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Singapore hosts its first Global Health Film Festival, spotlighting pandemic and planetary health

The two-evening programme on 27-28 January at The Ngee Ann Kongsi Auditorium at the SingHealth Duke-NUS campus convened clinicians, students, policymakers and partners to focus on the importance of outbreak preparedness and planetary health

SINGAPORE, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Singapore has hosted its first Global Health Film Festival, bringing together clinicians, students, policymakers and partners to examine some of the most pressing health challenges facing the region, from infectious disease preparedness to climate-related health risks.

At the close of the festival: (centre) Prof Patrick Tan, Dean, Duke-NUS Medical School, and Mr Yew Lin Goh, Chairman of the Board, Duke-NUS; with panellists (far left) Dr Jo-Anne Yeo, Clinical Sustainability Lead, Changi General Hospital; and, to their right, Ms Sumi Dhanarajan, Managing Director, Asia, Forum for the Future; and Dr Andrea Bruni, Regional Advisor, Mental Health, Word Health Organisation (WHO) South-East Asia.
At the close of the festival: (centre) Prof Patrick Tan, Dean, Duke-NUS Medical School, and Mr Yew Lin Goh, Chairman of the Board, Duke-NUS; with panellists (far left) Dr Jo-Anne Yeo, Clinical Sustainability Lead, Changi General Hospital; and, to their right, Ms Sumi Dhanarajan, Managing Director, Asia, Forum for the Future; and Dr Andrea Bruni, Regional Advisor, Mental Health, Word Health Organisation (WHO) South-East Asia.

Organised by the SingHealth Duke‑NUS Global Health Institute (SDGHI), in collaboration with UK non‑profit Global Health Film, the festival was held on 27 and 28 January at the Ngee Ann Kongsi (NAK) Auditorium in the Singapore General Hospital campus. The two-night programme saw over 500 seatings, with many participants returning for both evenings.

The festival was opened by Professor Ng Wai Hoe, Group Chief Executive Officer, SingHealth, on Day One, and Professor Patrick Tan, Dean of Duke-NUS Medical School, on Day Two.

Through the lens of documentary storytelling, the Singapore Global Health Film Festival aimed to deepen understanding of global health challenges and foster dialogue across disciplines. Each evening featured a documentary screening, followed by a moderated panel discussion with clinicians, academics and the filmmaker, and concluded with networking sessions designed to encourage cross-sector collaboration.

Programme highlights

  • Day One (27 January): Outbreak preparedness
    The programme opened with Unseen Enemy, followed by a panel discussion on disease surveillance, health system resilience and community engagement.
  • Day Two (28 January): Planetary health
    The second evening featured 2040, a documentary focused on climate and health, and a panel exploring adaptation, mitigation and health equity.

Why it matters

The festival comes at a time of heightened attention to global health in Asia, as countries apply lessons from recent pandemics while grappling with the growing health impacts of climate change. Building on an established international model previously held in Australia, the Netherlands, Tanzania, the United Kingdom and the United States, the Singapore edition marked the first time the Global Health Film Festival has been brought to Southeast Asia.

Professor Ng Wai Hoe, Group Chief Executive Officer of SingHealth, said, “Pandemics and climate change transcend geographical borders, and no country can address these issues in isolation. Our healthcare professionals have experienced, firsthand, how major health events such as disease outbreaks and pandemics impact every aspect of patient care and care delivery. SingHealth is proud to be part of this meaningful purpose in advancing global health as we foster conversations that bring together diverse perspectives with a shared purpose to benefit the patients and communities we serve.”

Professor Patrick Tan, Dean of Duke-NUS, said the festival aligned closely with the School’s educational mission. “Global health challenges rarely sit neatly within disciplines or borders. One of the roles Duke-NUS and our Global Health Institute play is helping to connect science, clinical insight and policy so that ideas can move into action. This festival brings together people who may not often share the same space, and it is in that exchange that meaningful solutions can begin. Our students also stand to gain immensely from engaging with real-world challenges through dialogue and reflection.”

“Launching the country’s first Global Health Film Festival underscores our commitment to shaping the agenda – turning insights into action and advancing policies that are impactful and implementable across Asia’s diverse social, economic, and cultural contexts,” said Professor London Lucien Ooi, Director of SDGHI.

The inaugural Singapore edition of the Global Health Film Festival was presented by SDGHI, a joint institute under the auspices of the SingHealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre, and supported by the SingHealth International Collaboration Office, Duke-NUS Medical School and Hilleman Laboratories.

About the SingHealth Duke-NUS Global Health Institute

The SingHealth Duke-NUS Global Health Institute (SDGHI) is an enabling platform for global health activities across the SingHealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre. Harnessing the strengths and expertise of SingHealth and Duke-NUS Medical School, the institute aims to address current and emerging health challenges across Asia and beyond. Working in collaboration with partners globally, we seek to tackle prevalent health challenges, strengthen health systems, and better insulate countries from pandemics and disease threats.

For more information, please visit https://www.duke-nus.edu.sg/sdghi

About SingHealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre

The SingHealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre (AMC) draws on the collective strengths of SingHealth and Duke-NUS Medical School to provide our patients and community with the best outcomes and experience.

By leveraging the synergies in clinical care, research and education created through our Academic Clinical Programmes, Disease Centres and Joint Institutes, the SingHealth Duke-NUS AMC fosters the exchange of scientific knowledge and clinical perspectives to accelerate innovation and new discoveries, advance the practice of medicine as well as nurture the next generation of healthcare professionals.

SingHealth delivers comprehensive, multi-disciplinary and integrated care across a network of acute hospitals, national specialty centres, polyclinics and community hospitals. Offering over 40 clinical specialties, SingHealth is Singapore’s largest public healthcare cluster.

Duke-NUS, Singapore’s flagship graduate-entry medical school, nurtures ‘Clinician Plus’ graduates to become leaders in the global healthcare and biomedical ecosystem, while scientists from its five Signature Research Programmes and 10 Centres transform medicine and improve lives in Asia and beyond.

For more information, please visit:

www.singhealthdukenus.com.sg
www.singhealth.com.sg
www.duke-nus.edu.sg

China Executes 11 Linked to Myanmar Scam Compounds

This photo is used for representational purpose only.

AFP – China on 29 January executed 11 people linked to Myanmar criminal gangs, including “key members” involved in telecom scam operations, state media reported.

Fraud compounds have flourished in Myanmar’s lawless borderlands, part of a multibillion-dollar illicit industry.

The centers are typically staffed by foreigners, including many Chinese, with many saying they were trafficked and forced to swindle people online.

Beijing has stepped up cooperation with Southeast Asian nations in recent years to crack down on the compounds, and thousands of people have been repatriated to China.

The 11 people executed Thursday were sentenced to death in September by a court in the eastern Chinese city of Wenzhou, Xinhua said, adding that the court also carried out the executions.

Crimes of the executed included “intentional homicide, intentional injury, unlawful detention, fraud and casino establishment”, the report said.

The death sentences had been approved by the Supreme People’s Court in Beijing, which found that the evidence produced of crimes committed since 2015 was “conclusive and sufficient”, Xinhua said.

Among the executed were members of the “Ming family criminal group”, whose activities had contributed to the deaths of 14 Chinese citizens and injuries to “many others”.

“The criminals’ close relatives were allowed to meet with them before the execution,” Xinhua added.


© Agence France-Presse

The Top Employers in Asia-Pacific Have Been Announced for 2026

SINGAPORE, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Top Employers Institute has officially announced the 2026 Top Employers in Asia-Pacific, recognising 460 organisations across 23 countries for the strength of their people practices and the quality of their workplace environments.

This year’s announcement comes at a time when organisations across the region are navigating economic uncertainty, accelerating technological change, and sustained pressure on organisational capacity. In this context, the organisations recognised as Top Employers in 2026 stand out for the deliberate way they are designing their organisations to perform and sustain success under pressure. Commenting on the announcement, Billy Elliott, Regional Director Asia-Pacific at Top Employers Institute, said:

“Achieving Top Employer Certification for 2026 reflects an organisation’s commitment to creating high-quality workplaces that enable sustained business performance. The organisations recognised this year demonstrate strong alignment between people strategy and organisational goals, underpinned by a continued focus on improvement. We are proud to recognise these employers for the meaningful contribution they are making to the world of work”

These are the 460 organisations certified across Asia-Pacific:

The Top Employers in Asia-Pacific Have Been Announced for 2026
The Top Employers in Asia-Pacific Have Been Announced for 2026

Certified Top Employers are assessed through the Top Employers Institute’s globally consistent, data-driven Certification Programme, which evaluates organisations across six HR domains and 20 topics, including People Strategy, Work Environment, Talent Acquisition, Learning, Wellbeing, Diversity & Inclusion, and Sustainability. Certification is awarded only to those organisations that meet the Top Employers Institute’s global standard of HR excellence and demonstrate a mature, integrated approach to their people strategy and practices.

The 2026 cohort reflects a broader shift identified through Top Employers Institute research towards the intentional organisation. Among the 460 certified organisations, those recognised this year are moving away from reactive expansion and short-term fixes, and towards deliberate design. They are making conscious choices about what matters most, how work is structured, and how technology and leadership are applied to support long-term performance.

The breadth of certification across 23 Asia-Pacific countries highlights both the scale and complexity of the region. Achieving certification at a regional level signals an organisation’s ability to align people strategy with business outcomes across diverse markets, cultures, and workforce expectations.

Together, the 2026 Asia-Pacific Top Employers demonstrate that sustained performance in today’s environment is driven not by constant acceleration, but by clarity of purpose, coherence of design, and intentional action. As organisations look ahead, these employers set a clear benchmark for building resilient, people-centred workplaces that are equipped for the future.

You can see the full list of Top Employers here

Media Contact Name: Saadiq Samodien (saadiq.samodien@top-employers.com)

For more details, please visit: Top Employers Institute

For media enquiries, contact: Saadiq Samodien (saadiq.samodien@top-employers.com)

For updates, please follow: Top Employers LinkedIn

Let Good Fortune Ignite this Lunar New Year with Suntec City’s Huat A Pot-sperity Festival

SINGAPORE, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Suntec City ushers in the Year of the Horse with a playful mix of interactive experiences, exclusive collectibles and seasonal promotions for the young and young at heart from now till 1 March 2026. At the heart of the family-friendly festivities, an immersive plush-themed festive bazaar at the mall’s Atrium (Tower 1 & 2) awaits, featuring a dynamic collaboration with Mr Merlion & Friends and a larger-than-life hotpot-themed inflatable bouncy ball pit.

DIVE INTO POT-SPERITY AT THE YUAN YANG PLAYGROUND

From 11am to 9pm daily between today till 22 February 2026, little ones can leap into the excitement at the POTsperity Yuan Yang playground located at Atrium (Tower 1 & 2). The centrepiece, a 5-metre-tall hotpot-themed inflatable, brings the joy of ‘yuan yang’ hotpot to life. This whimsical 2-in-1 play zone invites little ones to ‘choose their soup base’ as they play. Offering double the festive fun in a single giant hotpot, one half of the inflatable channels the bold, fiery energy of a mala soup, featuring an energetic bouncy area, while the other takes inspiration from a comforting collagen soup, reimagined as a vibrant ball pit.

Adults can join in the fun too with two interactive activity stations:

Game 1: Prosperity Pot Master

Race against the clock to add the correct ingredients in the right sequence to rack up the points in this thrilling, fast-paced festive digital game challenge.

Game 2: Lucky Roll Station

Roll in good fortune for the year ahead by pressing a custom gold stamp across a Red Packet – and bring home your own lucky keepsake.

POTsperity Yuan Yang playground is free-to-play for Suntec+ Members, with on-site sign-ups available. The inflatable is designed for children aged 4 to 12, with a minimum height requirement of 100cm. For safety reasons, adults will not be allowed to enter the inflatable. Socks are required for entry, and adult supervision is required at all times.

SADDLE INTO THE FUN AT MR MERLION & FRIENDS: PROSPERITY FEST

Enthusiasts can look forward to stepping into the whimsical world of Mr Merlion & Friends, as Suntec City transforms its atrium into a lively festive bazaar filled with charm, nostalgia and interactive play. As the Lunar New Year unfolds, this immersive ‘Prosperity Fest’ presents a fresh take on beloved seasonal traditions, bringing them to life through imaginative setups designed to captivate visitors of all ages.

Across Thursday to Sunday between now till 22 February 2026, families are invited to wander through a bustling bazaar of adorably themed stalls, where friendly ‘stall owners’ recreate nostalgic Lunar New Year treats and traditions through interactive moments – from bak kwa ‘grilling’ to love letter ‘rolling’ and ‘freshly baked’ pineapple tarts. Each stall is customised with adorable plush displays and pretend play elements, encouraging visitors to explore and engross themselves in the charm of the vibrant bazaar.

Entry to this Interactive Experience is exclusive to visitors who purchase the $88 Bundle. Participants embark on a journey, picking and choosing five plushies from the various stalls, before receiving a mahjong blind box to complete their set. The adventure continues at the Mahjong Table, where each guest flips a tile for a chance to reveal the coveted ‘發’ tile. Lucky winners walk away with an exclusive Giant Mahjong Cushion, while stocks last.

As a special treat, the first 1,000 Suntec+ Members who purchase the $88 Bundle will also take home a limited-edition Golden Hotpot bag charm, while stocks last.

Weekends bring even more excitement as the beloved Mr Merlion & Friends mascots take turns to roam the bazaar at 2pm and 5pm with cheerful poses and plenty of photo opportunities. With multiple themed photo spots integrated throughout the space, shoppers can capture their favourite Lunar New Year memories, set against backdrops blending playful illustrations with traditional motifs.

Adding another layer to the celebrations, a retail pop-up remains open daily, offering a curated range of Mr Merlion & Friends apparel, personalised keychains, bag charms, and other Lunar New Year-themed trinkets, perfect as meaningful keepsakes or gifts.

The Mr Merlion & Friends’ Interactive Experience is open from 5pm to 9pm on Thursdays and Fridays, and 12pm to 9pm on Saturdays and Sundays. The retail pop-up is open daily from 11am to 9pm. Design of the Giant Mahjong Cushion will be issued at random, while stocks last.

SHOP, SPEND & PROSPER WITH MORE REWARDS

From now till 1 March 2026, shoppers at Suntec City can look forward to an abundance of rewards with qualifying spend in 1 same-day receipt. Among the highlights is the limited-edition Fortune Hotpot Brick Set, a playful, buildable collectible that lets shoppers assemble their own miniature hotspot scene inspired by reunion feasts. Alongside other rewards like bonus Suntec City e-Vouchers and Carpark Dollars, this Lunar New Year promises to be one of the most rewarding seasons yet.

Unlock more with stackable rewards:

  • $68 or more: 1 pack of exclusive Year of the Horse Red Packets and $3 Carpark Dollars
  • $128 or more: An additional Fortune Hotpot Brick Set (Fully Redeemed)
  • $188 or more: An additional $10 Suntec City e-Voucher#

All redemptions are exclusive to Suntec+ Members and are available on a while stocks last basis. Physical rewards and Carpark Dollars are to be redeemed at any Customer Service Counter, excluding Suntec City e-Vouchers.
#e-Vouchers will be credited to Suntec+ e-Wallet upon receipt approval.

PLENTY MORE TO HUAT ABOUT

The celebration will not be complete without auspicious sights, energetic performances, and interactive highlights. On 20 February 2026, the Atrium (Tower 3 & 4) will be filled with the unmistakable rhythm of drums as the mall’s Lion and Dragon Dance Performance takes centre stage. The lively showcase features high-pole lion dance acrobatics by Pho Leng Lion Dance Instruction Centre, and a traditional ‘plucking the greens’ ceremony to usher in prosperity for the year ahead. Adding to the festive cheer, the God of Fortune mascot will be making mall-wide special appearances on selected dates to spread blessings and good cheer.

Visitors can also explore their fortunes for the year ahead with the 12 Zodiac Reading Panels created in collaboration with Alchemy International Advisory. Available from now till 1 March 2026, each panel features a QR code that unveils Lunar New Year Augmented Reality (AR) filters, for a playful twist on auspicious zodiac readings.

– END –

For hi-res images, please download from this link.

For the latest updates, visit:
https://sunteccity.com.sg/huat-a-potsperity

About Suntec City

Suntec City is one of Singapore’s largest integrated developments, comprising a shopping mall, five Grade A office towers, and a world-class convention and exhibition centre. Nestled in the heart of the bustling Marina Central precinct, the entire development is well connected by street-level plazas and underground walkways.

With close to one million of retail space and over 100 different Food & Beverage offerings, Suntec City Mall offers a one-stop shopping, dining, lifestyle and entertainment experience that caters to the needs of our shoppers, the office community and visitors. 

Suntec City is also home to The Fountain of Wealth, an icon of Singapore that embodies vibrancy in bringing people together for the celebration of wealth and good health. The City is easily accessible as it is connected to 2 Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) stations, the Esplanade and Promenade MRT stations, and has over 3,000 parking lots across 2 basement carparks.

Appendix

HUAT A POT-SPERITY FESTIVAL EVENT
Suntec City, Atrium (Tower 1 & 2)
Now till 22 February 2026

POTsperity Yuan Yang

 

11am to 9pm daily

 

Free admission for Suntec+ Members

Yuan Yang Ball Pit:

●     Recommended Age: 4 – 12yrs old (minimum height for entry: 100cm)

●     Time Slot: 15 minutes each session

●     Socks are mandatory for entry

●     Due to safety regulations, adults are not allowed in the inflatable ball pit

Game 1: Prosperity Pot Master

Shoppers have to add the correct ingredients fast and in the right sequence to earn points.

Game 2: Lucky Roll Station

Shoppers can roll the custom gold press across a Red Packet & bring it home

Mr Merlion & Friends: Prosperity Fest

Interactive Experience:

●     Thursday & Friday (5pm – 9pm)

●     Saturday & Sunday (12pm – 9pm)

 

$88 per entry, Bundle includes 5 plushies of choice and 1 mahjong blind box

Retail Pop-up:

●     Daily (11am – 9pm)

Mascot Meet & Greet:

●     Saturday & Sunday (2pm & 5pm)

Suntec+ Members Exclusive

Exclusive Golden Hotpot bag charm:

Limited to the first 1,000 shoppers who register for the $88 Mr Merlion & Friends’ Interactive Experience, 1 redemption per shopper only. While stocks last.

 

ABUNDANT REWARDS
Now till 1 March 2026 (while stocks last)

Limited to 1 redemption per shopper per day,

with max of 1 same-day receipt

REWARDS

Min. $68 Spend

Min. $128 Spend

Min. $188 Spend

Red Packets+

$3 Carpark Dollars+ (worth $3)

✓

✓

✓

Fortune Hotpot Brick Set+ (FULLY REDEEMED)

✓

✓

$10 Suntec City e-Voucher*

✓

+Redeem at any Customer Service Counter.

*e-Vouchers will be credited to Suntec+ e-Wallet upon receipt approval.

SPRING HAPPENINGS

Lion and Dragon Dance Performance

Location: Suntec City Atrium (Tower 3 & 4)

 

20 February 2026, Friday

10.38am onwards

Roaming God of Fortune (Mascot Appearance)

Location: Mall-wide

 

6 & 13 February 2026

6.30pm

 

7, 8, 14 & 15 February 2026

2.30pm & 5.30pm

12 Zodiac Reading Panels (with AR Festive Greetings)

Location: L2 outside Bed Bath N’ Table (#02-325)

 

Now till 1 March 2026

 

OSL Group Announces US$200 Million Equity Financing to Accelerate Global Stablecoin and Payment Expansion

HONG KONG, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — OSL Group (863.HK), Asia’s leading stablecoin trading and payment platform, today announced an equity financing of US$200 million (approximately HK$1.56 billion). The capital raise is designed to bolster the company’s financial position, capture global growth opportunities, and accelerate its strategic expansion across the stablecoin trading and payment sectors.

Under the proposed plan, the net proceeds will be allocated toward strategic acquisitions, the expansion of global business across sectors including payments and stablecoins, alongside product and technology infrastructure development, and general working capital.

Building on its successful strategic and brand advancement in 2025, OSL Group has been fully committed to developing a compliant stablecoin trading and payment ecosystem. Key milestones include the acquisition of Banxa, a world-leading Web3 payment service provider, the launch of OSL BizPay, a B2B payment solution designed to serve the real economy and meet the needs of corporate and institutional clients, and the introduction of USDGO, a compliant USD stablecoin that serves as the cornerstone of OSL Group’s global payment infrastructure.

Ivan Wong, Chief Financial Officer of OSL Group, said:

“The market has strongly validated OSL Group’s strategic positioning within the stablecoin and payment space. This financing round will allow us to welcome more like-minded strategic and long-term investors. Beyond strengthening our capital base and diversifying our shareholder structure, these funds will enable us to seize timely opportunities to acquire licensed trading and payment entities worldwide, further solidifying our first-mover advantage as we advance our compliance-driven global strategy.”

About OSL Group

OSL Group (HKEX: 863) is Asia’s leading stablecoin trading and payment platform that strives to provide compliant and efficient digital financial infrastructure services globally, empowering enterprises, financial institutions and individuals to seamlessly exchange, pay, trade, and settle between fiat and digital currencies. Grounded in the core values of Open, Secure, and Licensed, it is committed to building a more efficient ecosystem that connects global markets and enables instant, seamless and compliant value movement worldwide.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute, and shall not be construed as, an offer, solicitation, invitation, recommendation, or inducement to buy, sell, subscribe for, or otherwise deal in any digital assets, securities, or financial products. It does not constitute financial, investment, legal, tax, accounting, or other professional advice and should not be relied upon as such. The views, statements, and information contained herein do not necessarily reflect the official positions or commitments of OSL Group or any of its affiliates. Any descriptions of products, services, promotions, or programmes are for general reference only.Participation in any products, services, or promotions mentioned is subject to applicable terms, conditions, and regulatory requirements. This article may contain forward-looking statements or indicative information. Actual outcomes may differ materially, and OSL Group assumes no obligation to update such information.

The new World Ocean Review: Explaining life in the ocean

WOR 9 summarizes the current state of knowledge about marine biodiversity. Available free of charge, it is the ideal starting point for anyone keen to understand marine life.


Life on Earth is linked inseparably with the ocean. It covers around 71 per cent of the surface and is the largest habitat on our planet. Much of its species diversity is still unknown – and yet it is vital for human well-being. The greater the health and diversity of marine life, the greater the benefits for people and nature. But which species live in the ocean, and which environmental factors influence their distribution or habitat size? What are the reasons for the decline in marine species abundance – and how can it be preserved successfully? The new edition of World Ocean Review, published today, provides answers to these and many other questions about ocean life. Available free of charge, it can be ordered as a printed copy or downloaded as a pdf from https://worldoceanreview.com/en/wor-9/.

HAMBURG/BERLIN, GERMANY – Newsaktuell – 29 January 2026 – The release of WOR 9 could not be more timely: the publication of this new edition of the marine science series World Ocean Review (WOR) in English comes just after the UN High Seas Treaty officially entered into force in January 2026. Titled “Marine Biodiversity – Vital Essence of Our Oceans” and available free of charge, WOR 9 includes eight chapters of key facts, background information and stories around marine biodiversity – from genetic differences between individual species, the distribution of marine life and its benefits to human society, and the effectiveness of marine conservation policy, to the diverse values that we assign to the ocean and its biological communities.

World Ocean Review 9: "Marine Biodiversity - Vital Essence of Our Oceans" / Cover Copyright © Tom Shlesinger/maribus gGmbH / More information via ots and www.presseportal.de/en/nr/82183 / The use of this image for editorial purposes is permitted and free of charge provided that all conditions of use are complied with. Publication must include image credits.
World Ocean Review 9: “Marine Biodiversity – Vital Essence of Our Oceans” / Cover Copyright © Tom Shlesinger/maribus gGmbH / More information via ots and www.presseportal.de/en/nr/82183 / The use of this image for editorial purposes is permitted and free of charge provided that all conditions of use are complied with. Publication must include image credits.

“The ninth edition of WOR emphasizes that the conservation of marine biodiversity requires not only accurate analyses by natural scientists, but also farsightedness on the part of society and commitment from policymakers. The coming decades will determine whether we strike a new balance between use and protection – and thus succeed in preserving the ocean as the source of our vital natural resources,” says Nikolaus Gelpke, initiator of the WOR project and Managing Director of maribus gGmbH. World Ocean Review is published by maribus gGmbH in partnership with the German Marine Research Consortium (KDM), the International Ocean Institute and the ocean magazine mare.

Biodiversity is complex – WOR makes it accessible

“Biodiversity is complex. However, key figures in politics and the economy generally only consider a small number of mostly market-based values of nature. This is reflected in the decisions they take, which lead, among other things, to overfishing, pollution and ocean warming, at the expense of future generations. The knowledge we produce, which is summarized in the new edition of World Ocean Review, is therefore intended to generate more respect for the largest habitat on Earth,” says Prof. Dr. Ulrich Bathmann, a marine biologist and Chair of the German Marine Research Consortium (KDM).

The new edition of WOR gently guides its readers through the abstract concept of marine biodiversity and shares statistics, key definitions and examples, along with a wealth of up-to-date research data on the patterns and mechanisms of ocean life. It provides clear and concise explanations of the role of new scientific tools such as metabarcoding and artificial intelligence and sheds light on the mutually reinforcing effects of the multiple drivers of species decline.

WOR 9 also offers hope. As a society, we have long possessed the knowledge we need for effective conservation and sustainable management of marine life and its multiple functions. Indeed, we still have the capability to achieve the broad-scale recovery of degraded marine habitats within just 25 years. How can we bring about this vital turnaround in our management of the oceans? In several chapters, the new World Ocean Review describes how this can be done.

The ocean is considered healthy and resilient when its biological communities support a large number of species that differ in their genetic make-up, appearance, characteristics and functions. Understanding the significance of this diversity for human society is the first step towards its conservation. The new World Ocean Review shows the way.

World Ocean Review is published every two years in German and English and has a worldwide readership of policymakers, business players and civil society stakeholders with an interest in the topics covered. It provides up-to-date background information on relevant ocean-related issues and is aimed at anyone wishing to have a say on marine conservation and use.

The English edition of the new WOR, titled “Marine Biodiversity – Vital Essence of Our Oceans”, will be published on 29 January 2026. It can be ordered as a printed copy or downloaded as a pdf free of charge from https://worldoceanreview.com/en/wor-9/.

Information for editorial teams

Preview copies of World Ocean Review 9, visual materials and social media cards are available here: https://worldoceanreview.com/en/press.

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

Event Offering Great Opportunity to Enjoy Pairing of Japan’s Traditional Distilled Spirit “Shochu” and Highest-quality “Miyazaki Wagyu” Beef to Be Held in New York on February 21

-Top “Shochu” Distiller Kirishima Shuzo to Provide Its Signature Distilled Liquor and Japanese Cuisine, including Miyazaki Wagyu “Shabu-shabu”-

MIYAKONOJO, Japan, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On Saturday, February 21, 2026, in collaboration with “JAPAN Fes (*1),” Kirishima Shuzo Co., Ltd., Japan’s top (*2) distiller of shochu, will showcase the appeal of the traditional Japanese liquor to the U.S. market at “MIYAZAKI WAGYU x Japan’s Top ‘Shochu’ Experience – KIRISHIMA Fes,” an indoor event where guests will enjoy shochu and food, at “LAVAN MIDTOWN” in New York.

Images: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/attach/202601202734-O3-IFKuVZLD.pdf 

“KIRISHIMA Fes” will be held twice that day, from 12:00 to 14:00 and from 18:00 to 20:00 (EST). The 250 guests per session (500 total) who pre-register via the ticketing website (https://kirishimaxjapanfessync2026.eventbrite.com) will receive a set of 3 drinks and food at a special price of $21. In addition to Japanese food catering such as “yakitori” chicken grilled on skewers and “karaage” fried chicken, guests can enjoy the “shabu-shabu” dish (thinly sliced beef dipped in boiling broth) of the top Japanese beef brand “Miyazaki Wagyu” (*3), prepared in the spot by Chef Hiroki Abe, who is loved by celebrities from Hollywood and around the world.

For drinks, two types of shochu will be offered, mixed with carbonated water: “Kuro Kirishima,” characterized by its rich sweetness and crisp aftertaste, and “KIRISHIMA No.8,” which features a fresh fruity feel reminiscent of muscat grapes and mandarin oranges.

In recent years, the export of Japan-made alcoholic beverages such as sake and whiskey are increasing in volume and gaining popularity worldwide. Additionally, in 2024, “traditional knowledge and skills of sake-making with ‘koji’ mold in Japan” was registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Shochu is also a type of distilled liquor made with koji, yeast, and materials such as sweet potatoes in its fermentation process. Shochu is widely popular in Japan as traditional distilled liquor that can be enjoyed with meals, yet its global recognition is still rather low. Kirishima Shuzo wishes for this event to be a trigger for the world to recognize the goodness of shochu through its food pairings.

The company hopes many will take this opportunity to enjoy shochu with delicious cuisine.

Notes:

(*1) Event-based community connecting the appeal of Japan with local people worldwide, including the U.S. and France, primarily through Japanese cuisine.

(*2) Ranked top in shochu sales in Japan for 13 consecutive years (Teikoku Databank, 2025)

(*3) Four-time consecutive winner of the Prime Minister’s Award, the highest award, at the National Wagyu Beef Competitive Exhibition held in Japan.

For more details about this event: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/attach/202601202734-O4-pMGX6O8v.pdf 

About Kirishima Shuzo Co., Ltd. — a shochu distiller: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/attach/202601202734-O2-JTdJI8R3.pdf 

Haber Receives Frost & Sullivan’s 2025 Global Technology Innovation Leadership Recognition for Industrial AI

The recognition acknowledges Haber’s leadership in AI-driven process control, industrial AI, and measurable industrial performance outcomes.

SAN ANTONIO, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Frost & Sullivan is pleased to announce that Haber has received its 2025 Global Technology Innovation Leadership Recognition in the Industrial AI industry for its exceptional ability to translate artificial intelligence into real-time, closed-loop industrial control. This recognition highlights the company’s sustained focus on technology innovation, execution excellence, and customer impact as manufacturing and process industries navigate rising operational complexity and resource constraints.

Frost & Sullivan assesses organizations through a comprehensive benchmarking framework across two core dimensions: strategy effectiveness and strategy execution. Haber demonstrated strong alignment between its long-term strategic vision and its ability to deliver consistent, scalable results in live industrial environments. The company distinguishes itself by moving automation beyond static logic and manual intervention toward adaptive, self-optimizing control systems that respond dynamically to changing process conditions. “Haber is redefining industrial AI by embedding intelligence directly into production processes, enabling operators to respond proactively rather than reactively, and delivering measurable operational and sustainability outcomes,” said Vijay Mathew, Director, Growth Advisory at Frost & Sullivan.

Driven by a growth strategy centered on intelligent automation, operational resilience, and sustainability-led value creation, Haber has shown a strong capacity to address persistent industry challenges such as workforce attrition, raw material variability, and inefficient resource consumption. Its continued investment in hybrid intelligence, which integrates physics-based process understanding with advanced machine learning, has enabled the company to scale effectively across multiple industries while maintaining accuracy, transparency, and control reliability.

Innovation is embodied in Haber ‘s Elixa and Mt.Fuji platform, which connects plant data, domain expertise, and real-time decision-making into a single operational framework. Unlike traditional automation systems that provide visibility without action, Elixa and Mt.Fuji continuously adjusts process variables through closed-loop control, enabling plants to stabilize production, reduce variability, and optimize energy, water, and chemical use. “As manufacturers and utilities face growing pressure to improve efficiency and sustainability, the ability to operationalize real-time data is becoming essential. Haber’s Industrial AI combines analytics with deep process expertise to support measurable improvements in industrial operations.” Priya Venkat, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer, Haber.

Haber’s customer-centric model further strengthens its market position. Elixa and Mt.Fuji have been implemented across more than 100 manufacturing sites, delivering over $300 million in annual recurring savings while achieving substantial reductions in chemical usage and water consumption. Its modular architecture allows rapid deployment alongside existing PLC and SCADA systems, enabling customers to realize value within weeks rather than months.

Frost & Sullivan commends Haber for establishing a high standard in technology innovation, strategic execution, and market responsiveness. The company’s disciplined approach to scaling industrial AI—supported by operator-first design, modular deployment, and measurable outcomes—is shaping the future of industrial process control and reinforcing the role of intelligence as a practical performance enabler.

Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents the Technology Innovation Leadership Recognition to organizations that demonstrate excellence in innovation strategy and implementation, resulting in tangible improvements in operational efficiency, customer value, and competitive positioning. The recognition reflects Frost & Sullivan’s assessment of companies that are advancing their industries through forward-looking technology and sustained growth performance.

Frost & Sullivan Best Practices Recognition
Frost & Sullivan’s Best Practices Recognitions honor companies across regional and global markets that exhibit exceptional achievement and consistent excellence in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer experience, and strategic product development. Each recognition is the result of a rigorous analytical process in which Frost & Sullivan industry experts benchmark performance through comprehensive interviews, deep-dive analysis, and extensive secondary research. The goal is to identify true best-in-class organizations that are driving transformative growth and setting new industry standards.
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Contact:
Tarini Singh
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About Haber
Haber redefines Industrial AI with its autonomous process control, manufacturing intelligence software and advanced process analyzers for manufacturing, utilities and water systems. The company’s platform deploys purpose built AI agents to integrate real time operational data with advanced analytics and machine learning, enabling actionable insights, autonomous process control, and measurable performance improvements in complex operating environments.
Haber’s solutions help industries improve efficiency, reduce resource and energy consumption, and enhance quality and sustainability outcomes across sectors including pulp and paper, food and beverage, and institutional utilities. With deployments across global operations, Haber enables customers to move from reactive operations to proactive intelligence-driven decision making.