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Purr-fect Destinations: Agoda’s Top Picks in Asia for Cat Lovers

SINGAPORE, Aug. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Digital travel platform Agoda has hand-picked Asia’s most feline-friendly destinations to cater to cat enthusiasts across the continent. From charming villages to bustling cities, these locations offer unique experiences for travelers looking to celebrate their love for cats.

For many, encountering a cat while traveling adds a sprinkle of magic to the experience. Wandering through unfamiliar streets with a furry friend nearby or finding a Zen moment with a temple cat transforms ordinary trips into extraordinary tales. Whether it’s the playful antics of street cats or the serene presence of temple felines, these destinations provide a purr-fect backdrop for unforgettable adventures.

  1. Houtong Cat Village, Taiwan
    Once a mining village, Houtong has transformed into a cat haven. The village is filled with cat-themed decorations, cafes, and, of course, plenty of cats. Visitors can enjoy leisurely strolls while interacting with the friendly feline residents, making it a must-visit for cat lovers.
  2. Jiufen, Taiwan
    This charming mountain town is not only famous for its scenic views and tea houses but also for its resident cats that roam the streets and welcome visitors. The combination of breathtaking landscapes and feline companionship makes Jiufen a delightful destination for those seeking a unique travel experience.
  3. Kuching, Malaysia
    Often referred to as the “City of Cats,” Kuching features cat statues, a cat museum, and a generally feline-friendly atmosphere. The city’s dedication to celebrating cats is evident in its cultural landmarks, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in a truly cat-centric environment.
  4. Gotokuji Temple, Tokyo, Japan
    Known as the birthplace of the “Maneki-neko” or “beckoning cat,” this temple is filled with thousands of cat statues, believed to bring good luck and fortune. The serene setting and rich history make Gotokuji Temple a fascinating stop for cat enthusiasts exploring Tokyo.
  5. Si Yaek Huatakhe Cafe & Guesthouse, Bangkok, Thailand
    In the Lat Krabang area, cat boat tours offer a unique experience of cruising through the canals with feline companions. Visitors can enjoy canal sightseeing alongside resident cats, who sometimes even jump between boats. Additionally, some tours focus on environmental efforts, providing an enriching experience for cat lovers who also care about sustainability.

Jun Dong, Associate Vice President at Agoda shared, “Every cat lover deserves a pawsome adventure. With the best deals on accommodations, flights, and activities, Agoda helps travelers discover the most charming feline-friendly spots across Asia, ensuring that their favorite furry friends are never too far away.”

Agoda offers over 6 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities, all of which can be combined in the same booking. Discover the best deals on Agoda’s mobile app and start planning the next cat-themed adventure. Visit Agoda.com for more information.

Agile Labs Launches AI Risk Matrix Assessment for Enterprise Software Projects


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 August 2025 – Agile Labs, a leading software innovation company, has announced the launch of Southeast Asia’s first AI Risk Matrix Assessment tailored for enterprise software projects. This cutting-edge tool is designed to help businesses identify, quantify, and mitigate potential risks before any code is written—tackling a critical challenge in the tech industry where 60–70% of enterprise software projects fail due to unclear requirements and unmanaged risks.

By leveraging advanced AI integration software, Agile Labs’ Risk Matrix Builder offers a proactive framework that enables project teams to foresee complications and plan strategically. This innovative approach empowers businesses to make data-driven decisions from day one, significantly improving project outcomes and reducing costly rework.

Agile Labs is a Singapore-based technology firm specialising in custom web app development and mobile app development in Singapore, with solutions spanning both Android and iOS platforms. Known for its emphasis on agility, innovation, and quality, the company works closely with enterprises to build scalable, user-centric digital products. Their portfolio includes everything from bespoke software systems to integrated AI solutions, helping clients transform operations and stay ahead in an increasingly competitive digital landscape.

The new AI Risk Matrix Assessment reinforces Agile Labs’ commitment to empowering businesses with intelligent tools that drive clarity and control. As the region accelerates its push toward digital transformation, Agile Labs is positioned as a trusted partner for forward-thinking companies aiming to build smarter, more resilient enterprise software.

For more information, please visit https://agilelabs.com/.
Hashtag: #AgileLabs

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

J5 Productions – Building events with passion, precision and purpose

Backed by Sennheiser’s EW-DX system, J5 Productions continues to raise the bar in live event execution

SINGAPORE, Aug. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In the fast-paced world of live event production, where precision, speed, and reliability are non-negotiable, Singapore-based J5 Productions stands out as a key player. Founded in 2010 by Mr Justin Tan with a bold vision, J5 Productions is a technical production and media equipment rental company that has grown from a one-man operation into a team capable of producing mid to large-scale MICE events and arts festivals.

Mr Justin Tan, Founder and Managing Director of J5 Productions
Mr Justin Tan, Founder and Managing Director of J5 Productions

Central to J5 Productions’ continued growth and technical evolution is a long-standing partnership with Sennheiser. The company’s wireless inventory, which includes Digital 6000, EW 100 G4, EW 300 G4, as well as the 2000 series, is now further strengthened by the implementation of Sennheiser EW-DX digital wireless systems.

Simplicity and ease of use

When Sennheiser launched Evolution Wireless Digital starting with the EW-D series, it quickly caught the attention of J5’s technical team, but it was the introduction of EW-DX that truly impressed them. In late 2023, J5 Productions added 24 channels of EW-DX to their inventory and an additional 16 channels in 2024.

“We did A/B testing with our existing systems and the EW-DX, and it stood out immediately,” says Mr Justin Tan, Founder and Managing Director of J5 Productions. “It’s an extremely versatile digital all-rounder that performs equally well in conference and performance settings.”

In Singapore’s high-pressure live events scene—where time is limited, and expectations run high—streamlined workflow efficiency is essential. “There’s no time to fuss—we need equipment that’s simple, smart, and intuitive, and the EW-DX delivers exactly that,” Mr Justin explains.

Designed with the user in mind

The EW-DX system’s intuitive, user-centric design has proven invaluable for the J5 Productions team. One helpful feature is the e-ink display on the transmitters, which retains information on the display even when the device is powered off.

“During large conferences where many microphones are deployed, unlabelled microphone batteries taken out for charging can quickly lead to confusion and wasted time,” Mr Justin shares. “With the e-ink display, information is always ‘on’, and we no longer need to label the transmitters. It is a small detail, but this saves us a lot of time.”

Another standout feature that won the J5 team over is Bluetooth syncing, which speeds up deployment onsite. Combined with the Smart Assist app, technicians can monitor and control the system remotely via an iPad—no laptop or fixed workstation required.

“With the Smart Assist app, we can move freely during setup or shows while maintaining complete control over the system,” Mr Justin shares. “The user interface is clean, intuitive, and customizable—simple but effective.”

J5 Productions’ arsenal of Sennheiser Wireless Systems
J5 Productions’ arsenal of Sennheiser Wireless Systems

A system that scales and sustains

J5 Productions has since deployed EW-DX at many small and large scale corporate and local government events. One of the most memorable events for them included a large-scale conference, where they had to manage eight stages spanning six exhibition halls and more than 100 microphone channels.

“The Link Density Mode and equidistant channel spacing of EW-DX allow us to deploy many microphones in a congested spectrum environment. This eliminates intermodulation and simplifies frequency coordination,” Mr Justin says. “That is crucial for events with large wireless set-ups where multiple AV vendors compete for bandwidth. It also gives us the confidence to allocate frequencies to other vendors and exhibitors while maintaining performance and reliability on our end.”

Another important plus point of the EW-DX wireless microphone system is the rechargeable batteries. “We used to dispose of a large amount of AA batteries after each event. Now, we’ve significantly reduced battery waste with the use of rechargeable batteries. By cutting down on single-use batteries, the team not only reduces toxic landfill waste but also aligns with a growing industry-wide shift toward more sustainable practices. The major advantage of the EW-DX is its use of rechargeable batteries—a small change with a big environmental impact,” Mr Justin explains.

A partnership built on trust and shared passion

Beyond the product itself, Mr Justin highlights the importance of Sennheiser’s customer service and technical support. “The sales team is always responsive—whether it’s a last-minute quote or a technical query, they go above and beyond to support us,” he says. This partnership is rooted in a shared understanding of the live events industry.

From vision to reality

Mr Justin has always been an audio engineer at heart, guided by an innate passion for sound and precision. For him and his team, success isn’t just about growth—it’s about purpose.

“We are builders, engineers, and creators. To the team, there’s nothing more rewarding than building an event from the ground up—from an empty space into something extraordinary. We aim to serve our clients to the best of our abilities and improve with every project,” Mr Justin says. “Our best work should always be the next one.”

About the Sennheiser Brand – 80 Years of Building the Future of Audio

We live and breathe audio. We are driven by the passion to create audio solutions that make a difference. This passion has taken us from the world’s greatest stages to the quietest listening rooms – and made Sennheiser the name behind audio that doesn’t just sound good: It feels true. In 2025, the Sennheiser brand celebrates its 80th anniversary. Since 1945, we stand for building the future of audio and bringing remarkable sound experiences to our customers.

While professional audio solutions such as microphones, meeting solutions, streaming technologies and monitoring systems are part of the business of Sennheiser electronic SE & Co. KG, the business with consumer devices such as headphones, soundbars and speech-enhanced hearables is operated by Sonova Holding AG under the license of Sennheiser.

www.sennheiser.com 

www.sennheiser-hearing.com

Creality Launches K2 and K2 Pro to Extend Its Premium Flagship Lineup

SHENZHEN, China, Aug. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Today, the world’s leading 3D printer manufacturer Creality is launching K2 and K2 Pro, an expansion to its flagship K series. Based on an ultra-sturdy metal build and an advanced step-servo system, the flagship K2 lineup introduces multicolour & multi-material printing, AI functions, and next-gen performance at two different build volumes, making the most powerful K series Creality has to offer.

Full Lineup of Creality K2 Series
Full Lineup of Creality K2 Series

CFS-Powered Capabilities and Features

Up to 16-Colour Printing Powered by CFS
Up to 16-Colour Printing Powered by CFS

Following last year’s K2 Plus, K2 and K2 Pro are also built for multicolour and multi-material printing. Both models can be paired with CFS for multicolour printing (up to 4 CFS units for a maximum of 16 colours) or to create snap-away or water-soluble support for minimal post-processing. Creality’s CFS also functions as a smart filament system that automatically identifies the colour and filament type you are using (requires Creality RFID filaments) or, upon filament runs out, it automatically relays printing if the same filament is detected in another slot. When not printing, the CFS keeps filaments dry and ready to print with built-in desiccants. The built-in display on CFS shows the humidity and temperature inside and how many CFS are connected.

Ultra-Sturdy Metal Build

Ultra-sturdy Metal Build and Precision Steel Linear Rail Ensuring Stable High-speed Performance.
Ultra-sturdy Metal Build and Precision Steel Linear Rail Ensuring Stable High-speed Performance.

The K2 and K2 Pro, featuring die-cast aluminium alloy frame parts, offer a rock-solid platform for the toolhead’s movement. The X-axis is a rigid steel linear rail that is highly resistant to wear, delivering consistent precision over time. Paired with a step-servo motor system, the printer achieves ultra-fine extrusion for exquisite print details — all while maintaining smooth operation at speeds up to 600 mm/s and acceleration of 20,000 mm/s² (K2 Plus accelerates at a maximum 30,000 mm/s²).

Next-Gen Performance Advancements

Active Chamber Heating and Hardened Steel Nozzle for Advanced Filament Compatibility
Active Chamber Heating and Hardened Steel Nozzle for Advanced Filament Compatibility

Active chamber heating is the vital feature that sets K2 Plus and K2 Pro apart from common 3D printers. The active chamber heating (up to 60 °C/140 °F), coupled with an enclosure, a powerful part cooling fan (K2 Plus has two), and a hardened steel nozzle (up to 40 mm³/s) that is abrasive-resistant, empowers the K2 Pro to tackle demanding and even ultra-high-performance filaments like PA-CF and PPA-CF. While K2 does not feature active chamber heating, K2 performs reliably well with popular engineering filaments such as ABS and PLA-CF.

Cameras for AI Functions

The K2 Series is now even smarter with integrated cameras for AI functions. All three K2 models now feature a chamber-mounted AI camera that enables intelligent error detection, such as spaghetti warning and build plate check — reminding users if the heatbed is empty without a build plate, not an uncommon scenario for makers or print farmers during continuous printing. K2 Pro goes even further with the extra nozzle AI camera, unlocking advanced capabilities like auto-adjusting flow rate and detecting waste chute blockage to secure a higher printing success rate, especially for multicolour printing.

More Features from K2 and K2 Pro

Both K2 and K2 Pro feature Creality’s next-generation levelling method — Smart Auto Levelling, which speeds up bed levelling by probing only where your model will be printed. Connectivity options include USB and 2.4G Wi-Fi on both models, while K2 Pro adds an Ethernet port for enhanced professional workflows. A responsive 4-inch touchscreen makes navigating the interface effortless. Activate Quiet Mode to get an ultra-quiet printing experience. K2 has built-in 8GB of ROM, and K2 Pro has 32GB of ROM — ideal for handling more model files.

Pricing and Availability

K2 and K2 Pro will be available in both standard and combo versions. K2 starts at $549 for the standard model, and $699 for the combo. K2 Pro starts at $849 for the standard model, and $1049 for the combo. Available to order on August 25 — through Creality Official Store, Amazon, and authorised partners.

About Creality

Started in 2014, Creality has been dedicated to making 3D printing accessible to more. The Ender-3, originally launched in 2017, has become one of the best-selling 3D printers. The current flagship K series keeps pushing the limits of what the next-gen maker machines should be like. Other notable series include the Ender, Hi, and CR lineup.

In-house developed software like Creality Print and Creality Cloud App builds a seamless workflow. With a variety of filaments, 3D scanners, laser engravers, and related accessories and parts, Creality offers a one-stop 3D printing solution, bringing infinite possibilities for global makers.

Blitz Electric Mobility, Indonesia’s Leading EV Logistic Enabler, secures Pre-Series A Investment Led by Vynn Capital

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Aug. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Blitz Electric Mobility (Blitz), Indonesia’s leading EV logistics enabler, has closed a Pre-Series A funding round led by Malaysia-based Vynn Capital. 

Blitz Founding Team (from left to right): William So (CFO), Saivya Chauhan (CEO), Charles (COO)
Blitz Founding Team (from left to right): William So (CFO), Saivya Chauhan (CEO), Charles (COO)

This investment marks Vynn Capital’s ongoing commitment through its mobility and supply chain fund, with participation from existing Blitz investor Iterative Capital. The round also brings in notable new backers, including former Andreessen Horowitz general partner Balaji Srinivasan, ex‑PayPal exec Rajesh Venkatesh, and Vinner Ventures. These add to Blitz’s roster of impact-driven institutional investors such as Asian Development Bank (ADB) Ventures, FiveFortyAlpha, BonBillo Fund, and Peak XV.

A Business Model Built for Scale and Sustainability 

Blitz’s asset-light, tech-first approach places it at the forefront of sustainable logistics in Indonesia’s last-mile delivery market. The company addresses three critical challenges: meeting instant delivery demands, overcoming the complexities of scaling in-house logistics, and enabling cleaner, electrified infrastructure. Blitz empowers businesses with scalable, same-day, and instant delivery without the need to own or manage their own fleet assets. 

Blitz operates a growing pool of thousands of gig couriers, providing tailored B2B logistics solutions that include: 

  • 1- to 12-hour instant and same-day deliveries
  • Integrated white-label logistics services
  • Comprehensive delivery management under clients’ own brands 

Unlike other players, Blitz has built a unique model designed for sustainable margins, long-term client partnerships, and embedded EV financing for gig workers. 

In 2024, Blitz had tripled its revenue while cutting its burn rate by over 70%, significantly optimising its operational costs. With a disciplined strategy, the company has achieved substantial profitability improvements.

Now entering a new chapter of disciplined, sustainable growth, Blitz plans to use its secured funding to accelerate expansion across Indonesia. With a sharper focus on efficiency, quality clients, and scalable operations, the company is aligning its resources to drive stronger unit economics and long-term value. This renewed strategy positions Blitz to move confidently toward profitability while continuing to deliver impact at scale. 

“The initial growth phase is behind us. Now, our focus is disciplined scaling. That means maximizing what works and discontinuing what doesn’t,” said Saivya Chauhan, Founder and CEO of Blitz. “This funding reflects confidence in our proven model and positions us to secure capital aligned with our long-term objectives,” added William So, Co-Founder and CFO of Blitz. 

“Blitz is solving a fundamental challenge for businesses in Southeast Asia: how to scale logistics rapidly without the overhead of owning infrastructure,” said Victor Chua, Vynn Capital’s Founding & Managing Partner. “Their model empowers brands to meet growing delivery expectations with speed, reliability, and sustainability. As we double down on our mobility and supply chain thesis, Blitz stands out as a commercially disciplined operator ready to reshape how businesses move goods across the region.”

Blitz’s Key Milestones in 2024 and 2025: Partnerships and Innovation 

  • Forbes Under 30: Blitz and CEO Saivya Chauhan named to Forbes 30 Under 30 List for Consumer & Enterprise Technology (Class of 2025).
  • NVIDIA Inception Partnership: Selected for NVIDIA’s Inception program, gaining advanced AI tools for routing, driver performance analytics, and SLA forecasting.
  • Grab Ventures Collaboration: Integrated Blitz’s EV fleet with Grab’s platform, enhancing sustainable last-mile delivery.
  • Operational Scale: Completed over 14 million deliveries, deployed over 1,000 EV bikes, and logged 220 million electric kilometres.
  • Market Expansion: Grew operational footprint to 60 cities, becoming Indonesia’s largest EV logistics provider. 

Market Size  

Courier, Express, and Parcel Market Size in Indonesia is estimated to be valued at US$7.86 billion in 2025, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.24%. By the end of the decade, the market is expected to reach US$11.15 billion[1], demonstrating significant growth driven by the increasing number of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the rapid expansion of e-commerce in the country. 

About Vynn Capital 

Vynn Capital is an industry-focused early-stage venture capital firm investing in transformative companies across mobility, travel, and supply chains. With deep local networks and a partnership-driven approach, Vynn Capital supports founders through capital and strategic collaboration. Learn more at vynncapital.com.

About Blitz 

Blitz is Indonesia’s largest and leading EV logistics enabler, providing white-labelled, instant, and same-day deliveries powered by electric vehicles and proprietary technology. Visit rideblitz.com

Reference: 

  1. Mordor Intelligence. (2025, March 18). Mordor Intelligence. Global Information, Inc. (GII) – Premium market research reports. https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/indonesia-courier-express-and-parcel-cep-market

 

METABORA GAMES and Baligames to Participate in ‘WebX 2025’ and Showcase New Title ‘Puzzle & Guardians’

  • Core partner of LINE NEXT and Kaia DLT Foundation’s “Mini Dapp Station” at Japan’s largest Web3 conference
  • Unveiling a new hybrid genre that combines casual match-3 puzzles with RPG growth mechanics
  • Launch of teaser page for new product brand “BORA DEEPS” to strengthen user engagement within the BORA ecosystem

SEOUL, South Korea, Aug. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — METABORA GAMES (CEO Choi Se-hoon), a leading blockchain game developer, announced today that it has unveiled its upcoming title ‘Puzzle & Guardians’ in partnership with Baligames (CEO Kim Young-woo) at WebX 2025, Japan’s largest Web3 event.

METABORA GAMES and Baligames to Participate in  ‘WebX 2025’ and Showcase New Title ‘Puzzle & Guardians'
METABORA GAMES and Baligames to Participate in ‘WebX 2025’ and Showcase New Title ‘Puzzle & Guardians’

The two companies are participating as core partners of the Mini Dapp Station, co-hosted by LINE NEXT and the Kaia DLT Foundation, where they are showcasing gameplay videos, offering on-site demo opportunities, and engaging with global users until August 26.

‘Puzzle & Guardians’ is the first LINE Messenger-based mini Dapp game developed through the partnership between the two companies. The hybrid title combines the casual fun of a match-3 puzzle with RPG growth elements, incorporating with Web3 reward mechanisms to deliver a distinctive gameplay experience.

The co-launch partner, Baligames, is a rising Korean game studio founded by core developers behind global hits like the Anipang series. The studio, with extensive experience in mobile game development and live operations, became the first in Korea to secure strategic investment from Sky Mavis, the creators of Axie Infinity, a leading title in the global Web3 game space.

In addition, METABORA GAMES unveiled the teaser page for its new product brand, ‘BORA DEEPS’, at the event. Positioned as a key infrastructure to strengthen user engagement within the BORA ecosystem, ‘BORA DEEPS’ will gradually roll out a variety of services designed to create synergy between content and users.

As its first service, ‘QUEST’, a reward platform that integrates in-game missions with Web3 incentive systems, will be applied to Puzzle & Guardians and officially launched in line with the game’s release.

A METABORA GAMES representative commented, “We are delighted to showcase our upcoming Web3 game, developed in collaboration with a promising partner, to global users through participation in this prestigious global Web3 event. We will continue to strengthen our position as a core partner in producing and distributing competitive Web3 titles within the Dapp Portal, while gradually expanding our game lineup and enhancing the BORA tokenomics.”

About METABORA GAMES

METABORA GAMES is a leading blockchain game developer and the operator of the blockchain platform BORA. With its roots in casual game development and blockchain expertise, the company is driving innovation where Web2 and Web3 entertainment converge.

BORA is a next-level on-chain platform designed to enhance player engagement and experiences. The BORA ecosystem brings together partners across tokenomics, content, and blockchain technology, fostering collaboration throughout gaming, entertainment, and sports.

Through the BORA Network, METABORA operates the BORA Portal, which offers GameFi-optimized services such as NFT trading, token conversion, and DeFi features. With BORA listed on major global cryptocurrency exchanges, METABORA continues to enhance accessibility and expand the usability of its content across the Web3 landscape.

#Appendix
BORA DEEPS teaser page: https://intro.boradeeps.com/intro

ISCA and EY Launch “SCAQ Career Mobility Programme” to Build Southeast Asia’s Next Generation of Chartered Accountants


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 August 2025 – The Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) and Ernst & Young LLP (EY Singapore) have signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on 19 August 2025 to launch the “EY x ISCA SCAQ Career Mobility Programme”. This first-of-its-kind initiative is set to develop, retain, and globally position Southeast Asia’s accounting talents, reinforcing Singapore’s standing as a leading regional hub for accountancy excellence.

The launch comes at a pivotal time for the profession. The global accounting industry is poised for continued growth, driven by digital transformation, sustainability reporting, and expanding cross-border trade. At the same time, the profession faces mounting talent pressures – Singapore alone is projected to require 6,000 to 7,000 additional accountants by 2025, even as local accounting graduate numbers have fallen by more than 10% since 2018.

By targeting high-potential university students from Southeast Asia, especially Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, the programme promotes the Singapore Chartered Accountant Qualification (SCAQ) – a globally recognised pathway that opens doors to international careers – while addressing the region’s widening talent shortage.

“The accounting profession is undergoing transformation, shaped by digitalisation, sustainability, and globalisation. Talent mobility will be critical in ensuring that the profession keeps pace with these changes,” said ISCA President Mr Teo Ser Luck. “Through this partnership with EY, we are building a strong regional pipeline of future-ready Chartered Accountants and reinforcing Singapore’s position as a magnet for professional excellence.”

Under the MOU, ISCA and EY Singapore will collaborate to:

a. Execute the “EY x ISCA SCAQ Career Mobility Programme” to collectively foster accountancy talents from in Southeast Asia, in particular Thailand and Vietnam, to embark on the SCAQ as professional pathway to become a Chartered Accountant;

b. Collectively promote SCAQ as an accountancy professional qualification of choice among university undergraduates in in Southeast Asia, with a focus in Thailand and Vietnam, and to work closely with these universities to have their support;

c. Train accountancy talents and equip them with professional competences to be a fully qualified Chartered Accountant;

d. Foster cross-cultural work experience through opportunities to work in Singapore; and

e. Retain talented accountancy professionals and increase the pool of Chartered Accountants in the long run.

University students who complete the SCAQ Foundation Programme and attain the ISCA Professional Business Accountant designation will be granted a guaranteed interview opportunity with EY Singapore. Those who are subsequently offered full-time graduate positions with EY Singapore will go on to complete the SCAQ Professional Programme and fulfil their Practical Experience with EY Singapore as an Accredited Training Organisation.

Momentum for the SCAQ is already strong, with enrolment jumping 47% year-on-year to exceed 4,200 candidates in 2024. ISCA is targeting more than 7,000 candidates in 2025, many of whom will benefit from initiatives like this to gain cross-border exposure and long-term career opportunities.

Mr Liew Nam Soon, EY Asia East Deputy Regional Managing Partner, EY Asean Managing Partner, also Singapore and Brunei Managing Partner at Ernst & Young LLP, said: “The strength of our profession lies in the talent we nurture. This programme reflects our commitment to develop aspiring Chartered Accountants in Southeast Asia. As a globally integrated organisation, EY has strong experience in harnessing diverse talents to provide quality services to regional clients. With that, we look to help deepen the accounting talent pool across the region, and enable aspiring professionals build cross-cultural knowledge and cross-border work experience to excel in an increasingly interconnected business environment. Including the support toward local professionals pursuing the SCAQ, EY is investing an estimated S$5 million over the next five years to nurture talents in the profession.”

Hashtag: #CareerMobility #MOU #Accountancy #SCAQ

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

Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA)

The Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) is the national accountancy body of Singapore with over 40,000 ISCA members making their stride in businesses across industries in Singapore and around the world. ISCA members can be found in over 40 countries and members based out of Singapore are supported through 12 overseas chapters in 10 countries.

Established in 1963, ISCA is an advocate of the interests of the profession. Complementing its global mindset with Asian insights, ISCA leverages its regional expertise, knowledge, and networks with diverse stakeholders to contribute towards the advancement of the accountancy profession.

ISCA administers the Singapore Chartered Accountant Qualification programme and is the Designated Entity to confer the Chartered Accountant of Singapore – CA (Singapore) – designation.

ISCA is a member of Chartered Accountants Worldwide, a global family that brings together the members of leading institutes to create a community of over 1.8 million Chartered Accountants and students in more than 190 countries.

For more information, visit .

EY

EY is building a better working world by creating new value for clients, people, society and the planet, while building trust in capital markets.

Enabled by data, AI and advanced technology, EY teams help clients shape the future with confidence and develop answers for the most pressing issues of today and tomorrow.

EY teams work across a full spectrum of services in assurance, consulting, tax, strategy and transactions. Fuelled by sector insights, a globally connected, multi-disciplinary network and diverse ecosystem partners, EY teams can provide services in more than 150 countries and territories.

All in to shape the future with confidence.

EY refers to the global organisation, and may refer to one or more, of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. Information about how EY collects and uses personal data and a description of the rights individuals have under data protection legislation are available via ey.com/privacy. EY member firms do not practice law where prohibited by local laws. For more information about our organisation, please visit ey.com.

This news release has been issued by Ernst & Young LLP, a member of the global EY organisation.

Saint Clare School Unveils AI-Backed Learning Management System for Special Education


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 August 2025 – Saint Clare School has launched a powerful new Learning Management System (LMS) designed to transform how teachers plan lessons and create Individualised Education Plans (IEPs) for students with special needs. Leveraging over 15 years of curriculum data and enhanced by generative AI, the platform streamlines planning, boosts teaching efficiency, and strengthens parent-teacher communication, paving the way for scalable, impactful special education both locally and abroad.

Students following AI-designed personalised education plans in class
Students following AI-designed personalised education plans in class

Empowering Teachers and Enhancing Collaboration

Developed in partnership with SOZCODE and guided by Saint Clare’s academic board, the LMS aims to reduce the special needs curriculum development time by 30–50%. Previously, teachers spent hours manually drafting IEPs and lesson plans. Now, they can input basic learning needs, such as “functional academics” or “social skills”, into the system and receive suggested learning goals and lesson ideas through an embedded SPED curriculum bank. Educators can then tailor these suggestions to fit the unique needs of each student.

“At the heart of it, the LMS provides more students with special needs to gain access to structured and validated curriculum especially in countries lacking in critical special needs education support and resources,” said Kelvin Ng, the co-founder of Saint Clare School.

Beyond curriculum support, the LMS features a “Single Child View,” consolidating each student’s class enrolment, IEPs, therapy records, attendance, and communication logs. Teachers, Heads of Department (HODs), and leadership teams can collaborate more efficiently, with each IEP and lesson plan undergoing a structured approval process. Built-in audit logs and timestamped actions ensure transparency and quality control at every step.

The Learning Management System also supports student progress tracking and custom analytics through platforms like Google Looker Studio. Educators can assess IEP effectiveness, identify trends in learning outcomes, and refine teaching approaches based on real data. Parental engagement is also tracked, ensuring timely communication and productive involvement in their child’s educational journey.

Scaling Special Education Across Southeast Asia

Saint Clare School’s long-term vision is to evolve the Learning Management System into a full-fledged SPED operating system, one that can be adopted by special education schools in Singapore and across the region. In late 2025 or early 2026, the system is slated to be piloted in two affiliated schools in Kuala Lumpur and Sabah.

This scalable solution is especially impactful for schools lacking structured special education frameworks. With its comprehensive curriculum bank and alignment to Singapore’s high standards, the platform empowers institutions to deliver credible, individualised learning support without starting from scratch.

With the successful rollout of this Learning Management System, Saint Clare School is leading the charge toward a more efficient, data-driven, and inclusive future for special education.
Hashtag: #SaintClareSchool #GenerativeAI #LearningManagementSystem


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

About Saint Clare School for Special Education

Established in 2007, Saint Clare School is a leading special needs education provider in Singapore, having supported over 2,000 students to date. The school focuses on helping students achieve learning, independent living, or work-related outcomes through individualised education plans tailored to their strengths and challenges. Saint Clare is EDUTRUST-certified by the Committee for Private Education, recognising its commitment to quality. The school has expanded regionally by licensing its curriculum and programmes to partners in Malaysia, with growing interest from Indonesia. To increase its impact, Saint Clare is digitising its curriculum through a scalable Learning Management System.