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OPPO Launches AI Phone Reno14 Series and Upgraded AI-Powered Intelligent After-Sales Service System


SHENZHEN, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 July 2025Following the recent global launch of the Reno14 Series—the latest OPPO AI phone featuring cutting-edge AI imaging capabilities and trend-setting design—OPPO introduced a major upgrade to its after-sales service system powered by its proprietary AndesGPT large language model. The new upgrade makes OPPO the first smartphone brand to fully integrate AI into its customer services and products, setting a new standard in the coverage, quality and user experience of AI-based services.

OPPO Launches AI Phone Reno14 Series and Upgraded AI-Powered Intelligent After-Sales Service System

Since 2021, OPPO has continued to invest in both the capabilities and capacity of AI-powered services, building a team of over 100 AI service professionals specializing in embedding AI into every stage of the customer service journey. “AI is not only a catalyst for enhancing our technology products—it’s also a core driver of our service model innovation,” said Samuel Fang, Head of Global After-Sales Services at OPPO. “We have already used AI to empower customer service capabilities across the organization, including R&D, customer experiences, and business operations. Now, through the evolution of AI agent technologies, we are transforming our customer services from a reactive to proactive approach that creates a more efficient, thoughtful, and intelligent service experience for OPPO users.”

OPPO Leads Industry with Proprietary Smart Service System

With current customer service systems often confined to providing automated, rules-based replies that fail to understand the increasingly diverse and personalized needs of users, OPPO has developed a proprietary intelligent service system that combines semantic understanding with generative AI to provide multilingual interactions across various scenarios. The system delivers tailored solutions based on accurate understanding of user intent and can act as a real-time AI assistant for human service agents, improving response efficiency while preserving the human touch.

To provide more effective customer services for users worldwide, OPPO has taken the lead in localizing its intelligent service system across 20 countries and regions, providing 24/7 uninterrupted service in 13 different languages. To enhance reach and accessibility, OPPO was also the first in the industry to introduce AI-driven WhatsApp services across 13 markets, each backed by local cloud services that ensure a smoother and more responsive user experience. Today, over 60% of OPPO users worldwide can resolve issues directly through AI. By the end of 2025, the system will be expanded to 21 markets and major platforms such as Facebook, Line, and Zalo (Vietnam’s leading social platform). By further aligning the system with local languages and communications preferences, OPPO is committed to providing more convenient and intuitive services that enable customers to resolve problems with greater efficiency.

End-to-End AI Service Framework Enables Rapid Query Resolution

More than a simple chatbot upgrade, the new intelligent service system features a comprehensive intelligent service framework covering the entire customer journey that has been independently developed by OPPO based on detailed user insights. Built on OPPO’s AndesGPT model, the system forms a closed-loop service architecture consisting of AI semantic recognition, intelligent routing, and a dynamic knowledge base. When a user submits a request, the system first interprets the true intent through semantic analysis before using intelligent routing to determine whether to hand the request to a human agent or respond via AI. It then generates a personalized response using a continuously updated knowledge base, resulting in a near-instant process from initial customer prompt to response. For users worldwide, OPPO has incorporated its own AI translation tool into the system, enabling accurate understanding and responses in multiple languages.

Following rigorous privacy and data security standards, OPPO integrates the intelligent service system across the OPPO ecosystem, allowing users to enjoy a more seamless and consistent experience between OPPO devices and platforms, with access to services anytime and anywhere. To ensure even more personal services when needed, the system also offers the ability to switch instantly to a human service operator. Meanwhile, AI assistants provide real-time support such as fault predictions and scripted responses for agents, resulting in a collaborative model that has reduced the workload of operators by 40%, freeing their time to focus on more complex requests.

To ensure continuous system adaptability, OPPO has also established localized AI operations roles in key markets. These teams are responsible for building regional knowledge bases, fine-tuning models, and collecting user feedback to drive ongoing optimizations. Alongside this, OPPO is accelerating the rollout of next-generation service capabilities to extend intelligent services from online channels to offline touchpoints. Future applications include retrieval-augmented generative, email response assistants, and intelligent queuing systems.

As AI continues to transform industries, OPPO’s dual focus on AI-powered products and intelligent services not only enables users to enjoy more convenient digital experiences but also redefines the connection between brand and customer, setting a new benchmark for intelligent customers services that provide the best in efficiency with a personal human touch.

Hashtag: #OPPO

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

Lee Kum Kee Supports the 2025 Asian Championship of World Chinese Cuisine

Where culinary elites are brought together to celebrate Asian gastronomy


HONG KONG, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 July 2025 – The 2025 Asian Championship of World Chinese Cuisine, organised by the World Federation of Chinese Catering Industry, was held on 26th June 2025 at the Chinese Culinary Institute in Hong Kong, China. As the title sponsor, Lee Kum Kee provided contestants with its sauce products for use, empowering top chefs from across Asia in crafting exquisite dishes and compete for top honours.

Wu Li, Vice President of the World Federation of Chinese Catering Industry (fifth from right), Samuel Cheng, Associate Director of Business Development of Hong Kong Trade Development Council (seventh from left), James Yap, Principal of Chinese Culinary Institute (sixth from left), representative from Lee Kum Kee and other guests join the grand opening of the competition.
Wu Li, Vice President of the World Federation of Chinese Catering Industry (fifth from right), Samuel Cheng, Associate Director of Business Development of Hong Kong Trade Development Council (seventh from left), James Yap, Principal of Chinese Culinary Institute (sixth from left), representative from Lee Kum Kee and other guests join the grand opening of the competition.

This marks the first time the competition being hosted in Hong Kong, China, drawing 70 teams of Chinese cuisine chefs from across Asia to showcase their culinary skills and foster expertise exchange. Each team was tasked with preparing one cold dish and two hot dishes within 90 minutes. A panel of professional judges evaluated the entries based on taste, creativity, presentation, and execution.

Throughout the competition, the chefs tactfully incorporated a variety of Lee Kum Kee sauces into their creations, demonstrating the versatile applications of the brand’s sauce products in professional settings. The event also served as a valuable platform for chefs to connect, exchange ideas, and elevate their culinary craftsmanship.

Chefs demonstrate their culinary skills by creatively incorporating Lee Kum Kee sauce products into their dishes.
Chefs demonstrate their culinary skills by creatively incorporating Lee Kum Kee sauce products into their dishes.

Following the one-day intense battle, the results were revealed at the “Lee Kum Kee Gala Dinner – 2025 Asian Championship of World Chinese Cuisine Awarding Ceremony”. The night brought together contestants, industry representatives and guests throughout Asia to enjoy a specially curated banquet featuring dishes made with Lee Kum Kee sauces and celebrate the achievements of winning chefs.

Dodie Hung, Executive Vice President – Corporate Affairs of Lee Kum Kee said, “Lee Kum Kee has always been working closely with culinary partners and chefs in supporting various cooking competitions and industry symposiums. We are thrilled to see chefs from across the region using our sauce products to curate delicious and innovative dishes in this prestigious competition. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with chefs to deliver superior Asian culinary experiences and promote Chinese culinary culture worldwide.”

Dodie Hung, Executive Vice President – Corporate Affairs of Lee Kum Kee (seventh from left) presents “Special Gold Award” to honour outstanding contestants for their culinary excellence.
Dodie Hung, Executive Vice President – Corporate Affairs of Lee Kum Kee (seventh from left) presents “Special Gold Award” to honour outstanding contestants for their culinary excellence.

Hashtag: #LeeKumKee #LKK #AsianChampionshipofWorldChineseCuisine

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

About Lee Kum Kee

Lee Kum Kee is the global gateway to Asian culinary culture, dedicated to promoting Chinese culinary culture worldwide. Since 1888, it has brought people together over joyful reunions, shared traditions, and memorable meals. Beloved by consumers and chefs alike, Lee Kum Kee’s range of more than 300 sauces and condiments sparks creativity in kitchens everywhere, inspiring professional and home chefs to experiment, create, and delight. Headquartered in Hong Kong, China and serving over 100 countries and regions, Lee Kum Kee’s rich heritage, unwavering commitment to quality, sustainable practices, and “Constant Entrepreneurship” combine to enable superior experiences through Asian cuisine for people worldwide. For more information, please visit .

About Asian Championship of World Chinese Cuisine

The Asian Championship of World Chinese Cuisine is organised by the World Federation Chinese Catering Industry, with execution by its International Master Chef Committee; co-organised by the Chinese Culinary Institute and Asia Art of Cuisine Society. This year marks the first time the competition is held in Hong Kong, China. The competition aims to establish a high-standard international platform for culinary exchange, promote the inheritance and innovation of Chinese culinary artistry, celebrate the spirit of craftsmanship in Chinese cuisine, and further elevate the influence of Chinese culinary culture globally.

HDBank: A Leading Vietnamese Bank Named Among ASEAN’s Top 5 in Corporate Governance for 2025


HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 July 2025 – The Ho Chi Minh City Development Commercial Joint Stock Bank (HDBank) has been named one of the Top 5 Vietnamese listed companies with the best corporate governance practices at the prestigious ASEAN Corporate Governance Awards 2025, held on July 24 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

HDBank Chairman Kim Byoungho (centre) receives the award from the organisers. — Photo courtesy of the bank
HDBank Chairman Kim Byoungho (centre) receives the award from the organisers. — Photo courtesy of the bank

The award is based on the ASEAN Corporate Governance Scorecard (ACGS) conducted by the Minority Shareholders Watch Group (MSWG) in collaboration with the ASEAN Capital Markets Forum (ACMF) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and involves a highly selective evaluation process.

The recognition highlights HDBank’s unwavering commitment to over a decade of innovation, transparent and modern governance, and the successful integration of ESG, digital transformation, and sustainable development into business operations.

The awards ceremony was attended by high-level dignitaries, including Malaysia’s Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz, alongside leaders from financial organisations, international investors, and corporate governance experts. Key discussions at the event centered on critical themes such as transparency, ESG integration, board diversity, digital transformation, and protection of shareholder rights.

Mr. Kim Byoungho, Chairman of HDBank, said: “HDBank is committed to upholding the highest standards of governance – transparency, efficiency, and sustainable development – as the foundation of our international integration strategy.”

HDBank’s more than decade-long journey of innovation bears the distinct imprint of Dr. Nguyễn Thị Phương Thảo, Permanent Vice Chairwoman of the Board. As a pioneering leader, she laid the foundation for HDBank’s modern banking model, driven by advanced technology, human-centric values, and a vision for global integration.

This consistent pursuit of excellence has earned HDBank recognition as one of Vietnam’s Top 5 leading enterprises in corporate governance for 2025, placing it alongside major names like Vinamilk, FPT, and VPBank. This significant achievement not only solidifies the position and reputation of Vietnamese banks on the international financial map but also inspires HDBank to continue spreading impactful values to the community, investors, and the broader economy.

Hashtag: #HDBank

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

Agilent and Nanyang Technological University’s NEWRI Sign Agreement to Enhance Water Contaminant Research in Singapore

SINGAPORE, July 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) announced the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Nanyang Environment & Water Research Institute (NEWRI), outlining their collaboration in advancing environmental and water research over the next three years.

(from left) Padraig McDonnell, Agilent CEO, Bharat Bhardwaj, Agilent Vice President of Sales for Asia Pacific, Prof Wang Rong, Executive Director of NEWRI, and Prof Lam Kwok Yan, Associate Vice President for Strategy and Partners at NTU, during the MOU ceremony signing at Singapore’s NEWRI on July 28, 2025.
(from left) Padraig McDonnell, Agilent CEO, Bharat Bhardwaj, Agilent Vice President of Sales for Asia Pacific, Prof Wang Rong, Executive Director of NEWRI, and Prof Lam Kwok Yan, Associate Vice President for Strategy and Partners at NTU, during the MOU ceremony signing at Singapore’s NEWRI on July 28, 2025.

NEWRI is a leading research institute at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore), ranked 13th globally for Environmental Sciences by QS World University Ranking in 2025¹. The collaboration aims to further strengthen Singapore’s capabilities in detecting emerging contaminants, such as microplastics, in the face of growing concerns.    

This marks the third partnership between Agilent and NEWRI in the context of environmental contaminant research addressing Singapore’s national priorities in water needs and wastewater treatment.

The strategic collaboration leverages Agilent’s next-generation technologies, including an extensive portfolio of LC/MS systems, ICP-MS series, Seahorse XF technology, xCELLigence real-time cell analyzer, and LDIR chemical imaging spectroscopy. Through the development of advanced analytical and bioanalytical methods and building relevant databases, this partnership enables new chemical and bioassay screenings and applications, supporting continuous efforts in environmental sustainability.

Professor Wang Rong, Executive Director of NEWRI, highlighted, “We are really excited to take our partnership with Agilent to the next level. Over the past 12 years, NEWRI has made significant contributions in the detection of emerging contaminants, developing robust methods to identify these challenging compounds. This collaboration will pool our strengths and deliver more impactful outcomes in advancing environmental monitoring and protection.”

Bharat Bhardwaj, Vice President of Sales for Asia Pacific, said, “This enduring partnership exemplifies the trust that NEWRI places in our groundbreaking innovations, which bring transformative science to reality. With a robust presence spanning over 25 years and a dedicated team of 600 local experts in Singapore, we take immense pride in advancing targeted projects alongside our collaboration partner. Together, we are pioneering new pathways in safe water testing, addressing the challenges posed by emerging contaminants.”

Over the past decade, NEWRI has advanced new solutions in low energy desalination, cutting-edge solid-waste solutions, autonomous water treatment systems, and resource recovery. The R&D work is supported in part by a remarkable array of Agilent’s state-of-the-art analytical instruments, deployed across multiple projects nationwide. 

As a well-established local supplier in Singapore, Agilent has grown its presence since 1999. In 2022, the company was recognized by the World Economic Forum (WEF) as a global leader in Factory Lighthouse for responsible scaling through smart manufacturing that prioritizes the environment and people. Agilent remains the sole analytical and clinical laboratory technology company worldwide to be recognized by WEF.

About Agilent Technologies

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) is a global leader in analytical and clinical laboratory technologies, delivering insights and innovation that help our customers bring great science to life. Agilent’s full range of solutions includes instruments, software, services, and expertise that provide trusted answers to our customers’ most challenging questions. The company generated revenue of $6.51 billion in fiscal year 2024 and employs approximately 18,000 people worldwide. Information about Agilent is available at www.agilent.com. To receive the latest Agilent news, subscribe to the Agilent Newsroom. Follow Agilent on LinkedIn and Facebook.

About Nanyang Technological University, Singapore

A research-intensive public university, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) has 35,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students in the Business, Computing & Data Science, Engineering, Humanities, Arts, & Social Sciences, Medicine, Science, and Graduate colleges.

NTU is also home to world-renowned autonomous institutes – the National Institute of Education, S Rajaratnam School of International Studies and Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering – and various leading research centres such as the Earth Observatory of Singapore, Nanyang Environment & Water Research Institute and Energy Research Institute @ NTU (ERI@N).

Under the NTU Smart Campus vision, the University harnesses the power of digital technology and tech-enabled solutions to support better learning and living experiences, the discovery of new knowledge, and the sustainability of resources.

Ranked amongst the world’s top universities, the University’s main campus is also frequently listed among the world’s most beautiful. Known for its sustainability, NTU has achieved 100% Green Mark Platinum certification for all its eligible building projects. Apart from its main campus, NTU also has a medical campus in Novena, Singapore’s healthcare district.

For more information, visit www.ntu.edu.sg

Media Contacts

Grace Thong

Agilent Technologies                                                                           

+65 9688 2152

grace.thong@agilent.com

 

Lester Kok Wei Ming

Nanyang Technological University, Singapore

+65 97415593

lesterkok@ntu.edu.sg

 

 

bibigo, the Leading Global K-Food Brand, Hosts TikTok Challenge with SEVENTEEN, Bringing the Collaboration to a Global Stage

–  bibigo takes its collaboration with SEVENTEEN global with digital campaigns, including TikTok 4-cut photo challenge and engaging content on a dedicated campaign microsite

SEOUL, South Korea, July 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — CJ Foods‘ global Korean food brand bibigo and world-renowned K-pop icon SEVENTEEN are elevating their collaboration to the global stage with a series of fun and engaging events.

bibigo I SEVENTEEN campaign poster image
bibigo I SEVENTEEN campaign poster image

As part of the bibigo | SEVENTEEN campaign, CJ Foods is hosting the “Take a Photo with SEVENTEEN” TikTok Challenge. With a special photo frame featuring SEVENTEEN members and bibigo brand visuals, TikTok users can create and share their own 4-cut photos with SEVENTEEN. The challenge will run until August 8 on TikTok in Thailand, South Korea, the United States, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Japan.

In addition, the bibigo | SEVENTEEN campaign microsite has been revamped to offer even more exciting content. By logging into the microsite, users can:

  • Download SEVENTEEN-themed smartwatch faces and note templates
  • Take photos using customizable frames featuring SEVENTEEN members

The customizable photo frames, which allow users to add their own creative touches, are expected to be a major hit.

Alongside these engaging digital campaigns, CJ Foods is also launching special edition bibigo Korean food products in international markets. Some of these products are currently available in South Korea, with a phased rollout planned for Thailand, the United States, the Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore, and Japan through November.

The special edition products feature SEVENTEEN members’ images on the packaging and include:

  • bibigo Mandu
  • bibigo Seaweed and Seaweed Snacks
  • bibigo Gimbap
  • bibigo Noodles
  • bibigo K-Street Food items

“We’re thrilled to take our collaboration with SEVENTEEN, one of the world’s most famous K-pop icons, to a global stage,” said Stephan Czypionka, Global Chief Marketing Officer of CJ Foods. “With innovative digital campaigns and special edition products, we’re bringing the joy of K-food and K-pop to consumers around the world, creating unforgettable experiences that showcase the essence of Korean culture.”

About bibigo

Launched in 2010, bibigo is a global Korean food brand of CJ Foods. Aiming to enrich today’s busy and demanding life, bibigo delivers K-food and culture to dining tables worldwide under the new slogan “Live Delicious.”

The brand line-up includes a full assortment of snacks, appetizers and meal items. Bibigo products are sold across around 60 countries globally, and the brand’s signature item “Mandu” is sold in 6 continents. Inspired by authentic recipes, bibigo makes the tastes of Korean cuisine accessible with popular offerings in most major grocery chains.

For more information, visit http://www.bibigo.com/en/at-home

About CJ Foods

CJ Foods, a business unit of CJ CheilJedang, is a global food company delivering a variety of products ranging from foodstuffs and frozen/chilled foods to appetizers. As the largest food company in Korea for decades, CJ Foods is now leading the globalization of Korean food with its renowned “bibigo” brand. Under bibigo, it offers delicious K-food products including Mandu (Korean-style dumpling), chicken, processed rice, Korean sauce, Kimchi, Gim (seaweed), roll, and K-street food. The company operates over 60 sites in multiple regions worldwide including South Korea, the U.S. (Schwan’s Company), China, Japan, Southeast Asia, Europe, and Oceania.

For more information, visit https://www.cj.co.kr/en/aboutus/business/food

Global K-Pop Artist JENNIE Highlights Seoul’s Charms: Seoul Tourism Organization Launches Highly Anticipated Global Campaign

–        Global K-Pop artist JENNIE appointed as the Honorary Tourism Ambassador of Seoul
–        Campaign videos featuring JENNIE to be unveiled sequentially from July 31st at 1 PM (KST), starting with a teaser, followed by two main videos and an interview
–        “Absolutely in Seoul” campaign aims to showcase the diverse charms of Seoul to the world

SEOUL, South Korea, July 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Global K-Pop artist JENNIE appointed as the Honorary Tourism Ambassador of Seoul for 2025, stars in a series of promotional videos set to release on Seoul’s official tourism YouTube channel, VisitSeoul TV (https://www.youtube.com/VisitSeoulTV), and other social media platforms beginning July 31st.

Teaser for the ‘Absolutely in Seoul’ campaign video featuring JENNIE
Teaser for the ‘Absolutely in Seoul’ campaign video featuring JENNIE

Renowned for her influential presence in music, fashion, and various other fields, JENNIE has frequently expressed her deep affection for Seoul, calling it “a city of inspiration.” She actively participated in this campaign to spread Seoul’s diverse appeal worldwide.

The campaign, centered around the message “Absolutely in Seoul,” captures the city’s endless stories with visually stunning cinematography.

The first video, DALTOKKI, presented in a short film format, enhances immersion through storytelling as JENNIE explores iconic locations across Seoul, including Gyeongbokgung Palace, Nodeulseom Island, and the Seongsu-dong.

The second video, SEOUL CITY, features the track “Seoul City” from JENNIE’s debut solo album “Ruby,” highlighting the unique synergy between JENNIE and Seoul.

In addition to the main videos, two short-form videos and an interview featuring JENNIE’s personal reflections and affection for Seoul will also be released.

Various online events are scheduled to accompany the video releases, including a highly anticipated “digital goods” random-drop event, where fans worldwide can obtain exclusive posters featuring JENNIE and captivating scenes of Seoul.

The campaign will also be prominently displayed on influential outdoor advertising in major international cities, including those in the United States and Australia, and broadcast through leading global TV channels like NBCUniversal, ensuring widespread exposure across North America, Europe, and Asia.

“Through this collaboration with JENNIE, we aim to highlight Seoul’s diverse charms globally and significantly contribute toward achieving our goal of attracting over 30 million international visitors,” said an official from the Seoul Tourism Organization.

Official poster for the ‘Absolutely in Seoul’ campaign featuring JENNIE
Official poster for the ‘Absolutely in Seoul’ campaign featuring JENNIE

Explore the Potential of Innovative MICE Concepts at Pullman Danang Beach Resort

DANANG, Vietnam, July 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Perfectly positioned between business and leisure, Pullman Danang Beach Resort continues to elevate the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events) experience in Central Vietnam. Following a comprehensive renovation in September 2024, the resort presents a refreshed MICE portfolio designed to meet the evolving needs of modern event organizers—combining versatility, creativity, and a distinctly coastal charm.

Lotus Ballroom provides a sophisticated setting for up to 500 guests, enhanced by advanced AV systems and a customizable 16-million-color LED lighting
Lotus Ballroom provides a sophisticated setting for up to 500 guests, enhanced by advanced AV systems and a customizable 16-million-color LED lighting

Nestled along the white sands of Bac My An Beach, the beach front resort offers a seamless blend of indoor and outdoor venues with a total capacity of up to 1,500 guests. Whether for an executive workshop or a beachfront gala, Pullman Danang is ready to host events with style and substance.

Dynamic Venues for Every Occasion

The resort’s Lotus Ballroom provides a sophisticated setting for up to 500 guests, enhanced by advanced AV systems and a customizable 16-million-color LED lighting setup to bring any concept to life. For open-air occasions, the lush beachfront lawn and private beach area together accommodate up to 1,000 guests, offering breathtaking views and fresh coastal energy, ideal for evening celebrations, networking sessions, and incentive gatherings.

Creative Culinary Concepts with Proven Expertise

Culinary excellence is at the heart of every event. From interactive food stations to internationally inspired menus and local Vietnamese delicacies, the resort’s F&B team curates experiences that are both memorable and tailored to each occasion, from a casual coffee break to a refined gala dinner.

With a passionate team boasting over a decade of event expertise, Pullman Danang ensures smooth coordination, attentive service, and end-to-end support. High-speed internet, hybrid meeting options, and professional technical assistance provide added assurance for seamless execution.

“We offer not only a MICE service, we create a comprehensive, culturally inspired experience shaped by our beachside setting, local engagement, and proven organizational excellence,”
– said Agnaldo Garibaldi, General Manager of Pullman Danang Beach Resort.

From strategic meetings to celebratory milestones, Pullman Danang Beach Resort is where business meets the beauty of Central Vietnam, setting a new standard for MICE experiences with purpose and personality.

Dynamic venues for every occasion at Pullman Danang Beach Resort
Dynamic venues for every occasion at Pullman Danang Beach Resort

Agilent and Nanyang Technological University’s NEWRI Sign Agreement to Enhance Water Contaminant Research in Singapore

SINGAPORE, July 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) announced the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Nanyang Environment & Water Research Institute (NEWRI), outlining their collaboration in advancing environmental and water research over the next three years.

(from left) Padraig McDonnell, Agilent CEO, Bharat Bhardwaj, Agilent Vice President of Sales for Asia Pacific, Prof Wang Rong, Executive Director of NEWRI, and Prof Lam Kwok Yan, Associate Vice President for Strategy and Partners at NTU, during the MOU ceremony signing at Singapore’s NEWRI on July 28, 2025.
(from left) Padraig McDonnell, Agilent CEO, Bharat Bhardwaj, Agilent Vice President of Sales for Asia Pacific, Prof Wang Rong, Executive Director of NEWRI, and Prof Lam Kwok Yan, Associate Vice President for Strategy and Partners at NTU, during the MOU ceremony signing at Singapore’s NEWRI on July 28, 2025.

NEWRI is a leading research institute at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore), ranked 13th globally for Environmental Sciences by QS World University Ranking in 2025¹. The collaboration aims to further strengthen Singapore’s capabilities in detecting emerging contaminants, such as microplastics, in the face of growing concerns.    

This marks the third partnership between Agilent and NEWRI in the context of environmental contaminant research addressing Singapore’s national priorities in water needs and wastewater treatment.

The strategic collaboration leverages Agilent’s next-generation technologies, including an extensive portfolio of LC/MS systems, ICP-MS series, Seahorse XF technology, xCELLigence real-time cell analyzer, and LDIR chemical imaging spectroscopy. Through the development of advanced analytical and bioanalytical methods and building relevant databases, this partnership enables new chemical and bioassay screenings and applications, supporting continuous efforts in environmental sustainability.

Professor Wang Rong, Executive Director of NEWRI, highlighted, “We are really excited to take our partnership with Agilent to the next level. Over the past 12 years, NEWRI has made significant contributions in the detection of emerging contaminants, developing robust methods to identify these challenging compounds. This collaboration will pool our strengths and deliver more impactful outcomes in advancing environmental monitoring and protection.”

Bharat Bhardwaj, Vice President of Sales for Asia Pacific, said, “This enduring partnership exemplifies the trust that NEWRI places in our groundbreaking innovations, which bring transformative science to reality. With a robust presence spanning over 25 years and a dedicated team of 600 local experts in Singapore, we take immense pride in advancing targeted projects alongside our collaboration partner. Together, we are pioneering new pathways in safe water testing, addressing the challenges posed by emerging contaminants.”

Over the past decade, NEWRI has advanced new solutions in low energy desalination, cutting-edge solid-waste solutions, autonomous water treatment systems, and resource recovery. The R&D work is supported in part by a remarkable array of Agilent’s state-of-the-art analytical instruments, deployed across multiple projects nationwide. 

As a well-established local supplier in Singapore, Agilent has grown its presence since 1999. In 2022, the company was recognized by the World Economic Forum (WEF) as a global leader in Factory Lighthouse for responsible scaling through smart manufacturing that prioritizes the environment and people. Agilent remains the sole analytical and clinical laboratory technology company worldwide to be recognized by WEF.

About Agilent Technologies

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) is a global leader in analytical and clinical laboratory technologies, delivering insights and innovation that help our customers bring great science to life. Agilent’s full range of solutions includes instruments, software, services, and expertise that provide trusted answers to our customers’ most challenging questions. The company generated revenue of $6.51 billion in fiscal year 2024 and employs approximately 18,000 people worldwide. Information about Agilent is available at www.agilent.com. To receive the latest Agilent news, subscribe to the Agilent Newsroom. Follow Agilent on LinkedIn and Facebook.

About Nanyang Technological University, Singapore

A research-intensive public university, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) has 35,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students in the Business, Computing & Data Science, Engineering, Humanities, Arts, & Social Sciences, Medicine, Science, and Graduate colleges.

NTU is also home to world-renowned autonomous institutes – the National Institute of Education, S Rajaratnam School of International Studies and Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering – and various leading research centres such as the Earth Observatory of Singapore, Nanyang Environment & Water Research Institute and Energy Research Institute @ NTU (ERI@N).

Under the NTU Smart Campus vision, the University harnesses the power of digital technology and tech-enabled solutions to support better learning and living experiences, the discovery of new knowledge, and the sustainability of resources.

Ranked amongst the world’s top universities, the University’s main campus is also frequently listed among the world’s most beautiful. Known for its sustainability, NTU has achieved 100% Green Mark Platinum certification for all its eligible building projects. Apart from its main campus, NTU also has a medical campus in Novena, Singapore’s healthcare district.

For more information, visit www.ntu.edu.sg

Media Contacts

Grace Thong

Agilent Technologies                                                                           

+65 9688 2152

grace.thong@agilent.com

 

Lester Kok Wei Ming

Nanyang Technological University, Singapore

+65 97415593

lesterkok@ntu.edu.sg