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An annual global awards programme affiliated with the World Travel Awards, the World Culinary Awards celebrates excellence and innovation across the culinary industry.

The accolade recognises Vietnam Airlines’ continued investment in its inflight dining experience as part of its ambition to achieve five star service standards by 2030. Drawing on Vietnam’s rich culinary heritage and locally sourced ingredients, the airline’s menus bring together regional specialities, contemporary cooking techniques and thoughtful presentation. Dishes are tailored to individual routes and cabin classes, taking into account passenger preferences and the unique demands of dining at altitude.

From Pho and Hue style beef noodle soup to Quang style noodles and Banh Mi Hoi An, iconic Vietnamese dishes feature prominently on Vietnam Airlines’ menus. Each dish is carefully crafted to retain its authentic flavours, taking into account how changes in taste perception at altitude can affect the inflight dining experience. Vietnam Airlines also works closely with its catering partners and cabin crew to ensure consistent food quality, serving temperatures and presentation across its flights.

Beyond its signature dishes, Vietnam Airlines showcases the country’s agricultural diversity through locally grown produce. Seasonal ingredients include strawberries and plums from Son La, lychees from Luc Ngan, egg lychees and longan from Hung Yen, macadamia nuts from Dien Bien, cashews from Dong Nai, and dragon fruit and melons from Lam Dong. The selection varies according to seasonal availability and inflight catering requirements.

In the first nine months of 2026, Vietnam Airlines and its affiliated catering companies used a total of 2,260 tonnes of domestically grown fruits and vegetables, supporting local producers and bringing the flavours of Vietnam to passengers on board.

The airline also works with local authorities to share the stories behind these ingredients and the communities that produce them. Through Heritage magazine, inflight entertainment and other communication channels, passengers can discover the origins of the food served on board and the regional traditions behind each speciality.

Dang Anh Tuan, Executive Vice President of Vietnam Airlines, said: “This award is a proud milestone for Vietnam Airlines and a testament to our commitment to delivering an exceptional inflight dining experience. It also underscores the international appeal of Vietnamese cuisine and its potential to connect travellers with our country’s cultural identity. As Vietnam’s national flag carrier, we see every journey as an opportunity to share the richness of our culinary heritage, the diversity of our regional produce and the warmth of Vietnamese hospitality. As we work towards achieving five-star service standards by 2030, we remain focused on meeting the highest international standards while preserving the distinctive Vietnamese character that sets our service apart. Ultimately, we want every meal on board to be a memorable part of the journey and a reason for passengers to fly with us again.”

Beyond inflight dining, Vietnam Airlines incorporates Vietnamese cultural elements throughout the passenger journey, from airport services and Lotus lounges to its onboard products and services. The golden lotus in its brand identity, flight attendants’ traditional ao dai uniforms and the Lac bird motif on its aircraft all reflect the country’s heritage. Vietnamese cuisine adds another dimension to this cultural experience, introducing international passengers to the country’s regional flavours and culinary traditions.

Through these efforts, Vietnam Airlines continues to promote Vietnam’s cultural heritage and share its distinctive identity with the world as the country’s national flag carrier.

Hashtag: #VietnamAirlines

http://www.vietnamairlines.com/

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Set on Cape Panwa overlooking the Andaman Sea, the retreat brings preventive medicine into the privacy of Sri panwa’s pool villas. Four-day, three-night and seven-day, six-night programs focus on stress management, sleep optimization and hormone balance, connecting the restorative experience of a tropical escape with an individual approach to health.

Each journey begins with an in-depth health assessment and consultation with a preventive medicine specialist. Physicians interpret the findings alongside each guest’s lifestyle, concerns and goals to develop a personalized plan covering nutrition, movement, recovery and appropriate supplementation. A personal health report gives guests a documented picture of their health, with recommendations they can put into practice after returning home.

“A holiday is therefore no longer simply a change of scenery; it should also offer a meaningful opportunity to restore the body and mind and support lasting wellbeing,” said Songkran Issara, CEO, Charn Issara Development.

“Scientific Wellness begins with understanding each individual’s health through scientific data,” said Dr. Kiettipoom Saithai, Assistant Director of Prevention & Wellness Clinic, BDMS Wellness Clinic. “The objective is not simply to understand test results, but to translate health information into practical guidance that can be applied in everyday life.”

Throughout the stay, personalized dining, mindfulness sessions and spa experiences are tailored to each guest’s blood test results and physician recommendations. Surrounded by sea views and tropical greenery, guests have time to engage with their health, supported by medical expertise and Sri panwa’s distinctive hospitality.

As the Official Thailand Country Partner of the Global Wellness Institute for the fourth consecutive year, BDMS Wellness Clinic continues to advance Thailand as a global wellness destination. The retreat will feature among the Immersive Experiences at the Global Wellness Summit in Phuket on 10–13 November 2026, with exclusive benefits for delegates, connecting the conversation on longevity with personalized preventive care.

Visit us at www.bdmswellness.com for more information.

Hashtag: #BDMSWellnessClinic #SriPanwa #HolisticWellnessRetreat

https://www.bdmswellness.com

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By Dr. Gyan Pathak Though India has asserted at the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee, on the agenda item concerning the Working Group on Enforced Disappearance, that human rights should not be used as an instrument of political pressure or selective targeting of countries, India’s democratic institutions and International reputation is on stake on account […]

The article India’s Democratic Institutions And Global Reputation On Stake appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

The six vendors were selected through a rigorous, multi-tiered screening process. Companies were assessed against eligibility criteria centred on youthful leadership and business track record, before undergoing desktop audits, pre-assessments and site visits benchmarked against the Malaysia Business Excellence Framework (MBEF). Vendors demonstrating the required readiness, strategic relevance to UEM Edgenta and potential for sustainable growth were shortlisted for the inaugural cohort.

YEP is designed to build on the success of UEM Edgenta’s existing Vendor Development Programme, with a sharper focus on empowering young business owners. The programme aims to develop industry-ready vendors that meet UEM Edgenta’s operational and compliance standards, while strengthening their long-term business viability. In doing so, YEP supports the aspirations of Rancangan Malaysia Ke-13 (RMK13) to raise the socioeconomic standing of the rakyat, particularly through youth empowerment, digital innovation, financial inclusion, and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

To deliver the training component, the Company has forged strategic partnerships with Institut Keusahawanan Negara (INSKEN) and the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) Malaysia. INSKEN will lead training on business model development, leadership, and strategic planning, culminating in an INSKEN certification, while CIDB will provide technical training on tender, contract, and financial management as well as management systems, supporting participants’ compliance and competitiveness within the construction and infrastructure industry. These external modules are complemented by internal business training delivered through Edgenta Academy.

Shaiful Subhan, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of UEM Edgenta, said the programme reflects the Company’s commitment in nurturing a resilient and future-ready vendor base. “As we look ahead, we want to build a supplier ecosystem that is diverse, competitive and driven by capability and performance. We believe opportunities should be earned through commitment, quality and willingness to grow, not simply by how long a company has been in business. A strong supply chain is not built overnight. It is built by investing in people, developing capabilities and creating long-term partnerships that grow together,” he said.

Beyond its immediate vendor ecosystem, UEM Edgenta views YEP as a platform to contribute to the broader national agenda of socioeconomic mobility, helping young business owners transform innovative ideas into commercially viable ventures that, in time, create new employment opportunities within their own communities. The inaugural cohort has been intentionally kept small to allow for high-quality, intensive mentorship and customised training. The Company will evaluate the outcomes of this inaugural batch to guide future investment and the potential expansion of the programme to a wider pool of young entrepreneurs in subsequent years.

Hashtag: #UEMEdgenta #UEMEdgentaBerhad #YEP #YoungEntrepreneurshipProgramme

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

About UEM Edgenta

UEM Edgenta Berhad (“UEM Edgenta”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of UEM Group Berhad, is an Asset Management and Infrastructure Solutions company that delivers integrated, end-to-end solutions across the entire asset lifecycle, combining engineering excellence in design, project management and asset consultancy with tech-enabled asset management capabilities to optimise asset performance, efficiency and resilience.

With operations across Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Taiwan, the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, UEM Edgenta supports the reliable and sustainable performance of critical assets, including healthcare facilities, transportation networks and industrial infrastructure.

The annual flagship program builds on the success of its first two editions, bringing global experts together around an agenda shaped by the green transition’s most urgent challenges and opportunities.

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 October 2026 – GoImpact will convene the 3rd Green Tech Summit on October 21-22 at Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel, Hong Kong, bringing together over 50 world-class experts and leaders from across sectors to exchange ideas and showcase solutions under the theme of “turning climate risks into opportunities”.

Now in its third year, the Summit builds on the success of its first two editions and its role as a signature annual convening for cross-sector expertise. This year’s agenda is designed to move beyond discussion—creating space for participants to examine shared challenges, connect perspectives and identify opportunities for meaningful progress. With continuous strong support from Corporate Partners like HSBC, Swiss Reinsurance, Stephenson Harwood, and Sino Group, with City University of Hong Kong as Academic Partner, US Green Building Council as Learning Partner, and many trade associations as Community Partners, the Summit is a focal point gathering over 400 participants.

“To achieve a green and sustainable future, we need green capital at an unprecedented scale. Hong Kong will continue to leverage our robust financial structures and technological innovation to connect green projects with international capital, and work with our partners to build a greener future.,” said Joseph Chan, Under Secretary of Financial Services and Treasury Bureau of the HKSAR Government who is the guest-of-honour opening the Summit.

“The intersection of Green and Tech continues to be the important nexus driving actions and results in a world that faces increasingly harsh consequences of climate change-related risks,” “The Summit is a collective call to action for us to come together and focus on such priorities,” said Helene Li, CEO & Co-Founder of GoImpact.

The programme will feature over 20 sessions and workshops, with contributions from leading players such as the Bank for International Settlements, Henderson Land Development, National University Health System of Singapore and more.. The Summit will bring different perspectives into the conversation to support practical collaboration.

Hashtag: #GoImpact #GreenTechSummit2026

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About GoImpact

Bridging the great divide between the talk and action, the move from ambition to action, accelerating the Sustainable Development agenda from intention to implementation – GoImpact means impact made easy and actionable.

GoImpact is an ecosystem developed to connect the dots and provide action enablers built around 2 key pillars:

• Education
• Advocacy

Through its partners network with online-to-offline initiatives along with connections to corporate organisations, higher-education institutes and regulators, GoImpact connects investors with deals relevant to their interests and provide learning opportunities to drive real change by example for everyone who is keen to understand more about the Sustainable Finance agenda.

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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For Tongxiang, long associated with the annual internet conference, the summit is also a chance to demonstrate how local companies are commercializing AI technologies for customers at home and abroad.

Ahead of the event, reporters visited seven Tongxiang-based companies working in robotics, intelligent vehicles, synthetic data, industrial automation, logistics and computing infrastructure.

Singapore Changi Airport earlier this year placed a fourth order for commercial cleaning robots from CenoBots, a Tongxiang-based company whose machines are used in airports, supermarkets, hospitals, factories and warehouses.

CenoBots has sold products in more than 40 countries and regions. Its customers include Changi Airport, British retailer Tesco, the University of Minnesota and pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk. This year, the company supplied about 600 autonomous cleaning robots for Tesco Express stores across the United Kingdom.

“Cleaning robots are appearing in more and more settings,” said Shen Jizhong, CenoBots’ co-founder and vice president. “It is much like electric vehicles becoming a familiar sight on the roads — a trend that is gathering pace.”

The company’s machines are adapted to different settings. Hospital robots must move through busy corridors without disrupting patient care, while those used in supermarkets navigate around shoppers and carts. Factory robots operate near forklifts, and airport models must handle both fine debris in carpeted areas and small obstacles on smooth floors.

CenoBots continues to refine its robots through real-world testing, focusing on reliable operation and consistent cleaning performance across diverse environments. The company has expanded its research, development and production facilities in Tongxiang from approximately 3,000 square meters in its early years to more than 20,000 square meters. Local malls, hospitals and sports venues have also served as long-term testing sites.

While CenoBots focuses on service robots, TEEMO is developing the vehicle platforms that support autonomous mobility. The company makes drive-by-wire skateboard chassis and core components for autonomous vehicles used in last-mile delivery, patrols and logistics.

Its standardized chassis can be equipped with different vehicle bodies and hardware for specific uses. One of TEEMO’s strategic customers, autonomous delivery-vehicle maker Zelos, was selected for all lots in China Post’s centralized procurement program for 7,000 autonomous delivery vehicles.

TEEMO’s customers already span the United States, the Middle East, India and Russia, said Zhang Yongjian, the company’s director of operations.

“In some overseas markets, distances are long, populations are dispersed and last-mile delivery is difficult to staff,” Zhang said. “Autonomous delivery vehicles have strong potential there, and overseas business will become an important growth driver for us.”

Other Tongxiang companies are concentrating on the data and perception systems that allow machines to function in physical environments.

Dayan Technology, founded in Tongxiang in May 2025, provides synthetic-data and toolchain services for autonomous-driving and humanoid-robotics companies. It combines real-world data collection, digital twins and simulated training environments to help developers train robots before they are deployed.

Its wearable devices record human movement and interactions with objects. A haptic glove uses liquid-metal and pressure sensors to capture hand gestures, finger movements and contact force. A multi-camera headset records a user’s visual field, body posture, hand movements and the position of nearby objects.

Dayan said its tactile-perception model can process touch signals in milliseconds. The technology is intended to help robots do more than identify objects visually: They can learn how firmly to grip an item, recognize when it is slipping and apply force without causing damage.

Freetech is applying related sensing and decision-making capabilities to intelligent driving. The company develops intelligent-driving systems and 4D imaging radar for passenger and commercial vehicles, and said its technology has been selected for hundreds of vehicle programs.

Its ODIN AI platform supports products at different levels of driving automation. The radar is designed to complement cameras in heavy rain, fog, darkness and abrupt changes in light, including when vehicles enter or leave tunnels.

At its intelligent-manufacturing base in Wuzhen, Freetech is also using AI in production. An in-house system reads customer orders and calculates the components and materials needed for each production line before manufacturing begins. The company said the system has increased overall efficiency by more than 20%.

“Transportation combined with a specialized function will be an important direction for the future,” said Dr. Zhang Lin, Freetech’s founder and CEO.

Freetech sees potential applications beyond passenger vehicles, including robots, elder-care vehicles, mining equipment and agricultural machinery.

Beyond mobility, Tongxiang firms are using AI to address the complexity of industrial operations. Founded in 2019, Shuhan Technologies provides on-premises industrial AI for chemical plants, energy facilities and wastewater-treatment systems. Its AI-driven control layer continuously ingests data from central control systems and field sensors, identifies dynamic conditions and autonomously adjusts operating parameters in real time.

“Fundamentally, all industrial process challenges can be framed as control and optimization problems,” said Zhai Zhengjun, Shuhan’s Chief Technology Officer.

At a coal chemical plant with annual capacity of 1.2 million metric tons, Shuhan said its system reduced raw-material consumption by 6%. The company estimated that the deployment generated more than 176 million yuan, or about $26 million, in annualized economic benefits and reduced carbon emissions by more than 500,000 metric tons.

SENAD is targeting bottlenecks in logistics operations, including loading, unloading, sorting and pallet handling. It develops autonomous loading and unloading robots, as well as a multimodal logistics model called Robot Insight, for sectors including beverages, tobacco, consumer goods, pharmaceuticals and logistics.

Tongxiang’s AI sector also includes companies addressing the infrastructure needed to run increasingly powerful computing systems. SynthCool is tackling a basic constraint of the AI boom: heat.

SynthCool develops two-phase liquid-cooling systems to address the heat generated by increasingly powerful processors. Inadequate cooling can trigger thermal throttling, reducing performance and energy efficiency.

“Heat dissipation is infrastructure,” said Zhu Zhijiang, SynthCool’s general manager.

SynthCool’s two-phase cooling technology uses the latent heat of vaporization to remove heat from processors. The cooling fluid absorbs heat and boils into vapor, which is then condensed back into liquid and recirculated.

Depending on ambient conditions and system design, two-phase cooling can also support free cooling and reduce reliance on compressor-based refrigeration. Waste heat may be recovered where temperatures and local demand make reuse practical.

According to SynthCool, its technology supports heat dissipation of more than 3,000 watts per chip and heat flux above 250 watts per square centimeter. Under comparable cooling requirements, the system requires approximately one-third of the flow needed by conventional single-phase water-cooled cold plates, helping reduce piping requirements and pumping demand.

SynthCool’s portfolio includes two-phase direct-to-chip and immersion cooling solutions, along with distribution units and control systems for AI data centers.

Hashtag: #Tongxiang

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

ONYX Dining invites guests to discover a variety of dining experiences at Amari Bangkok and Amari Pattaya, from family meals with something for every generation and relaxed gatherings over long conversations to opportunities to discover new flavours or dine by the sea. Each offers more than a meal: “More of What You Love”

A family meal with something for everyone at the table — Prego

When dining out as a family, everyone may have a different favourite. Some may be in the mood for pizza, others may prefer pasta, while others may wish to try something new. Prego Italian Restaurant at Amari Bangkok brings a variety of Italian dishes together at one table, from wood-fired pizza, homemade pasta and Italian classics to children’s menus and gluten-free options. Highlights also include Risotto alla Montanara, one of the restaurant’s signature dishes, burrata and tiramisu, allowing everyone to choose a dish they love and make the most of their time together.

For those looking to swap the city for the seaside, Prego Pattaya Pasta Lab & Bar at Amari Pattaya welcomes guests with fresh pasta made in-house, pizza and contemporary interpretations of Italian classics, overlooking the curve of North Pattaya Beach. Meanwhile, Amaya Food Gallery offers familiar Thai and international dishes, making a seaside meal another opportunity to relax and spend time with family or someone special.

This November, Prego is set to open a new location at Amari Don Muang Airport Bangkok, offering another choice for families looking to spend time together over their favourite Italian dishes, whether in the city, by the sea or close to the airport.

A Thai meal for moments when you want the conversation to last a little longer — ChomSindh

For meals with older family members or friends of different generations, part of the appeal of Thai cuisine lies in gathering around a table to enjoy a variety of dishes, choosing, serving and sharing as the conversation flows. ChomSindh at Amari Bangkok presents Thai cuisine inspired by rivers and the sea, with dishes such as Chaiya-style Pad Thai with River Prawns, ChomSindh Rice Soup, Naree Kansaeng, Tiger Prawns Stir-fried with Herbs and Spices using a traditional recipe, and Grouper with Three-flavour Sauce. These dishes draw on recipes passed down through generations, locally sourced ingredients and traditional cooking techniques, served in a contemporary setting with an open kitchen.

ChomSindh is also bringing its flavours to Amari Johor Bahru in Malaysia through a pop-up throughout October, followed by Amari Hua Hin throughout November. These pop-ups invite guests to discover Thai cuisine inspired by rivers and the sea, while sharing good food and memorable moments with family and friends. With a selection of dishes brought together at one table, everyone can explore different flavours while talking, exchanging stories and spending time together throughout the meal, bringing the pleasure of good food together with the joy of good company.

Turn an everyday meal into a special occasion with new flavours — NILA

Celebrations need not be reserved for birthdays or anniversaries. Some good news, a new beginning or simply a desire to spend time together can be reason enough. NILA at Amari Bangkok presents a contemporary interpretation of Indian cuisine from across the country, drawing on the heritage, stories and memories behind its recipes. Its approachable flavours make it an inviting choice for couples and groups of friends keen to discover something new.

More than a meal: time spent together, another experience from ONYX Hospitality Group

From family meals where everyone can choose a favourite dish and longer conversations over Thai cuisine to exploring new flavours with friends or enjoying a change of scenery by the sea, food may be the starting point, but it is the time spent together that makes each meal memorable.

For ONYX Hospitality Group, which manages hotels, resorts, serviced apartments and luxury residences, alongside restaurants and spas across Asia Pacific, dining is another important part of the journey. The Group has therefore developed ONYX Dining to bring together its restaurants with a variety of concepts, from Italian, Thai and contemporary Indian cuisine to seaside dining, while establishing a distinctive identity for each restaurant in its destination.

This approach aligns with ONYX Hospitality Group’s More of What You Love theme, reflecting the idea of choosing to spend time on the things each person enjoys throughout their journey, from dining and relaxation to activities, discovering destinations and moments shared with the people who matter.

ONYX Rewards members can enjoy dining discounts at participating restaurants according to their membership tier, while Prego offers discounts starting from 10% and up to 30% for Platinum members, in addition to accommodation benefits, subject to the applicable terms and conditions.

Whatever the occasion, the question may be more than “What would you like to eat today?” It may also be “Who would you like to spend this meal with?”

Hashtag: #ONYXHospitalityGroup

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

About ONYX Hospitality Group:

ONYX Hospitality Group is a leading hospitality management company in Asia-Pacific, with a complementary portfolio of brands comprising Amari, OZO, Shama and Oriental Residence. Together, these brands serve the diverse needs of business and leisure travellers across the region, where ONYX has deep market expertise. Beyond accommodation, the Group also operates spa and food and beverage businesses. Drawing on six decades of management experience, ONYX delivers innovative hospitality solutions across the region while upholding internationally recognised standards and maintaining operational agility. By building enduring relationships with like-minded business partners, ONYX Hospitality Group delivers distinctive experiences in a dynamic and competitive market, responding to the evolving needs of today’s travellers.

More information: www.onyx-hospitality.com

Find us on social media:

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onyxhospitalitygroup/

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onyx-hospitality-group/

Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ONYXHospitalityGroup

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Watch OceanX Summit 2026 highlights.
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