Media OutReach
SMART launches new research group WISDOM to pioneer technologies that will help machines “see” like humans
- Multi-million-dollar, three-and-a-half-year programme to advance Singapore’s optoelectronics and photonics capabilities and semiconductor industry, which generated over S$133 billion in 2023 and accounts for approximately 7% of Singapore’s GDP
- Bringing together over 20 Singapore and US-based researchers, this is the first time a programme will study the combination of three integral components: optics, optoelectronics and electronics
- WISDOM supports Singapore’s Future of Microelectronics (FME) national initiative, and has key partnerships with leading research institutions including the National Semiconductor Translation and Innovation Centre (NSTIC)
- The IRG’s research endeavours are expected to benefit industries such as automotive, consumer electronics, healthcare, and space travel and sample collection – including applications in autonomous driving, augmented reality, robotics and high-speed data communication
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 May 2025 – Imagine creating 3D-sensing technologies so lightweight, compact and high-performance that they could take us to planets beyond Mars. The Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART), Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s (MIT) research enterprise in Singapore, has launched a new interdisciplinary research group (IRG) focused on developing next-generation 3D-sensing technologies for practical use across industries such as automotive, consumer electronics, aerospace and healthcare, among others.
Jointly led by faculty from MIT and Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore), the Wafer-scale Integrated Sensing Devices based on Optoelectronic Metasurfaces (WISDOM) IRG will focus on developing ultra-thin, scalable sensing devices – systems that allow machines such as autonomous vehicles and robots to perceive depth, shape and spatial detail safely and with more versatility, much like human vision.
3-Dimensional (3D) sensing is essential for many modern applications, from autonomous vehicles and robotics to augmented reality and medical diagnostics. However, current systems still fall short of human-like perception capabilities, which pose limitations such as contextual unawareness and decision errors.
Today’s optical systems are also often bulky, expensive and difficult to mass-produce due to reliance on complex components and manual assembly. While new materials called optoelectronic metasurfaces — which are ultra-thin and can control light in powerful new ways — show great potential, it has been difficult so far to turn them into practical, widely used products, due to challenges in how these materials are combined with other technologies and manufactured at large scale.
SMART WISDOM will be helmed by Co-Lead Principal Investigators Prof Juejun Hu, Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at MIT, and Prof Tan Chuan-Seng, Professor of Electronic Engineering at the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at NTU Singapore.
“What makes me really excited about WISDOM is that we’re putting together pieces that haven’t been combined before – to benefit a ton of industries and use cases. For example, think how a super light and powerful LiDAR system could make trips to planets beyond Mars a reality. It’s like having a whole new set of eyes for exploration, and about making the seemingly impossible, possible,” said Prof Juejun Hu, Co-Lead Principal Investigator, WISDOM.
Combining expertise from five leading institutions
SMART brings together top researchers from leading institutions in the United States and Singapore, including MIT, NTU Singapore, National University of Singapore (NUS), Stanford University and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), to redefine how optical metasurfaces are designed, integrated and manufactured.
This multi-million, multi-year effort, supported by the National Research Foundation (NRF) Singapore under its Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE) programme, brings together leading experts across disciplines in photonics, materials science and semiconductor engineering to position Singapore at the forefront of global innovation in sensing technologies and advanced manufacturing.
World-first approach to pioneering 3D-sensing and next-generation applications
WISDOM will capitalise on wafer-scale integration using standard silicon complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) processes to revolutionise how meta-optical systems are produced. This is the first time a programme is put together to study the combination of these three separate elements: optical metasurfaces, optoelectronic devices with a focus on light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and vertical surface emitting laser arrays (VCSELs); and silicon CMOS electronics.
At the heart of WISDOM’s pioneering research is their world-first approach that integrates the three elements into a wafer-scale platform. This tri-element integration seeks to unlock entirely new functionalities in optical metasurface technology, enabling next-generation sensing systems with multi-modal illumination and detection, advanced displays with built-in high-speed communication, and biomedical devices with versatile light sources for diagnostics and therapeutics.
“The launch of WISDOM marks an exciting chapter in SMART’s and MIT’s long legacy in Singapore – bringing together the best in their fields from US, Singapore and the region for interdisciplinary research and collaboration to drive world-class research and innovation with commercial and societal impact for Singapore and beyond. The first-of-its-kind research will pioneer groundbreaking advancements for next-generation sensing systems, enabling transformative solutions across industries such as automotive, healthcare, aerospace and consumer electronics,” said Bruce Tidor, Chief Executive Officer and Director (Interim), SMART.
WISDOM’s inaugural project aims to develop a high-performance, metasurface-enabled LiDAR prototype, addressing key challenges in scalability, integration and performance. By combining metasurface optics, optoelectronic devices, and CMOS electronics on a single silicon substrate, WISDOM seeks to redefine the capabilities of LiDAR systems. This innovation promises to enhance detection accuracy, extend range and field-of-view, and reduce motion artifacts, with transformative implications for industries such as automotive, healthcare, robotics and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Beyond improving safety in autonomous vehicles and navigation in drones, it also opens doors to revolutionary applications like glasses-free 3D displays and high-speed optical communication, laying the groundwork for smarter, more efficient technologies that will shape the future.
“WISDOM represents a paradigm shift in how meta-optical systems are integrated – from discrete assembly to wafer-scale packaging. Even at the research stage, we have a clear objective to bring our innovations to market and societal impact – enabling transformative sensing technologies for mass-market applications. WISDOM is designed to streamline manufacturing by eliminating costly and intricate die-to-die assembly, significantly improving throughput,” said MIT Prof Hu Juejun.
“By combining NTU’s two decades of expertise in electronics engineering and wafer packaging with MIT’s strengths in optical systems, we aim to create a new platform for large-scale manufacturing of optical metasurfaces using industry-standard CMOS processes. NTU is known for translating fundamental research into real-world technologies, and this collaboration builds on that strength. Ranked top in the world for Electrical and Electronic Engineering1, we are well-placed to deliver innovations that are both scalable and commercially viable, while also training the next generation of engineers to lead in areas like Augmented Reality, robotics and consumer technology,” said NTU Prof Tan Chuan-Seng.
As MIT’s research enterprise in Singapore, SMART is dedicated to driving innovation that powers future industries and transforms global technological landscapes. WISDOM adds on to SMART’s continuing commitment to advancing cutting-edge and translational research in fields such as artificial intelligence, agriculture, antimicrobial resistance, cell therapy and more. In addition to advancing scientific understanding, the IRG’s work is expected to contribute to intellectual property development, technology licensing, and the creation of Singapore research spin-offs and startups in related industries.
Hashtag: #SMART
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Wafer-scale Integrated Sensing Devices based on Optoelectronic Metasurfaces (WISDOM)
WISDOM is an interdisciplinary research group (IRG) launched in April 2025 by SMART, MIT’s research enterprise in Singapore. WISDOM is the first research and industry endeavour to study and integrate optical metasurfaces, light emitting diodes (LEDs) and vertical surface emitting laser arrays (VCSELs), and complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) electronics for industry and commercial application. By developing innovative 3D-sensing technologies that enhance system performance, scalability and cost efficiency, WISDOM aims to revolutionise optoelectronics and photonics, and address key challenges in semiconductor manufacturing and other key industries. These 3D-sensing technologies will deliver impactful advancements that drive progress in sensor innovation while fostering opportunities for commercial applications and societal benefits in Singapore and globally.
About Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART) [新加坡-麻省理工学院科研中心]
Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (
SMART) is MIT’s Research Enterprise in Singapore, established by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in partnership with the National Research Foundation of Singapore (NRF) since 2007. SMART is the first entity in the Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE) developed by NRF. SMART serves as an intellectual and innovation hub for research interactions between MIT and Singapore. Cutting-edge research projects in areas of interest to both Singapore and MIT are undertaken at SMART. SMART currently comprises an Innovation Centre and five Interdisciplinary Research Groups (IRGs): Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), Critical Analytics for Manufacturing Personalized-Medicine (CAMP), Disruptive & Sustainable Technologies for Agricultural Precision (DiSTAP), Mens, Manus and Machina (M3S), and Wafer-scale Integrated Sensing Devices based on Optoelectronic Metasurfaces (WISDOM).
SMART research is funded by the National Research Foundation Singapore under the CREATE programme.
For more information, please visit http://smart.mit.edu
Media OutReach
No Judgement, No Awkwardness: More Hongkongers Are Opening Up to AI for Mental Health Support
A newly completed Hong Kong study suggests there may finally be a way to bridge that gap. The AIM Greater China Psychology Research Group has completed a Hong Kong-based study conducted in the 2025–2026 academic year, comparing the effectiveness of human hypnotherapists against AI in delivering hypnotic experience-based stress relief experiences. The findings were striking: a significant proportion of participants felt that both approaches yielded virtually equivalent levels of relaxation — and more than 60% reported preferring their AI session after the fact.
Over 400 Applicants: A Reflection of a Generation in Need of Being Heard
The research team recruited participants experiencing family-related stress via Facebook. Within a short period of the post going live, over 400 individuals voluntarily applied — a figure that speaks not only to the pervasiveness of stress in modern life, but also to a growing willingness among the public to prioritise their own emotional wellbeing and actively seek self-care solutions.
From the applicant pool, 48 participants were randomly selected to take part. Each participant underwent two separate hypnotic experience stress relief audio sessions, each lasting approximately one hour — one recorded by a human hypnotherapist, and one fully generated by AI, including both the script and voice. Participants then compared their personal experiences of both sessions.
What Humans Can Do, AI Can Do Too
In the most critical area of comparison — stress relief effectiveness — the largest single group of participants (41.7%) rated the AI and human sessions as equally effective. On a scoring basis, the AI hypnotic experience averaged approximately 2.92 points, compared to 2.58 points for the human session — with AI coming out marginally ahead.
The study further found that nearly 90% of participants indicated they would enjoy a session if it genuinely helped them feel relaxed. In other words, what people truly care about is whether it works — not whether the voice behind it belongs to a human or a machine. On this front, AI has passed the test.
Over 60% More Willing to Share Their Feelings with AI
The results around personal preference were perhaps the most eye-opening. When asked which session they enjoyed more, 62.5% of participants chose the AI experience — and among women, that number climbed even higher, to 68.4%.
So what made AI the preferred choice? Researchers believe it comes down to one simple thing: feeling safe. With AI, there is no worry about being judged. No fear of saying the wrong thing. No awkwardness. About 1 in 4 participants said they actually found it easier to talk openly with AI — because it communicates in a way that feels clear, calm, and natural, much like everyday conversation.
The truth is, some things are just easier to say when no one is watching. That is not a flaw in human nature — it is simply how many of us work.
When it came to privacy, the findings were equally reassuring. More than half of all participants said they had no concerns about AI handling their personal information. Only a very small number — just 2.08% — said they felt uncomfortable. This points to a growing sense of trust in AI tools among the general public.
AI Reads the Data; Therapists Read the Person
Beyond the hypnotic experience itself, the local research team also evaluated AI’s capability as an analytical tool — with equally impressive results.
AI was able to rapidly process large volumes of participant responses, objectively assess individual stress levels, and identify underlying patterns. For instance, AI identified that 35% of participants independently expressed a desire for “personal space” or “better soundproofing” in their homes. On the surface, these may seem like trivial lifestyle concerns — yet AI connected this pattern to the reality of Hong Kong residents living in constrained spaces, highlighting a deeper psychological sense of having “nowhere to breathe”. This level of insight would be difficult to uncover through manual review of dozens of questionnaires alone.
AI also observed that many participants habitually occupied the role of “problem-solver” or “mediator” within their households, suppressing their own emotional needs in the process. Researchers noted that this reflects a widely recognised social phenomenon — the pressures faced by eldest daughters and the so-called “sandwich generation,” caught between the responsibilities of caring for ageing parents and raising children. AI’s ability to rapidly identify these hidden emotional burdens allows therapists to bypass lengthy preliminary assessments and focus more swiftly on the core issues that require their attention.
AI Is Here to Help, Not to Take Over
The local research team emphasises that the study was never intended to position AI as a replacement for human therapists. Rather, the aim is to explore how the two can work in tandem. Much like how blood test reports assist physicians in diagnosis, AI can play an analogous supporting role in the mental health field — organising data, identifying patterns, and lowering barriers to seeking help, so that mental health professionals can direct their energy towards the moments that truly require a human touch.
Those who proactively seek psychological support remain a minority, often deterred by the fear of inconvenience, social stigma, or the awkwardness of speaking up. If AI can serve as the bridge that encourages more people to take that first step, that alone may be its most meaningful contribution to society.
Hashtag: #HypnosisInstitute
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Hypnosis Institute
Hypnosis Institute is dedicated to helping people in Hong Kong lead healthier and more fulfilling lives through hypnotic experience. We offer accessible and practical hypnotic experience training programmes designed to integrate hypnotic techniques into everyday life, with a focus on stress management, emotional wellbeing, and personal growth.
Hypnosis Institute is Hong Kong’s only hypnotic experience professional development platform that simultaneously operates a research group, social innovation group, practical training group, crisis psychological support group, charitable initiatives, networking events, therapeutic services, and a comprehensive training pathway.
As the sole Hong Kong chapter of the Association for Integrative Medicine (AIM) in the United States, the sole overseas Hong Kong academy of UK educational institution Study House (Quality Licence Scheme), and the sole specialist hypnotic experience training school in Hong Kong under Cambridge International College in the United Kingdom, Hypnosis Institute provides internationally recognised qualifications that contribute to the advancement of the industry.
Founder Charles Leung is a trainer of trainers in the field of hypnotic experience, and has been specially appointed by the Association for Integrative Medicine as the Chief Instructor for Specialist hypnotic experience in Greater China. He has trained over 1,000 hypnotherapists and instructors, upholding the highest standards of professional development in the mental health field.
The Institute’s programmes integrate a comprehensive range of methodologies, including hypnotic experience combined with MBTI personality profiling, DISC behavioural analysis, mental health coaching, emotional education, and the HiddenMe Cards inner child tool — providing a holistic and personalised approach to hypnotic experience practice. Instructors specialise in paediatric hypnotic experience, Internal Family Systems (including inner child) hypnotic experience, stress and insomnia relief hypnotic experience, interpersonal relationship hypnotic experience, as well as hypnotic experience in reminiscence and palliative care.
Driven by the belief that everyone can harness the power of hypnotic experience to enhance their mental wellbeing, Hypnosis Institute is committed to sharing psychological knowledge and providing professional support in the areas of emotional management, life challenges, and the professional development of the hypnotic experience industry.
Follow us at hypnosisinstitute.com.hk, 
Facebook, 
Instagram and 
YouTube for the latest updates.
Held at deMori @ FCC Signature, the event featured a live platform demonstration, partner showcase, and networking sessions aimed at facilitating engagement between founders, advisors, and investors.
Introducing CapitalOS
CapitalOS, BizPal’s corporate finance platform, was presented through a live demonstration during the event. The system integrates operational, brand, and financial data into a structured framework designed to support investor readiness and due diligence.
According to BizPal, the platform is intended to help SMEs organise their business information into formats aligned with investor expectations, enabling clearer communication during fundraising discussions.
“SMEs should never walk into a funding conversation unsure of their numbers,” said Ms. Anya Tan, CEO of BizPal Malaysia.
MOUs Expand Distribution Network
The event also included the signing of Memoranda of Understanding between BizPal and two Malaysian partners, My Education Platform and VA Partners. Both organisations will serve as authorised distributors of BizPal’s education and advisory programmes across Malaysia.
The partnerships expand BizPal’s reach within the SME ecosystem by working with local organisations that support business development and capability building.
“Partnering with BizPal allows us to introduce structured, investor-ready methodologies to the SME community we serve,” said Mr. Jeff Lee, Director, My Education Platform.
A representative from VA Partners is expected to provide a statement following final endorsement.
Global Mentorship Exchange (GMX)
During the event, BizPal also presented the Global Mentorship Exchange (GMX), an ecosystem initiative designed to connect experienced business leaders with high-potential entrepreneurs.
The initiative provides a structured environment for mentorship supported by data-based evaluation and standardised assessment criteria aligned with investor expectations. GMX was first introduced during BizPal’s Data Fundraising Masterclass in December 2025 and was presented to a broader network of partners and investors at BizPal Day.
Next Steps
Following the event, BizPal plans to expand the adoption of CapitalOS and continue developing its partner network across Malaysia and the ASEAN region.
Hashtag: #NoDataNoTalk #DataFundraising #InvestorReady #CapitalReadiness #FinTech #BusinessValuation #ASEANSMEs #BizPalDay
https://www.bizpal.tech/
https://www.facebook.com/simplyfi.sg
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About BizPal
BizPal provides data-driven corporate finance solutions designed to help ASEAN SMEs become investor-ready. Its platform, CapitalOS, integrates operational, strategic, and financial data into a unified system that supports business evaluation and investor engagement.
Media OutReach
Vinhomes Green Paradise Can Gio And IHG Hotels & Resorts Partner To Bring Four International Hotel Brands To The Coastal Mega Urban Development
Under the agreement, IHG will develop four hotels with a total of more than 1,000 rooms at Vinhomes Green Paradise Can Gio, including InterContinental Saigon Can Gio with 400 rooms, Crowne Plaza Saigon Can Gio with 400 rooms, Holiday Inn Express Saigon Can Gio with 130 rooms, and Garner Saigon Can Gio with 130 rooms.
InterContinental Saigon Can Gio, a world-renowned luxury brand, will deliver premium hospitality experiences tailored to international travelers and domestic guests seeking high-end accommodation. Crowne Plaza Saigon Can Gio, one of the largest upscale hotel brands globally, will cater to frequent travelers with modern, flexible spaces designed to optimize productivity and foster connections.
Holiday Inn Express Saigon Can Gio and Garner Saigon Can Gio will expand the destination’s accommodation offering with efficient, high-quality stays focused on value, making the development more accessible to a broader range of guests. This also marks the official debut of both brands in the Vietnamese market.
According to the development timeline, Holiday Inn Express Saigon Can Gio and Garner Saigon Can Gio are expected to open in 2028, followed by InterContinental Saigon Can Gio and Crowne Plaza Saigon Can Gio in 2030.
In this partnership, Vinpearl, a member of Vingroup, will act as the project operator and lead the collaboration with IHG Hotels & Resorts, while coordinating with all stakeholders throughout the development and operational phases.
Together with Vinpearl’s world-class hospitality brand, the addition of four premium IHG hotels will help realize a 7,000-room accommodation ecosystem at Vinhomes Green Paradise Can Gio, meeting the growing demand for extended stays and diverse experiences year-round in Can Gio and Ho Chi Minh City.
Complementing the hospitality offering, a series of large-scale entertainment and resort facilities unique to Vinhomes Green Paradise Can Gio will further elevate the destination. These include the 122-hectare VinWonders theme park featuring the world’s tallest artificial snow mountain and nearly 200 attractions, the 5,000-seat Blue Waves Theater, the 800-hectare Paradise Lagoon, the five-star international cruise port Landmark Harbour, and two 18-hole international-standard golf courses. Together, these developments aim to position Can Gio as a globally-recognized tourism and resort hub, targeting 40 million visitors annually and standing alongside leading destinations in Vietnam and worldwide.
Mr. Rajit Sukumaran, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, East Asia & Pacific, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “This agreement marks the beginning of a strategic partnership between IHG and Vingroup. Bringing four of our standout brands to Vinhomes Green Paradise Can Gio reflects the diversity of our portfolio, as well as our strong commitment to supporting Vietnam’s goal of becoming a leading global tourism destination. With brands spanning multiple segments, we believe this collaboration will help create an integrated hospitality ecosystem that meets the diverse needs of travelers at one of Vietnam’s most significant developments.”
Ms. Ngo Thi Huong, Chief Executive Officer of Vinpearl Joint Stock Company, said: “We selected IHG not only for its global brand portfolio but also for its proven operational expertise across international markets. Introducing InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn Express, and Garner to Vinhomes Green Paradise Can Gio is a key step in completing our service structure and establishing international operating standards for the mega project’s hotel system. With this partnership as a foundation, we believe Vinhomes Green Paradise will progressively emerge as a world-class destination, where a fully integrated ecosystem continues to enhance its appeal to residents and both domestic and international visitors.”
Vinhomes Green Paradise is located in the southeastern part of Ho Chi Minh City. Construction began on April 19, 2025, with a total area of 2,870 hectares. The development features three sides facing the sea and is adjacent to the Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO-recognized site. The project is being developed to leading ESG++ standards, integrating green, smart, ecological, and regenerative principles.
The development benefits from a well-connected transport infrastructure network, including the Ben Thanh – Can Gio high-speed railway, which will reduce travel time from central Ho Chi Minh City to just 13 minutes, the Can Gio Bridge, the interchange connecting Rung Sac Road with the Ben Luc – Long Thanh Expressway, and the Can Gio – Vung Tau sea-crossing route, enabling travel between two major tourism hubs in just 10 minutes.
With a diverse range of accommodation options, internationally-standardized hotel systems, and a wide array of cultural, artistic, sports, and entertainment facilities aligned with green, smart, and community-friendly principles, Vinhomes Green Paradise Can Gio stands out as a rare mega urban development that both sets new benchmarks for ESG living and delivers a world-class tourism and resort experience.
Hashtag: #Vinhomes
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About IHG Hotels & Resorts:
IHG Hotels & Resorts is a global hospitality company with a portfolio of 21 brands and IHG One Rewards, one of the world’s largest hotel loyalty programs with over 160 million members. IHG currently franchises, leases, manages, or owns more than 6,900 hotels across over 100 countries, with more than 2,300 hotels in its development pipeline.
IHG’s brand portfolio spans Luxury & Lifestyle, Premium, Essentials, and Suites segments, including well-known brands such as Six Senses, Regent, InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn Express, Garner, Staybridge Suites, and Candlewood Suites.
About Vinhomes
Vinhomes is Vietnam’s leading real estate developer, pioneering the development of large-scale, well-planned urban areas with integrated amenities, green living environments, and modern lifestyles. In addition to 36 urban developments currently in operation nationwide, Vinhomes continues to focus on building next-generation mega and super urban developments of regional scale and significance, aspiring to create some of the most livable cities in the world while significantly transforming Vietnam’s urban landscape.
For more information, please visit https://vinhomes.vn/vi
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