Media OutReach
HKPC Establishes New “Future Life & Health Tech Centre”
Driving R&D Translation and Sector Collaboration; Elevating Hong Kong as a Global Life & Health Innovation Hub
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 March 2026 – The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) today officially launched its new “Future Life & Health Tech Centre”, unveiling a suite of R&D achievements and application technologies across life sciences, medical technology, future food, biotechnology and modernisation of Chinese medicine. With a clear focus on accelerating R&D, pilot-scale development, smart manufacturing and commercialisation, the Centre aims to serve as an industry accelerator for life and health technology in Hong Kong, supporting the commercialisation of research outcomes from lab to market and driving the development of new productive forces.
Mr Edmond LAI, Chief Digital Officer of HKPC, said, “Life and health technology is a fast-rising focus for Hong Kong’s innovation and technology development. The Government’s 2026–27 Budget also outlines several initiatives to accelerate I&T development, with a primary focus on life and health technology. HKPC is committed to supporting the Government’s strategic development in this field by delivering forward-looking innovative technologies and services. Through the ‘Future Life & Health Tech Centre’, we will leverage AI, smart manufacturing, pilot platforms and cross-border collaboration to speed up the commercialisation of research outcomes, fostering Hong Kong as an international life and health innovation hub.”
An integrated platform from R&D to market adoption
Positioned as an end-to-end enabler across the full value chain, the “Future Life & Health Tech Centre” provides systematic support from research and pilot production through to scaleup and market adoption. It includes platforms for active ingredient efficacy validation, microencapsulation and controlled release, AI health monitoring model development, dosage form optimisation for Chinese medicine, future food technologies, medical device pilot capabilities and smart microfactory demonstration. The Centre serves as a bridge between universities and research institutes, healthcare providers, local enterprises and Greater Bay Area resources, facilitating upstream, midstream and downstream collaboration for life and health technology.
Exhibition Highlights Showcasing Diverse Applications in Life and Health Technology
According to HKPC’s “Hong Kong Life and Health Industry Development Study”, the sector’s long-term success hinges on technology-driven innovation and efficient industrialisation. The Centre showcases the following innovations:
1. Medical Technology and Diagnostics
- Veterinary recombinant plasmid DNA vaccine injection technology: Enhances plasmid DNA uptake to boost antibody production and immune response while improving safety; supports animal vaccine R&D.
- Innovative Porous Silica Capsule Technology: Delivers precise, sustained release of drugs or antibacterial agents; tested to eliminate over 95% of harmful microorganisms. HKPC co‑developed a customised hybrid process and smart production equipment for APEL to establish a “Smart Micro‑factory”, translating research into industrial application.
- Modernisation of Traditional Chinese Medicine: Combines modern dosage form development with zebrafish model validation. A TCM-based hydrogel patch is undergoing drug registration, with approval targeted for Q3 2026.
- AI Scalp Health Diagnosis System: Built on HKPC’s open AI platform “HKPC Picasso,” it utilises high-resolution imaging and multimodal data to detect scalp conditions and instantly generate personalised health reports.
2. Future Food and Functional Nutrition
- Bioprotective Coating Technology for Preservation on Fresh Produces: A food-grade coating that reduces moisture loss, oxygen exposure and microbial growth to extend shelf life and enhance supply chain efficiency.
- Microencapsulation and Controlled Release Technology for Functional Food: Embeds active ingredients within a carrier system to protect sensitive substances, enhance bioavailability and enable precise release control.
- AI-enabled Liquid Chilling Tunnel System: A two-stage chilling solution that reduces cooling time by over 60% and boosts efficiency by 90%. An AI vision system automatically identifies products and optimises chilling cycles, ensuring food safety, process stability and full data traceability. The technology has received multiple international honours, including the Gold Medal at the 2017 International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva.
HKPC emphasised that the “Future Life & Health Tech Centre” will act as a key platform for innovative research, pilot-scale development and industrial-scale commercialisation. Moving forward, HKPC will work closely with the Government, academia, healthcare organisations and industry partners in Hong Kong and other cities of the Greater Bay Area to strengthen the innovation ecosystem for life and health technology—supporting Hong Kong’s development as an international life and health innovation hub and advancing new industrialisation.
Download high-resolution photos HERE
Photo Captions:
- Mr Edmond LAI, Chief Digital Officer of the Hong Kong Productivity Council, outlines the vision and strategy of the “Future Life & Health Tech Centre” and introduces a range of cutting-edge R&D outcomes in life and health technology.
- The “Future Life & Health Tech Centre” showcases medical technology and diagnostic innovations, including the “Veterinary recombinant plasmid DNA vaccine injection technology” and the “Modernisation of Traditional Chinese Medicine”.
- The “Future Life & Health Tech Centre” features future food technologies, including the “Bioprotective Coating Technology for Preservation on Fresh Produces” and “Microencapsulation and Controlled Release Technology for Functional Food”.
Hashtag: #HKPC
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About the Hong Kong Productivity Council
The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) is a statutory body established in 1967, dedicated to enhancing the productivity and competitiveness of Hong Kong enterprises through world-class applied R&D, innovative technology services, and integrated manufacturing solutions. As a market-oriented, international R&D organisation, HKPC leverages its deep expertise and extensive industry experience in key areas such as AI, advanced manufacturing, life and health technology, green technology and new energy to drive new industrialisation and support the growth of emerging and future industries.
HKPC focuses on addressing businesses challenges and industrial technology needs, promoting the full integration between technological and industrial innovation. Through technology transfer, product innovation, intellectual property protection and commercialisation of R&D outcomes, the Council fosters collaboration with the local business community as well as top global R&D institutions, delivering added value to industries and advancing the development of new productive forces. HKPC’s world-class R&D achievements have been widely recognised over the years, winning an array of local and overseas accolades, reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as an international innovation and technology centre and a smart city.
To help enterprises capitalise on Hong Kong’s strengths in international connectivity to expand into global markets, HKPC offers comprehensive overseas expansion services tailored to critical areas including product development, technology, manufacturing, and management, enabling businesses to successfully go global from Hong Kong.
HKPC is also committed to providing timely and practical support to SMEs and startups with timely and practical, assisting them in accessing Government funding programmes. Through its FutureSkills training initiatives, HKPC helps both industry and academia stay ahead in latest digital and STEM technologies, nurturing a future-ready talent pool for Hong Kong.
For more information, please visit HKPC’s website: www.hkpc.org/en.
Media OutReach
Banyan Group Residences Brings Latest Phuket Property Launches to Singapore
Three new Laguna Phuket developments – spanning lakeside living, golf-front design and Angsana-branded luxury – to be showcased at Fairmont Singapore on 23–24 May
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 May 2026 – Banyan Group Residences is bringing three of its most anticipated new residential launches to Singapore this month, with a two-day sales exhibition taking place at Fairmont Singapore, Orchard Room (4F) on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 May 2026, from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm. The event offers Singapore buyers a rare opportunity to explore and invest in some of Phuket’s most compelling new addresses, with dedicated sales teams on hand for private consultations.
The exhibitions follow a year of record residential sales for Banyan Group Residences, as growing numbers of global investors look to Phuket as a safe haven for capital – drawn by the island’s political stability, strong rental yields, year-round lifestyle appeal, and the relative value it continues to offer against comparable markets. Demand has been particularly robust from buyers across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, with Singapore consistently ranking among the Group’s top source markets worldwide.
The three projects on show represent some of the most exciting new additions to Laguna Phuket – Asia’s premier integrated resort destination – and span a range of living concepts, price points, and design inspirations, united by the hallmark quality and hospitality expertise of Banyan Group Residences, Asia’s leading branded residential developer by volume.
“Singapore has long been one of our most important buyer markets, and we’re delighted to be returning with what we believe is our strongest line-up yet,” said Stuart Reading, Managing Director of Banyan Group Residences. “Whether you’re looking for a holiday retreat, a permanent base in a world-class resort community, or a smart long-term investment, this exhibition offers something genuinely compelling. High-quality property in a prime location at Laguna Phuket still represents outstanding value compared to equivalent homes in Singapore or other major cities.”
Bellaguna Lake Residences
Brand new blocks of Bellaguna Lake Residences will be revealed for the first time at the exhibition. Set beside a shimmering lake within Laguna Phuket – steps from Bang Tao Beach – the development takes its design cues from the sleek lines of a contemporary luxury yacht. Five elegantly elongated buildings feature dark wave-like façades and warm, light-filled interiors, with generous private terraces overlooking the lagoon. Residences include one- to three-bedroom condominiums and two- to three-bedroom penthouses with private rooftop pools, as well as a brand new category of two-bedroom residences with private pool.
Bellaguna is Banyan Group Residences’ newest residential brand, conceived specifically for premium year-round living outside of hotel inventory – yet fully supported by the Group’s renowned hospitality management standards.
Bellaguna Golf Residences
Set on land that once formed part of Phuket’s historic tin-mining landscape, Bellaguna Golf Residences draws its design identity from that heritage – soft horizontal lines and sculpted contours reinterpreted through a contemporary tropical lens. Low-rise buildings unfold amid lush gardens and a signature free-form pool, overlooking the fairways of the championship Laguna Golf Phuket course. A brand new block has also just been released for this project, which features a compact one-bedroom configuration, alongside one- to three-bedroom condominiums and two- to three-bedroom penthouses with private pools and sunset golf views.
Angsana Golf Residences Topaz
Inspired by the clarity and elegance of the topaz gemstone, Angsana Golf Residences Topaz comprises three gracefully curved low-rise buildings set within Laguna Phuket, with Sino-Portuguese design accents that subtly reference Phuket’s cultural heritage. The development offers two- and three-bedroom residences and exclusive penthouses with private rooftop pools, all enjoying panoramic views of the golf course, mountains, and the Andaman Sea. A signature rooftop ring-shaped pool completes the picture.
Show units are now available for all three projects at the Laguna Property Sales Gallery.
Banyan Living
Banyan Group has recently launched Banyan Living, a residential rental and marketing platform created to support owners of branded residences across the Group’s portfolio, while offering guests a professionally managed alternative to traditional home‑sharing platforms.
Developed as a structured, hospitality-led rental ecosystem, Banyan Living enables private owners to generate income from their residences, while providing guests who rent the properties assurance of the design integrity and professional service standards associated with Banyan Group.
Why Phuket, Why Now
Phuket continues to attract growing international interest as both a lifestyle destination and an investment market. Within Laguna Phuket, nationals of some 70 countries have chosen to make the resort community their home, drawn by year-round tropical living, world-class amenities, international schools, medical facilities, and a level of quality and security that is difficult to match elsewhere in the region.
Banyan Group Residences anticipates launching up to USD 1 billion in new luxury residential projects in Phuket over the next two to three years, reflecting the Group’s confidence in the market and the enduring strength of demand from international buyers.
Prospective buyers are welcome to visit the exhibition at Fairmont Singapore, Orchard Room (4F), on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 May 2026, between 11:00 am and 6:00 pm. Private appointments can be arranged in advance by contacting the team directly.
Hashtag: #BanyanGroup #BanyanGroupResidences #LagunaPhuket
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Banyan Group
Banyan Group (“Banyan Tree Holdings Limited” or the “Group” – SGX: B58) is an independent, global hospitality company with purpose. The Group prides itself on its pioneering spirit, design-led experiences and commitment to responsible stewardship. Its extensive portfolio spans more than 100 properties, over 140 spas and galleries, and 20-plus branded residences in over 20 countries. Comprising 12 global brands, including the flagship Banyan Tree, each distinct yet united under the experiential membership programme with Banyan. The founding ethos of “Embracing the Environment, Empowering People” is embodied through the Banyan Global Foundation and Banyan Management Academy. Banyan Group is committed to remaining the leading advocate of sustainable travel, with a focus on regenerative tourism and innovative programmes that elevate the guest experience.
About Laguna Phuket
Laguna Phuket is Asia’s premier integrated resort destination, set against the stunning backdrop of the Andaman Sea. Spanning over 1,000 acres, the resort features six luxury hotels, an award-winning 18-hole golf course, fine dining, luxury spas, and branded residences. Guests benefit from complimentary shuttle services, a cashless payment system, and access to world-class recreational and wellness facilities.
About Banyan Group Residences
Banyan Group Residences is the property development arm of leading hospitality pioneer Banyan Group, listed on the stock exchange of Singapore. With over 35 years of development experience and an impressive portfolio of residential brands to suit different lifestyles and budgets, it is Thailand’s leading lifestyle property developer with a strong and increasingly international pipeline of projects. The Group’s main residential brands include the flagship luxury Banyan Tree Residences, Angsana Residences, Dhawa Residences, Garrya Residences, Laguna Residences, Cassia Residences, Skypark, Laguna Lakelands, and Bellaguna.
Media OutReach
CPF NH Foods Advances to Production Phase, Launches ‘CP Nippon’ Brand in Premium Processed Pork Partnership
The start of operations follows the successful establishment of the joint venture in late 2025, combining CPF’s fully integrated supply chain and regional distribution network with NH Foods’ advanced food processing technologies and product development expertise. The facility now serves as the production hub for a new generation of high-quality processed meat products, targeting both domestic and export markets including Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and other key Asian destinations.
Prasit Boondoungprasert, Chief Executive Officer of CPF, said “Starting production and introducing CP Nippon brand mark an important milestone in our partnership with NH Foods. This collaboration enables us to move beyond primary production to premium processed products, creating greater value for Thailand’s pork industry while strengthening its position as a key exporter across Asia.”
The manufacturing facility integrates advanced production systems and stringent quality assurance processes aligned with international standards, reinforcing both companies’ commitment to food safety, traceability, and sustainability. By leveraging CPF’s high-quality raw material sourcing and NH Foods’ precision manufacturing know-how, the joint venture aims to set new benchmarks in processed meat production.
Fumio Maeda, President and Chief Executive Officer of NH Foods, added “The commencement of production represents a key milestone in our collaboration with CPF. By combining our strengths in technology and product innovation with CPF’s operational excellence, we are bringing together the rich culinary traditions of Japan and Thailand to deliver refined, high-quality food experiences to consumers across Asia.”
The product range under CP Nippon brand reflects NH Foods’ Japanese culinary expertise—rooted in the craftsmanship of ryōrinin—combined with CPF’s strength in high-quality sourcing and production.
Beyond product innovation, CPF NH Foods is committed to sustainable manufacturing practices, including efficient resource utilization and environmentally responsible operations, in line with CPF’s “Kitchen of the World” vision and both companies’ long-term sustainability goals.
Hashtag: #AsianFoodInnovation #CPFNHFoods #CPFNippon #KitchenOfTheWorld #FoodInnovation #CPF
https://www.cpfworldwide.com/en/home
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Charoen Pokphand Foods Plc (CPF)
Charoen Pokphand Foods Plc (CPF) is a leading global agro-industrial and food company, operating in 17 countries and exporting to more than 50 markets worldwide. Guided by its “Kitchen of the World” vision, CPF focuses on delivering safe, high-quality, and nutritious food through a vertically integrated business model. The company integrates technology and innovation across its operations while advancing sustainability and working toward a low-carbon, resilient food system that supports global food security.
About NH Foods
NH Foods Ltd., operates in the food industry with a focus on meat products and related processed foods. The group conducts its business globally, and targets both domestic and international markets for its diversified protein and food solutions portfolio.
Media OutReach
Student Life and Campus Communities Are Becoming a Key Deciding Factor in Higher Education
This shift reflects a broader trend across the sector, where institutions are being evaluated not only on academic outcomes, but also on their ability to provide holistic student experiences that support mental wellbeing, social integration, and career readiness.
At the Singapore Institute of Management (SIM), student engagement has become a central pillar of the learning experience, with a wide network of student led clubs and communities designed to support both personal and professional development.
A Growing Priority: Belonging and Wellbeing
Industry observations indicate that students, particularly those transitioning from secondary education or arriving from overseas, often face challenges such as social isolation, cultural adjustment, and limited peer support networks. Research also highlights that being away from familiar support systems and adapting to a new cultural and academic environment can be an isolating process, contributing to increased stress, anxiety, and reduced perceived social support
To address this, SIM has developed a structured student life ecosystem supported by its Student Development initiatives and programmes such as Project1095, which emphasises learning beyond the classroom and holistic growth. With close to 80 student clubs and co-curricular activities available, students are provided with multiple avenues to build connections and integrate into campus life.
From Co-Curricular Activities to Career Readiness
Student clubs are increasingly seen as more than recreational clubs, playing a meaningful role in preparing students for the workforce. Participation in such communities enables students to develop transferable skills aligned with employer expectations, including leadership, collaboration, and communication.
At SIM, student led initiatives span a broad spectrum, from arts and cultural groups that foster creativity and teamwork through performances and events, to sports and wellness communities that promote physical resilience and discipline. Leadership platforms such as student councils provide opportunities for students to organise initiatives and represent the student body, while international student communities support cultural integration and inclusivity.
In addition, special interest and professional clubs offer exposure to industry trends and peer led learning. Collectively, these platforms provide practical experiences that complement academic programmes and contribute to graduates’ overall employability.
Reflecting a Broader Shift in Higher Education
The increasing importance placed on student life reflects a wider evolution in higher education, where institutions are expected to support both academic achievement and personal development.
By investing in student communities and engagement, institutions like SIM are responding to this shift, providing environments where students can not only gain qualifications, but also build networks, resilience, and a strong sense of identity.
As prospective students weigh their options, the availability of vibrant campus communities and support systems is likely to remain a key differentiator in the higher education landscape.
Reference:
- The experience of loneliness among international students participating in the BBC Loneliness Experiment: Thematic analysis of qualitative survey data – https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666518223000189?
- Mental health concerns and needs of international students in higher education settings: A scoping review protocol – https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12334020/
- SIM CCA – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/life-at-sim/co-curricular-activities
- SIM Project 1095 – https://project1095.simge.edu.sg/
Hashtag: #SIMGlobalEducation #SIMGE #GlobalEducation #InternationalDegree #CareerReady #FutureSkills
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About SIM Global Education
SIM Global Education (SIM GE) is a leading private education institution in Singapore and the region. We offer more than 140 academic programmes ranging from diplomas and graduate diploma programmes to bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes with some of the world’s most reputable universities from Australia, Canada, Europe, United Kingdom, and the United States. SIM GE’s cohort is made up of 17,000 full- and part-time students and adult learners, of which approximately 41% are international students hailing from over 50 countries.
SIM GE’s holistic learning approach and culturally diverse learning environment aim to equip students with knowledge, industry skills and employability competencies, as well as a global perspective to succeed as future leaders in a fast-changing, technologically driven world.
For more information on SIM Global Education, visit www.sim.edu.sg
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