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Merck Expands Biosafety Testing Laboratory in Singapore to Strengthen Services Across Asia Pacific

  • Expansion adds first BioReliance® Cell Line Characterization and GMP Next-GenerationSequencingin Asia Pacific
  • Enhanced testing capabilities to deliver speed, sensitivity, and sustainability for biopharma customers in the region
  • Supports industry shift to molecular methods and animal-free testing

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 August 2026 – Merck, a leading science and technology company, is expanding its Singapore lab to further strengthen analytical and biosafety testing services for customers across the Asia Pacific region. Biosafety testing is a critical step in the drug development and manufacturing process, helping to ensure that biologics are safe, effective, and compliant with regulatory requirements.

The expansion builds on Merck’s global testing expertise of more than 75 years and marks a significant milestone in providing an advanced, local contract testing services portfolio for the region’s growing biopharma industry.

“Localizing these BioReliance® testing capabilities means our Asia Pacific biopharma customers can accelerate their development timelines, improve operational efficiency, and meet evolving regulatory and sustainability standards” said Paolo Carli, Head of Advanced Solutions for the Life Science business of Merck. “This investment underscores Merck’s commitment to empowering medicine makers by providing industry-leading analytical and biosafety testing services and technical expertise.”

Merck’s Singapore laboratory will become the first BioReliance® facility in Asia-Pacific to offer both Cell Line Characterization services and GMP next-generation sequencing (NGS) capabilities. It will also offer advanced molecular methods including Blazar®, a proprietary platform for rapid virus detection.

The expanded facility aims to support the industry’s move towards state-of-the-art quality control testing of biologics and 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement of animal use) through advanced molecular methods.

“Merck’s expansion of the BioReliance® lab will bring world-class and next-generation testing services to biopharmaceutical companies in Singapore and the region. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Merck to strengthen Singapore’s ecosystem, build new capabilities within our local workforce, and enable the delivery of innovative therapies to patients,” said Goh Wan Yee, Senior Vice President and Head of Healthcare, Singapore Economic Development Board.

The Singapore BioReliance® lab was opened in 2018, and the expansion will bring the total lab area to over 1,000 square meters. This expansion is also a key step in Merck’s broader strategy to support the region’s dynamic life science ecosystem and drive scientific progress.

Hashtag: #Merck #BioReliance #biosafety

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

About Merck

Merck, a leading science and technology company, operates across life science, healthcare and electronics. More than 62,000 employees work to make a positive difference to millions of people’s lives every day by creating more joyful and sustainable ways to live. From providing products and services that accelerate drug development and manufacturing as well as discovering unique ways to treat the most challenging diseases to enabling the intelligence of devices – the company is everywhere. In 2025, Merck generated sales of € 21.1 billion in 65 countries.

Scientific exploration and responsible entrepreneurship have been key to Merck’s technological and scientific advances. This is how Merck has thrived since its founding in 1668. The founding family remains the majority owner of the publicly listed company. Merck holds the global rights to the Merck name and brand. The only exceptions are the United States and Canada, where the business sectors of Merck operate as MilliporeSigma in life science, EMD Serono in healthcare, and EMD Electronics in electronics.

All Merck press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck website. Please go to to register online, change your selection or discontinue this service.

DeTect Awarded Contract to Supply MERLIN™ True3D® Bird Detection Radar to the Soekarno-Hatta Airport in Jakarta

The bird radar flight safety system will enhance the airport’s wildlife control program and provide real-time hazard risk alerts to air traffic control and airfield operations.

PANAMA CITY, Fla., Aug. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — DeTect, Inc. has been awarded the contract to supply its MERLIN 7360 True3D Bird Detection Radar (BDR) to the Soekarno-Hatta Airport in Jakarta. MERLIN is the most advanced and widely used bird radar system with over 600 BDRs worldwide in aviation safety and bird protection applications. The MERLIN technology was originally developed for and is currently used by the U.S. Air Force and NASA for detection and alerting of hazardous bird and drone activity on an around airfields, with systems currently used by commercial airports in Canada, the EU, the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

MERLIN True3D Bird Detection Radar System
MERLIN True3D Bird Detection Radar System

The Jakarta system will include 7360 True3D radars at the ends of each of its two runways to provide full 3D 360-degree airfield and surrounding airspace, with automatic display and alerting of high-risk bird activity via monitors in the airport bird control team vehicles and at airfield operations and in the control tower. The system will be manufactured in the US, and the project will be managed by DeTect’s APAC Regional office in South Korea. DeTect’s CEO, Gary Andrews, said of this order, “We are gratified to have been selected by InJourney Airports to supply and support DeTect’s bird radar system technology at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK), one of Southeast Asia’s busiest airports.”

ABOUT DETECT INC:
DeTect is a fully integrated radar company founded in 2003 with research, engineering and manufacturing facilities and offices worldwide. DeTect products include MERLIN™ BDR, HARRIER™ Security and Surveillance Radars, DroneWatcher™ Counter- UAS systems, MERLIN Bird Monitoring and Mitigation Systems, HARRIER Aircraft Detection Lighting Systems, and HARRIER Beyond Visual Line-of-Sight radars.  Since 2003, DeTect has manufactured and commissioned over 1100 radar systems in the US, Canada, the UK, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia and New Zealand.

Reference sites:  https://detect-inc.com/   

  

Reap Goes Live on Hyperliquid with USDC funding capabilities

Clients can now move USDC more efficiently and manage balances on the Hyperliquid network.

HONG KONG, Aug. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Reap, a global financial technology company that enables financial connectivity and access for businesses worldwide through stablecoin-enabled infrastructure, today announced support for USDC funding via Hyperliquid. Clients can now generate a Hyperliquid wallet address within Reap and send USDC on the Hyperliquid network to fund their cards and payments balances.

In May 2026, Hyperliquid phased out its native stablecoin, with Circle expanding its infrastructure role across the network. USDC is now the dominant collateral asset on Hyperliquid, and stablecoin supply on the platform has nearly doubled year-over-year, reaching a record $7.04 billion in early June 2026, up almost 20% in a single month.

As USDC cements itself as the anchor stablecoin of one of the largest on-chain trading venues, a growing number of businesses already hold or transact in USDC on Hyperliquid as part of their treasury activity. Until now, moving that USDC into a Reap balance meant routing it through an intermediary exchange or wallet. A direct funding rail removes that extra step, letting clients put Hyperliquid-based USDC to work in their cards and payment balances. This launch also expands Reap’s own network coverage for stablecoin funding, with Hyperliquid joining Ethereum, Tron, and Polygon as supported networks for on-chain USDC deposits.

For businesses that already keep working capital on Hyperliquid, this adds a direct path to convert on-chain USDC into operating balances, without routing funds through an intermediary exchange or wallet. That can reduce settlement time and operational overhead, improve liquidity management between trading and treasury activity and day-to-day spend, and support smoother reconciliation by keeping funding flows on a single, supported rail. The addition of Hyperliquid gives clients another stablecoin funding rail, reducing friction for businesses that already hold or transact in USDC on Hyperliquid, and makes it easier for clients to fund their cards and payments balances directly.

“With Hyperliquid now supported in Reap, clients now have a more direct bridge between where they already hold USDC on-chain and where they need to deploy it in day-to-day operations. We are excited to build a simpler, faster path for treasury teams to move value from on-chain liquidity into the balances they use to run their businesses.” said Harris Leow, Head of Product, Reap.

Reap is also exploring additional ways to expand the utility of Hyperliquid across a broader suite of products and solutions over time, from making it easier for clients to fund and deploy USDC held on Hyperliquid, to unlocking more seamless ways to move value between on-chain liquidity and real-world spend. By deepening this integration, Reap aims to create more flexibility for clients while supporting greater real-world utility for stablecoins on Hyperliquid.

About Reap

Reap is a global financial technology company that enables financial connectivity and access for businesses worldwide through stablecoin-native infrastructure. We transform the financial landscape through more efficient money movement by merging traditional finance with digital assets, bridging disparate economies and connecting key financial markets.

Reap was an early leader in Asia to incorporate stablecoins into our solutions. In 2025, Reap processed billions in stablecoin-funded transaction flows. From stablecoin-enabled corporate cards to cross-border payments, we streamline financial operations and empower companies to scale with our integrated business accounts and embedded finance solutions.

Founded and headquartered in Hong Kong, Reap employs 300 people worldwide.

More information about Reap can be found at reap.global.

Manulife Appoints Jeremy Young as Chief Distribution Officer, International Brokerage, Global High-Net-Worth to Advance Growth Strategy Across Key Markets

HONG KONG, Aug. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Manulife announced the appointment of Jeremy Young as Chief Distribution Officer, International Brokerage, Global High-Net-Worth, effective immediately.

Jeremy Young has been appointed Chief Distribution Officer, International Brokerage, Global High-Net-Worth
Jeremy Young has been appointed Chief Distribution Officer, International Brokerage, Global High-Net-Worth

Mr Young has served as Interim Chief Distribution Officer since March, providing strong leadership while advancing Manulife’s distribution strategy and deepening broker engagement across key markets. In his new role, he will be responsible for leading Manulife’s International Brokerage business globally, driving growth across Hong Kong, Singapore, the Middle East and other markets, and further strengthening broker partnerships and distribution capabilities.

“We are delighted to welcome Jeremy to this important role,” said Bonnie Qiu, CEO, Global High- Net-Worth and Chief Partnership Distribution Officer, Manulife Asia. “GHNW remains a core pillar of Manulife’s strategy, and we will continue investing in our capabilities, products and partnerships to help meet the evolving needs of high-net-worth clients. Jeremy’s leadership will enhance our ability to serve this market and capture the significant opportunities ahead.”

Mr Young brings more than 20 years of insurance leadership experience across distribution, sales, marketing, product strategy and customer experience. Before joining Manulife, he was Chief Commercial Officer, Global, at Transamerica Life Bermuda. He previously held senior leadership roles with Sun Life, AIA and Sovereign.

The appointment reinforces Manulife’s commitment to strengthening its Global High-Net-Worth platform and serving the evolving needs of high-net-worth clients across Asia, the Middle East and other international markets. With his deep industry expertise, international perspective and strong commercial leadership, Mr Young is well positioned to lead Manulife’s International Brokerage business into its next chapter.

For media enquiries, please contact: 

Alice Li
Chief Communications Officer, Manulife Hong Kong & Macau
Alice_SM_Li@Manulife.com 

About Manulife 

Manulife Financial Corporation is a leading international financial services provider, headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Anchored in our ambition to be the number one choice for customers, we operate as Manulife across Canada and Asia, and primarily as John Hancock in the United States, providing financial advice, insurance and health solutions for individuals, groups and businesses. Through Manulife Wealth & Asset Management, we offer global investment solutions, financial advice, and retirement plan services to individuals, institutions, and retirement plan members worldwide. At the end of 2025, we had more than 37,000 employees, over 106,000 agents, and thousands of distribution partners, serving over 37 million customers with operations across 25 markets globally. We trade as ‘MFC’ on the Toronto, New York, and Philippine stock exchanges, and under ‘945’ on the Hong Kong stock exchange. Not all offerings are available in all jurisdictions. For additional information, please visit manulife.com.

Artery Technology Showcases at D Forum 2026 — AT32 MCUs Drive Edge Intelligence into a New Era

TAIPEI, Aug. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On August 7th, Artery Technology participated in the D Forum 2026 Microcontroller Forum hosted by DIGITIMES, delivering a keynote presentation titled “AT32 MCUs Drive Edge Intelligence into a New Era.” The event also featured demonstrations of an Edge AI sensing platform, robot joint control, and server cooling fan applications, showcasing the comprehensive capabilities of AT32 MCUs across AI sensing, precision motion control, and high-speed motor drive.

Artery Technology Showcases at D Forum 2026 — AT32 MCUs Drive Edge Intelligence into a New Era
Artery Technology Showcases at D Forum 2026 — AT32 MCUs Drive Edge Intelligence into a New Era

Three Technology Highlights Demonstrate the Advantages of AT32 MCUs

1. AT32 AI Studio Accelerates Edge AI Deployment

Artery showcased the AT32 Edge AI Sensor EV Board together with its self-developed AT32 AI Studio, providing a one-stop Edge AI development workflow covering data collection, model training, optimization, and MCU deployment to help developers rapidly deploy AI models. The platform integrates sensors such as ToF and IMU and can be applied to intelligent sensing scenarios including gesture recognition, motion classification, and equipment anomaly detection.

2. Highly Integrated MCUs Meet Robot Control Requirements

In response to the development trends of Embodied AI and humanoid robots, Artery demonstrated the design direction of high-density control modules through dexterous hand and robot joint control applications, while introducing corresponding AT32 MCU solutions.

This year, the AT32F435/437 series adds a compact 7 × 7 mm BGA100 package, combining high-performance computing with rich peripheral resources, making it particularly suitable for space-constrained dexterous hands, robot joints, and other high-density control modules.

For robot joint control, the AT32M416 motor control MCU integrates CAN-FD, high-resolution PWM, a 12-bit ADC, DSP/FPU, and magnetic encoder feedback to provide high-precision closed-loop control for humanoid robots, quadruped robots, and intelligent automation equipment.

3. High-Speed Motor Drive: Server Cooling Fans for AI Data Centers

The server cooling fan solution integrates an MCU, gate driver, and DC-DC converter within a compact QFN32 4 × 4 mm package to meet the stringent size requirements of cooling fans. The FOC algorithm running on the 32-bit MCU effectively improves operating stability, reduces noise and vibration, and supports startup against reverse airflow, ensuring stable operation under high-speed and high-static-pressure conditions.

Continuing to Expand the High-Performance Product Portfolio

At the forum, Artery also previewed the upcoming AT32F406/408 and AT32F403E/407E MCU series based on the Arm® Cortex®-M4F core, further expanding its high-performance product portfolio:

AT32F406/408 SeriesDelivers up to 216 MHz processing performance with 512 KB Flash and 192 KB SRAM, integrating three high-speed ADCs, High-Speed USB OTG, QSPI, and other high-speed interfaces. Designed for high-speed data transmission and low-latency control applications, the series is particularly suitable for high-performance gaming keyboards, game controllers, and USB peripheral devices.

AT32F403E/407E SeriesDelivers up to 320 MHz processing performance with 960 KB Flash and 224 KB SRAM, while supporting high-speed communication interfaces including Ethernet (AT32F407E), USB, and CAN. The series is suitable for high-performance computing and complex control applications such as service robots, smart home appliances, smart electric two-wheelers, and industrial control.

AT32 MCU Applications Span Smart Living and Smart Industry

AT32 MCUs are widely used across AIoT, smart home, smart industry, smart transportation, and smart commerce applications, demonstrating Artery’s continued commitment to empowering edge intelligence through innovative MCU technologies and realizing its brand vision of “Empowering Edge Intelligence.”

Looking ahead, Artery will continue to advance Edge AI, robotics, and intelligent control technologies, working with partners to create more innovative applications and accelerate the deployment of edge intelligence.

DHL Express launches direct Shanghai-Bangkok flight to support growing trade flows across China and Indochina

New DHL daily flight service on Boeing 767 freighter strengthens connections between China, Indochina, the Middle East and Europe


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 August 2026 – DHL Express has added a new direct flight between Shanghai and Bangkok, increasing capacity on a trade lane linking China and the rapidly growing economies of Indochina. The new flight route, Shanghai-Bangkok-Bahrain*-Brussels-Shanghai, significantly enhances connectivity among manufacturing, sourcing, and consumption markets across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.

DHL Express boosts Indochina connectivity with new Shanghai-Bangkok flight
DHL Express boosts Indochina connectivity with new Shanghai-Bangkok flight

Operated by a DHL Boeing 767 freighter with a maximum payload of 50 tons, the new daily service demonstrates DHL Express’s ongoing investments in network capacity and infrastructure to strengthen connectivity for customers in high-growth markets. Equally, it also reflects DHL’s constant review of evolving trade patterns and swift action to adapt to those changes.

“This route is a direct response to how trade flows in Asia are shifting,” said Peter Bardens, Senior Vice President for Network Operations & Aviation – Asia Pacific, DHL Express. “We’re seeing increasing movement of goods between China and Southeast Asia, alongside continued demand from customers in Europe and the Middle East for products manufactured across the region. This new route boosts our network where customers need it most, providing additional capacity and more direct connections between key production and consumption markets.”

Bangkok serves as a strategic gateway to the Indochina region, while Bahrain and Brussels are key DHL Express hubs. The introduction of the Shanghai-Bangkok route enables DHL Express to efficiently consolidate shipments originating from China and Southeast Asia before connecting them to destinations across Europe and the Middle East.

The direct flight comes at a time when manufacturers and traders in markets such as Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos are sourcing more from China. For many customers, those shipments are part of production chains that stretch across multiple countries. As trade links between China and Southeast Asia deepen, DHL Express is improving speed, flexibility and network resilience for customers moving materials, components and finished products across Asia and onward to global markets. Last month, DHL Express also expanded its Shenzhen gateway, located at Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport. The facility can handle 900 tons of cargo daily – approximately three times the original throughput – as it supports booming cross-border trade and e-commerce shipments in China.

At the same time, businesses in Europe and the Middle East continue to trade heavily with their peers in China and Southeast Asia for a wide range of products, from electronics and industrial components to consumer goods. As international business activity remains highly dispersed across global markets rather than concentrating within regions, the new route opens more trading opportunities for businesses while strengthening access for both regions.

As both intra-Asia and global trade flows continue to show resilience, DHL remains focused on investing in its dedicated air network. Another recent example includes the introduction of a new transpacific service by DHL Global Forwarding that connects Southeast Asia and the United States. These expansions seek to better connect businesses to global markets as well as build more agile supply chains.

*Note to editor: Due to the current conflict in Middle East, flights are tentatively diverted to other locations in the Middle East.
Hashtag: #DHLExpress #Globaltrade #Indochina


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

DHL – The logistics company for the world

DHL is the leading global brand in the logistics industry. Our DHL divisions offer an unrivaled portfolio of logistics services ranging from national and international parcel delivery, e-commerce shipping and fulfillment solutions, international express, road, air and ocean transport to industrial supply chain management. With approximately 389,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide, DHL connects people and businesses securely and reliably, enabling global sustainable trade flows. With specialized solutions for growth markets and industries including technology, life sciences and healthcare, engineering, manufacturing & energy, auto-mobility and retail, DHL is decisively positioned as “The logistics company for the world”.

DHL is part of DHL Group. The Group generated revenues of approximately 82.9 billion euros in 2025. With sustainable business practices and a commitment to society and the environment, the Group makes a positive contribution to the world. DHL Group aims to achieve net-zero emissions logistics by 2050.

Liangshan, China: 300,000 People Celebrate a Torch Carnival Night


XICHANG, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 August 2026 – At 8 p.m. local time on August 8, along the eastern extension of Hangtian Avenue in Xichang City, Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, China, 86 bonfires were lit, and tens of thousands of torches were raised in unison, turning the 3.2-kilometer-long street instantly into an ocean of joy. The lively Yi ethnic music set the 300,000-strong crowd ablaze with excitement at the scene, as people of all ages joined hands, performed traditional Yi folk dances around the bonfires, and revelled in the fiery carnival.

Performances at the Torch Carnival Night
Performances at the Torch Carnival Night

That night’s carnival was the centerpiece of the 2026 Liangshan Yi Torch Festival and marked the climax of the entire celebration. This year’s edition featured 98 distinctive cultural tourism events held simultaneously across all 17 counties and cities of Liangshan, creating a spectacular midsummer celebration.

Yi Ethnic Costume Fashion Show at the Torch Festival
Yi Ethnic Costume Fashion Show at the Torch Festival

On July 19, Puge County, serving as the “first stop” of the 2026 Liangshan Yi Torch Festival’s cultural tourism program, presented the traditional fire-lighting ceremony in its entirety alongside folk performances that offered visitors an authentic glimpse into the rich heritage of Yi culture. The celebrations then continued in Butuo County, Yuexi County, Huidong County, Huili City, and Dechang County, among others, featuring traditional costume showcases, intangible cultural heritage workshops, Yi ethnic music days, and other cultural tourism activities. The events will run through the end of August.

Liangshan Prefecture is home to the largest Yi ethnic community in China. Among the many traditional festivals of the Yi people, the Torch Festival stands out as the grandest, richest, and most vibrant celebration, drawing the largest crowds and showcasing the most distinctive Yi traditions.

During the height of summer, Liangshan enjoys a pleasant temperature averaging around 20°C. The prefecture is home to 20 ICH items at the national level and boasts 81 officially rated tourist attractions, including Qionghai Lake–Lushan Mountain, Lugu Lake, and Luoji Mountain. Here, breathtaking natural landscapes blend harmoniously with the profound cultural heritage of the Yi people. During the 2026 Spring Festival, May Day, and Dragon Boat Festival holidays, Liangshan recorded a year-on-year growth of over 10% in both tourist arrivals and total tourism consumption.

Hashtag: #LiangshanYiTorchFestival #TorchFestival #Liangshan

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

Payment delays continue to strain UAE businesses as trade credit expands

DUBAI, UAE – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 August 2026 – Trade credit remains essential for driving growth and strengthening customer relationships in the UAE. However, the latest Atradius Payment Practices Barometer reveals that persistent payment delays and rising default concerns are putting increasing pressure on liquidity and cash flow management.

UAE businesses are leaning more heavily on trade credit to stay competitive. Nearly half of respondents report extending more credit in recent months, with credit sales now making up an average of 47% of B2B transactions. While greater payment flexibility supports sales and relationships, it also heightens payment risk.

Payment performance remains challenging. Around two in five B2B invoices are paid late, and substantially more businesses report a deterioration in payment behaviour than an improvement. Industrial and construction sectors are the most affected, due to the longer and more complex payment cycles typical of these industries.

Customer cash flow constraints are the leading cause of delays (49%), followed by banking processes, internal approvals, and goods or services not being delivered as agreed. As a result, 47% of companies face higher financing needs, 46% report reduced liquidity headroom, and 38% struggle with cash flow planning. Concerns are also growing that overdue receivables will turn into bad debt.

Looking ahead, customer default risk remains a major concern. Nearly half (46%) of respondents expect default risk to rise further, while 39% anticipate it will stay elevated. This cautious outlook highlights the need for continued vigilance.

“Trade credit continues to play a vital role in supporting business growth across the UAE, but companies are having to balance expanding trade opportunities with a more challenging payment environment,” said Roeland Punt, CEO of Atradius Middle East. “Payment delays remain widespread and concerns about customer default are increasing, placing greater pressure on liquidity and cash flow planning. As a result, many businesses are strengthening their approach to credit risk management, combining closer customer monitoring with measures that help safeguard cash flow and support resilience.”

To address these pressures, companies are stepping up credit controls and increasing their use of risk mitigation tools. This includes more rigorous customer assessments, close monitoring of payment behaviour, stronger collections processes, and the use of credit insurance. Credit insurance is particularly common among larger industrial businesses.

Businesses are also mindful of broader macroeconomic risks. Slower economic growth, inflation, cost pressures, and rising interest rates are expected to continue influencing B2B payment behaviour. Despite these headwinds, profitability expectations remain resilient, with a strong majority of businesses reporting rising profit margins even amid ongoing payment risks and elevated credit pressures.

Atradius conducted the annual survey during the second half of Q2 2026. Results should be interpreted with this timing in mind, as market conditions may have evolved. Responses were gathered from businesses across the UAE across the industrial, construction, trade, and services sectors.

Hashtag: #Atradius #CreditInsurance #B2BPayment #CreditRisk #NonPayment #BadDebt


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

About Atradius

Atradius is a global provider of credit insurance, surety, collections and information services, with a strategic presence in over 50 countries. The products offered by Atradius protect companies around the world against the default risks associated with selling goods and services on credit. Atradius is a member of GCO, one of the leading companies in the Spanish insurance sector and one of the largest credit insurers in the world. You can find more information online at