• Partnership will evaluate advanced ultrasound technologies to improve early detection and monitoring of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease
• Advancing ultrasound technologies that are safer, more accessible alternatives to invasive diagnostic procedures
• Research led by globally respected hepatologist Associate Professor Dan Yock Young

SINGAPORE, Oct. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Siemens Healthineers and the National University Hospital (NUH) Singapore have announced a strategic research collaboration to advance diagnostic solutions for Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), which affects nearly 40% of adults in Singapore — a prevalence that is higher than the global average of 30.05%.

MASLD, formerly known as Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), is now the most common cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. The elevated burden in Singapore reflects rising levels of obesity, sedentary lifestyles, and associated metabolic conditions – a serious trend that demands a more efficient, patient-friendly approach to liver care.

The research initiative will be led by Associate Professor Dan Yock Young, Senior Consultant, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine at NUH, and Associate Professor, Department of Medicine at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore. A globally respected hepatologist, his pioneering contributions to liver disease research have set international benchmarks. His leadership lends both clinical excellence and a global perspective to the project.

The collaborative study will evaluate Siemens Healthineers’ cutting-edge ultrasound technologies: Ultrasound-Derived Fat Fraction (UDFF) and Auto Point Shear Wave Elastography (Auto pSWE). These tools enable physicians to non-invasively measure both liver fat and stiffness in a single, streamlined session, offering safer and more cost-effective alternatives to MRI scans and invasive biopsies. Early detection, more precise monitoring, and timely intervention could redefine the liver care pathway across the region.

“Together with NUH, led by Associate Professor Dan Yock Young, we will study how advanced ultrasound technologies can transform liver care by offering a cost-effective alternative to invasive biopsy or high-cost imaging,” said Vy Tran, President Asia-Pacific Japan, Siemens Healthineers. “Our aim is to make ultrasound technologies accessible not only in tertiary hospitals but also at the polyclinic level. If we can embed these solutions into the liver care pathway, we can bring earlier detection, better monitoring and timely interventions to the people who need it. With this research collaboration, we hope to create new opportunities to scale the adoption of ultrasound technologies and improve clinical outcomes for liver patients across the Asia Pacific region.”

“This collaboration represents an important step forward in addressing MASLD, which is fast emerging as a major health burden in Singapore,” said Associate Professor Dan Yock Young. “At NUH, we combine deep clinical expertise in liver and metabolic health, backed by strong translational research. By working with partners such as Siemens Healthineers, we are well positioned to pioneer new approaches to detect, treat and prevent the disease, thereby helping more patients live healthier lives.”

The initiative is part of the upcoming National University Centre for Digestive Health, set to open in January 2026, which aims to enhance patient access to cutting-edge diagnostic innovations.

“With nearly 40% of adults in Singapore affected, fatty liver disease is a silent epidemic we can no longer ignore. This collaboration reflects our shared responsibility to change that story. By bringing ultrasound innovation to the frontlines of care, we can empower physicians with better tools and offer patients not just accurate diagnostics, but hope for a healthier future,” said Chaitanya Mehrotra, Head of Ultrasound, Asia Pacific, Siemens Healthineers.

This partnership leverages NUH’s clinical expertise alongside Siemens Healthineers’ technological innovation to pioneer breakthroughs in healthcare for everyone, everywhere, sustainably, while advancing medical innovation and delivering excellence in patient care.

This press release and a press picture is available at:
https://www.siemens-healthineers.com/en-sg/press-room/press-releases-sg/shs-nuh-masld-research

The product/features mentioned in this press release is/are not commercially available in all countries. Due to regulatory reasons their future availability cannot be guaranteed. Please contact your local Siemens organization for further details. The product and features mentioned in this press release are meant for healthcare professionals only.

Siemens Healthineers pioneers breakthroughs in healthcare. For everyone. Everywhere. Sustainably. The company is a global provider of healthcare equipment, solutions and services, with activities in more than 180 countries and direct representation in more than 70. The group comprises Siemens Healthineers AG, listed as SHL in Frankfurt, Germany, and its subsidiaries. As a leading medical technology company, Siemens Healthineers is committed to improving access to healthcare for underserved communities worldwide and is striving to overcome the most threatening diseases. The company is principally active in the areas of imaging, diagnostics, cancer care and minimally invasive therapies, augmented by digital technology and artificial intelligence. In fiscal 2024, which ended on September 30, 2024, Siemens Healthineers had approximately 72,000 employees worldwide and generated revenue of around €22.4 billion. Further information is available at www.siemens-healthineers.com.

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 www.nuh.com.sg

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Oct. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Global logistics leader UPS (NYSE: UPS) has opened a new package centre in Penang in a move that enhances services for its customers across the city.

The company has also increased the size of its existing hub at Penang Airport to boost processing capacity and provide businesses in Penang with even more access to the global UPS network.

The new 20,000 sq ft. centre is located in Penang Science Park North, an area home to multiple industrial parks and popular with businesses in the high tech and manufacturing sectors.

UPS’s enhanced services means pickup times for exports of the company’s Express and Worldwide Express Freight shipments for businesses in eight areas – including Butterworth, Batu Kawan and Bayan Lepas – are extended by up to two hours, giving customers more time to prepare outbound shipments. Deliveries to businesses in Batu Kawan, Perai, Penang and Kulim, Kedah will now also be delivered earlier.

“When we talk to our customers, what many of them ask for is more hours in a day. Extending pickup times effectively gives them extra time to receive and ship more orders every day. Our enhanced airport hub then allows us to process these shipments efficiently when they arrive or leave on one of the 11 weekly UPS flights we have serving Penang,” said Ingrid Sidiadinoto, senior managing director of UPS Malaysia, at an event commemorating the opening of the new centre.

“Businesses all over the world are looking to build more resilience into supply chains. Malaysia is in a good position to capitalise on recent trade lane shifts, and Penang is central to that. We’re here to help our customers make the most of the opportunities available to them. We’re excited about the future growth potential for businesses in Penang,” Sidiadinoto added.

Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, CEO of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), welcomed the development. “This investment by UPS comes at a crucial moment as businesses adapt to shifting global trade patterns and supply chain realignments. The new package centre in Penang, coupled with the expanded airport hub, introduces advanced automation and smarter warehousing processes that will enhance resilience and efficiency for Malaysian companies competing in time-critical sectors such as semiconductors and electronics.”

“At MIDA, we are committed to accelerating the adoption of Smart Warehousing and automation across the logistics sector. UPS’s continued confidence in Malaysia reinforces our efforts to build a more agile supply chain ecosystem that positions the country as a preferred hub for high-value global investments,” he added.

This is the latest in a series of investments by UPS in its Malaysia network. In May 2025, the company launched a new service in Johor that provides businesses across the state next-day delivery to and from countries across Asia Pacific. Deliveries to and from Europe and the U.S. will arrive in as little as two business days. This follows an earlier service enhancement in 2024 that enabled deliveries to and from over 50 countries across the Americas to be completed in as little as two business days.

For full details of delivery times within UPS’s global network, refer to the UPS time and cost calculator.

About UPS

UPS (NYSE: UPS) is one of the world’s largest companies, with 2024 revenue of $91.1 billion, and provides a broad range of integrated logistics solutions for customers in more than 200 countries and territories. Focused on its purpose statement, “Moving our world forward by delivering what matters,” the company’s approximately 490,000 employees embrace a strategy that is simply stated and powerfully executed: Customer First. People Led. Innovation Driven. UPS is committed to reducing its impact on the environment and supporting the communities we serve around the world. More information can be found at www.ups.com, about.ups.com and www.investors.ups.com. 

SINGAPORE, Oct. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — KLM marks its 106th anniversary by unveiling a new Delft Blue house: the former sexton’s residence, Villa Rameau, located next to the Pieterskerk in Leiden. The Pilgrims stayed here for twelve years before they set sail on the Mayflower to America in 1620.

106 years of transatlantic ties: from pilgrims to Joint Venture

The Pilgrims’ journey began a lasting connection across the Atlantic, one that KLM has proudly continued for 106 years. As the world’s oldest airline still operating under its original name, KLM has played a key role in linking the Netherlands and Europe with the United States. As part of the Air France-KLM Group and in Joint Venture with Delta Air Lines, KLM carries millions of passengers each year between Europe and the US, serving a network of fifteen US destinations. These connections support the economies and prosperity on both sides of the ocean.

“With the unveiling of Villa Rameau as our 106th Delft Blue house, we’re not only celebrating our birthday, but also the importance of connection and resilience. These values are reflected in the story of the house and the Pilgrims, and they’re also at the heart of KLM. For 106 years, we’ve been building global connections. Especially in challenging times, this house reminds us how vital it is to stay connected. It’s a small symbol with a big story about how we keep innovating and shaping the future of aviation.” Marjan Rintel, President & CEO KLM

A rich Leiden history

Villa Rameau, now home to the Leiden American Pilgrim Museum, has a storied past. The Pilgrims’ first harvest festival here, inspired by the Relief of Leiden, eventually became what Americans know as Thanksgiving, a tradition still honored every year at the Pieterskerk. Later, the Rameau family, residents of the house, played a crucial role in the local resistance during World War II. This spot in Leiden stands for perseverance in turbulent times and forging new bonds, values KLM holds dear.

“It’s an honor that Villa Rameau, with its unique history and central place in Leiden, is now part of the KLM miniature house collection. This house tells an important part of Leiden’s story, from the Pilgrims to the resistance. We’re proud to see this story shared with the world in this special way.” Peter Heijkoop, Mayor of Leiden

About the Delft Blue Houses

Since the 1950s, KLM has given Delft Blue houses filled with Bols Dutch Gin as gifts to World Business Class passengers on intercontinental flights. These miniatures represent special buildings from the Netherlands and beyond and are beloved collectors’ items. Since 1994, the number of houses matches KLM’s age. Each year on October 7, KLM’s birthday, a new house is added to the collection. The annual KLM house is a tribute to places that connect the Netherlands with the wider world.

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mediarelations@klm.com
news.klm.com

SYDNEY, Oct. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Australian organisations are increasingly turning to boutique consulting firm Flux Advisory after traditional transformation programs fell short. The firm is reporting measurable improvements across government, corporate, and not-for-profit organisations, with clients achieving faster delivery and stronger performance outcomes.

Flux founder Sarah Conibear, former Deloitte Partner and Accenture Managing Director, established the firm after recognising repeated patterns of failure in large-scale transformations.

“While major consultancies deliver valuable solutions, many organisations tell us they feel stuck in process rather than progress,” Conibear said. “They invest millions, yet programs stall for years because no one addresses the fundamental thinking gap. Process alone is not progress, our approach bridges the critical gap between strategic thinking and practical execution.”

Flux’s proprietary Jumpstart method distils 25 years of transformation and industry experience into three signature moves designed to unstick stalled programs and accelerate momentum. These include Accelerated Planning, which compresses planning cycles from months to days, and the Flux Decision Room, a governance breakthrough bridging the gap between stand-ups and steering committees. Leading corporates, government agencies, and not-for-profits are embedding these methods into their programs. 

Flux also operates on a distinctive profit-sharing model that challenges the consulting status quo, reinvesting more than 10 percent of profits into transformation work for charities. This approach has already delivered over $1 million in measurable benefits for not-for-profit partners.

Conibear’s leadership is shaped by her personal journey. Having lived in 12 countries growing up, including developing regions, she developed a commitment to making a difference where it matters most. Attending 17 schools before the age of 18 gave her an unusual ability to adapt quickly and navigate complexity – skills she draws on in guiding enterprise transformations today.

Looking ahead, Flux is building on its momentum with the launch of the Jumpstart Academy in partnership with major organisations. The Academy will scale impact by equipping leaders and teams with the skills to deliver transformations themselves.

“I’m excited to create a platform that multiplies value and impact beyond individual projects,” Conibear said.

ABOUT FLUX ADVISORY
Founded in 2023, Flux Advisory specialises in unlocking and delivering stalled transformations by combining top-tier consulting and program leadership with proprietary methods that deliver cut-through and outsized outcomes.

TAIPEI, Oct. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — ARTERY Technology participated for the first time in the EE Intelligent TechCon (Taipei EE Intelligent TechCon) organized by EETimes on October 1–2, and was grandly exhibited at Taipei New Horizon. This exhibition focused on AIoT, edge computing, and next-generation embedded applications. ARTERY presented its latest AT32 MCU series and multiple application solutions, highlighting its strategy in smart control and AI technologies. Among them, the newly launched AT32 Edge AI Sensor Board became the highlight of the show.

AT32 MCU New Products Driving Smart Control

The AT32 MCU new product series showcased by ARTERY includes AT32F422/426, AT32M412/416, and AT32F455/456/457. Among them, the AT32F422/426 is the latest high-performance small-package product, featuring 180MHz high-speed frequency, CAN/CAN-FD support, and high-precision ADC, enabling strong processing performance and multi-interface integration within a compact form factor. It is ideal for electric two-wheelers, smart lighting control, and edge devices. Together with the M412/416 optimized for motor drive and the F455/456/457 with rich peripherals and security functions, the AT32 MCU series forms a flexible and comprehensive product portfolio, meeting diverse demands from industrial control, smart home appliances, to AIoT edge computing.

Demos Driving AIoT Development

• Edge AI Sensor Board Interactive Experience

The new AT32 Edge AI Sensor Board features a TOF (Time-of-Flight) sensor, capable of accurately capturing hand gestures within a range of 10–20 cm. Combined with the AT32 MCU’s real-time signal processing and edge AI inference capability, it enables contactless gesture control. On-site visitors only need to wave their hands to trigger directional control and interaction, directly experiencing low-latency response and human-machine interaction technology. This solution highlights ARTERY’s breakthrough in sensor fusion and edge intelligence, also demonstrates its broad application potential in smart home appliances, medical monitoring, industrial automation, and entertainment systems.

• High-Speed Gaming Keyboard & Mouse

Based on the AT32 high-speed USB MCU platform, it supports 8k report rate, delivering ultra-low latency feedback and high-speed transmission. Combined with RGB lighting effects, it creates an immersive gaming interaction experience, addressing the high-speed interactive requirements of AIoT entertainment devices.

• Smart Stringless Electric Guitar

Through touch and pressure sensing, combined with AI chord recognition and automatic accompaniment, it realizes a smart music interaction experience, demonstrating the MCU’s advantages in multi-modal signal processing and low-latency control.

• BLDC Motor Control Solution

Supports sensored/sensorless FOC, dual/triple shunt current detection, and GUI real-time monitoring, with applications covering electric two-wheelers, industrial fans, and smart appliances. Through high-speed operation demonstration, it highlights the algorithm’s technical strengths in efficiency optimization and stability.

• AT-SURF-F437 Development Board

Powered by a 288MHz AT32F437 MCU, it supports SDRAM, CMOS sensor, and a 3.5-inch LCD, while providing Ethernet, RS-485, and audio interfaces. It offers complete development resources to accelerate multimedia processing and edge intelligence design.

AI and Edge Intelligence Driving Industry Upgrades

At this forum, ARTERY’s diverse solutions allowed participants to directly experience the potential of AI and edge computing in future applications. From human-machine interaction, entertainment experiences, to motor control, MCUs are no longer just traditional control cores, but have evolved into computing and decision-making engines for smart applications.

In the future, ARTERY Technology will continue to enhance AI algorithm support, sensor fusion, and real-time responsiveness, and work with partners to advance smart manufacturing, AIoT, and consumer electronics. Through its high-performance, high-cost-efficiency MCU solutions, ARTERY aims to provide developers with more flexible design options and drive the development of the global intelligent ecosystem.

BANGKOK, Oct. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Determined to cement its place among the world’s leading universities, Chulalongkorn University will allocate nearly 700 million baht (USD 19 million) in 2025 through its flagship Second Century Fund (C2F) to support more than 1,000 scholarships for PhD candidates, postdoctoral fellows, and students.

Since its inception in 2019, the C2F has awarded over 3,300 scholarships and financed more than 3,000 research projects, driving Chula’s ambition to achieve world-class recognition while delivering tangible benefits for Thai society.

From Commercial Income to Academic Excellence

The fund was established in 2013 following the renewal of Bangkok’s MBK Center lease, when the university council resolved to reinvest property revenues into education and research. Prof. Emeritus Dr. Khunying Suchada Kiranandana, then Council Chair, spearheaded the vision of using commercial income to secure Chula’s long-term academic leadership.

“The aim has always been to support scholarship and innovation that elevate Chula while addressing social and economic challenges,” said Prof. Dr. Buncha Pulpoka, Assistant to the President for Research Development.

Research With Global Impact

C2F has supported groundbreaking projects such as:

• Probiotics that regulate blood sugar and fat, offering safer alternatives to drug-based therapies.
• Nanoencapsulation of antioxidants from crustacean shells, enhancing dietary supplement stability.
• FAAMAI Digital Arts Hub, a creative space beside Centenary Park where students, researchers, and artists collaborate to strengthen Thailand’s cultural economy.

Investing in Future Leaders

Scholarships cover High-Potential PhD awards, postdoctoral fellowships, top professor grants, and research abroad opportunities. Recipients are expected to publish in Tier 1 or Q1 journals, with many also presenting at leading global conferences.

Acceptance into such journals is notoriously competitive—rejection rates often exceed 90 percent—yet scholars backed by C2F have consistently succeeded, expanding Thailand’s presence in international research.

Looking Ahead

Budgeted through 2029, the fund will continue to prioritize three strategies: cultivating top research talent, expanding the CU Power Grant for both faculty-led and strategic initiatives, and promoting research aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

With its Second Century Fund as a cornerstone, Chulalongkorn University is building momentum toward world-class university status while ensuring its research creates lasting value at home and abroad.

For more information about the Second Century Fund (C2F) and scholarship opportunities, visit https://c2f.chula.ac.th/.

Read the full article at https://www.chula.ac.th/en/highlight/260893/

BANGKOK, Oct. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — There was a time when travelers chased only sunsets and souvenirs. Today, travel behavior is evolving, with pop culture emerging as a powerful force behind tourism trends. According to digital travel platform Agoda, live music events and festivals are contributing to a rise in both international and domestic travel interest in Thailand.

Major international events are proving to be strong travel motivators, and the upcoming BLACKPINK concert, scheduled to take place in Bangkok from 24 to 26 November, has already sparked an increase in global travel interest. Accommodation searches for Bangkok from international travelers rose 18% compared to 2 weeks prior to the event. Countries showing the highest rise in interest include Vietnam (266%), Malaysia (107%), and Taiwan (19%). The heightened demand may be partly attributed to BLACKPINK not performing in Malaysia or Vietnam during their 2025 tour, as well as the group’s strong and dedicated fanbase in Taiwan, making Thailand a key destination for regional fans eager to attend.

This cross-border enthusiasm underscores the global reach of BLACKPINK’s fandom and highlights the rising influence of major international events as travel drivers. Within Thailand, demand is equally strong. The concert led to a 130% in domestic accommodation searches for Bangkok on Agoda, fueled in part by the popularity of Thai-born member Lisa, whose international fanbase continues to energize local interest in global entertainment.

And the show doesn’t stop there. Rolling Loud Thailand, the hip-hop festival set to return to Legend Siam in Pattaya from 14 to 16 November, is also proving to be a strong travel magnet. The event is globally recognized as one of the biggest names in rap and hip-hop culture. Despite uncertainty surrounding this year’s headliner announcements, Agoda data shows that accommodation searches for stays around the event dates have increased by 36% from domestic and international travelers alike, with the most interest coming from South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan.

Thailand’s local festival scene also continues to attract global travelers. Wonderfruit Festival, scheduled to take place in Pattaya from 11 to 15 December, has seen a 10% increase in international searches for accommodation in Pattaya and Chonburi area, led by interest from South Korea, the Philippines, and Singapore travelers. The festival is a multi-sensory experience that blends art, nature, wellness, and sustainability in a vibrant open-air setting. Held in the fields of Pattaya, the event features everything from sunrise soundscapes and farm-to-table dining to architectural pavilions and cultural workshops.

Akaporn Rodkong, Country Director, Thailand at Agoda, said “As Thailand continues to host world-class events and festivals, event tourism is proving to be a dynamic force in strengthening the country’s position as a global travel destination. Agoda remains committed to supporting travelers in discovering these experiences while making travel more accessible and affordable.”

Agoda offers over 6 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities, all of which can be combined in the same booking. Discover the best deals on Agoda’s mobile app and start planning the next concert adventure. Visit Agoda.com for more information.