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WeBank Technology Services Showcases Shenzhen-Hong Kong Cross-Boundary Data Validation Platform at Data Summit 2025

HONG KONG, July 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) hosted its 2025 Data Summit on Monday, drawing more than 800 representatives from the city’s various sectors. HKMA Chief Executive Eddie Yue delivered a keynote address, emphasizing the city’s commitment to financial infrastructure innovation.

Huiya Yao, Head of Fintech Innovation at WeBank, introduced DVP to HKMA Chief Executive Eddie Yue
Huiya Yao, Head of Fintech Innovation at WeBank, introduced DVP to HKMA Chief Executive Eddie Yue

During the Data Summit, the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Cross-Boundary Data Validation Platform (DVP), co-operated by WeBank Technology Services, was also introduced as the first cross-boundary data verification service connected to the HKMA’ s Commercial Data Interchange (CDI). CDl, a key pillar of the HKMA’s “Fintech 2025” strategy, aims at enhancing financial inclusion through secure and efficient data sharing.

Cross-boundary data bridge built on blockchain principles

Developed under the guidance of the HKMA, Shenzhen Municipal Cyberspace Administration, the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of Shenzhen Municipal People’s Government, Shenzhen Municipal Financial Regulatory Bureau, the Authority of Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone of Shenzhen, the Shenzhen Branch of the People’s Bank of China, and the Shenzhen Regulatory Bureau of National Financial Regulatory Administration, the DVP positions itself as a next-generation cross-boundary data infrastructure. The platform enables trusted validation of personal and corporate data through hash-based verification — without transferring nor storing any original data files. Powered by immutability and traceability features of blockchain technology, the platform supports data portability in compliance with regulatory requirements from both jurisdictions.

The DVP collaborates with authoritative data providers in the Chinese Mainland across various sectors like finance and public services, allowing for verification of documents such as personal and corporate credit reports, bank statements, and enterprise credit information among others. The service is designed to meet growing demands for cross-boundary financial services by residents and enterprises operating between Shenzhen and Hong Kong.

CDI-DVP integration to help streamline access for Hong Kong banks

CDI, launched under the HKMA’s Fintech 2025 blueprint, serves as a foundational financial data infrastructure that lowers the cost and complexity of data exchange between banks and commercial data providers. With the integration of DVP, Hong Kong banks can now — via a compliant, secure and efficient channel — improve risk assessment and the overall user experience of cross-boundary financial services.

During the summit, Eddie Yue visited WeBank Technology Services’ exhibition booth, where Huiya Yao, Head of Fintech Innovation at WeBank, shared the latest developments of the DVP. To date, the DVP has already served more than 10 business entities and is being used in various scenarios including cross-boundary credit assessment and financing.

Early gains from DVP adoption

At a panel session focused on cross-boundary data validation, representatives from Fusion Bank and ICBC (Asia) shared early outcomes from leveraging the DVP.

Andy Li, Head of Corporate Banking at Fusion Bank, said: “Hong Kong serves as a pivotal gateway connecting the Mainland and international markets, and remains the preferred destination for Mainland enterprises going global. Fusion Bank has been committed to supporting Mainland SMEs in their overseas expansion and has approved over HKD100 million in loans for Hong Kong affiliates of GBA SMEs by leveraging the DVP for cross-boundary verification of credit information. Moving ahead, we will continue to utilize DVP to deliver more convenient financing solutions for Hong Kong affiliates of GBA enterprises, supporting the advancement of financial inclusion in the GBA.”

ICBC Asia’s Co-Head of Data Management Youping Song revealed plans to leverage the DVP as well to verify customers’ Central Bank Individual credit reports and other data types, to enhance credit status assessment work for newly arrived Hong Kong residents from the Chinese Mainland, supporting talent schemes such as the “Top Talent Pass Scheme(TTPS)” and “Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS)“.

Toward a Greater Bay Area data ecosystem

The DVP, officially launched in May 2024, is jointly operated by the China (Qianhai) Internet Exchange (CNIX), Shenzhen Credit Service Co. Ltd and WeBank Technology Services. WeBank provides the overall architecture design and technical support of the platform.

Looking ahead, Huiya Yao shared that the DVP aims to integrate more diverse data sources, deepening data connectivity across the Greater Bay Area.

About WeBank Technology Services

Launched in Hong Kong in June 2024, WeBank Technology Services sets out to leverage WeBank’s cutting-edge fintech capabilities and digital finance best practices to deliver a variety of superior digital finance and digital infrastructure solutions to digital banks, financial institutions, government agencies, and industry partners worldwide.

Agoda Reveals First-Half 2025 Travel Insights: China, Malaysia, and South Korea Remain Top Visitors to Thailand

BANGKOK, July 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Digital travel platform Agoda reveals fresh insights into the Thai travel landscape for the first half of 2025. Based on booking data, China, Malaysia, and South Korea are once again the leading markets visiting Thailand, followed by Japan and Singapore.

Bangkok, Pattaya, and Phuket continue to top the list of most-visited cities among the five leading markets. Hat Yai also emerged as one of the most visited cities, particularly among Malaysian and Singaporean travelers. Hat Yai’s growing popularity is likely due to its reputation for affordability, having ranked as the cheapest destination in Thailand and among the top three in Asia for two consecutive years. These destinations offer a mix of urban adventure, coastal leisure, and rich cultural experiences that appeal to a broad spectrum of travelers.

Unexpectedly, the market visiting Thailand the most isn’t necessarily the one staying the longest. While China tops the list for visitor numbers, the longest average stays are led by South Korea, followed by Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, and then China.

Additionally, each market shows unique preferences for where visitors stay longer, with many choosing island escapes for extended visits, such as Ko Tao for its world-class diving, Ko Pha Ngan for its mix of laid-back beach life and well-known party scenes, and inland destinations like Pathum Thani for a quieter, more local experience near Bangkok.

Markets

Cities with the longest average length of stay

China

Ko Tao

Malaysia

Ko Pha ngan

South Korea

Pathum Thani

Japan

Ko Tao

Singapore

Ko Tao

Alongside Agoda’s data, official figures from Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports reveal that more than 16 million foreign tourists visited Thailand from January to June 2025, generating approximately 743.5 million baht in tourism revenue. With ongoing government initiatives such as the Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025, streamlined travel procedures, and increased flight capacities, Thailand continues to assert itself as a leading destination in the region.

Meanwhile, for Thai travelers heading abroad, Tokyo, Osaka, Hong Kong, Taipei, and Seoul emerged as the leading destinations for the first half of 2025.

Akaporn Rodkong, Country Director at Agoda shared, “We’re honored to be the platform of choice for travelers from across Asia and proud to play a role in supporting tourism in Thailand. At Agoda, we’re committed to offering convenient and diverse accommodation options that help travelers explore both well-known destinations and hidden gems across the country, making their trips easier and more memorable.”

With over 6 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities, Agoda offers endless possibilities for micro-travelers. Agoda’s mobile app is the go-to platform for unbeatable deals for a quick getaway. Start planning your next micro-adventure at www.agoda.com

OPPO Launches AI Phone Reno14 Series and Upgraded AI-Powered Intelligent After-Sales Service System


SHENZHEN, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 July 2025Following the recent global launch of the Reno14 Series—the latest OPPO AI phone featuring cutting-edge AI imaging capabilities and trend-setting design—OPPO introduced a major upgrade to its after-sales service system powered by its proprietary AndesGPT large language model. The new upgrade makes OPPO the first smartphone brand to fully integrate AI into its customer services and products, setting a new standard in the coverage, quality and user experience of AI-based services.

OPPO Launches AI Phone Reno14 Series and Upgraded AI-Powered Intelligent After-Sales Service System

Since 2021, OPPO has continued to invest in both the capabilities and capacity of AI-powered services, building a team of over 100 AI service professionals specializing in embedding AI into every stage of the customer service journey. “AI is not only a catalyst for enhancing our technology products—it’s also a core driver of our service model innovation,” said Samuel Fang, Head of Global After-Sales Services at OPPO. “We have already used AI to empower customer service capabilities across the organization, including R&D, customer experiences, and business operations. Now, through the evolution of AI agent technologies, we are transforming our customer services from a reactive to proactive approach that creates a more efficient, thoughtful, and intelligent service experience for OPPO users.”

OPPO Leads Industry with Proprietary Smart Service System

With current customer service systems often confined to providing automated, rules-based replies that fail to understand the increasingly diverse and personalized needs of users, OPPO has developed a proprietary intelligent service system that combines semantic understanding with generative AI to provide multilingual interactions across various scenarios. The system delivers tailored solutions based on accurate understanding of user intent and can act as a real-time AI assistant for human service agents, improving response efficiency while preserving the human touch.

To provide more effective customer services for users worldwide, OPPO has taken the lead in localizing its intelligent service system across 20 countries and regions, providing 24/7 uninterrupted service in 13 different languages. To enhance reach and accessibility, OPPO was also the first in the industry to introduce AI-driven WhatsApp services across 13 markets, each backed by local cloud services that ensure a smoother and more responsive user experience. Today, over 60% of OPPO users worldwide can resolve issues directly through AI. By the end of 2025, the system will be expanded to 21 markets and major platforms such as Facebook, Line, and Zalo (Vietnam’s leading social platform). By further aligning the system with local languages and communications preferences, OPPO is committed to providing more convenient and intuitive services that enable customers to resolve problems with greater efficiency.

End-to-End AI Service Framework Enables Rapid Query Resolution

More than a simple chatbot upgrade, the new intelligent service system features a comprehensive intelligent service framework covering the entire customer journey that has been independently developed by OPPO based on detailed user insights. Built on OPPO’s AndesGPT model, the system forms a closed-loop service architecture consisting of AI semantic recognition, intelligent routing, and a dynamic knowledge base. When a user submits a request, the system first interprets the true intent through semantic analysis before using intelligent routing to determine whether to hand the request to a human agent or respond via AI. It then generates a personalized response using a continuously updated knowledge base, resulting in a near-instant process from initial customer prompt to response. For users worldwide, OPPO has incorporated its own AI translation tool into the system, enabling accurate understanding and responses in multiple languages.

Following rigorous privacy and data security standards, OPPO integrates the intelligent service system across the OPPO ecosystem, allowing users to enjoy a more seamless and consistent experience between OPPO devices and platforms, with access to services anytime and anywhere. To ensure even more personal services when needed, the system also offers the ability to switch instantly to a human service operator. Meanwhile, AI assistants provide real-time support such as fault predictions and scripted responses for agents, resulting in a collaborative model that has reduced the workload of operators by 40%, freeing their time to focus on more complex requests.

To ensure continuous system adaptability, OPPO has also established localized AI operations roles in key markets. These teams are responsible for building regional knowledge bases, fine-tuning models, and collecting user feedback to drive ongoing optimizations. Alongside this, OPPO is accelerating the rollout of next-generation service capabilities to extend intelligent services from online channels to offline touchpoints. Future applications include retrieval-augmented generative, email response assistants, and intelligent queuing systems.

As AI continues to transform industries, OPPO’s dual focus on AI-powered products and intelligent services not only enables users to enjoy more convenient digital experiences but also redefines the connection between brand and customer, setting a new benchmark for intelligent customers services that provide the best in efficiency with a personal human touch.

Hashtag: #OPPO

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

Lee Kum Kee Supports the 2025 Asian Championship of World Chinese Cuisine

Where culinary elites are brought together to celebrate Asian gastronomy


HONG KONG, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 July 2025 – The 2025 Asian Championship of World Chinese Cuisine, organised by the World Federation of Chinese Catering Industry, was held on 26th June 2025 at the Chinese Culinary Institute in Hong Kong, China. As the title sponsor, Lee Kum Kee provided contestants with its sauce products for use, empowering top chefs from across Asia in crafting exquisite dishes and compete for top honours.

Wu Li, Vice President of the World Federation of Chinese Catering Industry (fifth from right), Samuel Cheng, Associate Director of Business Development of Hong Kong Trade Development Council (seventh from left), James Yap, Principal of Chinese Culinary Institute (sixth from left), representative from Lee Kum Kee and other guests join the grand opening of the competition.
Wu Li, Vice President of the World Federation of Chinese Catering Industry (fifth from right), Samuel Cheng, Associate Director of Business Development of Hong Kong Trade Development Council (seventh from left), James Yap, Principal of Chinese Culinary Institute (sixth from left), representative from Lee Kum Kee and other guests join the grand opening of the competition.

This marks the first time the competition being hosted in Hong Kong, China, drawing 70 teams of Chinese cuisine chefs from across Asia to showcase their culinary skills and foster expertise exchange. Each team was tasked with preparing one cold dish and two hot dishes within 90 minutes. A panel of professional judges evaluated the entries based on taste, creativity, presentation, and execution.

Throughout the competition, the chefs tactfully incorporated a variety of Lee Kum Kee sauces into their creations, demonstrating the versatile applications of the brand’s sauce products in professional settings. The event also served as a valuable platform for chefs to connect, exchange ideas, and elevate their culinary craftsmanship.

Chefs demonstrate their culinary skills by creatively incorporating Lee Kum Kee sauce products into their dishes.
Chefs demonstrate their culinary skills by creatively incorporating Lee Kum Kee sauce products into their dishes.

Following the one-day intense battle, the results were revealed at the “Lee Kum Kee Gala Dinner – 2025 Asian Championship of World Chinese Cuisine Awarding Ceremony”. The night brought together contestants, industry representatives and guests throughout Asia to enjoy a specially curated banquet featuring dishes made with Lee Kum Kee sauces and celebrate the achievements of winning chefs.

Dodie Hung, Executive Vice President – Corporate Affairs of Lee Kum Kee said, “Lee Kum Kee has always been working closely with culinary partners and chefs in supporting various cooking competitions and industry symposiums. We are thrilled to see chefs from across the region using our sauce products to curate delicious and innovative dishes in this prestigious competition. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with chefs to deliver superior Asian culinary experiences and promote Chinese culinary culture worldwide.”

Dodie Hung, Executive Vice President – Corporate Affairs of Lee Kum Kee (seventh from left) presents “Special Gold Award” to honour outstanding contestants for their culinary excellence.
Dodie Hung, Executive Vice President – Corporate Affairs of Lee Kum Kee (seventh from left) presents “Special Gold Award” to honour outstanding contestants for their culinary excellence.

Hashtag: #LeeKumKee #LKK #AsianChampionshipofWorldChineseCuisine

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

About Lee Kum Kee

Lee Kum Kee is the global gateway to Asian culinary culture, dedicated to promoting Chinese culinary culture worldwide. Since 1888, it has brought people together over joyful reunions, shared traditions, and memorable meals. Beloved by consumers and chefs alike, Lee Kum Kee’s range of more than 300 sauces and condiments sparks creativity in kitchens everywhere, inspiring professional and home chefs to experiment, create, and delight. Headquartered in Hong Kong, China and serving over 100 countries and regions, Lee Kum Kee’s rich heritage, unwavering commitment to quality, sustainable practices, and “Constant Entrepreneurship” combine to enable superior experiences through Asian cuisine for people worldwide. For more information, please visit .

About Asian Championship of World Chinese Cuisine

The Asian Championship of World Chinese Cuisine is organised by the World Federation Chinese Catering Industry, with execution by its International Master Chef Committee; co-organised by the Chinese Culinary Institute and Asia Art of Cuisine Society. This year marks the first time the competition is held in Hong Kong, China. The competition aims to establish a high-standard international platform for culinary exchange, promote the inheritance and innovation of Chinese culinary artistry, celebrate the spirit of craftsmanship in Chinese cuisine, and further elevate the influence of Chinese culinary culture globally.

HDBank: A Leading Vietnamese Bank Named Among ASEAN’s Top 5 in Corporate Governance for 2025


HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 July 2025 – The Ho Chi Minh City Development Commercial Joint Stock Bank (HDBank) has been named one of the Top 5 Vietnamese listed companies with the best corporate governance practices at the prestigious ASEAN Corporate Governance Awards 2025, held on July 24 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

HDBank Chairman Kim Byoungho (centre) receives the award from the organisers. — Photo courtesy of the bank
HDBank Chairman Kim Byoungho (centre) receives the award from the organisers. — Photo courtesy of the bank

The award is based on the ASEAN Corporate Governance Scorecard (ACGS) conducted by the Minority Shareholders Watch Group (MSWG) in collaboration with the ASEAN Capital Markets Forum (ACMF) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and involves a highly selective evaluation process.

The recognition highlights HDBank’s unwavering commitment to over a decade of innovation, transparent and modern governance, and the successful integration of ESG, digital transformation, and sustainable development into business operations.

The awards ceremony was attended by high-level dignitaries, including Malaysia’s Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz, alongside leaders from financial organisations, international investors, and corporate governance experts. Key discussions at the event centered on critical themes such as transparency, ESG integration, board diversity, digital transformation, and protection of shareholder rights.

Mr. Kim Byoungho, Chairman of HDBank, said: “HDBank is committed to upholding the highest standards of governance – transparency, efficiency, and sustainable development – as the foundation of our international integration strategy.”

HDBank’s more than decade-long journey of innovation bears the distinct imprint of Dr. Nguyễn Thị Phương Thảo, Permanent Vice Chairwoman of the Board. As a pioneering leader, she laid the foundation for HDBank’s modern banking model, driven by advanced technology, human-centric values, and a vision for global integration.

This consistent pursuit of excellence has earned HDBank recognition as one of Vietnam’s Top 5 leading enterprises in corporate governance for 2025, placing it alongside major names like Vinamilk, FPT, and VPBank. This significant achievement not only solidifies the position and reputation of Vietnamese banks on the international financial map but also inspires HDBank to continue spreading impactful values to the community, investors, and the broader economy.

Hashtag: #HDBank

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

Agilent and Nanyang Technological University’s NEWRI Sign Agreement to Enhance Water Contaminant Research in Singapore

SINGAPORE, July 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) announced the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Nanyang Environment & Water Research Institute (NEWRI), outlining their collaboration in advancing environmental and water research over the next three years.

(from left) Padraig McDonnell, Agilent CEO, Bharat Bhardwaj, Agilent Vice President of Sales for Asia Pacific, Prof Wang Rong, Executive Director of NEWRI, and Prof Lam Kwok Yan, Associate Vice President for Strategy and Partners at NTU, during the MOU ceremony signing at Singapore’s NEWRI on July 28, 2025.
(from left) Padraig McDonnell, Agilent CEO, Bharat Bhardwaj, Agilent Vice President of Sales for Asia Pacific, Prof Wang Rong, Executive Director of NEWRI, and Prof Lam Kwok Yan, Associate Vice President for Strategy and Partners at NTU, during the MOU ceremony signing at Singapore’s NEWRI on July 28, 2025.

NEWRI is a leading research institute at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore), ranked 13th globally for Environmental Sciences by QS World University Ranking in 2025¹. The collaboration aims to further strengthen Singapore’s capabilities in detecting emerging contaminants, such as microplastics, in the face of growing concerns.    

This marks the third partnership between Agilent and NEWRI in the context of environmental contaminant research addressing Singapore’s national priorities in water needs and wastewater treatment.

The strategic collaboration leverages Agilent’s next-generation technologies, including an extensive portfolio of LC/MS systems, ICP-MS series, Seahorse XF technology, xCELLigence real-time cell analyzer, and LDIR chemical imaging spectroscopy. Through the development of advanced analytical and bioanalytical methods and building relevant databases, this partnership enables new chemical and bioassay screenings and applications, supporting continuous efforts in environmental sustainability.

Professor Wang Rong, Executive Director of NEWRI, highlighted, “We are really excited to take our partnership with Agilent to the next level. Over the past 12 years, NEWRI has made significant contributions in the detection of emerging contaminants, developing robust methods to identify these challenging compounds. This collaboration will pool our strengths and deliver more impactful outcomes in advancing environmental monitoring and protection.”

Bharat Bhardwaj, Vice President of Sales for Asia Pacific, said, “This enduring partnership exemplifies the trust that NEWRI places in our groundbreaking innovations, which bring transformative science to reality. With a robust presence spanning over 25 years and a dedicated team of 600 local experts in Singapore, we take immense pride in advancing targeted projects alongside our collaboration partner. Together, we are pioneering new pathways in safe water testing, addressing the challenges posed by emerging contaminants.”

Over the past decade, NEWRI has advanced new solutions in low energy desalination, cutting-edge solid-waste solutions, autonomous water treatment systems, and resource recovery. The R&D work is supported in part by a remarkable array of Agilent’s state-of-the-art analytical instruments, deployed across multiple projects nationwide. 

As a well-established local supplier in Singapore, Agilent has grown its presence since 1999. In 2022, the company was recognized by the World Economic Forum (WEF) as a global leader in Factory Lighthouse for responsible scaling through smart manufacturing that prioritizes the environment and people. Agilent remains the sole analytical and clinical laboratory technology company worldwide to be recognized by WEF.

About Agilent Technologies

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) is a global leader in analytical and clinical laboratory technologies, delivering insights and innovation that help our customers bring great science to life. Agilent’s full range of solutions includes instruments, software, services, and expertise that provide trusted answers to our customers’ most challenging questions. The company generated revenue of $6.51 billion in fiscal year 2024 and employs approximately 18,000 people worldwide. Information about Agilent is available at www.agilent.com. To receive the latest Agilent news, subscribe to the Agilent Newsroom. Follow Agilent on LinkedIn and Facebook.

About Nanyang Technological University, Singapore

A research-intensive public university, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) has 35,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students in the Business, Computing & Data Science, Engineering, Humanities, Arts, & Social Sciences, Medicine, Science, and Graduate colleges.

NTU is also home to world-renowned autonomous institutes – the National Institute of Education, S Rajaratnam School of International Studies and Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering – and various leading research centres such as the Earth Observatory of Singapore, Nanyang Environment & Water Research Institute and Energy Research Institute @ NTU (ERI@N).

Under the NTU Smart Campus vision, the University harnesses the power of digital technology and tech-enabled solutions to support better learning and living experiences, the discovery of new knowledge, and the sustainability of resources.

Ranked amongst the world’s top universities, the University’s main campus is also frequently listed among the world’s most beautiful. Known for its sustainability, NTU has achieved 100% Green Mark Platinum certification for all its eligible building projects. Apart from its main campus, NTU also has a medical campus in Novena, Singapore’s healthcare district.

For more information, visit www.ntu.edu.sg

Media Contacts

Grace Thong

Agilent Technologies                                                                           

+65 9688 2152

grace.thong@agilent.com

 

Lester Kok Wei Ming

Nanyang Technological University, Singapore

+65 97415593

lesterkok@ntu.edu.sg

 

 

Explore the Potential of Innovative MICE Concepts at Pullman Danang Beach Resort

DANANG, Vietnam, July 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Perfectly positioned between business and leisure, Pullman Danang Beach Resort continues to elevate the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events) experience in Central Vietnam. Following a comprehensive renovation in September 2024, the resort presents a refreshed MICE portfolio designed to meet the evolving needs of modern event organizers—combining versatility, creativity, and a distinctly coastal charm.

Lotus Ballroom provides a sophisticated setting for up to 500 guests, enhanced by advanced AV systems and a customizable 16-million-color LED lighting
Lotus Ballroom provides a sophisticated setting for up to 500 guests, enhanced by advanced AV systems and a customizable 16-million-color LED lighting

Nestled along the white sands of Bac My An Beach, the beach front resort offers a seamless blend of indoor and outdoor venues with a total capacity of up to 1,500 guests. Whether for an executive workshop or a beachfront gala, Pullman Danang is ready to host events with style and substance.

Dynamic Venues for Every Occasion

The resort’s Lotus Ballroom provides a sophisticated setting for up to 500 guests, enhanced by advanced AV systems and a customizable 16-million-color LED lighting setup to bring any concept to life. For open-air occasions, the lush beachfront lawn and private beach area together accommodate up to 1,000 guests, offering breathtaking views and fresh coastal energy, ideal for evening celebrations, networking sessions, and incentive gatherings.

Creative Culinary Concepts with Proven Expertise

Culinary excellence is at the heart of every event. From interactive food stations to internationally inspired menus and local Vietnamese delicacies, the resort’s F&B team curates experiences that are both memorable and tailored to each occasion, from a casual coffee break to a refined gala dinner.

With a passionate team boasting over a decade of event expertise, Pullman Danang ensures smooth coordination, attentive service, and end-to-end support. High-speed internet, hybrid meeting options, and professional technical assistance provide added assurance for seamless execution.

“We offer not only a MICE service, we create a comprehensive, culturally inspired experience shaped by our beachside setting, local engagement, and proven organizational excellence,”
– said Agnaldo Garibaldi, General Manager of Pullman Danang Beach Resort.

From strategic meetings to celebratory milestones, Pullman Danang Beach Resort is where business meets the beauty of Central Vietnam, setting a new standard for MICE experiences with purpose and personality.

Dynamic venues for every occasion at Pullman Danang Beach Resort
Dynamic venues for every occasion at Pullman Danang Beach Resort

Agilent and Nanyang Technological University’s NEWRI Sign Agreement to Enhance Water Contaminant Research in Singapore

SINGAPORE, July 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) announced the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Nanyang Environment & Water Research Institute (NEWRI), outlining their collaboration in advancing environmental and water research over the next three years.

(from left) Padraig McDonnell, Agilent CEO, Bharat Bhardwaj, Agilent Vice President of Sales for Asia Pacific, Prof Wang Rong, Executive Director of NEWRI, and Prof Lam Kwok Yan, Associate Vice President for Strategy and Partners at NTU, during the MOU ceremony signing at Singapore’s NEWRI on July 28, 2025.
(from left) Padraig McDonnell, Agilent CEO, Bharat Bhardwaj, Agilent Vice President of Sales for Asia Pacific, Prof Wang Rong, Executive Director of NEWRI, and Prof Lam Kwok Yan, Associate Vice President for Strategy and Partners at NTU, during the MOU ceremony signing at Singapore’s NEWRI on July 28, 2025.

NEWRI is a leading research institute at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore), ranked 13th globally for Environmental Sciences by QS World University Ranking in 2025¹. The collaboration aims to further strengthen Singapore’s capabilities in detecting emerging contaminants, such as microplastics, in the face of growing concerns.    

This marks the third partnership between Agilent and NEWRI in the context of environmental contaminant research addressing Singapore’s national priorities in water needs and wastewater treatment.

The strategic collaboration leverages Agilent’s next-generation technologies, including an extensive portfolio of LC/MS systems, ICP-MS series, Seahorse XF technology, xCELLigence real-time cell analyzer, and LDIR chemical imaging spectroscopy. Through the development of advanced analytical and bioanalytical methods and building relevant databases, this partnership enables new chemical and bioassay screenings and applications, supporting continuous efforts in environmental sustainability.

Professor Wang Rong, Executive Director of NEWRI, highlighted, “We are really excited to take our partnership with Agilent to the next level. Over the past 12 years, NEWRI has made significant contributions in the detection of emerging contaminants, developing robust methods to identify these challenging compounds. This collaboration will pool our strengths and deliver more impactful outcomes in advancing environmental monitoring and protection.”

Bharat Bhardwaj, Vice President of Sales for Asia Pacific, said, “This enduring partnership exemplifies the trust that NEWRI places in our groundbreaking innovations, which bring transformative science to reality. With a robust presence spanning over 25 years and a dedicated team of 600 local experts in Singapore, we take immense pride in advancing targeted projects alongside our collaboration partner. Together, we are pioneering new pathways in safe water testing, addressing the challenges posed by emerging contaminants.”

Over the past decade, NEWRI has advanced new solutions in low energy desalination, cutting-edge solid-waste solutions, autonomous water treatment systems, and resource recovery. The R&D work is supported in part by a remarkable array of Agilent’s state-of-the-art analytical instruments, deployed across multiple projects nationwide. 

As a well-established local supplier in Singapore, Agilent has grown its presence since 1999. In 2022, the company was recognized by the World Economic Forum (WEF) as a global leader in Factory Lighthouse for responsible scaling through smart manufacturing that prioritizes the environment and people. Agilent remains the sole analytical and clinical laboratory technology company worldwide to be recognized by WEF.

About Agilent Technologies

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) is a global leader in analytical and clinical laboratory technologies, delivering insights and innovation that help our customers bring great science to life. Agilent’s full range of solutions includes instruments, software, services, and expertise that provide trusted answers to our customers’ most challenging questions. The company generated revenue of $6.51 billion in fiscal year 2024 and employs approximately 18,000 people worldwide. Information about Agilent is available at www.agilent.com. To receive the latest Agilent news, subscribe to the Agilent Newsroom. Follow Agilent on LinkedIn and Facebook.

About Nanyang Technological University, Singapore

A research-intensive public university, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) has 35,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students in the Business, Computing & Data Science, Engineering, Humanities, Arts, & Social Sciences, Medicine, Science, and Graduate colleges.

NTU is also home to world-renowned autonomous institutes – the National Institute of Education, S Rajaratnam School of International Studies and Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering – and various leading research centres such as the Earth Observatory of Singapore, Nanyang Environment & Water Research Institute and Energy Research Institute @ NTU (ERI@N).

Under the NTU Smart Campus vision, the University harnesses the power of digital technology and tech-enabled solutions to support better learning and living experiences, the discovery of new knowledge, and the sustainability of resources.

Ranked amongst the world’s top universities, the University’s main campus is also frequently listed among the world’s most beautiful. Known for its sustainability, NTU has achieved 100% Green Mark Platinum certification for all its eligible building projects. Apart from its main campus, NTU also has a medical campus in Novena, Singapore’s healthcare district.

For more information, visit www.ntu.edu.sg

Media Contacts

Grace Thong

Agilent Technologies                                                                           

+65 9688 2152

grace.thong@agilent.com

 

Lester Kok Wei Ming

Nanyang Technological University, Singapore

+65 97415593

lesterkok@ntu.edu.sg