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AIKO and Next Green Group Power Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre with 1.3 MW Rooftop Solar System

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Advertorial Desk
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Shade-tolerant ABC modules and a flush-mount design unlock around 53% more capacity than tendered on one of Melbourne’s most complex roofs.

MELBOURNE, Australia, Oct. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Next Green Group (NGG) has delivered a 1.3 MW rooftop solar system at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre (MSAC) using AIKO’s Comet series All Back Contact (ABC) modules.

The completed system increased capacity by more than 50% compared with the original 850 kW tender, converting the venue’s distinctive curved roof into a major renewable energy asset.

MSAC is managed by the State Sport Centres Trust and welcomes more than two million visitors each year. The venue has hosted more than 40 international events, including the aquatic events of the 2006 Commonwealth Games, and operates a mix of pools, sports courts, stadiums, fitness spaces and associated building services.

The solar system, owned and operated by the State Electricity Commission (SEC) under an agreement with the Trust, began operating in September. It is expected to generate more than 1 GWh of renewable electricity each year, supplying around one-quarter of MSAC’s electricity needs.

Innovative ABC Technology Overcomes Structural and Shading Challenges

MSAC’s roof presented a difficult design challenge. Tower structures and cables cast shadows across much of its surface, while the roof geometry and structural constraints limited the use of a conventional tilted array.

A conventional design that avoided shaded roof areas was modelled at approximately 800 kW. After carefully assessing the roof geometry, shading profile and structural loads, NGG selected AIKO Comet ABC modules for their power density, low module weight and certified partial-shading performance.

AIKO’s ABC cell architecture is designed to reduce the impact of partial shading, enabling designers to capture more value from roof sections that might otherwise be excluded. TÜV Rheinland has certified the modules Class A for partial shading resistance. This allowed NGG to work with the unavoidable shade, lifting system capacity to 1.3 MW, approximately 60% above the conventional design.

To preserve MSAC’s iconic curved roofline, NGG installed a flush-mount system rather than a standard tilted array. The design reduced the clearance gaps required between tilted rows, allowing more modules to be installed across the available roof area while maintaining the building’s visual integrity.

Before installation, NGG trialled mounting on the sharpest curves and conducted comprehensive wind and dead-load tests to ensure structural safety. The final installation comprises 2,016 AIKO mono-glass modules secured across approximately four kilometres of rail.

At 28 kg per module, the AIKO Comet panels offered a high power-to-weight ratio for the project’s structural constraints. The array adds approximately 56 tonnes of module weight to the roof, significantly less than a conventional system of equivalent capacity.

“At MSAC, every square metre had to earn its place,” said Thomas Bywater, Head of AIKO Australia & New Zealand.

“This project shows how ABC technology can help EPCs and asset owners increase solar capacity on rooftops where conventional approaches may be constrained by shading, roof geometry or structural limits.”


More Energy and Cost Savings for the Community

MSAC has a substantial and consistent electricity demand. Its 10 multi-sport stadiums, 10 aquatic areas and more than 30 individual courts require energy for pumps, water treatment, heating and cooling, ventilation, lighting, scoreboards and other operational systems.

The solar system will help meet this demand by supplying electricity to the centre’s pools, spa and sauna, along with the scoreboards serving its 10 indoor basketball courts. Its daytime operating profile also supports the use of on-site solar generation to reduce reliance on grid-supplied electricity.

The Victorian Government estimates the system will generate more than 1 GWh of renewable electricity annually and save the venue around $70,000 each year. Announcing the project, Minister for Energy and Resources Jaclyn Symes said the SEC was helping cut energy bills at the places Victorians use every day, from schools to sporting centres.


“MSAC required a design that responded to its roof geometry, shading and structural constraints rather than treating them as reasons to reduce system capacity,” said Nathaniel Galindo, Executive General Manager – Integrated Energy Solutions, Next Green Group.

“By combining detailed engineering with AIKO’s ABC module technology, we were able to make more of the available roof area while maintaining the building’s safety and visual integrity.”

Partnership Drives Engineering Excellence

Next Green Group served as the primary contractor, designing, building and now maintaining the system under a five-year maintenance agreement. With over 14 years of industry experience and more than 15,000 energy projects delivered nationwide, NGG brought a methodical, engineering-driven approach to every stage of the project.

A room near the main switchboard that previously housed MSAC’s 20-year-old gas cogeneration unit was repurposed to accommodate nine 110 kW GoodWe HT Series inverters and the PV distribution board. The former cogeneration unit is being redeployed on an agricultural farm, while the room it occupied now houses MSAC’s new renewable energy system.


The project was delivered in close coordination with MSAC and the State Sport Centres Trust to manage the structural requirements, preserve the building’s appearance and minimise disruption to an active public venue. It reflects NGG’s specialisation in large commercial and industrial sites, including active public venues with high energy demands like aquatic centres.

Accelerating Australia’s C&I Solar Transition

The MSAC project reflects a wider opportunity across Australia’s commercial, industrial and public-sector building stock. The Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis estimates that commercial and industrial rooftops have close to 40 GW of technical solar potential, compared with 5.6 GW currently installed.

While many large facilities have significant roof areas and daytime energy demand, the practical potential for rooftop solar is often reduced by factors such as roof geometry, structural loading, shading, heritage or aesthetic considerations. Unlocking more of that potential will take a more tailored approach, one that tackles roof challenges to deliver greater generation and energy-cost savings.

The MSAC case demonstrates how AIKO’s All Back Contact technology can improve project feasibility and economics where conventional layouts fall short. It also highlights the value of EPCs’ design and engineering expertise and their local understanding of Australian structural standards, grid-connection requirements and the practical demands of a high-traffic public venue.

AIKO and Next Green Group are working to turn more of Australia’s commercial roof space into productive energy assets, making the benefits of renewable energy available to more businesses, public facilities and community organisations and accelerating the nation’s energy transition.

For more information on the MSAC solar project, see the official Victorian Government media release: SEC Makes Savings Splash at MSAC

References

  1. IEEFA, Unlocking the clean energy potential of Australian business rooftops, June 2026. ieefa.org
  2. TÜV Rheinland Certificate of Conformity, Partial Shading Resistance Class A, tested according to 2 PfG 2926/01.23. Registration No. AK 50633875 0001, Report No. CN243P92 001, issued 6 June 2024. Available on request.

About AIKO Energy Australia & New Zealand

AIKO is a global solar technology company specialising in All Back Contact (ABC) cells and modules. Rated Tier 1 by BloombergNEF, AIKO has delivered more than 170 GW cumulative of solar products worldwide. Its ABC technology achieves module efficiencies of up to 25.2%, among the highest in mass production, delivering more energy, reliability and safety from every square metre of roof. With a strong local presence in Australia and New Zealand, AIKO works closely with leading EPCs, installers and distributors to deliver durable, high-performance solar for residential, commercial and industrial rooftops.

About Next Green Group

Next Green Group is a vertically integrated energy partner for Australian businesses, organisations and communities. Next Green Group designs, builds, and maintains solar and battery systems up to the megawatt scale, specialising in large commercial and industrial sites. This expertise extends to complex local government facilities and public venues, such as aquatic centres. Through its retail energy arm, NGG also provides access to the wholesale electricity market. With 14 years of industry experience, over 15,000 projects delivered, 25,000 customers supported nationwide, and more than $100 million saved in total energy costs, Next Green Group is a trusted partner in Australia’s clean energy transition.

AhaSlides wins 2026 Training Magazine Network Choice Award for Gamification & Game-Based Learning

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Advertorial Desk
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Voted by L&D professionals, the award caps a year in which AhaSlides went all in on game-based learning, with more training games on the way

SINGAPORE, Oct. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — AhaSlides, the interactive presentation platform used by more than 4 million presenters across 142,000+ organisations and 24 million+ participants, has been named a winner of the 2026 Training Magazine Network Choice Awards in the Gamification & Game-Based Learning category.

AhaSlides wins 2026 Training Magazine Network Choice Award for Gamification & Game-Based Learning
AhaSlides wins 2026 Training Magazine Network Choice Award for Gamification & Game-Based Learning

The Choice Awards are the only crowd-sourced solution provider awards in Learning & Development. Winners are chosen by Training Magazine Network’s 100,000+ members: the trainers, instructional designers, learners and L&D leaders who use these tools every day. This year, 2,207 voters cast 11,692 votes for 296 companies across seven categories between April 28 and June 30, 2026. Winners were ranked on total votes and a weighted score for effectiveness. Training magazine Editor/Publisher Lorri Freifeld announced the results on September 29, 2026.

Built for the attention span trainers actually face

Focused attention on a screen has fallen from 2.5 minutes to around 47 seconds over two decades (Dr Gloria Mark, UC Irvine). Trainers feel that drop in every session. AhaSlides’ answer is to make participation the default: learners answer, compete, vote and react live from their phones, and the trainer sees what landed in real time.

On AhaSlides, 80.9% of audiences actively engage with presentations, and 44.6% engage with every interactive slide (AhaSlides platform data).

A year of building for facilitated training

Every release this year comes back to one goal: make engagement in training easier for trainers. Getting a group to participate shouldn’t take hours of prep or a background in game design.

AhaSlides now has more than 30 ready-made interactive activities that a trainer can drop into a session and facilitate right away. They range from pure fun to serious skills training. Duck Race gives a group a quick, light-hearted break between learning blocks. Calm does the opposite: a full-screen breathing pause with a guided lead-in and ambient sound, so a trainer can settle the group before a heavy topic or after an intense session. At the serious end, Draw on Image lets a medical trainer share an ultrasound image and have nurses mark directly on it to show what they see. More are added every month.

The next one is Escape Room, a new training game shipping to all AhaSlides users in October 2026. Teams race the clock to find clues hidden in a scene and solve their way out, applying what they’ve learned to escape. It started as the winning entry at AhaSlides’ September 2026 hackathon, taking both 1st place and Most Loved.

Beyond the live session

Making engagement easier also means less work around the session. This year AhaSlides made its reports better, so trainers can see more clearly how learners did and what landed after a session, and launched surveys, so they can gather feedback before and after training. Next on the roadmap is self-paced e-learning, so learners can keep going between live sessions.

What they’re saying

“We’re grateful for this one, because trainers voted for it,” said Dave Bui, CEO of AhaSlides. “Our job is to make engagement easy: a trainer shouldn’t have to design a game from scratch to get a room involved. That’s why we’ve spent this year building ready-made ways to play and compete. Escape Room, which our own team built and voted their favourite at our September hackathon, launches this month. And because learning doesn’t stop when the session ends, self-paced learning is next.”

Trainers who use AhaSlides see the same thing. “Game-based learning works when the game isn’t the point. Participation is,” said Kassy LaBorie, keynote speaker, author and engagement expert, and recipient of ATD’s 2026 Talent Development Outstanding Professional Award. “AhaSlides gives me incredibly creative ways to invite people into the experience, and every time I use it, the crowd goes wild.”

About AhaSlides

AhaSlides is on a mission to save the world from sleepy meetings, boring training and tuned-out teams, one engaging slide at a time. It’s the easiest way to turn sleepy slides into engaging experiences with quizzes, polls, word clouds and training games. From global companies to small classrooms and conference halls, AhaSlides is used by more than 4 million presenters in 142,000+ organisations, reaching 24 million+ participants. Try it free at ahaslides.com.

About the Training Magazine Network Choice Awards

The Training Magazine Network Choice Awards recognise the solution providers that L&D professionals rate most highly, based on votes from Training Magazine Network’s 100,000+ members. The full list of winners is available at trainingmagnetwork.com, and Training magazine’s announcement is at trainingmag.com.

Laos Advances Land Compensation for Vientiane-Hanoi Expressway

By
Phoudasack Vongsay
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A picture used for illustration purpose only, this is not Vientiane-Hanoi Expressway.

Bolikhamxay is finalizing land compensation rates for the Vientiane-Hanoi Expressway, pushing forward a major infrastructure project designed to link landlocked Laos with Vietnamese seaports.

Local officials met with affected households in Pakxan district, on 23 September to outline payment structures for residential plots, rice fields, and agricultural land. 

The draft framework sets different compensation rates based on location and land-use documentation across four districts along the route, including Pakxan, Bolikhan, Viengthong, and Xaychamphone.

Officials said the draft also establishes management and inspection responsibilities, prohibited activities, and penalties for violations. 

Construction Progress

The 203.8-kilometer Bolikhamxay stretch is a critical piece of Laos’ broader economic strategy to establish direct, high-speed regional trade routes.

Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone recently highlighted the expressway as a top priority during a 21 September meeting with Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Tuc, emphasizing the need for continued bilateral coordination.

The USD 1.9 billion Lao section reached 30 percent completion by May after being signed in October 2025 with a target to open in 2030. Across the border, Vietnam launched construction on its connecting USD 910 million segment in Nghe An, aimed for completion by 2029. 

The compensation meetings mark a necessary administrative step before the government finalizes the payouts for residents displaced by the highway’s construction as construction continues.

Abogen Announces Licensing and Option Agreement with Novartis to Advance mRNA-Encoded T-Cell Engager and other potential RNA programs

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Advertorial Desk
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Includes worldwide license to ABO2203, Abogen’s mRNA-encoded CD19xCD3 T-Cell Engager

Agreement also gives Novartis exclusive options to license other potential programs leveraging Abogen’s RNA proprietary platform

SUZHOU, China, Oct. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Abogen Biosciences (“Abogen” or the “Group”), a clinical-stage biotechnology group pioneering RNA innovation, announced that it has entered into a licensing and option agreement with Novartis to advance RNA-encoded therapeutics. The agreement includes an exclusive worldwide license to Abogen’s lead asset, ABO2203, as well as options to exclusively license other potential programs leveraging Abogen’s proprietary RNA platform.

ABO2203 is a novel mRNA-encoded CD19xCD3 T-cell engager with the potential to transform the treatment landscape for patients with autoimmune diseases. The program is designed to reset B cells by utilizing mRNA to direct the endogenous production of T-cell engagers in vivo. This approach offers a highly differentiated mechanism for B-cell depletion, potentially providing distinct advantages over traditional recombinant T-cell engagers.

Under the agreement, Novartis will also have the exclusive option to license a number of next-generation therapeutic assets developed on Abogen’s RNA platform.

“This agreement marks an important milestone for Abogen, underscoring the broad potential of our RNA platform to expand beyond prophylactic vaccines,” said Bo Ying, Chief Executive Officer of Abogen. “ABO2203 is the first mRNA-encoded T-cell engager to enter clinical evaluation for autoimmune diseases, reflecting our commitment to delivering differentiated, accessible and scalable therapies for patients with B-cell-mediated disorders. We are thrilled to be able to accelerate ABO2203 and unlock new therapeutic targets through this agreement with Novartis.”

“Achieving effective and durable immune reset remains an important goal across a number of autoimmune diseases,” said Fiona Marshall, President of Biomedical Research at Novartis. “mRNA-encoded T-cell engagers represent an innovative approach that could complement existing therapeutic modalities by enabling in vivo production of these molecules.  We look forward to further developing the potential of ABO2203 and additional possible applications of Abogen’s RNA platform.”

Under the terms of the proposed agreement, Abogen will receive an upfront payment of USD 575 million and, if all options on all programs are exercised, Abogen is eligible to receive up to approximately USD 7.2 billion in potential milestone payments, subject to the achievement of agreed development, regulatory and commercial milestones. In addition, Abogen may be eligible to receive potential royalties on future product sales. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including required regulatory clearances.

About Abogen Biosciences
Abogen Biosciences focuses on innovative clinical-stage biotechnology and is dedicated to the discovery and development of transformative mRNA-based therapeutics. Powered by its proprietary AI- and automation-driven mRNA and LNP platform, Abogen has established comprehensive, end-to-end capabilities spanning mRNA design, formulation development, and large-scale GMP manufacturing. The Group has built a robust and diversified pipeline in oncology, autoimmune diseases, and prophylactic vaccines — highlighted by its lead candidate ABO1108, a lyophilized mRNA shingles vaccine currently undergoing Phase 3 clinical trials in China.

Forward-looking statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the potential benefits of the agreement, the development of ABO2203 and other programs, milestone payments, regulatory progress and future clinical outcomes. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these statements due to risks and uncertainties inherent in drug discovery, clinical development and regulatory review.

MSIG Malaysia Reinforces Long-Term Commitment to Community Resilience Through Partnership with Epic Homes

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Advertorial Desk
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Initiative combines housing support with fire insurance protection to provide greater financial security for Orang Asli families


KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 October 2026 – MSIG Insurance (Malaysia) Bhd (“MSIG Malaysia”), the country’s third largest fire insurer, has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to strengthening community resilience through its continued collaboration with EPIC Homes. The initiative reflects the joint effort of MSIG Malaysia and EPIC Homes to support Orang Asli families through housing initiatives and fire insurance protection.

As part of this long-standing collaboration, MSIG Malaysia continues to provide fire insurance protection for homes built by EPIC Homes for the Orang Asli families. This insurance coverage helps families manage the financial impact of unforeseen incidents while reinforcing the long-term resilience of the Orang Asli community, reflecting the company’s continued efforts to protecting communities beyond traditional insurance solutions.

This year, MSIG Malaysia supported Orang Asli families in Simpang Pulai with the completion of two new homes. In July, 31 employees, including Chief Executive Officer Ms. Ang Yien Chia, worked alongside EPIC Homes volunteers over three days to complete the first home. In September, another 25 employees came together for the second build. Through these efforts, MSIG Malaysia helped provide beneficiary families with improved living conditions and a stronger sense of stability.

Chief Executive Officer of MSIG Insurance (Malaysia) Bhd, Ms. Ang Yien Chia, said:

“We aim to give Orang Asli homeowners greater confidence that they have financial support, should unforeseen events occur. The value of this protection has already been demonstrated, such as in 2025, a home covered under the programme was damaged during a storm, and the insurance claim helped fund the necessary repairs.”

“This reinforces the important role insurance can play in helping families recover more quickly and protecting the homes they have worked so hard to build. Through our continued collaboration with EPIC Homes, we remain committed to strengthening the resilience of underserved communities.”

As of August 2026, MSIG Malaysia has contributed towards the protection of over 300 homessince partnering with EPIC Homes in 2018. The collaboration supports Orang Asli families by pairing sustainable housing initiatives with fire insurance protection, reinforcing the long-term resilience of these communities.

Mr. John-Son Oei, Founder and CEO of EPIC Homes, said:

“We are grateful to continue our partnership with MSIG Malaysia, whose unwavering commitment has helped transform the lives of families through safe and dignified housing. Building a home is about much more than constructing walls and a roof—it creates the foundation for families to live with security, stability and hope for the future.

What makes this collaboration especially meaningful is MSIG Malaysia’s commitment to extending insurance protection beyond the build itself through its fire insurance coverage. This thoughtful addition provides beneficiary families with greater financial security while highlighting the importance of long-term resilience and financial preparedness. Together, we are creating sustainable impact that will benefit not only individual families but the wider community.”

The continued collaboration with EPIC Homes translates MSIG Malaysia’s commitment to championing inclusive and community-empowering initiatives into meaningful action through funding, employee volunteerism and insurance protection for the Orang Asli communities.

Hashtag: #MSIG

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

About MSIG Insurance (Malaysia) Bhd

MSIG Insurance (Malaysia) Bhd (“MSIG Malaysia”) is one of the leading general insurers in Malaysia, providing a comprehensive range of insurance protection for both personal and business needs. With over 100 years of general insurance experience and a nationwide network of 20 branches, MSIG Malaysia offers strong capabilities across key classes including Fire, Engineering, and Motor, and is the No.1* in Marine Cargo.

The company continues to strengthen its market presence through ongoing investment in digital innovation, customer focused service enhancements, and the development of insurance solutions that meet the evolving needs of Malaysians. It has also developed exclusive B2B business tools for its business partners to support more efficient collaboration and service delivery. As part of its ongoing sustainability journey, MSIG Malaysia remains committed to supporting initiatives that strengthen community resilience.

MSIG Malaysia is a subsidiary of Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Company, Limited and a member of the MS&AD Insurance Group, Inc. (MS&AD), an insurance group with operations across Asia and various international markets. The Group manages a diverse portfolio of insurance companies worldwide and is recognised for its longstanding presence in the industry.

For more information on MSIG Malaysia, visit www.msig.com.my or facebook.com/MSIGmy.

*As of Dec 2025

About EPIC Homes

EPIC (Extraordinary People Impacting Communities) is a multiple award-winning social enterprise. Its flagship movement, EPIC Homes, builds relationships across the urban-rural divide through the act of building homes for underprivileged communities, with a current focus on the indigenous Orang Asli of Peninsular Malaysia.

Since 2010, EPIC Homes has mobilised 9,000+ individuals and 200+ organisations to provide safe homes for over 350 families in need. EPIC Homes team building programmes foster empathy, leadership, and cross-functional collaboration – enabling companies and organisations to forge stronger teams while contributing to long-term community development.

Tech Week Singapore 2026 Spotlights the Infrastructure Powering Asia’s Next Digital Frontier

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Advertorial Desk
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The two-day event brought together 38,000 attendees and 720 international exhibitors, alongside the launch of Data Centre World Tokyo 2027

SINGAPORE, Oct. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Tech Week Singapore 2026 brought together 38,000 technology leaders, industry experts, and professionals from across the region to explore the systems and innovations driving the next era of AI, quantum computing and other emerging technologies. Against this backdrop, CloserStill Media announced its partnership with Nano-Opt Media, Inc. (NOM) to launch Data Centre World Tokyo 2027 to be unveiled here.

Held at Sands Expo & Convention Centre from 29–30 September, the 12th edition of the award-winning event welcomed 38,000 participants and 720 international exhibitors across five co-located shows. Key moments included an opening address by Mr Tan Kiat How, Senior Minister of State for Digital Development and Information; the first OCP Southeast Asia Tech Day at Data Centre World Asia; and the launch of Data Centre World Tokyo 2027.

Opening Ceremony

Opening Ceremony at Tech Week Singapore 2026
Opening Ceremony at Tech Week Singapore 2026

Mr Tan Kiat How, Senior Minister of State for Digital Development and Information, delivered the opening address on the Mainstage at Tech Week Singapore 2026. Please find the full speech pointers here.

This was followed by a Minister’s Tour showcasing the most innovative companies and technologies across Tech Week Singapore’s co-located shows.

Key Highlights

  1. Five flagship co-located shows took place across Tech Week Singapore, including Cloud & AI Infrastructure, DevOps Live, Cyber Security World, Big Data & AI World, and Data Centre World. Together, the shows featured over 250 keynotes and panel sessions across the two-day programme.
  2. The Live Vehicle Cyber Hackathon (Geely Global Automotive Cybersecurity Challenge) took place at Cyber Security World Asia across both days, challenging participants to identify and test potential vulnerabilities in designated connected-vehicle systems.
  3. An Exclusive STDCT Tour @ NUS was hosted on 28 September 2026, giving participants a first-hand look at how next-generation technologies are being tested, validated and benchmarked in a live tropical operating environment to support more sustainable data centre operations. The tour welcomed 40 participants on-site.
  4. OCP Southeast Asia Tech Day was hosted at Data Centre World Asia for the first time. Themed “Architecting Inference: The OCP Path from Token Demand to Data Centre Design”, the programme discussed the infrastructure that will power Southeast Asia’s AI inference workloads through 2030 – built from the top down and grounded in open compute principles.
  5. 15 dedicated luncheons were held across the two-day programme, reflecting growing demand for high-value networking opportunities alongside the event’s exhibitions and conference agenda.

Data Centre World Tokyo 2027
CloserStill Media has partnered with Nano-Opt Media, Inc. (NOM) to launch Data Centre World Tokyo 2027, which was officially unveiled at Tech Night 2026. The event will take place for the first time in Japan on 7–8 December 2027 at Makuhari Messe, with the Japan Data Center Council (JDCC) as the supporting partner.

Andy Kiwanuka, Managing Director, Asia Pacific, CloserStill Media, delivered a welcome address at the launch, highlighting the significance of expanding Tech Week’s regional footprint across Asia.

“Our theme for Tech Week Singapore 2026 is ‘The Infrastructure Era’. It reflects a shift we observe across Asia. AI, Cloud and the Digital Economy are creating extraordinary opportunities, but turning that ambition into reality takes infrastructure and more importantly, stakeholders working together,”said Andy Kiwanuka, Managing Director, Asia Pacific, CloserStill Media.“With this, we are officially launching Data Centre World Tokyo. With Japan being one of the region’s most compelling data centre markets, demand is growing rapidly, and the market is forecast to almost double to more than US$32 billion by 2028. As investment accelerates, the industry needs a platform to make connections, share practical ideas and help build what comes next. That is what we intend Data Centre World Tokyo to be.”

The Tokyo edition will connect CloserStill Media’s global Data Centre World network with NOM’s established IT and digital infrastructure community in Japan, bringing together international expertise and Japanese technology and experience.

Exhibitor applications are now open, with opportunities available across data centre design and construction, power and energy, cooling, networking, cloud, security, operations, facilities and sustainability.

Tech Week Singapore 2027
As technology continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, 2027 will bring new breakthroughs, emerging technologies and shifting priorities for businesses. Against this backdrop, Tech Week Singapore will continue to provide a platform for the industry to look beyond the technologies of today.

Tech Week Singapore 2027 is set to return from 13–14 October 2027 at Sands Expo & Convention Centre, continuing to serve as Asia’s premier platform for industry-defining conversations shaping the future of digital transformation.

Please find all post-event press assets HERE. Please find all event images HERE.

END

PR Newswire is the official media partner for Tech Week Singapore.

About CloserStill Media
CloserStill Media specialises in producing high-value, content-driven events that foster professional communities across Business Technologies, Healthcare, and Future Transport and Infrastructure sectors. CloserStill Media’s portfolio includes the acclaimed Tech Week Singapore, featuring popular events such as Cloud & AI Infrastructure and Data Centre World Asia.

Headquartered in London with 10 global offices, CloserStill Media operates with a robust team of 800 professionals across Singapore, the U.K., USA, Germany, and Spain. The company is recognised for its industry leadership, having won more exhibition awards than any other including accolades such as Best Exhibition, Best Event Launch, and Best Brand Expansion.

For more information, visit www.closerstillmedia.com.

Lao President Thongloun Calls for Action on Illegal Mining, Social Problems

By
Thongsavanh Souvannasane
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Laos’ President Thongloun Sisoulith has called for stronger action against illegal mining, online scams, drugs and other social problems, officials said. (Photo: Phouthen Pasaxon News)

Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith has urged stronger action against illegal mining, unlawfully imported vehicles, drugs and online scams as the 12th Party Central Committee closed its extraordinary plenary session on 1 October.

Thongloun, who also serves as Party General Secretary, chaired the four-day session, which focused on turning the resolutions of the 12th National Party Congress into concrete action. Delegates adopted three draft resolutions, and Thongloun instructed all party committees to combat illegal vehicle imports, unauthorized mineral extraction, illegal logging and other exploitation of natural resources.

Thongloun told Central Committee members to take more responsibility and closely watch the sectors and areas they oversee. He urged them to streamline procedures, improve efficiency and ensure officials at all levels respond more quickly to people’s needs.

Illegal Mining

His call on illegal mining follows a series of recent cases. 

Earlier in September, Xaysomboun authorities identified four companies that allegedly mined alluvial gold under permits for unrelated stone and sand extraction, including AFA Exploration Mining and Agriculture Trading Export-Import and Kesana Herchaleun.

Authorities detained seven people at the Kesana site in June, including the company’s president.

In July, they suspended Daochalearn Mineral Processing after unauthorized iron ore operations polluted the Nam Song River in Vang Vieng. Investigators have also opened gold mining cases in Luang Prabang, Xieng Khouang and Savannakhet. Officials now call for stricter permit compliance inspections.

In addition, Thongloun told party committees to intensify leadership on illicit weapons, narcotics, online scams, armed robbery, road accidents and distorted online media content. 

Scams

On scams, Lao police have arrested at least 6,200 suspects in cybercrime and online scam cases since the start of 2026. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Public Security is leading nationwide collection campaigns and tighter security measures. In August, the government reviewed its 2024-2026 firearms and explosives collection campaign and set new priorities for 2026-2028.

Thongloun also turned to the aftermath of recent floods in Khammouane, Savannakhet, Oudomxay and other areas. He asked authorities to rehabilitate damaged roads, irrigation systems and farmland, ease living costs for citizens, civil servants and security personnel, and support struggling families and farmers. 

Finally, he urged officials to be more open about how the government works and told them to deal with problems “as soon as they arise.”

 

DP World Expands Contract Logistics Network in Thailand with New Bang Na Distribution Centre

By
Advertorial Desk
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New 10,000-square-metre distribution centre supports high-value and time-sensitive supply chains, connecting Greater Bangkok with Laem Chabang Port and manufacturing centres in Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor.


BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 October 2026 – DP World today announced the opening of a new contract logistics distribution centre in Bang Na expanding its logistics capacity in Thailand and strengthening its ability to support customers across key manufacturing and consumer sectors.

Image is only for reference. This is the interior of one of DP World's warehouses in the region
Image is only for reference. This is the interior of one of DP World’s warehouses in the region

The approximately 10,000-square-metre facility is located in a modern industrial park in Bang Na, an established distribution hub within the Greater Bangkok metropolitan area, with connectivity to Laem Chabang Port and major manufacturing centres along Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC).

The distribution centre provides storage and distribution services for high-value and time-sensitive products, including consumer electronics, semiconductors and automotive cargo. The facility operates around the clock, helping businesses manage critical inventory and maintain reliable flows across domestic and international supply chains.

Jeanie Tan, Chief Commercial Officer, Logistics, Asia Pacific, DP World, said: “Thailand sits at the heart of some of Asia Pacific’s most important manufacturing and distribution networks. Our investment in Bang Na gives customers additional capacity in this important market while connecting them with DP World’s wider freight and logistics capabilities. By bringing these services together, we help customers reduce complexity, respond more quickly to changing demand and keep goods moving reliably within Thailand and across the Asia Pacific region.”

The opening of the Bang Na distribution centre is part of DP World’s continued investment in contract logistics capabilities across Asia Pacific, following recent investments in Singapore and Johor, Malaysia. With additional facilities set to open in Kuala Lumpur and the Philippines later this year, DP World is expanding its logistics capabilities across key manufacturing and consumer markets in Southeast Asia. The expanded network gives customers greater access to integrated logistics services across increasingly complex regional and international supply chains.

Hashtag: #DPWORLD



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

DP World

DP World is reshaping the future of global trade to improve lives everywhere. Operating across six continents with a team of over 125,000 employees, we combine global infrastructure and local expertise to deliver seamless supply chain solutions. From Ports and Terminals to Marine Services, Logistics and Technology, we leverage innovation to create better ways to trade, minimising disruptions from the factory floor to the customer’s door.

In Asia Pacific, DP World employs over 12,000 people across 22 geographies. We operate 16 ports and terminals, complemented by a comprehensive suite of end-to-end supply chain solutions – to connect the region to the rest of the world.

WE MAKE TRADE FLOW

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