NCIS leads multi-institutional effort to develop expert multidisciplinary guidance to improve sarcoma diagnosis, referrals and outcomes

SINGAPORE, April 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Singapore is strengthening its approach to sarcoma care, a rare group of bone and soft tissue cancers that disproportionately affect adolescents and young adults, through closer coordination across specialties and institutions, enhanced clinical guidance, and continued investment in multidisciplinary care.

Sarcoma can arise almost anywhere in the body and often presents as a painless lump, resembling benign conditions. This frequently leads to delayed referrals and late‑stage diagnosis. While sarcoma accounts for fewer than one per cent of adult cancers, it represents approximately 21 per cent of paediatric cancers^[1], affecting many adolescents and young adults.

To address these challenges, clinicians from across Singapore’s healthcare system – including the National University Cancer Institute, Singapore (NCIS), National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) and international contributors – have been working together to strengthen early recognition, clarify referral pathways and enhance multidisciplinary management. These efforts bring together expertise in surgery, medical oncology, radiation oncology, pathology, imaging and allied health to support better care for patients. 

A rare cancer requiring highly complex, multidisciplinary care

With more than 100 subtypes, each requiring different diagnostic and treatment pathways, effective sarcoma care relies heavily on specialised expertise and coordinated multidisciplinary management.

When Mr Terence Goh was diagnosed with retroperitoneal pleomorphic sarcoma in 2023, he quickly learnt that sarcoma does not follow simple or predictable pathways, nor does its treatment. At 46, Mr Goh underwent neoadjuvant radiotherapy prior to surgery. This was followed by an exceptionally complex surgical journey involving multiple organs, prolonged operating time and intensive peri‑operative planning. His primary tumour, located deep within the retroperitoneum, required a highly complex operation involving multiple surgical teams. The surgery was prolonged and technically demanding, and he encountered significant challenges during both the peri‑operative and post‑operative periods. Radiotherapy further complicated the surgery, with surrounding tissues affected by scarring and inflammation. Subsequent developments required additional procedures, including the removal of a non‑functioning kidney compressed by the tumour.

Throughout his treatment journey, Mr Goh has been cared for at NCIS, where his case has required repeated multidisciplinary review, escalation of therapy and long‑term follow‑up care. Mr Goh underwent a complex chemotherapy protocol, targeted therapy in close coordination with the NUH’s Division of Nephrology to protect his sole kidney, and multiple surgeries involving both the chest and abdomen.

“I’m still fighting,” Mr Goh said. “What keeps me going is trusting the doctors and doing my best to live as normally as possible, for my family and for myself.”

A father of two young children, Mr Goh credits his wife and family for sustaining him through repeated hospitalisations, treatment side effects and prolonged recovery. Despite ongoing challenges, he remains deeply supportive of sarcoma research and has expressed openness for his case to contribute to advancing medical knowledge.

“I hope more people understand sarcoma better,” he said. “More research, more awareness and more treatment options can make a real difference.”

Strengthening early identification and referral

A key challenge in sarcoma care is early identification. Many clinicians encounter sarcoma infrequently, which can lead to uncertainty in recognising suspicious features and knowing when to escalate care.

Adjunct Professor Mark Edward Puhaindran, Chairman of the Medical Board at National University Hospital (NUH) and Senior Consultant in the Division of Surgical Oncology, NCIS, added: “In clinical practice, the rarity of sarcoma means that many doctors may see only a handful of cases in their careers, leading to uncertainty in recognising the condition, and deciding when to escalate or refer. Strengthening awareness and mapping out clearer decision pathways are therefore important steps towards improving outcomes.”

Developing expert multidisciplinary guidance

As part of this broader effort, clinicians from Singapore and international centres have come together to develop expert multidisciplinary guidance to support the diagnosis and management of sarcoma. 

This includes the development of a new clinical handbook, Clinical Management of Bone and Soft Tissue Tumours. The Singapore‑led effort brings together the collective expertise of 70 local and international contributors across specialties and aims to support healthcare professionals in navigating complex diagnostic pathways, identifying when specialist referral is required, and determining appropriate multimodal treatment approaches.

Associate Professor Victor Lee Kwan Min, Head and Senior Consultant, Department of Pathology, NUH, and Senior Consultant, NCIS, a lead editor of the handbook^[2] said: “Sarcoma pathology is inherently complex. These tumours are rare, highly diverse and often difficult to characterise, which means accurate diagnosis depends on specialist expertise supported by appropriate ancillary tests. We hope this handbook helps clinicians better navigate these complexities and arrive at the most appropriate treatment plan for their patients.”

Among the handbook’s lead editors is Associate Professor James Hallinan, Senior Consultant, Department of Diagnostic Imaging, NUH, and Senior Consultant, Division of Musculoskeletal Oncology, Department of Diagnostic Imaging, NCIS, who said: “Imaging plays a pivotal role in the early detection and characterisation of sarcomas. The handbook outlines core principles, indications and limitations to guide clinicians on when further investigation or specialist referral is warranted. Timely and appropriate imaging can significantly influence treatment planning and outcomes.”

Developed by NCIS in partnership with institutes such as NCCS and international contributors, the handbook reflects Singapore’s integrated ecosystem, which brings together orthopaedic oncology, pathology, radiology, surgery, medical oncology and allied health expertise within a single coordinated network.

Beyond diagnosis: fighting cancer with purpose

Mr Hilman Basri was just 29 when he first noticed a growing lump on his foot in late 2015. Initially dismissed as a minor issue, the swelling grew so large that he had to buy shoes a size bigger, but cancer was the last thing on his mind.

A referral led him to NCIS where a biopsy confirmed a rare diagnosis: clear cell sarcoma, an uncommon and aggressive subtype of soft tissue sarcoma. Surgery followed in January 2016, including complex reconstruction and a skin graft taken from his arm.

Although Mr Basri continues to live with persistent disease and has required further complex surgeries and ongoing medical treatment over the years, his journey has been defined not by limitation, but by determination.

Under the care of Adjunct Professor Mark Edward Puhaindran, who is also a lead editor of the handbook, Mr Basri’s management extended beyond surgery to include long‑term follow‑up, rehabilitation, and continued treatment. Encouraged by Advanced Practice Nurse Ms Foong Li Li and his care team to choose resilience over resignation, Mr Basri reframed his outlook on life. He adopted a healthier lifestyle and turned to running as a way to cope, both physically and mentally, with the demands of living with cancer.

Since 2018, he has run the Run For Hope Marathon annually, often training and competing in between surgeries and medical treatments. Each race represents not recovery from cancer, but a powerful affirmation of what is still possible despite it.

“This is not a death sentence,” Mr Basri said. “It is not the end, but the beginning of a new chapter.”

Chinese Glossary

About the National University Cancer Institute, Singapore (NCIS)

The National University Cancer Institute, Singapore (NCIS) is an academic, national specialist centre for cancer under the National University Health System (NUHS), and is the only public cancer centre in Singapore that treats both paediatric and adult cancers in one facility.

As one of two national cancer centres in Singapore, NCIS (pronounced as “n-sis”) offers a broad spectrum of cancer care and management from screening, diagnosis and treatment to rehabilitation and survivorship, as well as palliative and long-term care. NCIS’ strength lies in the multi-disciplinary approach taken by our clinician scientists and clinician-investigators to develop a comprehensive and personalised plan for each cancer patient.

NCIS provides the full suite of specialised oncology and haematology services at the NUH Medical Centre at Kent Ridge, Singapore, including those by the NCIS Chemotherapy Centre, NCIS Radiotherapy Centre and NCIS Cellular Therapy Centre.

NCIS also offers cancer services at other hospitals in Singapore:

• NCIS Cancer & Blood Clinic @ Ng Teng Fong General Hospital
• NCIS Radiotherapy Centre @ Tan Tock Seng Hospital
• NCIS Radiotherapy Clinic @ Khoo Teck Puat Hospital

To bring cancer care even closer to our patients, our NCIS on the Go programme delivers a range of cancer services at clinics within the community for their convenience. 

For more information, please visit www.ncis.com.sg. 

EHub Connects Global Innovation Resources and Engages Singapore’s Innovation Community, with AI and Investment as Core Drivers, Unlocking International Collaboration in Intelligent Manufacturing and Sustainable Technologies

SINGAPORE, April 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Qianhai Shenzhen–Hong Kong Youth Innovation and Entrepreneur Hub (EHub) made its debut at GITEX AI ASIA, marking a significant step in engaging Singapore’s innovation ecosystem and integrating more closely with local technology and innovation networks. As a flagship innovation and technology collaboration platform bridging Shenzhen and Hong Kong, EHub leverages its extensive innovation resources, technological strengths, industrial networks, and cross-border service capabilities to support Qianhai-based technology enterprises in entering Singapore and expanding their reach across Southeast Asia. Through integrated innovation support, tech ecosystem empowerment, and tailored international market development services, EHub enables enterprises to accelerate their overseas expansion and enhance their competitiveness in the regional technology market. Concurrently, the platform is actively establishing an international innovation gateway by forging connections with top-tier local universities including the National University of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University, and Singapore Management University, as well as leading regional incubators and investment institutions, with these strategic initiatives aimed at building a sustainable framework for cross-border innovation linkages, industrial cooperation, and investment matching. 

EHub brought three pioneering technology companies to GITEX AI ASIA to present China’s latest advances in intelligent manufacturing, industrial intelligence, and low-carbon technologies. Their participation reflects a broader push toward expansion into Southeast Asian and international markets. As one of Asia’s premier AI and technology gatherings with global influence, GITEX AI ASIA focuses on building trust and scaling innovation, bringing together top-tier resources across cutting-edge technology and investment. It functions as a key connector between Asian and global innovation ecosystems, and as a central platform for technology companies and institutions to grow their international presence.

By participating in the exhibition, EHub enhanced its global visibility and showcased the achievements of Shenzhen–Hong Kong collaborative innovation and Qianhai’s technology ecosystem. The event brought together high-quality industry resources, capital partners, and technology collaborators from Southeast Asia and around the world, providing EHub with a direct and highly efficient platform to facilitate cross-border innovation and support Qianhai-based companies in expanding internationally. This setting enabled closer alignment with priorities including overseas market entry, technology partnerships, and investment opportunities. Singapore, recognized as a leading innovation hub in Southeast Asia and a global gateway, offers a well-established startup ecosystem, robust financial infrastructure, world-class academic resources, and an open, internationally oriented policy framework. These attributes position Singapore as a strategic entry point into the Southeast Asian innovation ecosystem and a springboard for accessing ASEAN and global markets. Building on Singapore’s geographic and ecosystem advantages, EHub aims to accelerate connections across the region and deepen cooperation between Qianhai and Singapore in areas such as startup incubation, technology commercialization, talent development, and industrial deployment. These efforts are intended to enable Qianhai-based businesses to enter regional markets more efficiently while driving global expansion and cross-border collaboration.

The participating companies span key sectors including construction robotics, machine hearing, and advanced energy-saving materials, demonstrating the strength of Qianhai’s innovation ecosystem in integrating deep-tech capabilities into real-world applications.

Castor Construction Robotics Ltd., a rising company in the field of smart construction, focuses on introducing automation into high-intensity and repetitive construction processes. Its proprietary fully automated rebar-tying robots and intelligent construction solutions have already achieved commercial deployment across Hong Kong SAR, mainland China, and the Middle East, providing an efficient and scalable pathway for modernizing traditional construction practices.

Synovate Technologies (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. specializes in machine hearing technologies, employing high-precision detection and advanced data analytics to deliver comprehensive lifecycle quality and health management solutions for complex electromechanical systems. Its offerings are widely used in automotive, energy, and aerospace sectors, demonstrating the international competitiveness of China’s industrial intelligence technologies.

i2Cool Ltd. showcased an innovative cooling material that operates without electricity. Based on a proprietary nanomaterial system, the product significantly reduces surface temperatures and can be applied across buildings, industrial settings, and everyday environments, offering a practical solution for energy efficiency and emissions reduction.

All three companies view their participation as a key opportunity to expand internationally, with a focus on Singapore and the Southeast Asian market. They are actively exploring local partnerships, industrial cooperation, and investment opportunities. By engaging in the premier global technology exhibition, they aim to strengthen their international presence and lay the groundwork for regional market entry. Their participation reflects the broader momentum of Qianhai’s technology companies in going global and highlights the active role of Chinese innovation in the ongoing wave of technological and industrial transformation. EHub will continue to build international collaboration platforms, supporting top-tier companies in connecting with and integrating into the global innovation ecosystem.

About EHub

Jointly initiated by the Qianhai Authority, the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups, and the Shenzhen Youth Federation, the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Youth Innovation and Entrepreneur Hub (“EHub”) is an internationally oriented innovation and entrepreneurship platform that officially launched operations on 7 December 2014.

EHub focuses on strategic sectors including artificial intelligence, embodied intelligence, life and health technologies, cultural and sports tech, and fintech, it was named the only national cross-border demonstration zone for youth innovation and entrepreneurship, and the Guangdong-Hong Kong and Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area youth innovation and entrepreneurship bases.

Ehub launched the “1510” development model in August 2024. This model fosters a cross-border ecosystem through subsidized workspace, dedicated funds, and comprehensive services, empowering startups and young talent from both Shenzhen and Hong Kong.

As of March 2026, we are home to 417 enterprises, 91 are recognized national high-tech enterprises, and collectively, our park companies have raised over RMB 8.4 billion in funding to date.

GUIZHOU, China, April 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — A media tour highlights the southwestern province as a place where ancient culture, a pristine environment and modern narratives meet, Elliot Maldonado reports.

In the mountains of Southwest China, the China Storyteller Partnerships launched an action-packed media tour for content creators and journalists from around the world, featuring an immersive itinerary balancing intangible cultural heritage with natural beauty.

Beginning in Tongren, Guizhou province, on March 27, the dozen members fortunate enough to be part of this profound opportunity — including me — experienced all aspects of the region, from Fanjing Mountain’s ancient history high above the clouds to love ballads sung in Lizhi Gorge, leaving us with stories to tell long after we had left.

Our journey began with a night in Zhaisha Dong village, where local women dressed in intricate clothes were clearly excited to welcome their guests.

“From the very beginning, the warmth and sincerity of the local welcome created a strong emotional connection with all members of the international delegation,” said Pakistani Zamir Assadi, of Lord Media Network in Islamabad.

The people from the Dong ethnic group had prepared a bamboo “dance” that serves as a fusion of tradition and tourism: a signature experience to welcome global visitors with open arms. The square erupted in cheers as we carefully hopped and leaped over the bamboo sticks moving on the ground.

Matching the rhythmic energy of our generous hosts, our tour group enthusiastically joined in traditional activities, and soon social lines and cultural divides became blurred as villagers, stage performers, and visitors joined hands to dance around a crackling bonfire.

The excitement continued as the tour bus wound through the mountains and pulled up to a basketball court set in a cave in Yanhe Tujia autonomous county for a game that would certainly test our skills.

Fortunately, for our less-than-coordinated team, the full-court game against a local side was just for fun, and we were rewarded for our efforts with the surreal experience of running, dribbling and shooting beneath a rock ceiling.

Exhausted, we came off the court to thunderous applause, the energy of the audience turning the moment into an unforgettable highlight.

“This feels to me like a once-in-a-lifetime memory. I have never seen anything like this before. The crowd was electric. The cave felt magical. I can’t wait to share this with everyone,” said Luke O’Farrell, a content creator from Ireland.

From there, our journey continued into the mist-shrouded Wuling Mountains, where we hiked through clouds to reach the sacred summit of Fanjing Mountain.

Here, at this UNESCO World Heritage site, gravity-defying formations like the “Mushroom Stone” left us awe-struck, standing as natural wonders formed over millennia.

Even more astonishing were the pair of temples perched high upon a stone pillar, leaving us asking how ancient monks could have ever built such structures, hauling timber and stone to the top of a seemingly unscalable peak before modern infrastructure made access possible.

Surrounded by shifting clouds hanging over deep valleys below, one could only be fascinated by how magical and otherworldly the heart of Guizhou really is.

The province’s current tourism theme, “Colorful Guizhou”, is part of the local authorities’ efforts to tell the world about the region’s multifaceted soul, and that it goes beyond ethnic diversity and fields of flowers.

Xie Nian, deputy head of the publicity department of the Communist Party of China’s Guizhou Provincial Committee, says that initiatives continue to enhance the province’s environment, cultural vitality and overall visitor experience.

That commitment was evident in Lizhi Gorge, where we boarded a pavilion-inspired boat and glided silently through emerald waters framed by towering cliffs. The water’s clarity and the pristine scenery were testament to the value placed on the environment and its ecology.

The tour concluded in Guiyang, the capital city of the province, to attend the opening ceremony of the 20th Guizhou Tourism Development Conference.

Surrounded by shops, with architectural elements inspired by the province’s diverse ethnic groups, it became apparent that Guizhou’s vision is forward-looking while integrating its cultural heritage.

If tourism is a form of storytelling, then Guizhou has found a voice that speaks clearly, honestly, and earnestly.

Many of our fondest memories of this trip — Guizhou’s unique natural wonders and the vibrant traditions of its ethnic groups — are the direct result of decadeslong environmental preservation, careful planning and a respect for heritage. Together, they reflect a province that is not only safeguarding its past but also planning for its future.

With cameras and phones full of epic experiences, our group of international storytellers returned home with a profound sense of connection and hundreds of reasons to say, “See you soon, Guizhou”, rather than “Goodbye”.

HONG KONG, April 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — DPC Dash Ltd – Domino’s Pizza China (“DPC Dash” or the “Company”, and together with its subsidiaries, the “Group”) (1405.HK), Domino’s exclusive master franchisee for the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Macau, continued to unlock the potential of China’s underpenetrated pizza market amid a complex and evolving consumption landscape in Q1 2026. Backed by its proven 4D strategy – Development, Delicious Pizza at Value, Delivery, and Digital – the Company delivered simultaneous progress in store expansion and operational quality, underscoring its robust business resilience and long-term growth potential.

In terms of store development, DPC Dash continued to follow a disciplined “go broader, go deeper” expansion strategy, strategically “deepening” penetration in existing cities to enhance market share and “broadening” its reach into new markets. According to DPC Dash’s First Quarter 2026 Investor Fact Sheet (“Investor Fact Sheet”), as of March 31, 2026, DPC Dash’s total store count reached 1,462 stores across 72 cities, representing a net increase of 147 stores and expansion into 12 new cities compared to the end of 2025. On January 24, DPC Dash opened its 1,405^th store in Sanya, Hainan Province, marking a symbolic milestone as the store count matched the company’s stock ticker on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX). As of March 31, the Company’s net new stores, stores under construction, and stores signed represent 65% of the full-year 2026 store opening target, with the pace of expansion far exceeding expectations. Non-Tier 1 cities have become the Company’s main growth engine, while Tier 1 cities continue to provide a resilient, high-quality revenue base with proven unit economics.

Newly opened stores in new markets continued to deliver strong performance. DPC Dash now holds all of the top 50 positions for first 30-day sales among Domino’s network of more than 22,100 stores globally, fully demonstrating the enormous potential of the Chinese market and the Company’s outstanding operational capabilities. In terms of store count, the Chinese Mainland market has remained the 3rd largest international market within Domino’s Pizza’s global system.

In terms of its Digital strategy, the Company has significantly broadened its consumer base while deepening its understanding of consumer preferences. In the first quarter of 2026, DPC Dash continued to drive product innovation, introducing new global flavors including the Year of the Horse New Year limited-edition Yak Beef Matsutake Ham Fortune Pizza, the classic upgraded Bolognaise Plus Pizza, the innovative Snowball Cheese Margherita Pizza, and the Quadruple Cheese Grand Slam Pizza catering to cheese lovers, while also iterating the product portfolio with two new rice and pasta dishes, offering customers greater choice and enhanced value. These new offerings resonated strongly with consumers, effectively supporting consumer preference and sales growth even in a soft consumption environment and highly competitive market.

In terms of marketing activities, the Company brought back the classic “Mega Week” promotion and extended the “Crazy Tuesday & Wednesday” offer through Thursday, further boosting customer visits and order volume via value-driven promotions. Meanwhile, the Company collaborated with the Dunhuang Museum to offer exclusive Chinese cultural and creative (C&C) products, integrating traditional cultural elements into the brand experience, further strengthening brand affinity and cultural identity.

The expansion of the Company’s loyalty program validates the success of its digital strategy. As of March 31, 2026, the loyalty program membership exceeded 38.8 million, compared to 27.2 million in the same period of 2025. Over the past 12 months, 17.6 million new customers placed their first orders with Domino’s Pizza China. The accumulated user data helps the Company to achieve personalized recommendations, precision marketing, and efficient operations, further enhancing user stickiness and repeat purchase rates.

With further strengthened brand equity and rising brand momentum, DPC Dash will continue to execute its 4D strategy, planning to add approximately 350 net new stores during the full year 2026 to further enhance market penetration.

DPC Dash has gained inclusion in major indices including the Hang Seng Composite Index and Stock Connect programs, demonstrating capital market recognition of the Company’s development prospects. With its strong execution track record, attractive store economics, and operational efficiency, the Company continues to deliver robust performance in a dynamic and competitive environment, creating sustainable, long-term value for shareholders.

About DPC Dash – Domino’s Pizza China

DPC Dash is Domino’s Pizza’s exclusive master franchisee in the Chinese mainland, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China and the Macau Special Administrative Region of China. Domino’s Pizza, Inc., DPC Dash’s global franchisor, is one of the most widely-recognized global consumer brands and the world’s largest pizza company. Led by a seasoned and visionary management team, DPC Dash is a market leader that differentiates from competitors with, among others, a continually innovated and localized pizza-focused menu, unique expertise and leadership in delivery, technology focus and scalable and replicable store economic model. As of March 31, 2026, DPC Dash operates 1,462 stores in 72 cities in the Chinese Mainland.

For more information, please visit: www.dpcdash.com  

For official company announcements, please visit: www.hkexnews.hk

Contacts

Investor Relations:
DPC Dash Ltd
IR@dominos.com.cn