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De Beers Group Unveils “Desert Diamonds” at JGW

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A COMMITMENT TO ENHANCE NATURAL DIAMOND DEMAND THROUGH “ORIGIN” STRATEGY

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 October 2025 – From September 17th to 19th, 2025, De Beers Group, the world’s leading diamond company, made a dazzling appearance at the Jewellery & Gem WORLD, unveiling the exceptional allure of “Desert diamonds” – gradient-coloured natural diamonds. During the event, De Beers Group highlighted its diamond traceability strategy -“Origin”, demonstrating its unwavering commitment to driving demand for natural diamonds.

(From left to right) Feriel Zerouki, Chief Trade and Industry Officer, De Beers Group, Mahiar Borhanjoo, Chief Commercial Officer, SVP Polish, De Beers Group, and Lynn Serfaty, General Manager of Natural Diamond Category Marketing, De Beers Group, officiate at the lion dance ceremony to kick start De Beers Group’s Show & Tell.

Senior executives from De Beers Group attending the event included Paul Rowley, Executive Vice-President, Diamond Trading, Feriel Zerouki, Chief Trade and Industry Officer, Mahiar Borhanjoo, Chief Commercial Officer, SVP Polish, Lynn Serfaty, General Manager of Natural Diamond Category Marketing, and Wesley Tucker, CEO of Tracr, presented at the event. They engaged in discussions with industry guests about the future development trends of natural diamonds, demonstrating De Beers Group’s commitment to continue investing in resources and driving collective industry efforts to promote natural diamonds. Through these initiatives, the group consistently conveys the core attributes of natural diamonds—rarity, value, and heritage — while igniting desire and aspiration among a new generation of consumers.

Paul Rowley, Executive Vice-President, Diamond Trading, De Beers Group at the Breakfast Meeting; Lynn Serfaty, General Manager of Natural Diamond Category Marketing, De Beers Group (second from right, top image), and Loletta Lai, VP, Natural Diamonds APAC, De Beers Group (first from left, top image), attended the De Beers Group Natural Diamond Leadership Forum, "Unlocking Growth in the Greater China Market: Opportunities and Challenges for the Natural Diamond Industry", interacting with guests.
Paul Rowley, Executive Vice-President, Diamond Trading, De Beers Group at the Breakfast Meeting; Lynn Serfaty, General Manager of Natural Diamond Category Marketing, De Beers Group (second from right, top image), and Loletta Lai, VP, Natural Diamonds APAC, De Beers Group (first from left, top image), attended the De Beers Group Natural Diamond Leadership Forum, “Unlocking Growth in the Greater China Market: Opportunities and Challenges for the Natural Diamond Industry”, interacting with guests.

At the Show & Tell, experts from the “Origin”, Institute of Diamonds, and Science and Technology came together to showcase the Group’s innovative technologies and cutting-edge technology in the fields of diamond traceability and detention instruments.

“Origin” is De Beers’ brand-new diamond traceability program. Powered by Tracr, it enables consumers to explore the origin and supply chain of each De Beers diamond. It empowers retailers to share the unique stories behind De Beers’ natural diamonds, deepening the emotional connection between diamonds and wearers. Furthermore, consumers can access information about their purchased diamonds, including rarity rating and details about the social impact programs supported by each diamond. This initiative not only provides consumers with the opportunity to purchase natural diamonds mined by the De Beers Group but also provides comprehensive assurance, highlighting ethical sourcing as a key component of De Beers’ overall marketing strategy.

De Beers Group’s Desert diamond initiative captivates visitors with their delicate colour gradient, transitioning from warm white to champagne and amber, creating rich and harmonious visual layers that made them a highlight at Jewellery & Gem WORLD. By blending the inherent rarity of natural diamonds with the vast desert, these diamonds evoke emotional resonance among a new generation of consumers through their differentiated value, reinterpreting the enduring allure and extraordinary value of natural diamonds.

De Beers Group drew inspirations from the geological wonders of the desert—the birthplace of natural diamonds—blending desert elements with the unique characteristics of natural diamonds. Through narrative-driven spatial design and interactive elements, De Beers Group translated its strategies and the value of natural diamonds into tangible realities, showcasing the breathtaking beauty and profound significance of Desert Diamonds.

Paul Rowley, Executive Vice-President, Diamond Trading, De Beers Group, stated: “We are honoured to participate in Jewellery & Gem WORLD and engage in in-depth discussions with our partners. It provided a valuable opportunity to share De Beers Group’s strategies and explore the future of the natural diamond industry. China is a crucial part of our global strategy, and we are committed to continuing our collaboration with all partners. Through comprehensive market education and communication, we aim to help more consumers appreciate the rarity of natural diamonds and deeply recognize the enduring emotions and generational significance they carry.”

Building a Sustainable Future for Natural Diamonds
During the three-day exhibition, De Beers Group successfully hosted multiple events, including a Breakfast Meeting, Show & Tell, and Natural Diamonds Leadership Forum, gathering global industry leaders to look ahead at trends and developments in natural diamond industry. At the Breakfast Meeting, Paul Rowley shared the latest progress of “Origins”, while Lynn Serfaty highlighted the Group’s initiatives in natural diamond category marketing and elaborated on the unique charm of Desert diamonds.

The Natural Diamond Leadership Forum hosted by De Beers Group emerged as a significant highlight of this year’s exhibition, offering forward-looking perspectives and profound insights. At the first panel – Innovation in the Diamond Value Chain: From Technology to Customer Experience, Wesley Tucker, CEO of Tracr, shared customer engagement strategies centered on technological evolution. In-depth discussions focused on how to drive the future growth of the natural diamond industry and tap into fast-growing markets such as China. Tucker stated, “As a core component of the ‘Origins’, Tracr leverages blockchain technology to ensure the origin and traceability of every natural diamond. We are not only building a reliable technology platform but also committed to telling the authentic and unique story behind each natural diamond. Through Tracr, we hope consumers can trust their choices with greater confidence and understand how their purchases support the communities and sustainablility.”

Lynn Serfaty, General Manager of Natural Diamond Category Marketing, De Beers Group, along with Loletta Lai, VP, Natural Diamonds APAC, De Beers Group, and others, delved into the theme of ” Unlocking Growth in the Greater China Market: Opportunities and Challenges for the Natural Diamond Industry”. They provided in-depth analysis of consumer trends and behavioural shifts in the Chinese market, while sharing strategic insights on how to align with the demands of the new generation of consumers and foster long-term desire for natural diamonds. Serfaty stated, “The new generation of consumers is redefining their emotional connection with natural diamonds. They see these diamonds not only as symbols of weddings but also as unique carriers of self-expression and gifting. These consumers value authenticity, sustainability and pursue personalized experiences and emotional resonance. Through our strategies of ‘Origins’ and ‘Building Forever’, we consistently reinforce the core characteristic of natural diamonds—rarity, value, and heritage—continuously evoking consumers’ emotional identification and desire.”

Another Leadership Forum was hosted, themed “The Billion-Year Promise: Consumer Trust in Natural Diamond”. This event delved into the goals and initiatives of the “Origin” Strategy, De Beers Group and “Building Forever”, aiming to transform each natural diamond into an eternal promise, establishing and reinforcing consumers’ enduring and solid trust.

Partnering for Value Creation: Planning the Future of Natural Diamonds
For years, De Beers Group has consistently collaborated with partners across the industry to jointly promote the development of the natural diamond sector. During the exhibition, the Group invited media and influencers to visit the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) booth and engage in natural diamonds workshops, guiding guests to explore the enduring charm and value of natural diamonds. Pritesh Patel, President and CEO of GIA, stated: “We are deeply honored to collaborate with De Beers Group. Through this workshop, we illustrated the eternal charm and profound value inherent in natural diamonds. Each natural diamond is a miracle created by the Earth over hundreds of millions of years, blending natural beauty, exquisite craftsmanship, and a commitment to sustainable development. We look forward to working with all partners to convey values of authenticity, transparency, and responsibility, helping consumers gain a deeper understanding of the precious qualities of natural diamonds, and jointly promoting the sustainable development of the industry.”

Since June of this year, GIA has ceased providing traditional 4Cs grading for laboratory-grown diamonds and adopted a descriptive rating system. Submitted samples receive only broad evaluations as “Premium” or “Standard,” with those of excessively low quality receiving no grade. In August, GIA announced that it would implement an assessment service for laboratory-grown diamonds starting in October. These measures clarify the essential differences between natural diamonds and laboratory-grown diamonds in terms of attributes and value, providing a solid foundation for the standardized and healthy development of the natural diamond industry.

In addition to the exhibition, De Beers Group also organized a visit for media and influencers at De Beers London flagship store, allowing them to experience the artistic transformation of natural diamonds from rough stones to exquisite jewellery. This visit immersed guests in the innovative interpretation of natural diamonds in contemporary fashion. It was not merely a product showcase but a vivid demonstration of De Beers Group’s “Building Forever” comitmment at the retail level. From traceable natural diamond sources to sustainable craftsmanship, design, and polishing, every step reflects the Group’s firm commitment to sustainable development. Through offline experiences, jewellery try-ons, and in-depth sharing, the guests further deepened their emotional connection and value recognition of natural diamonds.

With the brand philosophy “A Diamond is Forever,” De Beers Group not only highlighted the enduring demand and broad prospects of natural diamonds in the global market at Jewellery & Gem WORLD, but also vividly demonstrated differentiated value through its Desert Diamonds, reflecting a deep integration with its “Origins”. Through immersive experiences and in-depth interactions, the Group presented an unforgettable natural diamond journey for industry partners and the public, further advancing the education about natural diamons. Looking ahead, De Beers Group will continue to collaborate with all parties to lead the natural diamond industry toward a more transparent and sustainable future, allowing natural diamonds to shine even brighter amidst the interplay of technology, art, and culture, and to continue writing the moving legend of this era.

Hashtag: #DeBeersGroup #NaturalDiamonds #diamonds #desertdiamonds




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 Jewellers 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 via De Beers Institute of Diamonds and a wide range of diamond sorting, detection and classification technology systems via De Beers Group Ignite. De Beers Group is committed to ‘,’ a holistic and integrated approach for creating a better future – where safety, human rights and ethical integrity continue to be paramount; where communities thrive and the environment is protected; and where there are equal opportunities for all. De Beers Group is a member of the Anglo American plc group. For further information, visit .

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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

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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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