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SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 February 2026 – In the wake of Budget 2026 and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s announcement of a National AI Council to accelerate mission-driven artificial intelligence deployment, EtonHouse International Education Group has collaborated with OpenAI to roll out ChatGPT Edu across its global education network, establishing a secure, enterprise-grade AI workspace designed to strengthen governance, operational excellence and institutional capability.

The implementation spans the Group’s schools and education brands, including EBridge Pre-School, an Anchor Operator, extending AI integration beyond classroom experimentation into enterprise-wide infrastructure supporting operations, marketing and admissions, finance, human resources, school administration and technology development.

While education was not named among the initial priority sectors identified under Singapore’s national AI strategy, EtonHouse views schools as foundational to building long-term AI capability and literacy across society.

Governance-led AI deployment

The rollout has been structured around enterprise governance principles. Access is managed through role-based access controls, single sign-on authentication and automated provisioning, ensuring that AI tools and information remain aligned to defined job responsibilities and permission boundaries.

ChatGPT Edu operates within a centrally managed internal workspace governed by consistent policies across the Group. External sharing and third-party integrations are enabled only where explicitly approved and aligned with business requirements, reinforcing a secure and compliant AI environment.

This governance-first approach reflects a deliberate shift from isolated experimentation to structured, scalable adoption.

From classroom innovation to enterprise infrastructure

EtonHouse previously developed Lumina, its proprietary AI-powered lesson planning platform. The deployment of ChatGPT Edu represents the next phase of integration, extending advanced artificial intelligence capabilities into enterprise functions.

Within the secure workspace, teams can upload documents for structured analysis, generate comparative reports, conduct scenario modelling and retrieve institutional knowledge more efficiently. Technology teams are also leveraging Codex, OpenAI’s agentic coding tool, to enhance development workflows, supporting code drafting, review and testing while maintaining human oversight and established engineering standards.

The Group is concurrently developing internal AI assistants and structured workflows within defined governance parameters to streamline routine processes and standardise how knowledge is accessed and applied across departments.

Augmentation, not replacement

EtonHouse emphasises that artificial intelligence is being implemented as an augmentation layer rather than a substitute for professional judgement.

“Artificial intelligence is not a shortcut or a replacement technology. It is a learning infrastructure,” said Mr Ng Yi-Xian, Group CEO of EtonHouse International Education Group. “We are developing tools that help students learn more confidently, support teachers to plan and differentiate more effectively, and equip HQ teams to serve schools faster and with higher quality. AI should amplify good practice, not replace it, so we are building the governance and capability to deploy it responsibly at scale.”

The rollout will be supported by structured staff training alongside OpenAI experts clear usage guidelines and ongoing oversight to ensure transparency, responsible usage and alignment with internal policies and regulatory obligations.

“As Singapore advances its national AI ambitions, many institutions are working to bridge the gap between rapidly advancing AI technologies and their ability to deploy them effectively and responsibly. EtonHouse’s rollout of ChatGPT Edu shows how forward-thinking education organisations can translate AI into practical, trusted enterprise-wide systems that empower teams today, while building confidence for the long-term.” added Oliver Jay, Managing Director, International at OpenAI.

Education’s role in Singapore’s AI future

Budget 2026 outlined the formation of a National AI Council to guide coordinated deployment across priority sectors including advanced manufacturing, connectivity, finance and healthcare.

EtonHouse’s implementation reflects how education institutions can apply similar principles of governance, security and enterprise readiness, positioning schools not only as adopters of technology but as contributors to Singapore’s broader AI capability building.

With this move, EtonHouse signals a transition from exploratory AI usage to secure, scalable integration across its global network, reinforcing its commitment to innovation anchored in institutional discipline and responsible deployment.

Hashtag: #ArtificialIntelligence #EnterpriseAI #AIGovernance #AIDeployment #EdTech

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

About EtonHouse International Education Group

In 2015, the EtonHouse Community Fund (ECF) was established, dedicated to enhancing the lives of underserved children and youth through education.

The Eton Academy was launched in 2020, providing English, Maths, and Science academic programmes for Nursery 1 to Primary 6 in centres across the island. Building on this success, The Eton Academy expanded in 2025 with the introduction of Elevate After School Care, offering primary school children a holistic, well-rounded after-school experience that complements their academic development.

EtonHouse International Education Group remains unwavering in its commitment to shaping futures and making a meaningful impact on the world through education.

Tata Group, Tata Consultancy Services and OpenAI unveiled a landmark strategic partnership that aims to redefine the landscape of artificial intelligence deployment across enterprise, infrastructure and workforce development. With a multi-year agreement signed at a major AI summit in New Delhi, the collaboration is centred on building out AI infrastructure in India, rolling out Enterprise ChatGPT to thousands of employees and co-creating industry-tailored AI solutions.

Under the pact, TCS’ HyperVault unit will lead the development of large-scale AI-ready data centres, starting with an initial capacity of about 100 megawatts of power and a roadmap to scale to 1 gigawatt. OpenAI is anticipated to become the first anchor customer for this infrastructure, supporting advanced AI computation and inference workloads within the country.

Central to the partnership is the deployment of Enterprise ChatGPT across Tata Group companies, designed to enhance productivity and accelerate innovation within one of India’s largest conglomerates. Thousands of employees are set to receive access to the enterprise version of the generative AI platform, enabling broader internal adoption of AI tools for knowledge work and decision support.

Beyond productivity tools, the alliance will explore the development of “agentic” AI solutions that combine OpenAI’s cutting-edge models with TCS’ industry knowledge and engineering capabilities. This approach aims to address complex sector-specific challenges across fields such as manufacturing, financial services and healthcare, rather than offering generic AI applications.

OpenAI’s CEO Sam Altman positioned the collaboration as part of a larger initiative to expand the company’s footprint and capabilities in emerging markets like India, where demand for AI services and local data processing is accelerating. He emphasised the need for robust infrastructure and local partnerships to scale AI responsibly and securely.

Tata Sons Chairman N. Chandrasekaran described the partnership as a cornerstone in the group’s wider AI strategy, underscoring its potential to strengthen both domestic capacity and global competitiveness. The agreement aligns with TCS’ ambition to become a leading AI-driven technology services provider on the world stage, building on its existing HyperVault platform and ongoing investments in state-of-the-art data centres.

Financial markets reacted positively to the announcement, with TCS shares rising after the news broke, reflecting investor confidence in the company’s expanded role in AI infrastructure build-out and its position as a strategic partner to global AI developers.

The infrastructure element of the partnership places a strong emphasis on scalability and sustainability. TCS’ HyperVault facilities are designed to support liquid-cooled, high-density data environments that can handle the demanding computational needs of generative AI models, while also integrating with major cloud regions for broader interoperability.

A social impact component is woven into the alliance through plans to collaborate with the OpenAI Foundation to deliver AI training programmes for youth and underserved communities, equipping individuals with skills to engage with emerging technologies responsibly. The initiative aims to develop a pipeline of talent capable of contributing to the wider AI ecosystem.

This partnership comes amid a broader surge in investment and strategic alignments between global AI firms and Indian technology leaders, as the country seeks to position itself as a competitive hub for innovation and data infrastructure. Industry observers note that similar efforts by other major tech players to localise AI capabilities reflect a global trend towards data residency, regulatory compliance and sovereign control over critical AI workloads.

Critics caution that the rapid expansion of AI infrastructure must be balanced with robust governance frameworks to address concerns around data security, ethical use and labour market disruption. Analysts argue that while the partnership promises substantial gains in efficiency and capability, clear policies and oversight mechanisms will be crucial to ensure equitable benefits across society.

• UBT251 is a triple agonist of the receptors for GLP-1, GIP and glucagon (triple G), being jointly developed by United Biotechnology and Novo Nordisk
• In a placebo-controlled phase 2 trial in Chinese people with overweight or obesity, UBT251 led to a statistically significant mean weight loss of up to 19.7% after 24 weeks
• UBT251 appeared to have a safe and well-tolerated profile consistent with incretin-based therapies.

GUANGDONG, CHINA & BAGSVÆRD, DENMARK – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 February 2026 – The United Laboratories International Holdings Limited (TUL) and Novo Nordisk A/S (Novo Nordisk) today announced topline results from a Chinese phase 2 trial of UBT251, a triple agonist of the receptors for GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon (triple G).

UBT251 is being jointly developed by TUL’s wholly-owned subsidiary The United Bio-Technology (Hengqin) Co., Ltd. (United Biotechnology) and Novo Nordisk under an agreement signed in March 2025. United Biotechnology is responsible for development in Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, while Novo Nordisk is responsible for development in the rest of the world.

The trial, conducted by United Biotechnology, investigated the safety and efficacy of once-weekly injectable 2 mg, 4 mg and 6 mg doses of UBT251 compared to placebo in Chinese people with overweight or obesity. From a baseline mean body weight of 92.2 kg, the highest mean weight loss observed for people treated with UBT251 was 19.7% (-17.5 kg) compared to 2.0% (-1.6kg) in the placebo group after 24 weeks of treatment[i].

Moreover, all dose groups of UBT251 showed statistically significant improvements relative to placebo on key secondary endpoints, including waist circumference, blood glucose, blood pressure and lipids.

In the trial, UBT251 appeared to have a safe and well-tolerated profile. The most common adverse events were gastrointestinal, and the vast majority were mild to moderate and diminished over time, consistent with incretin-based therapies.

“The success of the phase 2 clinical trial of UBT251 in China represents another significant milestone in TUL’s innovation-driven development,” said Mr Tsoi Hoi Shan, Chairman of TUL. “We will continue to focus on chronic diseases, including endocrine and metabolic disorders, accelerate the further development of UBT251, and strive to bring more high-quality treatment options to patients worldwide at the earliest opportunity.”

“We are very encouraged by these data from the trial in China, which demonstrate the potential of UBT251 and its differentiated clinical profile and safety and tolerability profile,” said Martin Holst Lange, executive vice president, chief scientific officer and head of Research and Development at Novo Nordisk. “We look forward to reporting data from a global trial with UBT251 conducted by Novo Nordisk next year.”

Novo Nordisk recently initiated a global phase 1b/2a trial investigating the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of different doses of UBT251 for up to 28 weeks in around 330 people living with overweight or obesity. Topline data from that trial is expected in 2027. Novo Nordisk also expects to initiate a phase 2 trial with UBT251 in people with type 2 diabetes in the second half of 2026.

United Biotechnology will present detailed data from the Chinese phase 2 trial at a medical congress later this year. Based on the results of this trial, the company is planning to initiate a phase 3 trial in Chinese patients with overweight or obesity.

About the Chinese phase 2 trial

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial enrolled a total of 205 Chinese patients with obesity (BMI ≥ 28.0 kg/m²) or overweight (24.0 kg/m² ≤ BMI < 28.0 kg/m²) with at least one weight-related comorbidity. The baseline mean body weight of the patients was 92.2 kg, with a baseline mean BMI of 33.1 kg/m².

Patients were randomly assigned to receive weekly subcutaneous injections of UBT251 in doses of 2 mg, 4 mg, 6 mg, or placebo for 24 weeks.

The primary endpoint of the trial was the percentage change in body weight from baseline after 24 weeks of treatment.

About UBT251

UBT251 is a long-acting synthetic peptide triple agonist targeting the receptors for GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and glucagon.

In March 2025, United Biotechnology entered an exclusive license agreement with Novo Nordisk A/S for UBT251. Under the agreement, Novo Nordisk obtained exclusive worldwide rights (excluding Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan) to develop, manufacture and commercialise UBT251. United Biotechnology retained the rights for UBT251 in Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan.

Hashtag: #UBT251

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

About TUL and United Biotechnology

Founded in 1990, TUL (HKEX: 3933) is mainly engaged in the research and development, production and sales of pharmaceuticals, and ranks among the leading integrated pharmaceutical companies in China. TUL currently boasts seven production bases, covering intermediate products, bulk medicine, finished products, veterinary drugs, empty capsule casings, and medical devices, with the sales networks dotted across nearly 80 countries and regions. United Biotechnology, located in the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, serves as the biopharmaceutical R&D headquarter of TUL. United Biotechnology focuses on the development of high-end biopharmaceuticals to treat major chronic diseases. For more information, please visit www.tul.com.cn.

About Novo Nordisk

Novo Nordisk is a leading global healthcare company, founded in 1923 and headquartered in Denmark. Our purpose is to drive change to defeat serious chronic diseases, built upon our heritage in diabetes. We do so by pioneering scientific breakthroughs, expanding access to our medicines, and working to prevent and ultimately cure disease. Novo Nordisk employs about 68,800 people in 80 countries and markets its products in around 170 countries. For more information, visit novonordisk.com, Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn and YouTube.

Producer prices in the Republic of Korea rose for a fifth straight month in January, driven by firmer semiconductor prices and higher agricultural costs, according to central bank data that point to lingering pipeline inflation pressures in Asia’s fourth-largest economy.

Figures released by the Bank of Korea showed the producer price index increased on both a monthly and annual basis, extending a run of gains that began in early autumn. Officials attributed the latest rise largely to a rebound in memory chip prices and elevated food-related costs, reflecting supply constraints and weather-related disruptions.

Semiconductors, a cornerstone of the country’s export-led economy, played a decisive role. Prices for key memory products, including DRAM and NAND flash, strengthened as global demand for data centres and artificial intelligence applications continued to absorb inventories. After a prolonged downturn that weighed on manufacturing output through 2023, chipmakers have benefited from tighter supply and renewed investment in high-performance computing, pushing upstream prices higher.

Industry analysts say the upturn in chip prices has filtered through supply chains, lifting overall producer prices even as energy costs have remained comparatively stable. Manufacturing accounts for a substantial share of Korea’s producer basket, meaning swings in technology components can exert an outsized influence on headline figures.

Agricultural products also recorded notable gains. Unfavourable weather conditions and higher input costs contributed to increases in fruit, vegetable and livestock prices. Food-related producer costs are closely watched because they can pass through to consumer prices with a lag, particularly in a country where household spending on fresh produce forms a visible part of the inflation basket.

The latest data suggest cost pressures remain uneven across sectors. While energy prices have moderated from peaks seen after geopolitical disruptions in global oil and gas markets, certain industrial materials and processed foods have shown persistent firmness. Service-sector producer prices, including transport and logistics, have also edged higher, reflecting wage adjustments and operating expenses.

Economists note that sustained increases in producer prices can eventually feed into consumer inflation, although the transmission is neither automatic nor immediate. Consumer price growth has eased from multi-year highs reached in 2022, but remains sensitive to food and housing costs. The central bank has kept its benchmark interest rate at a restrictive level since early 2023 in a bid to anchor inflation expectations and support financial stability.

Policy deliberations in Seoul have balanced the need to contain price pressures against concerns over slowing domestic demand and household debt. Export performance has improved alongside the semiconductor recovery, yet construction activity and private consumption have shown mixed signals. A continued rise in producer prices may complicate the timing of any monetary easing, particularly if global commodity prices remain volatile.

The global context adds another layer of uncertainty. Demand for advanced chips linked to artificial intelligence has bolstered Korea’s trade outlook, but cyclical risks persist in other manufacturing segments, including petrochemicals and steel. At the same time, agricultural markets remain exposed to climate variability, which can amplify price swings and affect food security.

Market participants are closely monitoring whether the current producer price trend represents a stabilisation after last year’s weakness or the beginning of a more entrenched cost cycle. Some analysts argue that the semiconductor rebound is structural, underpinned by sustained capital expenditure in cloud infrastructure and next-generation devices. Others caution that technology demand can be volatile, and that inventory adjustments may re-emerge later in the year.

For policymakers, the composition of producer price growth is as important as the headline number. Increases concentrated in export-oriented sectors may bolster corporate earnings and investment, whereas broad-based gains across consumer-linked industries could signal renewed inflationary momentum. The central bank has indicated it will continue to assess data on prices, wages and growth before making any shift in its policy stance.

Businesses, meanwhile, face decisions on whether to absorb higher input costs or pass them on to customers. Large technology firms may have greater pricing power in global markets, but small and medium-sized enterprises, particularly in food processing and retail supply chains, operate on thinner margins.

Debut at startup-centric zone 4YFN, Dual-presence at World Class Tech Exhibitions in Spain

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 February 2026 – Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), in collaboration with Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), will lead a delegation of 21 Hong Kong tech companies and institutions to showcase at Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026—the world’s premier connectivity event, and debut at 4 Years From Now (4YFN) 2026—a global stage for start-ups, taking place concurrently 2-5 March in Barcelona, Spain.

Building on the momentum from MWC 2025—the Delegation will be featuring solutions beyond the Connectivity category, covering focus areas across Devices and Systems, Digital Transformation and support from Ecosystem Partners. The Pavilion duet ought to give a more comprehensive picture of Hong Kong’s innovation and technology (I&T) capabilities in engaging global telecom leaders, enterprise decision-makers, industry partners, and investors, bridging cutting-edge research and development (R&D) into real-world applications and propelling Hong Kong’s I&T sector onto the international stage.

Derek Chim, Head of Startup Ecosystem and Development, HKSTP said, “MWC is a global bellwether for communications technology and tech companies at any stage, to connect with the industry and investors, to have a solid ground that validate solutions, catalyse pilot projects, accelerate commercialisation, and scale internationally.”

Iris Wong, Director, Merchandise Trade and Innovation / Director, External Relations, HKTDC, said, “The Hong Kong Tech Pavilion is an ideal platform for Hong Kong tech enterprises to present their latest R&D achievements at major international tech gatherings, support their journey to explore overseas markets, while highlighting Hong Kong’s strengths as an international innovation and technology hub.”

A series of dialogues and exchanges, spanning from networking reception and themed talks to pitching sessions, will take place throughout the events at the Pavilion to facilitate partnerships and investment opportunities for innovative solutions that are market-ready with high potential for market expansion, in particular, Asmote and Cresento under “Connectivity” make stellar examples of the notion:

• 5G & 6G for Communication, Sensing, and AI computing – Shannon & Turing, (Asmote), located at MWC, specialises in mmWave technology for Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) technology—drone communications and control—rising to the occasion as the city advances its low-altitude economy initiatives, while winning favors for its efficiency in managing industrial scenarios such as smart ports and dark factories. The company previously secured the world’s first 26GHz mmWave 5G commercial communications project, demonstrating its leadership in industrial-grade applications.

• Smart Performance Insights for Sport – Cresento, located at 4YFN, focused on developing an AI-powered shin guard to deliver real-time insights—performance analytics, team leaderboards, and more—with a design that incorporates into gears that athletes already wear and creates minimal friction for, in particular, football players to adapt, will be moving from prototypes to pilot collaborations with European football clubs, academies and sport tech platforms and distributors.

HKSTP continues to join hands with HKTDC to support Hong Kong tech enterprises to “go global” by jointly organising the Hong Kong Tech Pavilion to build bridges linking tech companies with the world. This expedites the industry’s progress in internationalisation to meet the growing demand for I&T globally. This will attract talents, facilitate forward-looking investments and explore opportunities globally, realising the mission of entrepreneurs to reach out to the world and further consolidate Hong Kong’s position as an international I&T hub.

Mobile World Congress Barcelona (MWC) & 4 Years From Now (4YFN)
Date: 2-5 March 2026
Venue: Fira Gran Via, Av. Joan Carles I, 64, 08908 L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain

Hong Kong Tech Pavilion:
MWC – Booth 6E44 at Hall 6
4YFN – Booth 8.1B31 at Hall 8.1

Please visit https://bit.ly/MWC2026HKTech for more information on Hong Kong Tech Pavilion and the exhibitors.

Appendix: Full list of 21 tech entities showcasing at Hong Kong Tech Pavilion during MWC and 4YFN 2026 (in alphabetical order)

Hashtag: #HKSTP

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

HKSTP

More information about HKSTP is available at www.hkstp.org

Battery swapping allows drivers to exchange a depleted battery for a fully charged one in a matter of minutes at automated stations. Proponents argue that the process reduces waiting times, eases pressure on charging grids and addresses consumer concerns over driving range. The single-day tally reflects the rapid build-out of swapping infrastructure, particularly in urban clusters where electric vehicle adoption has surged.

Nio, one of the most prominent advocates of the model, has invested heavily in automated swap stations capable of completing a battery exchange in roughly three to five minutes. The company has deployed thousands of such stations nationwide, positioning the service as a core part of its premium brand offering. CATL, the world’s largest electric vehicle battery manufacturer, has also entered the segment, unveiling standardised battery packs and modular swap solutions aimed at broader industry adoption.

The record comes as authorities continue to encourage innovation in electric mobility as part of wider decarbonisation efforts. China remains the world’s largest market for electric vehicles, accounting for more than half of global sales. According to industry data, new energy vehicles — which include battery-electric and plug-in hybrid models — have steadily expanded their share of total car sales, supported by policy incentives, local government backing and a dense manufacturing ecosystem.

Supporters of battery swapping argue that the model can complement fast-charging networks rather than replace them. While high-powered chargers have improved, recharging times can still extend beyond 20 minutes depending on capacity and grid availability. Swapping offers a predictable and shorter turnaround, which fleet operators such as ride-hailing and logistics companies view as critical to maintaining vehicle utilisation rates.

Industry analysts note that standardisation has historically been a barrier to wider adoption. Different vehicle platforms often require unique battery configurations, complicating interoperability. CATL has sought to address this by promoting unified battery specifications that could be shared across brands. If widely adopted, such standardisation could lower infrastructure costs and accelerate rollout beyond premium segments.

Nio has expanded partnerships with other manufacturers to open its swapping network to additional vehicle models. The company has also integrated digital systems to allow drivers to locate stations, reserve slots and monitor battery health. Executives argue that separating vehicle ownership from battery ownership — through subscription-style battery leasing — reduces upfront purchase prices and mitigates concerns over long-term battery degradation.

However, sceptics question whether the economics can be sustained at scale. Building and maintaining automated swap stations requires substantial capital expenditure. Each site houses multiple battery packs, robotic handling systems and grid connections capable of recharging stored units. Critics argue that fast-charging networks, which rely on increasingly powerful chargers, may offer a more straightforward path to expansion without the need for physical battery inventories.

Grid management is another factor shaping the debate. Swapping stations can recharge batteries during off-peak hours and potentially provide energy storage services to the grid. By smoothing demand, operators may reduce strain during peak periods. Analysts suggest that such integration could become more valuable as renewable energy capacity grows and grid balancing becomes more complex.

Beyond domestic deployment, Chinese firms have signalled ambitions to export swapping technology. Pilot projects have been announced in parts of Europe and Asia, though regulatory frameworks and consumer preferences vary widely. In markets where home charging is common and long-distance travel patterns differ, adoption may face distinct challenges. Even so, global interest in reducing charging bottlenecks has prompted automakers and policymakers to monitor developments closely.

Competition within China’s electric vehicle market remains intense. Dozens of manufacturers are vying for market share amid price competition and rapid technological upgrades. Infrastructure innovation has become a key differentiator. Companies capable of offering integrated ecosystems — spanning vehicle, battery, software and energy services — are viewed as better positioned to secure customer loyalty in a crowded field.

The 146,000-swap benchmark illustrates how quickly usage volumes can scale once infrastructure density reaches critical mass. Urban corridors linking major economic centres have seen particularly high utilisation rates, with drivers opting for swaps during peak commuting hours. Fleet operators report that predictable turnaround times improve route planning and asset productivity.