HONG KONG, Feb. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — More than 190 students from 13 local secondary schools will take part in a year-long programme to gain hands-on experience in preparing an extremely rare whale specimen for public exhibitions scheduled for 2027. The Environment and Conservation Fund “Sea” Through Cetacean: STEAM Student Ambassador Programme & Cetacean Conservation Exhibition, organised by the Division of Science of Lingnan University in collaboration with The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Cetacea Research Institute, and Ocean Park Conservation Foundation Hong Kong, was officially launched on 1 February 2026. This initiative builds on the rare stranding of a Longman’s beaked whale in Hong Kong in 2024, providing students with a unique opportunity to assist in the preparation of skeletal specimens of one of the world’s most mysterious marine mammal species. The project also promotes cetacean conservation and will educate the public in key marine environmental issues, including plastic pollution in the oceans.

Dr Eric Cheng Kam-chung, SBS, MH, OStJ, JP Chairman of the Environment and Conservation Fund Committee, delivered a speech at the launch ceremony: “This Environment and Conservation Fund funded project turns a marine ecological conservation event into a highly meaningful educational programme. It is believed that the project will not only raise public awareness of whale and dolphin conservation as well as environmental sustainability but also encourage a deeper reflection on marine ecological conservation.”

Dr Chu Chun-wa, Assistant Director (Fisheries and Marine Conservation) of the Fisheries and Marine Conservation Branch of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD), said “The AFCD has long been committed to promoting marine conservation. We believe this skeletal preparation programme will cultivate a sense of responsibility among young people towards marine ecology, foster greater interest in fisheries and marine conservation, transform scientific knowledge into action, and facilitate the long-term protection of biodiversity in Hong Kong waters.

Prof Paulina Wong Pui-yun, Head and Associate Professor (Presidential Early Career Scholar) of Division of Science at Lingnan University, agreed “Complete Longman’s beaked whale specimens are extremely rare worldwide, and this has presented a precious opportunity to study rare deep-sea cetaceans. Lingnan University is honoured to host this programme, which allows students to study whale specimens through STEAM interdisciplinary experiences. We hope to teach students to understand marine conservation from multiple perspectives — science, technology, engineering, and arts — so they can become a new generation of ambassadors, spreading conservation messages among the public and raising awareness of the importance of protecting marine ecosystems.”

This two-year project, led by Prof Scott Chui Yik-suen, Research Assistant Professor of the Division of Science at Lingnan University, starts with providing introductory training and guidelines on the preparation of whale skeleton specimens to over 190 students from 13 secondary schools across Hong Kong. Students will assist with an 11-month specimen processing procedure and gain hands-on experience in handling, degreasing, measuring, and documenting the condition of the assigned whale skeletal specimens to preserve them for both scientific study and public exhibition. Throughout the process, they will regularly and systematically monitor and record any changes to the specimens, and will also participate in diverse STEAM-based experiential learning activities, including science and conservation lectures, visits to research facilities and marine animal rescue centres, and field trips to Tai O, as well as creating works of art to exhibit. These multidisciplinary skills will help them become ambassadors advocating for cetacean and marine conservation.

In the second phase, the project will extend its reach to the public through two Cetacean Conservation Exhibitions scheduled for the second and fourth quarters of 2027. These will showcase the Longman’s beaked whale skeleton prepared with the students’ assistance in the first phase, together with specimens of two local cetacean species—the Chinese white dolphin and the finless porpoise. The exhibitions will also display the canvas bag found in the whale’s stomach to highlight the threats of plastic pollution to marine ecosystems. During the exhibitions, student ambassadors will serve as docents, guiding public tours and describing their own experiences to deliver key messages about cetacean ecology and marine conservation. The digital 3D model and 1:1 3D-printed replica of the Longman’s beaked whale skeleton will serve as lasting educational and scientific resources, contributing to 3DTEACH—a newly established educational alliance among universities in Hong Kong. This initiative will create ongoing and lasting value to public education, conservation efforts, and the scientific community.

Prof Chui said “There are typically 20 to 50 cases of dolphin stranding reported in Hong Kong each year, predominantly involving two local cetacean species—Chinese white dolphins and finless porpoises. Strandings of other species are rarer, with only a few reported annually. Cetaceans inhabiting inshore habitats, such as Chinese white dolphins and finless porpoises, are particularly susceptible to threats from human activities, including coastal development, marine traffic, and pollution. Plastic debris and fishing hooks are sometimes found in the stomachs of stranded animals, and entanglement in abandoned fishing nets and gear is not uncommon. One study even found up to 145 microplastic particles in the stomach of a stranded Chinese white dolphin in the Pearl River Estuary, highlighting the critical issue of plastic pollution in the marine ecosystem. We hope to educate the public in environmental issues such as cetacean conservation and marine plastic pollution through this project.”

Participating Secondary Schools (in alphabetical order):
Diocesan Boys’ School
DMHC Siu Ming Catholic Secondary School
Elegantia College
HKCCCU Logos Academy
Kau Yan College
La Salle College
Lingnan Hang Yee Memorial Secondary School
Po Leung Kuk Laws Foundation College
St. Catharine’s School for Girls
Sha Tin Methodist College
Shun Tak Fraternal Association Leung Kau Kui College
The ELCHK Yuen Long Lutheran Secondary School
Ying Wa College

About the Longman’s beaked whale
The Longman’s beaked whales (Indopacetus pacificus), also known as Indo-Pacific beaked whales or tropical bottlenose whales, belong to the beaked whale family (Ziphiidae) within the order Cetacea. They live in the deep, open, tropic waters of the Pacific and Indian Oceans, and are rarely seen near coastal waters. As of 2021, there have only been seven other complete skeleton specimens of Longman’s beaked whales reported worldwide, and they are widely regarded as one of the most mysterious and least understood marine mammals.

SINGAPORE and GELEPHU, Bhutan, Feb. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Matrixport announces that its Bhutan entity, Matrix Bhutan Pte Ltd, has received In-Principle Approval (IPA) from the Gelephu Financial Services Office (GFSO) to operate regulated financial services within or from Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC).

The In-Principle Approval represents an important milestone in Matrixport’s long-term commitment to building regulated, institution-grade virtual asset financial services. It reflects Matrixport’s focus on operating within clear regulatory frameworks, with compliance, governance, and risk management forming the foundation of sustainable innovation.

“We have always believed that innovation in virtual assets requires operating within regulation, and the clarity and engagement provided by Gelephu Mindfulness City gives us the confidence to build responsibly,” said John Ge, Co-Founder & CEO of Matrixport.

Subject to the fulfilment of final regulatory conditions, the proposed licence would permit Matrix Bhutan Pte Ltd to carry out the following regulated activities:

• Providing Money Services
• Dealing in Investments as Matched Principal
• Providing Custody

No regulated services will be offered until all licensing requirements are satisfied and final approval is granted by the GFSO.

Strategic Entry into Gelephu Mindfulness City

Matrixport’s decision to establish a presence in GMC is anchored in the city’s clear regulatory framework and constructive supervisory engagement for financial services and virtual asset activities. The jurisdiction provides an environment that supports responsible participation, operational discipline, and long-term development within the digital finance sector.

Regulatory and Compliance Focus

Matrixport’s proposed operations in GMC will be underpinned by:

• Regulated payment-related activities conducted within an approved supervisory framework
• Robust compliance, AML, and risk-management controls aligned with international standards
• Strong governance and internal oversight, consistent with Matrixport’s global operating principles

All activities will be conducted strictly in accordance with applicable GMC and GFSO regulatory requirements.

In support of GFSO’s efforts to foster a vibrant and sustainable financial sector, Matrxport plans to participate as an early industry contributor to the proposed Center of Excellence (CoE) focused on strengthening compliance capabilities within the financial ecosystem of GMC. Through this initiative, Matrixport will contribute industry-led training support aimed at upskilling local Bhutanese talent with practical and current compliance skillsets. The CoE is intended to serve as a collaborative platform for training programmes, industry and academic partnerships, career guidance, and talent development initiatives to support companies operating in GMC, and to contribute to Bhutan’s longer-term ambition to build a recognized hub for compliance expertise.

About Matrixport

Founded in 2019, Matrixport is a global leading one-stop digital asset financial services platform that bridges traditional finance with the digital asset ecosystem through technology and regulatory compliance. The company has grown into a unicorn with a valuation exceeding US$1 billion and has established a licensed and regulated presence across major financial centres, including Singapore, Hong Kong, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States. With seven offices worldwide, Matrixport manages more than US$7 billion in assets, facilitates monthly trading volumes exceeding US$7 billion, with cumulative interest payments surpassing US$2 billion. Its platform offers a comprehensive range of digital financial services including custody, wealth and yield management, structured products, and trading solutions for global clients.

Contact: pr@matrixport.com 

Providing Flexible and Diversified Investment Portfolios for Global Investors

HONG KONG, Feb. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Futu Holdings Limited (Nasdaq: FUTU), a globally leading securities trading and wealth management fintech platform, is pleased to announce that its subsidiary, Futu Securities International (Hong Kong) Limited (“Futu”), has received five prestigious awards from the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME). This achievement solidifies Futu’s leading position and expertise in the futures and options domain. Over the years, Futu is committed to providing diversified futures and options trading services for global investors with extensive customer coverage, earning recognition from worldwide major global exchanges and authoritative institutions for its outstanding performance in exchange product trading and derivatives investments.

Leveraging its exceptional user experience and the app’s feature advantages, Futu has received multiple awards from CME Group, including “Education Motivator”, “F&O Journey Driver”, “Influential Broker”, “Innovative Broker” and “Options Mover”, showcasing its comprehensive strengths in the derivatives service’s ecosystem.

Futu continues to enrich its futures and options product line, covering Hong Kong stock derivatives, US stock options, index ETF options, and various futures products under CME Group. Through its self-developed system and a suite of comprehensive options trading tools—including options analysis, options calculators, and advanced order types — Futu provides investors with a professional, user-friendly, efficient, and seamless options trading platform experience.

Jeff Shi, Regional Director of Futu Securities, said, “Futu is committed to providing investors with diverse, flexible, and highly adaptable investment solutions amid market volatility. The company has always been dedicated to delivering a world-class trading experience to Hong Kong investors, while empowering global investors to seize a broader range of market opportunities. We are honored to receive multiple accolades from CME Group. This recognition not only affirms Futu’s continuous dedication to product innovation and customer service but also encourages us to further expand our global business footprint. Looking ahead, we will strengthen collaborations with leading global exchanges, optimize multi-asset allocation tools, and expand the platform’s trading variety and flexibility. This will empower investors to capture global market opportunities and contribute to the development of Hong Kong’s capital markets.”

International searches for Vietnam climb 21%, while domestic travel interest up 14% as travelers explore closer to home

HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, Feb. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — With the new year in full swing, digital travel platform Agoda reveals search data insights looking back at the travel trends that shaped Vietnam in 2025. The company saw 21% growth in international accommodation searches into the country compared to 2024.

The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism recently released data showing with a record-breaking 21.2 million international visitors landing on the nation’s shores in 2025 – a 20.4% increase over the year prior.

“Growing international interest suggests Vietnam is consolidating its position as a leading regional destination, benefiting from improved connectivity, visa policies, and diversified travel experiences,” said Vu Ngoc Lam, Agoda Vietnam Country Director.

South Korea remained the largest source market for international visitors searching for accommodation in Vietnam, with search interest growing 15% year-on-year. Japan climbed to second place with an 18% increase, relegating the United States to third. Thai travel interest rose by 36%, while Philippines interest into Vietnam grew 86% over the previous year, displacing Taiwan in the top five.

The destination leaderboard is largely consistent with 2024, but with increasing interest for all destinations being the key takeaway from 2025.  

Danang led the way, with accommodation searches up 25% year-on-year, ahead of HCMC (+26%), Nha Trang (+2%), Hanoi (+23%) and Phu Quoc rounding out the top five, with travel interest up 49% compared with the previous year.

Interest in domestic travel also grew, with accommodation searches increasing 14% over 2024.  

“The rise in domestic travel interest last year highlights Vietnamese travelers’ continued appetite for local exploration and short breaks within the country,” Lam added. “According to survey results from Agoda’s 2026 Travel Outlook Report, this trend is projected to continue throughout this year, as nearly half of Vietnamese travelers responded they plan to travel more domestically than internationally in 2026.”

Da Nang led domestic search growth, increasing 29% year-on-year. Hanoi (+28%) and Ho Chi Minh City (+17%) also saw rises in travel interest among domestic destinations.

Travelers planning their 2026 getaways can explore Agoda’s extensive offerings, including over 6 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities. Running from 14 to 28 February, Agoda’s Mega Sale will offer up to 60% off on hotel bookings, with special flash sales of up to 70% on 17 February and exclusive deals on flights and activities. Agoda VIP members will receive early access to deals from 10 to 13 February. The latest deals are available on the Agoda app or at agoda.com/deals.

— ENDS —  

Strategic expansion positions Singapore as a strategic arm for healthcare logistics in the APAC region.

• DHL Group invests €10 million in a new pharmaceutical hub in Singapore to enhance international logistics and healthcare logistics infrastructure across the Asia-Pacific region.
• The expansion bolsters specialised services for shipping medicinal products, clinical trials, and medical devices via DHL Medical Express and a dedicated medical courier framework.
• This initiative contributes to a €500 million regional investment in health logistics by 2030, addressing the growing industry demand for reliable, temperature-controlled shipping solutions.

SINGAPORE, Feb. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — DHL Group has announced the expansion of its life sciences arm—DHL Health Logistics—with the development of a €10 million Pharmaceutical Hub in Singapore. This investment bolsters regional Life Sciences and Healthcare (LSHC) infrastructure.

As a global leader in international logistics, DHL Express provides extensive network connectivity and operational expertise. In the life sciences and healthcare sector, the requirement for reliable and secure logistics continues to grow as global supply chains become increasingly complex.

Addressing the Growing Needs of a Modern Healthcare Supply Chain

The demand for specialised healthcare logistics is rising, driven by global health challenges, an ageing population, and the development of advanced therapies. In Singapore, the biomedical sector produces goods valued at nearly S$38 billion for global markets. The industry requires a health logistics infrastructure capable of accommodating the increasing volume and complexity of life-saving products distributed from regional hubs to the rest of the world.

In the modern healthcare supply chain, every step impacts patient well-being and critical research. Innovation in medical shipping is no longer optional; maintaining stringent temperature control for pharmaceuticals and navigating the regulatory demands of medical devices is critical.

By aligning with Singapore’s strategic vision, DHL provides the precision and reliability to support scientific progress and ensure that products are handled as required by the healthcare ecosystem.

DHL’s Reach in Life Sciences & Healthcare

DHL leverages an extensive global network spanning over 220 countries and territories to facilitate seamless international logistics. Through DHL Health Logistics and its services, the group utilises dedicated healthcare hubs and warehouses within a GDP-compliant infrastructure. This allows the group to support the global healthcare ecosystem with a combination of high-capacity transport and local handling.

With its Medical Express service (WMX), DHL Express ensures secure and compliant transport of sensitive shipment such as investigational drugs, medicinal products, and active pharmaceutical ingredients (API). The service offers a range of temperature-controlled solutions, from ambient to ultra-deep frozen (below -180°C). All solutions are fully compliant with UN 3373 and IATA Dangerous Goods standards.

Supported by a medical courier framework, DHL Health Logistics is optimised for urgent medical needs through priority delivery and time-definite collection schedule. All shipments are managed by certified specialists to ensure adherence to international healthcare standards and rigorous quality management certifications.

Setting Up the Next Vantage Point for Healthcare Logistics

DHL has strengthened its healthcare logistics capabilities in Singapore with the addition of the €10 million pharmaceutical hub, featuring specialised temperature zones and GMP-compliant infrastructure.

Located near Tuas Biomedical Park, this facility reinforces Singapore’s position as a strategic hub for Asia-Pacific, offering efficient connectivity to Changi Airport and Tuas Mega Port. These investments are part of a broader commitment to invest €500 million into regional health logistics by 2030, supporting resilience in global healthcare supply chains.

Leaving a Positive Impact on Life Sciences

The expansion of DHL Health Logistics is intended to support improved patient outcomes by facilitating timely delivery of critical medicines and medical devices. By strengthening its infrastructure, DHL provides the reliability required for shipping medicine and healthcare products through every stage of the supply chain:

• Pharmaceutical Logistics: DHL maintains GxP compliance and operational efficiency through strategic investments like the new Singapore Pharma Hub, which manages demand surges and large-scale vaccine distribution.
• Clinical Trial Logistics: The network provides specialised handling for Investigational Medicinal Products (IMP) and biological samples, supported by a global infrastructure of GMP-compliant depots and temperature-monitored shipping.
• Medical Device Logistics: “Device Final Mile” facilitates the delivery of medical devices and equipment directly to healthcare facilities. Aftermarket support maximises equipment uptime by supplying spare parts and repairs.
• Speciality Pharmaceutical Logistics: DHL ensures cold chain integrity across a spectrum of requirements, from ambient to cryogenic (-196°C) environments, utilising real-time monitoring to mitigate risks for sensitive shipments.
• Consumer Healthcare Logistics: To maintain product availability, DHL utilises automation and omnichannel fulfilment to bridge the gap between manufacturers and retail platforms.
• Aid and Relief Logistics: Leveraging a global network and dedicated Control Towers, DHL provides rapid response capabilities and procurement expertise for humanitarian missions and disaster relief.

This investment is a cornerstone of the DHL Group Strategy 2030, which focuses on expanding digitalisation, sustainability, and specialised infrastructure. By aligning these innovations with the evolving needs of the life sciences industry, DHL aims to be a trusted logistics partner for healthcare manufacturers and researchers worldwide. This vision also reaffirms DHL Express’s role as a pioneer in international logistics, transforming supply chains into reliable lifelines for patients worldwide.

Healthcare and life science partners are invited to collaborate with DHL to deliver reliable, innovative shipping solutions that ensure the safe, efficient delivery of medicinal products worldwide.

About DHL

DHL – The logistics company for the world

DHL is the leading global brand in the logistics industry. Our DHL divisions offer a portfolio of logistics services ranging from national and international logistics, e-commerce shipping and fulfilment solutions, international express, road, air, and ocean transport, to industrial supply chain management. With approximately 400,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide, DHL connects people and businesses securely and reliably, enabling global sustainable trade flows. With specialised solutions for growth markets and industries including technology, life sciences and healthcare, engineering, manufacturing & energy, auto-mobility and retail, DHL is positioned as “The logistics company for the world”.

DHL is part of DHL Group. The Group generated revenues of approximately 84.2 billion euros in 2024. With sustainable business practices and a commitment to society and the environment, the Group makes a positive contribution to the world. DHL Group aims to achieve net-zero emissions logistics by 2050.

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Feb. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Fraud in Southeast Asia has passed a tipping point, evolving from isolated scams to highly commercial operations run by organized syndicates operating with the scale and efficiency of modern, legitimate businesses. This warning was delivered by Niki Luhur, Founder and CEO of VIDA Group, at CISO Malaysia 2026, an event that brings together Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) in Malaysia.

In his presentation, “From Fraudster to Syndicate: The Rise of Commercial Fraud in Southeast Asia,” Niki detailed how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is fundamentally reshaping the digital crime economy, automating and scaling fraud into a structured, industrialized threat. “Fraud today is no longer about individuals seeking quick profits; it has become a business,” said Niki Luhur. “When crime operates like an industry, security cannot rely on assumptions built for a different era.”

This message resonates with CISOs, as AI-powered threats like deepfake attacks and synthetic identity fraud erode traditional security models. And in line with Bank Negara Malaysia’s (BNM) decision to phase out SMS OTPs by June 2026, which underscores the inadequacy of legacy authentication and requires a fundamental redesign of defense strategies for banking leaders.

Niki emphasized layered and coordinated identity defense. Effective fraud prevention requires unifying identity verification, device integrity checks, liveness detection, and PKI authentication into a cohesive system that can withstand large-scale AI-based attacks. Device trust is now a critical frontline control. For more information, visit www.vida.id

About VIDA

VIDA is a leading company in Indonesia in the field of digital identity and fraud prevention, licensed Certification Authority (CA) registered under the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia. Founded in 2018, VIDA provides digital identity services that integrate electronic certificates, digital signatures, identity verification, and transaction authentication, all adhering to world-class security standards, including Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and biometric verification. VIDA verifies more than 2.5 million identities every day. For more information, visit www.vida.id

HONG KONG, Feb. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Wonder, a leading fintech and payments platform for merchants in Hong Kong and Asia Pacific, today announced it has raised a USD 12 million venture debt from HSBC Innovation Banking in Hong Kong. This multi-year debt capital commitment will support Wonder’s business growth across the Asia Pacific region, T+0 instant settlement, and product development.

The venture debt will provide Wonder with growth capital to scale its operations exponentially while continuing to innovate its full-stack omni-channel payments platform, serving a broad spectrum of industries including SMEs, insurers, telecommunication companies, multinational corporations, consumer retailers, transportation providers, and the public sector. 

“We are thrilled to announce our USD 12 million venture debt from HSBC. This funding will accelerate our expansion across the Asia Pacific, enabling us to bring enterprise-grade payment and fintech products to businesses of all sizes. As we embark on this exciting journey with HSBC’s financing support, we remain committed to innovation and empowering businesses to thrive in a digital economy, particularly with enabling SMEs to access T+0 instant settlements and improve cash flow efficiencies across the Asia Pacific Region. Together, we are well positioned to redefine the future of payments.” said Founder and CEO of Wonder, Jason Ngan, in a company statement.

Jonathan Yip, Head of Innovation Banking, Asia, HSBC said, “We are pleased to support pioneering fintech innovators like Wonder. By leveraging our specialist expertise and comprehensive financial solutions, HSBC Innovation Banking empowers Wonder to deliver an innovative platform for businesses of all sizes to streamline payment management. This transaction underscores our commitment to addressing the unique financial needs of high-growth, tech-led businesses in a holistic manner.”

This transaction marks a key milestone for Wonder in 2025. Over the past year, the Company has significantly expanded its gross payment volume, merchant base, industry verticals and product suites. Going forward, Wonder has set its sights on becoming a fintech and payments powerhouse in the Asia Pacific Region, covering key markets beyond Hong Kong SAR including Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Japan, Taiwan region and Macau.

About Wonder

Wonder is a leading payments and FinTech platform for merchants in Hong Kong and Asia Pacific, enabling any merchant, from micro-businesses to multinational enterprises to pay and get paid effortlessly.

Wonder is Hong Kong’s first full-stack omni-channel payments platform, allowing merchants to digitally complete KYC onboarding in minutes, open an account, accept payments, pay digitally, and manage transactions all from one single platform. Key products include Wonder App, Wonder Terminal, Wonder Dashboard, Wonder Card and Wonder Taxi. Beyond the full-stack suite of payments and FinTech products, Wonder has also pioneered instant payments settlement (T+0) in Hong Kong and continues to expand access to digital financial services through innovation and strategic partnerships.

Headquartered in Hong Kong, Wonder has completed a Series A funding round led by Hong Kong Telecom (HKT) and a venture debt with HSBC Innovation Banking. Wonder has offices in Hong Kong SAR, Japan, Taiwan region, Singapore, Malaysia, Shenzhen, and Changsha.

Website: https://wonder.app

CONTACT:
Name: Wonder 
Email: inquiry@wonder.app