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“BEPPU PROJECT” in Beppu City, Oita Prefecture, Southwestern Japan, Proposes New Journey to Experience Beppu through Art

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Advertorial Desk
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BEPPU, Japan, Feb. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — BEPPU PROJECT, a nonprofit organization based in Beppu City, Oita Prefecture, southwestern Japan, has just installed the new artwork “space II” by art team “me” in “ALTERNATIVE-STATE,” an art project that started in 2022 to enhance the hot spa-rich city’s brand loyalty, as a proposed new journey to experience the city through art.

As one of the world’s leading hot spring resorts, Beppu not only boasts a unique culture centered around hot spas, and with them the evocative image of steam rising mysteriously from the earth, but also is proving itself as a hub in the art world, with both local and overseas artistic endeavors gaining steady attention. The combination of these two points of appeal — natural hot springs and the world of art — makes Beppu a truly unique travel destination.

Photo1: Yukemuri (steam rising from hot springs)
https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M107359/202602164143/_prw_PI2fl_Oz4m78tc.jpg 

ALTERNATIVE-STATE is an art project conceived as “A gateway to a world regenerated into an alternative state,” dedicated to community building through art in Beppu City. Now, in 2026, the project features eight permanent pieces by eight artists and artist units active in Japan and abroad, as well as audio works that can only be experienced on location, a newly designed mechanism for fostering a more multifaceted engagement with the art. Introduced below is the newly installed artwork.

#2 space II / Artist: art team “me”
“What would we discover if we were to encounter the world unbound by all our knowledge and preconceived notions?” A gaping hole in an ordinary house leads to a stone cave: this sudden opening in the world invites the viewers into a space different from their own.

Photo2: space II
https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M107359/202602164143/_prw_PI1fl_KEgm5280.jpg
Photo by Shintaro Yamanaka (Qsyum!)

About Beppu City, Oita Prefecture
Beppu is home to a number of additional art spots dotted throughout the town. What’s more, every year Beppu not only hosts Art Fair Beppu, where visitors have the chance to meet up-and-coming artists, but also features Beppu Art Month — a cultural art festival that takes place all over the city.

ALTERNATIVE-STATE: https://alternative-state.com/?lang=en 

Art Fair Beppu: https://artfairbeppu.com 

Beppu Art Month: https://www.beppuartmonth.com 

Tourist Information: WANDER COMPASS BEPPU
https://beppuinfo.jp/en 

Anomali Announces Strategic Partnership with ABP Securite to Advance Intelligence-Led Cybersecurity Across Asia Pacific 

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Advertorial Desk
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SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 February 2026 – Anomali, the first intelligence-native Agentic SOC Platform, today announced a strategic partnership with ABP Securite Pte Ltd, a global Value-Added Distributor (VAD) specialising in cybersecurity and network performance solutions. The partnership will strengthen access to intelligence-led detection, investigation, and response capabilities for organisations across the Asia Pacific region, amid an increasingly complex and fast-evolving threat landscape.

Through this collaboration, ABP Securite will distribute and support Anomali’s cutting-edge, cloud-native platform across key markets in Asia Pacific. Leveraging its extensive regional footprint and strong partner ecosystem, ABP Securite will deliver technical enablement, partner training, solution integration, and pre- and post-sales support to help organisations operationalise threat intelligence more effectively.

The Anomali Agentic SOC Platform delivers an intelligence-native approach to modern security and operations. Built for the speed, scale, and complexity of today’s AI-enabled adversaries, the platform combines a high-performance, unified security data lake with next-generation threat intelligence, analytics and workflow automation. Agentic AI is woven thoroughly throughout the platform versus being bolted on. This comprehensive architecture enables complete visibility, improves detection precision and quality, accelerates investigations, and provides agentic response and recommended next-step actions, which reduces operational complexity and scaling security operations across hybrid, cloud, and high-volume enterprise environments. Many of the world’s largest enterprises and leading government agencies currently rely on the company’s Agentic SOC Platform.

Key Benefits Include:

  • Customers move beyond passive threat data to actionable intelligence embedded directly into detection, investigation, and response workflows, making threat intelligence a daily operational asset rather than a standalone feed.
  • By combining Anomali’s advanced analytics and automation with ABP Securite’s regional delivery expertise, organisations strengthen their ability to detect, withstand, and respond to increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.
  • Organisations modernise security and operations without added complexity, supported by a trusted regional distributor, enabling faster adoption of intelligence-driven security practices and improved detection and response outcomes.

“As the threat landscape across Asia Pacific grows in scale and sophistication, organisations are looking for more proactive, intelligence-led defence strategies. This partnership unites Anomali’s advanced threat intelligence capabilities with ABP Securite’s regional expertise to deliver outcomes that truly enhance our customers’ resilience. Together, we’re enabling enterprises and partners to strengthen cyber defences, accelerate response, and build sustained security maturity across the region,” shared Joyce Ng, Chief Executive Officer of ABP Securite Pte Ltd.

“Our partnership with ABP Securite marks a significant step in expanding our commitment across Asia Pacific. By bringing together our intelligence-native platform and ABP Securite’s deep local relationships, we’re empowering enterprises and government agencies to operationalise next-generation threat intelligence and transform how they detect, investigate, and respond to cyber threats,” commented Alexandre Depret-Bixio, Senior Vice President, International, at Anomali.

“ABP Securite’s strong regional footprint and proven execution capabilities make them an ideal partner as we expand intelligence-driven security across Asia Pacific. Together, we are enabling organisations to move beyond static threat data and embed actionable intelligence directly into their security operations—improving detection effectiveness and accelerating response in an increasingly complex threat environment,” added Yen Nee Si, Regional Director, Asia, at Anomali.
Hashtag: #ABPSecurite

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

About ABP Securite Pte Ltd

Pte Ltd is a leading cybersecurity and network-performance Value-Added Distributor (VAD), incorporated in 2015 and headquartered in Singapore, with regional offices across Asia Pacific. ABP Securite delivers a comprehensive suite of services, including security architecture advisory, solution integration, after-sales support, and cloud-managed services. Through its strong ecosystem of channel partners and professionally certified experts, ABP Securite empowers organisations to modernise their security posture and protect their digital infrastructure across cloud, network, and data environments.

Website:

About Anomali 

delivers the leading AI-powered Security and IT Operations Platform. Only Anomali combines ETL, SIEM, Next-Gen SIEM, XDR, UEBA, SOAR, and TIP into one unified data lake, wrapped with agentic AI. At the center of the platform is Anomali Copilot, which navigates a proprietary cloud-native Data Lake to deliver first-in-market speed, scale, and performance—at a fraction of the cost. Modernize your security and IT operations to gain better analytics, deeper visibility, increased productivity, and greater talent retention. Visit to learn more or to schedule a personalized demo. Be Different. Be the Anomali.

Alibaba Cloud Drives a More Sustainable, Efficient and Intelligent Olympic Experience at Milano Cortina 2026

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Advertorial Desk
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  • Transportation Management System mobilizes over 80,000 Olympic stakeholders
  • Media Rights Rights Holders had access to 4,198 video highlights produced by Alibaba Cloud’s Real-Time 360º Replay systems
  • Qwen models power first use of LLM Technologies supporting fan engagement and Olympics ecosystem

MILAN, ITALY – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 February 2026 – In a ongoing effort to redefine the digital landscape of the Olympic Movement, Alibaba Group, the Worldwide TOP Partner of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), has supported the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 (Milano Cortina 2026) in becoming the most intelligent Games in Olympic history.

Through a suite of advanced cloud and AI-driven solutions, Alibaba Cloud, the digital technology and intelligence backbone of Alibaba Group, is empowering the IOC and the Milano Cortina local organizing committee to monitor and manage energy consumption, optimize transportation systems, enhance broadcasting operations, and foster IOC’s first use of LLM technology.

Kirsty Coventry, International Olympic Committee President, said: “Every Olympic Games leaves its own mark in terms of technological innovation. With Alibaba’s Cloud technologies and Qwen models, these Games have set a new benchmark for intelligence and creativity.”

Dr. Feifei Li, Senior Vice President of Alibaba Cloud Intelligence Group, President of International Business, said: “Milano Cortina 2026 marks a milestone with the first use of LLM technologies in the Olympic history powered by Alibaba’s Qwen models. Our cloud and AI-powered systems that supported Milano Cortina 2026 demonstrate our dedication to enabling smarter operations, deeper engagement, and new possibilities for the Olympic Movement.”

Sustainability successes

Alibaba Cloud’s AI-driven sustainability solutions and energy-efficient cloud infrastructure enabled Milano Cortina 2026 to effectively measure and analyze carbon emissions. This move sets a scalable model for future host cities to deliver more energy-efficient and carbon-saving Olympic Games.

Key systems developed and deployed include:

  • Enhanced Energy Data Management System deployed across all competition venues, allowing the Milano Cortina 2026 Organizing Committee and the IOC to monitor and analyse energy consumption and carbon emissions in real time. The IOC is also testing the Intelligent chatbot powered by Alibaba’s Qwen large language models, which enables staff to access both historical and real-time insights on electricity usage and power demand contingency.
  • Energy Issue Tracking System that digitalise workflows for identifying, escalating, and resolving energy anomalies, ensuring rapid responses and improving operational efficiency.
  • Codeveloped Sustainability Platform that allows organisers to assess the full lifecycle footprint of Milano Cortina 2026, with a dedicated focus on generating long-term benefits for local communities.

Accelerating efficiency

Drawing on iconic, world-class winter sports venues, Milano Cortina 2026 unfolded across more than 22,000 square kilometres of northern Italy’s alpine mountains and historic cities. Milano Cortina 2026 marked the Winter Games with the widest geographical spread in Olympic history. Spanning tens of thousands of square kilometres across the Alps, the event utilized Alibaba Cloud’s systems to assist game judging, coordinate logistics and operations, ensuring the Games ran smoothly and efficiently.

The IOC has worked with Alibaba Cloud to debut a sophisticated Video Adjudication system for the Milano Cortina 2026. Built on Alibaba Cloud’s low-latency livestreaming technology, this solution has been integrated into the core competition infrastructure to improve officiating precision. By synchronized management of multi-signal video feeds, the system assists referees in identifying fouls and provides instant arbitration playback to resolve scoring disputes. The technology has been deployed in Freestyle Skiing and Snowboard Slopestyle events to ensure accuracy for the judging panel.

The Transportation Management System (TMS), built on Alibaba Cloud, seamlessly connected venues across vast distances and delivered precise mobility assurance for Olympic stakeholders including IOC staff, athletes, volunteers, media and key personnel. Through the Milano Cortina 2026 Transport App and related system services, athletes and Olympic staff accessed personalised journey planning and real-time updates via connected official transport services. Throughout the Games, the app has mobilized over 80,000 individuals.

Other operational service applications — from e-voucher system supplying meals to tens of thousands of Olympic stakeholders, to meteorological service portal providing real-time weather information for Milano Cortina Organizing Committee to ensure the safety of outdoor competitions — also ran on Alibaba Cloud’s stable and resilient infrastructure.

In addition, the cloud provider’s Apsara Video technology has powered cloud-based live streaming and broadcasting for Milano Cortina 2026, enabling global media access to press conferences, IOC daily briefings, and post-competition athlete interviews in real time. This fully cloud-hosted Game Video Content Distribution service supported journalists with seamless video processing, editing, live and on-demand distribution, and secure download capabilities — all delivered through Alibaba Cloud’s resilient infrastructure.

An AI makeover on Olympic Tradition

Alibaba Cloud introduced an “Intelligent Pin Trading Station” in the Milano Olympic Village, adding an AI-enabled twist to one of the Games’ most cherished traditions.

Powered by Alibaba’s Qwen model, the station combines embodied devices with an AI system capable of understanding both language and visuals. Athletes place a pin into a capsule and interact naturally using voice and gestures. The AI interprets commands in real-time and guides a robotic arm to select a pin left by a previous participant. The result is a playful exchange that connects athletes through a tradition they already love, while broadening the range of people, countries, and stories represented in each trade.

The Intelligent Pin Trading Station demonstrates how cloud-based AI can support new forms of engagement—creating small moments of delight that encourage connection and discovery. Throughout the Games, Alibaba Cloud Intelligent Pin Station facilitated over 8,000 pin exchanges among athletes.

Intelligent by design

At Milano Cortina 2026, Alibaba Cloud’s Qwen large language models powered the first use of LLM technologies in Olympic history, advancing the IOC’s digital transformation and delivering a smarter, more connected Games. Qwen supported a range of applications, from enhancing global fan engagement to streamlining information management and operations across the Olympic ecosystem.

Key platforms — including the Olympic AI Assistant, NOC AI Assistant, and the Sports AI Platform — used Alibaba Cloud’s infrastructure to enable multilingual fan interactions, intelligent content search, and largescale media management. Collectively, these AI-driven systems set new benchmarks for accessibility, efficiency, and intelligence within the Olympic environment.

Broadcasting redefined

In broadcasting, the OBS Live Cloud Platform, powered by Alibaba Cloud, transformed how the Olympic Games were produced and delivered. Replacing traditional satellite operations, the cloud-based platform provided flexible, scalable, and high-quality content distribution of 442 live video feeds for 42 broadcasters worldwide.

Cloud broadcasting significantly reduces the physical footprint. Milano Cortina 2026’s International Broadcasting Centre was 25% smaller than Beijing 2022 and 30% smaller than Pyeongchang 2018.

Complementing this were advanced AI solutions such as the Real-Time 360º Replay systems and the Qwen-powered Automatic Media Description System (AMD). Together, these innovations modernised live production workflows, improved media turnaround speed, and set a new standard for intelligent broadcasting in the Olympic Movement. Throughout the Milano Cortina 2026, AMD has processed livestream signals of 391 competition sessions; meanwhile, Media Rights Holders (MRHs) had access to 4,198 video highlights of exciting moments from the competitions, all captured and produced by Alibaba Cloud’s Real-Time 360º Replay systems.

Through its longstanding collaboration with the IOC, Alibaba Cloud continues to transform the Olympic Games, making them more sustainable, efficient, and intelligent for all participants and audiences worldwide.

Hashtag: #Alibaba

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

About Alibaba Cloud

Alibaba Cloud () is a global leader in full-stack artificial intelligence services, offering state-of-the-art intelligent capabilities and a worldwide AI cloud computing network, providing developer-friendly AI services across the globe. Qwen (Chinese: Tongyi Qianwen) is a family of large language and multimodal AI models developed by Alibaba. Debuted in 2023, open-weight Qwen models are available to global developers via HuggingFace and ModelScope.

Japan Marks Emperor Naruhito’s 66th Birthday with Cultural Reception

By
Phoudasack Vongsay
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A picture of Lao-Japan community performing Yosakoi dance together with participants at the event.

The Embassy of Japan in Laos hosted a National Day reception on 26 February at the Ambassador’s residence in Vientiane Capital, marking the 66th birthday of Emperor Naruhito, celebrated annually on 23 February.

The event drew diplomats, senior Lao officials, performers, and members of the Lao–Japanese community to honor the strong ties between the two nations.

The evening began with the national anthems of Laos and Japan, performed by representatives from both countries, followed by a group photo and the traditional Kagami-biraki sake barrel-opening ceremony, symbolizing good fortune and new beginnings. 

In his opening speech, Ambassador Koizumi Tsutomu reflected on the broader context of the celebration, noting that the past year marked 70 years of diplomatic relations between Japan and Laos, alongside Laos’ 50th anniversary of nationhood. He highlighted high-level exchanges and the elevation of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Guests toasted to the Emperor and the enduring friendship between Japan and Laos.

Culture Performance 

Cultural performances shaped the atmosphere of the evening. A koto performance inside the residence introduced guests to the traditional Japanese string instrument, setting a calm tone for the event. 

Two young kendo practitioners showcased their martial art, explaining how the loud shouts during practice help unify the spirit and body, reflecting discipline and respect.

A live calligraphy demonstration captured attention as the artist wrote the character for “horse” and later “love” in both Japanese and Lao, demonstrating the cultural exchange between the two nations.

The evening concluded with musical and dance performances.

Medit Announces “Glow Together” International Women’s Day Campaign

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Advertorial Desk
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SEOUL, South Korea, Feb. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Medit, a global provider of digital dentistry solutions, today announced that the “Glow Together” campaign will begin this March. The ‘Glow Together’ initiative began with small steps taken by the female employees of Medit. Light becomes more powerful when it is shared. Created in the spirit of International Women’s Day, Glow Together is designed to spark connection across the dental community—and to translate participation into meaningful, real-world care beyond the clinic.

“Glow Together” Campaign by Medit
“Glow Together” Campaign by Medit

While inspired by International Women’s Day and the impact women help drive, Glow Together is open to all dental professionals who want to be part of a campaign that connects purpose with action.

Dental professionals can learn more about campaign details, eligibility, and registration: https://www.medit.com/glow_together/

A Campaign Built on Shared Light

Glow Together began as an internal conversation among Medit’s female team members about how small acts—when shared—can create momentum and measurable impact. The campaign goes beyond a moment of recognition, highlighting how care, connection, and intention can move forward together and support communities in a tangible way.

Turning Participation into Real-World Care Through GDR

Glow Together links participation to children’s dental care through Medit’s partnership with Global Dental Relief (GDR). When customers purchase and register a qualifying scanner—Medit i900 Mobility (or Medit i900 / i900 classic in markets where i900 Mobility is not available)—they become part of the Glow Together campaign.

With each qualifying participation, Medit will provide a donation intended to help fund the equivalent cost of dental care for 10 children, with an impact goal aligned to supporting care for thousands of children through GDR’s 2026 projects.

Learn more about Global Dental Relief (GDR): https://www.globaldentalrelief.org/

Glow Together Campaign Kit for Participants

To thank participants, Medit will provide a Glow Together Campaign Kit as a tangible reminder of light, care, and connection. The kit includes:

  • Scanner carrying case
  • Scanner protection case (not for clinical use)
  • Mini lamp
  • Bracelet
  • Exclusive Mentor-Led Insight Series

Mentor-led Insight Series (Inspiration & Growth-Focused)

In addition to the kit, participants receive access to a mentor-led insight series featuring pre-recorded sessions from mentors across diverse fields. Designed to feel inspiring, practical, and confidence-building, the series explores themes such as:

  • Lessons from growth and real-world momentum
  • Career crossroads and defining turning points
  • Leadership that lasts through every stage of practice
  • Redefining success with purpose and perspective

This series is intended as inspiration and professional growth content, not clinical training. Access is provided via a QR code included in the campaign kit.

Limited-Time Availability

Glow Together is available for a limited time during the campaign period. Dental professionals interested in participating are encouraged to visit the campaign page to review eligibility, local availability, and registration details: https://www.medit.com/glow_together/

About Medit

Medit is a global provider of 3D intraoral scanners and digital dentistry solutions based on proprietary technology. The company enables collaborative workflows between dental clinics and labs through innovative hardware and software solutions. Headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, since 2000, Medit has a strong global presence through its offices in the Americas and Europe and a distributor network spanning over 100 countries. For more information and updates, visit https://www.medit.com/

Kaysone Phomvihane City Named Among ASEAN Clean Tourist City Award 2026-2028

By
Thongsavanh Souvannasane
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Dinosaur Park In Savannakhet Province, Laos

Kaysone Phomvihane City has earned a place among Laos’s top travel destinations, becoming one of four Lao cities to receive the ASEAN Clean Tourist City Award 2026-2028. 

The announcement took place in early January in Cebu, the Philippines, alongside fellow Lao winners Luang Prabang City, Viengxay district in Houaphanh, and Pakse City in Champasak.

The award recognizes the city’s excellence across several key criteria, including effective waste disposal and hygiene standards, community-led initiatives for cleanliness and preservation, well-maintained green spaces, strong tourism infrastructure, and a peaceful and healthy environment for visitors.

As the capital of Savannakhet, Laos’ largest province, the city holds a strategic position as a regional transit hub, connecting travelers between Thailand and Vietnam, and facilitating travel southward from Vientiane. 

Originally called Khanthabouly, the city was renamed in 2005 in honor of Kaysone Phomvihane, the nation’s first Prime Minister and revolutionary leader, and in 2018, it officially gained city status, joining Luang Prabang and Pakse in this distinction.

Savannakhet holds a strategic position as a regional transit hub, connecting travelers between Thailand and Vietnam and those heading from Vientiane southward. 

The ASEAN Clean Tourist City Award is widely regarded as a vital benchmark for raising service standards across Laos, bolstering international marketing efforts and giving travelers greater confidence in the quality, safety, and cleanliness of their visit.

Insta360 Secures Complete Victory in ITC Final Ruling

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Advertorial Desk
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U.S. International Trade Commission rejects GoPro’s patent infringement claims, affirming Insta360’s independent innovation.

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Insta360, trading as Arashi Vision Inc. (688775.SS), secured a complete victory in Investigation No. 337-TA-1400 as the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) issued a final determination in favor of the innovative 360 camera company.

The Commission cleared Insta360 with respect to five utility patents relating to stabilization, horizon leveling, distortion correction, and aspect ratio conversion, confirming that the patents were invalid, not infringed, or both. The Commission also reversed the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)’s prior finding of infringement as to the ‘052 patent relating to distortion and found additional non-infringement as to the ‘840 patent relating to stabilization.

In addition, the ALJ’s determination that Insta360’s updated product designs fall outside the scope of GoPro’s asserted design patent stands and is now final.

As a result of the Commission’s ruling, Insta360 will continue to import and sell its existing product lineup in the United States without restriction.

“The ITC’s decision reaffirms what the industry has long recognized: Insta360’s technology is built on true innovation. The facts spoke for themselves,” said JK Liu, Founder of Insta360. “True innovators compete by building better tools. The ITC’s decision allows us to continue doing what we do best: empowering users with bold, boundary-pushing technology.”

“The future of this industry should be shaped by better products, not legal tactics that protect market share at the expense of consumers. Too often, successful companies are targeted by patent litigation from competitors looking to reclaim lost ground. What the industry needs is an environment where the best ideas prevail, not legal maneuvering. Only when innovation can compete freely will the entire ecosystem move forward.”

The ITC’s final determination is a total rebuke of Insta360’s competitors’ efforts to use meritless patent assertions to improperly block lawful competition. The evidentiary record developed during the investigation demonstrated that Insta360 independently developed its technology and that GoPro’s allegations lacked merit. The Commission’s final determination represents a complete resolution of the investigation in Insta360’s favor.

About Insta360

With a “Think bold” mindset, Insta360 empowers people to capture and share their lives in extraordinary ways. Recognized as a market leader and innovator, Insta360’s vast lineup includes the world’s best-selling 360 cameras in the X Series, the thumb-sized GO Series for everyday capture, as well as an extensive range of action cameras, gimbals, webcams, and professional photography solutions. With intuitive, AI-powered software, Insta360 simplifies the creative process, allowing users to focus on storytelling without technical barriers. Insta360 is dedicated to helping a new generation of athletes, creatives, travelers and professionals bring their ideas to life.

For more details visit: http://www.insta360.com
About the Think Bold Fund: https://www.insta360.com/ThinkBoldFund
Read our blog: https://www.insta360.com/blog
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Press Contact
Insta360
pr@insta360.com 

Insta360 secured a complete victory in a U.S. ITC final ruling.
Insta360 secured a complete victory in a U.S. ITC final ruling.

ASEAN Foundation introduced CALM MRI: Children and the No Longer Scary Machine

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Advertorial Desk
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SINGAPORE, Feb. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The ASEAN Foundation organized the regional programme “CALM MRI – Fear to Confidence: Learning through Play with LEGO MRI Kits Programme”, implemented across Indonesia and Singapore. The initiative serves as a platform to present the programme’s outcomes, which aim to help children better understand Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) procedures through a play-based learning approach.

Designed to reduce anxiety and build familiarity, CALM MRI introduces children to the MRI process using specially designed LEGO® MRI kits. By transforming a complex medical procedure into an interactive and child-friendly experience, the programme supports young patients in approaching hospital examinations with greater confidence and emotional preparedness.

In one session, a young boy stood a few steps away from the demonstration table, quietly observing the miniature MRI model built from LEGO bricks. The shape was instantly recognizable to him — the white tunnel, the narrow bed, the enclosed space. For many children, an MRI machine can feel overwhelming due to its confined structure and unfamiliar sounds.

Instead of pressure, the facilitators offered patience. A volunteer gently invited him to try sliding the small model bed into the LEGO MRI tunnel, replicating what typically happens during a hospital scan. Hesitant at first, he slowly stepped forward. He touched the model, pushed the bed inward, and then pulled it back out — this time in a setting that felt safe, controlled, and understandable.

Moments like this reflect the core objective of CALM MRI: shifting children’s perception of MRI procedures from fear to familiarity. Through guided play, clear explanations, and hands-on interaction, the programme enables children not only to recognize the equipment they may encounter but to regain a sense of agency in situations that often feel intimidating.

By combining education, healthcare awareness, and experiential learning, the ASEAN Foundation continues to demonstrate how regional collaboration can deliver practical, human-centered solutions that improve children’s healthcare experiences across Southeast Asia.

A Program That Transformed Children’s Relationships with MRI Machines

This experience occurred during one of the CALM MRI – Fear to Confidence: Learning through Play with LEGO MRI Scanners Program sessions, run in Singapore by the ASEAN Youth Organization as the local implementing partner.

This program, part of a regional initiative led by the ASEAN Foundation with support from LEGO Group and United Way Worldwide, aims to help children understand MRI procedures through a play-based educational approach.

In Singapore, the program focused on hands-on interaction sessions between children, parents, and trained volunteers. Children were introduced to the LEGO MRI model, encouraged to assemble it, and given simple explanations of how the medical procedure works.

The changes weren’t always dramatic. They often came in simple forms: a previously quiet child began asking questions. A child who had previously resisted approaching began trying to touch the model. A child who had previously cried began listening.

In its final report, the implementing partner in Singapore explained that the educational sessions allowed children to interact directly with the MRI model, assemble it, and discuss its parts and functions. This process helped transform their perception of the MRI machine from something completely foreign to something understandable. Volunteers not only helped the children assemble the models but also explained in simple terms why an MRI scan was necessary and how the procedure was performed.

This program is part of a broader regional initiative. Children from neighboring Indonesia are also participating. Overall, in Indonesia and Singapore, the CALM MRI program has distributed 648 LEGO MRI sets—324 sets for each country—to nine implementing partners, working with more than 20 hospitals, educational institutions, healthcare institutions, and children’s organizations. It has also conducted over 50 educational sessions, reaching over 1,000 beneficiaries.

These figures reflect a systematic effort to introduce a play-based educational approach into the context of pediatric healthcare, particularly in preparing children for this often anxiety-inducing procedure.

In Singapore, the program is implemented through coordination between local implementing partners, volunteers, and the healthcare facilities involved. Educational sessions typically take place in small groups, ensuring each child receives adequate individual attention. Children were introduced to MRI models, encouraged to assemble and play with them, and allowed to ask questions. The report stated that this approach helped create a more relaxed atmosphere and allowed children to understand medical procedures in an age-appropriate way.

For parents, these sessions provided something they had previously struggled with: explaining medical procedures concretely to their children. Large and complex MRI machines are often difficult to explain with words alone. With LEGO models, parents could demonstrate firsthand how the procedure works, giving children a clearer picture. Implementing partners noted that these interactions also helped strengthen communication between children and parents and reduce the uncertainty previously felt by families.

For healthcare professionals, pre-MRI education has practical benefits. MRI examinations require a stable and sedentary environment for accurate scan results. Children who are not emotionally prepared are more likely to experience problems.

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