,000 full- and part-time students and adult learners, of which approximately 41% are international students hailing from over 50 countries.

SIM GE’s holistic learning approach and culturally diverse learning environment aim to equip students with knowledge, industry skills and employability competencies, as well as a global perspective to succeed as future leaders in a fast-changing, technologically driven world.

For more information on SIM Global Education, visit

postmarketOS has released version 26.06, a six-monthly update that strengthens one of the most active Linux-based alternatives for mobile devices and extends its testing reach to 254 devices, including phones, tablets, Chromebooks and single-board computers. The release, named Alpen Avocado, shipped on 21 June and is built on Alpine Linux 3.24. It brings GNOME 50, KDE Plasma Mobile 6.6.5, Phosh 0.55.0, systemd 261, Plymouth boot animation support, […]

XRP slipped towards the lower end of its three-week trading band as weak turnover, softer derivatives positioning and fading momentum left traders focused on the $1.05-$1.10 support zone as the market’s decisive near-term test. The token traded near $1.10 on Tuesday, down about 3 per cent over 24 hours and more than 10 per cent over the week, with its market value hovering around $68 billion to […]

SpaceX’s market value has fallen by more than $600 billion in three trading sessions, a reversal that has tested investor confidence in one of the year’s biggest public listings and drawn a sharp contrast with bitcoin’s steadier performance under the same market pressure. Shares of the Elon Musk-led space and technology group extended their decline after the company moved into the bond market for the first time […]

Abu Dhabi sovereign investor Mubadala is reviewing a potential commitment to a private equity project fund seeking to acquire control of MNC Solution, a listed South Korean defence components maker, in a deal that would deepen Gulf exposure to Seoul’s expanding weapons supply chain. The proposed investment would be made through a fund being assembled by Korea Investment & Securities Co. Partners Private Equity Division, which was […]

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai U. S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will travel to the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Bahrain from June 23 to 25 as Washington moves to reassure Gulf partners over a preliminary accord with Iran that has stirred unease across the region. The visit marks the Trump administration’s most direct diplomatic push to explain the terms of the framework to close allies whose […]

SHANGHAI, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 June 2026 – The 2026 China International Financial Exhibition opened in Shanghai on June 16-18. UnionPay, together with 15 global ecosystem partners, showcased its latest achievements in global network development, core technological capabilities, open AI ecosystem, consumption growth solutions, and ecosystem collaboration.

Building a Global Payment Network

Amid a diverse and competitive global payments landscape, UnionPay continues to strengthen its global payment network by advancing three strategic pillars: merchant acceptance, local card issuance, and cross-border QR interoperability.

UnionPay’s acceptance network now spans 183 countries and regions, covering over 100 million merchants outside China’s mainland. UnionPay mobile payment services are available in more than 100 markets, while cards have been rolled out across 84 countries and regions outside the Chinese mainland. As of May 2026, transaction volumes generated by international cards and wallets in China rose by 54% and 62% respectively year-on-year. A real-time transaction dashboard at the exhibition area continuously updated cumulative transaction volumes, highlighting the sustained growth of UnionPay’s global business.

Cross-border QR payment interoperability is a centerpiece of UnionPay’s international section. The company has accelerated partnerships with local payment networks across Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Central Asia, Latin America, and Africa to enable QR payment connectivity. On June 11, 2026, the China-Indonesia cross-border QR linkage officially went live, witnessed by central bank governors of both countries. The milestone increased the total number of overseas merchants accepting UnionPay QR codes to more than 46 million.

To showcase services catered to inbound visitors, UnionPay has set up a dedicated booth for Nihao China, demonstrating the one-stop service app jointly developed with China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism. With over 200,000 registered users, the Nihao China app integrates a wide range of travel-related services, including QR payment, public transit, voice translation, and tax refunds. The user interface has been fully localized to suit international users.

UnionPay has been working with global partners to build a cross-border payment ecosystem featuring unified standards, orderly development, and shared success. Five international partners have joined UnionPay at this year’s exhibition, namely, ASPI from Indonesia, ZeroPay from South Korea, Dialog Finance from Sri Lanka, Halyk Bank from Kazakhstan, and Banco do Brasil.

Expanding the Ecosystem and Advancing Fintech Innovation

As digital transformation accelerates, UnionPay remains committed to strengthening independent and secure fintech capabilities. The company has been investing in computing infrastructure, artificial intelligence, privacy protection, and smart payments. By fostering collaborative innovation among members, universities, technology companies, and government agencies, UnionPay expands the ecosystem and supports the development of new productive forces in the financial industry.

The AI exhibition area highlights the progress of UnionPay’s National AI Application Pilot Base in the financial sector, the only one of its kind in China. UnionPay has established a “1+1+N” large language model architecture consisting of an L0 foundation model, an L1 financial payments model, and multiple L2 models specific to different use cases. The architecture is supported by a computing resource pool with over 1,000 GPUs and a high-quality 2TB open financial dataset. Leveraging a comprehensive payment data infrastructure covering merchants, industry stakeholders, users, and use cases, UnionPay delivers robust data support for model training, consumer insights, and intelligent decision-making. More than 120 AI applications have been deployed across four key verticals: inclusive finance, consumption growth, risk management and compliance, and operational efficiency. To address critical data security challenges in the financial sector, UnionPay has pioneered privacy protection technologies for large language model and introduced an innovative edge-cloud synergy approach, enabling secure AI services without exposing sensitive data. The innovation facilitates broader AI adoption while safeguarding partner data.

UnionPay’s open AI platform brings together the innovative capabilities of ecosystem partners, including banks, payment institutions and technology companies. By providing payment, data, and AI-powered services, the platform empowers industry participants and fosters collaborative innovation. The exhibition area for smart payments features UnionPay’s APOP (Agentic Payment Open Protocol), an open framework for agent-based payments. Built on user consent and robust risk controls, APOP explores new models for intelligent agents to access payment capabilities. To date, UnionPay has partnered with 19 industry players to deploy applications including travel assistants, overseas hotel reservations, in-vehicle payments, and utility payments.

Fudan University, Huawei, Baidu AI Cloud, HYGON, and KUPAS.AI have joined UnionPay as technology partners at the exhibition, demonstrating collaborative achievements in computing power, large language models, and cybersecurity. Together, they have showcased UnionPay’s open innovation ecosystem and its commitment to driving the evolution of the payments industry through technological progress.

Delivering Payment Services that Better Serve Consumers, Businesses, and the Real Economy

Using Shanghai as a case study, live dashboards at the booth present data insights, including foot traffic heat maps of key commercial districts and consumer profiles of domestic and international visitors. Data showed that tourists from outside Shanghai account for 55% of total spending in the Nanjing East Road commercial area, making them a key driver of consumption. Distinct spending patterns were also observed among inbound travelers: visitors from the US favor local street food, South Korean tourists prefer popular lifestyle destinations, and Thai travelers show strong interest in shopping. These insights provide valuable support for commercial district operations and cultural tourism promotion.

At this year’s China International Financial Exhibition, UnionPay showcases its extensive global network, solid business foundation, and leading technological capabilities through a wide array of immersive exhibits. Moving forward, UnionPay will continue to grow its global payment network, develop self-reliant digital and intelligent infrastructure, and deliver value to consumers.Hashtag: #UnionPay

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

United States and Iranian negotiators ended their first round of high-level talks in Switzerland on Monday with an agreement to pursue a final settlement within 60 days, easing immediate fears of a wider regional confrontation after a volatile opening shaped by threats, maritime disruption and pressure from Gulf mediators. A joint statement by Qatar and Pakistan said the two sides had accepted a roadmap for technical negotiations, […]

Platform delivers “Agentic Risk Intelligence Under Your Team’s Command” – transforming fraud, AML, KYC, and dispute operations for financial institutions

MUMBAI, INDIA – NewsVoir – 22 June 2026 – Wibmo, a PayU company and leading provider of payment security solutions, unveiled Wibmo Agentic Risk Intelligence Assistant (ARIA), an AI-powered platform designed to transform financial crime operations, at its flagship industry event ‘Securing Digital Payments: Innovation, Intelligence & Trust’ held at Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai.

Unveiling ARIA in Mumbai: Wibmo's Agentic Risk Intelligence Assistant brings the power of AI to fraud, AML, KYC, and dispute operations.
Unveiling ARIA in Mumbai: Wibmo’s Agentic Risk Intelligence Assistant brings the power of AI to fraud, AML, KYC, and dispute operations.

ARIA is designed to support risk teams at banks and PSPs, combining AI-driven analysis with human decision-making and accountability. This is highly relevant now, as digital payment fraud challenges becoming increasingly complex. With the sustained growth in the payments ecosystem, financial institutions are focused on improving operational risk efficiency while maintaining strong governance and oversight.

Early modelling shows ARIA achieving over 70% reduction in investigation time through agents acting in real-time, enabling teams to process significantly more cases per FTE per day. ARIA targets delivering recommendation accuracy close to 90%, designed to improve quality metrics across risk operations teams.

ARIA represents a fundamental shift in how financial institutions approach risk operations by introducing specialized AI agents that support data aggregation, analysis, and draft recommendations, while preserving human decision-making authority and governance controls at every critical juncture.

ARIA combines capabilities across investigation, decision support, and operational actioning. The platform gathers signals from transactions, risk models, customer and merchant history, linked transactions, and historical fraud patterns to automate data aggregation that typically consumes significant analyst bandwidth. Using frontier AI models, ARIA generates evidence-referenced verdicts, identifies emerging patterns through multi-signal reasoning, and provides transparent, auditable recommendations. The platform also enables SOP-driven resolutions, customer and merchant communications, reduction of false alerts, and proactive defence mechanisms against emerging anomalies.

Shailesh Paul, CEO, Wibmo, said,“As fraud becomes more sophisticated and regulatory expectations continue to evolve, risk operations teams must manage growing complexity with limited resources. ARIA is designed to help institutions scale intelligently by combining the speed and analytical capabilities of AI with the judgment, oversight, and accountability of human expertise. While AI agents assist with data analysis and recommendations, every critical decision continues to remain firmly under human control.”

Unlike fully autonomous AI systems, Wibmo’s Agentic Risk Intelligence Assistant is built with a governance-first architecture designed for enterprise financial institutions. Every recommendation continues to flow through existing approval mechanisms without autonomous production actions, while all analyses are supported by transparent reasoning chains and comprehensive audit trails. The platform brings together specialized agents across fraud, AML, KYC, and disputes within a unified framework, alongside replayable audits and complete operational provenance for every agent action.

The launch event brought together more than 50 senior leaders from banks, fintechs, payment networks, and technology organizations to discuss evolving challenges in digital payment security and the future of AI-led fraud prevention. Speakers from PayU, NPCI Bharat Billpay, Visa, Mastercard, Flipkart, CSB Bank, Jio Payment Solutions, and Network International participated in discussions around acquiring fraud risk management, authentication technologies, and risk-based decisioning.

Hashtag: #Wibmo

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

About Wibmo

Wibmo, a PayU company, operates across entities in India, the US, and Indonesia. As a global full-stack PayTech company and an industry leader in payment security and digital payments in emerging markets, Wibmo stands out for its innovation and impact.

In addition to being India’s largest authentication service provider in one of the leading digital payment markets globally, Wibmo offers comprehensive fraud and risk management solutions, digital financial services, prepaid solutions, and a broad range of merchant-acquiring services. Learn more at:

Apple is set to work with Intel on designing and manufacturing chips in the United States, President Donald Trump said, signalling a potential breakthrough for Intel’s foundry ambitions and a fresh shift in Washington’s effort to bring advanced semiconductor production closer to home. The announcement, made through Trump’s social media account, has not yet been publicly confirmed by either Apple or Intel. Both companies have declined to […]

Apple has issued a firmware update for Beats Studio Buds after confirming a Bluetooth security flaw that could allow an attacker nearby to listen through the earbuds’ microphone while the device was unpaired and searching for pairing requests. The fix, released as Beats Firmware Update 1B211 on June 16, addresses CVE-2025-20701, a high-severity vulnerability tied to Bluetooth audio code used in the earbuds. The flaw affected Beats […]

Abu Dhabi National Oil Company has opened another spot crude tender, offering buyers the option to load cargoes inside the Strait of Hormuz as Gulf exporters test confidence in a shipping route still shadowed by security, insurance and transit concerns after an interim U. S.-Iran peace arrangement. The tender, issued on Friday, covers Upper Zakum, Umm Lulu and Das crude for June, July and August loading, with […]

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Iran’s Strait of Hormuz regulator has suspended planned transit charges for 60 days, easing immediate pressure on shipowners as Tehran and Washington enter a negotiation window under a memorandum of understanding signed this week. The Persian Gulf Strait Authority said on Friday that vessels seeking passage through the waterway must submit transit requests at least 48 hours before arrival while the interim arrangement […]

Iran has moved to impose a new authorisation regime over the Strait of Hormuz, saying vessels must secure permission and mandatory insurance before crossing the world’s most sensitive energy chokepoint, even as Washington said about 20 ships had quietly sailed through the waterway. The measure, framed by Tehran as a safety and liability requirement, has raised alarm across shipping, insurance and energy markets because it appears to […]

Dubai’s commodities market is preparing to launch a same-day physically settled gold contract, giving bullion dealers, refineries and institutional traders a regulated route to execute, clear and settle physical gold transactions within a single trading day. The Dubai Gold and Commodities Exchange will introduce its Gold Spot T+0 Contract on Monday, 22 June, positioning the emirate as one of the few global centres offering exchange-based same-day settlement […]

Dubai International Financial Centre has opened a 30-day consultation on proposed amendments to its Data Protection Regulations, setting out tougher governance requirements for artificial intelligence systems that process personal data across the financial centre. The proposals, published under Consultation Paper No. 3 of 2026, are aimed at reinforcing the framework for autonomous and semi-autonomous systems, clarifying certification obligations and defining the responsibilities of Autonomous Systems Officers. Stakeholders […]

Advancement in international reputation, employer reputation, and global engagement

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 June 2026 – The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) has been ranked 18th globally in the latest Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings 2027, climbing 14 places from 32nd in the previous year and entering the global top 20 for the first time. This achievement reflects CUHK’s steady progress in the global higher education landscape, with notable improvements across multiple indicators, including employer reputation, international research network, international student ratio, and faculty student ratio. The University once again achieved a full score in the international faculty ratio, reinforcing its position as a leading research university in Asia with global recognition.

Professor Dennis Lo Yuk-ming, CUHK’s Vice-Chancellor and President, said: “CUHK’s entry into the global top 20 marks a significant milestone in the University’s development and stands as a testament to the collective efforts of our faculty, students, alumni, and partners over the years. Rooted in Hong Kong, China’s most international city, CUHK is committed to the education of outstanding students and scholars from across the globe with a dynamic environment that integrates academic excellence, cultural diversity, and innovation. The notable rise in employer reputation underscores the effectiveness of CUHK’s collegiate system and liberal arts education, combined with the strengths of a research university. We are dedicated to nurturing a new generation of leaders with independent thinking, cross-cultural perspectives and a strong sense of social responsibility, enabling them to excel across diverse fields. CUHK is also a global hub for academic excellence that brings together top scholars from around the world. The full score in the international faculty ratio once again highlights our sustained strength in attracting world-class talent.”

“Looking ahead, with the forthcoming launch of the CUHK Strategic Plan 2026–2030, we will deepen our strategic partnerships with leading universities, industries, and government organisations. By advancing impactful research and knowledge transfer, we aim to collaborate in addressing the common challenges facing humanity. We extend our sincere gratitude to the HKSAR Government, our nation and partners across sectors for their steadfast support, and warmly invite outstanding students, scholars, and collaborators from around the world to join us in shaping the next chapter of higher education.”

The 2027 rankings assessed the performance of over 1,500 universities worldwide. CUHK showed substantial improvement across several indicators, including:

  • Rising 14 places to 18th globally, marking a historic high for CUHK;
  • Ranking second in Hong Kong in academic reputation, employer reputation, employment outcomes and sustainability;
  • Recording a notable rise in employer reputation, reflecting growing recognition among global employers of the professional competence and leadership potential of CUHK graduates;
  • Achieving full score in the international faculty ratio once again, highlighting the University’s strength in attracting top academic talent from around the world;
  • Recording significant improvements in indicators such as international research network, international student ratio, and faculty student ratio, reflecting CUHK’s continued progress in internationalisation and global engagement, as well as its ongoing efforts to enhance teaching support and the student learning experience.

This year’s ranking represents CUHK’s best performance since the introduction of the QS World University Rankings in 2010. Building on this milestone, the University will continue to enhance the quality of teaching and learning, strengthen its global academic networks and research impact, to nurture outstanding talent for China and the international community.

For QS World University Rankings 2027, please click here for more details.
Hashtag: #CUHK #QS #Rankings






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

About The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Founded in 1963, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) is a leading comprehensive research university with a global reputation and world-leading rankings. Located in the heart of Asia, CUHK has a vision and a mission to combine tradition with modernity, and to bring together China and the West. Under the University’s unique collegiate system, the programmes and activities offered by its nine colleges complement the formal curricula by delivering whole-person education and pastoral care. The University has eight faculties: Arts, Business Administration, Education, Engineering, Law, Medicine, Science, and Social Science. Together with the Graduate School, the University offers over 300 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. All faculties are actively engaged in research in a wide range of disciplines, with an array of research institutes and research centres specialising in interdisciplinary research of the highest quality.

VISHNU RAJA
RYO YAMADA
HITORI GOTOH
IKUYO KITA
Just in:
Valarmathi restarts fast as teachers defy police // U.S. Democratic Leadership Starts Dialogue With Progressive Bloc For Joint Strategy // New Zealand bond bids reach thirteen-year auction peak // Nvidia appoints Colette Kress interim chief after Huang departure // LANDMARK Presents ‘Destination CENTRAL’: A District-Wide Celebration Inviting Global Travellers to Explore the Dynamism, Luxury, and Soul of Central // L’OCCITANE Celebrates 50 Years Of Provençal Craftsmanship With Holiday 2026 Collection // How A Newly Elected Democratic Congress Could Reshape US–India Relations? // Uforce reaches $6 billion valuation with British backing // Ration dealers seek GPS aided grain deliveries // Forged court directives trigger probe into website blocking // December Is the Last Window for $800,000 U.S. Residency Investment // EBANX and Eneba strengthen partnership in Latin America with 138% YoY growth in payment volume // Crescent Enterprises venture arm funds Oyster Therapeutics development // Ajman University MBA climbs to joint 13th regionally // Turkish Airlines adds Chengdu to mainland China services // Wizz Air half-year earnings sink as fuel costs surge // High Court orders scrutiny of Thachankary hospitalisation // Spain housing strike disrupts transport and industry nationwide // Musk expresses willingness to recruit Nvidia chief Huang // Microsoft outage leaves Outlook and Teams users disconnected //