Strategic alliance between two financial services leaders expands access to private banking across a broader investor base in the UAE
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 January 2026 – WRISE Group, one of the fastest-growing independent wealth management firms, today announced a strategic alliance with The Continental Group, one of the Middle East’s largest and most established insurance intermediary and financial services groups. The partnership marks a significant milestone in WRISE Group’s expansion strategy across the United Arab Emirates and the broader Middle East.
The UAE has rapidly emerged as one of the world’s most important global wealth hubs, driven by sustained economic growth, strong capital inflows, family office migration, favourable regulation, and a growing population of high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth individuals. The region is also witnessing rising demand from entrepreneurs, professionals, and internationally connected families for transparent, cross-border, and technology-enabled wealth solutions — traditionally available only to private banking clients.
The strategic alliance between WRISE Group and The Continental Group democratises access to holistic, institutional-grade wealth solutions for a wider, globally mobile mass-affluent and high-net-worth client base in the Middle East.
By combining WRISE Group’s proprietary digital wealth infrastructure, global product capabilities, and institutional investment access with The Continental Group’s market-leading insurance and risk advisory expertise, strong onshore distribution network of over 250 professionals, and operations spanning the Middle East, Europe and Asia, the alliance delivers a differentiated and scalable wealth proposition for clients through an integrated suite of solutions across protection, savings, investment-linked products, structured investments, digital assets and holistic wealth planning.
It represents a shared vision for the future of wealth management, combining Continental’s deep-rooted regional presence and trusted client relationships with WRISE’s global, technology-enabled multi-family office platform.
“The Middle East, and the UAE in particular, is emerging as a pivotal hub for global wealth flows,” said Derrick Tan, Group Executive Chairman of WRISE Group. “This alliance reinforces WRISE’s role as a bridge between Asian capital, Middle Eastern wealth and global opportunities, and reflects our belief that the future of private banking lies in serving historically underserved clients through transparent, highly personalised and integrated wealth solutions that protect and grow wealth across generations.”
“This partnership represents a shared commitment to raising the standard of financial advice and wealth solutions in the region,” said Akshay Sardana, Group CEO of The Continental Group. “By combining Continental’s deep regional presence and client relationships with WRISE’s global, technology-enabled platform, we are well positioned to deliver transparent, personalised, and future-ready wealth solutions to a wider range of clients at every stage of their financial journey.”
This strategic alliance is part of WRISE Group’s broader strategy to scale its wealth management, insurance brokerage and investment distribution capabilities in the UAE in a structured, compliant and capital-efficient manner. It underscores the company’s disciplined approach to expand in high-growth markets through carefully curated strategic partnerships that deliver long-term, sustainable value for clients, partners and stakeholders. Hashtag: #WRISE #昇世集團
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About WRISE
WRISE is one of Asia’s fastest-growing financial firms, driven by strategic acquisitions of companies with deep expertise and solid foundations. With a strong presence across key financial hubs including Singapore, Dubai, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Changsha and Tokyo, WRISE is home to one of the largest networks of independent qualified advisors. With over 400 employees located globally, supported by an ecosystem of over 200 financial intermediaries and access to eight booking centres worldwide, WRISE ensures unparalleled service and expertise in navigating today’s financial landscape.
WRISE Group of companies include WRISE Wealth Management (Singapore), WRISE Wealth Management (Hong Kong), WRISE Wealth Management Middle East Ltd (DIFC, regulated by the DFSA), WRISE Prestige (Hong Kong) Limited, WRISE Prestige Securities (Hong Kong), WRISE Prestige Asset Management (Hong Kong), WRISE Capital (Hong Kong), WRISE Financial Services (Hong Kong) and affiliates including WeWrise Services.
About The Continental Group
Founded in 1994, The Continental Group is a leading insurance intermediary and financial services solutions provider in the GCC, licensed and regulated by the UAE Central Bank (CBUAE), the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA), and the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA).[i] Built on the pillars of integrity, insight, and innovation, the group has established itself as a trusted household name for financial and insurance solutions across investments, savings, wealth creation, protection, and legacy planning.
[i] Continental is a business name used by a number of Continental Group companies (“Continental“).
Continental Insurance Brokers LLC (Registration Number: 088) is regulated by the Central Bank of the UAE and licensed to conduct insurance brokerage activities. The registered head office is located at Office No. 505, Level 5, Bay Square 11, Dubai, UAE and the branch office is located at Office 1104, 11th Floor, Hamdan Street, (Hamdan & Salam Corner- Abdullah Darwish Building), Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Continental Financial Services LLC (Registration Numbers: 608026) is regulated by the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA), UAE and is regulated to conduct business activities of ‘Financial Analysis, Financial Consultation’ and ‘Product Promotion’. The registered head office is located at No. 503, Level 5, Bay Square 11. Dubai, UAE.
CFS (DIFC) Limited (Registration Number: CL5696) is regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) and licensed to conduct the regulated financial services activities of ‘Advising on Financial Products’ and ‘Arranging Deals in Investments’. CFS is incorporated in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). The registered office is located at Unit 1102B, Level 11, Burj Daman, Dubai International Financial Centre, United Arab Emirates.
TAIPEI, Jan. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As Vietnam’s banking sector enters a new regulatory phase following the issuance of Circular No. 14/2025/TT-NHNN, KPMG and Alpaca Vietnam, part of TPIsoftware Corporation, form a strategic alliance to deliver market-ready Basel III solutions, enabling banks to meet regulatory requirements, strengthen risk governance, and stay on track with their transformation roadmap.
Tran Hong Hai, CEO of Alpaca Vietnam, and Pham Do Nhat Vinh, Head of Financial Services at KPMG, signed the Memorandum of Understanding in Hanoi, witnessed by Yvonne Chien (Executive Vice President of TPIsoftware), along with other members.
Circular No. 14/2025/TT-NHNN formally establishes Basel III as a regulatory compliance requirement for Vietnam’s banking system, introducing a unified supervisory framework alongside enhanced standards for capital adequacy, risk measurement, and regulatory reporting.
In response to these regulatory demands, KPMG and Alpaca jointly provide a comprehensive Basel III solution that is fully developed and proven in practice, supporting banks in adopting Basel III in a structured, efficient, and sustainable manner.
On 6 January 2026, KPMG Tax and Advisory Limited and Alpaca Vietnam Company Limited officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), marking a long-term strategic partnership focused on the deployment and commercialization of Basel III-compliant technology platforms for Vietnam’s banking sector.
Regulatory Context and Implementation Roadmap
Circular No. 14/2025/TT-NHNN, effective from 15 September 2025, establishes the legal framework for Basel III implementation in Vietnam under a phased transition approach. During the transition period until 31 December 2029, banks may continue complying with the existing regulatory regime or proactively register to apply the Standardised Approach (SA) under Circular 14, while preparing the necessary conditions to implement the Internal Ratings-Based (IRB) approach subject to approval by the State Bank of Vietnam.
From 1 January 2030, Circular 14 becomes the unified regulatory basis for capital adequacy calculation, marking a full transition to Basel III standards. Beyond regulatory compliance, Basel III under Circular 14 delivers clear financial benefits by enabling banks to more accurately reflect asset risk profiles, thereby optimising risk-weighted assets (RWA), improving the capital adequacy ratio (CAR), and enhancing overall capital efficiency.
This controlled yet time-bound transition requires banks to accelerate upgrades across data capabilities, risk models, and technology infrastructure – precisely where the Basel III solution delivered through the KPMG – Alpaca collaboration provides tangible value for effective and timely transformation.
Combining Financial Regulatory Expertise with Banking Technology Platforms
The alliance between KPMG and Alpaca Vietnam brings together global-level regulatory advisory expertise and specialised Basel III technology platforms for the banking and financial services sector.
KPMG plays a central role in shaping the compliance framework, translating regulatory requirements and Basel III standards into risk governance models aligned with supervisory expectations. Alpaca, in turn, operationalises these requirements through technology solutions already deployed in practice, supporting capital adequacy calculation, RWA management, stress testing, and regulatory reporting.
Through an integrated delivery approach, the two parties jointly provide end-to-end solutions from regulatory advisory and solution design to system implementation and ongoing operation helping banks shorten transformation timelines, reduce implementation risk, and strengthen supervisory confidence.
Towards Sustainable Compliance and Long-Term Growth
Beyond software delivery, the KPMG – Alpaca partnership builds a Basel III compliance ecosystem, accompanying banks throughout their transformation and operational journey. While KPMG brings deep expertise in risk management standards and a vast client network, Alpaca delivers tech-driven solutions to ensure modernized operations with efficiency and compliance, enabling successful digital transformation.
With deep technology expertise in the banking, financial services and insurance sector, Alpaca has developed and deployed products supporting regulatory compliance, risk management and management reporting, with Basel III as a key focus. The solutions are designed to be standardised, stable and aligned with banking IT environments, meeting requirements for auditability, security and system integration. Leveraging practical implementation experience and a product-driven approach, Alpaca enables banks to accelerate Basel III adoption, reduce transition risks and ensure sustainable operations in line with the roadmap set out under Circular No. 14/2025/TT-NHNN and upcoming regulatory standards.
About the Partners
KPMG KPMG is one of the world’s leading professional services firms, supporting Vietnamese banks in Basel III implementation that meets the requirements in SBV’s Circular 14/2025/TT-NHNN as well as upcoming regulations. With extensive international experience and deep local regulatory knowledge, KPMG helps financial institutions optimise capital strength, enhance transparency, and maintain sustainable operations under evolving supervisory standards.
Alpaca Vietnam Alpaca Vietnam is a strategic technology partner specialising in IT architecture and Basel III compliance systems for the financial sector. Alpaca has delivered digital transformation projects for leading insurance companies in Vietnam, including Bao Long, BSH, ABIC, GIC, and others. In January 2025, Alpaca became part of TPIsoftware Corporation, a Taiwan-based enterprise software technology provider, significantly strengthening its delivery capability and integrating advanced AI technologies. This synergy enables Alpaca to translate complex regulatory requirements into scalable, enterprise-grade banking solutions, helping banks build long-term competitive advantage in the digital era.
Rugby ambassadors Ruby Tui, Nathan Hirayama, and Jerry Tuwai will ignite the crowd with community interactions, meet-and-greets and on-ground festival moments
HSBC SVNS Singapore 2026 schedule unveiled with thrilling showdowns expected
SEA 7s returns alongside HSBC SVNS Singapore 2026 bringing together Southeast Asia’s top teams including Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and more
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 January 2026 – The HSBC SVNS Singapore 2026, affectionately known as the “Family SVNS”, has appointed global rugby sevens icons Ruby Tui, Nathan Hirayama, and Jerry Tuwai as its official ambassadors. They add star power and inspiration to a landmark weekend at the National Stadium at The Kallang that celebrates family, community and all things rugby.
Held on 31 January and 1 February, the HSBC SVNS Singapore 2026 welcomes the world’s best rugby sevens teams to the Lion City. The Southeast Asian 7s (SEA 7s) will return alongside HSBC SVNS Singapore, reinforcing Singapore’s position as the regional hub for the sport.
RUGBY ICONS TO ENGAGE WITH FANS AS OFFICIAL AMBASSADORS
As official ambassadors for HSBC SVNS Singapore 2026, Ruby Tui, Nathan Hirayama, and Jerry Tuwai will play an active role across the week, engaging fans and families both on and off the field.
Jerry Tuwai, former Fiji Sevens captain, is a two-time Olympic gold medalist in Rugby Sevens, and a Sevens World Cup winner. In 2020, he was named World Rugby Men’s Sevens Player of the Decade. A strong advocate of the sport, Tuwai is an ambassador of the Get into Rugby Plus Fiji programme. This is a Sport for Development initiative that leverages the rugby union to promote positive behaviour, gender equality, and prevent violence against women, girls, and boys. Sharing on his upcoming visit to HSBC SVNS Singapore as a rugby ambassador, Tuwai said, “I am excited to be part of the circuit again and looking forward to the programme and engaging with the fans.”
Ruby Tui of New Zealand’s Black Ferns is an Olympic gold medallist, Women’s Rugby World Cup winner and Rugby World Cup Sevens champion, known for her infectious energy and passion for growing the game.
“I am so excited to be part of HSBC SVNS Singapore 2026, especially on a weekend that brings audiences and families right into the heart of the action,” she said. “Rugby gives me confidence, belonging and joy, and I love seeing how events like this can spark that same feeling for fans across the region. The energy in Southeast Asia is incredible, and I cannot wait to share that with the community.”
A former Canada Sevens captain and Olympic flag bearer, Nathan Hirayama became a fan favourite in Singapore after leading Canada to victory at the HSBC Singapore Sevens in 2017 and earning Player of the Final honours. Since stepping away from international competition, Hirayama has remained closely involved in the sport, transitioning into leadership, coaching and mentoring roles. He champions rugby development and high-performance pathways and works as a speaker to inspire the next generation of players on and off the field.
“Singapore has always been a special place in my rugby journey and returning to The Kallang as an ambassador feels incredibly meaningful,” he said. “The energy here is unlike anywhere else, and it has been amazing to see how the sport has grown across Southeast Asia over the years. Coming back to be part of a weekend that brings together world-class rugby, regional pride and passionate fans is something I am truly excited about.”
The ambassadors will be at community-facing activities such as meet-and-greet sessions, fan engagements and youth-focused interactions. Together, Ruby Tui, Nathan Hirayama, and Jerry Tuwai will help champion the values of inclusion, connection and accessibility that define Singapore’s signature family-friendly rugby experience.
HSBC SVNS SINGAPORE 2026 FIXTURES ANNOUNCED
Organisers have revealed the schedule for the HSBC SVNS Singapore 2026. France (Women) will face Canada (Women) in the opening match of the tournament on 31 January, while France (Men) and New Zealand (Men) will go head-to-head as the first men’s fixture later that day. More information about the schedule is here.
Women Pool A
Women Pool B
Men Pool A
Men Pool B
Australia
New Zealand
South Africa
Argentina
USA
France
Fiji
France
Japan
Canada
Great Britain
New Zealand
Fiji
Great Britain
Spain
Australia
As the first SVNS event of 2026, HSBC SVNS Singapore will set the celebratory tone for the season ahead. The addition of SEA 7s finals to the weekend lineup strengthens the local rugby ecosystem by giving families and fans the opportunity to rally behind regional teams while also enjoying the HSBC SVNS Singapore experience, where elite rugby meets a premium sports carnival for all ages.
SEA 7S FINALS RETURNS TO THE NATIONAL STADIUM AT THE KALLANG
Held alongside HSBC SVNS Singapore 2026, the SEA 7s returns as a key highlight of Singapore’s signature family-friendly rugby festival that blends elite global competition with regional pride. The finals will be held at the National Stadium at The Kallang on 31 January 2026.
Organised by the Singapore Rugby Union (SRU), the SEA 7s is an open invitational tournament staged alongside HSBC SVNS Singapore to offer regional teams not only a highly competitive platform, but also the opportunity to compete on a world-class pitch alongside the sport’s global stars. This year’s edition brings together eight nations, from established contenders to emerging teams, uniting them at The Kallang in a celebration of regional pride, rising talent and the shared ambition to grow rugby across Southeast Asia.
“We’re incredibly proud to host the 2026 SEA 7s in Singapore, a celebration of Southeast Asian rugby, teamwork, and community,” said Sidney Kumar, General Manager of SRU. “The SEA 7s is more than just competition; it’s a showcase of the passion and progress of rugby across our region. Hosting the tournament here not only allows us to highlight our national teams and the shared commitment among ASEAN nations to grow the game together, it also provides our men and women’s 7s teams an opportunity to play the finals at the National Stadium. We look forward to welcoming teams, fans and families from across the region to the Lion City for a festival of fast, exciting rugby and friendship.”
The Singapore Women’s Rugby 7s team will return as defending SEA 7s champions after clinching their first-ever title last year. Their historic victory inspired many young girls and families to discover the sport, and the team is relishing the opportunity to defend the crown on home soil.
“It’s an honour getting the opportunity to play at the world class National Stadium, and to have the tournament happening alongside the prestigious world sevens series. What’s even more special is having friends and family right there cheering you on,” said Victoria Chew, Singapore Rugby Women’s 7s Captain.
Several teams arrive in Singapore carrying strong momentum from recent regional competitions, adding extra intrigue to this year’s SEA 7s finals. The Thailand Men’s Rugby 7s team, reigning SEA 7s champions, come into the tournament in confident form following a strong run at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games where they clinched gold. Meanwhile, Malaysia’s men’s and women’s rugby teams finished as runners-up in SEA 7s 2025, and are looking to go one better this year. “The Malaysian team has been training hard, and we can’t wait to see their skill and passion shine at SEA 7s 2026,” said Fahmy Jalil, Secretary General, Malaysia Rugby Union. “With a mix of experienced seniors and talented juniors, I believe it will create a positive impact and inspire more young players and families to get involved in the sport.”
Tickets Available Now
Tickets for HSBC SVNS Singapore 2026 are on sale now. Get them before general sale ends on 19 January. Youth tickets are priced from $49 (ages 4–17) and adult tickets from $79. Families and groups can also enjoy ticket packages starting from $41.80 per person for a group of five, valid across both days of the event. From grandparents to the youngest fans, the HSBC SVNS Singapore 2026 promises a memorable weekend at The Kallang, where families, friends and fans can come together to cheer, celebrate and enjoy the excitement of world-class rugby. Ticketing information here.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
The Kallang
The Kallang (formerly the Singapore Sports Hub) is Singapore’s epicentre of excitement and the destination of choice for sport, entertainment, lifestyle and community events in Asia Pacific. Managed by The Kallang Group (formerly Kallang Alive Sport Management), The Kallang is a vibrant ecosystem in the heart of Singapore that is building on its rich legacy as a national stage and cultural landmark by hosting and organising world-class sporting events, live entertainment and inclusive community activities. The Kallang is where people come together to celebrate, play and connect – to feel alive.
Home to unique, best-in-class sports and entertainment facilities within the city, The Kallang plays an integral role in accelerating the development of Singapore’s sports and tourism industry. The Kallang includes the following facilities:
A 55,000-capacity National Stadium with a retractable roof and movable tiered seating
A 12,000-capacity Singapore Indoor Stadium with pillarless interior
A 6,000-capacity OCBC Aquatic Centre that meets World Aquatics standards
A 3,000-capacity OCBC Arena which is scalable and flexible in layout
Kallang Tennis Hub, Singapore’s first international tournament-ready indoor tennis facility
Kallang Football Hub housing Singapore’s National Training Centre for football
Water Sports Centre featuring kayaking and canoeing
41,000 sqm Kallang Wave Mall, including indoor climbing wall and Splash-N-Surf facility (Kids Waterpark, Stingray and Lazy River)
Promenade that encircles the National Stadium
Singapore Youth Olympic Museum & Singapore Sports Museum
Shimano Cycling World
Daily community facilities and activities, including beach volleyball, hard courts (futsal, basketball and netball), lawn bowls, giant chess, skate park and running & cycling paths.
For more information, please visit The Kallang’s website:
HSBC SVNS Singapore, held at the Singapore National Stadium located at The Kallang, is the only stop in Southeast Asia for the World Rugby HSBC SVNS series. The 2026 edition in Singapore offers a thrilling weekend of elite sport and festival-style entertainment as the top eight men’s and women’s teams from the previous season battle it out at the National Stadium. HSBC SVNS Singapore, affectionately known as the “Family SVNS, places family fun at the heart of the action. From the stands to the festival grounds, the Family SVNS brings the excitement of rugby to life across The Kallang. This event is organised by The Kallang Group, supported by Sport Singapore, Singapore Tourism Board and Singapore Rugby Union, and partners including Conrad Singapore Marina Bay (Official Hotel), AirAsia (Official Airline), H-TWO-O (Official Hydration).
MALACCA, Malaysia, Jan. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Birkin International Hotel is set to welcome 2026 with two major festive dining celebrations, featuring a vibrant Chinese New Year Buffet Dinner and the much-anticipated “Gulai Kawah Tradisi” Ramadan Buffet. Designed to bring families, friends, and colleagues together, these promotions highlight the hotel’s commitment to celebrating cultural traditions through exceptional food and warm hospitality.
Celebrate the season of togetherness at Birkin International Hotel. Indulge in our festive Chinese New Year spread, featuring auspicious Yee Sang and classic favourites, then continue the celebration with our comforting and flavourful Ramadan buffet, thoughtfully prepared for fast-breaking moments.
Chinese New Year 2026: Festive Buffet Takes Centre Stage
In celebration of Chinese New Year 2026, Birkin International Hotel invites guests to indulge in its Chinese New Year Buffet Dinner, specially curated to capture the joy, abundance, and togetherness of the Lunar New Year.
The buffet will be available on 16th, 17th and 18th February 2026, from 6:30pm to 10:00pm, at Birkin Kitchen. Guests can look forward to a wide selection of festive favourites and classic Chinese New Year dishes, carefully prepared to reflect the spirit of reunion and prosperity.
The Chinese New Year Buffet Dinner is priced at MYR180+ per adult and MYR126+ for children and senior citizens, making it an ideal dining option for families, group gatherings, and corporate celebrations looking for a lively and celebratory atmosphere.
To complement the buffet experience, Birkin International Hotel also offers Prosperity Toss (Yee Sang) from 26 January to 3 March 2026. Available in three variations — Prosperity Ahead, Abundance Year, and Abalone Fortune — the Yee Sang symbolises good fortune, success, and abundance, and serves as a meaningful addition to any Chinese New Year celebration.
For guests seeking a more private dining experience, the hotel’s Chinese Set Menu will be available till 3rd March 2026, served in private rooms from 6:30pm to 10:00pm. Designed for intimate group gatherings and corporate dinners, the set menu offers a convenient and elegant way to close the year or celebrating new year with family, friends, or business partners.
Ramadan 2026: Gulai Kawah Tradisi Buffet
As the holy month approaches, Birkin International Hotel continues its tradition of bringing people together through food with the “Gulai Kawah Tradisi” Ramadan Buffet, running from 27 February to 19 March 2026, daily from 6:30pm to 10:00pm.
This signature buffet showcases authentic Malaysian heritage cuisine, with a strong emphasis on traditional flavours and communal dining. Highlights include the much-loved Kambing Gulai Kawah, alongside a generous spread featuring Rusa Golek, Kambing Golek, Nasi Arab, Ayam Bakar Tandoori, Ayam Panggang Maharani, Ketam Bunga Masak Lemak, Murtabak Tomahawk, Ekor Asam Pedas, Sup Sum-sum, and a variety of other local favourites.
The Ramadan buffet is priced at RM205+ for adults, with a special RM165+ rate for children, senior citizens, and early bird purchases made before 31 January 2026. Adding further value, guests can also enjoy the “Buy 10 Free 1” promotion, making it ideal for large family iftar gatherings, corporate events, and group bookings.
A Celebration of Culture, Community and Culinary Excellence
“These festive promotions reflect our commitment to celebrating Malaysia’s rich cultural diversity through food and meaningful experiences,” said Kevin Lee, General Manager of Birkin International Hotel. “Whether welcoming the Lunar New Year with prosperity and joy or breaking fast together during Ramadan, we aim to create memorable moments for our guests.”
Advance reservations are strongly recommended, and all promotions are subject to availability. Prices are subject to prevailing Sales and Service Tax (SST).
Birkin International Hotel (BIH) is a new coastal haven located in Klebang, Melaka, offering guests the perfect blend of seaside serenity and the cultural charm of heritage Melaka. Guided by the principles of excellence, innovation, and social responsibility, BIH delivers unforgettable experiences while fostering strong community ties.
SINGAPORE, Jan. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — HistoIndex, a pioneer in AI-driven digital pathology solutions for chronic liver disease, has announced a strategic partnership with Houston Research Institute (HRI). HRI is a leading research institute focused on conducting clinical trials in hepatology and gastroenterology, with a special emphasis on metabolic liver disease. The institute delivers high-quality research that complements the medical care that volunteers receive through their routine care center.[1]
This collaboration represents a key step in HistoIndex’s growing network of commercial partnerships with hepatology and gastroenterology medical centers across the United States and Europe. Through these partnerships the company will provide advanced diagnostic testing services to patients with Metabolic Dysfunction–associated Steatohepatitis (MASH), supporting more precise disease assessment and clinical decision-making.
Under the partnership, all four HRI medical centers – Houston Research Institute Pasadena, Houston Research Institute Sugar Land, Houston Research Institute, and Houston Research Institute Medical Center – will have access to HistoIndex’s integrated diagnostic offering, which combines expert histopathological evaluation by experienced pathologists with advanced AI-based biopsy analysis.
To complement standard-of-care histological evaluation of MASH, for steatosis, lobular inflammation, ballooning and fibrosis, HistoIndex will also offer its proprietary AI-based diagnostic test, FibroSIGHT™ Plus, which delivers fully quantitative assessment of liver fibrosis in MASH liver biopsies.
“Partnering with Houston Research Institute represents a significant step forward in our mission to bring quantitative, AI-enabled pathology into MASH clinical care,” said Dr. Yukti Choudhury, Chief Development Officer at HistoIndex. “We provide a unique AI-enhanced diagnostic service package to our clients, and by centralizing both traditional and AI-enhanced workflows, we are able to streamline turnaround times, maintain rigorous quality standards across every specimen.”
From the clinical perspective, the collaboration enhances diagnostic capabilities across HRI’s centers.
“This partnership with HistoIndex expands our ability to offer advanced, high-quality diagnostic services to patients with MASH,” commented Dr. Mazen Noureddin, MD, MHS, Director at Houston Research Institute, and a Co-Chairman of the Board Summit and Pinnacle Clinical Research. “Integrating expert histopathology with quantitative AI-based fibrosis analysis strengthens our diagnostic capabilities and supports more informed clinical decision-making across our liver centers.”
The collaboration between HistoIndex and HRI reflects a shared commitment to bringing combined expert histopathology and AI-based fibrosis analysis to MASH patients across the U.S.
About MASH
Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Steatohepatitis (MASH) is a progressive form of Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) characterized by steatosis, ballooning degeneration and inflammation, which can lead to fibrosis (scarring), cirrhosis, liver failure and an increased risk of liver cancer. Pathologist assessment of liver biopsy remains the gold standard for diagnosing and assessing the severity of MASH. Histological categorial scoring systems are often used as surrogate endpoints to evaluate drug efficacy in MASH clinical trials. These endpoints are limited in capturing the complex and heterogeneous nature of the disease. As a result, there is a growing need for more accurate and reliable tools, such as AI-based digital pathology solutions, to improve the assessment of treatment response and disease severity in MASH.
About HistoIndex
Founded in 2010, HistoIndex pioneers in stain-free, fully automated imaging solutions for visualizing and quantifying fibrosis in biological tissues. By combining cutting-edge biophotonic technology with AI-based analysis, HistoIndex provides innovative tools to improve the assessment of fibrosis changes and drug efficacy. HistoIndex’s breakthrough digital pathology solutions are currently used in accelerating clinical research, expediting pharmaceutical drug development, and transforming medical standards.
HONG KONG, Jan. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Futu Trustee Limited, a subsidiary of Futu Holdings Limited (Nasdaq: FUTU), officially unveiled the Futu Pension Family Trust on January 9, 2026, during a concurrent session at the “2025 Hong Kong Wealth Management Summit & 12th Hong Kong Listed Companies 100 Awards Ceremony”.
Tailored specifically for Hong Kong’s middle-class families, this innovative product integrates retirement planning with wealth succession. Leveraging advanced financial technology, it slashes the traditional family trust entry threshold from tens of millions of Hong Kong dollars down to just HK$3 million, while maintaining transparent and highly affordable fees — signaling the arrival of truly inclusive trust services in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong’s population is aging rapidly. As of 2024, individuals aged 65 and above already account for over 22% of the total population. The widespread “4-2-1” family structure, combined with persistently low birth rates, has rendered the conventional “raise children to support you in old age” model increasingly unsustainable. Middle-class families are confronting three critical retirement challenges:
Longevity risk — outliving one’s savings
Dementia or incapacity risk — assets becoming inaccessible or unusable
Market volatility risk — erosion of wealth due to investment fluctuations
Conventional family trusts, with their high minimums, steep fees, and complex setup processes, remain out of reach for the vast majority of middle-class households.
The Futu Pension Family Trust harnesses technology to completely re-engineer the trust experience, delivering three major breakthroughs:
Three Core Advantages Redefining Trust Services
Ultra-low entry threshold: Only HK$3 million in assets required to access professional asset protection and succession planning — a reduction of more than 90% compared to traditional offerings.
Transparent and affordable pricing: One-time setup fee of HK$28,000; annual management fee starting at HK$10,000 (equivalent to approximately 0.2%–0.3% of assets under management). Cash injections and trust termination are completely free, with no hidden charges.
Fully digital and seamless experience: Entire process completed online, with real-time asset visibility, setup in just 2–3 weeks, and 24/7 intelligent client support — delivering unprecedented convenience.
A Comprehensive One-Stop Retirement & Succession Ecosystem Safeguarding Your Later Years
Far more than a mere legal structure, this product creates a fully integrated closed-loop ecosystem:
A single account enables diversified global allocation across stocks, funds, and bonds, with access to over 150 open-ended funds on the Futu Wealth platform at zero subscription/redemption fees.
Supports injection of annuities, participating savings plans, and large-sum life insurance policies, with claim proceeds automatically distributed according to the settlor’s instructions.
Includes a direct payment mechanism for incapacity protection, allowing automatic payments to premier institutions such as Tai Kang Community, China Taiping • Mumian Homes, Harmony Family Healthcare, and other top-tier medical and elderly care providers.
Combines robust legal safeguards under the Trust Deed with flexible updates via a Letter of Wishes, enabling the trust to adapt seamlessly to evolving family needs.
Strong Credentials and Substantial Scale
Futu Trustee currently oversees trust assets exceeding US$20 billion and has served more than 600 corporate and family clients. The company holds dual trust licenses in both Hong Kong(SAR) and Singapore.
Ben Lin, CEO of Futu Trustee, commented: “Market volatility and changes in health are both unpredictable. At Futu Trustee, we remain steadfast in faithfully executing our clients’ wishes. Through the power of technology, we strive to transform retirement planning and wealth succession from a luxury into an accessible right for every middle-class family.”
Mr. Ben Lin, CEO of Futu Trustee
For more information, please visit the official Futu Trustee website at www.fututrustee.com or contact our client service team.
Disclaimer: The above content does not constitute any act of financial product marketing, investment offer, or financial advice. Before making any investment decision, investors should consider the risk factors related to investment products based on their own circumstances and consult professional investment advisors where necessary.
Partnerships with SkillsFuture Singapore and Equinix anchor research on AI’s impact on jobs, skills and lifelong learning
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 January 2026– Singapore Management University (SMU) today announced the launch of the Resilient Workforces Institute (ResWORK), a new university-level research institute advancing workforce resilience and lifelong learning amid accelerating technological change. It is among the first institutes in Singapore and the region to jointly study adult-learning and the future of work through an integrated, interdisciplinary lens spanning economics, management, behavioural science and technology.
Launch of SMU Resilient Workforces Institute [right to left: Professor Alan Chan, SMU Provost, Guest-of-Honour Dr Janil Puthucheary, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment, Mr Tan Kok Yam, Chief Executive, SkillsFuture Singapore, Professor Lily Kong, SMU President, and Professor Archan Misra, Vice Provost (Research); Interim Director of SMU Resilient Workforces Institute]
Dr Janil Puthucheary, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment, graced the launch as Guest-of-Honour. In his remarks, Dr Janil highlighted the importance of partnerships with industry, enabled by research, in overcoming workforce disruptions brought about by artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies.
Professor Lily Kong, President, Singapore Management University, said: “The launch of the Resilient Workforces Institute reflects SMU’s commitment to research that matters – research that shapes public policy, informs organisational practice and ultimately strengthens the resilience of Singapore’s workforce. By bringing together insights across disciplines, ResWORK will help Singapore and the region navigate the profound changes reshaping work and learning in the age of AI.”
ResWORK will serve as a focal point for trans-disciplinary research across SMU, organised around three core pillars:
Optimising Human-Machine Collaboration: enabling workers to learn and perform effectively alongside AI, machines and robotics
Transforming Organisations: redesigning business processes, leadership and work practices for AI-enabled workplaces
Maximising Societal Human Capital: analysing labour-market transitions and shaping policies that promote inclusive, gainful employment
Research momentum has already begun ahead of the formal launch, with ResWORK having secured the participation of several globally renowned visiting scholars and over 20 faculty members across SMU’s six schools. ResWORK faculty has recently initiated nine internally seed-funded research projects, as well as multiple externally funded research programs, collectively worth over S$1.5 million in funding.
These early projects reflect the Institute’s emphasis on applied, policy-relevant research developed in collaboration with public agencies and industry partners. (Note: See Annex A for a list of research projects that were awarded seed grants.)
SMU has committed S$5 million over five years to anchor the Institute, with a goal of securing an additional S$8 million in external research funding within three years, enabling ResWORK to scale its partnerships and research programmes over time.
Professor Archan Misra, Vice Provost (Research) and Interim Director of ResWORK, said: “ResWORK is built on the belief that AI-led change will reshape opportunity rather than displace it. Our research agenda is designed to move beyond diagnosis to solutioning—working with government agencies, employers and other partners to generate evidence that informs policy, organisational practice and lifelong learning systems. I’m enthused to see how colleagues across the spectrum of Management, Economics and Computing disciplines have already come together to collectively frame a positive research agenda that formulates AI-led workplace transformations as an economic opportunity, as well as a driver of innovations in adult learning practices. The launch builds on momentum that is already underway and marks the start of SMU’s sustained efforts to help shape a resilient, future-ready workforce.”
Anchoring National Workforce Priorities through Collaboration with SkillsFuture Singapore
At the launch, SMU and SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) also signed a two-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to mutually identify and drive strategic research on how Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital technologies, and generational changes in work preferences are transforming job tasks, skills demand and career and learning pathways, and translate these insights into policies that sustain employability and inclusive growth.
In addition, it will look into how adult learning systems can be redesigned for higher participation, retention and impact, and how organisations can combine human and machine capabilities to raise productivity while preserving meaningful work.
Mr Tan Kok Yam, Chief Executive of SkillsFuture Singapore said: “Our partnership with SMU on ResWORK is driven by a singular objective: to future-proof the national SkillsFuture system. By future-proofing, we mean that adult learning must adapt to the effects of emerging, rapidly changing technologies to workforce dynamics, so that the training received by learners best equips them for these changes. The system also must acquire a deep understanding of what employers want from their workers, where and how jobs have changed in nature, and what skills and attributes allow workers to best succeed. ResWORK seeks to help build such capabilities for our national adult training system.”
Industry Partnerships Driving Applied Research on AI Disruption and Workforce Resilience
Complementing the national collaboration with SSG, ResWORK will work with industry partners to translate research into practice.
SMU received a contribution of S$450,000 from Equinix to advance applied research under ResWORK. The contribution will support a flagship systemic research project on occupational exposure to AI within Singapore’s labour market.
Led by Professor Li Jia, Dean, School of Economics; Lee Kong Chian Professor of Economics; (courtesy appointment in the Lee Kong Chian School of Business) Econometrics Lead, SMU Urban Institute, the study will develop Singapore’s leading reproducible, transparent and publicly accessible index measuring AI exposure in new job vacancies across occupations, industries and worker segments. By analysing job advertisements and task requirements over time, the research will track how AI-related skills and task demands are evolving, and generate insights to inform workforce planning, reskilling programmes and employment policy.
This collaboration marks the first corporate-funded research initiative under ResWORK and reflects the Institute’s emphasis on data-driven, policy-relevant research with real-world impact.
Said Ms Leong Yee May, Managing Director, Equinix Singapore, “Equinix and SMU have enjoyed a long and collaborative partnership aimed at building a sustainable digital future. By partnering with SMU on its Resilient Workforce initiative, we’re investing in research that will help position Singapore as a regional leader on AI and the future of work, informing the design of targeted policies like reskilling programs.”
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Annex A: ResWORK Seed-Funded Research Projects
Ahead of its formal launch, the Resilient Workforces Institute (ResWORK) has initiated nine seed-funded research projects, reflecting early momentum and active collaboration across SMU’s schools. These projects are organised around ResWORK’s three core pillars and focus on applied, policy-relevant research in partnership with public and private organisations.
Pillar 1: Optimising Human-Machine Collaboration
Research on technologies and tools (AR/VR, AI) that enable individuals to both learn and execute future tasks in collaboration with AI, machines and robots.
1. Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education: Evaluating AI Outputs and Metacognition of Law Students Theme: Technologies for Augmenting Adult Learning Principal Investigator: Gary CHAN Kok Yew, Full-time Faculty, Professor of Law, Yong Pung How School of Law Why this matters: As AI tools enter education and professional training, this project examines how law students learn to critically evaluate AI outputs and reflect on them as part of their training to be legal professionals in the near future.
About the Project: This project examines how law students assess AI-generated legal reasoning, focusing on metacognitive awareness, reflective judgment, and responsible AI use. Using tort law as a testbed, it studies how learners adopt, revise or reject AI outputs, and identifies best practices for evaluating accuracy, clarity and reasoning quality. The findings will inform ethical AI integration in education and professional training.
Research Impact: Supporting and enhancing law students’ critical evaluation of and reflective judgement on AI outputs
2. Unfolding Motivation in Adult Learning with Generative AI Theme: Technologies for Augmenting Adult Learning Principal Investigator: NGO Chong Wah, Full-time Faculty, Lee Kong Chian Professor of Computer Science, Director, Human-Machine Collaborative Systems Cluster, ResWORK Fellow, School of Computing and Information Systems Co-PI: Gary Pan @ SOA; Clarence Goh @ SOA; Venky Shankararaman @ SCIS; Dragan Gasevic @ Monash University Why this matters: Mid-career workers are expected to reskill continuously, yet motivation and engagement remain major barriers to lifelong learning.
About the Project: This project investigates how generative AI can personalise adult learning to sustain motivation among mid-career learners balancing work, study and life demands. It develops a GenAI-powered learning system that provides conversational, self-regulated learning support through interaction with large language models. By analysing learning behaviour, dialogue patterns and behavioural signals, the research identifies how AI-driven scaffolding can improve engagement and learning persistence in adult education.
Research Impact: This project aims to uncover motivational processes in adult learning to inform the design of AI learning systems.
3. Building Reflection Competencies for Human-AI Collaboration: A Multi-Agent Training System Theme: Changing Professional Practices in the Workplace Principal Investigator: NAH, Fiona Fui-Hoon, Full-time Faculty, Professor of Information Systems, ResWORK Fellow, School of Computing and Information Systems Collaborators: Jiaqi WU YOUNG, PhD student @ SCIS; Ming WANG, Visiting PG Research student @ SCIS Why this matters: Organisations often adopt AI faster than workers develop the skills to critically evaluate it, leading to over reliance or under reliance, declining judgment and missed productivity gains.
About the Project: This project addresses the problem of “cognitive debt” in AI-enabled workplaces by developing a multi-agent reflection training system embedded in AI tools. Drawing on motivation and behavioural theories, it designs and tests interventions that encourage users to reflect on, scrutinise and evaluate AI outputs. The research aims to provide scalable training approaches that balance AI adoption with human judgment and oversight.
Research Impact: Overcoming AI users’ cognitive debt through reflection training for a resilient workforce
4. Adaptive Skill Transfer: Reinforcement-Learned Scaffolding for Cognitive Personalisation in Adult Learning Theme: Adult Learning Transfer Principal Investigator: Pradeep Reddy VARAKANTHAM, Full-time Faculty, Professor of Computer Science, Director, CARE.AI Lab, Coordinator, BSc (CS) Artificial Intelligence Track, School of Computing and Information Systems Co-PI: Annabel Chen Shen-Hsing, NTU Collaborator: Swapna Gottipati @ SCIS, SMU Why this matters: Reskilling often fails because learning systems ignore the cognitive strengths adults already possess.
About the Project: This research explores how adaptive AI systems can accelerate adult learning by leveraging existing reasoning and problem-solving abilities. Implemented within an adaptive learning platform, the project uses cognitive assessment and reinforcement learning to personalise both content and thinking strategies. By making skill transfer explicit and efficient, the study aims to improve learning speed, retention and reskilling outcomes.
Research Impact: Transforming adult reskilling from simple content delivery into a personalised, AI-driven bridge that leverages existing reasoning strengths to accelerate the mastery of complex skills
5. The Effects of AI-Based Cognitive Offloading on Metacognitive Skills and Learning Transfer in Adult Professional Learners Theme: Adult Learning Transfer Principal Investigator: YANG Hwajin, Full-time Faculty, Professor of Psychology, Associate Dean (Research), Lee Kong Chian Fellow, ResWORK Fellow, School of Social Sciences Co-PI: Sarah Wong @ SOSS; Gary Pan @ SOA; Andree Hartanto @ SOSS Collaborator: Wong Zi Yang, Research Fellow, SMU Why this matters: While AI can make work easier, excessive reliance on it may weaken learning, judgment, and long-term skill development.
About the Project: This project examines how using AI tools affects adult learners’ metacognitive awareness (monitoring and regulating one’s learning) and learning transfer (applying knowledge to new situations) in professional development. Using a randomised controlled design, the study compares guided and unguided AI use to determine whether guided AI use enhances these cognitive skills or if unguided use undermines them through excessive cognitive offloading.
Research Impact: The findings will inform the development of AI-enabled training frameworks that promote durable learning, reflective thinking, and transferable skills among working adults.
6. Towards Measurable, Governed Onboarding for Human–AI Teams Theme: Open Category Principal Investigator: LEE, Min Hun, Full-time Faculty, Assistant Professor of Computer Science, School of Computing and Information Systems Why this matters: AI adoption often fails not because of model accuracy, but because of people and workflow – users do not know when to trust, question or correct AI systems.
About the Project: This project transforms AI onboarding into an interactive, measurable learning experience that teaches users how to collaborate effectively with AI. Using a structured “Understand-Control-Improve” framework, it develops tools that promote calibrated trust, explainability, and safe intervention. The research aims to establish robust methods for governed human-AI collaboration in real-world decision-making workflows.
Research Impact: This project develops measurable, governed methods for human-AI collaboration that enable safe and effective AI adoption in real-world decision-making workflows.
PILLAR #2: TRANSFORMING ORGANISATIONS
7. Valuing Flexible Work Arrangements: A Discrete Choice Experiment with Employers and Employees in Singapore Theme: Changing Professional Practices in the Workplace Pillar: #2 / #3 Principal Investigator: KIM Seonghoon, Full-time Faculty, Associate Professor of Economics, Deputy Director, Centre for Research on Successful Ageing (ROSA), School of Economics Co-PI: Cao Wenjia @ SOE, SMU Collaborator: Kanghyock Koh, Korea University Why this matters: Flexible work is now a national priority, yet evidence on its true value to employers and employees remains limited.
About the Project: This study quantifies how employers and employees value flexible work arrangements using large-scale discrete choice experiments. By estimating wage-equivalent trade-offs for different forms of flexibility, it provides evidence to inform organisational decisions and policy implementation following Singapore’s Tripartite Guidelines on Flexible Work Arrangement Requests. The research supports more sustainable, inclusive and productive workplace design.
8. Job insecurity and employee motivation Theme: Changing Professional Practices in the Workplace Principal Investigator: Nina SIROLA, Full-time Faculty, Assistant Professor of Organisational Behaviour & Human Resources, ResWORK Fellow, Lee Kong Chian School of Business Why this matters: Rising job insecurity can quietly erode motivation and performance, even in organisations investing heavily in transformation. About the Project: This project examines how managers’ beliefs about job-insecure employees influence leadership behaviour and intrinsic motivation. Rather than focusing only on worker stress, it identifies manager-driven mechanisms that can either undermine or sustain motivation. Through experimental and field studies, the research develops low-cost leadership interventions to support employee engagement and well-being during periods of uncertainty. Research Impact: This project highlights how managers’ beliefs and leadership behaviours can either undermine or sustain the intrinsic motivation of job-insecure workers, pointing to a low-cost, belief-based lever for resilience.
PILLAR #3: MAXIMISING SOCIETAL HUMAN CAPITAL
9. Measuring the Impact of AI and Large Language Models on Singapore’s Labour Market: Constructing a Task-Level Exposure Index Theme: Open Category Principal Investigator: LI Jia, Full-time Faculty, Dean, School of Economics, Lee Kong Chian, Professor of Economics, Econometrics Lead, SMU Urban Institute (courtesy appointment in the Lee Kong Chian School of Business) Collaborator: Zhang Dandan, Peking University
Why this matters: Policymakers and employers need clear evidence on which jobs are most exposed to AI, and which are likely to benefit from it.
About the Project: This project develops Singapore’s first task-level AI-LLM Exposure Index by combining job posting data with detailed task information. Using novel econometric methods to address measurement uncertainty, it distinguishes between complementary and substitutive effects of AI on human labour. The resulting indices will inform workforce planning, reskilling strategies and national employment policy.
Research Impact: Measuring AI’s disruptive and enabling effects on Singapore’s labour market
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The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About SMU
A premier university in Asia, SMU is internationally recognised for its world-class research and distinguished teaching. Established in 2000, SMU’s mission is to generate leading-edge research with global impact and to produce broad-based, creative, and entrepreneurial leaders for the knowledge-based economy. SMU’s education is known for its highly interactive, collaborative, and project-based approach to learning.
Home to over 13,000 students across undergraduate, postgraduate professional and postgraduate research programmes, SMU comprises of eight schools: School of Accountancy, Lee Kong Chian School of Business, School of Economics, School of Computing and Information Systems, Yong Pung How School of Law, School of Social Sciences, College of Integrative Studies, and College of Graduate Research Studies. SMU offers a wide range of bachelors’, masters’, and PhD degree programmes in the disciplinary areas associated with its schools, as well as in multidisciplinary combinations of these areas.
SMU emphasises rigorous, high-impact, multi- and interdisciplinary research that addresses Asian issues of global relevance. SMU faculty members collaborate with leading international researchers and universities around the world, as well as with partners in the business community and public sector. SMU’s city campus is a modern facility located in the heart of downtown Singapore, fostering strategic linkages with business, government, and the wider community.www.smu.edu.sg
SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Appotronics, the inventor of ALPD® laser technology, today unveiled the world’s first Laser+LCOS optical engine prototype for Augmented Reality (AR) glasses at the AR | VR | MR Exhibition of SPIE Photonics West 2026. This demonstration signifies the first successful convergence of laser display technology with the AR glasses form factor, establishing a critical milestone toward consumer-grade, all-day wearable AR devices.
Held from January 20 to 22 in San Francisco, SPIE Photonics West is the premier global event for lasers, biomedical optics, optoelectronics, and vision technologies, attracting approximately 24,000 industry participants. This prototype reveal follows Appotronics’ initial international presentation of the laser+LCOS concept two months prior at the Laser Illuminated Projector Association (LIPA) 2025 annual general meeting in New York.
A Technological Leap: Harnessing Laser’s Innate Advantages
Unlike LED-based systems, the laser+LCOS route capitalizes on the laser’s natural polarization and exceptional collimation. This fundamental advantage eliminates the need for inefficient polarization conversion optics and enables a drastically compact optical engine architecture. This breakthrough paves the way for AR displays that are significantly brighter, more power-efficient, and compact enough for practical, all-day wearability.
Chen Menghao, General Manager of the Appotronics Innovation Center, emphasized the strategic significance of this prototype. “We firmly believe laser is the path forward for AR, and this prototype marks a vital starting point on the long journey toward making it—the ultimate light source for glasses—a commercial reality,” he stated. While acknowledging that the current prototype product definitely represents an intermediary stage in the evolution, he outlined the company’s progressive strategy for AR business unit: first establishing the market with manufacturable LED-based binocular modules, then transitioning clients to the superior laser solution.
Collaborative Ecosystem and Competitive Edge
Chen stressed that realizing the full potential of laser AR requires broad industry collaboration, involving LCOS panel and MEMS developers. In this spirit, Appotronics has recently joined the Laser Display for AR Working Group, an industry consortium dedicated to fostering technical standards and accelerating the adoption of laser technology in AR.
He attributed Appotronics’ potential lead in this field to its core competencies. “Our unique expertise in laser miniaturization, combined with supply chain strengths and client-driven customization, may give us a two-year lead over competitors,” Chen added.
Performance Potential: Doubling Efficiency and Beyond
Compared to Appotronics’ current Dragonfly series products (which were unveiled at CES 2026 just two weeks ago, are also on display here at Photonics West, and represent the company’s latest commercially available optical engine solutions), the laser+LCOS engine prototype demonstrates profound potential across key metrics:
Double the system optical efficiency.
Superior brightness.
A significantly wider color gamut.
Reduced energy consumption and lower overall thermal load, longer battery life and comfort.
Addressing Core Challenges: Speckle Reduction and Thermal Management
Implementing lasers in AR necessitates overcoming hurdles like speckle noise and thermal management. Appotronics detailed its solutions in two technical papers presented at SPIE.
The paper titled “System-level optimized high-efficiency compact RGB laser LCoS AR light engine” describes an ultra-compact (~1.4 cc) engine featuring a front-illumination, PBS-free design for miniaturization. A key innovation is a Laser Speckle Reducer module that successfully lowers speckle contrast from ~35% to ~13%, achieving 8 lm/W efficiency. The study also identifies the precise thermal management required to stabilize the wavelength of red laser diodes as a primary focus for ongoing development.
Future Roadmap and Parallel Innovation
Chen noted that mass production of the laser+LCOS engine could be achieved in approximately one year, contingent on further refinement of speckle reduction and clear market demand from clients.
In parallel, Appotronics is advancing another technological pathway. A second paper, “High-resolution Lissajous scanning light engine with wide field of view for AR glasses,” proposes a novel imaging method to overcome the resolution limitations of Lissajous-based Laser Beam Scanning (LBS). This research aims to enable high-definition displays with a field of view exceeding 60°, showcasing the company’s broad expertise in next-generation AR display technologies.
To sustain its competitive edge, Appotronics is actively seeking to recruit globally-minded, top-tier engineering and research talent during the SPIE Photonics West event week.
About Appotronics
Appotronics is the inventor of the ALPD® laser technology and one of the first companies to list on the Shanghai Stock Exchange STAR Market. From optics for cinemas, home entertainment, automobiles, AR glasses, health and personal care, Appotronics’ cutting-edge products are designed to meet the evolving needs of people and businesses worldwide.
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![Launch of SMU Resilient Workforces Institute [right to left: Professor Alan Chan, SMU Provost, Guest-of-Honour Dr Janil Puthucheary, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment, Mr Tan Kok Yam, Chief Executive, SkillsFuture Singapore, Professor Lily Kong, SMU President, and Professor Archan Misra, Vice Provost (Research); Interim Director of SMU Resilient Workforces Institute]](https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/20260120-10hrs47min46s.jpg)
