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Grobrix Launches “Silver Harvest Initiative”, Turning Schools into Micro-Farms Powered by Students and Retirees


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 May 2026 – More than 200 students and retirees have come together at Bukit View Primary School to grow fresh produce within school corridors, as part of Grobrix’s newly launched Silver Harvest Initiative. With local vegetable production at just 8% against a national target of 20%, the pilot demonstrates how everyday spaces can be transformed into productive micro-farms, offering a scalable approach to local food production in land-scarce Singapore.

The pilot transforms existing spaces such as corridors and rooftops into small-scale growing sites using compact, soil-less farming systems. By using existing infrastructure instead of new farmland or large facilities, the model enables food production across multiple community locations, making it easier to implement in schools and shared environments.

Students take part in planting, transplanting and harvesting as part of their daily school environment, while crops such as leafy greens can be harvested in cycles of approximately three weeks. This demonstrates how consistent production can be achieved even within limited spaces.

Retirees, known as “Silver Farmers”, manage the farms and oversee daily operations. Students support planting, harvesting and basic monitoring, creating a working environment where food production becomes part of everyday school life. The setup also gives students direct exposure to how food is grown and managed, turning the school into a hands-on learning environment aligned with sustainability and applied learning goals.

“Singapore does not have the luxury of large farming spaces. But we have schools, and we have retirees who want to contribute. This pilot shows that food production can be practical and repeatable by using spaces we already have,” said Mathew Howe, Founder of Grobrix.

The initiative comes amid growing adoption of micro-farming across Singapore, with schools, companies and community spaces increasingly integrating small-scale food production into existing environments. Demand for such systems has risen in recent months, reflecting broader interest in community-based approaches to food resilience.

The Bukit View Primary School pilot will run over 12 months, focusing on improving yields and integrating produce into school consumption. Grobrix will track how much of the school’s leafy green needs can be met through these growing spaces, with the aim of developing a model that can be adopted across other schools.

Grobrix has installed more than 100 edible growing systems across Singapore and is expanding its footprint regionally and internationally. The company plans to scale the Silver Harvest Initiative to more schools while training additional retiree participants, building a network of community-based growing sites over time.

As Singapore continues to strengthen its food security strategy, including updated targets to increase local production of vegetables and protein by 2035, the initiative offers a practical example of how food production can be integrated into everyday environments beyond traditional farming spaces. It also aims to build greater awareness of food sources and encourage more active participation in local food systems.
Hashtag: #Grobrix #growingtogether #sustainability #urbanfarming



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

About Grobrix

is a Singapore based agritech company that integrates farming into the built environment through its patented “Farming as a Service” model. By combining modular vertical farming technology with a cloud based management system, the company enables corporate and residential spaces to produce high quality local crops. Beyond hardware, Grobrix fosters community engagement and food resilience through its unique intergenerational and corporate wellness programs. Currently operating across Singapore, Malaysia, and the United States, the brand is redefining how urban populations interact with their food sources. Its mission is to transform urban infrastructure into a productive, sentient, and sustainable ecosystem for all.

Route Surveys Advance for Laos’ Planned Longest Expressway in Xaysomboun

Vientiane-Vang Vieng Expressway section. Image used for representational purposes only. (Photo: Love Laos)

Laos is moving ahead with route surveys in Xaysomboun Province for a planned expressway that would become the country’s longest highway, linking Vientiane Capital with the Vietnam border through northeastern Laos.

Phongsavanh Group presented three proposed alignments during a meeting with the Xaysomboun Provincial Department of Public Works and Transport on 6 May.

The company signed an agreement with the Lao government in May 2025 to conduct feasibility studies, route surveys, design planning, and project preparation under a Build-Operate-Transfer model.

All three proposed routes begin through Long Xan district and Anouvong district before branching toward different parts of Xieng Khouang and Houaphanh provinces.

Route 1 runs north through Long Cheng and Phonesavanh before connecting with Route 7 West, covering roughly 207 kilometers. Route 2 cuts through the Nam Ngiep hydropower area before reaching Lat Houang at around 196 kilometers.

Route 3, which authorities currently favor, passes through Khoun district before ending at the Namsoi border checkpoint in Houaphanh Province. At approximately 186 kilometers, it offers the shortest and most direct connection to Vietnam.

Thongprasert Xayalath, Vice Chairman of the Xaysomboun Provincial Administrative Committee, instructed provincial departments to immediately submit transport, mining, agriculture, and industrial data to consulting teams as authorities accelerate the route selection process.

The expressway would begin at the KM 21 intersection on National Road 13 South in Xaythany district, Vientiane Capital, where it would connect with the existing Vientiane–Vang Vieng Expressway completed in 2020.

Authorities expect the highway to strengthen transport links between central and northeastern Laos while improving trade, tourism, and cargo movement with Vietnam.

The project also supports Laos’ broader strategy to expand regional connectivity and develop the country into a land-linked transport hub connecting China, Thailand, Vietnam, and the wider Mekong region.

Lao Electricity Exports to Vietnam Surge as Regional Energy Trade Expands

A 1,000 MW solar power facility in Oudomxay Province, one of the country’s largest renewable energy projects. (Photo credit: CGN Energy Laos)

Electricity exports from Laos to Vietnam rose sharply in early 2026 as Vietnam increased purchases to support growing energy demand and strengthen supply stability.

Vietnam imported around 2.92 billion kWh of electricity from Laos during the first quarter of 2026, nearly 120 percent higher than the same period last year, according to Vietnamese energy data.

Before the latest surge, Vietnam had already been steadily increasing electricity imports from Laos as power demand continued rising, especially in its northern industrial areas.

By the end of 2025, Vietnamese authorities had approved electricity imports from 47 Lao energy projects with a combined capacity of more than 8,260MW. Projects with installed capacity totaling 2,379MW were already supplying electricity to Vietnam last year, up from around 1,700MW in 2024.

Regional Exporter

The growth comes as Laos continues positioning itself as a regional energy exporter under its long-running “Battery of Southeast Asia” strategy.

Hydropower remains the backbone of Laos’ energy sector. According to recent international energy assessments, Laos had around 12.4GW of installed hydropower capacity in 2025, accounting for most of the country’s electricity generation.

In recent years, Laos has also expanded investment in wind and solar energy, especially projects aimed at export markets. One of the largest developments is the Monsoon Wind Power Project in southern Laos, which exports electricity directly to Vietnam through a dedicated transmission line.

Cross-border electricity trade has become increasingly important for the Lao economy.

Earlier this month, Laos and Thailand also discussed expanding energy cooperation, with electricity exports to Thailand alone reaching more than USD 2.3 billion in 2025, according to Lao authorities.

At the same time, Laos continues developing major transmission infrastructure projects with neighboring countries, including new high-voltage connections with China and Vietnam aimed at strengthening regional power integration.

Despite growing export volumes, Laos still faces domestic energy challenges during the dry season, when lower water levels can reduce hydropower generation and place pressure on the national grid.

Vietnamese authorities are also planning additional transmission upgrades to support larger electricity imports in the coming years while expanding domestic renewable energy and energy-saving measures to reduce pressure on supply systems.

Bison Bank, wholly owned by Hong Kong’s Bison Capital, launches its MiCA-compliant stablecoin for institutional cross-border payments

The Bison Bank stablecoin is fully compliant with European MiCA regulation and will be available in Euro (EUB) and US Dollar (USB).

HONG KONG, May 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Bison Bank, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bison Capital Holding Company Limited, today announced the launch of the ‘Bison Bank Electronic Token’. Designed for fast, secure, and transparent international payments and transfers, the digital asset will be issued as two distinct crypto-assets: one referenced to the Euro, named ‘EUB‘, and another referenced to the US Dollar, named ‘USB‘.

This initiative is in full compliance with the MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets) Regulation, the European Union’s legal framework designed to harmonize crypto-asset regulation and ensure operational security and stability. This move highlights Bison Bank’s deep investment in the digital asset space.

A Bridge Between Traditional Money and the Digital Future

In 2022, Bison Bank launched Bison Digital Assets (BDA). Through this subsidiary, Bison Bank enabled clients to access crypto-asset exchange and custody services directly from their bank accounts.

Today, the Bison Bank Electronic Token establishes a new global benchmark for digital money. It fosters innovation while guaranteeing client protection and market stability.

Meeting Basel Standards for Bank Balance Sheets

As a MiCA-compliant Electronic Money Token issued by a regulated EU credit institution under ECB supervision, the Bison Bank Electronic Token qualifies for preferential treatment under the Basel Committee’s prudential treatment of cryptoasset exposures (SCO60), effective 1 January 2026. This enables financial institutions in jurisdictions aligned with the Basel Framework to integrate the EMT into their treasury management and balance-sheet treatment with capital requirements aligned to the underlying fiat reference asset.

“Bison Bank’s goal is to reshape the global financial landscape,” states António Henriques, CEO of Bison Bank. “Our Electronic Money token serves as a secure bridge between traditional money and the digital future — a compliant, fast channel for cross-border payments among institutional partners, merging the reliability of a regulated banking group with the innovation of digital assets.”

What are Electronic Money Tokens

An e-money token is the digital equivalent of cash, built on blockchain technology. Each token represents an equivalent value in a traditional currency and is issued by a regulated entity – in this case, Bison Bank – which guarantees that every token is backed 1:1 by real currency reserves. Unlike other crypto-assets, these tokens maintain a stable value, making them a secure and suitable medium for payments.

About Bison Capital: Bison Capital Holding Company Limited is a Hong Kong-based company focused on strategic investments in the financial sector. Its main asset is a 100% stake in Bison Bank, S.A., a fully licensed European Universal Bank with operations in the crypto assets area. Bison Capital’s strategic rationale consists of establishing a structured network of resources across the different geographies where it has a business-driven presence, with the aim of generating sustained growth and strategic alliances.

About Bison Bank: Bison Bank, S.A. is a bank focused on providing a comprehensive and specialized range of Private Banking, Depositary Bank, Corporate Advisory and Digital Assets services to individual and institutional clients. It is leveraged by a strategic link between European and other global markets. It develops its business globally, supported by its strong presence in Europe and its network of international partners.

Further information on Bison Bank Electronic Money Token is available at https://bisonbank.com/eub/ and https://bisonbank.com/usb/. Please refer to the corresponding White Paper for full details.

Taimei Technology and C&R Research Announce Strategic Partnership to Build AI-Powered Clinical Trial Innovation

SEOUL, South Korea and SHANGHAI, May 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Taimei Technology (HK.02576), a leading AI-powered drug clinical development platform company, and C&R Research (A359090), a top-tier CRO in South Korea, signed an enterprise-level strategic partnership agreement, officially launching the development of an AI-based clinical trial operations system.

Scene from the signing of the strategic cooperation agreement.
Scene from the signing of the strategic cooperation agreement.

Under this partnership, C&R Research will deploy Taimei Technology’s leading digital infrastructure and AI Agents across multiple clinical trials to automate and enhance trial design and operational workflows. A particular focus will be on data management, where the EDC + iDM Agent combination will be actively adopted. Innovations such as intelligent data capture and governance, AI-driven eCRF generation, and automated test case creation are expected to boost productivity and quality in clinical research.

Leveraging its full-stack AI capabilities, 13 years of industry expertise, and global operational experience, Taimei Technology has deeply focused on the clinical research vertical, and has been among the first to build a comprehensive AI Agent matrix, enabling scenario-based AI applications across the entire clinical research workflow. Key offerings include eCollect (EDC), eBalance (RTSM), eCOA, eCooperate (CTMS), and eArchives (eTMF), iDM Agent, iCTA Agent, iPV Agent; as well as the iMAP intelligent medical analytics platform etc. These products can be flexibly configured to address critical pain points across clinical research—from efficiency to scientific insights—significantly improving trial efficiency and success rates.

The two companies plan to integrate AI-driven operational models with Korea’s CRO-centric clinical trial execution system, thereby building a more efficient and intelligent clinical research framework.

Korea has established a mature ecosystem in innovative drug development and clinical execution, with clinical trial activity and participation in global pipelines ranking among the top worldwide. Industry observers believe this partnership goes beyond technology adoption and will serve as a key catalyst for accelerating the AI-driven digital transformation of South Korea’s clinical trial landscape.

Moon Tae Yoon, CEO of C&R Research, commented: “As clinical trials become increasingly complex, AI-based data management and operational automation are emerging as essential competitive factors. Through this partnership, we will build a more efficient and innovative clinical execution system.”

Zhao Lu, Chairman of Taimei Technology, stated: “This partnership represents an important opportunity to bring the AI clinical operations experience we have accumulated in global markets into South Korea. We look forward to collaborating with more Korean ecosystem partners to continuously drive the intelligent transformation of clinical trials.”

Blue Planet Environmental Solutions Advances Traceable Circular Systems Dialogue at Singapore-New Zealand Leadership Forum

SINGAPORE, May 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Blue Planet Environmental Solutions joined senior government and business leaders at the inaugural Singapore–New Zealand Leadership Forum, contributing to discussions on resilience, sustainability, and the future of economic systems.

Senior leaders convene at the Singapore–New Zealand Leadership Forum
Senior leaders convene at the Singapore–New Zealand Leadership Forum

The Forum, established under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Singapore and New Zealand, brought together leaders from both countries to drive practical, business-led dialogue and collaboration across trade, sustainability, digital innovation, and supply chain resilience.

Against a backdrop of global supply chain volatility, energy market disruptions, and shifting trade dynamics, discussions reflected a shared emphasis on strengthening resilience through trusted partnerships and open, rules-based trade frameworks.

There was a clear recognition that in an increasingly uncertain global environment, reliability of supply chains and continuity of essential flows will remain critical priorities for both economies. This aligns with a broader shared vision between Singapore and New Zealand to build future-ready, resilient, and innovation-driven economic systems, supported by deeper collaboration between governments and businesses.

At the same time, the dialogue reinforced the role of industry in translating strategic intent into action, with a focus on deepening commercial linkages, enabling innovation-led growth, and building practical, scalable solutions across sectors.

During the breakout session on “Building Future-Ready Businesses in a Digital and Green Economy,” Prashant Singh, Co-Founder and CEO, Blue Planet Environmental Solutions, participated as a lead discussant, contributing perspectives on how businesses can embed measurable, system-driven approaches into their operating models.

His intervention underscored the growing importance of integrating resource efficiency, digital traceability, and circular systems into core business strategy, particularly as sustainability, technology, and capital increasingly converge.

Drawing on Blue Planet’s experience across waste management, resource recovery, and environmental solutions, he highlighted how scientifically managed waste systems can be repositioned as value-generating infrastructure, enabling material recovery, energy generation, and emissions reduction within a single framework. This approach reflects the company’s alignment with the growing focus on resilient, traceable, and resource-efficient systems that support long-term economic stability.

Speaking at the Forum, Singh said:

“As the global environment becomes more complex, resilience is no longer just about diversification. It is about how intelligently systems are designed and integrated.

The convergence of the digital and green economies is creating a shift toward measurable outcomes, where traceability and verification are becoming central to how value is defined.

Circular resource systems, particularly in waste and energy, offer a practical pathway to reduce dependency, strengthen operational resilience, and build solutions that are both scalable and investable.

There is a clear opportunity for Singapore and New Zealand to align their complementary strengths and advance frameworks that connect physical systems with digital validation, enabling outcomes that can scale across markets.”

The discussion reflected a broader theme of the Forum, emphasising the need to move beyond high-level commitments toward integrated, outcome-oriented systems, supported by stronger collaboration between business and government.

The Singapore–New Zealand Leadership Forum serves as a platform to deepen engagement between both countries, with a focus on generating tangible commercial opportunities, strengthening economic resilience, and advancing future-ready business models in a rapidly evolving global environment.

About Blue Planet Environmental Solutions

Blue Planet Environmental Solutions is a Singapore-headquartered company focused on advancing sustainable waste management and circular economy solutions. The company delivers integrated solutions across landfill remediation, resource recovery, renewable energy, and environmental systems, enabling measurable outcomes and supporting the transition toward a low-carbon and resource-efficient future.

For more information, visit www.blueplanet.asia

USANA Hosts Inspiring Spa & Wellness Retreat to Empower Women Across Asia Pacific

Event centred around USANA’s Celavive skincare brand and celebrating the accomplishments of USANA’s female Brand Partners

PHUKET, Thailand, May 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — USANA successfully concluded its highly anticipated Celavive skincare spa and wellness retreat held at Club Med Phuket from April 22–24, 2026. This event brought together 79 top qualifying USANA Brand Partners from nine markets across the Asia-Pacific region, including Australia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand.

USANA Hosts Inspiring Spa & Wellness Retreat to Empower Women Across Asia Pacific
USANA Hosts Inspiring Spa & Wellness Retreat to Empower Women Across Asia Pacific

The retreat served as a powerful celebration of women, confidence, wellness, and personal growth—offering an experience that extended far beyond skincare. Designed as an immersive wellness journey, the event created a meaningful space for women to reconnect with themselves, and celebrate personal well-being and self-expression.

The 79 qualifiers represented the vibrant and growing Celavive Community, each playing a vital role in fostering trust, sparking meaningful conversations, and creating opportunities for women to connect through shared interests in beauty, wellness, and personal care. While some participants attended individually and others as part of teams, all departed with a renewed sense of purpose.

“The Celavive Community is built on a simple yet powerful belief—we are more than wives, daughters, and mothers. Every woman deserves to believe in her dreams again, and embrace the powerful woman within,” said Vivienne Lee, USANA’s Regional Vice President, APAC. “It is never too late to begin again, to rise, to shine, and to become the woman you were always meant to be. This is the heart of the Celavive Community—where women rise together.”

“Having envisioned and organised the first-ever Celavive Spa & Wellness Retreat, it was deeply meaningful to see the vision for Celavive Community come to life,” said Lee Yee Pei, USANA’s Regional Executive Director of Marketing, APAC. “Meeting and connecting with female Brand Partners from across the APAC region touched me on a deeper level, as we created a community anchored in strong purpose. This milestone was made possible through the collaboration and commitment of our teams across 11 markets, and I am proud to have led this regional effort alongside a passionate team who believed in the vision and worked together to bring it to life. Together, I hope we can continue building the Celavive Community and create even greater impact for women across the region.”

Throughout the three-day retreat, participants experienced a thoughtfully curated program focused on wellness, connection, recognition, and empowerment. Activities included exclusive spa treatments, self-care sessions, storytelling moments, and community-building experiences—all reinforcing USANA’s commitment to creating a supportive environment where women feel valued, celebrated, and inspired.

In collaboration with the USANA Foundation, the retreat also extended its impact beyond attendees by supporting Phuket Sunshine Village, reflecting a shared dedication to giving back and uplifting communities in meaningful ways.

More than a recognition event, the Celavive Spa & Wellness Retreat represents a growing community centred on empowerment and connection. These 79 Celavive ambassadors now return home with new connections, shared experiences, and the inspiration to continue building a community where women uplift one another and shine with confidence.

To learn more about USANA and its line of nutritional and skincare products, please visit USANA.com.

About USANA

USANA (NYSE: USNA) has been providing quality nutrition and lifestyle products for more than 30 years. From its supplements manufactured in its onsite facility to its Celavive skincare and healthy living products, USANA is committed to helping people to live healthier, more vibrant lives.

Discover the future of nutrition at USANA.com or explore the science at AskTheScientists.com.

Media Contact:
(801) 954-7645
media(at)USANAinc(dot)com

Attendees giving back to the Phuket community through the USANA Foundation
Attendees giving back to the Phuket community through the USANA Foundation

 

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FTI Confirms Support for IME 2026, Creating a Key Platform for China-Thailand Intelligent Manufacturing Exchange

BANGKOK, May 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Recently, the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) officially confirmed its role as a supporting organization for Intelligent Manufacturing Expo Southeast Asia 2026 (IME 2026), which will take place July 22–24, 2026, at IMPACT Exhibition Center, Halls 5–6 in Thailand. This partnership aims to facilitate deeper pragmatic cooperation between Chinese and Thai industrial enterprises in technical exchange, market expansion, industrial synergy, and supply chain collaboration.

In March 2026, the IME project team from DEXPO Shanghai Industry & Commerce Exhibition Co., Ltd. visited Thailand and held a specialized meeting with the FTI, reaching consensus on collaborative exhibition promotion, industrial resource matching, professional visitor organization, and bilateral cooperation. This lays a solid foundation for IME 2026 to serve companies seeking to expand across ASEAN.

As a highly influential national industrial organisation, the FTI comprises 48 industry clubs and 76 provincial chapters, covering sectors such as automotive, electronics, machinery, and food. Its Machine and Automation System Industry Club focuses on mechanical equipment and automation, driving intelligent transformation by providing technical exchange, supply-demand matching, and precise solutions for Thai manufacturers.

With FTI’s official support, IME 2026 will receive strong backing in local promotion, visitor organization and buyer matchmaking. Leveraging FTI’s extensive network, the expo will connect core Thai purchasers, member enterprises, industry associations and key industrial parks, offering efficient docking channels for Chinese intelligent manufacturing players to access the Thai and ASEAN markets. Meanwhile, IME 2026 will help Thai manufacturers better understand advanced manufacturing technologies, intelligent equipment and digital solutions, accelerating the digital transformation of the region’s manufacturing industry. Through the platform, China and Thailand will forge closer interaction in intelligent manufacturing, industrial automation, robotics, CNC machine tools, electronic manufacturing, new energy and advanced equipment.

FTI’s participation further enhances IME 2026’s industrial credibility, resource connectivity and market influence, laying an important foundation for the expo’s long-term operation in Thailand. IME 2026 will continue to serve as a premier international exhibition platform, fostering technological exchanges, economic and trade cooperation, and industrial coordination between China and Thailand, while also helping to build a key cooperation platform for the development of intelligent manufacturing in ASEAN.

About IME
Intelligent Manufacturing Expo Southeast Asia 2026 (IME 2026) will be held at IMPACT Exhibition Center, Halls 5–6 in Thailand from July 22 to 24, 2026. Hosted by the TRADE DEVELOPMENT BUREAU OF MINISTRY OF COMMERCE, PRC, DEXPO Shanghai Industry & Commerce Exhibition Co., Ltd., and Hannover Milano Fairs Shanghai Ltd., this edition will highlight industrial innovation and intelligent transformation in Southeast Asia, effectively bridging the gap between global advanced manufacturing technology supplies and regional market demands. The expo will serve as a one-stop platform for manufacturing industry professionals to explore advanced manufacturing solutions, featuring cutting-edge technologies in Industrial Automation, CNC Machine Tools, AI & Robotics, Energy, New Materials, and more, to enhance the manufacturing industry’s technological capabilities.

Website
https://www.imesea.com/en

Visitor Registration
https://visitor.imesea.com/imeVisitor/AudienceEn/ExchSelect?registrationCode=MKT-meitongshe&inviteVisitorId=&teamCode=