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DeRAMA Singapore’s Joint Postnatal Recovery Seminar explored how Singapore can strengthen postpartum support by combining professional care with established family and confinement traditions.

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 September 2026 – As more women enter motherhood later in life, postnatal care should be shaped around the individual and grounded in clinical evidence, medical experts said at DeRAMA Singapore’s Joint Postnatal Recovery Seminar. Held at The Singapore EDITION on 17 August 2026, the session brought together Dr Park Jeong-mi, Founder and Medical Director of Garden of Her Women’s Clinic in Korea, and Singapore based obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Ho Ping Ling of Ascensus Health @ Mount Alvernia. Together they examined how postpartum practices have evolved in both countries, and how professional support can sit alongside traditional confinement customs.

Dr Park Jeong-mi and Dr Ho Ping Ling discussing the evolving postpartum recovery needs of modern mothers at DeRAMA Singapore's Joint Postnatal Recovery Seminar, held at The Singapore EDITION on 17 August 2026.
Dr Park Jeong-mi and Dr Ho Ping Ling discussing the evolving postpartum recovery needs of modern mothers at DeRAMA Singapore’s Joint Postnatal Recovery Seminar, held at The Singapore EDITION on 17 August 2026.

Supporting the Changing Needs of Modern Mothers

Singapore women are increasingly entering motherhood at a later age.

Dr Ho noted that mothers aged 35 and above may face a higher likelihood of pre-existing medical conditions, pregnancy complications and Caesarean delivery, each of which can affect how a woman recovers after childbirth. “There is no one-size-fits-all approach. All women deserve individualised care, regardless of whether they are younger or older mothers,” said Dr Ho.

Every mother’s needs, she added, should be assessed against her health, pregnancy journey, mode of delivery, family support and personal preferences. While the postpartum period is medically recognised as roughly six weeks, a full return to health may take longer from one woman to the next.

From Family-Based Care to a Professional Recovery System

Guests and members of the media at DeRAMA Singapore's Joint Postnatal Recovery Seminar, which explored the Korean and Singapore approaches to postnatal care.
Guests and members of the media at DeRAMA Singapore’s Joint Postnatal Recovery Seminar, which explored the Korean and Singapore approaches to postnatal care.

Dr Park shared that postpartum care in Korea, like Singapore, was traditionally provided at home by mothers, mothers-in-law and extended family members. However, the rise of nuclear families, greater workforce participation among women and reduced availability of family caregivers created a need for a more structured alternative.

This contributed to the development of the sanhujoriwon, or postpartum recovery centre, where mothers receive coordinated support for physical recovery, nutrition, breastfeeding and newborn care.

According to Dr Park, 85.5%1 of mothers in Korea now use a postpartum recovery centre after childbirth. While centres range from basic to premium facilities, they are generally regarded as an established part of the country’s postpartum journey rather than an occasional luxury service. Staff trained in maternal and newborn care are on hand around the clock.

Dr Park also shared that postpartum care in Korea has expanded beyond rest and nutrition. Modern recovery programmes may consider pain, swelling, musculoskeletal changes, sleep, breastfeeding and emotional wellbeing, with support adapted to the mother’s health and mode of delivery.

Singapore, by contrast, remains largely home-based in its approach, often drawing on relatives and confinement nannies. This offers valuable emotional and practical help, though the panel raised concerns about inconsistent training, uneven standards and the medical basis of certain confinement practices. Dr Ho observed that many long-held confinement rules stem from practices passed down over decades rather than medical evidence, pointing to the belief that mothers should avoid washing their hair or showering for long stretches, which she said runs counter to sound hygiene and infection control.

Making Structured Care More Accessible

A recurring theme was affordability, and how families might be better supported to access structured postnatal care. Dr Park noted that in Korea some centres are run with local government support at comparatively low cost, with maternal and newborn health vouchers helping to defray expenses. That model drew interest as a possible reference point for Singapore, where recovery centres began gaining acceptance only in recent years and remain out of reach for many families.

Dr Ho suggested there was room for local healthcare providers, public institutions and insurers to widen access, adding that stronger support for mothers could, in time, help lift Singapore’s birth rate. Both doctors also observed that families increasingly blend the two models, beginning at a centre before continuing recovery at home with trained or family support.

Looking Beyond the Delivery Room

The doctors concluded that postpartum care should not be viewed solely as a period of rest or a premium hospitality service. It is a critical stage of maternal and newborn health that can affect the wellbeing of the mother, child and wider family.

The seminar pointed to an opportunity for Singapore to weave professional, evidence-informed services into the family involvement and confinement traditions that mothers here already value, complementing them rather than pushing them aside.

By setting Korean and Singapore perspectives side by side, DeRAMA Singapore hopes to spark a broader national conversation, one that treats postnatal recovery not as an afterthought once a baby arrives, but as a stage where traditional practices, family involvement and professional care work together to support modern mothers.Hashtag: #DeRama



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About DeRAMA Singapore

DeRAMA Singapore is the first international expansion of Her Garden DeRAMA, South Korea’s leading ultra-luxury postpartum care brand established in 2008, brought to the market and managed by Sserenity. Located inside Artyzen Hotel on Orchard Road, DeRAMA Singapore offers expert-led, bespoke postpartum recovery programmes for high-net-worth mothers seeking the highest standard of postnatal care. With 20 years of clinical protocol development and a Seoul clientele that includes globally recognised K-celebrity families, Sserenity brings an uncompromising standard of care to Singapore’s most discerning mothers.

For more information, visit

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SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 September 2026 – VX Logistics Development Group Co., Ltd. (“VX Logistics” or the “Company”), Asia’s leading cold chain logistics network operator, transforms the supply chain operation of fresh fruit and vegetables industry through applying AI technology and sophisticated automation and leveraging the world-first robot for metro delivery self-developed by the Company.

Emma Wu (Wu Beiwen) Chairperson, VX Logistics Emma Wu currently serves as the chairperson of VX Logistics. As an active practitioner of China's supply chain globalisation, she focuses on cold chain, fresh produce supply chain, logistics infrastructure, and industrial synergy. Under her leadership, VX Logistics has become an industry-leading integrated multi-temperature logistics service provider, with its cold chain capacity firmly leading in Asia and among the top tier globally.
Emma Wu (Wu Beiwen) Chairperson, VX Logistics Emma Wu currently serves as the chairperson of VX Logistics. As an active practitioner of China’s supply chain globalisation, she focuses on cold chain, fresh produce supply chain, logistics infrastructure, and industrial synergy. Under her leadership, VX Logistics has become an industry-leading integrated multi-temperature logistics service provider, with its cold chain capacity firmly leading in Asia and among the top tier globally.

The world-first robot designed for deliveries to metro-station retailers is self-developed by VX Logistics. The robot functions as an actual “on-duty” employee in VX Logistics’ day-to-day operations. It has been rolled out at 61 Shenzhen metro stations, handling replenishment and delivery tasks for on-site retailers.
Within VX Logistics’ business operations, these intelligent devices are working in tandem with the Company’s proprietary OTWB end-to-end management system and digital platforms such as IoT-based cold-chain temperature control. VX Logistics’ smart operation offers an efficient solution to every link of the supply chain.
“Each of these technologies is powerful on its own, but their true value emerges when they work together — data flows from the point of origin to end customer, and quality becomes predictable and controllable,” said Emma Wu (Wu Beiwen), chairperson of VX Logistics, adding that this is not merely an enhancement at any single stage of logistics services, but it represents a transformation in the very way the industry functions.

The value of technology goes beyond efficiency. Emma Wu noticed that a large number of overseas fresh fruit brands are stepping up their presence in China, while many domestic brands are showing a strong desire to go global. Emma Wu remarked: “A growing number of international brands are now registering Chinese brand names, setting up dedicated consumer brand teams, and increasing their investment at the retail end. The essence of branding lies in brand owners extending their quality commitment to the end consumer. This, in turn, requires them to maintain effective control of product condition at every link of the domestic supply chain. The same applies to Chinese brands going global.”

In the past, once imported fruit arrived at port, quality essentially entered a “black box” — brand owners had no visibility over key metrics like arrival temperature, handling status, or outbound records across the supply chain.

Emma Wu added that AI is transforming the fresh fruit and vegetables industry from one that “runs on experience” to one that “makes decisions with data.” In sorting and quality inspection, AI vision technology can assess coloration, size, and defects within a second — with greater accuracy and consistency than the human eye. In warehousing, automated equipment is taking over repetitive tasks such as material handling and palletizing. In transportation, IoT sensors track the temperature and location of every load in real time, and could raise the alarm before any issue arises.

Built around the unique characteristics of berry products, VX Logistics has customized a comprehensive end-to-end solution encompassing precision temperature and humidity management as well as rapid in-warehouse throughput — supporting the annual market launch of close to 200 million boxes of berries for Driscoll’s.

Zespri has been a partner of VX Logistics for over a decade. VX Logistics has built a full end-to-end system for Zespri in China – covering warehousing, quality inspection, ripening, automated sorting, and packaging.

“Cold-chain logistics is not a cost center — it is a value center.” She further pointed out that cold-chain logistics today is no longer merely a cost item for warehousing and transportation. It is a provider of supply chain solutions for brand clients. Both expanding overseas and deepening presence in China demand stable temperature and humidity control and quality assurance. The technological nature and professional reliability of cold-chain operations make cold-chain logistics an “added value” that safeguards product quality and reduces loss.

After 13 years of dedicated development, VX Logistics’ cold-chain scale now ranks first in Asia and stands firmly among the global top tier. As the supply chain service provider behind renowned fruit brands such as Zespri, Driscoll’s, Envy Apples, and Rockit, VX Logistics’ core competitive edge lies in its technology-driven supply chain services.
Hashtag: #VXLogistics

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

Foreign capital has just delivered its verdict on the United States, and the verdict is not what Washington wants to hear. A record $600 billion flowed into US equities over the past year, outpacing foreign purchases of Treasuries for the first time since the 2008 financial crisis. For decades, buying America meant buying its government debt alongside its companies as though they were one investment. This assumption […]

As the Macau Grand Prix weekend revs up, on 20 and 21 November, Galaxy Macau gathers a standout line-up of 15 of Asia’s most awarded chefs and mixologists for the anticipated return of its eponymous dining festival – early bird tickets on sale now

MACAU SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 September 2026 – On 20 & 21 November, Galaxy Macau elevates its gastronomic offering with the standout eponymous edition of Galaxy Stars of Gastronomy 2026. The fourth presentation of Galaxy Macau’s large-scale immersive outdoor culinary event will showcase an elite line-up of 12 of the region’s most sought-after culinary masters, deliveringa cumulative 24 Michelin stars. In addition, featuring three prominent mixologists, including this year’s Asia’s 50 Best Bar’s champions. Galaxy Stars of Gastronomy cements its place as Asia’s leading dining destination, and home to some of the region’s most awarded restaurants, chefs and culinary experiences, all under one roof., under one roof.

Galaxy Stars of Gastronomy 2026, the next chapter of Macau's and Galaxy Macau's immersive elite dining festival, will be held from 20 to 21 November for three consecutive sessions, celebrating the best in culinary artistry presented by a constellation of award-winning Michelin-starred chefs and mixologists.
Galaxy Stars of Gastronomy 2026, the next chapter of Macau’s and Galaxy Macau’s immersive elite dining festival, will be held from 20 to 21 November for three consecutive sessions, celebrating the best in culinary artistry presented by a constellation of award-winning Michelin-starred chefs and mixologists.

The city’s most elevated sensory gastronomy festival takes place across three sittings from Friday 20 November, to Saturday 21 November, spanning two dazzling nights and one thrilling day-time session. Following the standout success of the festival’s first three years at Galaxy Macau, this cornerstone event during Macau Grand Prix weekend has cemented the city’s undisputed status as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy and the home of Formula 3 racing on the global stage.

Galaxy Stars of Gastronomy celebrates the elemental exchange of cultures, craftsmanship and creativity through a series of extraordinary dining experiences curated exclusively for Galaxy Macau. Tickets from MOP1,988 per person (min. 2 persons) are now on sale at www.galaxymacau.com with an incredible 20% early bird discount offer which includes a complimentary free-flow wine package, on or before 4 October, while tickets last.

Drawing inspiration from the nourishing philosophy of the Five Elements, Galaxy Stars of Gastronomy 2026 invites Asia’s top chefs to interpret Metal, Wood, Water, Fire and Earth through their own creative culinary lens. Set against a vibrant al fresco backdrop of live performances at the Cabana, guests will be immersed in a celebration of flavour, creativity and craftsmanship led by Asia’s foremost culinary masters.

An All-Star Line-up of Culinary Visionaries

Working in small groups, 12 talented masters will showcase their distinct culinary philosophies through diverse ingredients and techniques, transforming nature’s bounty into dishes inspired by the Five Elements. Guests will enjoy an up-close and personal opportunity to engage with Asia’s leading celebrity chefs, as each dish is meticulously prepared in front of them.

Asia's most sought-after Michelin-starred chefs united at Galaxy Stars of Gastronomy 2026 include (from left): *Chef Eom Taejin *Chef Hiroyasu Kawate *Chef Jimmy Lim *Chef Vianney Massot *Chef Julien Royer *Chef Darren Teoh
Asia’s most sought-after Michelin-starred chefs united at Galaxy Stars of Gastronomy 2026 include (from left): *Chef Eom Taejin *Chef Hiroyasu Kawate *Chef Jimmy Lim *Chef Vianney Massot *Chef Julien Royer *Chef Darren Teoh

Gathered at Galaxy Macau will be a standout, award-winning team of Asia’s elite culinary talents, representing the pinnacle of excellence region-wide:

  • Chef Julien Royer: Three-Michelin-Starred Odette, Singapore
  • Chef Jimmy Lim: Three-Michelin-Starred JL Studio, Taichung
  • Chef Darren Teoh: Two-Michelin-Starred Dewakan, Kuala Lumpur
  • Chef Hiroyasu Kawate: Two-Michelin-Starred Florilège, Tokyo
  • Chef Vianney Massot​: Two-Michelin-Starred BLACKSWAN, Beijing
  • Chef Eom Taejun: One-Michelin-Starred Solbam, Seoul
Galaxy Macau and StarWorld Hotel's elite team of highly-acclaimed chefs include (from left): *Chef Umberto Bombana *Chef Chan Chek Keong *Chef Vicky ChengChef Masaaki Miyakawa *Chef Xu Jingye *Chef Yam Lok Hin
Galaxy Macau and StarWorld Hotel’s elite team of highly-acclaimed chefs include (from left): *Chef Umberto Bombana *Chef Chan Chek Keong *Chef Vicky ChengChef Masaaki Miyakawa *Chef Xu Jingye *Chef Yam Lok Hin

Galaxy Macau and StarWorld Hotel’s elite culinary team is set to include:

  • Chef Masaaki Miyakawa, Three-Michelin-Starred Sushi Miyakawa & One-Michelin-Starred Sushi Kissho by Miyakawa
  • Chef Umberto Bombana: Three-Michelin-Starred 8½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANAHong Kong& One-Michelin-Starred 8½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA Macau
  • Chef Xu Jingye: Two-Michelin-Starred 102 House, Shanghai & House of Origin at Galaxy Macau
  • Chef Vicky Cheng: One-Michelin-Starred VEA Hong Kong, and Estuary by Vicky Cheng
  • Chef Chan Chek Keong: Two-Michelin-Starred Feng Wei Ju at StarWorld Hotel
  • Chef Yam Lok Hin, Assistant Vice President and Chef Creator – Pastry and Bakery, Galaxy Macau, StarWorld Hotel and Broadway Macau

Exceptional Pairings Beyond the Plate

Building on Galaxy Macau’s reputation as a bars innovator, the event brings together some of Asia’s most respected names in cutting-edge mixology.

Asia's leading mixology innovators (from left): *Nokoy Mak *Andrew Ho *Shelley Tai
Asia’s leading mixology innovators (from left): *Nokoy Mak *Andrew Ho *Shelley Tai

Leading the line-up is Andrew Ho of Guangzhou’s Hope & Sesame, recognised as “Asia’s Best Bar” this year by Asia’s 50 Best Bars; alongside Shelley Tai, founder-mixologist of Hong Kong’s celebrated Mius, ranked No. 36 on this year’s list and recipient of the “Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award” at Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2026. Representing Galaxy Macau is award-winning mixology innovator Nokoy Mak, Bar Manager at Long Bar, Raffles at Galaxy Macau and “Tatler Best 20 Bars 2026” in Macau.

Together, they will present an innovative collection of cocktails and non-alcoholic creations designed to complement the event’s culinary offerings with thrilling pairings.

A Culinary Journey Inspired by the Five Elements

With the elite assembly of 15 of Asia-Pacific’s most celebrated culinary and mixology masters, Galaxy Stars of Gastronomy 2026 presents a unique exchange of knowledge and skills. Guided by the Five Elements, each chef curates with their own distinctive approach, creating an immersive dining experience that reflects the diversity and dynamism of the region’s gastronomic landscape.

Each element embodies a distinctive flavour expression: Wood celebrates freshness and vitality; Metal highlights precision and purity; Water explores depth, texture and umami; Fire showcases transformation through grilling, roasting and seasoning; while Earth brings richness and grounding through nutty, root-driven and comforting flavours.

From 20-21 November, 2026, Galaxy Macau cements its place one of Asia’s most compelling dining destinations, offering a wide array of pristine dining options from Michelin-starred restaurants and celebrated chefs to acclaimed local delicacies. Galaxy Stars of Gastronomy 2026 further reinforces this constellation of inspirational dining, offering guests a thrilling one-stop experience of Asia’s most acclaimed culinary artists – all within one destination, for one weekend only.

At Galaxy Stars of Gastronomy 2026, guests will be sampling refined culinary creations by a line-up of star-studded chefs and award-winning mixologists, elevated by an immersive al-fresco atmosphere.
At Galaxy Stars of Gastronomy 2026, guests will be sampling refined culinary creations by a line-up of star-studded chefs and award-winning mixologists, elevated by an immersive al-fresco atmosphere.

For more information about Galaxy Macau and Galaxy Stars of Gastronomy 2026, please visit www.galaxymacau.com.

Galaxy Stars of Gastronomy 2026

Date 20 November 2026 (Friday) | 18:30 – 22:30

21 November 2026 (Saturday) | 12:00 – 15:00 / 18:30 – 22:30

Venue Cabana – 2/F, Galaxy Macau
Price Early Bird Discount:

Tickets purchased on or before 4 October enjoy 20% off and complimentary wine package

Credit Card Privilege:

Tickets purchased with designated HSBC HK Credit Cards on or before 4 October enjoy 20% off and complimentary wine package

Tickets purchased with ICBC Visa Cards (issued in Macau) on or before 19 November enjoy 20% off, complimentary wine package, and exclusive dining gift certificates up to MOP1,800

Table Experience for 2 pax – MOP3,976 (Early Bird: MOP3,181)

Table Experience for 4 pax – MOP7,952 (Early Bird: MOP6,362)

Table Experience for 6 pax – MOP11,928 (Early Bird: MOP9,542)

Inclusive of:

  • Admission and seating on the pool deck*
  • Elemental signature delicacies prepared by acclaimed award-winning chefs
  • Choice of 3 welcome cocktails or mocktails per person, prepared by award-winning mixologists
  • Inclusive of a 10% service charge

*Seating will be assigned on site

Cabana VIP Experience for 8

8 pax – MOP18,888 (Early Bird: MOP 15,110)

Inclusive of:

  • Exclusive use of a private Cabana on the pool deck
  • Elemental signature delicacies prepared by acclaimed award-winning chefs
  • Choice of 3 welcome cocktails or mocktails per person, prepared by award-winning mixologists
  • Inclusive of a 10% service charge
Ticketing www.galaxyticketing.com

Bulk Purchase Offer
20-50 tickets 15% discount on tickets & wine package
51-100 tickets 20% discount on tickets & wine package
From 101 tickets 25% discount on tickets & wine package
*Bulk ticketing offers are exempt from the Early-bird Discount

Hashtag: #GalaxyMacau

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

GALAXY MACAU INTEGRATED RESORT

Galaxy Macau, world-class luxury integrated resort, delivers the “Most Spectacular Entertainment and Leisure Destination in the World”. Developed at an investment of HK$43 billion, the property covers 1.1 million-square-meter of unique entertainment and leisure attractions that are unlike anything else in Macau. Nine award-winning world-class luxury hotels provide close to 5,000 rooms, suites and villas. They include Banyan Tree Macau, Galaxy Hotel™, Hotel Okura Macau, JW Marriott Hotel Macau, The Ritz-Carlton, Macau, Broadway Hotel, Raffles at Galaxy Macau, Andaz Macau, and Capella at Galaxy Macau. Unique to Galaxy Macau, the 75,000-square-meter Grand Resort Deck features the world’s longest Skytop Adventure Rapids at 575 metres, the largest Skytop Wave Pool with waves up to 1.5-metre high and 150-metre pristine white sand beach. Two five-star spas from Banyan Tree Spa Macau and The Ritz- Carlton Spa, Macau help guests relax and rejuvenate.

As the dining destination in Asia, Galaxy Macau offers a wide variety of gastronomic delights, exquisite experiences and ingredients of the finest quality with over 120 dining options from Michelin dining to authentic delicacies; Galaxy Promenade is the hottest shopping destination featuring the latest in fashion and curated experiences in Macau. Spanning over 100,000-square-meter, luxury flagship stores, lifestyle boutiques and our selection of labels are among the more than 200 world-renowned brands for a world-class shopping journey; Galaxy Cinemas, immersive thrills and luxurious comfort go hand in hand at Galaxy Cinemas. All 10 theatres are equipped with the latest audio-visual technology; CHINA ROUGE, one-of-a-kind deluxe lounge that evokes the glitz and glamor of Shanghai’s golden era with entertainment in luxury and style; and Foot Hub presents the traditional art of reflexology to make you feel more relaxed and revitalized. For Authentic Macau Flavours & Vibrant Asian Experiences, Broadway Macau – just a 90-second walk via a bridge from Galaxy Macau, has over 35 Authentic Macau & Asian Flavours at its Broadway Food Street. The 2,500-seat Broadway Theatre plays host to world-class entertainers and a diverse array of cultural events. Meeting, incentive and banquet groups are also well looked after with a portfolio of unique venues in Galaxy Macau and a professional service staff.

Galaxy International Convention Center (GICC) is the latest addition to the Group’s ever-expanding integrated resort precinct and will usher in a new era for the MICE industry in Macau. GICC is a world- class event venue featuring 40,000-square-meter of total flexible MICE, and a 16,000-seat Galaxy Arena – the largest indoor arena in Macau.

For more details, please visit and .

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Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Emirates is expanding its A350 deployment and upgraded cabin footprint as strong winter bookings support additional capacity across its network following a better-than-expected summer. The Dubai-based airline said it had taken delivery of 18 aircraft since January, comprising 11 Airbus A350s and seven Boeing 777 freighters, with another six A350s scheduled to arrive before the end of December. Its A350s currently serve 30 […]

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 September 2026 – The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) welcomed H.E. Mr. Abdulla Nigmatovich ARIPOV, Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan, for an official campus visit on September 10, 2026, making HKUST the sole university included in his Hong Kong itinerary. The high-level visit underscored the growing partnership between Uzbekistan and HKUST, with a particular focus on advancing collaboration in higher education, research, innovation, and talent development.

H.E. Mr. Abdulla Nigmatovich ARIPOV, Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan (seventh right, middle row); Dr. CHOI Yuk-Lin, Secretary for Education of the HKSAR Government (seventh left, middle row); Prof. Harry SHUM, Council Chairman of HKUST (sixth left, middle row); and Prof. Nancy IP, President of HKUST (sixth right, middle row), pose for a photo with students from Uzbekistan during the Prime Minister's official visit to HKUST.
H.E. Mr. Abdulla Nigmatovich ARIPOV, Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan (seventh right, middle row); Dr. CHOI Yuk-Lin, Secretary for Education of the HKSAR Government (seventh left, middle row); Prof. Harry SHUM, Council Chairman of HKUST (sixth left, middle row); and Prof. Nancy IP, President of HKUST (sixth right, middle row), pose for a photo with students from Uzbekistan during the Prime Minister’s official visit to HKUST.

The Uzbek delegation of 24 members was warmly received by Dr. CHOI Yuk-Lin, Secretary for Education of the HKSAR Government; Prof. Harry SHUM, Council Chairman of HKUST; Prof. Nancy IP, President of HKUST, and senior university leaders.

In a high-level meeting with the University’s leadership, Prime Minister Aripov engaged in in-depth discussions on higher education development, artificial intelligence (AI), technological innovation, talent cultivation, research commercialization, and opportunities for closer collaboration between Uzbekistan and HKUST. The exchange also explored pathways for strengthening academic partnerships, expanding student and faculty mobility, and supporting Uzbekistan’s ambitions in developing a knowledge-based economy and emerging technology sectors.

Prime Minister Aripov said, “We are deeply impressed by HKUST’s achievements and its ability to translate cutting-edge research and innovation into practical industrial applications. With over 7,000 Uzbek students pursuing higher education across China, we see tremendous potential to strengthen our academic ties with Hong Kong and prioritize HKUST as a key destination for our students. As both Uzbekistan and HKUST mark their 35th anniversaries, establishing this partnership presents a symbolic and meaningful opportunity to expand educational excellence and global reach together.”

Prof. Shum said, “We are deeply honored to welcome Prime Minister Aripov and the distinguished Uzbek delegation to HKUST during the Belt and Road Summit. As a young, globally minded university celebrating our 35th anniversary, HKUST serves as a vital super-connector—bringing together diverse talent from over 80 nationalities. Building on our foundation with the El-Yurt Umidi Foundation, this visit marks a pivotal step in deepening ties between Hong Kong and Central Asia, opening up new horizons for collaborative growth and youth development along the Belt and Road.”

President Ip added, “We were delighted to engage in a highly productive and forward-looking dialogue with Prime Minister Aripov and his delegation. Uzbekistan’s strategic priorities in AI, robotics, fintech, and cybersecurity align closely with HKUST’s research strengths and advanced facilities. AI and medical science, in particular, offer promising areas for collaboration and could serve as important starting points for future joint initiatives. Beyond educational exchanges, we see tremendous opportunities to deepen cooperation in research, innovation, talent development, and knowledge transfer. We look forward to visiting Uzbekistan and working closely with our partners to co-create impactful solutions, nurture future-ready talent, and contribute to sustainable economic and technological development.”

HKUST also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The agreement establishes a framework for educational collaboration and promotes excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, and research. Witnessed by Prime Minister Aripov, Dr. Choi, and Prof. Shum, the MOU was signed by President Ip and Mr. Salomov Uktam RAHIMOVICH, Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The Prime Minister and his delegation toured the HKUST Von Neumann Institute, where they learned about the University’s world-leading research and innovation capabilities in AI. The delegation was introduced to HKUST’s latest advancements in next-generation multimodal AI systems, robotic intelligence technologies, AI-driven 3D understanding and generation, and large-scale healthcare models, as well as their potential applications in addressing societal and industrial challenges. During the visit, the delegation met with 31 Uzbek students studying in Hong Kong, including 14 undergraduates currently enrolled at HKUST, to learn about their academic experiences and life in the city.

Hashtag: #HKUST

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

About The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) () is a world-class university renowned for its innovative education, research excellence, and impactful knowledge transfer. Adopting a holistic and interdisciplinary approach to education, HKUST was ranked 33rd globally and 6th in Asia in the QS World University Rankings 2027 and QS Asia University Rankings 2026, respectively. It was also ranked 20th worldwide in the Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026, placing first among universities in Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland for the third consecutive year. Eleven HKUST subjects were ranked among the world’s top 50 in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026. In addition, HKUST’s Computer Science discipline, which encompasses areas such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, was ranked No. 1 in Hong Kong for the tenth consecutive year in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2026. Its graduates are highly competitive, consistently ranking among the world’s top 30 most sought-after employees. In research and entrepreneurship, more than 80% of HKUST’s research was rated “world-leading” or “internationally excellent” in the University Grants Committee’s Research Assessment Exercise 2020. As of July 2026, HKUST members had founded more than 2,000 active start-ups, including 11 unicorns and 22 successful exits through initial public offerings (IPOs) or mergers and acquisitions (M&A).

The UAE has introduced an 11-day, 10-night tourism package linking all seven emirates, with the Grand Classic itinerary priced from Dh10,446 per person. The UAE Grand Tour platform went live on Monday, allowing travellers to book accommodation, private transport, guided sightseeing, selected meals and experiences through a single itinerary. The initiative was presented during Arabian Travel Market 2026 in Dubai and is intended to encourage visitors to […]

China has showcased a fish-shaped autonomous underwater robot in Beijing, demonstrating biomimetic navigation technology that could support inspection, environmental monitoring, search operations and defence-related missions.

The BG-5 Golden Dragon Fish was demonstrated at the 2026 China International Fair for Trade in Services, held at Shougang Park from September 9 to 13. Developed by Boyagongdao Marine Technology Group, the robot is designed to resemble a golden arowana and propel itself through water with a flexible, multi-joint tail rather than a conventional propeller.

The machine can detect obstacles and adjust its route autonomously instead of following only a fixed, pre-programmed path, according to information released by the developer and statements made at the exhibition. Its fish-like movement is intended to improve manoeuvrability while giving the platform a less conspicuous profile than many conventional underwater vehicles.

Boyagongdao lists the BG-5 as a 640-millimetre-long robot weighing about 3 kilograms. The published specifications give it a maximum operating depth of 5 metres and a top speed of 0.6 metres per second. The company says infrared recognition supports autonomous obstacle avoidance, while wireless communications allow online debugging and control.

The manufacturer also offers a BG-5V configuration that combines the robotic fish with a software platform for more advanced experiments. The listed capabilities include global and local path planning, task allocation, formation control, cooperative transport and coordinated operations involving multiple robots.

Those functions broaden the possible uses beyond a single demonstration unit. Groups of small robotic fish could, in principle, divide an underwater area for inspection or monitoring, maintain formations and coordinate tasks in locations where larger vehicles would be harder to deploy. The company presents the platform for research and teaching as well as operational fields including search and salvage, hydropower, safety and rescue and national defence.

Claims that the robot has been formally deployed as an underwater surveillance system have not been substantiated by publicly available official information. The specifications and the developer’s stated defence-related work show that reconnaissance or monitoring applications are technically plausible, but the model displayed at CIFTIS was presented as a biomimetic robotic platform rather than as an announced military deployment.

Boyagongdao says its bionic robot series draws on more than a decade of research associated with Peking University’s College of Engineering. The systems use high-speed biomimetic drive mechanisms and central pattern generator control algorithms intended to reproduce the smooth, rhythmic movement of aquatic animals.

The company has also disclosed work on defence-oriented underwater technology. Its website says technologies developed for military-related directions have been adapted for higher education products, and company material from earlier exhibitions describes unmanned and intelligent underwater equipment as an area of military development. It has separately publicised the ROBO-SHARK, a larger shark-inspired underwater robot developed with a military unit.

The BG-5 itself is not a newly created model. Boyagongdao had displayed the robotic fish before this month’s services trade fair and promoted it earlier this year at Beijing technology events. The latest CIFTIS appearance nevertheless drew renewed attention because of the machine’s autonomous obstacle avoidance and increasingly realistic biomimetic movement.

China’s work on underwater robotics extends well beyond fish-shaped machines. Universities, research institutes and commercial groups are developing autonomous systems for coral monitoring, infrastructure inspection, marine ranching, emergency rescue and deep-sea research. Some platforms are designed to carry cameras, sonar or environmental sensors, while others use robotic arms for intervention tasks.

A separate ecological-monitoring deployment in Hangzhou has used biomimetic robotic fish to patrol West Lake, measuring indicators including water temperature and pH, detecting invasive species and transmitting data to monitoring centres. Other Chinese underwater robots have been used for reef observation and for identifying and removing crown-of-thorns starfish.

The BG-5 demonstration at CIFTIS focused on embodied intelligence underwater, where navigation software, sensing and propulsion are integrated into a machine that moves more like a living animal than a standard remotely operated vehicle.

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Egypt and India have agreed to pursue concrete steps towards lifting bilateral trade to $12 billion, with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi also discussing ways to expand investment ties during talks on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi.

The leaders met on Sunday as Egypt pressed for faster progress on a trade goal first set during El-Sisi’s state visit to New Delhi in January 2023. Egypt’s presidency said the discussions covered measures to strengthen the strategic partnership, increase commerce and encourage more investment from India in sectors including manufacturing, technology, clean energy and the automotive industry.

El-Sisi stressed the importance of translating the economic relationship into projects and commercial flows capable of taking trade to the $12 billion target. The two sides also reviewed opportunities for companies from India to expand their presence in Egypt, which Cairo has promoted as a production and export base serving markets in Africa, the Middle East and Europe.

Bilateral merchandise trade stood at about $6.5 billion in the 2025-26 financial year, according to figures cited by India’s embassy in Cairo. That leaves the two countries seeking almost to double the current level if they are to reach the objective discussed by their leaders.

Investment formed a central part of the meeting. Egypt highlighted manufacturing, information technology, renewable and clean energy, and vehicle production as areas where it wants to attract additional capital. Cairo has also sought greater participation by overseas companies in the Suez Canal Economic Zone and other industrial centres as it works to raise exports and secure more foreign currency.

Modi and El-Sisi reviewed the broader strategic partnership and discussed cooperation in economic and commercial fields, along with regional and international developments. Their meeting came as New Delhi hosted the September 12-13 BRICS summit under the theme of resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability.

Egypt joined BRICS at the start of 2024 and has since used the grouping to widen economic links with major emerging economies. The New Delhi summit brought together an expanded bloc whose agenda included trade, finance, technology, energy, climate issues and greater use of national currencies in cross-border transactions.

The trade push also builds on institutional contacts between Cairo and New Delhi. Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said during BRICS ministerial meetings in May that the two countries wanted to raise bilateral trade to $12 billion over five years and strengthen cooperation in investment, technology and other economic sectors.

El-Sisi and Modi upgraded relations to a strategic partnership in 2023, creating a framework for closer coordination across trade, investment, defence, energy and political consultation. The latest talks focused more narrowly on turning the economic component of that partnership into measurable gains, particularly through private-sector investment and expanded market access.

Egypt has been courting manufacturers as it seeks to increase domestic production and exports, while companies from India already operate in industries including chemicals, textiles, food processing and manufacturing. Cairo’s investment campaign has emphasised projects that can supply the domestic market while using Egypt’s trade agreements and transport links to reach neighbouring regions.

The two leaders also discussed international and regional issues, according to Egypt’s presidency, without announcing a separate bilateral agreement during the meeting. Their talks were among a series of leader-level engagements held around the BRICS gathering as member states sought to advance economic cooperation alongside the summit’s wider diplomatic agenda.

For Egypt, the $12 billion goal provides a benchmark for a relationship that has expanded beyond traditional merchandise trade into investment-led cooperation. For India, stronger commercial ties with Egypt offer access to a major Arab and African market and to production locations close to the Suez Canal, one of the world’s principal shipping routes.

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ZHANGJIAKOU, HEBEI – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 September 2026 – In the third season of Village Voyage, CGTN host Julian Waghann from the United States and Mexican traveler Juan Carlos Cheang Guzmán journey across Zhangjiakou, a city in Hebei Province some 200 kilometers northwest of Beijing, to explore how its land and people are creating new possibilities for rural life. Known for its mountains, wide-open highlands and vibrant outdoor culture, boosted by the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, Zhangjiakou has emerged as a distinctive destination in northern China.

Village Voyage Season 3 Poster
Village Voyage Season 3 Poster

This latest season takes viewers beyond the city‘s famous landmarks and into the countryside, where international travelers get their hands in the soil, learn traditional crafts and share everyday meals with local residents. Through these experiences, they discover a different side of rural China and the people who are helping shape its future.

Mountain pulse: A year-round outdoor playground

The mountains of Chongli in Zhangjiakou are more than the backdrop for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. Once best known for their snow-covered slopes, they are increasingly becoming a year-round destination for outdoor activities.

“Winter is for skiing, but summer opens up a whole new world,” said a local outdoor guide.

Since the Winter Olympics, residents have been steadily unlocking the hills’ year-round potential: from mountain biking and trail running to hiking and camping. The mountains no longer fall dormant when the snow melts.

Julian and Juan pedal along forest trails, surrounded by mountain air and the scent of damp earth. At the Chongli 168 Ultra-Trail Race, they stand at the starting line as thousands of runners surge forward – a river of energy that sweeps up everyone watching.

For Juan, the scene strikes a familiar chord. “Mountains don’t have borders,” he said. “The urge to run and challenge yourself in the wild is something we share, whether in Latin America or here.”

Field-rooted well-being: Yoga that grew from the soil

Surrounded by farmland and an open sky, Yugouliang Village sits on a high plateau in northern Zhangjiakou. The village has gained attention for a distinctive form of outdoor yoga practiced among its fields. Unlike the wellness trends often associated with urban gyms and resorts, yoga here has grown naturally out of village life.

“Our yoga comes from farm work,” one villager explained. “It is part of how we live.” Between planting and harvesting, they stretch and breathe, finding stillness in the middle of open fields.

Julian and Juan first experienced another part of village life by making youmian, a local staple made from oats. They kneaded the dough and shaped it by hand, then headed into the fields, where they spread their mats on the earth and practiced yoga alongside local residents.

“This feels familiar,” Juan reflected. “No matter where we are, people want the same things – health, peace, security and a life that feels full.”

Yugouliang offers a different picture of rural China: not a place frozen in the past, but a community that has found its own rhythm and a new sense of well-being amid the fields.

Living heritage remains part of daily life

Located in the southern part of Zhangjiakou, Yuxian is known for its historic settlements, traditional architecture and folk arts. Its ancient buildings have also reached new audiences through popular culture. Some of its architecture has inspired locations in Black Myth: Wukong, the hit Chinese action role-playing game.

Yuxian paper-cutting is one of its best-known folk traditions. “Paper-cutting came from everyday people,” said a master of the craft. “It used to decorate farmhouse windows. Now it reaches the wider world.”

With that spirit in mind, Julian and Juan tried their hand at paper-cutting, fumbling with scissors to produce something far from perfect – but they feel, briefly, what it means to make art out of ordinary life. Here, heritage isn’t sealed behind glass. It’s passed from hand to hand, cut into paper and woven into the fabric of daily existence.

Where clean energy meets modern farming

If Yuxian’s ancient villages preserve the memories of the past, Desheng Village shows how rural communities are looking toward the future. Located in the highland farming region of northern Zhangjiakou, Desheng has embraced modern agriculture and solar power as part of its rural development.

Rows of solar panels stretch across the land, capturing sunlight that once only fed crops. Beneath them, modern greenhouses hum with temperature-controlled precision. It’s agriculture reimagined – and the benefits are tangible.

“We used to depend heavily on the weather,” one villager said “Now technology and sunlight give us new hope.”

Julian and Juan stepped into the greenhouses, picking ripe tomatoes and crisp cucumbers, tasting the sweetness of a harvest that no longer depends on luck. They saw how clean energy revenue flows back into the community – funding schools, roads and public spaces.

As night fell, they joined a bonfire gathering in the village square. Music, laughter and conversation filled the evening air. Around the fire, the visitors saw another side of rural development: a village changing with the times while maintaining the close-knit community spirit that has long defined local life.

More than a journey: Stories shaped by the land

For a new generation of travelers, immersive experiences are offering a more complete picture of rural China. In Zhangjiakou, the countryside is not defined by a single landscape or a single way of life. Chongli’s mountains pulse with year-round energy; Yugouliang’s fields offer a slower rhythm of life; Yuxian’s ancient villages keep traditional architecture and folk crafts alive; and Desheng shows how clean energy and modern agriculture can create new opportunities for rural communities.

Here, tradition and innovation coexist in the same villages, where ancient skills can find new audiences and modern technology can take root in centuries-old communities.

Every village has its own story. From mountain trails and open farmland to historic villages and modern greenhouses, Zhangjiakou reveals a northern Chinese countryside that is more diverse, dynamic and full of possibility than any single image can capture.

Visitors may come for the scenery. But by stepping into village life, they leave with something more lasting: a closer understanding of the people who live on this land, the traditions they carry forward and the future they are building together.

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