GUANGZHOU, China, April 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On April 15, 2026, under the theme of “WHERE CRAFT MEETS TECHNOLOGY,” GAC showcased three flagship models: the AION i60, S7, and M8 at the 139th Canton Fair. As the only automotive brand featured at the Canton Fair Cuisine Festival, GAC also displayed the AION UT and AION i60 at the festival venue, seamlessly integrating Cantonese culinary culture with top-tier football sports elements. Through “Technology Globalization, Ecosystem Globalization, and Culture Globalization,” GAC presented its new vision under the One GAC 2.0 strategy to global buyers.
On the opening day, the booth welcomed multiple batches of professional buyers from Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Europe, Latin America, and other regions, with active negotiations for potential orders. The AION i60, S7, and M8 collectively demonstrated GAC’s latest advancements in intelligent driving, EV core technologies, and luxury cockpits, reinforcing the brand image of “High-Quality, High-Tech, and Reliable” for global customers.
The DC ultra‑fast charging pile and smart home charging station were showcased on-site. A small camping setup with a coffee corner was also created, allowing buyers to experience the closed loop of “vehicle + energy + lifestyle” via V2L (vehicle‑to‑load) external discharge. Many European buyers expressed strong interest in GAC’s energy integration capabilities, recognizing it as a differentiated competitive edge for Chinese brands going global.
In the Cuisine Festival’s core area, the AION UT and AION i60 served as mobile lifestyle carriers. Football elements were also incorporated, creating a relaxed “food + sports” atmosphere. In line with GAC’s recent partnerships with major overseas football clubs in Colombia, Brazil, Mexico, and other regions, GAC integrated this sporting passion into the on-site experience. Buyers could get a close-up experience of the spacious design and lifestyle versatility of GAC models.
Going forward, GAC will continue to follow the One GAC 2.0 strategy, deepen localized operations, and accelerate the journey from “going global” to “integrating globally”, letting the world see and witness the innovative vitality and human warmth of Chinese automobiles, as well as GAC’s brand image as “High-Quality, High-Tech, and Reliable”.
JAKARTA, Indonesia, April 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Indonesia’s debt problem continues to worsen. OJK data shows that overdue loans reached Rp100.69 trillion in February 2026, as reported by tempo.com.
More alarmingly, many individuals hold active loans across multiple platforms simultaneously. A significant number are trapped in a cycle of borrowing from one online lender to repay another, a pattern that only inflates their principal debt as interest and administrative fees continue to pile up.
CELIOS Director Bhima Yudhistira has noted that the rise in online lending debt is not a positive signal, as it indicates that people’s incomes are no longer sufficient to cover daily necessities, as reported by Detik Finance.
Beyond financial pressure, borrowers also face psychological strain: anxiety over looming due dates, ever-accumulating interest, and fear of the collection process. This can erode mental focus and reduce workplace productivity.
Amid this situation, FLIN, a financial consultancy company, helps individuals regain control of their finances through guided debt consolidation via its Dana Talangan Program. The concept is straightforward, FLIN facilitates the process of combining all outstanding debts from credit cards, buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) services, online loans, and unsecured personal loans into a single, manageable installment.
By connecting clients with OJK-licensed financial partners, FLIN helps secure flexible tenors, lower interest rates, and reduce monthly installments by up to 70% compared to previous total obligations , providing a viable path forward for salaried employees. The company is ISO 27001 certified and officially registered with KOMDIGI, ensuring a secure and transparent process.
Founded in early 2025 and backed by prominent investors from the United States and India, FLIN has recorded rapid growth. Over 800 Dana Talangans have been successfully disbursed, accompanied by more than 20,000 debt consultation sessions.
“We are seeing a growing number of salaried individuals whose total monthly debt obligations exceed 70–80% of their income, often spread across three or more financial institutions, including banks, online lenders, and buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) platforms. Through financial education and our Dana Talangan Program, we help them consolidate these debts into a single, manageable repayment plan,” said Aniruddha Newaskar, Credit & Risk Manager.”
With an approach rooted in empathy and technology, FLIN does not merely address short-term debt repayment issues, it also helps clients build a healthy financial foundation. Throughout the program, each individual is guided and educated by a highly dedicated team of professionals.
Looking ahead, FLIN aims to expand its services across various regions in Indonesia and other Southeast Asian countries. This will be accompanied by efforts to improve financial literacy through educational content and strategic partnerships with various institutions, driving long-term socioeconomic transformation for the people.
About FLIN
FLIN is a financial consultancy in Indonesia that helps salaried employees combine multiple debts into one manageable installment through the Dana Talangan Program. Working with OJK-licensed financial partners, FLIN ensures a safe, clear, and supportive process. Registered with KOMDIGI and ISO 27001 certified, FLIN combines technology, education, and a people-first approach to help people take back control of their finances. For more information, visit www.flin.co.id.
NINGBO, China, April 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Industrial players and experts emphasized how technology and shifting consumption patterns are reshaping the tourism sector at the 2026 China Cultural Tourism Economy Innovation Week in eastern China’s Zhejiang province in early April.
The 2026 China Cultural Tourism Economy Innovation Week and the ninth Dragon Sparrow Awards ceremony, organized by Tripvivid Group and Fenghua District Cultural Tourism Group, were staged at Mount Xuedou, Ninggbo, Zhejiang province. The event drew more than 500 companies, researchers and investors, focusing on emerging areas such as artificial intelligence, low-altitude aviation, wellness tourism, commercial space, immersive entertainment, digital twins and pet‑friendly travel.
The forum ran alongside the ninth Dragon Sparrow Awards, which recognize innovation across the sector with nearly 40 sub‑categories. Honorees included top listed tourism groups, provincial and municipal investment platforms, cultural tourism IP creators, night‑economy demonstration zones, family‑friendly destinations, and operational brands in areas such as wellness lodging and study tours.
Representatives pointed to a structural shift underway in China’s tourism economy, as the industry moves beyond ticket-driven sightseeing toward diversified, experience-led consumption.
Wu Wenxue, vice-president of the China International Public Relations Association, said the sector is transitioning from rapid expansion to value-oriented growth, with high-quality development now the central task. He called for deeper integration of culture and tourism to support broader national strategies.
Xu Peng, vice-president of the World Tourism Alliance, said Zhejiang has remained at the forefront of tourism innovation and expressed expectations that industry platforms can help strengthen China’s global competitiveness.
From a market perspective, Liu Zhaohui, vice-president of the China Adventure Association, said the culture and tourism industry is being reshaped across multiple dimensions — from how consumers allocate time and space, to how products are delivered and how capital is deployed.
He identified three immediate priorities: revitalizing existing assets, developing new products and tapping new traffic channels.
Cross-sector insights highlighted how cultural content is being reinterpreted. Lu Chuan, a well-known film director, said creative industries should draw on traditional Chinese knowledge systems and craftsmanship, such as how historical resources can be adapted for modern storytelling and tourism development.
Technology companies, meanwhile, showcased how digital tools are changing visitor experiences. Li Hui, founder of Shanghai Fengyuzhu Culture Technology, said applications such as digital twins and virtual reality are enabling cultural heritage to be transformed into interactive, immersive products.
On-site exhibitions further illustrated these trends. Interactive robots, integrated destination service cards and capsule-style accommodation units were among the products on display during the tourism week.
As the event concluded, participants pointed to a common direction that China’s tourism industry is moving toward: deeper integration with technology, broader cross-industry collaboration and more personalized consumption.
The 2026 Dragon Sparrow Awards not only celebrated industry excellence but also forged a renewed consensus on revitalizing existing assets, iterating new products and unlocking fresh consumer flows–setting the stage for the next chapter of China’s cultural tourism transformation.
Splashing Joy and Reigniting Life at Summer Water Park in the Heart of Bangkok
BANGKOK, April 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — One Bangkok, the global lifestyle destination in the heart of Bangkok, successfully hosted its “Summer Oneder 2026” campaign, offering thrilling travel, dining, and shopping experiences. The key highlight was “One Bangkok Sunsational Songkran Festival,” reigniting the rhythm of life amidst cascading waters and vibrant flora. The city’s core was transformed into an immersive summer water park, blending the exhilaration of water, vivid colours, art, culture, and captivating music. Guests enjoyed an array of enticing summer promotions and live concerts featuring over 57 of Thailand’s leading artists, performing across six consecutive days, from 10 to 15 April 2026. The event commenced with a spectacular opening performance, “THE AWAKENING OF WATER,” portraying water as more than a source of joy, but as a vital force of life, the driving energy of the city, and a symbol of renewal.
One Bangkok Hosted “Sunsational Songkran Festival 2026” Splashing Joy and Reigniting Life at Summer Water Park in the Heart of Bangkok
The One Bangkok Sunsational Songkran Festival encouraged visitors to immerse themselves in the rhythm of life, expressed through three core themes: Movement, symbolising the vibrant flow of water and diverse flora; Floral Expressions, representing the sustainable growth of our ecosystem and natural beauty; and Vibrant Energy, the luminous power that connects people through a curated selection of activities.
One Bangkok Hosted “Sunsational Songkran Festival 2026” Splashing Joy and Reigniting Life at Summer Water Park in the Heart of Bangkok
Refreshing Highlights and Activities Spanning Six Full Days:
The Sunsational Paradise at One Bangkok Park – A sprawling, vibrant water park designed for every family member to create unforgettable memories. The event featured several zones, including:
Installation: A magnificent installation of oversized, luminous flowers, enhanced by lighting that synchronised with the rhythm of water, a definitive festival highlight.
The Summer Rain Tunnel: A mist tunnel nestled amidst lush greenery, designed to interact with human movement, offering perfect refreshment without getting drenched and serving as an unmissable photo opportunity.
The Whimsical Water Park: A city-centre water playground, featuring “Little Bloom” for toddlers and “Sunshine Wave” for children up to 12 years old. All areas were managed under strict water quality and safety controls, with convenient shower and changing facilities provided.
Sunset Grove: A tranquil poolside area, offering comfortable sun loungers and remote-controlled boats for playful enjoyment in the pool.
Sunset Social Club: A chic and vibrant lounge zone, providing a stylish party atmosphere complete with refreshing beverages and delectable snacks.
Summer Sound Stage – Everyone was immersed in spectacular concerts featuring numerous celebrated artists on stage throughout the six days
One Bangkok Hosted “Sunsational Songkran Festival 2026” Splashing Joy and Reigniting Life at Summer Water Park in the Heart of Bangkok
Engage in Art, Culture, and Creative Workshops at The Storeys Square:
Summer Craft Studios: A vibrant hub of creativity, featuring a performance stage, a photobooth where guests were able to design mini CD album cover keychains using their photos, and a series of exciting workshops such as crafting vibrant paper flower bouquets, personalising favourite inhaler bottles with charming stickers and adornments, or painting bright, imaginative fans. Additionally, everyone could capture lasting memories dressed in traditional Thai costumes at the Vintage Photo Studio by Chaya Nitikorn.
Visitors enjoyed live performances from “Troops” in enchanting floral costumes and live music from famous artists.
Guests also discovered the “Floral Blessing Garden”, a serene spot for traditional Buddha bathing, intended to bring good fortune, was available at the Activation Zone, G Floor, The Storeys, throughout the festival.
For more information, please visit the official website: www.onebangkok.com. Alternatively, follow our social media pages: Facebook: One Bangkok, Facebook: One Bangkok Retail, IG: parade.onebangkok, IG: thestoreys.onebangkok, and Line: @onebangkokretail.
About One Bangkok
One Bangkok is the largest holistically integrated district in The Heart of Bangkok. With an investment value of THB 120 billion on a total land area of 108 rai (42.7 acres), One Bangkok has been developed to hold a place in the hearts of all and support Bangkok in becoming one of the world’s new influential global cities and thus the “Heart of Bangkok”. Located at the corner of Wireless and Rama 4 Roads with direct linkages to the city’s burgeoning mass transit systems, One Bangkok comprises workplaces which elevates work-life quality, a rhythmic retail experience, luxury residences, hotels with the finest hospitality, a world-class LIVE entertainment arena, the presence of art and culture, and a vast, welcoming public realm that covers 50 rai (19.7 acre) of the district.
As a well-equipped smart city with sustainable infrastructure, One Bangkok is the first project to be awarded with LEED for Neighbourhood Development Platinum certification in Thailand with an aim to achieve WELL Building Standard to support human health and wellness.
For more information about One Bangkok, please visit www.onebangkok.com.
About Frasers Property Limited
Frasers Property Limited (“Frasers Property” and together with its subsidiaries, the “Frasers Property Group” or the “Group”), is a multinational investor-developer-operator of real estate products and services. Listed on the Main Board of the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited (“SGX-ST”) and headquartered in Singapore, the Group has total assets of approximately S$39.7 billion as at 30 September 2025.
Frasers Property operates across five asset classes: industrial & logistics, retail, commercial & business parks, residential and hospitality. Its businesses span Southeast Asia, Australia, Europe and China, and its well-established hospitality business owns and/or operates serviced apartments and hotels in 20 countries.
The Group is the sponsor of real estate investment trusts (“REITs”), Frasers Centrepoint Trust and Frasers Logistics & Commercial Trust, listed on the SGX-ST, as well as Frasers Property Thailand Industrial Freehold & Leasehold REIT and Golden Ventures Leasehold Real Estate Investment Trust, listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand.
Guided by its purpose of inspiring experiences and creating places for good, the Group promotes an ESG framework that supports long-term value creation through focus areas such as transparent governance, sustainable finance, inclusive communities and reducing our carbon emissions. Frasers Property aims to deliver lasting shared value for its customers, people, investors and communities, while fostering a progressive, collaborative and respectful culture.
TCC Assets (Thailand) Company Limited (TCC Assets), established in 2013, is a fully integrated property development company, with a registered capital of 30 billion baht. It is part of the TCC Group, one of the most well-known companies in Thailand. TCC Assets’ investment model focuses on creating added value to assets through product and service development. TCC Assets, subsidiary company, and affiliated company focus on the development of residential real estate projects, office building and retail space, along with hotel business and services related to IT.
SINGAPORE, April 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Singapore Management University (SMU) has received a S$5 million gift from alumni Jeff Tung (BBM 2013) and Benjamin Twoon (BBM 2013) to accelerate the development of student-founded ventures, supporting Singapore’s growing startup pipeline.
The impact-driven gift – SMU’s largest alumni contribution to date – marks the culmination of a giving journey that began in 2015. Motivated by their transformative experience in SMU, and by their desire to see some of the most successful entrepreneurs in Singapore emerge from the University, Jeff and Ben’s gift will enhance the existing Passion, Adventure, Kickstart (PAK) Entrepreneurship Challenge and establish the Design Your Startup Work-Study Elective (WSE).
The enhanced PAK Challenge — a business competition that spotlights start-ups with strong growth potential — will function as a venture launchpad, injecting early-stage capital at a point where most student founders typically stall due to lack of funding and market traction.
The new Work-Study Elective (WSE) at the Lee Kong Chian School of Business (LKCSB) addresses a longstanding challenge for student entrepreneurs: balancing academic commitments with building a startup. By making venture creation a credit-bearing option, SMU integrates entrepreneurship into its academic experience.
Together, these initiatives aim to shift entrepreneurship at SMU towards an integrated, end-to-end venture-building pipeline. It envisions a trajectory towards real-world establishment of profitable and successful startups and unicorn companies.
With this latest commitment, the duo’s total contributions to SMU now stand at S$7 million, signalling a sustained effort to build an entrepreneurship ecosystem as a core institutional impact within SMU.
SMU President Lily Kong said the significance of the gift lies beyond its size. “Jeff and Benjamin are entrepreneurs whose journeys were profoundly shaped during their time at SMU. Having benefitted from mentorship and support themselves, they are now choosing to open doors for others who share similar aspirations. In doing so, they are nurturing a virtuous cycle — one in which alumni success creates opportunities for students, and today’s beneficiaries become tomorrow’s builders and benefactors.”
Strengthening Singapore’s startup ecosystem
The initiative comes as Singapore continues to position itself as a leading hub for innovation and enterprise in the region. Efforts to strengthen the pipeline of founders, from education through to venture creation, are increasingly seen as critical to sustaining this momentum.
By integrating funding, curriculum and mentorship, SMU’s approach seeks to contribute to a more robust and sustainable startup ecosystem in Singapore, by connecting SMU students with the entrepreneur community, building a sustained network of changemakers and business leaders.
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About the Donors
Jeff Tung (BBM 2013), Founder and CEO of Sheng Ye Capital, is a self-made entrepreneur whose story is defined by resilience, ambition, and a deep commitment to “paying it forward.” From his early days at SMU, Jeff was driven by a desire to create opportunities—not just for himself, but for others. His philanthropic work now spans across Asia, empowering the next generation of leaders and changemakers. Jeff’s belief in the transformative power of education and entrepreneurship is at the heart of this endowed gift.
Benjamin Twoon (BBM 2013), co-founder of the capital raising platform Fundnel, embodies purposeful innovation. After starting his career in banking, Benjamin boldly transitioned to fintech, motivated by a vision to support fellow entrepreneurs. He encourages aspiring founders to reflect on their convictions and purpose, reminding us that entrepreneurship is about making a meaningful impact.
JAKARTA, Indonesia, April 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Global Leading B2B cross-border trade payment platform XTransfer made its presence at the premier Southeast Asian textile industry events—the Indonesia International Textile & Garment Machinery Exhibition (INDO INTERTEX) and the Indonesia International Textile Materials & Accessories Exhibition (INATEX). Leveraging its professional, secure, and efficient cross-border payment solutions, XTransfer helps global textile SMEs streamline cash flow and navigate complex trade processes.
XTransfer joins in INDO INTERTEX in Indonesia
Held in Jakarta, INDO INTERTEX & INATEX 2026 gathered hundreds of exhibitors from the textile machinery, materials, dyes, chemicals, and apparel manufacturing sectors. As a key hub connecting China, Indonesia, and the RCEP region, the exhibitions reflect Indonesia’s strong domestic demand and export potential. However, SMEs often face challenges, including lengthy settlement cycles, limited local currency support, high compliance costs, and reliance on informal channels, affecting cash flow and supply chain stability.
XTransfer addresses these pain points by partnering with licensed financial institutions and local banks to provide an end-to-end B2B cross-border payment infrastructure. The platform supports payments and settlements in local currencies like the Indonesian Rupiah, reducing foreign exchange losses, accelerating fund transfers, and enhancing overall financial efficiency. Adhering to global compliance standards, XTransfer ensures transparent, traceable transactions that mitigate cross-border payment risks.
At the exhibitions, XTransfer’s team engaged with numerous textile and apparel companies, demonstrating quick account setup, fast payment collection, and compliant reporting. Indonesian textile machinery importer Mr. Donny noted, “XTransfer allows us to pay in local currency directly, making transactions transparent and efficient, more than doubling our cooperation efficiency with Chinese suppliers.” Similarly, Ms. Li, a textile exporter from Zhejiang, China, praised the platform’s support for multiple Southeast Asian currencies and same-day settlements, emphasizing enhanced safety and efficiency.
Looking ahead, XTransfer plans to expand its Southeast Asia presence, strengthen localized payment capabilities, and deepen its partner ecosystem across key export sectors including textiles, electronics, home goods, and hardware. The platform aims to empower SMEs, optimize supply chains, and facilitate greater integration into the global trade network.
“SIAM PARAGON SUMMERBEATS MUSIC FEST 2026” Captivates Thai and International Tourists
A Resounding Success Merging Tradition, Fashion, Music, and Lifestyle in the Heart of Bangkok
BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 April 2026 – Siam Paragon reaffirms its status as a world-class global destination and a top-of-mind landmark for both Thai and international visitors, celebrating the remarkable success of the “SIAM PARAGON SUMMERBEATS MUSIC FEST 2026.” This grand Songkran festival, held from April 10–15, 2026 at Parc Paragon and throughout the shopping center, attracted an overwhelming number of attendees from around the world. The event’s success highlights Siam Paragon’s ability to deliver extraordinary experiences that seamlessly integrate fashion, music, arts, culture, and lifestyle into one vibrant destination—solidifying its reputation as a world-class experiential hub.
This achievement was made possible through a strong collaboration between Siam Paragon, Kasikornbank Public Company Limited, alongside esteemed partners from both the public and private sectors. Together, they created a vibrant and distinctive contemporary Songkran phenomenon. One of the festival’s standout highlights was the “SUMMERBEATS FASHION SHOW” at Paragon Department Store, showcasing curated looks from Spring/Summer 2026 collections by leading brands. The runway came alive with appearances from renowned celebrities and talents from The Face Men Thailand Season 4, setting the stage for six consecutive days of electrifying performances by top artists.
Beyond fashion, “SIAM PARAGON SUMMERBEATS MUSIC FEST 2026” also gained widespread recognition as a premier urban music festival, featuring over 150 artists including Masu–Tee, DJ Crossthy, DICE, JOEY BOY, Purpeech, Enjoy–June, Khana Bierbood, DJ Chin Chinawut, KT Kratae, LE7EL, Sweezdream, Paradise Bangkok, Tilly Birds, Billy–Babe, SONS, ALTERS, Tattoo Colour, Krit–Phop, 4MIX, Shine Boys, and Pijang Kritsana.
These artists ignited the summer energy throughout the festival, supported by world-class light, sound, and color production. The festive atmosphere became a major “magnet,” drawing people in to celebrate Songkran with unparalleled excitement and creating lasting impressions.
Throughout the festival, Siam Paragon transformed its spaces into a dynamic lifestyle landmark and one of Bangkok’s must-visit check-in destinations. The creative design blended Thai craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics, offering a diverse range of activities, entertainment, and exclusive experiences tailored to shoppers, tourists, and the new generation alike, reflecting Siam Paragon’s role as a leadership in premium lifestyle experiences.
Another significant highlight was at NEXTOPIA on the 5th and 5A Floors, under the concept “NEXTOPIA: Culture of Tomorrow.” This area showcased a new dimension of Songkran by integrating Thai culture with innovation and sustainability. Through creative workshops and the landmark Crystal Pagoda, visitors actively engaged with the Circular Economy concept. This completed the Songkran vision, balancing entertainment and inspiration with genuine environmental responsibility.
The success of “SIAM PARAGON SUMMERBEATS MUSIC FEST 2026” not only reflects Siam Paragon’s strength in creating world-class magnet events that attract global audiences, but also reinforces its leadership as the premier destination. Siam Paragon remains dedicated to driving Bangkok’s vibrancy during every major festival, delivering extraordinary experiences that remain in the memories of Thai people and tourists from across the globe.
Professor Joan Bray Rose recognised for pioneering Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment (QMRA) as a global approach for assessing pathogen risks in water
QMRA adopted into global drinking water standards and enabled safe water reuse, benefitting millions worldwide
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 April 2026 – Professor Joan Bray Rose has been awarded the Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize 2026 for her work as a key pioneer in the development and global adoption of Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment (QMRA), a science-based approach to safeguard the quality of drinking water, as well as water reuse systems. Her work has transformed the science of microbial risk management and guided policies that protect public health and ensure safe water for communities worldwide. Her expertise in the domain of water quality and health has also played a key role in strengthening Singapore’s used water management, and the introduction of NEWater, Singapore’s third National Tap.
Professor Joan Bray Rose, Homer Nowlin Chair in Water Research and Director of the Water Alliance at Michigan State University and Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize 2026 Laureate
2. Commenting on her accolade, Professor Rose, 11th recipient of the Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize said, “I am deeply honoured to receive this esteemed award. This recognition reflects our collective progress in advancing microbial risk science and its role in protecting public health today. Safe water is one of the world’s most fundamental yet unevenly distributed resource critical to sustaining human life. As microbial risks continue to evolve, strengthening the robustness of our water systems remains an ongoing endeavour to ensure they remain dependable and resilient; safeguarding both water quality and people’s lives.” She is currently the Homer Nowlin Chair in Water Research, Director of the Water Alliance at Michigan State University.
Uncovering invisible risks to revolutionise water safety
3. In the late 1980s and 1990s, Professor Rose led a team to investigate a series of waterborne disease outbreaks across the United States. Among the most severe was the 1993 Cryptosporidiosis outbreak in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where an estimated 403,000 residents fell ill and at least 69 deaths were recorded[1]. She was the first to demonstrate the widespread occurrence of Cryptosporidium as a zoonotic pathogen[2] in the United States, and its transmission to humans through inadequately filtered and disinfected drinking water supplies. By establishing Cryptosporidium as the causative agent of these outbreaks, she highlighted the vulnerability of drinking water systems to microbial contamination – a challenge with global public health implications. Her findings also revealed a critical gap: pathogens could evade conventional water treatment, existing monitoring systems detected microbes without quantifying risk, and public health responses were largely reactive rather than predictive.
4. Professor Rose then pioneered QMRA in the 1990s and early 2000s to address these critical gaps undermining water safety and public health. QMRA introduced a systematic, science-based approach to assess and manage microbial risks in drinking and other forms of water, including reuse water. By enabling scientists to quantify infection risks and illness probabilities based on pathogen concentrations, exposure pathways and consumption patterns, QMRA shifted water management from reactive “detect and correct” approaches to proactive “predict and prevent” strategies. This revolutionised water safety, boosting the quality of water systems to reliably meet health standards.
Global impact on water microbiology and water quality
5. QMRA is now widely adopted in drinking water regulations worldwide including the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s Safe Drinking Water Standards and the World Health Organisation’s Third Edition of the Drinking Water Quality Guidelines in 2004. Her work has enabled water utilities and regulators to define treatment requirements based on tolerable health risks for any given water source.
6. Professor Rose extended the application of QMRA beyond drinking water to assess microbial risks in treated wastewater and water reuse systems. This development greatly strengthened global confidence in leveraging recycled water as a viable and sustainable supply source, and Professor Rose has since strongly advocated for the adoption of water reuse to address global water scarcity. She also advised the Orange County Water District’s Independent Advisory Panel and the California State Water Resources Control Board’s Expert Panel on water reuse. Her guidance contributed to California’s Indirect and Direct Potable Reuse regulations, now models for water reuse standards worldwide, including in Australia, Spain, and the United States.
7. For over two decades, Professor Rose worked closely with PUB, Singapore’s National Water Agency, to strengthen water quality and safety. She was instrumental in the advancement of NEWater which was introduced in 2003, serving on the NEWater Expert Panel from 1998 to 2002. In her role, Professor Rose shared her expertise, provided guidance on best practices for water quality monitoring, and reviewed findings from health studies which demonstrated the long-term safety of NEWater. From 2003 to 2019, she also chaired PUB’s External Audit Panel, supporting the safe and robust implementation of water reuse in Singapore. In recognition of her significant contributions, she was conferred the Honorary Citizen Award by the Government of Singapore in 2015. Tapping on the QMRA approach, PUB has since strengthened the capabilities to use water quality surveillance data to guide treatment processes and ensure compliance with local and international drinking water standards and guidelines. (Refer to Annex on how QMRA is applied in Singapore.)
8. Beyond research, she has advanced global knowledge and capacity in microbial risk assessment through training and collaborative initiatives such as launching the QMRA Summer Institute[3] and QMRAwiki[4]. She has also strengthened preparedness for waterborne disease outbreaks worldwide by spearheading major international initiatives such as the Global Water Pathogen Project[5] and Wastewater Sphere[6].
Recognising a steadfast champion of global public health
9. Professor Rose, who recently turned 72, has dedicated her professional life to improving water quality and safeguarding public health outcomes. She is widely regarded as one of the world’s leading authorities in water microbiology and received the 2024 International Water Association Global Water Award for her contributions. Today, she continues to lead research on emerging microbial health risks, driven by a deep and enduring commitment to improving lives worldwide. Her work remains critical as cities strengthen their water resilience against evolving public health and climate challenges.
10. Professor Rose will receive the Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize – an award certificate, a gold medallion, and S$300,000, presented in partnership with Temasek Foundation – at an award ceremony on 16 June 2026, held during the official opening of the Singapore International Water Week (SIWW) 2026. She will also deliver a keynote lecture the same day. SIWW2026 is expected to gather 2,500 leaders, experts and practitioners from governments, cities, utilities, and industry, and over 25,000 trade visitors.
[3] Launched in 2006, The QMRA Summer Institute has trained over 400 professionals worldwide in pathogen risk assessment across water, food, and environmental contexts, with extended collaborations in Singapore, Japan, India, China, Canada, Brazil, Australia, and parts of Europe.
[4] QMRAwiki is the first comprehensive database of microbial dose-response relationships, which has been instrumental in advancing disease transmission modelling and risk characterisation.
[5] The Global Water Pathogen Project (GWPP) is funded by Dow, Dow-Corning and GATES Foundations, in partnership with UNESCO. GWPP creates a comprehensive knowledge hub on water pathogens, aiming to improve global water safety and sanitation.
[6] A sub-portal of GWPP to advance environmental surveillance of sewage for SARS-CoV-2 and support public health measures. W-Sphere aggregated data from over 2,600 cities, counties and regional systems globally.
Annex
Application of QMRA in Singapore’s context
Leveraging on the concepts embedded in QMRA, PUB has established robust treatment processes and a comprehensive water quality surveillance programme to ensure that Singapore’s drinking water consistently meets both local drinking water regulations, as well as international drinking water standards and guidelines. Today, the approach has evolved from a reactive “end-of-pipe testing” to a “process monitoring” approach, one that is more proactive in identifying potential risks within the treatment process.
QMRA also enables PUB to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of different treatment technologies in managing microbial risks. This allows for informed, evidence-based decisions when selecting suitable technology for Singapore’s water sources, further strengthening the safety and reliability of our water supply. For instance, Singapore has adopted new and advanced technologies for water treatment, such as:
(i) reverse osmosis for removal of dissolved ions and particles, including viruses, which are too small to be removed through normal filtration; and
(ii) ultraviolet disinfection and ozonation for disinfection of a broader range of waterborne pathogens.Hashtag: #SingaporeInternationalWaterWeek
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About the Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize
Launched in 2008 to honour outstanding contributions by individuals or organisations towards solving the world’s water problems by developing or applying innovative technologies, or implementing policies and programmes which benefit humanity, the Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize is one of the key highlights of the Singapore International Water Week (SIWW).
Named after Singapore’s first Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew, the Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize laureate receives a certificate, a gold medallion and S$300,000 presented in partnership with Temasek Foundation, at the award ceremony held during SIWW.
About the Singapore International Water Week
As one of the premier global platforms, the biennial Singapore International Water Week (SIWW) gathers thought leaders, experts and practitioners from governments, cities, utilities, and industry to share knowledge and best practices on innovative water, coastal and flood solutions, and foster partnerships to tackle urban water and associated climate challenges.
Organised by Singapore International Water Week Pte Ltd, a subsidiary of PUB, Singapore’s National Water Agency, the 11th edition of SIWW will be held from 15 to 18 June 2026 at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre in Singapore.
About Temasek Foundation (www.temasekfoundation.org.sg)
Temasek Foundation supports a diverse range of programmes that uplift lives and communities in Singapore and Asia. Temasek Foundation’s programmes are made possible through philanthropic endowments gifted by Temasek, as well as gifts and other contributions from other donors. These programmes strive to deliver positive outcomes for individuals and communities now, and for generations to come. Collectively, Temasek Foundation’s programmes strengthen social resilience; foster international exchange and catalyse regional capabilities; advance science; and protect the planet.
www.siww.com.sg
