

Hashtag: #IndoorAirQuality #PollutionControl #IndoorEnvironmentalQuality #FormaldehydeControl #AirConditioningServices
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Newway SG

Hashtag: #IndoorAirQuality #PollutionControl #IndoorEnvironmentalQuality #FormaldehydeControl #AirConditioningServices
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 October 2024 – Mainboard-listed construction group and property developer, Tiong Seng Holdings Limited (長成控股) (“Tiong Seng”, “the Company”, or together with its subsidiaries, “the Group”), is pleased to announce the official opening of its flagship Watermark Tiong Seng Lifestyle Centre in Tianjin, China, through its wholly foreign-owned entity in Tianjin, Tiong Seng Silvercare, as part of the Group’s efforts to leverage on robust growth opportunities in China’s Silver Economy.
The launch was officiated by Minister Desmond Lee, Singapore’s Minister for National Development and Minister-in-charge of Social Services Integration, who visited Beijing and Tianjin from 24 to 28 September 2024 for the Singapore-Tianjin Economic and Trade Council (“STETC”) meeting. The opening ceremony was attended by distinguished guests, including Chinese representatives, strategic partners, and key officials from the Ministry of National Development (“MND”) and Enterprise Singapore (“ESG”).
This marks Tiong Seng’s first foray into China’s Silver Economy, a strategic expansion that capitalises on the Group’s expertise in the built environment sector to address accelerating demand for assisted living and care facilities.
With this inaugural project in Tianjin, Tiong Seng aims to build up its expertise in senior care and actively explore further opportunities in both China and Singapore. While this initial project focuses on enabling ageing at home with a comprehensive suite of services, the Group is also studying and exploring other models of senior living and care, including the American Continuous Care Retirement Community (“CCRC”) and various types of institutional elderly care.
As both Singapore and China grapple with rapidly ageing demographics – elderly populations are expected to grow to 25% by 2030 – the respective governments are actively responding to the needs of their seniors. In 2023, nearly 297 million people in China were aged 601 and above, a number set to exceed 400 million by 20352.
In Singapore, national initiatives such as Age Well SG and Healthier SG promote active ageing and create supportive environments for the elderly. Similarly, China has introduced 26 key measures to address the challenges posed by its ageing population, with the Silver Economy recognised as a critical growth sector.
Tiong Seng Silvercare’s Strategic Expansion
Against this backdrop, Tiong Seng Silvercare (“TSSC”) was established in 2024 as the Group’s vehicle for developing senior-living facilities in China.
Project Location:Guangang Forest Park, Binhai New District
The Watermark Tiong Seng Lifestyle Centre in Tianjin, a 4,700-square-metre facility, commenced operations on September 25, 2024. Inspired by the concept behind Singapore’s Active Ageing Centres, it provides recreational and fitness amenities, nutritious dining choices, access to medical services network and a range of community activities. The Centre is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment by offering diverse health, wellness, and recreational services, and will host a variety of events and programmes aimed at enhancing the physical, mental, and spiritual well-being of residents.
1 China Unveils Extensive ‘Silver Economy’ Plan to Adapt to Aging Population
Complementing the Lifestyle Centre is the upcoming Health and Medical Centre, spanning 2,700 square metres and projected to open in 2026. These facilities will offer a broad range of medical and senior home-care services, while providing comprehensive health management for residents. Among its initiatives, the Health Management Centre will offer routine health monitoring supported by non-medical equipment, including an AI-based health monitoring platform. This AI platform would allow residents to track their health status and receive tailored recommendations for interventions such as exercise, diet, and lifestyle changes.
Together, these two facilities will enable TSSC to serve a combined population of over 2,200 residents across two key communities: The Equinox, which includes more than 500 households of terrace houses and bungalows, and Kampung Vibrant@Binhai, which will house over 600 households in senior-friendly apartments upon its full completion in 2026. Notably, 60% of these residents are projected to be 50 years old and above, making TSSC well-positioned to deliver holistic ageing-in-place services to support their health and wellness needs within the scenic Guangang Forest Park in the Binhai New Area.
Tiong Seng’s foray into China’s Silver Economy is bolstered by strategic partnerships, most notably with Watermark China, co-founded by founders of the Watermark Retirement Communities group, a US-based company that manages over 70 senior-living communities across the United States, Hong Kong, and Macau. This collaboration offers Tiong Seng valuable expertise and established models in senior care, enabling the integration of independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing services into its offerings.
Dr John Keung, Chairman of Tiong Seng Contractors Pte Ltd, commented: “This project marks a significant milestone for Tiong Seng as we embark on our journey to tap into burgeoning growth opportunities in China’s Silver Economy. With the support of our strategic partners, we are bringing the best international practices to China to create a supportive environment for elderly care. We look forward to leveraging our experience here in Tianjin as a springboard for future expansion, both in China and back home in Singapore.
For additional details on Minister Desmond Lee’s Opening Remarks, please refer to the Ministry of National Development’s website –
https://www.mnd.gov.sg/newsroom/speeches/view/opening-remarks-by-minister-desmond-lee-at- soft-opening-of-tiong-seng-silvercare’s-watermark-tiong-seng-lifestyle-centre
Hashtag: #TiongSeng
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Established in 1959 and listed on the Mainboard of the Singapore Exchange since 2010, Tiong Seng Holdings Ltd. (SGX: BFI) is principally engaged in three core pillars of business: Building Construction & Civil Engineering, Property Development and Engineering Solutions.
Tiong Seng is one of the leading building and civil engineering contractors in Singapore, and holds the highest grading of A1 from the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) for both general building and civil engineering, qualifying the Group to undertake public sector projects with unlimited contract value. For over 60 years, Tiong Seng has built up a comprehensive track record of private and public sector projects of different complexity, uses and sizes.
On the property development front, Tiong Seng has successfully developed both residential and commercial projects in various second and third-tier cities in China, including Tianjin, Suzhou and Yangzhou. The Group currently has three ongoing projects in the Bohai Economic Rim, one of the main economic zones in China. More recently, the Group made headway in the Singapore property market with acquisitions of residential landbanks in the prime districts 9 and 10.
As a technological frontrunner, Tiong Seng has developed a diverse portfolio of innovative innovations which encompasses Engineering Solutions, the Group’s third business segment. This segment provides building solutions as a service and comprises a blend of engineering capabilities such as Prefabricated Prefinished Volumetric Construction (“PPVC”), Pre-cast, Structural Steel, Mass Engineered Timber (“MET”) and Tunnel Segment production. With this asset- light business model, the Group is positioned to capture rising industry demand for modern and efficient building solutions.
Watermark Retirement Communities (“Watermark US”) is a premier developer and operator of senior living communities in the US, managing over 70 communities with more than 12,000 units and ranked among the top 10 US operators. In 2014, Watermark China was established as a Hong Kong-based partnership and now operates under the Watermark brand in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. With strong ties to Keppel Capital and strategic joint ventures with China Taiping Insurance and China Tourism Group, Watermark China has successfully brought its expertise to the region. In 2024, Watermark China formed a partnership with Tiong Seng to launch the Tiong Seng Binhai senior-friendly project, marking a key milestone in its expansion into China’s Silver Economy.
Enhancing Client Relationships with HubSpot CRM
Orange Clove has implemented HubSpot, a comprehensive CRM platform, to streamline customer engagement and optimise the client experience. This system allows for more effective communication with clients, simplifying the entire catering process. From order management to post-event follow-ups, HubSpot’s integration enhances efficiency and ensures that clients receive timely, personalised services that meet their specific event needs.
Introducing the Sando Menu for Corporate Events
To further cater to Singapore’s diverse corporate community, Orange Clove has introduced its latest Halal catering offering – a gourmet sando menu. Designed for business meetings, networking sessions, or conferences, these sandos provide a convenient catering solution that delivers on both taste and practicality. As consumers increasingly seek new culinary experiences to satisfy their evolving palates, they are constantly on the lookout for innovative dishes that excite their taste buds. Understanding this trend, Orange Clove has designed the gourmet sandos to balance convenience with unique and enticing flavour profiles.
This new offering aligns perfectly with the company’s broader strategy to provide seamless catering options for busy professionals, while maintaining the high standards that have earned them a reputation as a trusted food caterer in the region.
Sophie: The Laksa Robot Chef Transforming the Catering Experience
Orange Clove is also making waves as a food caterer by adopting catering technology trends with the introduction of Sophie, a robotic chef designed to prepare fresh laksa on demand. Sophie allows guests to customise their preferred portion sizes, helping to reduce food waste while offering a personalised dining experience. More than just a functional addition, Sophie enlivens any corporate event, providing an interactive and memorable experience for attendees.
Sustainability as a Priority
While innovation drives Orange Clove’s progress, sustainability is equally integral to the brand’s ethos. The food caterer is already implementing eco-friendly practices, such as using environmentally conscious materials for cutlery, packaging, and serving ware. These initiatives are part of the new broader campaign, “Clove for Climate,” which reflects a renewed commitment to sustainable catering solutions.
Additionally, initiatives like Sophie, the laksa robot, aids with minimising food waste by allowing guests to customise their portions. Orange Clove is committed to continuously enhancing these practices as part of its long-term vision to offer sustainable catering options.
“As a food caterer, our goal is to provide seamless, high-quality catering solutions that not only meet the evolving needs of our clients but also contribute to a more sustainable way of living. By partnering with Orange Clove, companies enjoy catering experiences while actively supporting our shared commitment to creating a greener, more environmentally conscious future,” shared Assistant Director of Sales, Orange Clove Catering.
Hashtag: #halalcateringsingapore #cateringsingapore
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Established in 2008, Orange Clove was founded with a clear mission: to provide mid to high-end restaurant-quality cuisine that exceeds the expectations of customers. What began as a commitment to exceptional catering has evolved significantly over the years. Today, Orange Clove not only provides food caterer services but also offers comprehensive end-to-end event solutions, ensuring memorable experiences from start to finish.
Find out more here.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 October 2024 –
Addressing heat stress: A personal cooling device designed for outdoor workers
Air Ring 48 (AR48), which has been shortlisted for this year’s James Dyson Award Global Top 20, tackles the critical problem of heat stress in construction workers through an innovative cooling accessory aimed at improving safety and productivity in challenging conditions.
Since 2021, Hong Kong has recorded more than 50 days of extremely hot weather with temperatures exceeding 33 degrees[2], posing significant heat stress and health risks to the city’s workers. AR48 is an advanced personal cooling device designed to integrate with standard safety helmets, providing targeted relief for outdoor workers. It directs airflow to key areas prone to heat stress, such as the neck and behind the ears. Testing shows it can reduce skin temperature by up to 3.20°C and core temperature by 0.67°C, delivering an overall cooling effect.
Weighing just 150 grams and operating at a whisper-quiet 30dB, AR48 stands out as a wearable device designed for comfort and ease of use. Its single-click helmet attachment ensures secure operation with minimal distractions. Built to be waterproof and impact-resistant, it meets industry safety standards, rendering it suitable for challenging construction environments.
AR48 has been recognised as the Hong Kong winner of the 2024 James Dyson Award announced earlier in September, receiving a price of £5,000. Being selected as Global Top 20, AR48 will now enter the final stage of the James Dyson Award, competing for global winners that will be selected by Sir James Dyson and announced on 13th November. The winning inventions will receive £30,000 to support their further development and commercialisation.
Established in 2005, the James Dyson Award is an international design competition which inspires and celebrates the next generation of design engineers. The Award operates across 29 countries this year and has supported over 400 problem-solving inventions with over £1m in prize money. It is run by the James Dyson Foundation, Sir James Dyson’s engineering-education charity.
Crafting for perfection: The development of Air Ring 48
The engineers behind AR48 are three students from the University of Hong Kong: Yu To Mak, Ze Fu Jeff Li, and Jing Hymn Joseph Wong. Observing the demanding outdoor working conditions, the team is motivated to create a revolutionising cooling solution tailored to the needs of construction sites, which can help enhance safety and mitigate the risk of heat-related illnesses among outdoor workers.
The team dedicated the past two years to developing AR48, culminating in the creation of its 48th prototype. Through a blend of digital tools and hands-on techniques, including cardboard modeling and clay sculpting, they meticulously refine the device’s proportions, airflow, and tactile elements to ensure the device’s performance under challenging outdoor condition. As a major next step, they are currently investing for further product development, which will involve manufacturing trials and waterproofing tests. In the long term, they aim to introduce this transformative technology to the global market, advancing working conditions for construction workers in Hong Kong and beyond.
Upon learning that AR48 has been shortlisted, Jing Hymn Joseph Wong expressed, “Being selected for the James Dyson Award Top 20 shortlist is a tremendous honor and an exciting milestone for our team. It not only validates our hard work but also fuels our drive to elevate our invention. We look forward to refining our project and proceed with further development that will bring our vision to life, thereby making a meaningful impact on worker safety and wellbeing.”
Sam Dill, Dyson Sustainability Engineer and James Dyson Award Top 20 judge says, “I was particularly impressed with Air Ring 48’s iterative design process. Their thorough real-world testing, physical prototyping and data collection led to continuous improvements, making their entry Top 20 worthy. They understood the other products already on the market and made sure to differentiate themselves, and were able to show tangible improvements with their product offering.”
The Top 20 Shortlist
Invention | Solution | Inventor(s) | Country/Region |
Air Ring 48 | A helmet cooling accessory to protect construction workers from heat stress. | Yu To Mak, Ze Fu Jeff Li, Jing Hymn Joseph Wong | Hong Kong SAR |
Co-Jump | An ergonomic and AI-based stroke rehabilitation glove. | Li Yuanjing, Zhan Jing, Guan Shunzi, Yu Tianlin, Li Junkai, Qian Qingyun, Wei Yi | China |
DysphagiaDynamics | A portable, non-invasive dysphagia assessment and rehabilitation system. | Zhu Zhaopeng, He Qi | China |
Flying ear pressure regulator | A pressure-adjusting product that relieves ear discomfort during airplane take-offs and landings. | Yi-Shan Zheng, Wen-Yeh Hsaio-Lin | Taiwan |
Airxeed Radiosonde | A controllable flap to steer a radiosonde back to be reused after weather measurement. | Shane Kyi Hla Win, Danial Sufiyan Bin Shaiful | Singapore |
Mammosense | A mammogram sensor to enhance comfort during breast cancer screenings. | Luke Goh | Singapore |
TAILWIND | A cooling construction helmet designed to create airflow. | Youngki Kim, Jisu Kim, HyeonJun So, Seunghun Jeong | South Korea |
Oxynizer | A non-electric oxygen generator for developing countries. | Kyeongho Park, Jiwon Lee, Jiwon Kim, Yeohyun Jung, Seung-Jun Lee | South Korea |
Athena | A portable post-chemotherapy scalp cooling device. | Olivia Humphreys | Ireland |
Cap Snap | A medical multi-tool for safe crimp seal cap removal and ampoule breaking. | Jack Pugh | New Zealand |
Concavix | An adaptive mouse for users with underdeveloped hands. | Jonathan Lopez Calderon, Raúl Hernandez, María de Lourdes Zaldívar Martínez | Mexico |
finGrip | A catheter system for users with low dexterity or wheelchairs. | Philipp Niechoj | Austria |
Moii | An Airway Clearance Therapy training kit for adolescents with Cystic Fibrosis. | Yuchen Lan | Sweden |
OcularSky | An affordable, smartphone-based fundus camera. | Houssam Hammoud, Mohammad Yaman Al Aref, Mohamad Hammoud, Mayar Jabouli, Wessam Shehieb | UAE |
Peter | A wearable biomedical device for Parkinson’s Disease patients with freezing of gait. | Jonathan Fisher | United Kingdom |
PulpaTronics | A recyclable paper-based RFID clothing tag. | Adonis Christodoulou, Barna Soma Biro, Chloe So | United Kingdom |
Pyri | A bio-inspired and bio-based early wildfire detection system. | Richard Alexandre, Karina Gunadi, Blake Goodwyn, Tanghao Yu | United Kingdom |
Social Plast | An affordable plastic recycling system. | Johannes Kastner | Germany |
Sorbet | An acoustic panel made from shredded textile waste. | Sze Yek | Australia |
The Reef | An ecological filter to counteract blue-green algae boom in water bodies. | Anton Vervoort | Belgium |
Hashtag: #Dyson
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
The brief
Design something that solves a problem. This problem may be a frustration that we all face in daily life, or a global issue. The important thing is that the solution is effective and demonstrates considered design thinking.
The process
Entries are judged first at the national level by a panel of external judges and a Dyson engineer. Each operating market awards a national winner and two national runners-up. From these winners, a panel of Dyson engineers then select an international shortlist of the top 20 entries. The top 20 projects are then reviewed by Sir James Dyson, who selects his international winners.
The prize
Eligibility criteria
Entrants must be, or have been within the last four years, enrolled for at least one semester in an undergraduate or graduate engineering/design related course. This course must be at a university in a country or region chosen to participate in the James Dyson Award.
In the case of team entries, all members must be or have been within the last four years, enrolled for at least one semester in an undergraduate or graduate programme at a university in a country or region chosen to participate in the James Dyson Award. At least one team member must have studied an eligible subject in engineering or design. Those participating in a degree level apprenticeship at Level 6 or Level 7, and those who have completed said apprenticeship in the past four years, are eligible to enter the award.
Further FAQs can be found on the James Dyson Award website.
Recent past winners
· 2023 International winner – The Golden Capsule (South Korea)
A hands-free intravenous (IV) device designed for disaster zones, that can be strapped to the patient and does not rely on gravity.
· 2023 Sustainability winner – E-COATING (Hong Kong SAR)
An eco-friendly and affordable roof and exterior wall coating with a high cooling effect for electricity-free cooling.
· 2022 International winner – SmartHeal (Poland)
A precise, affordable and scalable smart pH sensor for dressings, helping medical professionals to detect infection without the need to disrupt the tissue underneath the dressing by removing it.
· 2022 Sustainability winner – Polyformer (Canada)
A low-cost machine that turns plastic bottles into 3D printer filament, giving makers in developing nations easier access to cheap, high-quality 3D printing materials.
James Dyson Award on social media
Website: https://www.jamesdysonaward.org/
Instagram: @jamesdysonaward
X: @jamesdysonaward
TikTok: @jamesdysonaward
LinkedIn: James Dyson Award
YouTube: youtube.com/jamesdysonfoundation
In the latest THE World University Rankings 2025, CUHK has made remarkable strides, securing a commendable 44th position globally. This achievement reflects the University’s continued upward trajectory, particularly in research citations and industry impact, highlighting CUHK’s dedication to advancing knowledge and contributing to global well-being. Complementing this accomplishment, CUHK has also attained an impressive 36th place in the QS World University Rankings 2025, further cementing its status as a leading institution of higher education.
The University takes great pride in these notable achievements, which have been cultivated through extensive international partnerships, advancements in technology transfer, and a supportive ecosystem for emerging research talent. CUHK’s dual recognition in these prestigious global rankings is a testament to its world-class research capabilities, innovative approach to education, and commitment to fostering the next generation of leaders and scholars.
Fostering Global Collaboration
At the core of CUHK’s research success are its international research partnerships, which have augmented the University’s global impact. Collaborating with world-renowned institutions, CUHK has played a pivotal role in producing joint publications and patents that are shaping the future of cutting-edge research.
For instance, Professor Yunhui Liu, Choh-Ming Li Professor of Mechanical and Automation Engineering at CUHK, leads an interdisciplinary team under the University Grants Committee’s Areas of Excellence (AoE) Scheme. This AI-Powered Surgical Robots project, awarded over HK$96 million, is conducted in collaboration with local and international institutions such as Johns Hopkins University, University College London, and the Technical University of Munich. The project aims to develop autonomous surgical robots that enhance operational safety and precision, driving innovation in healthcare and positioning Hong Kong as a global leader in medical research.
Innovation and Technology Transfer
To strengthen its position as a centre of excellence for cutting-edge, interdisciplinary research, CUHK has established the Office of Research and Knowledge Transfer Services (ORKTS) which plays an instrumental role in supporting researchers and students in commercialising their research innovations. CUHK’s research efforts have resulted in numerous successful start-ups and spin-offs, significantly contributing to Hong Kong’s innovation ecosystem.
ORKTS’ support, along with the interdisciplinary research approach, also extends into psychology and mental health. Professor Benny Zee, Professor of The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care at CUHK, developed an AI-based tool for detecting depression through retinal imaging. This innovation, which won two gold medals and a special award at the recent 49th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva, highlights CUHK’s role in integrating diverse fields such as medicine and AI to address pressing global health challenges.
Nurturing Future Research Leaders
CUHK is deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of research leaders through its world-class postgraduate programmes and extensive research opportunities. Through initiatives such as the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS), CUHK has cultivated numerous research leaders who contribute to global advancements.
A recent highlight is the work of Professor Billy Ng, Assistant Professor at the CUHK School of Pharmacy, who was also a CUHK PhD graduate and an HKPFS awardee. Leveraging CUHK’s interdisciplinary research environment, Professor Ng’s work in chemical biology has been awarded a HK$2 million research grant from the Gates Foundation to develop nucleoside analog drugs. He was also honoured as a Young Global Leader (2022) by the World Economic Forum. His research not only addresses critical health challenges but also drives the commercialisation of pharmaceutical innovations.
Join CUHK’s Postgraduate Virtual Info Week 2024
To inspire the next generation of research leaders, CUHK invites prospective students to explore its vibrant academic community during the CUHK Postgraduate Virtual Info Week 2024, taking place from 21 to 31 October 2024.
The event will offer:
For more information and registration, please visit https://www.gs.cuhk.edu.hk/admissions/admissions/admission-events.
CUHK remains committed to advancing research that contributes to a better world. By fostering an environment of interdisciplinary collaboration, innovation, and global engagement, CUHK continues to pave the way for breakthroughs that will shape the future.
Hashtag: #CUHK
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Established in 1963, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) is one of Asia’s leading universities, committed to a strong tradition of excellence in teaching, research, and innovation. With a focus on interdisciplinary research and global collaboration, CUHK aims to create a lasting impact on society by solving real-world problems through cutting-edge research.
The U.S. dollar’s dominance in global trade and finance is unparalleled. Around 88% of all foreign exchange transactions involve the U.S. dollar, solidifying its position as the backbone of international markets. For traders in Asia—especially in India and Southeast Asia—understanding the dollar’s movements is not just advisable, it’s essential.
Changes in the dollar’s value influence everything from commodity prices to interest rates, making it critical for traders to stay informed. The strength of the U.S. dollar can impact the trade balance, foreign reserves, and inflation rates, especially in countries that heavily rely on imports priced in USD, such as India, Indonesia, and Malaysia. With fluctuating dollar values reshaping market dynamics, anticipating these movements can make or break a trader’s strategy.
The Global Influence of the U.S. Dollar: Why It Matters
The U.S. dollar is the dominant currency in international trade, accounting for over 40% of global transactions, including key commodities like oil and gold. As of 2023, around 59% of the world’s foreign currency reserves were held in U.S. dollars, underlining its unmatched importance.
For traders in Asia, the dollar’s status as the reserve currency means any fluctuation can have a ripple effect across multiple markets. When the dollar strengthens against local (Asian) currencies, imports become more expensive, driving inflation. Conversely, when the dollar weakens, local currencies strengthen, potentially hurting export industries, especially for commodity-heavy economies like Indonesia and India.
How Traders in Asia and India Can Benefit
Monitoring the dollar’s movements allows traders in India and Southeast Asia to anticipate currency fluctuations better. In 2022, for instance, the Indian rupee hit a historic low against the dollar, exacerbating import costs and putting pressure on the country’s foreign reserves. Understanding these dynamics allows traders to hedge risks more effectively and make data-driven decisions when trading currency pairs or commodities.
Dollar Impact on Key Currency Pairs for Asian Traders
Fluctuations in U.S. dollar-based currency pairs significantly impact traders across Southeast Asia. Given the dollar’s status as the dominant global currency, its value influences a variety of currency pairs. However, it’s not just the dollar that traders need to watch. Other factors, such as regional economic policies, local inflation rates, and trade relationships, also influence currency values.
For instance, the U.S. Federal Reserve’s decisions on interest rates have a substantial influence. A hike in interest rates generally strengthens the dollar, causing depreciation in dollar-based currency pairs against other regional currencies, so the exchange rate goes up in the case of direct forex quotes and down in indirect forex quotes (such as AUDUSD and EURUSD). Therefore, Southeast Asian traders should closely monitor these developments to adjust their strategies accordingly. On the other hand, a shift towards a more accommodative monetary stance or rate cuts typically weakens the dollar, creating opportunities for traders to profit from the appreciation of different currencies against it.
One example of the dollar’s global influence is the USDJPY pair, which saw significant volatility during the Federal Reserve’s rate hikes in 2022–2023. As the dollar strengthened, the Japanese yen weakened, reaching a 24-year low in October 2022. This was primarily due to the divergence between U.S. and Japanese monetary policies, where the U.S. adopted a hawkish stance, raising interest rates, while Japan maintained ultra-low interest rates. As a result, traders who closely followed these developments could capitalise on the widening interest rate differential between the two currencies.
Similarly, in 2022, the U.S. dollar strengthened considerably due to rising U.S. interest rates and global uncertainty, causing the euro to dip below parity for the first time in 20 years. The strengthening of the dollar, driven by inflationary pressures and aggressive Federal Reserve policies, resulted in significant opportunities for traders who tracked these movements closely.
Data from McKinsey’s Southeast Asia Quarterly Economic Review highlights that in the second quarter of 2024, regional economies experienced volatility closely linked to U.S. dollar fluctuations. Specifically, inflationary pressures in the U.S. contributed to currency depreciation in Southeast Asia, particularly affecting nations like Malaysia and Indonesia. Several key indicators, including U.S. interest rates, inflation data, and trade balances, drove this instability. These factors created a dynamic trading environment where Southeast Asian currencies were sensitive to shifts in the dollar’s value. By monitoring these economic indicators, such as the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy, inflation trends, and key employment data, traders can better anticipate movements in currency pairs and strategically position themselves to capitalise on potential gains or mitigate risks.
Market Examples: How a Strong Dollar Affects Asian Markets
In India, a strong U.S. dollar has historically led to higher import costs, particularly for oil priced in dollars. For example, when the dollar strengthened in 2022, India’s crude oil import bill surged, contributing to a record-high trade deficit of $267 billion by the end of the fiscal year. In turn, it pushed inflation upwards and weakened the rupee further, leading to significant market volatility.
The strength of the dollar has also had profound impacts on Southeast Asia. In Indonesia, for instance, a strong dollar makes imports more expensive, which raises inflation and impacts purchasing power. In 2023, Indonesia saw its inflation rise to 6%, partly due to a stronger dollar driving up import costs for energy and food commodities. Monitoring these movements allows traders to capitalise on short-term opportunities in volatile markets.
Kar Yong Ang, a financial market analyst at Octa broker, states: ‘The U.S. dollar’s strength often reverberates across Asian markets, affecting everything from local currency valuations to commodity prices. Traders who actively track the dollar’s movements can identify opportunities in volatile markets and make more strategic trades.’
Reasons Why Southeast Asian Traders Should Always Track the Dollar
Why Dollar Tracking is Non-Negotiable for Traders
For traders in Asia and India, understanding the movements of the U.S. dollar is not just a strategic advantage—it’s a necessity. The dollar’s fluctuations directly impact currency pairs, commodities like oil and gold, and regional interest rates, creating both risks and opportunities. By integrating dollar-tracking into their trading strategy, traders can gain insights into how these shifts influence their markets, enabling them to make calculated and timely adjustments to their portfolios. In such a dynamic and interconnected financial environment, staying ahead of these changes is crucial for maintaining profitability and leveraging global economic trends to one’s advantage.
Hashtag: #Octa
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Octa is an international broker that has been providing online trading services worldwide since 2011. It offers commission-free access to financial markets and various services used by clients from 180 countries who have opened more than 52 million trading accounts. To help its clients reach their investment goals, Octa offers free educational webinars, articles, and analytical tools.
The company is involved in a comprehensive network of charitable and humanitarian initiatives, including the improvement of educational infrastructure and short-notice relief projects supporting local communities.
In the APAC region, Octa received the ‘Best Trading Platform Malaysia 2024’ and the ‘Most Reliable Broker Asia 2023’ awards from Brands and Business Magazine and International Global Forex Awards, respectively.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 October 2024 – Lenovo announces a collaboration with the Bridge Foundation to establish Hong Kong’s first Lenovo AI Hub, aimed at providing more SEN students with high-quality, personalized education.
The newly established Lenovo AI Hub is equipped with Lenovo AI hardware and hybrid AI technology solutions, including computer vision, natural language processing, and robotic process automation (RPA). This ensures that Bridge Foundation therapists and educators can provide timely, personalized support to the growing number of SEN students, helping them create a brighter future.
According to the memorandum signed by both parties, Lenovo is donating nearly HKD 2 million worth of application system solutions and services to the Aoi Pui School. Lenovo will also collaborate with the Bridge Foundation to use AI to build an SEN expert system. This system will leverage the techniques and experiences of therapists while observing and recording data on students’ responses, emotions, and environmental changes during therapy sessions, thereby generating more accurate Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). Additionally, AI systems will generate training materials to empower teachers, therapists, classroom assistants, and even social volunteers to provide better services for SEN students.
Serena Cheung, General Manager for Hong Kong and Macau, stated: “Lenovo has always been committed to the vision of ‘Smarter AI for All.’ AI technology is unleashing powerful potential across various industries, and its application in education can significantly enhance learning efficiency and improve the learning experience. It allows SEN students to be better understood and supported by others, while enabling teachers and therapists to assist each student in a more personalized way, optimizing valuable learning time. We are particularly excited about how technology can genuinely help education and communities in need.”
Victor Wong, Founder of Bridge Foundation, remarked: “The vision of the Bridge Foundation is to provide better services for special educational support. Our collaboration with Lenovo enables us to offer a more comprehensive SEN expert system solution, covering a wider range of therapeutic professionals, including speech and occupational therapists, social workers, and educational psychologists. By establishing an ecosystem to support professionals, we will significantly improve the learning experience for SEN students.”
AI Brings More Efficient Treatment to SEN Students
Currently, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is a widely recognized evidence-based method for treating SEN children. At present, there are around 64,200 students with SEN in Hong Kong’s public sector ordinary schools[1] while the current number of licensed ABA therapists is still below 100. AI systems provide a new solution, making ABA therapy more precise and effective.
The Lenovo AI Hub automates the previously cumbersome and error-prone processes of data collection, recording, and response scoring, generating personalized learning plans for students. This allows ABA therapists to focus more on direct interactions with SEN students. Additionally, by integrating voice, object, and gesture recognition technologies with the environmental and emotional sensors from the Bridge Foundation, therapists can conduct more targeted assessments of students’ classroom performance and select follow-up treatment tasks from a vast ABA database.
Lenovo not only provides edge servers and AI PCs to support ABA therapy’s AI models but also offers the Smart Whiteboard as interactive teaching tools, making the therapy process more focused and engaging, thereby enhancing treatment efficiency and quality. The collaboration between Lenovo and the Bridge Foundation has already yielded significant results at Aoi Pui School, increasing training efficiency by 116% and allowing therapists to train more SEN students simultaneously, overcoming the limitations of traditional one-on-one therapy.
In the future, Lenovo will actively collaborate with the Bridge Foundation to replicate this successful model in Southeast Asian markets, promoting inclusive education and providing SEN students with better learning experiences.
Actively Contributing to a More Caring Society
Lenovo will establish a volunteer team to support this project, encouraging employees and their families, as well as students majoring in early childhood or special education, to participate in this special educational service. The goal is to provide therapy courses for 180 SEN students from disadvantaged communities within a year, totaling over 5,000 hours of learning. Volunteers will receive financial support and training under the remote supervision of experienced ABA therapists to become classroom aides.
Keith Wong from the Lenovo volunteer team stated, “The AI teaching and experiences provided by the Lenovo AI Hub enable volunteers to quickly obtain the necessary training, preparing them to help SEN students and provide free support services to more families in need. Participating in volunteer services has made me deeply aware of the power of AI in special education. I look forward to more young people using cutting-edge technologies like AI to engage in volunteer work, giving back to society and contributing to social development and technological innovation.”
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Lenovo is a US$57 billion revenue global technology powerhouse, ranked #248 in the Fortune Global 500, and serving millions of customers every day in 180 markets. Focused on a bold vision to deliver Smarter Technology for All, Lenovo has built on its success as the world’s largest PC company with a full-stack portfolio of AI-enabled, AI-ready, and AI-optimized devices (PCs, workstations, smartphones, tablets), infrastructure (server, storage, edge, high performance computing and software defined infrastructure), software, solutions, and services. Lenovo’s continued investment in world-changing innovation is building a more equitable, trustworthy, and smarter future for everyone, everywhere. Lenovo is listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange under Lenovo Group Limited (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY). To find out more visit https://www.lenovo.com, and read about the latest news via our
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Bridge Foundation, a registered charitable organization in Hong Kong since 2015, under Session 88 of Inland Revenue Ordinance, was established with the mission of providing services to children with special education needs (SEN), including offering free assessments and behavioral therapy sessions, applying various technologies to enhance educational experience of students.
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