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International Ophthalmic Extravaganza “APAO 2026 Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology Congress” Concludes Successfully
Over 11,000 Experts from 111 Countries Converge Reaffirming Hong Kong’s Position as a Global Ophthalmic Hub
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 February 2026 – The four-day “APAO 2026 Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology (APAO) Congress” successfully concluded last week, marking a significant milestone in the global ophthalmic community. As the largest and most authoritative ophthalmic academic event in the Asia-Pacific region, this year’s Congress was hosted in Hong Kong for the fifth time, attracting over 11,000 ophthalmologists, vision scientists, and ophthalmic professionals from 111 countries and regions worldwide. This landmark event not only reaffirmed Hong Kong’s distinguished position as a prominent international ophthalmic hub but also fostered profound exchange and extensive collaboration within the global ophthalmic community.
Over 1,200 Ophthalmic Sessions: Exploring Clinical Applications and Translational Impact of Cutting-Edge Technology
The Congress was organized by APAO and jointly hosted by the Hong Kong Ophthalmological Society and the College of Ophthalmologists of Hong Kong. Operating under the theme “Eyes on the Future: Innovating Ophthalmology,” it presented an impressive agenda featuring over 1,200 specialized ophthalmic symposia and sessions. More than 1,000 distinguished speakers engaged with the 11,000 attendees, collectively exploring the clinical applications and translational potential of state-of-the-art technologies, thereby generating numerous thought-provoking and insightful discussions.
The comprehensive academic agenda spanned 19 ophthalmic subspecialties, offering a rich and diverse array of topics. It delved into not only foundational areas such as cataract, cornea, glaucoma, retina, paediatric ophthalmology, and oculoplastic surgery, among others, but also extended its focus to emerging fields including artificial intelligence, digital innovation, and virtual health. This extensive scope is poised to significantly advance global ophthalmology.
Hong Kong’s First Interdisciplinary Myopia Control Expert Research Group Formed to Propose Comprehensive Control Strategies to the Government
During the congress, four major ophthalmic organizations in Hong Kong – Hong Kong Ophthalmological Society, the College of Ophthalmologists of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Association of Private Eye Surgeons, and the Hong Kong Paediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus Society – jointly established Hong Kong’s first Interdisciplinary Myopia Control Expert Task Force. This group will pioneer the integration of academic research, clinical services, and public education to formulate myopia control strategies for Hong Kong and propose comprehensive recommendations to the HKSAR government. Furthermore, it will promote more holistic, cost-effective, and long-term myopia management solutions by incorporating cutting-edge technologies such as AI, wearable devices, and novel therapies for the public’s benefit.
Special Chinese Sessions Accelerated Cross-border and Global Collaboration
To enhance regional cooperation and academic exchange, this year’s APAO Congress, in addition to its regular English lectures, has specially introduced Chinese-language sessions. The organisers have invited over a hundred authoritative ophthalmology experts from Chinese Mainland to Hong Kong for in-depth exchanges and participation in discussions in Chinese, aiming to accelerate collaboration between the ophthalmology communities of Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong, and indeed, the world. The congress also attracted 3,000 Chinese Mainland experts and scholars, fully demonstrating the close ties as well as continuous cross-border and international cooperation.
Among these, a public health luncheon themed “China’s Myopia Prevention and Control Model” was held. Chinese Mainland experts elaborated to their international ophthalmic peers on how China has successfully established a far-reaching comprehensive myopia prevention and control system through robust public health management, solid scientific research, cutting-edge technologies, and effective policies. It offered valuable experiences for global myopia control efforts.
Cross-border Societies Sign Memorandum of Understanding
New Societies Established to Advance Ophthalmic AI and Stem Cell & Gene Therapy Development
To further strengthen collaboration between Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong in the field of ophthalmology, Chinese Ophthalmological Society, the Hong Kong Ophthalmological Society, and the College of Ophthalmologists of Hong Kong signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) during this congress. The MOU aims to jointly deepen and advance the long-term development of ophthalmology in both regions, charting a new chapter for the field.
Concurrently, the Global Ophthalmic AI and Technology Society (GOATS) and the Asia-Pacific Stem Cell and Gene Therapy Society (APSOCGT) were officially established during the conference. The formation of these two new societies will provide substantial impetus for the advancement of ophthalmic artificial intelligence, technological innovation, stem cell and gene therapy, facilitating their translation from foundational research to clinical application across the Asia-Pacific region and globally.
APAO Congress Held for the Fifth Time in Hong Kong Solidifying the City’s Status as an International Ophthalmic Hub
Professor Jason Yam Cheuk-sing, President of APAO 2026 Congress & President of The Hong Kong Ophthalmological Society concluded, “The APAO Congress being held in Hong Kong for the fifth time has underscored the city’s internationally recognised excellence in ophthalmology. It not only enhances our clinical capabilities in managing complex cases but also allows this city to showcase its cutting-edge ophthalmic medical technology and research prowess to the world. ”
He continued, “On this occasion, I would like to extend my most sincere gratitude to all co-organizers, invited speakers, participants, and sponsoring organizations, especially for the staunch support from the Funding Schemes under the Innovation and Technology Commission, which made APAO 2026 a resounding success. We look forward to Hong Kong securing the hosting rights for APAO again in the future.”
This press release is issued by the APAO 2026 Congress.
Hashtag: #APAO2026
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About the APAO 2026 Congress
The Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology (APAO) Congress is the largest and most authoritative academic conference for ophthalmology in the Asia-Pacific region. This year’s congress (APAO 2026) was held in Hong Kong from 5 to 8 February 2026, in conjunction with the 37th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Hong Kong Ophthalmological Symposium, attracting over 11,000 ophthalmologists, vision scientists, and ophthalmic professionals from around the globe. This prestigious event aims to provide a premier international platform for attendees to exchange professional knowledge, showcase innovative technologies, and foster collaborations to collectively advance the latest global developments in preventing blindness and restoring sight. For more information, please visit 
https://2026.apaophth.org/.
Through DaaS, enterprise customers can access drone equipment, trained personnel, mission execution, data collection and project deliverables without purchasing and maintaining a complete in-house drone system. The model extends ZenaTech’s business beyond equipment sales and enables the company to generate recurring service revenue from customers’ operational requirements.
ZenaTech reported revenue of CAD 8.4 million for the first quarter of 2026, an increase of 640% from CAD 1.13 million in the same period of 2025. DaaS contributed approximately CAD 7.8 million, accounting for around 93% of quarterly revenue.
In 2025, the company generated annual revenue of CAD 12.9 million, up 558% from approximately CAD 2 million in 2024. DaaS contributed approximately CAD 10.1 million during its first full year of operations, representing around 78% of total annual revenue.
Acquisitions Support Service Network Expansion
ZenaTech has expanded its DaaS operations through a combination of internal technology development and acquisitions. The acquired businesses bring existing customers, professional teams and local operating capabilities, while ZenaTech gradually introduces drones, automated data collection and AI-supported analytics into selected workflows.
In 2025, the company completed 20 acquisitions, including 19 businesses providing engineering data, facility inspection and related professional services, as well as one enterprise software company.
By June 2026, ZenaTech had completed its 24th DaaS-related acquisition and expanded its services into property cleaning, facility inspection and maintenance.
Through its ZenaDrone subsidiary, ZenaTech has also developed drone products for indoor and outdoor operations. The IQ Quad supports site data collection, engineering imagery and 3D modelling, while the IQ Nano uses barcode and RFID scanning to support inventory records, shelf inspections and indoor data collection.
The company’s reported revenue growth, acquisition activity and DaaS contribution provide investors following the AI and drone sectors with measurable indicators of how its technologies are being integrated into commercial operations and converted into service revenue.
Hashtag: #ZenaTech
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About ZenaTech
ZenaTech (Nasdaq: ZENA) is a technology company specialising in AI-powered drones, Drone-as-a-Service (DaaS), enterprise SaaS solutions and related technologies. Through its ZenaDrone subsidiary, the company develops drone products and software for commercial applications including engineering data collection, agriculture, warehouse management, facility inspection and property maintenance. ZenaTech combines its technology capabilities with a growing professional service network to support the adoption of drone-based solutions across a range of operational environments.
Media OutReach
A Defining Milestone for Gene Solutions: SPOT-MAS Multi-Cancer Screening Test Receives U.S. FDA Breakthrough Device Designation
The proposed indications for use describe SPOT-MAS 10 as a qualitative in vitro diagnostic test performed on plasma derived from a single direct-draw venous whole blood specimen. The test analyzes circulating cell-free DNA methylation and fragmentomic signatures using a machine-learning-based algorithm to detect a cancer-associated signal. It is intended for use as an adjunctive screening test in asymptomatic adults aged 40 years and older to assist in detecting cancers within the scope of the assay. These include five common cancers — breast, lung, liver, colorectal and gastric cancers — and five aggressive, less common cancers that currently lack standard screening methods — ovarian, pancreatic, esophageal, endometrial and head & neck cancers.
SPOT-MAS has been developed through years of rigorous scientific research and clinical development. In March 2025, SPOT-MAS became the first multi-cancer screening blood test in Asia to complete a large prospective cohort validation, with the K-DETEK study evaluating more than 9,000 asymptomatic participants and demonstrating strong performance, including high specificity and the ability to identify cancer-associated signals across multiple cancer types.
Since then, SPOT-MAS has been used in more than 100,000 individuals in real-world practice, with consistent performance observed beyond controlled study settings. Real-world data were presented at ESMO Asia 2025 and were featured at ASCO Breakthrough 2026 in Singapore.
The platform is built on a multi-omic approach— integrating genetics, epigenetics, and fragmentomics — together with AI-driven analysis, large-scale prospective validation, growing real-world evidence and focus on cancer types with high clinical relevance in the regions where the test is deployed.
For the United States, Breakthrough Device Designation provides Gene Solutions with a prioritized channel of engagement with the FDA as the company advances its U.S. development and validation plans.
Looking ahead, Gene Solutions will continue to collaborate with academic, clinical, laboratory, commercial and strategic partners to support responsible adoption of SPOT-MAS in accordance with local regulations, clinical guidelines and best practices.
Important Regulatory Notice: SPOT-MAS 10 has received U.S. FDA Breakthrough Device Designation. Breakthrough Device Designation is not FDA approval, clearance or marketing authorization. The device remains subject to applicable FDA regulatory review requirements, and the designation does not guarantee future FDA approval, clearance or authorization.
For more information, visit https://spotmas.com.hk
Contact:
hk***@***********ns.com
Source: Gene Solutions Hong Kong Limited.
SPOTMAS_062026_04
Hashtag: #SPOTMAS
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Media OutReach
St Francis Methodist School International Shares 2023–2024 WACE Outcomes and Student Journeys
Overview of the WACE Curriculum at SFMS
SFMS International is among a small number of institutions in Singapore offering the WACE curriculum and has delivered this programme for over 23 years. The WACE is a recognised senior secondary qualification awarded by the School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA) on behalf of the Ministry of Education, Western Australia. It prepares students for university admission both locally and internationally.
SFMS is also currently the only school in Singapore offering a Senior High Preparatory Pathway (WACE) for students in Years 9–10. This introduces students to the structure and expectations of the curriculum earlier, building familiarity with subject content and assessment formats before progressing to the senior years. Additionally, subject selection in Years 11A and 12A is structured to meet university entry requirements and reflect students’ academic interests.
Academic Outcomes and University Placements
In 2023, 8 out of 12 WACE graduates from SFMS International achieved ATAR scores above 90, meeting the eligibility criteria for universities such as the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU). The cohort’s top scorer, Wang Dawei, recorded an ATAR of 96.15 and enrolled at NTU to study Business and International Trading. In addition to local placements, graduates were admitted to international universities such as the University of Melbourne and Fudan University in China.
In 2024, 2 out of 8 graduates also attained ATAR scores above 90. The highest scorer, Youn Chae-Won, achieved an ATAR of 95.3. Her university placement is currently pending.
Student Journeys and Holistic Development
Students in the WACE programme at SFMS International engage in both academic and co-curricular activities as part of their overall learning experience. Recent graduates have taken part in service learning, subject specialisation, and personal reflection throughout their time in the pre-university programme.
Youn Chae-Won, the 2024 valedictorian, joined SFMS International from Korea in 2021. Over time, she adjusted to a new academic environment and explored subjects such as accounting, which influenced her interest in finance-related pathways. She also took part in various aspects of school life, including a service learning trip to Bintan in 2023, where students supported local sanitation efforts. Her involvement in both academic and co-curricular settings marked a broad engagement with school life during her time at SFMS.
Andrew Zhuang, who enrolled in SFMS International in 2019, pursued subjects such as Business Management, Accounting, and English as an Additional Language (EALD). Beyond academics, he was involved in community fundraising and joined the same Bintan service trip. He also attended weekly chapel sessions and received support from peers and teachers during a period of health-related absence.
These outcomes reflect the ongoing role of the WACE programme at SFMS International in supporting students through both academic pathways and broader educational experiences. Under the leadership of Principal Mr Lee Hak Boon, the school continues to emphasise academic planning, subject selection, and student wellbeing as part of its overall approach to pre-university education.
Hashtag: #StFrancisMethodistSchoolInternational
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About St Francis Methodist School International
Established in 1960, St Francis Methodist School International (SFMS) is an educational institution in Singapore that offers primary, secondary, and pre-university programmes. The school provides several academic pathways, including the International Baccalaureate (IB), Cambridge IGCSE, and the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE), preparing students for further studies in local and overseas institutions.
