Media OutReach
Discover Nature and Culture in Japan’s Tohoku: Family-Friendly Highlights A Perfect 5-Day, 4-Night Journey for Families
■ Family-Friendly Highlights
① Nebuta House Wa Rasse (Aomori Prefecture)
An interactive facility where visitors can experience the vibrant Nebuta Festival, which colors Aomori’s summer, all year round. Life-sized Nebuta floats are on permanent display, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the festival’s atmosphere. You can also join a craft workshop to make your own miniature Nebuta, creating a memorable keepsake together with your children.
Opening Hours: 9:00–18:00 (September–April)
Access (from Tokyo Station):
- Shin-Aomori Station: Approx. 3 hours by Tohoku Shinkansen
- Nebuta House Wa Rasse: 1 minute on foot from Aomori Station via the JR Ōu Main Line
②：Aquamarine Fukushima (Fukushima Prefecture)
An aquarium where visitors can experience the rich bounty of the Pacific Ocean. In the massive “Shiome Sea” tank, schools of Pacific saury and sardines swimming together create an overwhelming spectacle. At the 4,500 m² touch pool, one of the largest in the world, children can play barefoot in the water and interact with sea creatures such as starfish and sea cucumbers—sure to bring smiles and excitement to their faces.
Opening Hours: 9:00–17:30 (late March to late November)
Access (from Tokyo Station):
- Izumi Station: Approx. 2 hours 30 minutes by JR Jōban Line Hitachi or Tokiwa Limited Express
- From Izumi Station South Exit bus stop, take the Izumi–Onahama Line local bus
- Aquamarine Fukushima: Get off at Aeon Mall Iwaki Onahama bus stop, then approx. 5 minutes on foot
⓷：Kosaka Railway Rail Park (Akita Prefecture)
An interactive theme park that repurposes a former railway line. Visitors can ride actual trains, enjoy sightseeing trolleys running on the old tracks, try rail bikes that you pedal yourself, and even experience a simulator that lets you feel like a real train driver. It’s the perfect spot for children who love trains.
Opening Hours: 9:00–17:00 (※)
- Last entry: 16:30
- Closed: Every Wednesday (if Wednesday is a national holiday, closed the following Thursday)
- Rail bikes operate only on weekends and holidays
- Sightseeing trolleys operate every day except Tuesdays
For details, please check the website below:
https://stayakita.com/th/things-to-do/things-to-do-460
Access (from Tokyo Station):
- Morioka Station: Approx. 2 hours by Tohoku Shinkansen
- Towada-Minami Station: Approx. 2 hours by JR Hanawa Line
- From Towada-Minami Station, take the Shuhoku Bus bound for Kosaka
- Kosaka Railway Rail Park: Get off at Kosaka Elementary School bus stop, then approx. 2 minutes on foot
⓸：Iwate Safari Park (Iwate Prefecture)
A safari park where visitors can observe animals from around the world—such as lions, giraffes, and elephants—up close. Riding the safari bus to see these powerful animals creates an unforgettable experience for children.
Opening Hours: 9:30–17:00
Access (from Tokyo Station):
- Ichinoseki Station: Approx. 2 hours by Tohoku Shinkansen
- Hanaizumi Station: Approx. 15 minutes by JR Tohoku Main Line
- Iwate Safari Park: Approx. 20 minutes by taxi from Hanaizumi Station
⓹：Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium (Miyagi Prefecture)
An aquarium themed around the “connection between the sea and people, and between water and people.” The massive main tank that recreates the seas of Tohoku and the dolphin and sea lion performance show are absolute highlights. The facility is full of exhibits that parents and children can enjoy together.
Opening Hours: 9:00–17:30
Access (from Tokyo Station):
- Sendai Station: Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes by Tohoku Shinkansen
- Get off at Nakano-Sakae Station via JR Senseki Line
- Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium: Approx. 15 minutes on foot from Nakano-Sakae Station
■ Recommended Rail Pass for Traveling Around Tohoku
With the JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area), you can explore these tourist attractions freely and at great value. The JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area) is a rail pass designed for international travelers, perfect for touring and extended stays in Japan’s Tohoku region. Depending on the length of your trip, you can choose between a 5-day or 10-day pass.
During the validity period, you can enjoy unlimited rides in reserved ordinary car seats on Shinkansen and limited express trains within the designated areas of eastern Japan, including Tohoku. This makes family trips—where travel can be a big challenge, much more comfortable and affordable, ensuring an unforgettable journey.
For more details, please visit the official JR East website:
https://www.jreast.co.jp/th/multi/pass/eastpass_t.html
■ Family Travel Model Itinerary with the JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area) (5 Days, 4 Nights)
The Tohoku region covers a vast area, but with the JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area), you can ride reserved seats on Shinkansen and limited express trains as many times as you like, making it easy and worry-free to travel efficiently—even on a family trip.Here, we introduce a sample 5-day, 4-night itinerary using the 5-day JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area), designed to help families fully enjoy a grand tour of Tohoku.
Day 1: Tokyo → Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture
- Travel from Tokyo Station to Sendai Station in Miyagi via the Tohoku Shinkansen
- Morning: Enjoy the dolphin show and giant tanks at Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium
- Afternoon: Explore Sendai city—have a gyūtan (grilled beef tongue) lunch and tour the city on the Loople Sendai sightseeing bus
- Overnight stay in Sendai
Day 2: Sendai, Miyagi → Iwate Prefecture
- Travel from Sendai Station to Ichinoseki Station by Tohoku Shinkansen
- Morning: From Ichinoseki, head to Iwate Safari Park to see lions, giraffes, and elephants up close, and experience the great outdoors as a family
- Afternoon: Travel from Ichinoseki to Morioka Station. In the evening, enjoy local specialties such as Morioka Reimen (cold noodles)
- Overnight stay in Morioka
Day 3: Morioka, Iwate → Aomori Prefecture
- Travel from Morioka Station to Shin-Aomori Station by Tohoku Shinkansen
- Morning: Visit Nebuta House Wa Rasse to experience the excitement of the Nebuta Festival and its massive floats
- Afternoon: Explore Aomori city and indulge in apple-themed sweets and local delicacies
- Overnight stay in Aomori
Day 4: Aomori Prefecture → Akita Prefecture
- Travel from Aomori Station to Ōdate Station by JR Ōu Main Line
- Continue from Ōdate Station to Towada-Minami Station via JR Hanawa Line
- Morning: Enjoy hands-on railway experiences at the Kosaka Railway Rail Park
- Afternoon: Travel to Akita city, go sightseeing, and savor kiritanpo (grilled rice skewers)
- Overnight stay in Akita
Day 5: Akita Prefecture → Fukushima Prefecture → Tokyo
- Travel from Akita Station to Sendai Station via the Akita Shinkansen
- Transfer to the JR Jōban Line Hitachi or Tokiwa Limited Express and head to Izumi Station
- Afternoon: Visit Aquamarine Fukushima, where children can explore the wonders of the ocean
- Return from Izumi Station to Tokyo Station by Limited Express Hitachi
The Tohoku region of Japan is full of attractions that children will love, from animals and aquariums to hands-on cultural experiences. This year, make unforgettable memories by setting out on a family trip to Tohoku.
Hashtag: #Tohoku #JREast
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Media OutReach
Etiqa’s Project Firefly Reinforces Mangrove Ecosystem in Sungai Panjang in Collaboration with Malaysian Nature Society
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.
Media OutReach
PolyU research teams and startups shine at CES 2026, winning three prestigious innovation awards
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.”
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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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.
Media OutReach
Starlight Centre Launches New Program For Students with Autism Entering Mainstream Primary Schools.
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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