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Objective launches purpose-built planning platform at PIA Congress 2025

  • Objective Build, now ready for Australian councils, is announced
  • Capitalises on the Objective Build success in New Zealand
  • Designed for Aussie planners from the ground up to help tackle the housing crisis

DARWIN, Australia, May 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Objective Corporation (ASX: OCL) today officially announced Objective Build, a transformative planning and development approvals platform designed specifically for local government in Australia. The announcement was made live from the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) Congress 2025 in Darwin, where Objective is appearing as Platinum Sponsor.

Regionalised for Australian councils, Objective Build is already generating strong interest among planners, CIOs, and local government leaders attending the event.

“The feedback we’ve had this morning has been exceptional,” said Andrea Breen, VP of Local Government Solutions at Objective. “Planners are excited to see a platform that finally reflects the realities of their day-to-day work—fast, fit-for-purpose, and designed with them at the centre.”

Built for Planning, Not Repurposed for It

Objective Build replaces fragmented systems, spreadsheets, and retrofitted ERPs with a purpose-built platform that simplifies development assessment, accelerates approvals, and restores confidence in the process—for councils, applicants, and communities.

Key features include:

  • Smart workflow automation for faster approvals and fewer delays.
  • AI-powered context to surface relevant past decisions and increase consistency.
  • End-to-end compliance visibility with integration to the NSW Planning Portal.
  • Real-time dashboards for team leaders and executives.

“Planning teams across Australia are under pressure to do more with less,” said Breen. “Objective Build helps planners shift their focus from repetitive admin to real planning—making confident, high-quality decisions that shape stronger communities.”

AI That Assists, Not Replaces

At the heart of Objective Build is council-ready AI that enhances human judgment. The platform supports planners by generating letters, summarising submissions, and surfacing similar DAs—all while leaving every final decision in the hands of a qualified professional.

“It’s not about automating decisions—it’s about empowering planners,” said Breen. “Objective Build acts like a digital planning assistant, not a replacement.”

Built for Australian Councils—With Local Nuance, National Impact

Objective Build isn’t just another software solution—it’s a planning transformation platform created specifically for local government in Australia.

Councils today are being asked to do more with less:

  • Approve more housing, faster.
  • Stay compliant with changing regulations.
  • Earn back trust from increasingly frustrated communities.
  • Attract and retain skilled planners in a competitive market.

But many councils are still relying on repurposed ERP systems, spreadsheets, and ageing bespoke tools that come up short as they were never designed for planning in the first place.

Objective Build changes that.

  • Built with and for Australian planning teams.
  • Ready-to-deploy modules for NSW, with configurations underway for Victoria, Queensland, and other states.
  • Seamlessly integrates with finance systems, records management, and the NSW Planning Portal.
  • Backed by Objective’s deep experience supporting 220+ Australian councils and public sector organisations around the world for over 30 years.

“You don’t need a large IT team or big transformation budget to get started,” said Breen. “We’ve built Objective Build to be ready, out of the box—with flexibility for your council’s specific processes, and support that understands how local government really works.”

Whether you’re a CIO, a GM, or a Director of Planning wondering how to future-proof your teams, Objective Build is the modern platform that meets you where you are—and grows with you.

Learn more about Objective Build.

About Objective Corporation

Objective (ASX: OCL) helps government and regulated industries deliver better services to their communities. From digital planning to secure content management and regulation, Objective’s software is trusted by councils, agencies, and regulators across Australia, New Zealand, and the UK.

New Achievement in Global Industrial Digital Transformation: “2025 International Cooperation Forum on Industrial Digital Transformation” held in Brazil, co-hosted by WAA


BRASÍLIA, BRAZIL – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 May 2025 – The World WLAN Application Alliance (WAA), in collaboration with the International Economic and Technical Cooperation Center of China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (CIETC) and the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil), successfully co-hosted the 2025 International Cooperation Forum on Industrial Digital Transformation in Brazil. Nearly 200 stakeholders from government authorities, industry organizations, leading enterprises, research institutions, universities, and standardization and testing agencies across over ten countries and regions gathered to explore cutting-edge trends in industrial digital transformation and pathways for international cooperation, actively advancing the global development of industrial digitalization. The forum featured opening remarks by XIONG Jijun, Vice-Minister of China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology; Jorge Viana, President of Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency; Henrique de Oliveira Miguel, Vice Minister of Science of Technology and Innovation of Brazil; ZOU Ciyong, Deputy to the Director General of United Nations Industrial Development Organization and YANG He, Executive Deputy Secretary-General of World WLAN Application Alliance. The opening session was moderated by ZHENG Hong, Director-General of the Center for International Economic and Technological Cooperation of Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.

New Achievement in Global Industrial Digital Transformation: “2025 International Cooperation Forum on Industrial Digital Transformation” held in Brazil, co-hosted by WAA
New Achievement in Global Industrial Digital Transformation: “2025 International Cooperation Forum on Industrial Digital Transformation” held in Brazil, co-hosted by WAA

As a new engine for global economic growth, industrial digital transformation drives the upgrading of traditional industries, unleashes new growth momentum, and reshapes production, trade, and industrial landscapes. However, challenges persist, including significant disparities in digital infrastructure and technology adoption across regions, as well as divergent standards and certification systems that hinder cross-border collaboration. Deepening international innovation cooperation is critical to building a more resilient global industrial chain and fostering sustainable development.

The forum unveiled multiple collaborative achievements: ApexBrasil, CIETC and the BRICS PartNIR Innovation Center signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). São Paulo’s Agency for the Promotion of Investments and Competitiveness (Investe SP) and China International Capital Corporation Limited (CICC) inked an MoU. WAA and partners released the “Research Report on AI-Powered New Connectivity Enabling the New Industrial Revolution”. The BRICS Industrial Innovation Contest – Brazil National Round and The World Consumer Electronics Innovation Congress 2025 were officially launched.

Keynote speeches were delivered by representatives from global institutions and enterprises, including BPIC, the Department of Sectoral Studies and Policies of Innovation and Infrastructure (IPEA), University of Brasília (UnB), International SparkLink Alliance (iSLA), Network Innovation and Development Alliance (NIDA), Suzano, Vale Brazil, Huawei TECHNOLOGIES CO.,LTD., CICC and Kuaishou. Participants engaged in thematic discussions on “Towards 2030 AI-Powered WAN Infrastructure (AI WAN)” and “How to Promote the Sustainable Development of Industrial Digital Transformation”, sharing best practices, exploring collaboration models, and promoting synergy across industries to accelerate cooperation in the new industrial revolution.

Yang He, Executive Deputy Secretary-General of WAA, stated that the 2025 International Cooperation Forum on Industrial Digital Transformation will provide significant momentum for global industrial digital transformation. It is expected to make proactive explorations in standard formulation, cooperation mechanism development, and ecosystem innovation. With its vision of “Providing the best WLAN experience for the digital world”, WAA will continue to aggregate global WLAN industry chain resources, promote coordinated development across the entire industrial chain, empower the construction of digital world infrastructure, and drive industrial digital transformation through premium WLAN experiences.

As the world’s first international industrial and standards organization dedicated to WLAN application experiences, WAA has attracted over 80 global industry chain partners since its establishment in September 2022, establishing cooperative relationships with numerous international industrial organizations. WAA has developed a mature WLAN product performance testing and certification system, having released multiple white papers and application experience standards while completing certifications for multiple products. These efforts have significantly contributed to the healthy development of the global WLAN industry.

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

CPHI & PMEC China Sees Surge in International Attendance as Global Pharma Trade Outlook Strengthens

Record international participation reflects renewed momentum in pharma manufacturing and global sourcing, as easing tariffs fuel growth

SHANGHAI, May 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — CPHI & PMEC China (June 24-26th) returns to the Shanghai New International Expo Center amid a marked surge in international interest, with industry momentum rebounding following a string of positive developments in global trade and pharmaceutical investment. The 2025 edition is set to become the largest pharma event ever held in Asia, with more than 90,000 attendees and over 12,000 international executives expected.

The event’s surge in global interest coincides with easing trade tariffs, improved pharmaceutical valuations, and increased capital expenditure across the sector. International executives are attending in record numbers, seeking new ingredient suppliers and equipment providers in China’s robust manufacturing ecosystem.

A notable trend is the growing interest from Western pharmaceutical companies in Chinese biotech assets, not only for domestic market access but also for global licensing opportunities. Concurrently, Middle Eastern participation has increased significantly as Gulf nations implement strategies to establish regional manufacturing hubs, joining larger delegations from India and the United States.

“The fundamentals of the industry remain incredibly strong with global pharma achieving record discovery targets and returning to growth,” stated Natasha Jennings, Head of Global Growth Marketing. “International attendees are leveraging China’s vast network of ingredient, manufacturing, and starting material companies to drive global manufacturing growth.”

The event’s audience reflects high-level industry engagement, with 80% of international attendees possessing purchasing authority and over 50% holding senior executive positions. Supplementary programmes include a Natural Extracts Buyer Programme (June 23rd) and a Pharma Machinery Buyer Programme (June 24-25th). The exhibition will feature the CPHI Celebration Awards, a dedicated conference including the 10th Biopharmaceuticals Outlook Summit, an Innovation Gallery, and regional Plant Visits.

Spanning 230,000+ square metres with 3,500 exhibitors from 150 countries, the event encompasses 12 specialised zones, including new additions for ‘BioTech’ and ‘Fluid & Precision Equipment’.

Jennings added, “Global executives now seek to expand their partner networks in China, establishing primary, secondary, and reserve suppliers for long-term strategic planning. With improving trade relations, we’re witnessing a renaissance in global pharmaceutical partnerships.”

To register please attend  https://reg.cphi-china.cn/en/user/register

CONTACT: Winnie Xu, winnie.xu@imsinoexpo.com 

Avnet India and NITK Surathkal Collaborate on AI-Powered Sustainability Solutions for Landslide Detection and Wildlife Preservation


BANGALORE, INDIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 May 2025 – Avnet India Pvt Ltd, a leading global technology distributor and solutions provider, today announced its partnership with the National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK), Surathkal, one of India’s premier academic institutions. This collaboration, an integral part of Avnet India’s robust ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) initiatives, focuses on leveraging Avnet’s recognized expertise in AI-driven solutions for critical sustainability projects and biodiversity conservation efforts.

Through this collaboration, Avnet India is working closely with the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) at NITK, Surathkal, on three impactful sustainability projects, utilizing AI and machine learning technologies:

  1. AI-assisted Real-time Landslide Detection and Alerting System: This project uses AI techniques and Avnet’s development boards to provide early detection and timely alerts for landslides, helping to protect lives and property in high-risk areas like the Himalayas and Western Ghats.
  2. Automated Bird Identification and Survey System: Using deep learning, this system automates bird species identification from audio and video recordings, streamlining data collection in challenging environments and supporting conservation research.
  3. Automated Bird Sound Identification for Tackling Illegal Wildlife Trafficking: This innovative system aims to detect and identify bird sounds to combat illegal wildlife trafficking. By integrating machine learning, the system enhances detection capabilities at checkpoints and contributes to preserving biodiversity by identifying bird calls in flight baggage.

As part of this partnership, Avnet India is also supporting the significant upgrade of NITK’s Electronic Systems Laboratory with state-of-the-art equipment, including digital oscilloscopes and AI-embedded development boards, which will be vital for advancing these sustainability solutions.

With over 100 years of experience in technology distribution, Avnet has built strong relationships with global suppliers, equipping customers with the tools they need to navigate complex design and supply chain challenges. Through collaborations like the one with NITK, Avnet fosters innovation by enabling the creation of scalable, AI-powered solutions aimed at addressing pressing environmental and societal issues.

“Our partnership with NITK Surathkal highlights Avnet India’s commitment to our global ESG strategy,” said Suresh Kamath, Managing Director, Avnet India. “We are passionate about harnessing technology for environmental and community impact. The innovative solutions we are developing together—particularly in landslide detection and bird conservation—align perfectly with our goals of fostering a sustainable future and preserving biodiversity.”

Building on this, the HOD of ECE, NITK shared their perspective on the collaboration: “We are excited to collaborate with Avnet India on these groundbreaking sustainability projects. By leveraging cutting-edge AI and machine learning technologies, we aim to address some of the most pressing environmental and conservation challenges, from landslide detection to wildlife preservation. This partnership enables our students and faculty to engage in impactful research while contributing to the broader societal goals of sustainability and biodiversity conservation. We look forward to the continued success of this collaboration, which underscores the importance of industry-academia partnerships in driving innovation for the future.”

The upgraded lab was officially inaugurated on April 16, 2025, by Sunil Kumar G, Senior Business Unit Manager (Xilinx) from Avnet India, along with other senior members from the company, and Professor Neelawar Shekar Vittal Shet from the Department of ECE, NITK. Professor Bhallamudi Ravi, Director of NITK, Surathkal, was also in attendance, along with some 60 faculty members and students.

NITK, recognized as an Institute of National Importance by the Government of India, consistently ranks among the top engineering education institutes in the country. Avnet India’s support of the NITK Electronics and Communications Engineering (ECE) department is part of its CSR program for 2024-25.Hashtag: #Avnet


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

Avnet

As a leading global technology distributor and solutions provider, Avnet has served customers’ evolving needs for more than a century. Through regional and specialized businesses around the world, we support customers and suppliers at every stage of the product lifecycle. We help companies adapt to change and accelerate the design and supply stages of product development. With a unique viewpoint from the center of the technology value chain, Avnet is a trusted partner that solves complex design and supply chain issues so customers can realize revenue faster. Learn more about Avnet at .

New Release of The Persona5 Series, The Phantom X Confirms Southeast Asia Release Date. Pre-registration Is Now Open

The turn-based JRPG launches on mobile and PC on July 3, 2025.


TAIPEI, TAIWAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 May 2025 – Following successful launches in the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Macau SARs, Taiwan region, and South Korea in April 2024, Persona5: The Phantom X finally announced the Southeast Asia release date. The highly anticipated title will be available on mobile devices and PC on July 3, 2025, bringing more of the series’ stylish turn-based combat and an entirely new cast of Phantom Thieves.

New Release of The Persona5 Series, The Phantom X Confirms Southeast Asia Release Date. Pre-registration Is Now Open

Developed through a collaboration between Atlus’ P-Studio and Chinese developer Black Wing Games, Persona5: The Phantom X is a mobile-optimised title that transports players back to the world of Persona5, allowing players to control Wonder, a second-year high school student at Kokatsu Academy, whose mundane life takes a dramatic turn after encountering a mysterious owl-like creature named Lufel. As Wonder unravels the truth behind a society losing its desire, players will form a new team of Phantom Thieves and embark on a mission to restore this vital human essence.

As a live-service title, Persona5: The Phantom X promises an ever-evolving adventure. The game features familiar gameplay pillars from the mainline series—including turn-based combat, dungeon crawling, time management, and social bonding—while introducing new systems unique to this entry. Players can take on part-time jobs, join after-school clubs, strengthen their Personas, and develop social stats, all within a vibrant, original narrative. Notably, fan-favourite Persona characters, such as Joker, Ann Takamaki, and Ryuji Sakamoto, will make special appearances via exclusive in-game contracts. New additions to the series include the Velvet Trials, a PvE-focused challenge mode, an expanded Mementos to explore, mini-games, and the ability to form or join Guilds, offering players new avenues for cooperative and competitive play.

Since its regional debut, Persona5: The Phantom X has received acclaim for its engaging story and dynamic new cast, qualities fans have praised as being remarkably in line with the high standards of the original Persona5. This strong reception is no surprise, as the development team includes veteran creators such as the General Producer Kazuhisa Wada, Composer Ryota Kozuka and Character Design Shigenori Soejima.

Pre-registration is now open via the iOS App Store and Google Play, with exclusive milestone-based rewards to be distributed at launch through in-game mail. Current reward tiers include:

  • 50,000 pre-registrations: Free contract draws ×10
  • 100,000 pre-registrations: Free weapon draws ×5
  • 200,000 pre-registrations: Free Outfit for Protagonist

(More milestone rewards to be revealed soon.)

The official website of Persona5: The Phantom X has also launched, offering more information and resources for eager fans. The game launches in Southeast Asia on July 3, 2025 for mobile and PC. For more updates and community engagement, follow our official channels.
Hashtag: #P5X #P5 #persona5x





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

From Calories to Care: DYXnet’s Dragon Boat Festival Charity Initiative Turns Exercise into Festive Rice Dumplings for Seniors


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 May 2025 – As the Dragon Boat Festival approaches, DYXnet, a wholly-owned subsidiary of VNET Group (NASDAQ: VNET) and a leading enterprise network service provider in Greater China, held a meaningful charity event on Thursday, May 22. In collaboration with the Christian Family Service Centre, the company donated festive rice dumplings to seniors at the affiliated center, embodying its commitment to community support.

DYXnet's volunteer team donated festive rice dumplings and interacted with the seniors at the Christian Family Service Centre's Lively Elderly Day Training Centre.
DYXnet’s volunteer team donated festive rice dumplings and interacted with the seniors at the Christian Family Service Centre’s Lively Elderly Day Training Centre.

On the event day, DYXnet’s volunteer team gathered at the Christian Family Service Centre’s Lively Elderly Day Training Centre in Wong Tai Sin, where they distributed 100 rice dumplings to seniors. During the visit, volunteers engaged with the seniors by making handmade crafts and enjoying heartfelt conversations, creating a festive atmosphere filled with warmth and joy. All rice dumplings were produced by Home Café, a social enterprise operated by the Christian Family Service Centre that supports employment for people with disabilities and those in mental recovery, reinforcing the initiative’s dedication to supporting vulnerable communities.

This charitable rice dumpling donation initiative is a continuation of DYXnet’s employee wellness program, reflecting the company’s culture of prioritizing employee health and wellness. Recently, DYXnet organized a “Health Awareness Month” for employees across various locations, promoting a diverse range of fitness activities to encourage a healthy lifestyle. In Hong Kong, the team held a “Trampoline Day”, where the calories burned during the event were converted into an equivalent amount of rice dumplings, transforming sweat into food donations and allowing every employee to contribute to societal welfare.

The sports activities in other regions of DYXnet were equally engaging and innovative. In Beijing, events featured a “Plank Challenge,” “Running Day,” and “Step Competition,” encouraging employees to develop regular exercise habits. The Shanghai team hosted a “Skipping Rope Competition” to enhance teamwork and foster a positive workplace atmosphere. In Guangzhou and Shenzhen, unique outdoor activities such as the “22-Day Skipping Rope Challenge” and “Aerobic Hiking” were introduced, along with a “Light Snack and Fruit Day” to combine fitness with a healthy diet and promote interdepartmental collaboration. In Taiwan, a “Relay Race” was organized to strengthen team cohesion and vitality.

Over the past 25 years, DYXnet has not only committed to providing high-quality enterprise networks and ICT services but has also consistently embraced corporate responsibility toward community care, believing that corporate growth and societal progress are interlinked. Since 2016, DYXnet has been recognized as a “Caring Company” for several consecutive years. DYXnet will continue to promote the well-being of its employees as well as social welfare, leveraging its expertise to give back to society and collaboratively create a better future.

Hashtag: #DYXnet

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

About DYXnet

DYXnet, established in 1999 in Hong Kong, became a wholly-owned subsidiary of VNET Group (NASDAQ: VNET) in 2014. It is a leading ICT service provider in Hong Kong and the Asia Pacific region, delivering innovative technologies and solutions to enterprises of all sizes and helping them fully embrace digital transformation. DYXnet offers a comprehensive portfolio of services, including enterprise networks (MPLS and SD-WAN), cloud solutions, data center services, cybersecurity, and AI solutions, empowering businesses to realize their full potential.

As a pioneer in the ICT field, DYXnet operates over 200 PoPs worldwide, covering more than 700 cities and serving over 30,000 client sites. DYXnet was among the first ICT service providers in the region to obtain prestigious ISO certifications, including ISO/IEC 27001, ISO/IEC 20000-1, and ISO 9001. Additionally, DYXnet is one of the inaugural official members of the China Cross-border Data Telecommunications Industry Alliance and has played a crucial role as one of the initial drafting units for SD-WAN service standards.

To learn more, please visit DYXnet’s website at: .

Agilis Robotics Achieves Milestone with World’s First Robotic-Assisted En Bloc Resection of Bladder Tumour in Collaboration with CUHK


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 May 2025 – Hong Kong-based Agilis Robotics has reached a major milestone in surgical innovation with the successful completion of the world’s first robotic-assisted en bloc resection of bladder tumour (ERBT) in patients. This clinical trial, conducted with The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), highlights the Intilume™ System’s potential to improve precision and safety in minimally invasive surgeries.

Pictured with the Intilume™ System (from left) Professor Kwok Ka-wai, Co-Founder of Agilis Robotics and Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering at CUHK, Professor Ng Chi-fai, Tzu Leung Ho Professor of Urology, and Dr Peter Chiu Ka-fung, Associate Professor in the Division of Urology.
Pictured with the Intilume™ System (from left) Professor Kwok Ka-wai, Co-Founder of Agilis Robotics and Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering at CUHK, Professor Ng Chi-fai, Tzu Leung Ho Professor of Urology, and Dr Peter Chiu Ka-fung, Associate Professor in the Division of Urology.

The trial, conducted since December 2022, involved eight patients with bladder tumours. All procedures achieved complete tumour removal, and six patients who completed 30-day post-surgery observations showed satisfactory recovery. Two patients remain under observation, with all participants discharged within 1–2 days.

The Intilume™ System
The Intilume™ System is a robotic surgical platform designed to improve precision and stability in minimally invasive procedures. Featuring two dextrous and miniaturised robotic arms (2.8mm–3.5mm in diameter), it enables accurate en bloc tumour resections in confined spaces. Its intuitive controls can reduce reliance on manual dexterity, shorten the learning curve, and enhance outcomes for complex procedures like ERBT.

Conventional resection loop used to perform bladder tumour resection (left) versus the pair of flexible robotic instruments developed by Agilis Robotics (right).
Conventional resection loop used to perform bladder tumour resection (left) versus the pair of flexible robotic instruments developed by Agilis Robotics (right).

Addressing Bladder Cancer Treatment Challenges
Bladder cancer is among the 10 most common cancers globally, with 75% of cases being non-muscle-invasive. ERBT is more effective than conventional transurethral resection (TURBT) in reducing recurrence but requires high surgical expertise and carries bleeding and bladder perforation risks. The Intilume™ System improves stability and precision, minimizing these risks.

Dr. Peter CHIU Ka-fung, Associate Professor in CUHK’s Division of Urology, remarked:
“The robotic system increases the stability of ERBT operations, reducing the risks of bleeding and perforation, and enhancing surgical precision. It helps lower the risk of recurrence due to residual tumour tissue and speed up patient recovery.

Future Applications
The Intilume™ System has potential applications beyond bladder cancer, including gastrointestinal, prostate, uterine, and biliary surgeries. Its compatibility with standard endoscopes and adaptable design makes it a versatile tool across various specialties.

This milestone underscores Agilis Robotics’ commitment to advancing precision in minimally invasive surgery.

Hashtag: #AgilisRobotics

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

Singapore’s Treasured Natural History Drawings Debut at the Australian Museum

Exhibition marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Singapore and Australia

SYDNEY, May 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Tails from the Coasts: Nature Stories of Singapore, featuring 36 stunning artworks from the much-prized William Farquhar Collection of Natural History Drawings, on loan from the National Museum of Singapore, has opened at the Australian Museum (AM) in Sydney.

Tails from the Coasts exhibition at Australian Museum, Sydney (Image courtesy of Mel Koutchavlis)
Tails from the Coasts exhibition at Australian Museum, Sydney (Image courtesy of Mel Koutchavlis)

 

Tails from the Coasts exhibition forms part of the celebrations of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Singapore and Australia (Image courtesy of Mel Koutchavlis)
Tails from the Coasts exhibition forms part of the celebrations of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Singapore and Australia (Image courtesy of Mel Koutchavlis)

 

The exhibition features 36 stunning artworks from the William Farquhar Collection of Natural History Drawings, on loan from the National Museum of Singapore (Image courtesy of Mel Koutchavlis)
The exhibition features 36 stunning artworks from the William Farquhar Collection of Natural History Drawings, on loan from the National Museum of Singapore (Image courtesy of Mel Koutchavlis)

Exploring the breadth of biodiversity in Singapore through the collection of exquisite 200-year-old watercolour paintings, the exhibition’s debut – from 10 May to 7 September 2025 – at the AM forms part of the celebrations of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

Director and CEO of the Australian Museum, Kim McKay AO, thanked the National Museum of Singapore for entrusting the AM to host the precious collection – the first time it has ever left Singapore.

“Regarded as a National Treasure in Singapore, these paintings are at once unique and familiar, featuring remarkable mammals, reptiles and stunning botanicals found across the exotic and lush bioregion of Southeast Asia.

“Not only do these pieces document an important reminder of the fragility of the environment, but they also display outstanding skill and techniques of the local artists, who were working within a Western tradition of scientific work, and the combination of perspectives and cultures is compelling,” Ms Kim McKay said.

Key pieces on display include the binturong, a mammal found in Singapore-Malaya which is also known as a bearcat, though neither bear nor cat; the winghead shark, an endangered hammerhead with an especially wide ‘hammer’; and the beguiling slow loris, Singapore’s solitary primate which is now extremely rare due to habitat loss and poaching.

Watercolour drawing of a Binturong, from the William Farquhar Collection of Natural History Drawings (Image courtesy of National Museum of Singapore)
Watercolour drawing of a Binturong, from the William Farquhar Collection of Natural History Drawings (Image courtesy of National Museum of Singapore)

Ms Chung May Khuen, Director of the National Museum of Singapore, said opening the nationally significant exhibition at the Australian Museum was an important display of collaboration and connection between the two museums – both of which had their roots in natural history and are the oldest museums in their respective countries. 

“Natural heritage is something that is very important to both Singapore and Australia. The exhibition is an opportune collaboration to commemorate relations between both countries, through the lens of animals and geographies that connect us. We look forward to this exhibition sparking meaningful conversations around critical contemporary issues of environmental and animal conservation.”

“We thank the Australian Museum for their enthusiasm and work to ensure this important piece of scientific artistry is shared with visitors from across the region and we hope it inspires the same sense of wonder and awe of our natural world,” Ms Chung May Khuen said.

Tails from the Coasts: Nature Stories of Singapore is a free exhibition at the Australian Museum from 10 May to 7 September 2025. After which, the exhibition will travel to the Adelaide Botanic Garden from 4 October 2025 to 1 February 2026.

For more information, visit australian.museum/exhibition/tails-from-the-coasts. Visitors looking to explore paintings from the William Farquhar Collection of Natural History Drawings can also do so on Roots.sg, Singapore’s one-stop digital resource portal for exploring the nation’s history, culture and heritage.

Editors’ note: Images here. For interviews, please email media@australian.museum.

About the William Farquhar Collection of Natural History Drawings

Major-General William Farquhar (1774–1839) was the Commandant and Resident of Melaka (1803–1818) and Singapore (1819–1823). A trusted figure in Malaya, he accompanied Sir Stamford Raffles to Singapore to establish a British trading post. While developing Singapore’s trade and port systems, Farquhar’s passion for botanicals and natural history became prominent in his career, leading to the creation of the William Farquhar Collection of Natural History Drawings. 

The full collection consists of 477 watercolours of plants and animals, commissioned by Farquhar and painted by Chinese artists. The drawings employ traditional Chinese brush techniques while blending Western perspectives and naturalism. The collection is celebrated not only for its artistic merit but also for its scientific significance. Showcasing detailed representations of both plants and animals, the drawings provide a valuable record of the rich biodiversity of the Malay Peninsula in the 19th century.

About the Australian Museum

The Australian Museum (AM) was founded in 1827 and is the nation’s first museum. It is internationally recognised as a natural science and culture institution focused on Australia and the Pacific. As custodian of more than 22 million objects and specimens, the AM is uniquely positioned to provide a greater understanding of the region through its scientific research, exhibitions, and public and education programs. Through the Australian Museum Research Institute (AMRI), the AM also plays a leading role in conserving Australia’s biodiversity through understanding the environmental impacts of climate change, potential bio-security threats and invasive species. Visit Australian Museum for more information.                              

About the National Museum of Singapore

With a history dating back to 1887, the National Museum of Singapore is the nation’s oldest museum. Beneath its 19th-century colonial exterior lies a progressive mind, offering fresh, multi-angled perspectives of Singapore’s history and culture. Its galleries showcase the story of Singapore’s development over more than 700 years, featuring important artefacts, cutting-edge technology and creative storytelling that redefine the conventional museum experience. As a cultural and architectural landmark, the museum was designated a National Monument of Singapore on 14 February 1992. The museum continues to host thought-provoking exhibitions and exciting events all year round, including the Singapore Night Festival, with dedicated programmes for children and the elderly.