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Together with Poppy Delevingne, Nathalie Emmanuel, and Archie Madekwe De Beers celebrates Diamonds, Art, and Love at Maison Assouline


LONDON, UK – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 March 2026 – Poppy Delevingne, Nathalie Emmanuel, and Archie Madekwe attended De Beers’ reception held at Maison Assouline, a destination for culture, in celebration of the newly launched book, A Diamond Is Forever: The Making of a Cultural Icon 1926 – 2026.

De Beers Group CEO Al Cook delivered a speech at the event, joining Sotheby's to unveil the rare natural diamond Jwaneng 28.88 and celebrated the launch of the new book,
De Beers Group CEO Al Cook delivered a speech at the event, joining Sotheby’s to unveil the rare natural diamond Jwaneng 28.88 and celebrated the launch of the new book, “A Diamond Is Forever: The Making of a Cultural Icon 1926-2026”.


Commissioned by Al Cook De Beers Group CEO, the book celebrates 100 years of storytelling and creativity and the longstanding significance of diamonds within art and the wider cultural sphere.

The evening also marked the exclusive unveiling of an outstanding natural diamond, the Jwaneng 28.88, ahead of its auction debut on 23 April, as part of Sotheby’s Luxury Sales in Hong Kong. The Jwaneng 28.88 is a unique internally flawless diamond of 28.88 carats, unearthed from the Jwaneng mine in the Kalahari Desert, in Botswana.

The celebration brought together an illustrious cross-section of global influence and creative talent, headlined by several High Commissioners who joined a vibrant assembly of the industry’s most respected voices. Attendees on the night included Sotheby’s’ Quig Bruning, jewellers Ananya Malhotra, Emefa Cole, Shola Branson, Sarah Ysabel Narici, singer Poppy Ajudha, entrepreneurs Sabrina Percy and Natalie Salmon, creatives Susie Lau, Melissa Holdbrook-Akposoe, Ben Schofield, Barbara Ayozie Fu Safira, Imogen Kwok, Deborah Ababio, designer Supriya Lele, cultural tastemaker Katy Wickremesinghe, artists Lionheart, Annette Fernando, Temsuyanger Longkumer.

Poppy Delevingne wore Boodles jewellery. A Peace of Mined design necklace set with fancy shape yellow diamonds in platinum and 18 carat Single Mine Origin yellow gold. The total weight of the yellow diamonds is 4.74 carats Cullinan mine South Africa and the additional brilliant cut white diamonds is 8.63 carats. A pair of claw set drop earrings set with pear shape diamonds in platinum. The pear diamonds are certificated 1.01 carats EVS2, 1.00 carats EVS2, 0.40 carats EVS2 and 0.40 carats EVS2.

Archie Madekwe wore Hirsh jewellery. An exceptional fancy intense orangy-yellow pear shape diamond set in the Hirsh Solitaire pendant setting. This rare gem weighs 1.88 carats and is accompanied by a GIA certificate, created in 18K yellow gold and handmade in London. The Fizz East/West Eternity ring, handmade in 18K yellow gold with a total diamond weight of approx. 0.55 carats, and a 1 carat, fancy intense, oval yellow diamond is set in the Hirsh Regal setting, surrounded by 0.35 carats of further brilliant cut yellow diamonds, created in 18K yellow gold.

Natalie Emmanuel wore ANANYA jewellery. A Yellow and Pink Diamond Necklace and Earrings from ANANYA Magnificent Jewels. The necklace has a gold weight of 71.56gms, and total diamond weight of 100.68cts. The earrings have a gold weight of10.83gms, and a total Diamond weight of 12.60cts. The diamonds in the set are composed of fancy cut yellow diamonds, pink diamonds, peach, champagne and white diamonds.

Melissa Holdbrook-Akpose wore ANANYA jewellery. The Magnificent Jewels Volume 1 Ear Climbers in 18k rose gold with 5.53ct white diamonds, 2.77ct pink diamonds, 0.44ct yellow diamonds and 1.99ct green diamonds. This was paired with a Chakra Solid Rose Gold Icon Bangle featuring a polished 18K rose gold band with a central minimalist bar, Chakra Diamond Baguette Icon Bangle in 18k rose gold with 2.32ct diamonds and 0.92ct crystal quartz, and Scatter Rose Gold Ring in 18k rose gold with 0.33ct diamonds.

Susie Lau wore Ara Vartanian jewellery. An 18k white gold necklace with 2.02ct brown diamonds, 3.19ct white diamonds, and 0.60ct black diamonds. This piece was paired with a 3.03 ct brown diamond gravity two-finger ring with 0.71ct white diamonds in 18k white gold.

Hashtag: #ADiamondisForever #naturaldiamonds #diamonds #DeBeersGroup #Assouline




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

About De Beers Group

Established in 1888, De Beers Group is the world’s leading diamond company with expertise in the exploration, mining, marketing and retailing of diamonds. Together with its joint venture partners, De Beers Group employs more than 20,000 people across the diamond pipeline and is the world’s largest diamond producer by value, with diamond mining operations in Botswana, Canada, Namibia and South Africa. Innovation sits at the heart of De Beers Group’s strategy as it develops a portfolio of offers that span the diamond value chain, including its jewellery houses, De Beers London and Forevermark, and other pioneering solutions such as diamond sourcing and traceability initiatives Tracr and GemFair. De Beers Group also provides leading services and technology to the diamond industry in the form of education and laboratory services and a wide range of diamond sorting, detection and classification technology services. De Beers Group is committed to ‘,’ a holistic and integrated approach to sustainability that underpins our efforts to create meaningful impact for the people and places where our diamonds are discovered. Building Forever focuses on three key areas where, through collaborations and partnerships around the globe, we have an enhanced ability to drive positive impact; Livelihoods, Climate and Nature. De Beers Group is a member of the Anglo American plc group. For further information, visit .

About Assouline

Founded in Paris in 1994 by Prosper and Martine Assouline, Assouline is the first luxury brand on culture. Guided by a passion for knowledge, culture and travel, the company has published over 2,000 titles in five main collections, along with special editions and unique library accessories. Assouline’s roster of collaborators includes some of the world’s most respected brands, artists, photographers, writers and designers. With an unparalleled signature style and elegant savoir faire, Assouline has globally redefined modern publishing.

About Sotheby’s

Established in 1744, Sotheby’s promotes access and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions, private sales and retail. Our deep expertise across 70 selling categories is supported by a leading technology platform and a global network of specialists spanning 40 countries. Selling categories include Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine and Spirits and Design, as well as collectible cars and real estate through RM Sotheby’s and Concierge. Sotheby’s Financial Services is a leading art lender and provides capital solutions for collectors around the world, having originated more than $12 billion in loans since its inception. Sotheby’s new global headquarters is now open at the iconic Breuer building at 945 Madison Avenue in New York City.

Changhong and Grundig Announce Strategic Partnership


NUREMBERG, GERMANY – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 March 2026 – Changhong, a leading Chinese home appliance brand, has announced a strategic partnership with European brand Grundig. Under the agreement, Changhong will obtain brand license for Grundig across multiple core product categories and key regional markets, and will be responsible for the brand’s international operations and development. The partnership represents an important step in Changhong’s global and multi-brand strategy.

The cooperation covers major product categories including consumer electronics, large home appliances, air conditioners, and selected small domestic appliances. The licensed markets include Europe (excluding Türkiye), the Asia-Pacific region, the CIS, and China. Leveraging its global industrial capabilities, Changhong will oversee the full value chain for Grundig, spanning product development, design, manufacturing, sales, logistics, and customer service, with localized strategies tailored to different markets.

With more than 60 years of industry experience, Changhong has built strong capabilities in smart home appliances, supported by robust R&D strength, a vertically integrated supply chain, and a global manufacturing and operations network. Its overseas business covers core markets such as Europe, Australia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America, with manufacturing bases in countries including the Czech Republic, Indonesia, and Vietnam. These strengths provide a solid foundation for supporting the long-term development of international brands.

Founded in 1945 and headquartered in Nuremberg, Germany, Grundig is a well-established European home appliance brand with a long history in consumer electronics and household appliances. The brand joined Türkiye-based Arçelik Group in 2004 and today operates in more than 55 countries and regions worldwide, maintaining strong brand recognition across Europe.

As part of Changhong’s multi-brand international strategy, its owned brand CHiQ has made steady progress in the European market in recent years. Positioned toward mass and younger consumer segments, CHiQ has expanded through localized channel development, product launches, and brand communication, gradually building market presence across key European countries.

With its strong European heritage and mid-to-high-end positioning, Grundig will complement CHiQ’s role within Changhong’s brand portfolio, enabling clear brand differentiation and synergy. Together, the two brands are expected to strengthen Changhong’s channel coverage, market reach, and overall competitiveness in Europe and global markets.

Changhong stated that it will advance the partnership with a long-term and sustainable development perspective, continuously strengthening product, channel, marketing, and service capabilities to support the stable growth of the Grundig brand internationally.

Hashtag: #Changhong #Grundig

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

Changan and CAOA Strengthen Long-Term Commitment to Brazil with New R$ 5 Billion Investment Cycle and Breakthrough Flex-Fuel Technology


ANÁPOLIS, BRAZIL – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 March 2026 – Changan Automobile and CAOA today marked a new chapter for Brazil’s automotive industry with the inauguration of a highly automated production line in Anápolis and the roll-off of the first Brazilmade CHANGAN UNIT. The ceremony, attended by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Vice-President Geraldo Alckmin and H.E. Zhu Qingqiao, Chinese Embassy in Brazil, signals a new phase of high-tech industrialization and green mobility in the country.

The milestone underscores Changan’s commitment to the Brazilian market, backed by continuous investment in production capacity, technological modernization, and advanced manufacturing. The inauguration launches a new USD 950 million (R$ 5 billion) investment cycle for 2026-2028. Combined with the USD 570 million (R$ 3 billion) invested from 2023, total investment in Anápolis reaches USD 1.52 billion (R$ 8 billion), with annual capacity for 90,000 units.

“For Changan, Brazil is not only a place to invest, but a land where we committed to building a long-term future,” said Zhu Huarong, Chairman of China Changan Automobile Group.

A Breakthrough in Local Engineering

The UNI-T resulted from three years of collaboration between 200 Chinese and Brazilian engineers. At its core is the advanced 1.5 Turbo GDi BlueCore Flex engine—a powertrain engineered by Changan and calibrated by CAOA’s specialized team for any ethanol-petrol blend.

This “Next Level” SUV underwent 200,000 km of testing across Brazil’s diverse climates, ensuring durability, efficiency and performance under local usage patterns. It combines global engineering with localized innovations—such as a fully localized Portuguese voicecontrol system and connected cockpit—delivering an experience tailored to Brazilian drivers.

“The UNI-T represents far more than a new model. It demonstrates that Brazil can establish itself as a global hub for high-technology automotive engineering and production,” says Carlos Alberto de Oliveira Andrade Filho, Co-President of CAOA.

Driving Brazil’s reindustrialization plan

The CHANGAN UNI-T anchors these localized powertrains. The investment focuses on digitalizing assembly lines and workforce training, supporting the federal government’s MOVER program.

Leveraging this Flex-Fuel and HEV foundation, Changan plans to introduce a full range of hybrid and electrified variants, strengthening local supply chains and R&D. With over 60 dealerships opening in 2026, Changan is expanding sales footprint while embedding advanced factory and powertrain technologies into Brazil’s industrial landscape—poised to help lead the next phase of intelligent, sustainable mobility.

Hashtag: #Changan

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

Agoda Observes Blooming Interest in Last-Minute Travel for Japan’s Cherry Blossom Season

SINGAPORE, March 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — With the arrival of Japan’s enchanting cherry blossom season, digital travel platform Agoda notes a 36% rise in domestic accommodation searches for prime blossom-viewing destinations. This increase, observed in February for check-ins during the peak blooming period from mid- to late March, suggests that many travelers prefer to finalize their plans closer to the bloom dates to ensure they capture the full splendor of the blossoms.

Hiroshima observed the highest growth in travel interest during the March cherry blossom season with a 48% increase in accommodation searches, followed by Nagoya with a 42% increase. Other popular destinations include Kanazawa (+39%), Kyoto (+36%), Kochi (+31%), and Wakayama (+26%).

These locations offer stunning spots to admire the blossoms, such as Hiroshima’s Shukkeien Garden and Kyoto’s Maruyama Park, where the iconic weeping cherry tree draws visitors for both day and night-time viewing. Nagoya’s Tsuruma Park and Kanazawa’s Kenrokuen Garden provide picturesque settings with cherry-lined paths. Visitors can also immerse themselves in cultural experiences at cherry blossom festivals like those at Kanazawa Castle and Kochi Castle, featuring traditional music, live performances, local crafts and tea ceremonies.

The allure of Japan’s famous cherry blossoms extends beyond its borders, attracting international travelers eager to witness this natural spectacle. Agoda’s data highlights that South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Thailand, and the Philippines are the top markets showing interest in visiting Japan during this season.

Jay Lee, Regional Director, North Asia at Agoda, shared, “Our data shows a clear growth in last-minute travel interest to experience Japan’s iconic cherry blossom season. We see travelers from all corners of the world eager to experience this fleeting beauty, and we’re thrilled to help them find the perfect spot to enjoy these breathtaking blossoms. Agoda’s easy-to-use platform and search filters provide the flexibility travelers need to seize these unique opportunities.”

For those planning a spontaneous cherry blossom escape, Agoda offers a vast selection of over 6 million holiday properties, 130,000 flight routes, and 300,000 activities, all of which can be combined in the same booking for a seamless experience. Discover the best deals on Agoda’s mobile app or visit Agoda.com for more information.

Herbalife to Expand Its Personalized Nutritional Supplement Capabilities Through Planned Acquisition of Bioniq

Transaction accelerates Herbalife and Cristiano Ronaldo’s commitment to scale personalized nutrition and wellness globally

HONG KONG , March 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Herbalife Ltd. (NYSE: HLF), a premier health and wellness company, community and platform, today announced an agreement to acquire certain assets from Bioniq, a UK-based personalized supplements company focused on making health more accessible and actionable. The transaction advances Herbalife’s vision of becoming a technology-enabled, data-driven health and wellness platform.

“The future of health and wellness is becoming more personalized and informed by data,” said Herbalife Chief Executive Officer, Stephan Gratziani. “By combining Bioniq’s personalized supplement technology with Pro2col and the power of our global distributor network, we are expanding our ability to deliver personalized wellness at global scale.”

Bioniq develops personalized supplement formulas using its patented product personalization engine, an individual’s health background, and a proprietary database of  biomarkers. Bioniq’s personalized supplement formulations are designed for a broad range of individuals, from everyday wellness consumers to elite athletes, including Cristiano Ronaldo.

Bioniq will complement Herbalife’s prior acquisitions of Pro2col and Link BioSciences by enabling Herbalife to offer a broader range of personalized nutritional supplements across multiple delivery formats. Combining Bioniq’s offering with Herbalife’s global manufacturing expertise will enable the Company to expand personalized nutrition at scale and speed.

“I founded Bioniq in 2019 with a vision to help people optimize their wellbeing through a science-driven approach to nutrition that incorporates biomarker and lifestyle data,” said Vadim Fedotov, Founder and President of Bioniq. “I am excited to join Herbalife with its global distributor network and commitment to advancing wellness at scale.”

As a long-time global nutrition partner of Herbalife and Bioniq shareholder, Cristiano Ronaldo shares Herbalife’s vision to accelerate the availability of personalized nutritional supplements at scale through its global distributor network.

“Throughout my career, biometrics and personalized nutrition have been central to helping me perform and compete at the highest level. As a longtime Herbalife and Bioniq user, I’ve experienced firsthand how a tailored approach to nutrition can help optimize performance,” said Cristiano Ronaldo. “I’m delighted to see Bioniq’s personalized supplements become part of Herbalife’s expanding access to nutritional supplements, helping people take a more informed approach to their health, wellness and performance.”

The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. The $55 million purchase price will be paid over five years, including an initial payment of $10 million at closing. In addition, the transaction value includes up to $95 million of contingent payments based on future performance.

As part of the transaction, Herbalife also obtained a call option to acquire Bioniq LAB, a separate platform focused on small molecules and peptides. The call option provides Herbalife with strategic flexibility to evaluate potential longer-term opportunities in this area in a disciplined and capital-efficient manner.

Bioniq’s personalized nutritional supplements are expected to be offered later this year through Herbalife independent distributors for customers in select countries in Europe and the United States, with additional markets to follow.

For more information, visit www.herbalife.com. 

About Herbalife Ltd. 

Herbalife (NYSE: HLF) is a premier health and wellness company, community and platform that has been changing people’s lives with great nutrition products and a business opportunity for its independent distributors since 1980. The Company offers science-backed products to consumers in more than 90 markets through entrepreneurial distributors who provide one-on-one coaching and a supportive community that inspires their customers to embrace a healthier, more active lifestyle to live their best life. 

For more information, visit https://ir.herbalife.com.  

About Bioniq 

Bioniq, launched in 2019 in London, UK, is an industry leader in offering personalized supplements based on personal questionnaires and blood test data.  Shipping globally and utilizing one of the largest personalized nutrition databases, Bioniq has created unique formulas for hundreds of thousands of users that incorporate components and dosages tailor-made to each individual’s nutrient deficiencies.

For more information, visit: https://www.bioniq.com/.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements other than statements of historical fact are “forward-looking statements” for purposes of federal and state securities laws, including any projections of earnings, revenue or other financial items; any statements of the plans, strategies and objectives of management, including for future operations, capital expenditures, or share repurchases; any statements concerning proposed new products, services, or developments; any statements regarding future economic conditions or performance; any statements of belief or expectation; and any statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing or other future events. Forward-looking statements may include, among others, the words “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “intend,” “continue,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate” or any other similar words.

Although we believe that the expectations reflected in any of our forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results or outcomes could differ materially from those projected or assumed in any of our forward-looking statements. Our future financial condition and results of operations, as well as any forward-looking statements, are subject to change and to inherent risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control. Important factors that could cause our actual results, performance and achievements, or industry results to differ materially from estimates or projections contained in or implied by our forward-looking statements include the following:

  • the potential impacts of current global economic conditions, including inflation, unfavorable foreign exchange rate fluctuations, and tariffs or retaliatory tariffs, on us; our Members, customers, and supply chain; and the world economy;
  • our ability to attract and retain Members;
  • our relationship with, and our ability to influence the actions of, our Members;
  • our noncompliance with, or improper action by our employees or Members in violation of, applicable U.S. and foreign laws, rules, and regulations;
  • adverse publicity associated with our Company or the direct-selling industry, including our ability to comfort the marketplace and regulators regarding our compliance with applicable laws;
  • changing consumer preferences and demands and evolving industry standards, including with respect to climate change, sustainability, and other environmental, social, and governance matters;
  • the competitive nature of our business and industry;
  • legal and regulatory matters, including regulatory actions concerning, or legal challenges to, our products or network marketing program and product liability claims;
  • the Consent Order entered into with the Federal Trade Commission, or FTC, the effects thereof and any failure to comply therewith;
  • risks associated with operating internationally and in China;
  • our ability to execute our growth and other strategic initiatives (such as restructuring efforts, increased market penetration in existing markets, and personalized product and related technology initiatives);
  • the effectiveness and acceptance of new technology-driven initiatives;
  • any material disruption to our business caused by natural disasters, other catastrophic events, acts of war or terrorism, including the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, cybersecurity incidents, pandemics, and/or other acts by third parties;
  • our ability to adequately source ingredients, packaging materials, and other raw materials and manufacture and distribute our products;
  • our reliance on our information technology infrastructure, and our ability to successfully develop, deploy, and integrate artificial intelligence into our business;
  • noncompliance by us or our Members with any privacy, artificial intelligence and data protection laws, rules, or regulations or any security breach involving the misappropriation, loss, or other unauthorized use or disclosure of confidential information;
  • contractual limitations on our ability to expand or change our direct-selling business model;
  • the sufficiency of our trademarks and other intellectual property;
  • product concentration;
  • our reliance upon, or the loss or departure of any member of, our senior management team;
  • our ability to integrate and capitalize on acquisition transactions;
  • restrictions imposed by covenants in the agreements governing our indebtedness;
  • risks related to our convertible notes;
  • changes in, and uncertainties relating to, the application of transfer pricing, income tax, customs duties, value added taxes, and other tax laws, treaties, and regulations, or their interpretation;
  • our incorporation under the laws of the Cayman Islands; and
  • share price volatility related to, among other things, speculative trading and certain traders shorting our common shares.

Additional factors and uncertainties that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from our forward-looking statements are set forth in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 18, 2026, including under the headings “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and in our Consolidated Financial Statements and the related Notes included therein. In addition, historical, current, and forward-looking sustainability-related statements may be based on standards for measuring progress that are still developing, internal controls and processes that continue to evolve, and assumptions that are subject to change in the future.

Forward-looking statements made in this release speak only as of the date hereof. We do not undertake any obligation to update or release any revisions to any forward-looking statement or to report any events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law.

Media Contact:
Miguel Lopez-Najera
Director, Global Corporate Communications
miguellope@herbalife.com

Investor Contact:
Erin Banyas
Vice President, Head of Investor Relations
erinba@herbalife.com

UNESCO Chair in Sustainability Law Futures at Singapore Management University to advance regional legal innovation

SINGAPORE, March 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has announced the establishment of the UNESCO Chair in Sustainability Law Futures at Singapore Management University (SMU), placing the university at the forefront of legal research and policy innovation for sustainable development in Asia-Pacific. Associate Professor of Law Michelle Lim has been appointed as Chairholder. 

As host of the UNESCO Chair, SMU joins a prestigious global network of over 1,100 UNESCO Chairs across 130 countries, connecting the University’s faculty and students to more than 10,000 international academics and researchers dedicated to advancing education, science and open knowledge through international cooperation.

Associate Professor Michelle Lim from SMU Yong Pung How School of Law is an internationally recognised scholar in sustainability law and governance. Her work focuses on advancing legal frameworks that help societies anticipate and respond to complex sustainability challenges. Under her leadership, the UNESCO Chair in Sustainability Law Futures will advance futures-oriented legal frameworks that address complex sustainability challenges, promote interdisciplinary collaboration, and support policymakers and communities in shaping resilient governance solutions.

SMU President, Professor Lily Kong, said, “Aligned with SMU2030, the University’s strategic plan which is anchored on a clear and purposeful impact agenda, the UNESCO Chair in Sustainability Law Futures embodies our vision of creating knowledge that matters. Through this initiative, SMU will build a platform for global collaboration, knowledge exchange, and legal innovation that leaves a lasting mark on sustainable development.”

Associate Professor Lim said, “Sustainability challenges are evolving rapidly, and legal systems must be able to anticipate emerging risks and opportunities. Through this UNESCO Chair, we hope to bring together scholars, policymakers and communities to explore futures approaches to sustainability law. In particular, we explore the role of story-telling both as intangible cultural heritage, and as law, to link past and future in the design of legal frameworks oriented towards desirable futures for people and planet.”

The Chair will contribute to the activities of UNESCO’s Social and Human Sciences Sector through research, teaching and training, as well as community action and communication. Through collaborative research, open-access resources and public dialogues, the Chair will facilitate knowledge exchange between academia, policymakers and communities, as well as support efforts to strengthen sustainability law education by integrating interdisciplinary perspectives and forward-looking policy approaches. 

– End –

Enclosures:

  • Annex 1 – Capsule Biography of Associate Professor Michelle Lim
  • Annex 2 – About the UNITWIN/UNESCO Chairs Programme

About Singapore Management University

A premier university in Asia, the Singapore Management University (SMU) is internationally recognised for its world-class research and distinguished teaching. Established in 2000, SMU’s mission is to generate leading-edge research with global impact and to produce broad-based, creative, and entrepreneurial leaders for the knowledge-based economy. SMU’s education is known for its highly interactive, collaborative, and project-based approach to learning.

Home to over 13,000 students across undergraduate, postgraduate professional and postgraduate research programmes, SMU comprises eight schools: College of Integrative Studies, College of Graduate Research Studies, School of Accountancy, Lee Kong Chian School of Business, School of Economics, School of Computing and Information Systems, Yong Pung How School of Law and School of Social Sciences.

SMU offers a wide range of bachelors’, masters’, and PhD degree programmes in the disciplinary areas associated with its schools, as well as in multidisciplinary combinations of these areas.

SMU emphasises rigorous, high-impact, multi- and interdisciplinary research that addresses Asian issues of global relevance. SMU faculty members collaborate with leading international researchers and universities around the world, as well as with partners in the business community and public sector. SMU’s city campus is a modern facility located in the heart of downtown Singapore, fostering strategic linkages with business, government, and the wider community.

Annex 1

Capsule Biography of Associate Professor Michelle Lim

Michelle Lim is an Associate Professor in Law, School of Law, Singapore Management University. Her interdisciplinary scholarship occurs at the intersection between biodiversity conservation and sustainable livelihoods.

Lim’s work focuses on futures-oriented biodiversity law research aimed at advancing equity and sustainability under conditions of unprecedented environmental change. She is increasingly interested in approaches which allows affective engagement with scholarship and explores ways which challenge the form of scholarship including through creative and imaginative means of expression (e.g. speculative fiction, poetry).

Lim holds a double degree in Science (Ecosystem Management) and Law (First-class Honours) and a PhD on legal and institutional arrangements for transboundary biodiversity conservation at the University of New England, Australia. Prior to joining Singapore Management University, Lim has held positions in Macquarie University, University of Adelaide and the University of Dundee.

Lim is Co-Editor in Chief of the Review of European, Comparative and International Environmental Law. She was a fellow on the Global Assessment of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) and an author of the IPBES/IPCC joint workshop report. She sits on the Advisory Board of Ambio. Lim was awarded the 2016/2017 Law Council of Australia Mahla Pearlman Australian Young Environmental Lawyer of the Year Award and the 2021 Law and Society Association of Australia and New Zealand publication prize for a published scholarly article or book chapter for the paper: “Extinction: hidden in plain sight–Can stories of ‘the last’ unearth environmental law’s unspeakable truth?.” Griffith Law Review. 1-32.

Dr Lim has diverse teaching experience spanning the fields of sustainability, environmental, international, commercial and corporate law as well as torts, and ethics.

– End –

Annex 2

About the UNITWIN/UNESCO Chairs Programme

Launched in 1992 to promote international inter-university cooperation, the Programme has grown to include around 1100 Chairs and 50 networks across 130 countries. This network of universities around the world supports UNESCO’s work in education, the natural and social sciences, culture and communication, to help address pressing challenges and contribute to the development of their societies. The UNESCO Chairs and UNITWIN Network teams contribute at each stage of the UNESCO’s work: from the exploration of emerging issues, through the development of international normative instruments to the implementation of policy recommendations at the national level. They also bring together partners in academia, civil society, local communities and policy-makers in dialogue for project implementation. https://www.unesco.org/en/unitwin

– End –

Laos Waives Electricity Bills for 5,915 Families Hit by Hailstorm

A sudden hailstorm struck Sikhottabong and Naxaythong districts of Vientiane Capital on 22 March, leaving over 5,490 households affected. (Photo: Lao People's Army Radio)

Nearly 6,000 households in Vientiane Capital are still recovering from a hailstorm that struck the city last week. To ease the financial burden, the state electricity utility announced that affected families will receive free or half-price electricity for the next three months.

Electricite du Laos (EDL) announced the relief measure on 28 March, covering 5,915 households across affected villages in Sikhottabong and Naxaythong districts. 

Families consuming under 300 kilowatt-hours per month (kWh), roughly the amount a typical household uses running fans, lights, and a refrigerator for a month, will receive a full exemption, while higher-consumption households will receive a 50 percent discount. 

The total value of the subsidy is estimated at over LAK 15 billion (approximately USD 687,000).

The announcement follows a hailstorm on 22 March that swept through both districts with little warning, damaging homes across 17 villages, injuring nine people, and leaving thousands of families without power. EDL crews mobilized the same night, working around the clock until electricity was fully restored to all affected areas within three days.

The scale of the response reflected the severity of the disaster. 

On 27 March,  the Lao People’s Army dispatched 146 soldiers to help residents with house repairs and other recovery work.

On the following day, President Thongloun Sisoulith and Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone visited the affected areas alongside other senior officials, delivering over LAK 5 billion (approximately USD 230,000) in assistance to victims.

Watermaxx Introduces The Tri-Temp Lunox Water Purifier


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 March 2026 – Watermaxx has launched the Ioncares Lunox, a tri-temperature water purifier designed for both home and office use in Singapore. The hot and cold water dispenser delivers ambient, cold, and hot water on demand, and comes equipped with a four-stage filtration system and a stainless steel tank. It is available in two form factors, a tabletop unit and a floor stand, to accommodate different spatial requirements.

On the filtration front, the Lunox runs water through four stages: a sediment filter that removes larger particles, a pre-carbon filter for volatile materials and chlorine, a UF membrane filter capable of filtering particles as fine as 0.01 microns, and a post-carbon filter that improves taste and eliminates residual odour. The result is water that retains its natural mineral content while being free of common contaminants. The unit also features a child lock to prevent unintended dispensing and a stylish LED clock display. For those who prioritise cooling capacity, the floor stand variant comes with a larger 5.0L cold tank, compared to the tabletop’s 3.2L, both sharing a 1.5L hot tank.

Access to clean, filtered water remains a practical consideration for households and workplaces in Singapore. The Lunox is positioned as a long-term alternative to bottled water, with a design that works across settings, from a home kitchen to a corporate pantry. For businesses or individuals who would like to try before they buy, Watermaxx offers a trial period for the Lunox, allowing customers to use the dispenser for a few days to determine whether it suits their needs and lifestyle before committing to an upfront payment.

Watermaxx is a Singapore-based water purification company and the master dealer for the Ioncares range of water dispensers. Serving both residential and commercial clients across the island, the company offers a comprehensive range of solutions beyond Ioncares, including the sales, servicing, rental, and repair of drinking water dispensers, boilers, water coolers, and related products.

For more information on Watermaxx and its range of products and services, do visit https://watermaxx.sg/.
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