SINGAPORE, Oct. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Digital travel platform Agoda has released a list of unmissable camping destinations in Asia, just in time for the end of the monsoon season and the arrival of cooler winter weather. These destinations offer travelers the chance to disconnect from busy city life and immerse themselves in tranquil, untouched environments.

Thanks to the variety and affordability of camping options across Asia, adventurers can stretch their travel budgets while creating lasting memories and enjoying some of the continent’s most unique and breathtaking natural destinations. With its diverse landscapes and natural beauty, Asia is home to numerous camping spots that promise unparalleled travel experiences, from ancient forests and volcanic summits to hidden caves and dramatic gorges.

Here’s Agoda’s curated list of must-visit camping destinations in Asia:

1.       Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Quang Binh (Vietnam):
Known for Its vast network of caves, including the world-renowned Son Doong Cave, this park offers a surreal backdrop for camping. Campers can explore the atmospheric karst landscapes and enjoy the tranquility of the jungle, making it a perfect escape for nature lovers.

2.       Coorg, Karnataka (India): 
Often referred to as the “Scotland of India,” Coorg is a verdant green paradise with rolling hills and coffee plantations. It’s an ideal spot for camping amidst nature, with opportunities for trekking and wildlife spotting, offering a truly serene, rejuvenating retreat.

3.       Yakushima Island, Kagoshima (Japan):
Famous for its ancient cedar forests, Yakushima is a stunning island that provides a magical camping experience. The island’s natural beauty and biodiversity make it a perfect spot for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a unique adventure.

4.       Mount Rinjani, Lombok (Indonesia):
This active volcano offers adventurous camping opportunities with breathtaking views from its summit. The trek to the top is challenging but rewarding, with breathtaking landscapes along the way, making it a must-visit for thrill-seekers.

5.      Khao Sok National Park, Surat Thani (Thailand):
Home to one of the oldest rainforests in the world, Khao Sok features dramatic limestone cliffs and diverse wildlife. This park offers an unforgettable camping experience, perfect for those looking to explore Thailand’s natural wonders.

6.       Taroko Gorge, Hualien (Taiwan): 
This incredible marble gorge offers dramatic scenery and numerous camping spots. The area is perfect for hiking and exploring the natural beauty of Taiwan’s east coast, providing a picturesque backdrop for any camping trip.

Krishna Rathi, Associate Vice President of Supply at Agoda shared, “There’s nothing quite like waking up to the sounds of nature. Whether you’re seeking tranquility in Coorg or adventure on Mount Rinjani, Asia’s camping spots have something for everyone. With the easy-to-use search filters on Agoda’s platform, travelers can choose from camping, tent, holiday caravan, and many more options to find the perfect accommodation for their next outdoor adventure.”

Agoda’s extensive offerings, including over 6 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities, make it easy to plan an amazing camping holiday. Visit Agoda.com or discover the best deals on Agoda’s mobile app today.

Illumina’s up-and-coming constellation innovation delivers accuracy, speed, and ease of use in trial by GeneDx 

Constellation outperformed orthogonal methods in identifying select difficult-to-map variants

SAN DIEGO, Oct. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Illumina, Inc. (NASDAQ: ILMN) announced that GeneDx, a leader in genetic testing for rare diseases, is piloting Illumina’s emerging constellation mapped read technology, evaluating its performance on regions of the genome that traditional short-read technologies historically have not resolved. GeneDx’s early results illustrate the ability of constellation to rapidly identify hard-to-detect variants implicated in rare disease. GeneDx’s Director of Laboratory Innovation Joe Devaney presented on the company’s early experiences with the constellation technology at the American Society for Human Genetics (ASHG) Annual Meeting in Boston.

“Illumina is unlocking ways to access the most difficult regions of the genome, as we simultaneously lead the industry into a new era of multiomics,” said Steve Barnard, chief technology officer of Illumina. “Genomic insights remain critical to advance diagnosis and treatment for many rare and complex diseases, and our constellation technology provides the research insights that enable our customers to tackle these challenging conditions on the platforms they already use.”

For the pilot project, GeneDx used its fleet of NovaSeq X Plus Systems with constellation kits to evaluate 160 DNA samples from individuals with known genetic disease. GeneDx compared samples run with constellation to orthogonal methods, like long-read sequencing, arrays, and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification. Constellation was able to accurately uncover repeat expansions, complex structural variants, and elusive regions of the genome, demonstrating the technology’s ability to meet or exceed the capabilities of established alternative methods.  

Constellation was able to quickly identify difficult-to-detect, biologically relevant variants, including those in:

• DMPK, which is associated with myotonic dystrophy and is caused by large repeat expansions;
• SMN1, which is associated with spinal muscular atrophy but is difficult to detect based on the highly homologous SMN2 gene;
• NCF1, which is associated with an inherited immune disorder called chronic granulomatous disease, but is challenging to identify due to highly homologous pseudogenes; and
• Mosaic aneuploidy, which causes some cells to have chromosomal abnormalities. It can cause developmental delays and increase the risk of some childhood cancers.  

Deep and rapid insights from whole-genome sequencing can help researchers understand and better identify potential treatments for these hard-to-diagnose conditions. Constellation is emerging as a flexible solution that performs accurately across a variety of sample types—including buccal, blood, and chorionic villus (prenatal) samples—and extraction kits.

“Innovation and patient centricity fuel everything we do at GeneDx,” said Devaney. “We’re continually looking to advance research and clinical genomics to drive the future of precision medicine and better health outcomes for all. The level of detail we can achieve with constellation provides promising insight into some of the world’s most complex and difficult-to-diagnose diseases. By combining speed, simplicity, and scientific rigor, this technology has the potential to transform how we understand rare disease, helping improve how we diagnose and treat patients.”

How constellation mapped read technology works

Constellation builds on Illumina’s industry-leading sequencing-by-synthesis chemistry to unlock long-range genomic insights with unmatched simplicity. Long sequences of unfragmented DNA are applied directly to the flow cell for cluster generation. This on-flow-cell library prep eliminates manual library preparation and enables a streamlined workflow with fewer validation steps. Proprietary informatics extract long-distance data from the proximity of resulting neighboring clusters. This novel data allows for accurate mapping of homologous or repetitive regions of the genome, resolving mapping ambiguities, and resolving complex variant types.

Constellation was first introduced at the 2024 ASHG conference. The first commercially available product based on constellation technology is slated for release in the first half of 2026, compatible with the NovaSeq X Series. 

Joe Devaney presented the results of GeneDx’s expanded, 160-sample study with constellation on October 15 at the ASHG Annual Meeting in Boston. His talk, “Mapping the Future of Whole Genome Sequencing with Illumina Constellation Technology,” was held in Room 153ABC from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM ET. To preregister for access to the replay, follow this link. You can see all of Illumina’s multiomics solutions that are in development or commercially available here.

Use of forward-looking statements

This release may contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Among the important factors to which our business is subject that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in any forward-looking statements are: (i) challenges inherent in developing and launching new products and services, including modifying and scaling manufacturing operations, and reliance on third-party suppliers for critical components; (ii) our ability to manufacture robust instrumentation and consumables; and (iii) the acceptance by customers of our newly launched products, which may or may not meet our and their expectations, together with other factors detailed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our most recent filings on Forms 10-K and 10-Q, or in information disclosed in public conference calls, the date and time of which are released beforehand. We undertake no obligation, and do not intend, to update these forward-looking statements, to review or confirm analysts’ expectations, or to provide interim reports or updates on the progress of the current quarter.

About Illumina

Illumina is improving human health by unlocking the power of the genome. Our focus on innovation has established us as a global leader in DNA sequencing and array-based technologies, serving customers in the research, clinical, and applied markets. Our products are used for applications in the life sciences, oncology, reproductive health, agriculture, and other emerging segments. To learn more, visit illumina.com and connect with us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

About GeneDx

GeneDx (Nasdaq: WGS) is the global leader in rare disease diagnosis, transforming the way medicine is practiced by making genomics the starting point for health, not the last resort. We bring together unmatched clinical expertise, advanced technology, and the power of GeneDx Infinity™ – the largest rare disease dataset – built over 25 years from millions of genomic tests and deep clinical insights. This unparalleled foundation powers our ExomeDx™ and GenomeDx™ tests, giving clinicians the highest likelihood of delivering a timely, accurate diagnosis. GeneDx is shaping the future of healthcare by moving the standard of care from sick care to proactive healthcare. While our roots are in rare disease diagnosis, our commitment extends beyond – growing with the families we serve – as a trusted partner at every stage of life. For more information, visit genedx.com and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

SINGAPORE, Oct. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Enlightened Hand Learning Hub, an education centre in Singapore, will welcome parents and students to its Open House events this October. The first will be held at its Tembeling branch on 18 October 2025 (Saturday), followed by its newly launched MacPherson centre on 25 October 2025 (Saturday).

Inviting Families to Explore and Connect

The Open House events aim to give families a firsthand look at how Enlightened Hand Learning Hub creates a caring and structured after-school environment for children. Following the opening of its second centre at MacPherson in September, the initiative comes at a time when many parents are preparing for the new school year.

“Our goal is to invite families to experience our centres, meet our educators, and understand how we nurture both learning and well-being after school,” said Ms Grace Li, Managing Director of Enlightened Hand Learning Hub. “It’s also an ideal opportunity to introduce our new MacPherson space to the community.”

A Day of Learning, Creativity, and Discovery

The Open House events will feature guided tours of the centres’ classrooms, creative zones, and reading areas, giving parents a closer look at the centre’s structured routines, enrichment programmes, and daily care approach that support both academic and personal growth.

Parents can also observe live demonstrations of enrichment lessons and explore interactive learning corners that showcase how after-school hours are designed to be meaningful and engaging. Meanwhile, children can participate in trial activities, such as creative art sessions inspired by Chinese historical stories and hands-on calligraphy, offering them a glimpse into how Enlightened Hand blends learning with play and cultural appreciation.

Special promotional rates will also be announced during the event.

Expanding Access to Enriching Learning Spaces

While both centres share the same core curriculum and philosophy, each offers its own distinctive environment. The MacPherson centre features larger outdoor spaces and dedicated play areas that encourage both learning and recreation, allowing students to explore and interact beyond the classroom.

Programmes at both facilities will cater primarily to Primary 1 to 6 students, with special support for younger learners transitioning from K2 to Primary 1. These include upcoming Nov/ Dec  holiday programmes and Chinese tuition support designed to give children a confident head start before they begin their primary school journey.

How Enlightened Hand Learning Hub Nurtures the Whole Child

Established in 2016, Enlightened Hand Learning Hub provides afterschool student care services focused on holistic growth. Its curriculum covers academic support, including exam preparation, subject tuition, and Chinese enrichment courses that strengthen writing, comprehension, and communication skills.

Beyond academics, the centre incorporates soft skills training, coding classes, and holiday-themed learning activities that encourage creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving. Each space is designed to be safe, engaging, and comfortable, offering children a second home where they feel supported and motivated.

Upcoming Events Parents Can Look Forward to

Following the Open House events, the centre will host its November–December Holiday Camp titled “What Do I Want to Be When I Grow Up?” The camp introduces students to different career paths through hands-on experiences and excursions designed to make learning about future aspirations both fun and practical.

For more information about Enlightened Hand Learning Hub and the Open Houses, please visit their website or follow their social media pages.

About Enlightened Hand Learning Hub

Enlightened Hand Learning Hub is an education centre in Singapore that provides student care, tuition, and Chinese enrichment programmes for primary school students. The centre offers a structured environment that supports both academic learning and personal development. Its facilities include well-equipped classrooms and dedicated spaces for cultural activities such as calligraphy and chess, reflecting its aim to balance modern education with traditional values.

BARCELONA, Spain, Oct. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Tomorrow.Building World Congress, the leading international event driving innovation in the built environment, will hold its third edition from November 4–6, 2025, in Barcelona’s Gran Via venue. The event will bring together more than 100 experts from around the world to explore the future of resilient, decarbonized, and tech-driven urban development with a special focus on addressing the housing crisis that metropolises are facing at a global level.

Vistors experience new technologies at Tomorrow.Building World Congress

Organized by Fira de Barcelona and under the theme “Build Better”, the event will feature a comprehensive conference program focused on the most pressing issues in the construction and urban planning sectors. Among the key topics to be addressed are Design Tech, Digital Building Innovation, Retrofitting, Decarbonized Building, Housing, Resilient City Planning, Proptech, and Urban regeneration. These themes reflect the urgent need for smarter, more sustainable solutions in the face of climate change, urbanization, and the housing crisis.

The speaker lineup features Nikki Greenberg, Founder and Chief Innovation Officer at Real Estate of the Future, Carlo Ratti, architect and Director of the MIT Senseable City Lab; Renate Mitterhuber, Head of Smart Cities and Regions Division at the German Federal Ministry of Housing, Urban Development and Building; Maria Buhigas, Chief Architect of the Barcelona City Council; Dr Orna Rosenfeld, a renowned advisor on housing and urban affairs; and Martha Thorne, Senior Advisor at the Henrik F. Obel Foundation and former Executive Director of the Pritzker Architecture Prize.

Tomorrow.Building World Congress will also feature an exhibition space with a strong presence of global companies committed to transforming the construction and building sectors. Among the confirmed exhibitors are ORBITS Engineering Firm, SPIE, Jacobs, Bentley Systems, RIPC, and VORTEX International.

Reshaping the urban landscape
The event will be held alongside Smart City Expo World Congress, the leading trade show and congress on cities and smart urban solutions; Tomorrow.Mobility World Congress, the international event promoting the design and adoption of new sustainable urban mobility schemes; Tomorrow.Blue Economy, aimed at seizing the full potential of ocean resources for a sustainable economic growth; and the fourth edition of the Deep Tech Summit, an event organized by Barcelona Activa focused on scientific tech entrepreneurship and university spin-offs.

Altogether, the events are expected to gather over 1,000 exhibitors, representatives of over 850 cities, more than 600 international experts, and over 25,000 attendees.