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Carlsberg Asia launches Digital Acceleration Program to drive future growth across Asia

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New regional strategy deepens digital platform partnerships, and fuels innovation

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 August 2025 – A new chapter is underway at Carlsberg Asia, as the brand outlines a future-facing digital roadmap anchored in strategic collaborations with three of Asia’s major O2O and quick commerce platforms – Meituan, Grab and Delivery Hero. The initiative comes at a pivotal time, as digital behaviours continue to transform how people discover, shop, and engage with brands. The Digital Acceleration Program aims to future-proof its commercial model, infuse AI and data into core operations, and redefine beer experiences for the next generation of consumers across the eight key Asia markets, and further expanding beyond.

Carlsberg Asia’s Digital Acceleration Program with in-depth discussions in Copenhagen, Denmark with three of Asia’s major e-commerce platforms – Meituan, Grab, and Delivery Hero

Building on a strong year of digital sales growth in 2024, underpinned by strategic MoU signings and multiple brand activations, the Program is designed to empower and integrate with digital partners while cementing Carlsberg’s position as a leader in the beer industry. In the coming years, Carlsberg Asia aims to drive deeper use of data and insight from digital platforms to unlock beer consumption occasions in order to understand each target market’s consumer behaviours, to broaden regional wide partnerships and enhance cross-markets synergy, and to accelerate online-to-offline commerce and further support brand’s local penetration.

“We see our digital partners not just as platforms, but as strategic growth engines,” says Arindam Varanasi, Vice President, Commercial Asia, Carlsberg. “This is the boldest partnership at Carlsberg Asia to date. The success of our digital sales on e-commerce platforms last year is a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation. By joining forces with Meituan, Grab, and Delivery Hero, we are eager to deepen these partnerships to unlock mutual growth opportunities.”

“As we move forward with our Digital Acceleration Program, we are looking forward to continuously making our Carlsberg brands portfolio more relevant, to build a digitally connected ecosystem that enhances every touchpoint of the consumer journey from discovery to delivery, also to elevate consumer experiences through convenience and relevance while reinforcing our commitment to celebrating responsibly.” says João Abecasis, Executive Vice President, Asia, Carlsberg.

Immersive brand experiences to strengthen strategic digital partnerships

To supercharge the collaborative alliances, Carlsberg Asia hosted a three-day strategic forum at its global headquarter in Copenhagen, welcoming executives from Meituan, Grab and Delivery Hero. The immersive experience at the Home of Carlsberg offered partners a behind-the-scenes look at the brand’s heritage, brewing philosophy, and long-term growth vision.

At the forum, digital partners engaged in closed-door top-to-top discussions with Carlsberg’s senior executive team to align on growth strategies and new approaches to distribution across O2O channels. To expand digital growth opportunities from Asia to global, the forum focused on unlocking insight-driven, scalable commercial value through the utilisation of each partners’ platform technology, data, and consumer insights to co-creating modern, consumer-centric experiences.

From click to cheers: Taking beer moments to exciting new heights

In partnership with Meituan, a new chapter is brewing in China, with long-term plans to co-create the next generation beer experience across cross-border markets. At the core of the partnership is to expand on series of initiatives that integrate with Meituan’s ecosystem of advanced technology and consumer behavioural data that will deliver real-time, occasion-based beer experiences, such as 30-minute quick commerce delivery to personalised promotions and curated product selections.

Meanwhile in Southeast Asia markets, Carlsberg and Grab strengthen the partnership with a focus on online to offline product distribution, always-on responsible drinking initiatives and driving brand awareness through direct consumer engagement with shared passion points such as football matches and music festivals via Grab’s platform. The partnership aims to elevate on-trade experiences with partner restaurants by introducing dine-in reservation promotions and bundled deals.

Carlsberg and Delivery Hero are teaming up to fully integrate Carlsberg’s premium beer offering into Delivery Hero’s dynamic delivery ecosystem. Through foodpanda and its pandamart grocery stores in Asia, this partnership bridges on-trade and off-trade channels to create a unified home-dining experience, complete with a chilled beer delivered to consumers’ doorsteps. The shared vision is to make Carlsberg’s product effortlessly accessible and create memorable occasions that celebrate the joy of food and drink. Looking ahead, the brands are committed to expanding this innovative partnership globally, bringing an elevated beer experience to consumers around the world.

These immersive engagements underscore Carlsberg Asia’s ambition to redefine its digital partnerships through innovation, collaboration, and a deep focus on the consumer. Stay tuned for future announcements about exciting campaigns and activations under each partnership. For more information, please visit: https://www.carlsberggroup.com/.

Hashtag: #CarlsbergAsia

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

About Carlsberg Asia

Established in 1847 by brewer J.C. Jacobsen, the Carlsberg Group is one of the leading brewery groups in the world, with an attractive portfolio of beer and other beverage brands. With over 37.000 employees, and with a presence in more than 125 markets, the Group has a purpose of brewing for a better today and tomorrow Doing business responsibly and sustainably supports that purpose – and drives the efforts to deliver value for shareholders and society.

Carlsberg Asia is a dynamic and diverse region comprising of 8 operating markets: Cambodia, China, Hong Kong S.A.R., Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore and Vietnam. Altogether we have 34 breweries and some 12,000 employees spreading across the Asian markets. The Asia Regional Office is based in Hong Kong.

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Etiqa’s Project Firefly Reinforces Mangrove Ecosystem in Sungai Panjang in Collaboration with Malaysian Nature Society

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SELANGOR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 January 2026 – Etiqa has launched Etiqa’s Project Firefly a new environmental initiative dedicated to conserving one of Malaysia’s iconic firefly habitats while uplifting the livelihood of the communities living along Sungai Panjang in Sabak Bernam, who rely on eco-tourism and the mangrove ecosystem. The programme was carried out in collaboration with the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), and the Sabak Bernam District Council.

(L to R) Raffi Ismail, Marketing & Partnership Manager, Malaysian Nature Society; Fukhairudin Mohd Yusof, CEO of Etiqa General Insurance Berhad; Zaki Parmin, Assistant Agricultural Officer, Sabak Bernam District Council; Amran Hassan, Chief Strategy Officer, Etiqa

Through Etiqa’s Project Firefly, Etiqa is taking proactive steps to preserve and sustain the ecosystem by planting 130 Sonneratia Caseolaris or locally known as Berembang saplings and 200 Sonneratia Caseolaris seeds, undertaking habitat restoration works, and mobilising 50 Etiqa volunteers for a community-driven initiative along Sungai Panjang, covering a total stretch of 10 kilometres. In addition, an awareness session was conducted by Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s Faculty of Science which aimed to educate participants on the ecological importance of fireflies and the need for long-term conservation.

Fireflies play an important role as indicators of mangrove ecosystem health, which in turn supports environmental balance and benefits surrounding communities. However, across Malaysia, firefly populations are declining due to rapid habitat loss caused by river pollution, deforestation, and increasing light pollution along mangrove-lined rivers. These threats not only endanger native species but also affect the livelihoods of local fishermen and villagers who rely on healthy river ecosystems and firefly-based eco-tourism. Protecting congregating firefly zones through the preservation of adequate vegetation buffers along riverbanks is therefore critical to ensuring the long-term survival of these species and the sustainability of local livelihoods.

Fukhairudin Mohd Yusof, CEO of Etiqa General Insurance Berhad (EGIB) said, “We initiated Etiqa’s Project Firefly as conserving native firefly species is deeply connected to the well-being of the communities that co-exist around them. By conserving firefly habitats, we are not only protecting an irreplaceable part of Malaysia’s biodiversity but also helping sustain the eco-tourism and river-based livelihoods of Sungai Panjang residents. This reflects Etiqa’s purpose in Making the World a Better Place that includes meaningful environmental action which strengthens both nature and society, creating long-term value for future generations.”

Mr. I.S Shanmugaraj, Executive Director of Malaysia Nature Society says, “Fireflies are natural indicators of a healthy mangrove ecosystem, and their presence reflects the overall condition of our rivers and surrounding environments. We commend Etiqa for taking proactive steps through Etiqa’s Project Firefly to address the growing threats of habitat degradation along fireflies corridor. Meaningful conservation requires collective action, and we hope this initiative will inspire more companies to collaborate with environmental organisations and local communities to protect biodiversity while supporting sustainable livelihoods for the long term.”Hashtag: #Etiqamy

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

About Etiqa

Etiqa is a multi-channel distributor of Insurance and Takaful products via its 10,000 agency force, 44 branches and 17 offices, over 490 bancassurance network (via Maybank branches, third-party banks, as well as co-operatives and brokers) through its presence in Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Indonesia and Cambodia.

In striving to make the world a better place, Etiqa’s Sustainability journey focuses on internal initiatives that reduces its carbon footprint and increases its social impact, as well as external solutions that allow its clients to do the same.

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PolyU research teams and startups shine at CES 2026, winning three prestigious innovation awards

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HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 January 2026 – The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) led 19 startups to the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026, held from 6 to 9 January. Alongside the groundbreaking technologies presented by participating startups, the University also showcased its research achievements, covering fields such as human security, digital health and energy optimisation. PolyU delivered an outstanding performance at this year’s Show, with three projects winning one “Best of Innovation Award” and two “Innovation Awards”. This not only marks the University’s best result since it first took part in this event, but also accounts for two-thirds of all awards received by the Hong Kong startup delegation, underscoring PolyU excellence in research, innovation and entrepreneurship.

PolyU delivered an outstanding performance at this year’s CES, with three projects winning one “Best of Innovation Award” and two “Innovation Awards”, underscoring the University’s excellence in research, innovation and entrepreneurship.

Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation), remarked, “PolyU is committed to nurturing innovative research talent with both national and international outlooks. We empower our teams by leading them to major international innovation events and fostering close collaboration among industry, academia, research and investment sectors on a global level, creating opportunities for the overseas expansion of PolyU startups. PolyU was the sole university from Hong Kong to exhibit at the event, with its participating teams making up 30% of the Hong Kong delegation, contributing to Hong Kong’s advancement into an international innovation and technology hub. Our record-breaking performance at this year’s CES affirms international recognition of PolyU research and innovation, propelling our teams to continue striving along the path of innovation and technology to create even more profound social impact.”

PolyU led 19 startups to exhibit at CES 2026. Prof. Christopher Chao (centre) posed with representatives from the award-winning PolyU teams.
PolyU led 19 startups to exhibit at CES 2026. Prof. Christopher Chao (centre) posed with representatives from the award-winning PolyU teams.

Leveraging its robust research strengths and its unique startup ecosystem, PolyVentures, the University actively supports its research teams and startups in developing innovative technologies, bringing Hong Kong research achievements to the global stage. The Smart Firefighting Robot, developed by Mr WANG Meng, a PhD candidate of the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering as well as Founder of PolyU startup Widemount Dynamics Tech Limited, along with his team, achieved the highest score in the “Products in Support of Human Security for All” category and earned the prestigious “Best of Innovation Award”. The Powered Rehab Skateboard, developed by Prof. Kenneth FONG, Associate Dean of the Graduate School and Associate Head of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, received an “Innovation Award” in the “Accessibility and Longevity” category. The FattaLab® Fatty Liver Diagnostic Device, developed by a team spearheaded by Prof. ZHENG Yongping, Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering, Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering, and Founder and Chief Scientist of PolyU startup Eieling Technology Limited, also won an “Innovation Award” in the “Digital Health” category.

The three award-winning innovations aim to enhance human security or health through cutting-edge technologies. The AI-driven Smart Firefighting Robot features autonomous patrol, burning materials classification, fire extinguishing and real-time data sharing functions in smoke-filled environments, protecting firefighters and the public simultaneously. The Powered Rehab Skateboard is a portable and cost-effective robotic system that supports home-based and community rehabilitation for stroke patients. The skateboard facilitates motor recovery in hemiparetic upper limbs and allows users to engage in effective therapy. The FattaLab® Fatty Liver Diagnostic Device is the world’s first lightweight intelligent assessment system for fatty liver detection. Weighs only 120 grams, the device can complete fatty liver assessment within 30 seconds, achieving detection accuracy at medical-grade standards.

Organised by the Consumer Technology Association, CES is one of the world’s largest and most influential consumer electronics exhibitions, spotlighting cutting-edge technologies for modern living. This year, CES attracted over 4,500 exhibitors from around the globe. The PolyU startups participating in the exhibition were as follows:

PolyU Startups Featured Innovations Company Representatives
AniMed Technology Limited Contactless real-time AI-driven health monitoring Dr LYU Weimin
Co-founder and CEO, AniMed Technology Limited
CyanSE Smart Energy Tech Limited AI-powered energy optimisation platforms for smart buildings Ms Amber ZHANG
Co-founder, CyanSE Smart Energy Tech Limited
DRESIO Limited AI-powered physiotherapy assessments software solution Mr Alexander YING
CEO, DRESIO Limited
Eieling Technology Limited FattaLab® Fatty Liver Diagnostic Device
(CES 2026 Innovation Award)
Prof. ZHENG Yongping
Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering, Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering, PolyU; Founder and Chief Scientist, Eieling Technology Limited
Entoptica Limited Cutting-edge ophthalmic diagnostic technologies Dr Mukhit KULMAGANBETOV
Senior Research Fellow, InnoHK Centre for Eye and Vision Research; CEO, Entoptica Limited
Feelings Group Limited AI-powered computer vision solution Dr WONG Wing-sze
Research Assistant Professor, Department of Language Science and Technology, PolyU; Clinical Consultant and Co-inventor, Feelings Group Limited

Ms YIP Chi-hay
Partner, Feelings Group Limited

Gembody Limited Next-generation portable AI ultrasound system Ms MAO Qian
CEO, Gembody Limited

Dr YANG Fan
CTO, Gembody Limited
ImageVector MedTech Limited AI-Vision for Joint Degeneration

Dr JIANG Tianshu

Executive Director, ImageVector MedTech Limited

Immune Materials Limited Innovative long-lasting antimicrobial self-disinfection materials Prof. Chris LO Kwan-yu
Professor, Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies, PolyU; Co-founder, Immune Materials Limited

Prof. KAN Chi-wai
Associate Dean and Professor, School of Fashion and Textiles, PolyU; Co-founder, Immune Materials Limited

Innobound Limited Portable smart terminal for emotional interaction, health monitoring and daily living assistance Ms GAO Lan
CEO and Founder, Innobound Limited
MedVision Limited AI-powered medical imaging solution Prof. CAI Jing
Head and Professor, Department of Health Technology and Informatics, PolyU; Consultant, MedVision Limited

Dr MA Zongrui
Postdoctoral Fellow,Department of Health Technology and Informatics, PolyU; Founder, MedVision Limited

Mirror Caring Limited Knee health management solution Prof. Stephen WANG Jia
Professor, School of Design, PolyU; Founder, Mirror Caring Limited
Nuvatech Limited Next-Gen Fashion OS powered by Multi-modal AI Mr DENG Yanheng
Founder, Nuvatech Limited
On-Skin Wearable Technology Limited Wearable Biomedical Electronic Device Dr Rayman GONG
Founder and CEO, On-Skin Wearable Technology Limited
ReSaTech Limited AI solutions for product reliability Mr Ricky LAW
CEO, ReSaTech Limited
UbiquiTech Innovations Limited Edge-AI robot for autonomous inspection and cleaning in confined spaces Prof. CAO Jiannong
Vice President (Education), Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Professor in Data Science, Chair Professor of Distributed and Mobile Computing, PolyU;
Founder and Chief Scientist, UbiquiTech Innovations Limited

Dr LIANG Zhixuan
Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Computing, PolyU; Founder and CEO, UbiquiTech Innovations Limited

Vcare Vision Technology Limited Non-invasive myopia prevention solution Dr TANG Yuk-ming
Senior Lecturer, Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, PolyU; Co-founder, Vcare Vision Technology Limited
Widemount Dynamics Tech Limited Smart Firefighting Robot

(CES 2026 Best of Innovation Award)

Mr WANG Meng
PhD candidate, Building Environment and Energy Engineering, PolyU; Founder, Widemount Dynamics Tech Limited
XOXO Beverages Limited Automated Cocktail Machine for improvements event and hospitality efficiency Mr Nicholas YU Wo-ping
Founder, XOXO Beverages Limited

Hashtag: #PolyU

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

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Starlight Centre Launches New Program For Students with Autism Entering Mainstream Primary Schools.

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SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 January 2026 – Starlight Centre has launched a new program designed for students with autism entering mainstream primary schools, including Pathlight and St. Andrew’s Mission School, next year. This school-readiness program is aimed at preschoolers (around 6 years old) in preparation for the challenges of primary school. Starlight Centre plans to utilise peer modelling and the RISE™ framework to equip these preschoolers with the essential skills needed for the transition to primary school.

Peer Modeling
Starlight Centre has provided specialised care services for children with high-functioning autism from primary 1 to 6 and have supported many students who are now ready to demonstrate positive behaviours from the programmes. Through peer modelling, younger students can observe and learn from their more experienced peers, helping them understand the acceptable boundaries of good behaviour.

RISE™
The Starlight RISE™ Primary School Readiness Program effectively prepares young children for formal education by developing their physical, social, emotional, and cognitive skills through engaging, play-based activities.

By actively involving parents in the process through comprehensive evaluations and strong partnerships, Starlight Centre aims to make parents feel valued and confident that their child’s development is being supported holistically, beyond just basic skills.

Hashtag: #AutismEducation #SpecialNeedsEducation #EarlyChildhoodEducation #ParentingSupport #StarlightCentre

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

About Starlight Centre

Starlight was founded by a group of parents and seasoned autism professionals who have experienced first-hand the challenges of finding the most effective therapy programs, preschools, and after-school care services. We understand what you’re going through and are here to help. No matter your child’s needs, come to us, and we will connect you with the right resources.

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