SINGAPORE, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — UOB Asset Management (UOBAM) has released its 1Q 2026 Quarterly Investment Strategy, signalling a more constructive investment environment as fiscal and monetary tailwinds strengthen and corporate fundamentals remain robust.

According to the report, global markets delivered strong returns in 2025 despite tariff-related headwinds, and data trends indicate that the initial negative effects of trade conflicts have largely receded. Entering 2026, UOBAM expects economic risks to ease, supported by fiscal incentives, interest rate cuts in the US, and robust AI-driven investments. Corporate earnings are also projected to rise at double-digit rates across major regions, led by Asia at 18 percent.

For the first quarter, UOBAM is therefore tilting slightly overweight towards equities, particularly in Asia and the US, while maintaining diversification across fixed income and commodities. Anthony Raza, Head of UOBAM Multi-Asset Strategy, said “While the music is playing, we have to keep dancing. With strong corporate earnings and healthy balance sheets in the tech sector, we believe the market expansion cycle can continue. At the same time, diversification remains important to manage risks and capture opportunities across different scenarios. This balanced positioning provides resilience and maximises the potential for positive returns as conditions improve.”

Within equities, UOBAM continues to favour Asia, citing attractive valuations, strengthening currencies, and robust domestic demand. The US is upgraded to overweight on the back of strong technology and AI-driven growth.

Within fixed income, UOBAM analysts believe diversification in fixed income categories will be useful as valuation risks grow. The firm recommends a disciplined approach focusing on high-quality developed market credits and select emerging market sovereigns.

Within commodities, gold remains a preferred safe-haven asset amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainties and structural demand from central banks.

For deeper insights across equities, fixed income, currencies and commodities, read the full Q1 2026 Investment Strategy: https://www.uobam.com.sg/insights/qis1q26.page

About UOB Asset Management

UOB Asset Management Ltd (UOBAM) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of United Overseas Bank Limited. Established in 1986, UOBAM has nearly 40 years of experience in managing collective investment schemes and discretionary funds in Singapore, making us among the largest unit trust managers by assets under management. As of 30 November 2025, we manage 63 unit trusts in Singapore and together with our subsidiaries, oversee S$40.8 billion in clients’ assets.

Headquartered in Singapore, UOBAM has a strong presence across Asia, with business and investment offices in Brunei, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam. Our network includes UOB Islamic Asset Management Sdn Bhd in Malaysia, a joint venture with Ping An Fund Management Company Limited (China) and strategic alliances with partners such as Wellington Management Singapore.

UOBAM is one of the region’s most awarded asset managers, with over 360 awards won. In 2025, we were recognised as the Best Asset Management Company (Regional) by the Asia Asset Management and previously named Best Asset Management House in Asia – 20 Years in 2023. Our digital innovation has also earned top honours, including Best Digital Wealth Management in Asia^[1] and Best Robo Advisory Initiative^[2] for 3 consecutive years as of 2024.

As a leader in sustainable investing, UOBAM was awarded Best application of ESG in ASEAN^[3] (2023) and has received multiple sustainability accolades in Indonesia and Thailand. Our artificial intelligence capabilities were also recognised with the Most Innovative Application of Artificial Intelligence (ASEAN) for 2 consecutive years^[4].

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• Deepens financial communications and investor relations expertise, enabling more sophisticated counsel on capital markets narratives
• Brings greater local market intelligence for clients navigating the competitive landscape and seeking in-region growth
• Supports local champions’ reputation building on the world stage with enhanced global exposure and access

HONG KONG, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Cognito, the independent global communications agency specialising in finance, technology and climate transition, today announced the appointment of Tana Zhang as Managing Director, Hong Kong.

Tana Zhang

This strategic hire marks a significant expansion of Cognito’s capabilities in Asia. Tana will lead Cognito’s operations, client service and growth strategy in Hong Kong and the Greater China region, strengthening the agency’s integrated offering spanning corporate communications, reputation advisory, events and digital marketing.

Tom Coombes, Founder and CEO of Cognito, said: “We have a proud track record of providing exceptional communications advisory in Asia, but the market is evolving. Tana’s arrival signals a new phase of growth where we are doubling down on high-level financial communications and investor relations. Her deep understanding of the local market is a massive asset for our clients who need a sophisticated partner to decode the nuances of this critical economic hub.”

Tana joins from Edelman Smithfield, where she led the APAC financial communications team. She counselled leading buy- and sell-side institutions on go-to-market strategy, crisis management, thought leadership, and stakeholder engagement. Her expertise spans asset management, insurance, private equity, real estate, family offices, and fintech. Previously, Tana held pivotal in-house roles at PAG, Mizuho Securities, and AIA, working closely with executive teams to support strategic business priorities.

Tana Zhang, Managing Director of Cognito Hong Kong, said: “I believe outstanding communications starts with an intimate understanding of the business and the environment it operates in. As the global economic landscape continues to evolve and new technologies profoundly change people’s news consumption habits, the need for better market positioning and effective storytelling has never been greater. I am thrilled to join Cognito at a time when clients are looking for high-impact visibility backed by strategic insights. I look forward to helping our clients build an enduring reputation, hone business resilience, and drive commercial success.”

A firm believer in lifelong learning, Tana actively pursues intellectual growth and opportunities to give back. She is a Board Member of PRHK and serves as President of Hong Kong at Stars Foundation. She founded HISTAR, a music initiative supporting the visually impaired. She also works with Habitat for Humanity on charity fundraising initiatives.

About Cognito

Cognito is a global communications agency specializing in finance, technology, and the climate transition. It advises organizations and their leaders on high-stakes reputation and communications issues. Cognito operates across eight global offices and supports over a hundred of the world’s leading businesses. It has been active in the APAC region for over 15 years, with its Hong Kong hub launching in 2017. 

For more information, visit https://www.cognitomedia.com/

Contact

Jon Schubin
Jon.Schubin@cognitomedia.com 

The world-renowned luxury jeweller brings her signature precision and taste to a new era of bespoke “all-inclusive” where ultra-luxury amenities are included essentials in every stay

ELORA, ON, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Kat Florence Hotel, restored and designed by seven-time world record–breaking rare gem jeweller Kat Florence, announces an expanded collection of ultra luxury, inclusive experience layers arriving this month.

Photo by George Pimentel.

Kat Florence, who grew up in Canada’s famously beautiful village of Elora where her retreat resides, invested millions to personally restore the historic 1848 limestone building to its immaculate, present-day aura. “I approach a space the same way I approach a rare gemstone,” says Florence. “Its history and composition tell you what it wants to become. My role is to honour that story and elevate it. Our elaborate guest gifts and amenities also directly reflect the space, as well as our ethos of being a true home away from home. We’re thrilled to launch the next chapter of the hotel with even more signature, always included layers of wellness, nature, Michelin-level nourishment, and the most luxurious self-care elixir on earth (La Mer).”

Officially launching this month, the hotel debuts its private, guest-only Nordic Wellness Spa, a secluded plein air sanctuary within its hidden outdoor space. Steps from each suite, this intimate wellness garden features a hand-crafted cedar sauna, open-air hot pool, a restorative cold-plunge circuit for contrast therapy and a firepit lounge area; all supported by discreet, on-demand drink and snack service. Elemental, calming, and meticulously scaled, the spa is a sensorial extension of Florence’s design philosophy: purity, balance, and craftsmanship at every turn.

To further complement their already much loved, daily 60 minute full-body massages for all staying guests, delivered in the privacy of their suite by expert in-house RMTs, Kat’s daily ritual will soon be incorporating her personal favourite self-care product. From January, massages will be enhanced with a La Mer the renewal oil–infused face, neck, and décolleté finishing ritual (the La Mer elixir which famously retails for $395 per mini 30ml ounce bottle). The treatment also incorporates sound bath therapy and the Nordic practice of steam and ice, alternating warm and cool towel compresses to awaken the senses and create a harmony of temperature, grounding guests in the moment.

Adding to the hotel’s sensory and wellness offerings, December 18 also marks the debut of the Kat Florence Hotel’s new infinity-style Patisserie, a private, guest-only experience of daily edible art creations led by Chef Marc Collyer. The bakes and bonbons collection will be crafted using the most expensive ingredients on earth. While the collection will change every day, guests can expect delights like ‘mille feuille of housemade caramelized puff pastry, green apple caviar and hazelnut creme,’ ‘Caramelized white chocolate eclair with Amarena cherry mousse and burnt orange & Champagne powder,’ and signature house croissants Chef ferments for 3 full days prior to baking resulting in magnificently deepened flavours. Prior to collaborating with Kat, Marc spent 14 years honing his culinary distinction and imaginative flair at twice Michelin-starred Manor House in the British Cotswolds. Now innovating fine dolce delights at the Elora retreat, his guests are encouraged to visit in limitless tasting fashion throughout their stays (all at no charge; Chef’s high design cakes, chocolates and pastries are included for guests). In addition, each morning Chef Marc hand-churns his own butter and fresh bakes pastries, breads and more, sending energizing creations to be personal concierge-delivered to each suite as part of the hotel’s bespoke breakfast service. His patisserie program now forms an essential pillar of the property’s culinary identity, blending technique, artistry, and an intimate, at-your-leisure approach to Michelin heights indulgence.

Reflecting Florence’s celebrated eye for rarity and refinement, the hotel remains intentionally exclusive, welcoming a maximum of only 14 guests at any time and offering an unprecedented 2:1 staff-to-guest ratio; one of the highest in North America versus a luxury hotel average of 10:1. The result is a sanctuary of calm and privacy, with made-to-measure service for every stay.

Every booking at the Kat Florence Hotel includes her famous roster of signature high end gifts, services and experiences, all crafted to feel effortless and personal:

• Daily, 60-minute full body massages in-suite including La Mer the renewal oil infused face, neck and decolletage ritual (Kat’s personal favourite self-care ritual)
• A multi-course Chef’s Tasting Dinner on guests’ arrival night, prepared and hosted by renowned Chef Anthony Bish in his Anthony’s Private Restaurant reserved exclusively for hotel guests.
• Suite-delivered Breakfast Baskets every morning with daily rotating pastries, breads, hand-churned butter and more presented by Chef Marc Collyer (formerly of twice Michelin-starred Manor House in the British Cotswolds)
• A full bottle of Veuve Clicquot Champagne awaiting each guest upon arrival
• Rolls Royce & Bentley chauffeur service around town as well as complimentary valet
• Dedicated, personal concierge throughout your stay available for any request — from unpacking to private shopping to meal delivery to laundry service
• Enjoyment of the new ultra-private outdoor Nordic Spa just steps from the suites in the garden including hand-crafted cedar sauna, hot-pool therapy, cold-pool circuit and on-demand drink service
• Infinity visits to Kat Florence Hotel’s private, guest-only Patisserie day to night to experience Chef Marc’s daily edible art creations in unlimited fashion (at no cost)

The brand philosophy is one of complete ease with every detail anticipated, every moment curated.

Media contact: Jessica Rodrigues, Email: Rodriguesjess@gmail.com

New hub strengthens Teoxane’s commitment to scientific education and clinical partnerships across Asia-Pacific

GENEVA, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Teoxane opens its first APAC Regional Academy in Bangkok, Thailand this January, expanding its global medical-education network. Located on Level 12 of One Bangkok Tower 4, the hub offers a modern environment designed to support high-quality clinical training.

Purpose-built as a regional center of excellence, the Academy will upskill licensed aesthetic practitioners through science-based education, hands-on technique, and expert exchange, reinforcing Teoxane’s long-term collaboration with KOLs and clinicians across Asia-Pacific — one of the fastest-growing aesthetics markets.

“Asia-Pacific is one of the most dynamic aesthetics regions in the world. Opening our first APAC Regional Academy reflects our commitment and trust in the practitioners who shape the future of aesthetic medicine.” — Can Ongen, Chief Operating Officer

The Academy opened on 13 January, bringing Teoxane leadership and APAC regional partners together in Bangkok to mark the milestone. “Consumers across Asia now treat aesthetics as a lifestyle — prioritising skin quality, personalisation, and subtle refinement. The Academy helps practitioners meet those expectations with scientific precision.” — Krishna Sai, VP APAC

Advancing Education Across APAC

Developed with international experts, the Academy will deliver evidence-based curricula, including the MLT 3.1® injection approach and ATP™ methodology for personalised aesthetic assessment. Training formats include:
• Workshops
• Expert roundtables
• Regional symposia
• Live-learning and digital resources

Launching with Train-the-Trainer and Teoxane babyGLOW™

The first program introduces Teoxane’s latest innovation for skin quality – Teoxane babyGLOW™, led by Dr Silvia Caboni, one of the expert injectors behind the methodology. Following a soft launch in Spain (Q4 2025), early feedback from European practitioners and media has been strongly positive, highlighting not only strong science, but also treatment designed for modern lifestyles – fast, low-maintenance, comfortable, with an immediate glow and minimal downtime.

Raising Standards in APAC

The Academy will offer tailored development pathways to advance both the science and artistry of aesthetic practice, supported by Teoxane’s HA-based portfolio and two decades of scientific leadership.

This Academy allows us to deepen our mission: to elevate aesthetic practice through education that is rigorous, hands-on, and rooted in real-world clinical experience. By working closely with our regional experts, we can accompany practitioners throughout their entire learning journey — from foundational skills to advanced mastery.” — Dr. Mounia Heddad Masson, Director Global Medical Education & Medical Affairs

About Teoxane

Founded by Valérie Taupin in 2003, Teoxane specialises in developing solutions using hyaluronic acid. With over 20 years of expertise, Teoxane is a pioneer in the science of facial beauty. The company was founded on a unique vision: to open the possibilities of aesthetic treatments using high-performance dermal fillers, skin boosters and aesthetic skincare developed through in-depth scientific research. Through attentive listening, education and establishing the foundations for a safer industry, Teoxane has ushered in a new era in aesthetic medicine. Here, minor beauty procedures wield a significant impact on a patient’s self-image and overall well-being.

www.teoxane.com

SINGAPORE, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE: ROK) published its 2025 Sustainability Report, which showcases how the company is bringing together technology and manufacturing for a more sustainable tomorrow.

“As both a manufacturer and a trusted partner to industrial companies around the world, Rockwell is uniquely positioned to lead the transformation of operations through innovation and sustainability,” said Blake Moret, Chairman and CEO, Rockwell Automation. “Our technologies help customers reduce energy use, minimize waste, and lower emissions while improving productivity and quality. From smart machines and digital twins to advanced motion control and cybersecurity, our solutions are enabling manufacturers to meet their sustainability goals without compromising performance.”

The report reflects how Rockwell’s sustainability strategy is embedded across the business, from how the company designs and innovates, to how the company sources, manufactures, and delivers solutions to customers. It’s built around three core focus areas: Environment, Social, and Governance.

• Environment: Advancing energy and emissions management, designing products for sustainability, and building a responsible supply chain.
• Social: Creating a culture that empowers our people, prioritizes safety, and invests in the future workforce.
• Governance: Demonstrating integrity in everything Rockwell does—from cybersecurity and product safety to enterprise risk and ethical leadership.

The company drives outcomes that extend across stakeholders:

• Sustainable Customers: Enabling customers to meet their own sustainability goals through scalable, intelligent solutions.
• Sustainable Company: Working relentlessly to make Rockwell’s operations and culture even more safe, efficient, and responsible.
• Sustainable Communities: Investing in the places where employees live and work, creating lasting impact through education, workforce development, and environmental stewardship.

Our actions are grounded in measurable progress:

• Setting science-based targets to help deliver on emissions reductions.
• Investing in adaptation and resilience, climate-proofing supply chains.
• Scaling digital and AI solutions that unlock efficiencies and improve risk visibility.

“These efforts are not about checking boxes. They’re about building a more resilient business and creating long-term value,” said Emmanuel Guilhamon, Vice President, Sustainability, Rockwell Automation. “Sustainability is a growth strategy, and this report is our way of showing how that strategy comes to life.”

Read Rockwell’s 2025 Sustainability Report.

About Rockwell Automation

Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE: ROK), is a global leader in industrial automation and digital transformation. We connect the imaginations of people with the potential of technology to expand what is humanly possible, making the world more productive and more sustainable. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Rockwell Automation employs approximately 26,000 problem solvers dedicated to our customers in more than 100 countries as of fiscal year end 2025. To learn more about how we are bringing the Connected Enterprise® to life across industrial enterprises, visit www.rockwellautomation.com.

SEOUL, South Korea, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — DNV, the independent global assurance and risk management provider, is partnering with Korean AI-driven blood and cancer diagnostics company Noul to certify their malaria diagnosis, blood cell morphology and cervical cancer testing solutions, under the European Union’s In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Device Regulation (IVDR).

The EU’s IVDR provides a regulatory basis for establishing the safety and effectiveness of new in-vitro diagnostic (IVD) devices. Most  IVD devices require a certificate of compliance with the IVDR to receive a CE mark that allows their sale in the EU. However, many other countries also recognize the CE mark as sufficient to market IVD devices, making IVDR compliance a gateway to global market access.

As an IVDR Notified Body, DNV will carry out certification on three Noul solutions: the miLab™ MAL cartridge for malaria diagnosis, miLab™ BCM cartridge for blood cell analysis and miLab™ CER cartridge for cervical cancer testing. The solutions are based on Noul’s innovative miLab™ point-of-care diagnostic platform. Combining integrated sample preparation, digital imaging and AI analysis, the miLab ensures consistently high-quality testing and efficient workflows in any setting – from state-of-the-art urban hospitals to remote rural clinics.

“Noul’s AI-powered diagnostic lab, miLab™, combines accuracy and efficiency, and healthcare bodies around the world are interested in how miLab can help them deliver better care. Timely certification against appropriate standards is essential to our global expansion plans. Working with DNV’s local team of medical device certification experts here in Korea will help us take a big step in those plans,” said Taehwan (TH) Kim, Chief Business Officer and Head of Europe Regional Office at Noul.

“The world needs innovative diagnostic solutions like Noul’s miLab to be delivered to market with full confidence in their safety and accuracy while minimizing unnecessary delays. As one of the top 5 notified bodies globally – and thanks to our global team of auditors, technical assessors and clinicians – DNV offers efficient certification with the flexibility to adjust to manufacturers timelines and business goals,” said Cecilie Gudesen Torp, Global Director Medical Services at DNV.

SEOUL, South Korea, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Rakuten Medical, Inc. and LOTTE Biologics today announced that they have signed a biopharmaceutical contract manufacturing agreement during the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference in San Francisco to strengthen Rakuten Medical’s production capabilities for its innovative oncology therapy, Alluminox^® platform-based photoimmunotherapy.

Under the agreement, LOTTE Biologics will provide advanced manufacturing services for monoclonal antibody intermediates and their conjugates, supporting Rakuten Medical’s global clinical development and future commercialization.

Rakuten Medical’s proprietary photoimmunotherapy technology is designed to selectively target cells in solid tumors, by combining cell-targeting moieties, such as antibodies, with light-activatable agents, enabling focal and selective destruction of solid tumor cells upon light exposure.

In Japan, the therapy is approved for recurrent head and neck cancer, and its footprint has expanded steadily, through broader site adoption and sustained year–over–year growth in treatment numbers. In parallel, a global Phase 3 clinical trial is underway in the United States, Taiwan region and Japan, with plans to start treatment in Ukraine and Poland soon.

Rakuten Medical also plans to initiate a Phase 1 clinical trial in Japan for other solid tumors beyond head and neck cancer this year. These clinical and commercial dynamics are driving increased demand for Rakuten Medical’s bioconjugates.

LOTTE Biologics has been expanding its capabilities as a global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), particularly in the field of monoclonal and multispecific antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), and advanced bioconjugation services. LOTTE Biologics will support the production of monoclonal antibody intermediates and their conjugates for Rakuten Medical’s programs, through its specialized ADC manufacturing facility at the Syracuse Bio Campus in New York. The facility is equipped with dedicated ADC production capabilities and advanced bioconjugation technologies, enabling the company to deliver high-quality manufacturing services while meeting global regulatory requirements and ensuring stable supply for customers worldwide.

About LOTTE Biologics

Founded in 2022 and headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, LOTTE Biologics operates integrated biologics facilities in the United States and South Korea. Through a unified Dual Hub Service model, LOTTE Biologics enhances supply security, supports manufacturing scalability, and maintains consistent quality standards across regions. LOTTE Biologics provides modular, phase-appropriate manufacturing solutions spanning preclinical through commercial stages, with proven capability in producing mammalian-cell-based biologics, including monoclonal antibodies, fusion proteins, and multispecific modalities.

At the Syracuse Bio Campus in New York, LOTTE Biologics delivers high-quality GMP drug substance manufacturing supported by more than 62 global regulatory approvals. The site offers 40,000 L of total capacity across eight 5,000 L stainless steel bioreactors and includes analytical and warehouse infrastructure. In addition, the company has expanded into Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs) through strategic investment in onsite conjugation suites, enabling a streamlined, end-to-end pathway from biologic drug substance production to ADC manufacturing within a single campus.

In South Korea, LOTTE Biologics is constructing three advanced bio plants at the Songdo Bio Campus. With the first facility already underway and scheduled for operation in 2027, each plant will include eight 15,000 L stainless steel bioreactors for commercial production, supported by multiple 3,000 L bioreactors for clinical-scale needs. Collectively, these plants will provide a manufacturing volume exceeding 360,000L in bioreactor capacity.

Guided by the vision “Possibilities Beyond Limits,” LOTTE Biologics is committed to serving as a long-term, trusted partner, supporting efficient scale-up, dependable manufacturing execution, and the continuous advancement of clients’ therapeutic programs. More information about LOTTE Biologics, please visit: www.lottebiologics.com 

About Rakuten Medical, Inc.

Rakuten Medical, Inc. is a global biotechnology company developing and commercializing its Alluminox® platform-based photoimmunotherapy, which has been shown to induce rapid and selective cell killing. Rakuten Medical’s photoimmunotherapy is currently investigational outside Japan. Rakuten Medical is committed to its mission to conquer cancer by developing its pioneering treatments as quickly as possible to as many patients as possible all over the world. The company has offices in five countries/regions, including the United States, where it is headquartered, Japan, Taiwan region, Switzerland and India. For more information, visit www.rakuten-med.com.

About the Alluminox® Platform

The Alluminox® platform is Rakuten Medical’s investigational technology that combines pharmaceuticals, medical devices, medical technology and other peripheral technologies. Rakuten Medical is developing Alluminox platform-based photoimmunotherapy, which involves two key steps: 1) drug administration, and 2) targeted illumination using medical devices. The drug component consists of a cell-targeting moiety conjugated to a light-activatable dye, such as IRDye® 700DX (IR700), that selectively binds to the surface of targeted cells, such as tumor cells. The device component consists of a light source that locally illuminates the targeted cells with red light (690 nm) to transiently activate the drug. Rakuten Medical’s preclinical data have shown that this activation elicits rapid and selective necrosis of targeted cells through a biophysical process that compromises the membrane integrity of the targeted cells. Therapies developed on the Alluminox platform may also result in local and systemic innate and adaptive immune activation due to immunogenic cell death of the targeted tumor cells and/or the removal of targeted immunosuppressive cells within the tumor microenvironment. Photoimmunotherapy was originally developed by Dr. Hisataka Kobayashi and his team at the National Cancer Institute in the United States. Outside Japan, Rakuten Medical’s Alluminox platform-based photoimmunotherapy is investigational.