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TPIsoftware Wins “Taiwan SMART 50 Award” for Its FHIR-Based Medical AI Application

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TAIPEI, April 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — TPIsoftware (TPEx: 7781) was honored with the first Taiwan SMART 50 Award for creating a FHIR-based Medical AI Application.

Organized by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the award encourages the development of smart health apps that align with the SMART on FHIR standard to enable secure and real-time data sharing across different hospitals. 50 apps were selected from 115 submissions through an open call. These apps will be listed on the Taiwan Health App Space (THAS) as part of the country’s initiative to foster data interoperability in healthcare.

TPIsoftware’s submission of an AI-powered procedural coding tool, which is a module of its healthcare solution digiCare, has been proven to be practically effective and compliant with SMART on FHIR.

The procedural coding app uses Natural Language Processing (NLP) to identify whether a contrast agent is applied or specify anatomical sites in a radiology report. The tool generates suggested codes once clinical details are recognized, which medical professionals can then review and manually revise. The automated workflow improves coding accuracy, reduces denied claims and ensures compliance with ICD-10-PCS and DICOM. The data entry process is streamlined since the tool is compatible with existing systems such as EHR and HIS, freeing up staff to handle complex patient concerns and care journeys.

“Being named one of the SMART 50 Apps demonstrates our R&D capacity in supporting healthcare transformation. The standardized framework enables hospitals and medical centers to provide informed, high-quality care with greater consistency, security and plug-and-play simplicity,” said Pierre Hsia, Executive Vice President of Enterprise Application Development Division at TPIsoftware.

TPIsoftware General Manager Yilan Yeh attributed the accolade to the company’s domain expertise and years of experience in highly-regulated industries. “Partnerships among industry leaders, academic institutions, healthcare providers and government agencies are nurtured to support patient-centered care, clinical decisions and treatment. Following the model of the US All of Us Research Program, we are committed to building Taiwan’s national database aligned with the TW Core Implementation Guide (IG) and FHIR standard, where data are made accessible within an open, standardized ecosystem.”

From AI experiments to Frontier Success: Microsoft Brings Agentic AI to Hong Kong Organizations

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HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 April 2026 – Hong Kong is one of Asia’s most active Copilot markets. At the same time, Hong Kong enterprises are entering a new phase of AI adoption—one that moves beyond pilots and proofs of concept, toward changing how work gets done at scale. At the Microsoft AI Tour in Hong Kong, Microsoft outlined how organizations can achieve Frontier Success: where AI agents become part of everyday operations, delivering real business impact with trust and governance built in. AIA and AS Watson Group are among the early pioneers locally that have already begun their Frontier journey.

Photo1: Judson Althoff, CEO of Microsoft’s Commercial Business, delivers a keynote at the Microsoft AI Tour in Hong Kong, outlining Microsoft’s Frontier Success Framework and how agentic AI is moving from experimentation to enterprise wide impact.
Photo1: Judson Althoff, CEO of Microsoft’s Commercial Business, delivers a keynote at the Microsoft AI Tour in Hong Kong, outlining Microsoft’s Frontier Success Framework and how agentic AI is moving from experimentation to enterprise wide impact.

“Across Hong Kong, organizations are rethinking how work gets done with agentic AI—moving beyond experimentation to running operations at scale,” said Judson Althoff, CEO of Microsoft’s Commercial Business. “Frontier Transformation is helping them deliver business impact and measurable outcomes by embedding AI into real workflows, with trust, security, and governance fully integrated throughout.”

Frontier Success Framework: How Microsoft Helps Organizations Scale Agentic AI with Confidence

As AI matures, success is no longer defined by deploying individual tools. At the AI Tour, Microsoft shared its Frontier Success Framework—a practical approach designed to help organizations turn agentic AI into business real, measurable business value. The framework centered on four outcomes: enrich employee experience, reinvest customer engagement, reshape business process, and bend the curve on innovation.

As part of this journey, Microsoft announced that Wave 3 of Microsoft Copilot, delivered through Microsoft 365 E7 (Frontier Suite) will reach general availability in Hong Kong on 1 May 2026. Built on the principles of Intelligence and Trust, Microsoft 365 E7 brings together Microsoft 365 Copilot, Work IQ and Agent 365, alongside enterprise security, identity, and agent governance. By grounding AI in deep work context—understanding how people collaborate, what they work on, and how decisions are made—Work IQ enables Copilot and AI agents to operate with relevance and accuracy. At the same time, Agent 365 provides a centralized control plane to govern agents, while integrated security and governance ensure AI can scale responsibly across the enterprise.

Frontier Success in Action across Hong Kong

Across industries, Hong Kong organizations are already demonstrating what Frontier Success looks like in practice.

AIA –AdvancingAgentic AI Across Its Enterprise: AIA is applying Microsoft’s AI platform to deploy a holistic, agentic AI strategy across its operations. This includes agentic AI supporting product training, lead management and knowledge access, automated claims processing and customer self-service. In addition, a citizen developer program using Copilot Studio to increase productivity. Together, these capabilities enable AIA to reduce manual effort, improve accuracy, and scale operational efficiency while meeting the requirements of a highly regulated industry.

AS Watson Group – Driving Scaled AI‑Powered Personalization Across O+O Retail Channels: AS Watson Group has adopted a wide range of AI tools in its Retail HK businesses, including Microsoft Copilot and its AI capabilities across its O+O (Offline plus Online) platform to enhance productivity and decision‑making. Key use cases include AI‑driven product discovery, AI skin analysis, and in‑store personalization to enhance customer engagement, alongside employee‑focused applications such as AI‑enabled store support and AI‑generated marketing content. By scaling generative AI across operations and customer insight analysis, the Group achieves efficiency, effectiveness and cross-team collaboration in its unique O+O business model.

These examples reflect a broader shift across Hong Kong’s business community: organizations are no longer asking whether AI works, but how it should sit inside the operating model to drive meaningful outcomes.

Looking Ahead: Sustaining Frontier Success Through Continuous, Enterprise‑Grade Trust

Microsoft has been part of Hong Kong’s technology and business community for 35 years, supporting enterprises as the city evolves into a hub for innovation and global impact.

“Over the past 35 years, we have had the privilege of supporting Hong Kong through multiple waves of digital transformation. Today, as this momentum carries Hong Kong into the frontier era of AI, where organizations are not just adopting new technologies, but rethinking operating models across the enterprise,” said Leo Liu, General Manager of Microsoft Hong Kong and Macau. “As this frontier journey accelerates, Microsoft is committed to empowering local customers and partners to get ahead in the age of AI while maintaining strong data governance and enterprise‑grade privacy—ensuring human judgment remains firmly in control and enabling Hong Kong to define what Frontier Success looks like on the global stage.”

As AI adoption accelerates, Microsoft emphasized that Frontier Success is not a single milestone, but a continuous transformation—one that requires clarity of purpose, strong governance, and real-world execution. Through its platform, partners, and ecosystem, Microsoft aims to support Hong Kong organizations as they move from experimentation to sustained, responsible AI driven growth.

Hashtag: #Microsoft #AI #FrontierSuccess

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

About Microsoft

Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT” @microsoft) creates platforms and tools powered by AI to deliver innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers. The technology company is committed to making AI available broadly and doing so responsibly, with a mission to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.

Plug and Play partners with the Nigerian Institution of Marine Engineers and Naval Architects to elevate Nigeria’s maritime ecosystem

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SINGAPORE, April 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Plug and Play, the world’s largest open innovation platform headquartered in Silicon Valley, announced a strategic partnership with the Nigerian Institution of Marine Engineers and Naval Architects (NIMENA) to accelerate the transformation of Nigeria’s maritime sector into a globally competitive innovation hub.

The partnership will connect Nigeria’s maritime ecosystem to global standards, networks, and capital by leveraging Plug and Play’s international corporate partnerships, accelerator expertise, and cross-border innovation infrastructure.

At its core, the collaboration will launch a dedicated maritime & energy innovation platform focused on advancing engineering-led technologies across maritime, energy, supply chain, and logistics sectors. The initiative will involve the development of a startup pipeline between Nigeria and Singapore, widely regarded as one of the world’s most advanced maritime & energy innovation ecosystems serving as a neutral and trusted testbed for technology validation. 

Through this program, selected startups will receive:

  • Access to cutting-edge technologies and global industry insights
  • Structured mentorship from international maritime & energy innovation leaders
  • Pilot and proof-of-concept opportunities in a globally benchmarked ecosystem
  • Commercialization pathways into the Nigerian market
  • Business development and investor-readiness support
  • Opportunities for cross-border partnerships and market expansion

By ensuring that solutions being scaled into Nigeria have been validated in overseas markets the program minimizes adoption risks while accelerating technology transfer and investment flows into the Nigerian maritime & energy sector.

“Engineering-driven innovation is critical to solving some of the world’s most complex challenges—from sustainable shipping to the decarbonization of marine operations,” said Jupe Tan, Managing Partner, APAC, Plug and Play. “By partnering with NIMENA, we are creating a trusted bridge between global innovation ecosystems and Nigeria’s maritime & energy sector, unlocking pathways for international collaboration and long-term competitiveness.”

“This partnership marks a transformative step for Nigeria’s energy and maritime innovation ecosystem,” said Dr. Eferebo Sylvanus, National Chairman, NIMENA. “By aligning with global standards and connecting our local talent to international platforms, we are creating new opportunities for Nigerian innovators to scale their solutions beyond borders while strengthening our national capabilities.”

Addressing Critical Ecosystem Gaps

1. Strengthening Ecosystem Alignment

To address fragmentation across government, academia, and industry stakeholders, Plug and Play has conducted a comprehensive ecosystem assessment. This data-driven evaluation examines capital access, talent pipelines, infrastructure readiness, and regulatory frameworks—culminating in a Strategic Ambition and Vertical Map for Nigeria’s maritime sector.

2. Creating a Stronger Investment Pipeline

While sector-specific funding opportunities exist, structured validation and vetting mechanisms remain limited. Under this partnership, Plug and Play will curate high-potential stage agnostic startups directing capital toward scalable, innovation-driven ventures with strong technical and commercial viability.

3. Enabling Global Market Access

The partnership will provide stage-agnostic startups with exposure to large corporations, regulators, and investors. Successful technologies will transition into exploring scaling opportunities in Nigeria for commercialization, positioning Nigeria as a high-growth destination for innovation across Africa.

A Bridge Between Global Trust and Local Scale

More than an accelerator program, the Plug and Play–NIMENA partnership is designed as a long-term platform for trust-building, knowledge transfer, and ecosystem anchoring.

Singapore will serve as the gateway for technology validation and international credibility, while Nigeria will serve as the destination for scaling, commercialization, and impact. This dual-ecosystem model ensures that cutting-edge solutions are introduced with global benchmarks while enabling sustainable, locally anchored growth.

As international startups expand into Nigeria, they will establish local operations, drive knowledge transfer, build intellectual property, and create high-value employment opportunities. Over time, this approach will not only attract foreign innovators but also catalyze the rise of homegrown Nigerian startups capable of contributing solutions to the global maritime industry.

By combining NIMENA’s technical leadership with Plug and Play’s global innovation infrastructure, the partnership represents a decisive step toward positioning Nigeria as an innovation hub for Africa, and a leader for maritime, energy, and adjacent industries for the region, ultimately strengthening competitiveness, accelerating entrepreneurship and advancement of technologies in their market, and aligning the national ecosystem with global best practices.

For partnership and participation inquiries:

Industry stakeholders interested in partnering are invited to connect with the team. We are actively seeking corporate and institutional partners to collaborate on pilot projects, proof-of-concept initiatives, and ecosystem development efforts. Global startups developing solutions across maritime, energy, logistics, supply chain, and related sectors are also encouraged to reach out to be considered for participation in the program.

For more information, please contact  nimena-program@pnptc.com

About the partners:

About Plug and Play

Plug and Play is the leading global innovation platform connecting startups, corporations, venture capital firms, universities, and government agencies. Headquartered in Silicon Valley, Plug and Play operates in more than 60 locations across five continents, helping corporate partners and founders in every stage of the innovation journey — from education to execution. Plug and Play runs startup acceleration programs, corporate innovation services, and an in-house venture capital platform that has invested in hundreds of successful companies, including Dropbox, PayPal, Honey, LendingClub, N26, and Rappi. For more information, visit https://www.plugandplayapac.com/

About the Nigerian Institution of Marine Engineers and Naval Architects (NIMENA)

The Nigerian Institution of Marine Engineers and Naval Architects (NIMENA) is a professional body consisting of Naval Architects, Marine Engineers, and allied professions. NIMENA is dedicated to strengthening professional standards, fostering technological innovation, promoting capacity, and sustainable development in Nigeria’s maritime sector. The institution provides thought leadership, professional development opportunities, technical workshops, and industry events to support maritime engineering excellence and capacity building. For more information, visit https://nimena.org.ng/home.html

Agoda Announces Asia’s Top Family Activities for 2026, Shanghai Disneyland Tops the Chart

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SINGAPORE, April 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As summer draws near and families eagerly start planning their holidays, activities and experiences remain at the heart of crafting a memorable family summer vacation. Digital travel platform Agoda reveals that Shanghai Disneyland tops the list of family activities in Asia, based on activities booked on Agoda between January 1 and April 15 this year. The data reveals that destinations that offer theme parks and unique viewpoints will be the go-to choices for family fun this summer.

Following Shanghai Disneyland, Genting Skyworlds Theme Park near Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Fukuoka Tower in Fukuoka (Japan), Penang Hill Funicular in Penang (Malaysia), and Aquaria Phuket in Phuket (Thailand) round out the top five most popular family activities of 2026. Theme parks, aquariums, and breathtaking viewpoints offer entertainment for all ages, whether traveling with toddlers or teens.

Here are the five most popular family activities booked on Agoda this year, offering endless adventure for families planning their summer vacations in Asia:

1. Shanghai Disneyland, Shanghai (China)

Shanghai Disneyland offers a magical escape for families, featuring the world’s largest Disney castle and eight distinct theme parks. with enchanting attractions and captivating shows. From thrilling rides and captivating shows to fairy-tale feasts and character meet-and-greets, the park provides endless fun for children and adults alike. Its diverse range of attractions and parent-child ticket options make it an ideal destination for summer vacations.

2. Genting Skyworlds Theme Park, Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)

Genting Skyworlds Theme Park, located near Kuala Lumpur, is a haven for thrill-seekers and families alike. With its array of exhilarating rides and nine themed zones, the park promises a day filled with excitement and adventure. Families can explore various attractions, from adrenaline-pumping roller coasters to interactive experiences, ensuring a memorable outing for all.

3. Fukuoka Tower, Fukuoka (Japan)

Japan’s tallest seaside tower offers breathtaking views of the city and beyond, making it a must-visit for families exploring Japan. The tower’s observation deck provides a panoramic vista of Hakata Bay that captivates visitors of all ages. Families can enjoy the stunning scenery and capture unforgettable moments together, making it a perfect addition to any summer itinerary.

4. Penang Hill Funicular, Penang (Malaysia)

The Penang Hill Funicular offers a unique experience for families seeking adventure and natural beauty. The funicular ride takes visitors to the top of Penang Hill, where they can enjoy stunning views and explore the lush surroundings. It’s an ideal activity for families looking to combine relaxation with exploration during their summer vacation.

5. Aquaria Phuket, Phuket (Thailand)

Aquaria Phuket provides an underwater adventure for families, showcasing a diverse range of marine life. The aquarium, Thailand’s largest, offers interactive exhibits and captivating displays offer an educational and entertaining experience for visitors of all ages. Families can immerse themselves in the wonders of the ocean, encountering over 25,000 marine creatures, making it a fantastic choice for a summer outing.

Jun Dong, Vice President at Agoda shared, “Families are gearing up for their summer vacations, and at Agoda we’re excited to help families discover the magic of Asia’s top attractions. From the enchanting world of Shanghai Disneyland to the breathtaking views atop Penang Hill, there’s something for every family to enjoy. Our platform simplifies the travel planning process, allowing families to seamlessly book a wide range of activities alongside flights and accommodations. This ensures a connected and stress-free journey, so families can focus on creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime.”

Travelers seeking unique experiences can browse over 300,000 activities, along with more than 6 million holiday properties and over 130,000 flight routes, all of which can be combined in the same booking. Discover the best deals on Agoda’s mobile app or visit Agoda.com for more.

Madame Tussauds Hong Kong Celebrates the Arrival of Two Major Chinese Superstars: Hua Chenyu and Luo Yunxi’s Permanent Wax Figures

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Bring a Touch of Stardom to Music and Fashion Zones

HONG KONG, April 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Madame Tussauds Hong Kong is thrilled to announce the official debut of two multi-talented icons from Mainland China — powerhouse singer-songwriter Hua Chenyu and popular actor-singer Luo Yunxi. Set to become the must-see highlights for fans, their wax figures are now officially part of the permanent collection, settling into the “Music Icons” zone and “Fashion Zone” just in time for the Labour Day Golden Week.


Since his debut, Hua Chenyu has garnered numerous accolades in the music industry for his distinct creative vision and explosive vocal power. From Aliens and Qi Tian to I Really Want to Love This World, his works have consistently topped the charts, resonating with countless listeners through lyrics that reflect a profound understanding of life. When he’s not in the limelight, Hua also dedicates his time to charity and social causes, inspiring those around him with his genuine passion.

Dressed in a sleek black outfit for the stage, the newly arrived Hua Chenyu wax figure is showcased in a striking pose in the “Music Icons” zone, capturing the energy of his live performances. 


Also making a highly anticipated debut is the popular Chinese actor and singer, Luo Yunxi. Since his breakout role in Ashes of Love in 2018, Luo has become a household name, a status further solidified by his performance in Till The End of The Moon, where he received high praise for skilfully portraying three distinct roles (Tantai Jin, Ming Ye, and Cang Jiumin). The show achieved top results in online drama rankings and was released in over 30 countries and regions worldwide. In 2025, his lead role in Whispers of Fate had set a new benchmark for cultural exports, once again topping prime-time TV ratings and reaching over 120 countries and regions.

His wax figure, permanently displayed in the Fashion Zone, features a refined tailored look that reflects his graceful on‑ and off‑screen persona, inviting guests to admire and capture memorable moments with the star.

To celebrate the arrival of these two new figures, Madame Tussauds Hong Kong has introduced updated ticket offers across several popular combinations, now available via the official website and WeChat Mini Programs, including Peak Tram and VR experience bundles.

From 30 April to 5 May 2026, guests purchasing any Peak Tram or VR Experience combo ticket via official channels will also receive a HK$50 Shake Shack cash coupon (while stocks last), adding even more value to a star‑studded day at The Peak.

— End —

 

IF Coconut Brings Singaporeans Together to Co-Create 40 Ultra-Limited Merlion Collectibles from 1,200 Plastic Bottles

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  • IF Coconut unveils The IF-inity Movement in Singapore, transforming discarded bottles into ultra-limited collectible art through circular innovation.
  • 1,200 discarded IF bottles transformed into 40 ultra-limited Fortune Merlion collectibles, turning everyday plastic waste into rare, design-led art pieces.
  • Public as Co-Creators, where individuals can contribute plastic bottles for a chance to co-create and own one of the exclusive collectibles, unveiling on 29 April 2026 at Ocean Financial Centre.
  • Circular innovation meets real-world impact, spotlighting Singapore’s 957 million kg plastic waste challenge (with only 5% recycled) while showcasing a full recycling-to-3D-printing journey.
  • One-of-a-kind Gold Edition for charity, to debut at Pop Toy Show 2026, with 100% proceeds supporting the Pan Pacific Conservation Foundation
1

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 April 2026 – As Singapore accelerates efforts to tackle plastic waste and advance its circular economy ambitions, IF, a globally recognised coconut water brand established in Thailand and renowned for its commitment to product quality and innovation, has launched The IF-inity Movement. A first-of-its-kind initiative that transforms post-consumer plastic into ultra-limited collectible art, while inviting the public in Singapore to take part in the creation process through a circular, community-led approach.

A) Press Release Image 2

Anchored on the message “Turning Waste to Wonders,” the campaign will culminate in a flagship public event on 29 April 2026 at Ocean Financial Centre Plaza Atrium from 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM, where the brand will unveil 40 ultra-limited Fortune Merlion collectibles, each crafted from recycled IF bottles and caps. Designed as both a cultural icon and a sustainability statement, each piece embodies the transformation of waste into something meaningful, bridging creativity, environmental responsibility, and public participation.

Additionally, IF will unveil a one-of-a-kind Gold Edition Fortune Merlion collectible, paired with a IF Coconut Magnet, at Pop Toy Show 2026 – one of Southeast Asia’s largest and most influential collectible and designer toy events, drawing thousands of creative fans, collectors, and industry tastemakers each year. Exclusively featured at UNIPLAY’s booth, this single gold‑finished piece stands apart from the 40‑unit collection not only for its craftsmanship but also for its purpose: 100% of proceeds from its sale will be donated to the Pan Pacific Conservation Foundation (PPCF) to support regional environmental protection and conservation efforts.

Inviting the Public into the Creation Process

Leading up to the main reveal on 29 April 2026, IF Coconut rolled out a series of public activations from 2 to 28 April 2026, inviting the community to participate directly in the recycling journey.

Members of the public also took part as Co-Creators to stand a chance to receive the ultra-limited IF-inity Fortune Merlion by:

  1. Contributing at least 30 IF bottles (labels removed and cleaned)
  2. Pre-registering by 17 April 2026.
  3. Dropping off the cleaned empty bottles between 21–22 April 2026.

From these submissions, the first five entries were selected, subject to meeting the eligibility and submission requirements, to receive the ultra-limited IF-inity Fortune Merlion. Selected Co-Creators will also be invited to attend the main event, where they will complete their collectible by injecting and “snapping” their IF Coconut Magnet onto the Merlion, marking the final step in transforming plastic waste into a finished piece of art.

Beyond the Co-Creator programme, members of the public can also participate as regular contributors by depositing any cleaned PET bottles at IF-inity recycling pods located at

  1. 6 Battery Road, Singapore, 049909
  2. 19 Tuas View Square, Singapore 637564

Registration for The IF-inity Movement event on 29 April can be completed via Eventbrite here: https://www.eventbrite.sg/e/the-if-inity-movement-tickets-1985795073521

IF-inity Recycling Pods at 6 Battery Road, Singapore, 049909
IF-inity Recycling Pods at 6 Battery Road, Singapore, 049909

“The IF-inity Movement was inspired by a simple belief – that small actions, when multiplied across a community, can drive meaningful environmental change. At IF Coconut, we saw an opportunity to transform everyday waste, such as plastic bottles and caps, into something purposeful. Through our collaboration with UNIPLAY and PLASTIFY, we are giving new life to discarded materials by reimagining them into commemorative collectibles inspired by the Merlion, an iconic symbol of Singapore. This initiative reflects our commitment to sustainability, and we hope it will inspire more people to embrace circular practices and contribute to a more sustainable future.” said Pongsakorn Pongsak, Chief Executive Officer of IFBH Limited.

The Grand Reveal: 40 Collectibles, One Community

A) Press Release Image 4

The IF-inity Movement will culminate in a public event on 29 April 2026, which will feature the first unveiling of the IF-inity Fortune Merlion collectibles, alongside an interactive recycling experience led by PLASTIFY, where all attendees can “inject” and bring home their own IF Coconut Magnet in 30 seconds.

For the five selected Co-Creators eligible for the IF-inity Fortune Merlions, they will also take part in a special moment to complete their collectible by “snapping” the IF Coconut Magnets onto the Merlion, marking the final step in transforming waste into a finished piece of art.

The 40 Fortune Merlion collectibles are not available for retail and will be exclusively distributed as part of The IF-inity Movement, including a limited number allocated to selected Co-Creators from the public and one exclusive gold-edition at Pop Toy Show 2026.

Closing the Loop Through Waste and Merlion Metamorphosis

According to the National Environment Agency, in Singapore alone, 957 million kg of plastic waste was generated in 2024, with only 5% recycled. Against this backdrop, The IF-inity Movement aims to reframe waste not as an endpoint, but as the beginning of a new lifecycle, demonstrating how collective action, design, and innovation can come together to create impact.

At the heart of the initiative is a full lifecycle transformation process that converts post-consumer plastic into limited-edition collectibles. Through a multi-step journey, spanning bottle collection, shredding, material processing, filament production, and 3D printing, discarded plastics are reimagined into tangible works.

A total of 1,200 PET bottles and 600 HDPE caps (weighing 21.5kg in total) are recycled into 40 ultra-limited Fortune Merlion collectibles and accompanying IF Coconut Magnets. Each piece carries a symbolic narrative of renewal, transformation, and shared responsibility.

If-inity Fortune Merlion with IF Coconut Magnets
If-inity Fortune Merlion with IF Coconut Magnets

The IF-inity Movement brings together a network of collaborators across design, sustainability, and production. The Fortune Merlion collectible is crafted using PET plastic filaments by UNIPLAY, while PLASTIFY leads the recycling of HDPE bottle caps into the magnetic IF Coconut. Supporting partners include ASYPHER Studios (campaign strategist and orchestrators), Advance Recycling (plastic shredding and material recovery), Greenfinity (PET Plastic filament transformation), and PlasticTinkers (3D printing).
Hashtag: #IFCoconut

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

About IF Coconut

IF is a globally recognised coconut water brand known for its commitment to product quality, and innovation. As part of the IF family, the brand has built a strong presence across international markets, offering a range of naturally refreshing coconut-based beverages that cater to modern, health-conscious lifestyles.

Driven by a vision that goes beyond hydration, IF continues to evolve its brand narrative by integrating sustainability and responsible practices into its operations. With a growing focus on environmental impact, the brand is committed to exploring circular solutions, transforming post-consumer waste into meaningful creations while encouraging conscious consumption among its community.

Through initiatives like The IF-inity Movement, IF bridges sustainability with creativity and community engagement, demonstrating how everyday products can play a role in a larger environmental ecosystem. By reimagining waste as a resource, the brand aims to inspire collective action and contribute to a more circular future.

With a strong regional footprint and expanding global reach, IF continues to innovate both within and beyond its product offerings, championing not only better beverages, but a more sustainable way of living.

Website:
Register for The IF-inity Movement event:
Social Media:

AIA Singapore partners INSEAD to launch bespoke leadership programme to future-proof Singapore’s financial advisory leadership

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AIA is playing the long game in leadership by investing in people development.

SINGAPORE, April 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — AIA Singapore (AIA) today announced its collaboration with INSEAD, one of the world’s foremost and largest graduate business schools, to launch the AIA-INSEAD Executive Agency Leadership Programme. The bespoke programme is designed to elevate the leadership capabilities of high-potential leaders from AIA Singapore and AIA Financial Advisers, strengthening the next generation of agency leadership.

The programme reflects AIA’s commitment to long‑term people development rather than short‑term performance outcomes, recognising that sustainable success in financial advisory leadership requires depth of capability, adaptability, and purpose. It equips leaders with an entrepreneurial, innovative, and customer‑centric mindset to lead effectively amid rapid technological change, rising customer expectations, and increasing industry complexity.

“In a world obsessed with immediate results, we have made a deliberate choice to invest in long‑term people development. Strong leaders are not built in a quarter — they are built over years,” said Alvin Fu, Chief Distribution Officer, AIA Singapore.

“As Singapore’s largest distribution force, we are uniquely positioned to shape the future of distribution leadership. This collaboration with INSEAD underscores our commitment to building a world‑class leadership pipeline that delivers enduring value for our people, customers, and the industry.”

Raising the Bar for Distribution Leadership Excellence

Co‑designed with INSEAD, the on‑campus programme is tailored specifically for AIA’s distribution leaders. It focuses on strategic leadership, business planning, sales productivity, and building scalable agency systems to support sustainable, long‑term growth. Participants who complete the programme will receive an AIA‑INSEAD co‑branded certification, reinforcing AIA’s leadership standards and commitment to excellence.

Strengthening AIA’s Next‑Generation Leadership

The programme builds on AIA’s ongoing commitment to developing a strong and sustainable distribution force through structured, progressive leadership pathways. It complements AIA’s existing initiatives, including its mandatory IBF Level 1 certification for all, in-house leadership development program for new leaders, and partnership with the Wealth Management Institute (WMI) to equip High Net Worth managers.

The AIA‑INSEAD Executive Agency Leadership Programme builds on AIA’s broader investments in leadership development, reinforcing its long‑term commitment to growing leaders who can inspire teams, navigate change, and help more people live Healthier, Longer, Better Lives.

– END –

About AIA   

AIA Group Limited and its subsidiaries (collectively “AIA” or the “Group”) comprise the largest independent publicly listed pan-Asian life insurance group. It has a presence in 18 markets – wholly-owned branches and subsidiaries in Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR[1], Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, New Zealand, the Philippines, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan (China), Vietnam, Brunei and Macau SAR[2], and a 49 per cent joint venture in India. In addition, AIA has a 24.99 per cent shareholding in China Post Life Insurance Co., Ltd.

The business that is now AIA was first established in Shanghai more than a century ago in 1919. It is a market leader in Asia (ex-Japan) based on life insurance premiums and holds leading positions across the majority of its markets. It had total assets of US$345 billion as of 31 December 2025.

AIA meets the long-term savings and protection needs of individuals by offering a range of products and services including life insurance, accident and health insurance and savings plans. The Group also provides employee benefits, credit life and pension services to corporate clients. Through an extensive network of agents, partners and employees across Asia, AIA serves the holders of more than 44 million individual policies and over 16 million participating members of group insurance schemes.

AIA Group Limited is listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited under the stock codes “1299” for HKD counter and “81299” for RMB counter with American Depositary Receipts (Level 1) traded on the over-the-counter market under the ticker symbol “AAGIY”.

[1] Hong Kong SAR refers to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

[2] Macau SAR refers to the Macau Special Administrative Region.

 

World’s First: AutoStatSpectra, Software That Automates Spectral Analysis with Bayesian Statistics, Launches a 7-Day Free Trial — a.s.ist Inc.

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Supports a wide range of spectral data, including XPS, FT-IR, and NMR. From automatic determination of peak count and peak shape to background and noise estimation, AutoStatSpectra enables analysis with less dependence on individual analyst experience.

TAIPEI and SINGAPORE, April 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — a.s.ist Inc. (“a.s.ist”) leverages research expertise cultivated at The University of Tokyo to drive digital transformation (DX) in manufacturing through white-box AI.

AutoStatSpectra Launches a 7-Day Free Trial for Automated Spectral Analysis with Bayesian Statistics
AutoStatSpectra Launches a 7-Day Free Trial for Automated Spectral Analysis with Bayesian Statistics

a.s.ist today announced the launch of a 7-day free trial for AutoStatSpectra, its Bayesian-statistics-based spectral analysis software. During the trial period, all features will be available without restriction.

*The “World’s First” claim in the title is based on research conducted by a.s.ist and reflects information available as of April 2026.

Background

In spectral analysis techniques such as XPS (X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy), FT-IR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy), and NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance), analytical results are heavily influenced by how overlapping peaks are separated and how the number of peaks, the parameters for each peak, and the peak function types are defined.

However, with conventional curve-fitting software, these settings often depend on the analyst’s experience and trial and error, creating challenges in objectivity and reproducibility.

AutoStatSpectra uses Bayesian inference to automatically estimate the number of peaks, peak parameters, and peak function types, while also quantifying uncertainty in the estimates. It delivers statistically grounded spectral analysis that does not rely on the analyst’s subjective judgment.

Key Features of AutoStatSpectra

How AutoStatSpectra Worksas
How AutoStatSpectra Worksas

1. Automatic estimation of peak count, peak parameters, and peak function types

AutoStatSpectra compares candidate models within a user-specified range and automatically selects the optimal number of peaks based on posterior probability. In addition to estimating parameters such as the height, center position, and full width at half maximum (FWHM) of each peak, it also automatically determines the most suitable peak function type for the data, including Gaussian, Lorentzian, and pseudo-Voigt functions. Because uncertainty in each estimate can also be evaluated quantitatively, the software enables highly reproducible peak fitting with less reliance on analyst experience and trial and error.

2. Flexible background correction

In addition to constant and linear background models, AutoStatSpectra supports multiple background-correction methods, including the Shirley method for XPS. Users can flexibly choose preprocessing methods according to different measurement techniques.

3. Batch analysis of multiple files (multi-file workspace)

Multiple spectral datasets can be grouped into a single workspace and processed in batch under common analysis conditions. This supports efficient analysis of large volumes of data, such as condition screening and time-series comparisons.

4. Automatic generation of analysis reports

Analysis results can be automatically output as reports in PDF and Word formats. Comprehensive reports that include fitting plots, model comparison tables, parameter lists, and posterior distribution plots significantly shorten the workflow from analysis to reporting. Data export to CSV and Excel is also supported.

5. Support for diverse data formats

AutoStatSpectra supports a wide range of data formats, including CSV, Excel, VAMAS, and SOF-H.

Demo Video

For a visual overview of how AutoStatSpectra works in practice, please watch our demo video on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/3c2pc3OJgz4 

About the Free Trial
Duration: 7 days (all features available)
Availability: Web app and desktop app
Supported environments: The desktop app supports Windows (x64) and macOS (Apple Silicon)
How to apply: Please contact us via the inquiry form on our official website: https://www.a-s-ist.com/contact/. After reviewing your target data and intended use, we will issue a trial license following a consultation. Please note that the number of trial slots is limited, and applications may close once capacity is reached.
Continuing use: After the trial period, users may continue with either a monthly plan or an annual plan.

About a.s.ist Inc.

a.s.ist is a startup that leverages advanced data analysis technologies such as white-box AI, Bayesian inference, and sparse modeling, built on research expertise cultivated at The University of Tokyo.

With strengths in data analysis for materials development, physical-property experiments, and related applications, the company supports problem-solving in research and manufacturing settings through the development and sale of automated analysis software and the provision of custom digital transformation (DX) solutions. a.s.ist is also exploring the application of emerging AI technologies such as physical AI.

Company Name: a.s.ist Inc.
CEO: Yui HAYASHI
Address: 5-17-24 Iko, Adachi-ku, Tokyo 121-0823, Japan
Founded: June 2021
URL: https://www.a-s-ist.com

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