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Marina Bay precinct partners UOB, Marina Bay Sands and Singapore Tourism Board, together with Disney Cruise Line, to illuminate Singapore’s skyline with a fireworks sky show

With continued support from Bay partners, the third edition of the Marina Bay Precinct Partnership will feature nautical-themed festivities across two months with Disney Cruise Line-themed photo spots and additional special privileges for UOB customers at the Bay area.

SINGAPORE, Feb. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Marina Bay precinct partners UOB, Marina Bay Sands, and Singapore Tourism Board (STB), together with Disney Cruise Line, will present a sky show that lights up the Singapore skyline over three nights from 13 to 15 March 2026. This will be a key highlight of the two-month long nautical-themed festivities titled “Adventure Begins: A Magical Bay Celebration with Disney Cruise Line” from 26 February to 30 April 2026 where visitors to Marina Bay will get to discover and enjoy Disney Cruise Line-themed photo spots, and fun activities including special promotions and giveaways extended exclusively for UOB cardmembers.


The Marina Bay celebrations are curated in anticipation of the Disney Adventure, Disney Cruise Line’s first cruise ship in Asia, arriving in Singapore and setting sail on her maiden voyage on 10 March 2026. The ship will feature beloved stories and characters from Disney, Pixar and Marvel with three- and four-night sailings at sea designed for families and guests of all ages.

“We are excited to co-drive the transformation of Marina Bay into Singapore’s most magical precinct in celebration of the Disney Adventure’s arrival in Singapore. Continuing the success of our tripartite precinct partnership with Marina Bay Sands and STB over the past two years combined with our strategic collaboration with Disney Cruise Line, we aim to further elevate visitorship into the precinct and Singapore as a whole by offering unrivalled retail, dining and travel experiences for UOB cardholders across the region, themed on this momentous occasion. We strive to reinforce UOB’s position as the preferred partner for extraordinary customer experiences as we bring together and deepen engagement with visitors of the Bay and fans of Disney to participate in a range of activities over these two months,” said Jacquelyn Tan, Head, Group Personal Financial Services, UOB.

An Adventure Begins

Set against the Marina Bay waterfront with iconic landmarks lit in blue, Asia’s first sky show inspired by Disney Cruise Line will set the skies above the Marina Bay precinct aglow. The 10-minute showcase, which will commence from 8.30pm on 13, 14 and 15 March 2026, invites visitors on a vibrant adventure of visual and musical wonder, as a symphony of fireworks illuminate Singapore’s iconic skyline with brilliantly choreographed displays that can be seen all around Marina Bay. Visitors are invited to enjoy the views from vantage points available across the whole Marina Bay precinct and not to crowd in a particular area.

Go on a “journey” through the ship’s seven themed areas – Disney Imagination Garden, Toy Story Place, San Fransokyo Street, Town Square, Wayfinder Bay, Disney Discovery Reef and Marvel Landing, set to a medley of fan-favourite tunes including “When You Wish Upon A Star”, “Let It Go”, “Under the Sea” and “You’ve Got a Friend in Me”.

As a special nod to the Disney Adventure homeporting in Singapore and the island city’s rich multicultural heritage, the sky show will also feature designs with a local twist – bringing together Disney Cruise Line and nautical-themed elements, Peranakan-inspired motifs and icons referencing Singapore’s National Flower, the Vanda Miss Joaquim.

“Disney Cruise Line marks a defining milestone with the Disney Adventure arriving in Singapore, where Disney’s timeless stories and characters are brought to life through a unique cruise vacation experience. We are thrilled to join and be part of the iconic Marina Bay cityscape, bringing joy and happiness to guests and Disney fans of all ages. This spectacular sky show truly encapsulates the spirit of the Disney Adventure—through fantasy, imagination, discovery, and adventure—and is a testament to the start of more meaningful collaborations throughout Singapore,” said Sarah Fox, Vice President and Regional General Manager, Southeast Asia, Disney Cruise Line.

The Perfect Experience in Marina Bay

From 26 February to 30 April 2026, visitors to Marina Bay will be treated to the perfect retail, dining and travel experience, with a seafaring twist. Seven locations[1] – UOB Main Branch, Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, Gardens by the Bay, JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach, One Fullerton, PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay, Singapore and Swissôtel The Stamford, Singapore – invite visitors to drop in for fun photo opportunities inspired by Disney’s seven themed areas. UOB customers who venture to these seven locations can also embark on quests and be rewarded with limited-edition Disney Adventure-inspired medallions featuring characters representing the ship’s themed areas. Additionally, UOB cardholders who spend a minimum of S$100 at these locations, excluding UOB Main Branch, will also qualify for a lucky draw, with the grand prize being a three-night cruise vacation on the Disney Adventure[2].

On the digital front, UOB TMRW will launch a Disney Cruise Line-themed in-app game in March 2026, available for all UOB customers across ASEAN under the Rewards+ tab. The game will task players to tap on Disney Cruise Line-themed medallions to earn points, which will also be awarded for banking transactions done via the app such as payments and opening new accounts[3]. Across seven weeks, one winner with the highest score from each market: Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam will be selected to win a three-night cruise holiday on the Disney Adventure.

Customers can also stand to win exclusive Disney Cruise Line-themed merchandise such as the medallions and limited-edition Disney Cruise Line Samsonite luggage sets designed exclusively for UOB.

This activation is part of the third edition of the Marina Bay Precinct Partnership spearheaded by UOB, Marina Bay Sands and STB, with the collective support of partners around the Bay. More than 70 restaurants, hotels, retailers and attractions will join the festivities by offering exclusive UOB card promotions featuring discounts of up to 50 per cent. A full list of these merchants and privileges can be viewed on UOB’s campaign website, and information on the “Adventure Begins: A Magical Bay Celebration with Disney Cruise Line” festivities and other Bay experiences can be found on STB’s campaign website.

Irene Lin, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer (Resort Marketing), Marina Bay Sands, said, “The Marina Bay precinct continues to evolve as a dynamic stage for world–class experiences. The maiden voyage of the Disney Adventure marks a pivotal moment for Singapore’s tourism landscape, and we are delighted to work alongside STB and UOB to bring this celebration to life across the Marina Bay precinct – spanning hotels, attractions and public spaces. Through creative programming anchored by our Bay Precinct Strategy, we remain committed to developing Marina Bay as a premier destination while shaping memorable experiences for locals and guests from around the world.”

“Together with UOB and Marina Bay Sands, we are elevating the third edition of the Marina Bay Precinct Partnership to new heights by teaming up with Disney Cruise Line. This collaboration extends the Disney magic to the Bay in a two-month long celebration to mark the Disney Adventure’s inaugural sailing from Singapore, by curating a unique Bay experience for everyone to join in. Such strategic partnerships are important as it allows us to come together to create exciting and innovative experiences for visitors and locals alike,” said Kenneth Lim, Assistant Chief Executive (Marketing Group), Singapore Tourism Board.

This latest tripartite initiative builds on the success of earlier iterations, which saw increased foreign spend in Singapore. Notably, during January to March 2024 when the “Masterpieces. Made in Singapore” tripartite campaign and “The Legend of the Dragon Gate” drone show took place, total billings in Singapore by overseas-issued UOB cards surged 65 per cent year-on-year. Inbound spend by Indonesian cardholders grew the most during the quarter, rising 160 per cent year-on-year, with Malaysian, Thai, and Vietnamese card billings growing up to 65 per cent. The figures attest to the success of the tripartite collaboration hinging on the synergies provided by each party, cementing the precinct’s status not just as Singapore’s most recognisable cityscape, but also as a premier destination for shopping, dining and travel in the country.

About UOB

UOB is a leading bank in Asia. Operating through its head office in Singapore and banking subsidiaries in China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam, UOB has a global network of more than 470 branches and offices in 19 markets in Asia Pacific, Europe and North America. Since its incorporation in 1935, UOB has grown organically and through a series of strategic acquisitions. Today, UOB is rated among the world’s top banks: Aa1 by Moody’s Investors Service and AA- by both S&P Global Ratings and Fitch Ratings.

For nine decades, UOB has adopted a customer-centric approach to create long-term value by staying relevant through its enterprising spirit and doing right by its customers. UOB is focused on building the future of ASEAN – for the people and businesses within, and connecting with, ASEAN.

The Bank connects businesses to opportunities in the region with its unparalleled regional footprint and leverages

data and insights to innovate and create personalised banking experiences and solutions catering to each customer’s unique needs and evolving preferences. UOB is also committed to helping businesses forge a sustainable future by fostering social inclusiveness, creating positive environmental impact and pursuing economic progress. UOB believes in being a responsible financial services provider and is steadfast in its support of art, social development of children and education, doing right by its communities and stakeholders.

About Marina Bay Sands Pte Ltd

Marina Bay Sands is Asia’s leading business, leisure and entertainment destination. The integrated resort features Singapore’s largest hotel with approximately 1,850 luxurious rooms and suites, crowned by the spectacular Sands SkyPark and iconic infinity pool. Its stunning architecture and compelling programming, including state-of-the-art convention and exhibition facilities, Asia’s best luxury shopping mall, world-class dining and entertainment, as well as cutting-edge exhibitions at ArtScience Museum, have transformed the country’s skyline and tourism landscape since it opened in 2010.

Marina Bay Sands is dedicated to being a good corporate citizen to serve its people, communities and environment. As one of the largest players in hospitality, it employs more than 11,000 Team Members across the property. It drives social impact through its community engagement programme, Sands Cares, and leads environmental stewardship through its global sustainability programme, Sands ECO360.

For more information, please visit www.marinabaysands.com

About the Singapore Tourism Board

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is the lead development agency for tourism, one of Singapore’s key economic sectors. Together with industry partners and the community, we shape a dynamic Singapore tourism landscape. We bring the Passion Made Possible brand to life by differentiating Singapore as a vibrant destination that inspires people to share and deepen their passions.

More: www.stb.gov.sg or www.visitsingapore.com | Follow us: STB LinkedIn, STB Facebook or STB Instagram

About Disney Cruise Line 

Since launching in 1998, Disney Cruise Line has established itself as a leader in the cruise industry, providing a setting where families can reconnect, adults can recharge and children can experience all Disney has to offer. Today, the award-winning Disney Cruise Line continues to expand its blueprint for family cruising with a fleet of seven ships — the Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, Disney Wish, Disney Treasure, and Disney Destiny — and six more ships on the way by 2031. The Disney Cruise Line fleet sails to destinations in The Bahamas, the Caribbean, Europe, Alaska, Mexico, Canada, Hawaii and the South Pacific.

About the Disney Adventure

The Disney Adventure will be the first Disney Cruise Line ship to homeport in Asia. Singapore’s strategic location, world-class air connectivity, and port infrastructure make it a thriving cruise hub in Asia. As part of a collaborative effort between Disney Cruise Line and the Singapore Tourism Board, the Disney Adventure will operate from the Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore, underlining the long-term commitment to the Asian cruise market.

Annex

Bay partners

Photo spot locations and medallion giveaway
details

UOB Main Branch

80 Raffles Place, UOB Plaza 1, Singapore
048624

Visit UOB Main Branch and download the UOB
TMRW app to receive a Disney Cruise Line-themed
medallion pin collectible. A total of seven designs
will be available. Terms and conditions apply.

 

The UOB Plaza atrium will also feature a timer
counting down to the maiden voyage of the Disney
Adventure
on 10 March 2026.

Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay

1 Esplanade Drive, Singapore 038981

Spend a minimum of S$80 with any UOB card to
receive a Disney Cruise Line-themed medallion pin
collectible. A total of seven designs will be
available.

 

Spend a minimum of S$100 with any UOB card to
stand a chance to win a three-night cruise vacation
on Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Adventure. Each of
the six Bay partners will offer one cruise vacation
grand prize for qualifying UOB cardholders.

 

Terms and conditions apply.

Gardens by the Bay

18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953

JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach

30 Beach Road, Singapore 189763

One Fullerton

1 Fullerton Road, Singapore 049213

PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay, Singapore

6 Raffles Boulevard, Singapore 039594

Swissôtel The Stamford, Singapore

2 Stamford Road, Singapore 178882

Limited-edition Disney Adventure-inspired medallions

Limited-edition Disney Adventure-inspired medallions
Limited-edition Disney Adventure-inspired medallions

 

[1] Details of locations, promotions and criteria can be found in the Annex.

[2] Terms and conditions apply.

[3] Terms and conditions apply.

 

SEMIFIVE Partners with Niobium to Develop FHE Accelerator, Driving U.S. Market Expansion

  • Reinforces leadership as a trusted partner in specialized SoC design
  • Diversifies the ASIC portfolio with highly complex private computing solutions

SEOUL, South Korea, Feb. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — SEMIFIVE, a leading global provider of custom AI semiconductor (ASIC) solutions, announced today that it has secured a design win from Niobium, a U.S.-based leader in Fully Homomorphic Encryption (FHE) hardware acceleration platforms. This partnership represents a strategic milestone in SEMIFIVE’s expansion in the U.S. market.

The contract, valued at around KRW 10 billion (USD 6.86 million), covers the development of Niobium’s high-performance FHE hardware accelerator. It is expected to become one of the world’s first commercially viable FHE accelerators, enabling encrypted computation at speeds practical for real-world cloud and AI infrastructure.

FHE is widely recognized as one of the most complex domains in encrypted computing, as it allows computation directly on encrypted data. This capability is becoming increasingly critical for privacy-centric workloads, private cloud services, and next-generation data protection architectures, including Zero Trust computing environments and private AI. Niobium’s dedicated accelerator is designed to deliver high-performance processing while offering significant advantages over software-based encryption approaches.

The chip will be developed using Samsung Foundry’s 8nm Low Power Ultimate (8LPU) process technology. SEMIFIVE’s end-to-end ASIC solution empowers Niobium to accelerate the commercialization of its FHE accelerator through tailored turnkey services. These services encompass design, packaging, and testing, all supported by streamlined supply chain management. Building on this achievement, SEMIFIVE will continue to strengthen its role as a trusted and pivotal design partner for global innovators across the advanced ASIC sector.

“Encrypted computation will become inevitable,” said Kevin Yoder, CEO of Niobium. “Once enterprises can compute directly on encrypted data at fast enough speeds, processing sensitive information in the clear will no longer be acceptable. With SEMIFIVE and Samsung Foundry, we’re translating years of R&D into production-ready silicon for encrypted cloud and AI environments. This represents the next step in our transition from prototype systems to accelerators suitable for customer deployments.”

“Niobium is at the forefront of encrypted computation, and their FHE accelerator platform represents one of the most important emerging architectures in privacy-first computing,” said Brandon Cho, CEO and co-founder of SEMIFIVE. “We are pleased to support Niobium in translating this cutting-edge FHE innovation into manufacturable silicon through SEMIFIVE’s proven SoC development and platform execution. This collaboration will set a new benchmark for technical excellence in advanced ASIC development.”

“Encrypted computation will play an increasingly critical role in the future of AI and cloud systems,” said Taejoong Song, vice president and head of Foundry Technology Planning at Samsung Electronics. “Through Samsung Foundry’s advanced process technology and SAFE™ ecosystem of partners, we are proud to support SEMIFIVE and Niobium as they bring next-generation private computing silicon to global markets.”

###

Media Contact:  robin.kim@semifive.com

About SEMIFIVE
SEMIFIVE Inc. (KOSDAQ: 490470) is a pioneer of platform based SoC design, working with customers to implement innovative ideas into custom silicon in the most efficient way. Our SoC platforms offer a powerful springboard for new chip designs and leverage configurable domain-specific architectures and pre-validated key IP pools. We offer comprehensive spec-to-system capabilities with end-to-end solutions so that custom SoCs can be realized faster, with reduced cost and risks for key applications such as data center or AI-enabled IoT. With a strong partnership with Samsung Foundry as a leading SAFETM DSP partner, as well as the larger ecosystem, SEMIFIVE provides a one-stop shop solution for any SoC design needs. For more information, please visit www.semifive.com.

About Niobium
Niobium is building the first dedicated hardware platform designed to advance fully homomorphic encryption (FHE) into commercial applications. FHE keeps data encrypted even during computation, mathematically guaranteeing privacy. Niobium is headquartered in Dayton, Ohio, with offices in Portland, Oregon, and San Francisco, California. More information is available at niobiummicro.com.

Supreme Courts of Singapore and Cambodia Sign Memorandum of Understanding for Judicial Cooperation

SINGAPORE, Feb. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On 10 February 2026, the Supreme Court of the Republic of Singapore and the Supreme Court of the Kingdom of Cambodia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to promote bilateral judicial cooperation.

On 10 February 2026, The Honourable the Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon made a courtesy call on the President of the Supreme Court of the Kingdom of Cambodia, The Honourable Chief Justice Chiv Keng.
On 10 February 2026, The Honourable the Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon made a courtesy call on the President of the Supreme Court of the Kingdom of Cambodia, The Honourable Chief Justice Chiv Keng.

The signing of the MOU marks a significant milestone, constituting the inaugural bilateral judicial cooperation agreement by the two judiciaries. The MOU facilitates a deeper exchange of judicial expertise and paves the way for in-depth discussions on matters of common interests. These include electronic filing of court documents and case management systems, and related issues concerning resourcing, supporting and building capacity in the use of such systems.

The signing of the MOU took place after an official call by The Honourable the Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon on the President of the Supreme Court of the Kingdom of Cambodia, The Honourable Chief Justice Chiv Keng.

Chief Justice Menon led a delegation including Justice Aidan Xu, Judge in-charge of Transformation and Innovation, and Ms Juthika Ramanathan, Chief Executive (Office of Chief Justice) on a two-day visit to the Supreme Court of Cambodia.

Visit News and speeches (judiciary.gov.sg) for more details.

New Report Reveals 51.4% of U.S. Residential Builders Are Operating Unprofitably

HOUSTON, Feb. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — More than half of U.S. residential building companies are operating unprofitably once accounting accuracy is applied, according to the 2026 State of Residential Construction Industry (SORCI) Report released by the Association of Professional Builders (APB). While only 17.1% of U.S. builders reported making a loss, deeper financial analysis found that 51.4% were effectively unprofitable.

Now in its sixth year, the SORCI Report analyses financial and operational data from residential builders across the United States as part of a broader dataset of 8,462 participants collected since 2020. Data for this edition was collected in late 2025.

Key findings from the 2026 SORCI Report:

  • 51.4% of U.S. residential builders were operating unprofitably once accounting accuracy was applied, compared with 17.1% who self-reported operating at a loss.
  • Only 12% of builders correctly understand all four critical financial metrics: Work In Progress (WIP) adjustments, markup versus margin, fixed expense ratios, and net profit margins.
  • 79.2% of builders who stated they knew how to calculate WIP adjustments were unable to correctly explain how WIP is calculated.
  • The report identifies widespread accounting inaccuracies that result in profitability being overstated on financial statements.

The findings show a significant gap between reported profitability and financial reality within the U.S. residential construction sector. The report notes that without accurate financial reporting, builders may make decisions based on incomplete data.

“The data shows a clear difference between reported profitability and financial reality for many building companies,” said Russ Stephens, Co-Founder of the Association of Professional Builders. “When core financial metrics are not fully understood or applied correctly, profitability can be overstated without builders realizing it.”

The report highlights the Work In Progress Accounting Adjustment (WIPAA) as a key area of misunderstanding. While 60% of builders claimed they knew how to calculate WIP adjustments, testing revealed that nearly 80% of that group were unable to correctly explain the calculation. Inaccurate WIP reporting can cause building companies to appear profitable on paper while masking underlying financial exposure.

This research also identifies a distinct cohort of building companies that demonstrate strong financial visibility, disciplined systems, and accurate reporting practices. These businesses consistently perform at higher levels across key financial metrics and demonstrate greater financial stability over time compared to those operating without clear financial controls.

About the 2026 SORCI Report

The State of Residential Construction Industry (SORCI) Report is an annual benchmarking study produced by the Association of Professional Builders. The 2026 edition draws on six years of research into the residential construction industry, with 8,462 total participants since 2020 across the United States, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.

About the Association of Professional Builders

The Association of Professional Builders works exclusively with owners and directors of residential building companies that focus on new homes and large remodeling projects. APB’s mission is to improve the construction industry for both builders and consumers by helping building companies become systemized and profitable.

GLM-5 Launch Signals a New Era in AI: When Models Become Engineers


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 February 2026 – GLM-5, newly released as open source, signals a broader shift in artificial intelligence. Large language models are moving beyond generating code snippets or interface prototypes toward building complete systems and carrying out complex, end-to-end tasks. The change marks a transition from so-called “vibe coding” to what researchers increasingly describe as agentic engineering.

LLM Performance Evaluation: Agentic, Reasoning and Coding
LLM Performance Evaluation: Agentic, Reasoning and Coding

Built for this new phase, GLM-5 ranks among the strongest open-source models for coding and autonomous task execution. In practical programming settings, its performance approaches that of Claude Opus 4.5, particularly in complex system design and long-horizon tasks requiring sustained planning and execution.

The model rests on a new architecture aimed at scaling both capability and efficiency. Its parameter count has expanded from 355bn to 744bn, with active parameters rising from 32bn to 40bn, while pre-training data has grown to 28.5trn tokens. These increases are paired with advances in training methods. A framework called Slime enables asynchronous reinforcement learning at a larger scale, allowing the model to learn continuously from extended interactions and improve post-training efficiency. GLM-5 also introduces DeepSeek Sparse Attention, which maintains long-context performance while cutting deployment costs and improving token efficiency.

Benchmarks suggest strong gains. On SWE-bench-Verified and Terminal Bench 2.0, GLM-5 scores 77.8 and 56.2, respectively, the highest reported results for open-source models, surpassing Gemini 3 Pro in several software-engineering tasks. On Vending Bench 2, which simulates running a vending-machine business over a year, it finishes with a balance of $4,432, leading other open-source models in operational and economic management.

These results highlight the qualities required for agentic engineering: maintaining goals across long horizons, managing resources, and coordinating multi-step processes. As models increasingly assume these capabilities, the frontier of AI appears to be shifting from writing code to delivering functioning systems.

Chat & Official API Access

Z.ai Chat: https://chat.z.ai
GLM Coding Plan: https://z.ai/subscribe?utm_source=pr&utm_medium=press&utm_campaign=launch

Open-Source Repositories

GitHub: https://github.com/zai-org/GLM-5
Hugging Face: https://huggingface.co/zai-org/GLM-5

Blog
GLM-5 Technical Blog: https://z.ai/blog/glm-5
Hashtag: #ZAI

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

Mastercard unveils Inclusion Hub and innovative inclusivity measures co-designed with autistic Australians

Available now, businesses can sign up to Mastercard’s Inclusion Hub which features 25 practical measures for venues to adapt, including Sensory Notes, which was piloted at this year’s Australian Open and continues to be activated with Melbourne’s The Mulberry Group

SYDNEY, Feb. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — One in 40 Australians are autistici, yet many everyday spaces aren’t designed with their needs in mind. Sensory overload, unpredictable environments, and lack of clarity can make routine activities inaccessible, limiting where autistic Australians and their caregivers feel comfortable participating in community.

That’s why, Mastercard has launched Inclusion Matters, an initiative designed to rally businesses to create calmer more welcoming spaces for autistic people and sensory differences. At its centre is the Inclusion Hub which features 25 measures that venues could adopt to create more inclusive environments for various needs. Available now, businesses can register, explore practical changes from quiet hours to staff training, and build their own action plans with guidance to embed these practices into daily operations.

Mastercard co-designed the Inclusion Hub with Autism CRC, Australia’s independent national source of evidence for best practice. Autism CRC works directly with autistic people, families, and professionals to develop practical tools and improve equity and opportunity to support across every stage of life.

Piloting dining innovation  

As part of the initiative’s launch, Mastercard is piloting Sensory Notes, a new kind of restaurant menu designed to describe dishes in sensory detail, giving autistic people and those with sensory sensitivities more confidence when dining. 

Unlike traditional menus that simply list a dish and its ingredients, Sensory Notes unpack the appearance, preparation, arrangement, and taste – useful details that can help autistic people and those with sensory differences understand more about the components of a dish. The framework also outlines tiered ways hospitality venues can integrate and operationalise Sensory Notes based on their size and offering.

Sensory Notes was piloted at this year’s Australian Open Wonder Pies and Peach Melbourne venues, and continues to be piloted at The Mulberry Group’s Hazel Melbourne.

Kerry Tavrou, Head of Inclusion & Diversity at Tennis Australia, said: “We’re committed to making the Australian Open the benchmark of sporting inclusivity. By featuring Sensory Notes on our Accessible page, introducing QR signage at Wonder Pies and Peach Melbourne, and promoting them within the BallPark sensory room, we gave neurodiverse fans the tools they need to feel informed and supported throughout their AO experience.” 

To ensure Sensory Notes feels integrated into the dining experience, an icon has been created to sit alongside existing dietary symbols like Gluten Free, Vegan, and Pescatarian, providing a subtle signal that additional information about that dish is available.

Guided by its mission to create a digital economy where everyone can participate, Mastercard identified dining as a meaningful opportunity to drive practical change. Inclusion Matters has been developed to demonstrate the empathy and understanding essential to building welcoming environments for all.

Julie Nestor, Executive Vice President, Marketing and Communications, Asia Pacific, Mastercard said: “As a global leader in digital-first innovation and inclusion by design, Mastercard set out to introduce practices that go beyond what’s already available. Through the Inclusion Matters initiative, we’re making it easier for businesses to build environments where everyone feels considered and welcome. We look forward to refining the hub with ongoing feedback, because a world designed for everyone is priceless.”

Crafting Sensory Notes 

Working alongside leading chefs and autistic Australians, Mastercard defined how this could work operationally and create meaningful impact. Based on this work, Mastercard created a tool to help businesses craft their very-own Sensory Notes, which is available to restaurants as part of the Inclusion Hub.

MasterChef Australia judge and leading culinary chef, Jean-Christophe Novelli contributed to the framework’s development: “Through my experiences dining out with my son Valentino, I’ve come to understand just how complex and overwhelming restaurant experiences can be for autistic individuals and their caregivers. Dining should be a moment of joy, comfort, and connection, yet uncertainty around food often creates unnecessary barriers. Sensory Notes offers clarity and confidence so everyone can enjoy what should be a simple pleasure of sharing a meal together.”

Dr Olivia Gatfield, Autism CRC’s Research and Community Engagement Manager, said: “Our role is to listen to and learn from the autistic community, working together through research and co-design. We have focused on what truly matters to them and hope these new innovations are beneficial and can continue to be refined with community feedback.”

As the initiative scales, participating businesses will be made discoverable through a consumer directory, making it easier for families to find welcoming venues in their area.

Australian businesses are invited to explore the Hub here.

The 25 practical measures included in the Inclusion Hub: 

1. Sensory environment 

  • Adjust visual and lighting environment
  • Adjust sound and noise
  • Reduce smells
  • Adjust temperature
  • Respecting touch, time and space
  • Implement quiet hours
  • Offer sensory-friendly sessions
  • Create low sensory zones

2. Information and communication 

  • Provide accessibility information online
  • Provide clear signage
  • Provide accessible menu information
  • Include sensory notes in your menu
  • Improve store navigation
  • Communicate appointment information
  • Provide event information

3. Predictability, choice and control 

  • Manage timing, changes and wait times
  • Enable pre-visit communication
  • Provide seating options and flexibility
  • Offer alternative service options
  • Provide alternative checkout options
  • Support customer service preferences

4. Staff training and culture 

  • Deliver autism inclusion training
  • Train staff to recognise support identification tools
  • Improve hiring practices
  • Support your autistic staff

About Mastercard  

Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we’re building a resilient economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realise their greatest potential. 

www.mastercard.com 

[i] ASPECT, At least 1 in 40 Australians are… – Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect)

Asian Development Bank Beefs Up Lao Livestock with USD 42.9 Million Project

Laos livestock development project launch meeting supported by Asian Development Bank funding
Laos livestock development project launch meeting led by Ministry of Forests and Environment and supported by Asian Development Bank funding. (Photo by Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry)

Lao authorities have launched a new livestock development project backed by USD 42.9 million in funding from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

The financing package includes a mix of concessional loans and grant assistance, with USD 30 million provided as a low-interest loan. 

According to project officials, the program has three main goals. First, it aims to improve animal health and productivity by reducing the risk of livestock diseases and antimicrobial resistance. This is expected to strengthen food security and improve food safety in rural areas.

Second, the project will promote formal livestock trade and strengthen regional cooperation within the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS), while encouraging environmentally friendly production practices. 

Third, it seeks to improve livestock governance by strengthening management systems and expanding digital information services.

The project will run from 2025 to 2032, focusing on provinces that share borders with neighbouring countries, including Phongsaly, Oudomxay, Luang Namtha, Xayabouly, Xiengkhouang, and Savannakhet, and will also aim to strengthen cross-border disease prevention and livestock trade management.

During the launch meeting, participants discussed implementation plans, coordination with development partners and provincial authorities, and financial management systems to support transparent delivery.

Authorities said the initiative is expected to raise rural incomes, reduce poverty, and improve the competitiveness of Laos’ livestock sector in regional markets.

Varaha Launches Varaha Industrial Partners Program (VIPP) to Scale Industrial Biochar Carbon Removal in Côte d’Ivoire

GURUGRAM, India, Feb. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Varaha is launching the Varaha Industrial Partners Program (VIPP), a global initiative that enables biomass processing facilities with access to sustainable biomass feedstocks to generate high-integrity carbon removal credits using Varaha’s digital MRV and commercialization platforms. As the first VIPP launch partnership, Varaha will work with Revata Carbon and Valency International to develop an industrial biochar carbon removal project in Côte d’Ivoire.

Under construction biochar facility in Côte d’Ivoire
Under construction biochar facility in Côte d’Ivoire

Côte d’Ivoire is a major hub in the global cashew economy. As the cashew industry continues to grow, processing byproducts like cashew shells has become an environmental challenge. These residues have few viable or high-value end uses and instead are a persistent waste management and disposal challenge, with much of the material ultimately being burned. The VIPP Côte d’Ivoire project will convert cashew shells into high-quality biochar through controlled gasification. The resulting biochar will be directed to eligible end uses as a soil amendment, supporting long-term carbon storage and improving soil fertility for farmers.

Through VIPP, Varaha will lead measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) and manage carbon credit commercialization, including structuring and executing sales to corporate and institutional buyers, with credits issued in partnership with Puro.earth under its biochar methodology. Revata Carbon will lead in-country origination and development, building the feedstock ecosystem, coordinating local stakeholders, and operating the conversion of cashew shells and other residues into high-quality biochar via controlled gasification. Valency International, a British International Investment (BII)-backed global agribusiness and major cashew processor, will supply feedstock and provide supply chain expertise to scale the project as part of its effort to decarbonise agricultural value chains and drive sustainable development and employment through targeted investment in West Africa.

Madhur Jain, CEO of Varaha, said: “We’re excited to welcome Valency International and Revata Carbon as VIPP launch partners. Valency and Revata’s on-the-ground development leadership, combined with industrial delivery and Varaha’s rigorous MRV and commercialization, creates a strong foundation to scale durable carbon removal in West Africa and beyond.”

Vaibav Jain, Founder and CEO at Revata Carbon, said: “Revata Carbon is glad to be joining forces with Valency International and Varaha (VIPP) to help deliver high quality carbon credits with our biochar assets and agri-waste management expertise. It is an important opportunity for us to showcase Africa’s capabilities in being a responsible geography for biochar projects. This partnership signifies a big step in achieving our goal of helping integrate agricultural waste as an asset while supporting local communities and industries.”

Sumit Jain, Group CEO at Valency International, said: “Our partnership with Revata Carbon reflects Valency’s intent to actively decarbonise our value chains, starting with cashew, where we have large processing operations and generate significant by-products. Working with Revata allows us to convert these residues into a scalable, climate-positive solution embedded directly within our operations. We are also pleased to work with Varaha as our carbon credit marketing partner, bringing robust MRV and market access to the project. Together, this collaboration demonstrates how industrial agribusiness platforms can move from ambition to execution in delivering durable carbon removal.”

Industrial operators interested in joining VIPP are invited to contact Varaha at: vipp@varahaag.com.

About Varaha

Varaha is Asia’s largest developer of carbon dioxide removal (CDR) projects, with a mission of scaling smallholder farmer-led climate solutions to remove carbon from the atmosphere and strengthen rural livelihoods. Specializing in regenerative agriculture, agroforestry, biochar, and enhanced rock weathering projects across South Asia, Varaha has pioneered a technology- and science-driven approach to carbon project development since its founding in 2022. Varaha is headquartered in Gurgaon, India, and operates over 20 carbon projects across India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and the Ivory Coast.