Home Blog Page 1818

“iRad Hospital” and “Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital” Partner to Launch Premium Cross-Border Medical Concierge Services

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 November 2025 – iRad Hospital, the pioneering resort medical facility located at Studio City, today announced the signing of a cooperation agreement with Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital. This partnership launches comprehensive cross-border medical concierge services, reinforcing the Macau government’s “1+4” moderate economic diversification framework and supporting Macau’s emergence as a medical tourism destination.

This strategic alliance enables seamless connectivity of medical services between the two regions, providing patients with access to expanded specialty medical resources through iRad’s medical concierge platform.

Combining Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital’s 103-year legacy of comprehensive medical excellence with iRad’s over 20 years of professional medical experience and resort-integrated healthcare model, this partnership establishes an unprecedented healthcare network covering the Pearl River Delta region.

The medical concierge program facilitates integrated care coordination, efficient cross-institutional scheduling, and personalized treatment plans utilizing resources from both institutions. This comprehensive approach ensures seamless continuity of care, delivering better clinical outcomes for patients seeking medical services in the region.

Mr. Lawrence Ho, Founder of Black Spade Capital and Chairman & CEO of Melco, stated, “The collaboration between iRad and Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital demonstrates our commitment to advancing Macau’s ‘1+4’ industrial transformation agenda, creating vital healthcare connections between the two regions, enriching Studio City’s health tourism offerings while expanding healthcare options for the Greater Bay Area community.”

Mr. Wyman Li, Chief Operating Officer of HKSH Medical Group, remarked, “Partnering with iRad reflects our vision of borderless healthcare, bringing exceptional value to patients in both markets, developing new approaches for the Greater Bay Area, and further deepening collaborative innovation across various sectors within the region.”

Hashtag: #iRadMedicalGroup

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

About HKSH Medical Group

Officially launched in September 2017, HKSH Medical Group promotes public health and advanced medicine through a multi-faceted, coordinated approach across clinical services, medical education, scientific research and public health education. Members of the Group, including Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital, HKSH Healthcare and HKSH Eastern Medical Centre, are dedicated to offering top-quality holistic care to patients, upholding the motto “Quality in Service, Excellence in Care.”

Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital is a key member of HKSH Medical Group. Established in 1922, it is one of the leading private hospitals in Hong Kong. Living up to its motto of “Quality in Service Excellence in Care,” the Hospital is committed to serving the public as well as promoting medical education and research.

For more information about HKSH Medical Group, please visit .

About iRad Medical Group—Hong Kong’s Largest MRI Diagnostic Service Provider

Established in 2005, iRad is a trusted leader in diagnostic radiology across Hong Kong. Black Spade Capital has been iRad Medical’s controlling shareholder since 2021. As at 2024, iRad was the largest MRI diagnostic services provider in Hong Kong by revenue and by the number of MRI scanners. Focused on delivering high-quality imaging services and exceptional patient care, the Group’s strong and extensive client base includes the Government of the Hong Kong SAR, as well as other high-profile medical groups, corporations, private doctors and NGOs. Meanwhile, iRad Hospital is the first and largest private medical imaging and examination service provider within an integrated resort in Macau, making iRad Group the first medical imaging group in the world to offer comprehensive private imaging and examination services, including MRI and CT services, to the integrated resort industry.

HUAWEI Announces the Winners of the 2025 XMAGE Awards at Paris Photo


PARIS, FRANCE – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 November 2025 – Huawei and Paris Photo mark their third year of collaboration with the announcement of the 2025 XMAGE Awards winners, selected from more than 743,000 submissions across 78 countries.

image-1.jpeg

Amid the bustle of Paris Photo, HUAWEI unveiled the 100 outstanding works chosen for the XMAGE Awards, with three receiving the prestigious XMAGE 100 Grand Prize.

Lewis Joly-AP Content Services for Huawei

One of the winning images, “Ethereal Lines” by Romanian pharmacist and photographer Gheorge Popa, was captured using the HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra. The photograph showcases the striking and naturally vivid colours of Geamăna Lake in Transylvania, a village overtaken by mining waste nearly half a century ago.

“It was a very foggy morning, and I couldn’t fly my drone,” Popa explained. “I had my phone and found these patterns near the shore. I didn’t expect to be a winner, but I’m really happy.”

Another Grand Prize winner, “Origin of Skiing” by architect and photographer AC Chen Guanhong, features a young girl from Altay, China. The portrait highlights the region’s heritage as the birthplace of skiing and reflects pride in its cultural traditions.

“It’s a great honour to show my work here,” Chen shared. “Using a phone is easier and lighter, and it lets people feel more relaxed in front of the camera.”

Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer and XMAGE 100 jury member Liu Heung Shing commended the quality of the submissions, noting: “You can see the trust established between photographer and subject. The standard of mobile photography has advanced remarkably.”

The 2025 HUAWEI XMAGE Awards exhibition at Paris Photo celebrates global creativity and the evolution of mobile imaging technology, demonstrating how photography continues to connect people and stories around the world.
Hashtag: #Huawei

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

ONE Carmel granted white paper, launching AI community


CALIFORNIA, USA- Media OutReach Newswire – 17 November 2025 – On November 13 (Pacific Standard Time), Phase I of ONE Carmel — a top-tier real estate project in California that has been eight years in the making — reached a pivotal milestone by obtaining its White Paper, formally known as the Final Subdivision Public Report issued by the California Department of Real Estate (DRE). The approval of this permit marks a critical milestone, as the project has crossed the key threshold from planning to market entry and has officially entered the compliant sales stage.

The issuance of this White Paper is of critical importance, as it represents the DRE’s final approval of the project’s legal and financial structure. It provides paramount assurance to all stakeholders by confirming that the offering is transparent, financially sound, and in full compliance with California’s stringent real estate laws. This foundational approval not only solidifies the project’s credibility but also directly underpins its market valuation. In line with this,the latest valuation report indicates that following the permit’s approval, the land value of the ONE Carmel project has now exceeded US$200 million (approximately HK$1.56 billion), while the total project value surpasses US$2 billion (approximately HK$15.6 billion).

Obtaining California’s real estate sales white paper is widely regarded as a highly challenging milestone. The project must undergo comprehensive review covering land use planning, infrastructure construction, community governance structure, and funding supervision systems, and must satisfy more than 300 government approval conditions. Throughout the entire process, the developer is required to complete all infrastructure — including roads, water, electricity, and telecommunications — in advance; establish a Homeowners Association (HOA) with fully compliant legal documentation; and provide substantial completion bonds to ensure that future public facilities are delivered with required quality and on schedule. The issuance of this white paper signifies that the project has completed the government’s full review of land planning, infrastructure, homeowner protection mechanisms, and fund supervision systems. It also represents the California Real Estate Department’s recognition of ONE Carmel’s extensive preparatory work and provides future homeowners with solid regulatory assurance.

ONE Carmel enjoys an exceptional geographical location, situated in the heart of Northern California’s wealthiest residential region, adjacent to Highway 1 and surrounded by exclusive private estates. The area is enriched with world-class resources: it is a 10-minute drive from the Pebble Beach Golf Links — ranked No. 1 among America’s public golf courses — and dozens of elite golf clubs nearby. Hollywood star Brad Pitt has a residence here; Clint Eastwood once served as mayor in this area; and Chinese master artist Chang Dai-chien once lived and painted in this remarkable landscape. Its cultural heritage and academic atmosphere together form the foundation of its irreplaceable and rare value.

ONE Carmel is located in Carmel Valley of Monterey County, California, covering 891 acres (approximately 3.6 square kilometers), and is planned for the development of 73 custom estate lots, with an average land size of approximately 4.38 acres each. After nearly eight years of development, the Phase I foundational works of this California top-tier real estate project — which has undergone more than 30 years of entitlement history — have now been completed.

According to the project plan, Phase I will prioritize infrastructure works for 36 lots, as well as public facilities at the community entrance, which are expected to be completed by the end of 2026. Meanwhile, design and construction of model homes and a wellness clubhouse will be launched concurrently to establish the foundation for future market exhibitions and customer experience.

The wellness center has officially entered the design stage and has reached cooperation intentions with several internationally renowned luxury brands and master designers.

Together, we will create a benchmark wellness experience integrating Eastern aesthetics, natural healing, and world-class lifestyle concepts.

At the same time, the design review and sales preparation for Phase I lots and custom residences have officially commenced and will be launched in phases to global high-end markets.

Beyond its unique natural advantages and human-centered cultural character, ONE Carmel is also committed to building a future community where technology and nature coexist. The project will integrate world-leading AI intelligent systems — including security robots, AI baristas, and smart concierge services — delivering immersive 24/7 service and redefining smart community living. In addition, ONE Carmel has exclusively developed ONE Plus, an AI-powered global luxury membership service platform designed for ultra-high-net-worth individuals, providing comprehensive solutions spanning real estate development, bespoke residences, global luxury travel, and full-spectrum lifestyle management. Its core advantage lies in integrating proprietary real estate assets, an exclusive membership ecosystem, and an intelligent service system, achieving a one-stop closed-loop experience from asset allocation to lifestyle management through a tiered membership structure.

Importantly, in October this year, DL Holdings launched the Real-World Asset (RWA) tokenization plan for the ONE Carmel project, transforming its US$40 million (approximately HK$312 million) shareholding into digital tokens via blockchain technology. This groundbreaking initiative not only provides special dividend distributions for shareholders but also pioneers a new investment model that integrates top-tier real estate with digital finance, advancing the digitalization of real-estate-backed assets in the industry.

Through eight years of dedicated development, ONE Carmel has deeply integrated natural endowments, cultural heritage, intelligent technology, and financial innovation. The approval of the sales white paper is not only the decisive milestone marking the project’s transition from blueprint to market, but also an official endorsement of its development strength, financial safeguards, and compliance credibility. With government certification as its foundation and premium living as its core, ONE Carmel is creating an ideal living environment that spans both the physical and digital dimensions for the world’s elite.
Hashtag: #DL

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

Ascott Launches Holistic Disability Inclusion Playbook for Accommodation Sector, Setting New Hospitality Benchmark

  • One of the world’s first open-access playbooks providing hospitality operators with a holistic, practical framework to embrace disability inclusion
  • Supported by SG Enable, World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance and Valuable 500 and reviewed by nearly 20 disability inclusion experts globally
  • Company announces global disability inclusion commitments, including standardised accessibility profiles for all properties, frontline disability awareness training and reporting on the hiring of persons with disabilities starting 2026

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 November 2025 – The Ascott Limited (Ascott), the wholly owned lodging business unit of CapitaLand Investment (CLI), has launched the Disability Inclusion Playbook for the Accommodation Sector. As one of the world’s first open-access, holistic disability inclusion playbooks, it sets a new benchmark for inclusive hospitality. Developed by Ascott in partnership with disability inclusion specialists Colorful Earth, it is supported by SG Enable (Singapore’s focal agency for disability and inclusion), World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (a global coalition driving sustainability in hospitality) and Valuable 500 (a global non-profit of over 500 multinational corporations advancing disability inclusion).

(Back row) Mr Eric Chua, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Social and Family Development & Ministry of Law was the Guest-of-Honour at the launch ceremony for The Ascott Limited’s Disability Inclusion Playbook for the Accommodation Sector. He was flanked by Ms Lee May Gee, CEO, SG Enable (left) and Ms Beh Siew Kim, Chief Financial & Sustainability Officer, Lodging, CapitaLand Investment (right). Featured with them were contributors to the playbook (front row, from left) Mr Isaac Liang, Mr Ryan Yap and Ms Alethea Lew.
(Back row) Mr Eric Chua, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Social and Family Development & Ministry of Law was the Guest-of-Honour at the launch ceremony for The Ascott Limited’s Disability Inclusion Playbook for the Accommodation Sector. He was flanked by Ms Lee May Gee, CEO, SG Enable (left) and Ms Beh Siew Kim, Chief Financial & Sustainability Officer, Lodging, CapitaLand Investment (right). Featured with them were contributors to the playbook (front row, from left) Mr Isaac Liang, Mr Ryan Yap and Ms Alethea Lew.

Offering guidance across five key pillars of disability inclusion – Inclusive Training, Spaces, Hiring, Digital Interfaces and Programmes – the playbook empowers accommodation providers of all sizes to deliver welcoming and inclusive stay experiences from pre-arrival to departure, while fostering inclusive hiring and training practices. It addresses the diverse needs of travellers with disabilities, covering areas such as governance and strategy, collaboration with the disability community, barrier-free infrastructure, accessible programmes and function-specific training.

The playbook’s launch event took place at Citadines Science Park Singapore, officiated by Guest-of-Honour Mr Eric Chua, Singapore’s Senior Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Social and Family Development and the Ministry of Law. He said: “A truly inclusive society that strengthens the quality of life for persons with disabilities is a whole-of-society effort. I am glad that like-minded partners such as Ascott have come onboard, and welcome more to join us. Together, we must work together to build a more caring and inclusive Singapore.”

Ascott’s Disability Inclusion Commitments
At the launch, Ascott announced a comprehensive set of disability inclusion commitments, structured around the playbook’s five-pillar framework:

  • Starting from 2026, at least one Ascott property in every country where it operates will host a community programme dedicated to disability inclusion. The company will also begin reporting on the hiring of persons with disabilities in its annual sustainability reports. Every property will feature a standardised accessibility profile detailing room features, measurements and accessible transport options, empowering guests to make informed booking decisions. Currently, around 60% of Ascott’s operational properties already provide accessibility information, with plans to transition to a standardised template and extend it progressively across the remaining properties.
  • By 2027, 100% of Ascott’s frontline associates globally will have completed disability awareness training. To date, over 100 associates in Singapore and Australia have been trained to create welcoming stay experiences for guests with disabilities.
  • By 2028, all guest-facing digital platforms will meet Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 AA accessibility standards, ensuring a seamless and inclusive online experience. Ascott’s booking website, DiscoverASR.com, already complies with these standards, with its Ascott Star Rewards mobile app next in line.

Ms Beh Siew Kim, Chief Financial and Sustainability Officer, Lodging, CapitaLand Investment, said: “We are honoured to launch the open-access Disability Inclusion Playbook for the Accommodation Sector, a practical resource developed in close collaboration with disability inclusion experts and informed by our global hospitality operations. The playbook will guide Ascott’s disability inclusion efforts across our global portfolio of more than 1,000 operational and pipeline properties in over 40 countries, and we welcome other operators to join us in this collective journey.”

“Real inclusion requires more than guidance – it demands action, accountability and shared learning. That is why Ascott is backing this playbook with measurable commitments across our global portfolio, including standardised accessibility profiles for our properties, comprehensive staff training and transparent reporting on our progress. By sharing both our learnings and commitments, we aim to accelerate collective progress and show that inclusive hospitality is not just the right thing to do; it is vital to building resilient businesses that truly serve all guests and communities,” she added.

Ms Beh Siew Kim, Chief Financial & Sustainability Officer, Lodging, CapitaLand Investment announced a comprehensive set of commitments, structured around the Disability Inclusion Playbook’s five-pillar framework.
Ms Beh Siew Kim, Chief Financial & Sustainability Officer, Lodging, CapitaLand Investment announced a comprehensive set of commitments, structured around the Disability Inclusion Playbook’s five-pillar framework.

Driving Inclusive Hospitality Through Collaboration and Expertise
An estimated 1.3 billion people – or about 16% of the global population – live with permanent disabilities[1], representing a substantial yet underserved market in tourism and hospitality. Accessibility is therefore both a social imperative and a significant opportunity for the hospitality industry. Ascott’s Disability Inclusion Playbook addresses this need with practical guidance drawn from its global operations and reviewed by nearly 20 experts from Colorful Earth, SG Enable, World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance and Valuable 500.

The playbook is also a key outcome of Ascott’s 2024 Memorandum of Understanding with SG Enable, the first partnership of its scale in Singapore’s hospitality sector. This collaboration has already produced industry-first initiatives, including Singapore’s first hospitality-specific disability inclusion training, launched at the Ascott Centre for Excellence in June 2025.

Ms Lee May Gee, CEO of SG Enable, said: “This global disability inclusion playbook translates aspiration into action – exemplifying what can be achieved when industry leaders, persons with disabilities, and community partners come together to co-create solutions grounded in lived experience. We hope it inspires others in the hospitality and tourism sectors to join us in shaping a world where everyone feels welcomed, valued and included.”

Mr Glenn Mandziuk, President & CEO, World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, stated: “Today marks a pivotal moment for global hospitality. This Playbook is more than a guide; it is a beacon for systemic change, transforming the industry’s ambition for disability inclusion into tangible action. We are profoundly grateful to Ascott for their catalytic investment and leadership, and to Colorful Earth for authoring a truly superb and practical playbook. This collaborative triumph with SG Enable and the Valuable 500 proves that true hospitality must be universally accessible. It provides our entire industry with the crucial roadmap to build a future where everyone, without exception, can truly belong.”

Ms Katy Talikowska, CEO, Valuable 500, said: “Ascott’s Disability Inclusion Playbook offers practical processes and strategic guidance to help hospitality organisations of all sizes move from intent to impact. It recognises that inclusion is not a single department’s job but a shared responsibility that touches every guest experience and employee interaction. From accessible digital interfaces to inclusive hiring and spatial design, the framework aligns perfectly with Valuable 500’s vision of inclusion as a driver of innovation, growth and resilience.”

Breaking Barriers through Art
A highlight of the launch event was the unveiling of the playbook’s cover artwork, a visual representation of the collaboration and creativity at the heart of Ascott’s disability inclusion initiatives. Co-created by artists with disabilities from SG Enable’s i’mable Collective alongside Ascott associates, the artwork reflects the values of empowerment, diversity and community that drive the company’s inclusion efforts. The i’mable Collective connects persons with disabilities to professional creative opportunities, making this partnership a demonstration of the inclusive practices the playbook promotes.

Behind this meaningful unveiling was a collaborative process that brought together diverse talents to create artwork representing the five pillars of Ascott CARES (Community, Alliance, Respect, Environment and Supply Chain), the company’s sustainability framework. The ‘Respect’ pillar artwork, embodying Ascott’s inclusion initiatives, was selected for the playbook front cover, while artwork representing all five pillars featured on the back cover. The artwork will also be incorporated into future Ascott CARES apparel and collateral, ensuring the spirit of this partnership continues to inspire across the organisation.

Bringing the Playbook to Life
The launch event also showcased an assistive amenities toolkit that brings the playbook’s Inclusive Programmes pillar to life. Co-developed by Ascott and SalvageGarden – Southeast Asia’s first assistive tech makerspace – the 3D-printed prototype toolkit is designed to enhance the stay of guests with physical disabilities or limited handgrip. Ascott will pilot the initiative at its Singapore properties, including Citadines Science Park Singapore, lyf Funan Singapore, Citadines Rochor Singapore and Oakwood Studios Singapore. Each toolkit includes holders for cutlery, toothbrushes, combs and mugs, a toothpaste squeezer, and a tactile hotel map. Guests will be invited to test the toolkits and provide feedback to shape the next version of the toolkit.

Expanding the Playbook’s Reach
Ascott’s Disability Inclusion Playbook for the Accommodation Sector is now publicly available on its global website, DiscoverASR.com, and will be promoted across partner platforms of SG Enable, World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance and Valuable 500. It will also be featured on Singapore Tourism Board’s website and its tri-annual newsletter to hotel stakeholders, reinforcing Singapore’s position as a world-class, accessible destination.

For more information and key milestones in Ascott’s disability inclusion journey, please refer to The Ascott Limited Sustainability Report 2024 (pages 23 to 28), which highlights the company’s actions and progress towards its vision of building a greener, more inclusive future.


Hashtag: #TheAscottLimited #Hospitality #Sustainability #DisabilityInclusion #AscottCARES




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

The Ascott Limited

The Ascott Limited (Ascott) is driven by a vision to be the preferred hospitality company, enriching global living with heartfelt experiences. With a portfolio of more than 1,000 properties spanning over 230 cities across more than 40 countries, Ascott’s presence spans Asia Pacific, Central Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the USA. Its diverse collection of award-winning brands includes , , , , , , , , , , , , and .

Ascott specialises in managing and franchising a wide range of lodging options, including serviced residences, hotels, resorts, social living properties and branded residences, catering to the varying needs and preferences of global travellers. Through the loyalty programme, members enjoy exclusive privileges and curated experiences, enhancing every aspect of their travel journey.

As a wholly owned business unit of , Ascott generates fee-related earnings by leveraging its expertise in both lodging management and investment management. It also drives the expansion of funds under management by growing its sponsored and private funds.

For more information on Ascott and its sustainability programme, please visit . Alternatively, connect with Ascott on , , and .

CapitaLand Investment Limited

Headquartered and listed in Singapore in 2021, (CLI) is a leading global real asset manager with a strong Asia foothold. As at 5 November 2025, CLI had S$120 billion of funds under management. CLI holds stakes in eight listed real estate investment trusts and business trusts and a suite of private real asset vehicles that invest in demographics, disruption and digitalisation-themed strategies. Its diversified real asset classes include retail, office, lodging, industrial, logistics, business parks, wellness, self-storage, data centres, private credit and special opportunities.

CLI aims to scale its fund management, lodging management and commercial management businesses globally and maintain effective capital management. As the investment management arm of CapitaLand Group, CLI has access to the development capabilities of and pipeline investment opportunities from CapitaLand Group’s development arm. In 2025, CapitaLand Group celebrates 25 years of excellence in real estate and continues to innovate and shape the industry.

As a responsible company, CLI places sustainability at the core of what it does and has committed to achieve Net Zero carbon emissions for Scope 1 and 2 by 2050. CLI contributes to the environmental and social well-being of the communities where it operates, as it delivers long-term economic value to its stakeholders.

From Thailand to ASEAN: XTransfer and Siam Commercial Bank Team Up in SFF 2025

Fueling Enterprises Cross‑Border Expansion


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 November 2025 – XTransfer, World’s Leading B2B Cross-Border Trade Payment Platform and Siam Commercial Bank (SCB), Thailand’s first indigenous bank, announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) at Singapore FinTech Festival 2025. The collaboration will focus on delivering efficient, secure, and cost-effective foreign exchange (FX) services in Thailand for enterprises engaging in international trade.

Bill Deng, Founder and CEO of XTransfer (Left) and Rungsi Vongkitbuncha, Executive Vice President, Head of Large Corporates and International Business Function of SCB (Right), signed a MoU at Singapore FinTech Festival 2025.
Bill Deng, Founder and CEO of XTransfer (Left) and Rungsi Vongkitbuncha, Executive Vice President, Head of Large Corporates and International Business Function of SCB (Right), signed a MoU at Singapore FinTech Festival 2025.

Under the MoU, XTransfer and SCB will work together to evaluate and develop tailored FX solutions in Thailand for enterprises engaged in international trade. The partnership will prioritise competitive FX conversion and improved rate transparency. By leveraging application programming interfaces (APIs) and digital platform connectivity, the parties aim to enable automated, real-time FX conversion and efficient transaction processing to help enterprises reduce costs and improve cash flow management. The parties will continue to explore the expansion of their collaboration beyond FX in Thailand to encompass domestic and cross-border payment solutions across key ASEAN markets, including Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, the Philippines, Cambodia, and Vietnam.

Bill Deng, Founder and CEO of XTransfer, said, “We are delighted to partner with Siam Commercial Bank to bring best‑in‑class cross-border financial services to enterprises in Thailand. SCB’s market leadership and digital capabilities, combined with XTransfer’s foreign trade enterprises’ focused infrastructure, will help our clients achieve better rates, faster settlement, and enhanced transparency. This collaboration not only strengthens service delivery for Thai enterprises, but also enables XTransfer to deepen our development across ASEAN. Together, we will continue to strengthen compliance and risk management to build a trusted financial backbone for cross-border trade.”

Rungsi Vongkitbuncha, Executive Vice President, Head of Large Corporates and International Business Function of SCB, said, “It is an honour to represent SCB at today’s Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony, establishing our role as XTransfer’s key financial partner in ASEAN. As Thailand’s longest-established local bank, SCB supports XTransfer’s cross-border business development by providing advanced technological systems and efficient financial solutions, thereby offering more convenient business models for international traders.”
Hashtag: #XTransfer #SCB #SiamCommercialBank #SFF #Singapore #Thailand #MOU #CrossborderPayment





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

NUH Unveils New One-Stop Orthopaedic Surgery and Hand & Reconstructive Microsurgery Centres

Integrated hub redefines patient care, sustainability and future-ready design


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 November 2025 – The National University Hospital (NUH) has launched the new Orthopaedic Surgery and Hand & Reconstructive Microsurgery Centres, integrating key specialist services – from consultations and surgery to diagnostics, physical therapy and pharmacy stops – into one cohesive space for a seamless patient journey.

At the official opening of NUH’s Orthopaedic Surgery Centre and the Hand & Reconstructive Microsurgery Centre, officiated by Dr Koh Poh Koon, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Health & Ministry of Manpower (fifth from right).
At the official opening of NUH’s Orthopaedic Surgery Centre and the Hand & Reconstructive Microsurgery Centre, officiated by Dr Koh Poh Koon, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Health & Ministry of Manpower (fifth from right).

The launch of the Orthopaedic Surgery and Hand & Reconstructive Microsurgery Centres, officiated by Dr Koh Poh Koon, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Health & Ministry of Manpower, brings together orthopaedic surgery, hand and reconstructive microsurgery, diagnostic imaging, rehabilitation and pharmacy for greater patient care and convenience by:

  • Capitalising on proximity to facilitate expedited consultation, diagnostics and treatment
  • Minimising intra-facility patient transfer and reducing patients’ walking distance across services by nearly half
  • Enabling closer and synchronous collaboration between clinicians and allied health services
  • Streamlining prescription and medication collection for greater accessibility and convenience

Originally situated at the NUH Main Building, the strategic relocation of the Centres to Levels 18 and 19 of the Medical Centre marks an important milestone in the first stage of the NUH redevelopment plan, a major transformative endeavour to meet growing healthcare needs in the Western region.

Orthopaedic Surgery Centre: Strengthening care with innovation

The opening of the new Orthopaedic Surgery Centre strengthens care for sports injuries in an increasingly active population, and for degenerative joint diseases, such as osteoarthritis, which affects about 10 per cent of the general population and 20 per cent of older individuals, aged 60 years and above[1].

It also serves as a launchpad for innovative treatments, including Singapore’s first stem cell treatment for cartilage repair, performed by Professor James Hui, Head & Senior Consultant, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, NUH, in 2005. The expanded infrastructure – featuring new procedure rooms and enhanced treatment capabilities – will further enable the Centre to widen its reach and expand its innovation and advanced treatment footprints.

These improvements aim to help patients recover faster, with fewer hospital stays, and better support their return to an active lifestyle.

“Our population is staying active for longer, and that means more complex bone and joint needs across all ages. The new Orthopaedic Surgery Centre is designed to more closely integrate our clinical teams, imaging and treatment facilities into one streamlined environment,” Prof Hui said.

“With expanded capabilities also means richer data for research and innovation, which can accelerate the development of new therapies tailored to the evolving orthopaedic needs of our community.”

Hand & Reconstructive Microsurgery Centre: Handing hope for complex injuries

The new Hand & Reconstructive Microsurgery Centre (HRMC) features a dedicated day surgery suite equipped with fluoroscopic and ultrasound capabilities, as well as an adjacent recovery facility to support efficient and post-operative care. The suite enables patients to undergo procedures earlier and facilitates a seamless recovery journey.

HRMC provides comprehensive care for trauma and diseases affecting the hand, wrist, and upper limb, and offers round-the-clock microsurgical service. It serves as a regional referral centre for digital, hand and major limb replantation, achieving success rates comparable to international standards.

“The multidisciplinary approach adopted by our care teams at HRMC is our greatest strength,” said Dr Sandeep Jacob Sebastin Muttath, Head & Senior Consultant, Department of Hand & Reconstructive Microsurgery, NUH.

He added, “Many patients come to us with the concern that they will have to undergo major surgery to regain the function of their limbs. However, with our integrated teams – which include our colleagues from neurology and rehabilitation medicine – we can deliver a full continuum of care, from diagnosis and surgery to rehabilitation and prosthetic support, all within a single site.”

Rehabilitation Centre: Restoring normalcy to everyday life

Rounding up the patient journey, the Rehabilitation Centre brings physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and podiatry services into one space, providing a seamless transition from the Orthopaedic Surgery Centre and HRMC.

This allows patients to easily set up appointments with both their doctors and their allied health professionals (AHPs) on the same day and traverse between the two centres. Its design encourages collaboration between clinicians and AHPs, improving care coordination and innovation.

The Rehabilitation Centre features a dynamic indoor running and mobility track for one-stop functional assessments and a dual plinth setup that increases capacity by over 40 per cent to reduce patient wait times.

“Our vision was to create a seamless and collaborative environment for rehabilitation,” said Associate Professor Isaac Sia, Head, Department of Rehabilitation, NUH, “Beyond caring for today’s patients, our dedicated clinical education and observation spaces support the training of the next generation of allied health professionals, ensuring continued excellence in care for the future.”

Chinese Glossary

National University Hospital (NUH) 国立大学医院 (国大医院)
Orthopaedic Surgery Centre 骨科外科中心
Hand & Reconstructive Microsurgery Centre 手与显微修复中心
Joint Preservation Centre 关节保全中心
Sports Centre 运动医疗中心
Nerve and Motion Centre 神经与肢体活动中心
Rehabilitation Centre 复健中心
Prof James Hui

Head & Senior Consultant

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery

NUH

许海波教授

主任兼高级顾问医生

骨科外科

国大医院

Dr Sandeep Jacob Sebastin Muttath

Head & Senior Consultant

Department of Hand & Reconstructive Microsurgery

NUH

Sandeep Jacob Sebastin Muttath医生

主任兼高级顾问医生

手与显微修复外科

国大医院

Associate Professor Isaac Sia

Head

Department of Rehabilitation

NUH

史贵免副教授

主任

复健中心

国大医院

Hashtag: #NUH

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

About the National University Hospital

The National University Hospital (NUH) is Singapore’s leading university hospital. While the hospital at Kent Ridge first received its patients on 24 June 1985, our legacy started from 1905, the date of the founding of what is today the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine. NUH is the principal teaching hospital of the medical school.

Our unique identity as a university hospital is a key attraction for healthcare professionals who aspire to do more than practise tertiary medical care. We offer an environment where research and teaching are an integral part of medicine, and continue to shape medicine and transform care for the community we care for.

We are an academic medical centre with over 1,200 beds, serving more than one million patients a year with over 50 medical, surgical and dental specialties. NUH is the only public and not-for-profit hospital in Singapore to provide trusted care for adults, women and children under one roof, including the only paediatric kidney and liver transplant programme in the country.

The NUH is a key member of the National University Health System (NUHS), one of three public healthcare clusters in Singapore. For more information, visit

Follow us on

| | | |

Landslides in Vietnam Kill at Least Six

Landslides in Vietnam Kill at Least Six
This photo taken and released by Vietnam News Agency (VNA) on November 17, 2025 shows vehicles stuck on a damaged road following landslides triggered by heavy rain, near the location where a passenger bus was submerged by falling soil and rock on Khanh Le Pass in Khanh Hoa province. Landslides triggered by heavy rain in Vietnam have killed at least six people and injured more than a dozen, disaster agency officials said on November 17, as the country's flood-hit central belt endured relentless precipitation. (photo credit: VŨ XUAN TRIỆU / VIETNAM NEWS AGENCY (VNA) / AFP)

AFP – Landslides triggered by heavy rain in Vietnam have killed at least six people and injured more than a dozen, disaster agency officials said Monday, as the country’s flood-hit central belt endured relentless precipitation

Health Ministry Deploys Major Safety Operation for National Games

Ambulance cars stand by to provide medical care (Photo: Lao National TV)

The Ministry of Health has deployed over 290 technical staff to safeguard athletes, officials, and spectators at the 12th National Games in Vientiane, ensuring public health standards are maintained throughout the event.