Home Blog Page 515

Disney Cruise Line and Marina Bay Precinct Partners Wrap Up Three-Night Sky Show Celebrating the Disney Adventure’s Arrival

SINGAPORE, March 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Disney Cruise Line, together with Marina Bay precinct partners UOB, Marina Bay Sands and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), concluded a spectacular three-night Marina Bay sky show this weekend. The dazzling display, which was the largest concurrent drone and fireworks show to be staged in Singapore, formed part of “Adventure Begins: A Magical Bay Celebration with Disney Cruise Line“, commemorating the arrival of the Disney Adventure – Disney Cruise Line’s first ship in Asia. The celebration in Singapore follows the ship’s maiden voyage on 10 March 2026.

While the sky show has concluded, the two-month long nautical-themed festivities will continue through 30 April 2026. Visitors can explore Disney Cruise Line-themed photo spots, enjoy fun activities and discover special promotions across participating merchants throughout the Marina Bay precinct. A full list of participating merchants and privileges can be viewed on UOB’s campaign website, and more information on the festivities can be found here.  

A Disney Cruise Line-inspired Peranakan motif illuminated the skyline, marking the dazzling opening of the Sky Show spectacular
A Disney Cruise Line-inspired Peranakan motif illuminated the skyline, marking the dazzling opening of the Sky Show spectacular

Across three evenings from 13 to 15 March, spectators gathered around Singapore’s Marina Bay area to witness a vibrant adventure of visual and musical wonder, with brilliantly choreographed displays that could be seen all around Marina Bay.

The vibrant 10-minute display of fireworks and drones brought Disney’s storytelling to life, drawing inspiration from the Disney Adventure and its seven themed areas (Disney Imagination Garden, Toy Story Place, San Fransokyo Street, Town Square, Wayfinder Bay, Disney Discovery Reef and Marvel Landing), all set to a medley of beloved Disney music.

A dazzling burst of fireworks and drones lit up the night, as the Disney Adventure sky show soared to fan-favorite tune, “Let It Go”
A dazzling burst of fireworks and drones lit up the night, as the Disney Adventure sky show soared to fan-favorite tune, “Let It Go”

As a special nod to the Disney Adventure homeporting in Singapore and the island city’s rich multicultural heritage, the sky show featured designs with a local twist – bringing together Disney Cruise Line and nautical-themed elements, Peranakan-inspired motifs referencing Singapore’s National Flower, the Vanda Miss Joaquim, and the iconic Merlion.  

A highlight of the evening was undoubtedly when the fireworks and drones lit up to reveal a show display inspired by San Fransokyo Street – one of the seven themed areas onboard the Disney Adventure
A highlight of the evening was undoubtedly when the fireworks and drones lit up to reveal a show display inspired by San Fransokyo Street – one of the seven themed areas onboard the Disney Adventure

Onlookers at the Marina Bay area were treated to a brilliant fireworks and drone sequence inspired by Marvel Landing, one of the seven themed areas guests will discover onboard the Disney Adventure
Onlookers at the Marina Bay area were treated to a brilliant fireworks and drone sequence inspired by Marvel Landing, one of the seven themed areas guests will discover onboard the Disney Adventure

Spectators at Marina Bay cheered as a playful display inspired by Toy Story Place – one of the seven themed areas onboard the Disney Adventure – lit up the night sky
Spectators at Marina Bay cheered as a playful display inspired by Toy Story Place – one of the seven themed areas onboard the Disney Adventure – lit up the night sky

Fireworks and drones lit up the night sky against the iconic Marina Bay Sands, as part of the Marina Bay sky show this weekend
Fireworks and drones lit up the night sky against the iconic Marina Bay Sands, as part of the Marina Bay sky show this weekend

Excited guests cheered as they spotted the Peranakan-inspired motif referencing the iconic Merlion – a heartfelt tribute and fitting nod to Singapore, the city that the Disney Adventure now calls home
Excited guests cheered as they spotted the Peranakan-inspired motif referencing the iconic Merlion – a heartfelt tribute and fitting nod to Singapore, the city that the Disney Adventure now calls home

An electric atmosphere swept across the Marina Bay area as spectators took in every moment of the breathtaking 10-minute sky show – a fitting, dazzling tribute to welcome the Disney Adventure to Singapore
An electric atmosphere swept across the Marina Bay area as spectators took in every moment of the breathtaking 10-minute sky show – a fitting, dazzling tribute to welcome the Disney Adventure to Singapore

The Disney Adventure, inspired by over 100 years of Disney, Marvel and Pixar storytelling, will continue sailing from Singapore on three- and four-night voyages, promising unforgettable onboard entertainment, dining, and retail experiences. For more information on sailing dates and to book, guests can visit http://www.disneycruise.com/adventure or contact their preferred travel agents.

Guests can follow Disney Cruise Line’s social media channels for more updates:     

CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026: XCMG’s Full-Scenario Solutions Deliver New Value to Global Customers

LAS VEGAS, March 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026, one of the world’s largest construction machinery exhibitions, was held from March 3 to 7 in Las Vegas. Leading Chinese construction machinery manufacturer XCMG has presented a strong exhibition of equipment and integrated solutions tailored for the North American market.

CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026: XCMG’s Full-Scenario Solutions Deliver New Value to Global Customers
CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026: XCMG’s Full-Scenario Solutions Deliver New Value to Global Customers

Themed “Solid XCMG, Steady Progress,” XCMG’s exhibition went beyond displaying equipment quantity to highlight scenario-based solutions. It presented 35 models tailored for North America, delivering intelligent, integrated solutions for earthmoving, hoisting, aerial work, and mining operations. Excavators and loaders were staged as cohesive systems alongside aerial work platforms and cranes, creating an interactive “micro construction site” that brought XCMG’s real‑world capabilities to life.

“Since our first batch of 100 rollers entered the North American market in 1990, we have evolved to offer comprehensive solutions spanning cranes, excavators, and mining equipment. We remain committed to serving the engineering and construction needs of the North American region with high-quality products and ongoing industry support,” said Zhai Kun, general manager of XCMG Import & Export Co., Ltd.

The newly launched PRO series marks a major advancement in XCMG’s human‑machine interface capabilities. Integrating intelligent control, parameter customization, visual interfaces, and self‑diagnostics, it makes complex machinery “clear at a glance and precise to control” to achieve both intelligence and operational efficiency. At CONEXPO‑CON/AGG 2026, the PRO series gained strong commercial traction, securing multiple intent orders and on‑site signings with leading North American distributors.

From R&D to manufacturing, supply chain to branding, XCMG is building a more resilient, agile, and sustainable global operations network for its customers. Through close collaboration between its North America R&D Center and China headquarters, the company enables round‑the‑clock development, embedding a value‑driven, long‑term sustainability model deep into the local business ecosystem.

Today, the company is moving beyond “selling products” to raising the “technological density” of its offerings, providing intelligent, integrated, scenario‑based solutions tailored for the demanding local conditions.

“We’re no longer just providing cost‑effective tools; we’re exporting advanced engineering solutions. It’s through technology that we earn respect and trust in the global high‑end market,” said Zhai.

XCMG products now reach over 190 countries and regions, with more than 95% coverage along the Belt and Road. Overseas revenue has climbed to nearly half of total sales, a record high.  XCMG’s full-value-chain global expansion across products, solutions, and technology continues to strengthen its global competitiveness.

CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026: XCMG’s Full-Scenario Solutions Deliver New Value to Global Customers

LAS VEGAS, March 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026, one of the world’s largest construction machinery exhibitions, was held from March 3 to 7 in Las Vegas. Leading Chinese construction machinery manufacturer XCMG has presented a strong exhibition of equipment and integrated solutions tailored for the North American market.

CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026: XCMG’s Full-Scenario Solutions Deliver New Value to Global Customers
CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026: XCMG’s Full-Scenario Solutions Deliver New Value to Global Customers

Themed “Solid XCMG, Steady Progress,” XCMG’s exhibition went beyond displaying equipment quantity to highlight scenario-based solutions. It presented 35 models tailored for North America, delivering intelligent, integrated solutions for earthmoving, hoisting, aerial work, and mining operations. Excavators and loaders were staged as cohesive systems alongside aerial work platforms and cranes, creating an interactive “micro construction site” that brought XCMG’s real‑world capabilities to life.

“Since our first batch of 100 rollers entered the North American market in 1990, we have evolved to offer comprehensive solutions spanning cranes, excavators, and mining equipment. We remain committed to serving the engineering and construction needs of the North American region with high-quality products and ongoing industry support,” said Zhai Kun, general manager of XCMG Import & Export Co., Ltd.

The newly launched PRO series marks a major advancement in XCMG’s human‑machine interface capabilities. Integrating intelligent control, parameter customization, visual interfaces, and self‑diagnostics, it makes complex machinery “clear at a glance and precise to control” to achieve both intelligence and operational efficiency. At CONEXPO‑CON/AGG 2026, the PRO series gained strong commercial traction, securing multiple intent orders and on‑site signings with leading North American distributors.

From R&D to manufacturing, supply chain to branding, XCMG is building a more resilient, agile, and sustainable global operations network for its customers. Through close collaboration between its North America R&D Center and China headquarters, the company enables round‑the‑clock development, embedding a value‑driven, long‑term sustainability model deep into the local business ecosystem.

Today, the company is moving beyond “selling products” to raising the “technological density” of its offerings, providing intelligent, integrated, scenario‑based solutions tailored for the demanding local conditions.

“We’re no longer just providing cost‑effective tools; we’re exporting advanced engineering solutions. It’s through technology that we earn respect and trust in the global high‑end market,” said Zhai.

XCMG products now reach over 190 countries and regions, with more than 95% coverage along the Belt and Road. Overseas revenue has climbed to nearly half of total sales, a record high.  XCMG’s full-value-chain global expansion across products, solutions, and technology continues to strengthen its global competitiveness.

FLEXSYS TO INCREASE PRICES FOR INSOLUBLE SULFUR

AKRON, Ohio, March 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Effective for all shipments on or after March 23, 2026, Flexsys announced it will increase regional prices for Insoluble Sulfur products as follows:

Asia: USD $0.60/kg
Europe: Euro €0.45/kg
North America: USD $0.40/kg
Latin America: USD $0.40/kg

These increases are due to soaring raw material costs, energy costs, and freight costs, driven by the current conflict in Iran and the Middle East region and its increasing impacts.

About Flexsys
Flexsys is a global specialty chemicals and materials technology company that innovates and produces a range of tire additives with the purpose of enabling tire companies to improve tire performance and manufacturing productivity, while enhancing sustainability through innovation. Based in Akron, Ohio, with manufacturing facilities across North America, South America, Europe and Asia, our global team is committed to the success of our customers.

For additional information about Flexsys, please visit www.flexsys.com

Frost & Sullivan Identifies Top 50 Technologies Set to Shape a $1.25-$1.35 Trillion Market Opportunity by 2030

16th edition of annual Top 50 Technologies analysis highlights breakthrough innovations across healthcare, semiconductors, mobility, and clean energy

LONDON, March 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Frost & Sullivan announces the release of the 16th edition of its annual Top 50 Technologies report, identifying the most transformative innovations poised to reshape industries and unlock new growth opportunities over the next five years.

Frost & Sullivan's Top 50 Technologies in 2026
Frost & Sullivan’s Top 50 Technologies in 2026

The report evaluates 410 emerging technologies across sectors ranging from AI-enabled drug discovery and advanced semiconductor architectures to sustainable energy infrastructure. Through a rigorous methodology, Frost & Sullivan identified the Top 50 technologies expected to deliver the greatest market and economic impact globally.

Each technology was assessed using eight evaluation criteria: IP activity, funding momentum, market potential, megatrend impact, regional adoption potential, sector economic impact, technology disruptiveness, and technology evolution.

“In an increasingly noisy world, Top 50 Technologies thought leadership serves as a calm and patient growth partner for organisations seeking clarity on where innovation is heading,” said Ankit A. Shukla, Vice President, TechVision at Frost & Sullivan. “Over the past 12 months, a number of ‘dark swan’ events have heightened uncertainty in technology development and deployment in ways I have not seen in the last 20 years. By examining the underlying shifts shaping the innovation landscape, we estimate that the 2026 Top 50 technologies could collectively influence a $1.25–$1.35 trillion market opportunity over the next five years.”

Healthcare innovation accelerating therapeutic breakthroughs

Healthcare technologies continue to represent a major frontier for innovation and value creation. According to Vandana Iyer, Research Director at Frost & Sullivan’s TechVision practice, advances in digital health and biotechnology are reshaping treatment paradigms while improving pharmaceutical development efficiency.

“Technologies such as GLP-1 receptor agonists and AI-enabled drug discovery are enabling scalable disease management while significantly accelerating therapeutic innovation,” said Iyer.

Adoption is currently strongest in the United States and the United Kingdom, where robust healthcare infrastructure and clinical integration are supporting rapid deployment. Meanwhile, Asia-Pacific markets – including India, China, and Japan – are expanding rapidly through regulatory approvals, licensing agreements, and increased investment in healthcare innovation.

Sustainability technologies enabling the energy transition

Sustainability-focused technologies are also emerging as critical enablers of the global energy transition.

Sustainability technologies are enabling efficient clean energy storage, transport, and utilisation, supporting global decarbonisation and long-term energy security,” said Vivek Vaidya, Partner at Frost & Sullivan.

One example is the growing e-fuels ecosystem, where more than 3,000 patents were filed between 2023 and 2025, reflecting strong innovation momentum. Adoption is being led by Europe and North America, where regulatory frameworks and decarbonisation mandates are accelerating investment and commercial deployment.

Semiconductor innovation powering the next phase of AI

While artificial intelligence dominated industry discourse in 2025, Frost & Sullivan expects 2026 to mark a shift toward hardware-led innovation, particularly in advanced semiconductor technologies.

“Next-generation semiconductor technologies are enabling faster AI processing, improving power efficiency, and supporting the expansion of intelligent edge and cloud systems,” said Sudeep Basu, Practice Leader, Innovation Services at Frost & Sullivan.

In particular, Edge AI accelerators are gaining traction globally. Asia-Pacific leads semiconductor manufacturing capabilities, while North America and Europe are accelerating adoption across industrial automation, mobility, and intelligent infrastructure applications.

Strategic implications for industry participants

As geopolitical uncertainty, evolving trade dynamics, and supply chain volatility continue to reshape the technology landscape, organisations must align innovation strategies with emerging growth opportunities.

Companies that proactively evaluate technology trajectories and align their roadmaps with high-impact innovation trends will be better positioned to build resilience and achieve sustained growth through 2030.

A deeper exploration of the 2026 Top 50 Technologies can support informed strategic decision-making – helping organisations determine whether to build, buy, or borrow capabilities to accelerate innovation and market leadership.

To learn more about the Top 50 Technologies methodology or explore how organisations can leverage the findings to inform growth strategy, contact Ankit A. Shukla at ankit.shukla@frost.com.

Discover the Top 50 Technologies 2026 and identify the innovations poised to shape growth through 2035. Explore additional resources and download the insights here.

YOUR TRANSFORMATIONAL GROWTH JOURNEY STARTS HERE. Frost & Sullivan’s Growth Pipeline Engine, transformational strategies and best-practice models drive the generation, evaluation, and implementation of powerful growth opportunities. Is your company prepared to survive and thrive through the coming transformation? Join the Journey

Editor’s Note

To arrange an interview or for any questions, please contact:

Kristina Menzefricke
Marketing & Communications
Global Customer Experience, Frost & Sullivan
kristina.menzefricke@frost.com

Frost & Sullivan Identifies Top 50 Technologies Set to Shape a $1.25-$1.35 Trillion Market Opportunity by 2030

16th edition of annual Top 50 Technologies analysis highlights breakthrough innovations across healthcare, semiconductors, mobility, and clean energy

LONDON, March 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Frost & Sullivan announces the release of the 16th edition of its annual Top 50 Technologies report, identifying the most transformative innovations poised to reshape industries and unlock new growth opportunities over the next five years.

Frost & Sullivan's Top 50 Technologies in 2026
Frost & Sullivan’s Top 50 Technologies in 2026

The report evaluates 410 emerging technologies across sectors ranging from AI-enabled drug discovery and advanced semiconductor architectures to sustainable energy infrastructure. Through a rigorous methodology, Frost & Sullivan identified the Top 50 technologies expected to deliver the greatest market and economic impact globally.

Each technology was assessed using eight evaluation criteria: IP activity, funding momentum, market potential, megatrend impact, regional adoption potential, sector economic impact, technology disruptiveness, and technology evolution.

“In an increasingly noisy world, Top 50 Technologies thought leadership serves as a calm and patient growth partner for organisations seeking clarity on where innovation is heading,” said Ankit A. Shukla, Vice President, TechVision at Frost & Sullivan. “Over the past 12 months, a number of ‘dark swan’ events have heightened uncertainty in technology development and deployment in ways I have not seen in the last 20 years. By examining the underlying shifts shaping the innovation landscape, we estimate that the 2026 Top 50 technologies could collectively influence a $1.25–$1.35 trillion market opportunity over the next five years.”

Healthcare innovation accelerating therapeutic breakthroughs

Healthcare technologies continue to represent a major frontier for innovation and value creation. According to Vandana Iyer, Research Director at Frost & Sullivan’s TechVision practice, advances in digital health and biotechnology are reshaping treatment paradigms while improving pharmaceutical development efficiency.

“Technologies such as GLP-1 receptor agonists and AI-enabled drug discovery are enabling scalable disease management while significantly accelerating therapeutic innovation,” said Iyer.

Adoption is currently strongest in the United States and the United Kingdom, where robust healthcare infrastructure and clinical integration are supporting rapid deployment. Meanwhile, Asia-Pacific markets – including India, China, and Japan – are expanding rapidly through regulatory approvals, licensing agreements, and increased investment in healthcare innovation.

Sustainability technologies enabling the energy transition

Sustainability-focused technologies are also emerging as critical enablers of the global energy transition.

Sustainability technologies are enabling efficient clean energy storage, transport, and utilisation, supporting global decarbonisation and long-term energy security,” said Vivek Vaidya, Partner at Frost & Sullivan.

One example is the growing e-fuels ecosystem, where more than 3,000 patents were filed between 2023 and 2025, reflecting strong innovation momentum. Adoption is being led by Europe and North America, where regulatory frameworks and decarbonisation mandates are accelerating investment and commercial deployment.

Semiconductor innovation powering the next phase of AI

While artificial intelligence dominated industry discourse in 2025, Frost & Sullivan expects 2026 to mark a shift toward hardware-led innovation, particularly in advanced semiconductor technologies.

“Next-generation semiconductor technologies are enabling faster AI processing, improving power efficiency, and supporting the expansion of intelligent edge and cloud systems,” said Sudeep Basu, Practice Leader, Innovation Services at Frost & Sullivan.

In particular, Edge AI accelerators are gaining traction globally. Asia-Pacific leads semiconductor manufacturing capabilities, while North America and Europe are accelerating adoption across industrial automation, mobility, and intelligent infrastructure applications.

Strategic implications for industry participants

As geopolitical uncertainty, evolving trade dynamics, and supply chain volatility continue to reshape the technology landscape, organisations must align innovation strategies with emerging growth opportunities.

Companies that proactively evaluate technology trajectories and align their roadmaps with high-impact innovation trends will be better positioned to build resilience and achieve sustained growth through 2030.

A deeper exploration of the 2026 Top 50 Technologies can support informed strategic decision-making – helping organisations determine whether to build, buy, or borrow capabilities to accelerate innovation and market leadership.

To learn more about the Top 50 Technologies methodology or explore how organisations can leverage the findings to inform growth strategy, contact Ankit A. Shukla at ankit.shukla@frost.com.

Discover the Top 50 Technologies 2026 and identify the innovations poised to shape growth through 2035. Explore additional resources and download the insights here.

YOUR TRANSFORMATIONAL GROWTH JOURNEY STARTS HERE. Frost & Sullivan’s Growth Pipeline Engine, transformational strategies and best-practice models drive the generation, evaluation, and implementation of powerful growth opportunities. Is your company prepared to survive and thrive through the coming transformation? Join the Journey

Editor’s Note

To arrange an interview or for any questions, please contact:

Kristina Menzefricke
Marketing & Communications
Global Customer Experience, Frost & Sullivan
kristina.menzefricke@frost.com

HKUST Launches 35th Anniversary Celebrations Showcasing a Legacy of Miracles and a Vision for the Future


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 March 2026 – The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) today officially launched its 35th Anniversary celebrations with a vibrant ceremony, bringing together distinguished government officials, industry leaders, and members of the university community to reflect on an extraordinary journey of excellence.

The Chief Secretary for Administration of the HKSAR Government Mr. CHAN Kwok-ki (middle), Deputy Director of LOCPG Mr. LUO Yonggang (third right), Secretary for Education of the HKSAR Government Dr. Christine CHOI Yuk-lin (third left) and members of the HKUST leadership team, including Pro-Chancellor Dr. John CHAN Cho-Chak (first right), Council Chairman Prof. Harry SHUM (second right), Court Chairman Dr. the Honorable Andrew LIAO Cheung-Sing (first left), and President Prof. Nancy IP (second left) inaugurate a series of commemorative initiatives for the HKUST 35th anniversary.
The Chief Secretary for Administration of the HKSAR Government Mr. CHAN Kwok-ki (middle), Deputy Director of LOCPG Mr. LUO Yonggang (third right), Secretary for Education of the HKSAR Government Dr. Christine CHOI Yuk-lin (third left) and members of the HKUST leadership team, including Pro-Chancellor Dr. John CHAN Cho-Chak (first right), Council Chairman Prof. Harry SHUM (second right), Court Chairman Dr. the Honorable Andrew LIAO Cheung-Sing (first left), and President Prof. Nancy IP (second left) inaugurate a series of commemorative initiatives for the HKUST 35th anniversary.

Themed “Where Miracles Happen,” the milestone event honors the pioneering spirit that has propelled generations of HKUST members to achieve remarkable feats. Officiating at the ceremony were Mr. CHAN Kwok-Ki, Chief Secretary for Administration of the HKSAR Government; Mr. LUO Yonggang, Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR (LOCPG); and Dr. CHOI Yuk-Lin, Secretary for Education of the HKSAR Government. They were joined by HKUST Pro-Chancellor Dr. John CHAN Cho-Chak, Council Chairman Prof. Harry SHUM, Court Chairman Dr. the Honorable Andrew LIAO Cheung-Sing, and President Prof. Nancy IP to inaugurate a year of commemorative activities.

A Journey Forged with Vision and Purpose

In her welcome address, President Ip, who joined HKUST in 1993, offered a personal reflection on the University’s remarkable ascent. She witnessed its evolution into a world-class institution; a success built on academic excellence and a vibrant innovation ecosystem created from the ground up. She credited this profound transformation to the extraordinary foresight of the University’s Founding President, Prof. Chia-Wei Woo.

“From its very inception, HKUST was built on a bold and unprecedented vision: to become Hong Kong’s first research-intensive university,” President Ip shared. “Long before the Greater Bay Area concept existed, our founders, led by Prof. Woo, understood that Hong Kong’s future was inextricably linked with the region. This visionary courage saw them forge vital connections with the Chinese Mainland, laying the groundwork for what would become HKUST (Guangzhou) in 2022. Their courage, dedication, and tenacity built the unshakeable foundation on which we stand today.”

President Ip emphasized that the University’s success is measured not by rankings alone, but by its tangible impact on society. This founding DNA—to anticipate and meet societal needs with excellence—is now driving HKUST’s most ambitious chapter yet: the establishment of a new School of Medicine. “This is a transformative milestone, fulfilling a dream pursued for over three decades,” she stated. “We are deeply grateful to the HKSAR Government for its trust and partnership. Together, we will build a technologically advanced, humanistic medical school that ushers in a new era for healthcare in Hong Kong. Let us honor those who walked before us by carrying their courageous legacy into a new era of excellence.”

A Cornerstone of Hong Kong’s Global Leadership

Mr. Chan Kwok-Ki commended HKUST’s profound impact on Hong Kong’s development. “Over the past 35 years, HKUST has evolved from a bold new institution into a globally respected university, driven by visionary leadership, dedicated faculty, a continuing flow of talented students, and an enduring spirit of innovation. Its strong international rankings, vibrant start-up ecosystem, and diverse global student body demonstrate how research and education can deliver tangible societal impact,” he stated. “As Hong Kong advances its role as an international education hub, HKUST stands as a shining example of how universities can nurture global talent while supporting national development priorities. With strengths spanning artificial intelligence, science, and its planned School of Medicine, HKUST is exceptionally well-positioned to shape the future of innovation and talent development.”

Carrying a Pioneering Spirit into the Next Chapter

Prof. Harry Shum reflected on the University’s unique position. “Thirty-five years is a fascinating milestone. In human terms, it is the age of maturity, the point where youthful energy meets seasoned wisdom. And I see the same spirit alive in this institution. We still possess the curiosity and drive of our early years. But now we have the strength, the reputation, and the alumni network that only decades can build. The world is changing faster than ever before. If we are to serve the next generation as well as we have served the past, we must lead, we must innovate, and we must redefine what education can be. In this regard, HKUST is ready to open a new chapter.

“The HKSAR Government has appointed HKUST with the trust to build the third medical school in Hong Kong. We envision the University’s medical school that will bridge traditional medical curriculum with the latest technology and AI breakthroughs, will gradually revolutionize the entire medical spectrum—from diagnosis to treatment to recovery, prevention and personalized medicine. I am confident that this future-oriented medical school, which will admit its first cohort in 2028, will play an important role in educating and training a new generation of scientists and clinicians in the next 35 years and beyond.”

A Celebration of Innovation and Heritage

Reflecting the theme “Where Miracles Happen,” the ceremony showcased HKUST’s leadership in technology in a truly spectacular fashion. In a breathtaking fusion of tradition and innovation, the university’s Guangzhou campus team presented a robotic lion dance. This remarkable creation brought the classic folk art to life through advanced robotics, embodying the spirit of cultural heritage reimagined through cutting-edge engineering.

For the grand officiating ceremony, HKUST turned into an unexpected source of inspiration: humanity’s best friends. But there were no ordinary dogs. A team of robotic dogs—developed by Direct Drive Technology (an HKUST-nurtured startup), the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, and the Cheng Kar-Shun Robotics Institute—took center stage. Engineered to navigate complex, uneven terrain and perform dangerous industrial inspections, these four-legged helpers were given a far more meaningful mission for the day: carrying the ceremonial “Miracle Balls” to the officiating guests. As robotic dogs trotted majestically onto stage bearing their precious cargo, they symbolized the University’s commitment to channeling cutting-edge research into real-world applications—and its penchant for making miracles happen.

The ceremony reached its pinnacle with a dramatic display of innovation. In a symbolic gesture of bridging past and future, a drone—generously donated by distinguished alumnus Mr. WANG Tao, Founder of DJI—soared into the venue carrying the commemorative “35th Symbol Key.” As the drone gracefully descended to deliver the key to the officiating party on stage, it signaled the formal inauguration of the anniversary celebrations.

HKUST expressed its deep gratitude to Mr. Wang for his generous donation of two of the latest drone solutions to the university. These state-of-the-art drones will serve as an inspiration for faculty and students to explore and address new challenges in the rapidly evolving low-altitude economy.

The campus itself has been transformed with a “Circle of Time” visual theme, inspired by the iconic Sundial sculpture—a symbol of the University’s enduring legacy and its continuous measurement of progress in education, research, and knowledge transfer.

A Legacy of Excellence and National Trust

Since its founding in 1991, HKUST has risen to rank among the world’s top 50 universities. This commitment to excellence is underscored by the deep trust the nation has placed in the University. Following the reorganization of two existing State Key Laboratories, HKUST has secured approval from the Ministry of Science and Technology to establish a new one, further strengthening its role in advancing cutting-edge research critical to national development.

In a major national space endeavor, HKUST is developing a multi-functional robot for the historic Chang’E-8 lunar mission, designed to operate on the lunar surface and contribute to China’s advancing space exploration capabilities. The University is also leading the development of a high-precision, point-source greenhouse gas detection instrument. This groundbreaking project is set to make history as it will become HKSAR’s first payload to China’s Tiangong Space Station aboard the Tianzhou cargo spacecraft for research and application.

Celebratory Events

A full year of celebratory activities is planned, including co-hosting Asia Universities Summit with Times Higher Education, an AI Film Festival, and joint celebrations with HKUST (Guangzhou).

Global Thought Leadership

Following the symposium held earlier this year, where multiple Nobel laureates and world-leading scholars were invited to engage with HKUST faculty, students and alumni, the University will co-host the THE Asia Universities Summit 2026 with Times Higher Education (THE) this April. The event will draw university presidents and industry leaders from around the world to Hong Kong to explore Asia’s leadership role in driving global change. HKUST will also host the China Association of Higher Education’s flagship “World University Presidents Forum” for the first time in Hong Kong.

AI and Innovation Thematic Events

HKUST will organize a series of events focused on AI, technology governance and creative culture—including an AI Film Festival—to highlight the University’s leadership and societal impact in AI.

Building the HKUST Community

The University will host joint celebrations across its Clear Water Bay and Guangzhou campuses, including a year-long blood donation drive, a marathon, a “Mixed Reality x AI” art exhibition, and more, to foster closer interaction between faculty and students from the two campuses. HKUST will also organize a grand anniversary gala dinner to celebrate with faculty, students, alumni and community leaders, alongside a digital commemorative booklet that recounts the University’s 35 years of outstanding achievements with society.

Hashtag: #HKUST

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

About The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) () is a world-class university known for its innovative education, research excellence, and impactful knowledge transfer. With a holistic and interdisciplinary pedagogy approach, HKUST was ranked 6th in the QS Asia University Rankings 2026, 3rd in the Times Higher Education’s Young University Rankings 2024, and 19th globally and 1st in Hong Kong in the Times Higher Education’s Impact Rankings 2025. Thirteen HKUST subjects were ranked among the world’s top 50 in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025, with “Data Science and Artificial Intelligence” coming in 17th worldwide and first in Hong Kong. Our graduates are highly competitive, consistently ranking among the world’s top 30 most sought-after employees. In terms of research and entrepreneurship, over 80% of our work was rated “internationally excellent” or “world leading” in the Research Assessment Exercise 2020 of the Hong Kong’s University Grants Committee. As of January 2026, HKUST members have founded over 1,900 active start-ups, including 10 Unicorns and 21 exits (IPO or M&A).

Laronix Launches Voice Restoration Study for ICU Patients at Greater Baltimore Medical Center

NEW YORK, March 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Laronix, Inc., a commercial-stage medical technology (MedTech) company and industry-leading innovator in voice restoration technologies, and the Greater Baltimore Medical Center (GBMC) announced the launch of an investigational study of Laronix MIRA Voice to restore voice capabilities for intensive care unit (ICU) patients.

MIRA Voice has enabled laryngectomy patients with permanent voice loss to generate speech. This investigational study, to be performed by the multidisciplinary team at Milton J. Dance Jr. Head and Neck Center at GBMC, is designed to assess the efficacy and potential of the device for patients who experience voice loss following tracheostomy or ICU intubation. Results will also serve as developmental feedback for MIRA Voice AI, the next product in Laronix’s pipeline, which uses state-of-the-art AI to recreate a patient’s original voice.

“This is the first study to explore the use of MIRA Voice, a next-generation artificial larynx, as a potential treatment for ICU voice loss,” Mousa Ahmadi, PhD, Chief Operating Officer of Laronix, said. “ICU-related voice loss is a significant, untreated global health issue, and we believe MIRA can enable ICU patients to communicate in a critical care environment. Laronix is pleased to collaborate with the Milton J. Dance Jr. Center for this study.”

More than six million patients in the U.S are admitted to ICUs annually, and up to 40% are placed on mechanical ventilation (intubation), rendering them effectively voiceless. It is estimated addressing communication barriers with ICU patients could lead to up to $1.4 billion in cost savings each year.

The study, with anticipated completion by mid-2026, will involve approximately 12 patients and test the effectiveness of MIRA Voice in enabling patients to express their immediate needs as well as sustain casual conversation. In addition, the study will measure MIRA Voice improvements to the efficiency and workflow of ICU care teams.

“Voice loss is a significant issue in ICUs. When patients are placed on mechanical ventilation and intubated or receive tracheostomies, they are unable to speak or respond to clinician questions and effectively communicate their needs. This results in a considerable amount of time being spent by our clinicians trying to understand and communicate with patients,” said Bushra Lohrasbi, MA, CCC-SLP, speech-language pathologist with the Milton J. Dance Center at GBMC and the study’s primary investigator. “Technological advances, such as MIRA Voice, provide patients with more effective and convenient voice restoration tools and may potentially facilitate verbal communication, reduce the amount of time and frustration spent in miscommunication, and improve the overall efficiency and quality of care.”

The Milton J. Dance Head and Neck Center, located within GBMC, is renowned for its comprehensive approach to rehabilitation and patient care, specializing in therapies that span physical, emotional, and psychological healing.

Laronix and the Milton J. Dance Jr. Center began collaborating in 2024 with AVA Voice, Laronix’s pioneering non-invasive voice solution designed specifically for laryngectomy patients. This collaboration made GBMC the first certified healthcare institution globally to offer this innovative technology, underscoring its commitment to enhancing patient care and improving quality of life for those affected by voice loss. The AVA Voice technology offers a new solution for patients for whom traditional therapies were inaccessible.

The next-gen technology in MIRA Voice has similar potential in its ability to support ICU patients and beyond. Laronix’s FDA-registered artificial larynx medical device, MIRA Voice mimics human voice generation using a computer-controlled artificial lung and synthetic vocal folds, offering customizable male and female voices.

About GBMC HealthCare

Since its founding in 1965, GBMC has been known as an outstanding, independent community hospital, validating the vision of our founders to combine the best of community and university-level medicine. Our 257 licensed bed, acute and sub-acute care hospital in Towson handles more than 23,000 admissions and more than 52,000 emergency room visits annually. With GBMC Health Partners, we have established 12 advanced primary practices throughout the region, working to keep people well by coordinating preventive care and the management of chronic disease. We are also committed, in every specialty, to provide culturally competent care and service of the highest quality to every patient, every time with the goal of health equity for all.

About Laronix

Laronix is an ISO-13485 certified MedTech company specializing in advanced AI-powered voice restoration technologies for patients with permanent, chronic, and acute voice loss. Voice loss affects 150 million people globally. The Company is headquartered in Brisbane, Australia, with commercial operations in New York City, U.S.  For more information, visit: www.laronix.com.

Media Contacts

Laronix: media@laronix.com
GBMC: Krystina Wales – 410-952-2558 or media@gbmc.org