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HKSTP Crowns EPIC 2025 Winner: Champion of HKSTP EPIC 2025 NEU Battery Materials from Singapore Triumphs at Hong Kong’s Flagship I&T Mega Event

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A fresh roster of innovators, and increased sums of investment, had global innovators eyeing Hong Kong’s I&T capabilities

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 November 2025 – Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) has successfully concluded EPIC 2025 Presented by Cathay and HSBC. Ideas took flight at today’s Grand Finale; NEU Battery Materials brought home the Overall Championship and won the Green Tech track with the world’s first patented electrochemical recycling of lithium batteries. The flagship startup competition is an annual innovation and technology (I&T) mega event in Asia hosted at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal — once a gateway to the skies and now a launchpad for tomorrow’s tech pioneers.

HKSTP Crowns NEU Battery Materials from Singapore as EPIC 2025 Overall Champion

This year’s EPIC has set multiple new precedents. Investment funding for the competition doubled, totalling US $105M with US $240,000 in cash prizes. Additionally, a record-breaking 1,200+ applications were submitted, with a remarkable 87% from non-local startups spanning over 70 economies. The top 100 tech companies were featured at the Grand Finale, with 28 economies represented and 85% of the top 100 being non-local, this year’s competition was the most globally diverse to date.

Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of Hong Kong SAR, said, “One thing is crystal clear, EPIC has grown into an iconic global innovation event. And the beauty of EPIC isn’t just about crowning winners. It’s about giving founders and dreamers a stage to share their ideas, ambitions, and vision for the future.”

Dr Sunny Chai, Chairman of HKSTP said “We are turning Hong Kong’s connectivity into momentum, helping ideas move and scale across borders. EPIC 2025 is a testament to this where entrepreneurs get to connect with emerging markets and business opportunities, enthusiastic investors and partners, as well as the future of world-class I&T ecosystems.”

NEU Battery Materials claimed the title of Overall Champion, also winning the Green Tech track. Founder & CEO Bryan Oh expressed excitement and gratitude, saying: “It’s really 60 seconds that changes your life. The network that EPIC has brought us is immense, as is the ecosystem that they’ve introduced.” The Singaporean startup focuses on climatech solutions, introduces the world’s first patented electrochemical recycling of lithium batteries.

KA Imaging Inc from Canada was named the winner for Digital Health Tech track, for their Spectral X-ray system that identifies and separates soft tissues and bones, the first of its kind.

Belli was crowned for its FinTech track solution, the Singaporean startup focuses on aviation software that addresses the issue of 85% of airline flights wasting cargo space.

The ninth edition of EPIC was supported by Co-Title Sponsors Cathay, Hong Kong’s world-leading airline and premium lifestyle brand, and HSBC, global bank for innovators, with Digital Health Tech Sponsor Takeda, a multinational pharmaceutical company, and Hospitality Sponsor Regal Hotels International, a distinguished hotel group.

EPIC Week facilitated over 200 business and investment matching sessions, empowering startups to engage with visionary partners and investors. These matching sessions allow participants to explore and pursue the many opportunities across Asia’s dynamic markets. Prior to pitching at the Grand Finale, semi-finalists were greeted with the EPIC Week, consisting of a Tech Spotlight showcase and a Greater Bay Area Exploration tour, helping foster a better understanding of the capabilities, markets, and opportunities in the GBA.

Hong Kong has firmly established itself as a global hub for innovation. Together with Shenzhen and Guangzhou, the city has been ranked the World’s no. 1 Innovation Cluster in the 2025 Global Innovation Index, according to the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO). Hong Kong’s innovation ecosystem provides the ideal launchpad for Chinese startups to go global. It also allows international startups to access the formidable markets of the Greater Bay Area, which boast world-class technology, supply chain, and manufacturing capabilities.

Winners List and Prizes:

Overall Champion: NEU Battery Materials US$60,000 cash prize
Digital Heath Tech Winner: KA Imaging Inc US$20,000 cash prize
FinTech Winner: Belli US$20,000 cash prize
Green Tech Winner: NEU Battery Materials US$20,000 cash prize

Top 12 Finalists (each received US$10,000 cash prize):

Company Name Economics
Digital Health Tech
E-Sense Innovation & Technology Limited Hong Kong
Eyerising international Australia
KA Imaging Inc Canada
Re:Pair Genomics Inc. Canada
FinTech
Bankuish United States
Belli Singapore
Cambio Limited (Energent.AI) United Arab Emirates
RealKey United States
Green Tech
CERT Systems Canada
NEU Battery Materials Singapore
Soteria Battery Innovation Group United States
YSL&C Ltd (OKOsix) Hong Kong

Top 100 Semi-Finalists Breakdown:

By Tech Track Percentage
Digital Health Tech 34%
FinTech 33%
Green Tech 33%
By Region Percentage
America 24%
APAC 26%
Europe 30%
Hong Kong 15%
Mainland China 5%

Visit epic.hkstp.org for more information on EPIC 2025.
Hashtag: #HKSTP

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HKSTP

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Otis Takes Majority Stake in WeMaintain, Supporting Growth and Innovation in Service Technology

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HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 April 2026 – Otis Worldwide Corporation (NYSE: OTIS), the world’s leading company for elevator and escalator manufacturing, installation, service and modernization, and WeMaintain today announced that they have closed an agreement under which Otis will acquire a majority stake in WeMaintain, a fast-growing, technology-enabled service company for the elevator and escalator industry. ​ The investment reflects Otis’ continued focus on advancing service and service technology to deliver the best possible solutions for customers.

Otis and WeMaintain leadership teams. Pictured left to right is Nora LaFreniere, Executive Vice President & General Counsel, Otis Worldwide Corporation; Judy Marks, Chair, Chief Executive Officer and President, Otis Worldwide Corporation; Jade Francine, Chief Growth Officer, WeMaintain; Benoit Dupont, Chief Executive, WeMaintain.

“Service is the foundation of our business, and innovation in how service is delivered is increasingly important as customers seek greater reliability and better visibility into performance,” said Judy Marks, Chair, CEO and President, Otis Worldwide Corp. “WeMaintain has built a strong technology platform and agile operating model that reflects how quality service is delivered in a fast-paced, digital and customer-centric environment. We are confident in their growth potential and believe this investment supports their continued success while creating long-term value for both organizations.”

“Otis’ investment allows us to stay focused on what we do best – continuing to build and advance our technology and scale our business as an independent company,” said Benoit Dupont, WeMaintain CEO. ” With the stability and support of the global industry leader, we are well positioned to strengthen our offering while maintaining the close customer relationships and high standards that have always defined our approach.”

Otis and WeMaintain will operate as separate entities, and WeMaintain will continue to offer its agnostic IoT and AI-based solution to its current and future customers.

Hashtag: #Otis #WeMaintain

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About Otis 

Otis gives people freedom to connect and thrive in a taller, faster, smarter world. The global leader in the manufacture, installation, service and modernization of elevators and escalators, we move 2.5 billion people a day and maintain approximately 2.5 million customer units worldwide – the industry’s largest Service portfolio. You’ll find us in the world’s most iconic structures, as well as residential and commercial buildings, transportation hubs and everywhere people are on the move. Headquartered in Connecticut, USA, Otis is 72,000 people strong, including 45,000 field professionals, all committed to manufacturing, installing and maintaining products to meet the diverse needs of our customers and passengers in more than 200 countries and territories. To learn more, visit and follow us on , , and @OtisElevatorCo.

About WeMaintain
​​​​WeMaintain was founded in 2017 by Benoit Dupont and Jade Francine on the belief that building maintenance could be smarter, more transparent, and more impactful. We combine AI-driven insights, IoT-powered data, and on-the-ground expertise to deliver real-time visibility, enhanced operational efficiency, and increased asset reliability for building owners and operators. ​​​

​​​​With operations across Asia and Europe and ​more than 350 employees, we provide services and solutions for elevators, escalators, automatic doors, and fire safety systems. ​​

​​Our ​human + tech approach sets a new standard for service quality, customer experience, and growth.​​

​​​​To learn more, visit .com and follow us on .

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Skincare Brand KK Éclat Celebrates Vogue Beauty Award Triumph with Exclusive Gala in Hong Kong

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Vogue Beauty Award Winner KK Éclat Hosts Exclusive Gala

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 April 2026 – In March 2026, French luxury skincare brand KK Éclat hosted a special celebratory dinner at The Pin, an elite private club in Central. The event honored the brand’s major victory at the Vogue Beauty Awards 2026.

KK Éclat celebratory dinner

The gala brought together over 30 distinguished guests, including celebrities, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and influential tastemakers, to celebrate the brand’s UV and Pollution Blocker Cream, which was crowned “Best Everyday Sunscreen” by Vogue Beauty Awards.

The Vogue Beauty Awards are a global benchmark for excellence, recognizing products that define the pinnacle of innovation and efficacy in the beauty industry. KK Éclat’s UV and Pollution Blocker Cream stood out for its revolutionary approach to sun protection, seamlessly blending high-performance defense with an unparalleled sensory experience.

The Vogue Beauty Awards 2026
The Vogue Beauty Awards 2026

This success is powered by KK Éclat’s patented Nano Frame Technology. This smart system encapsulates active ingredients for a 72-hour sustained release into the skin. It also creates a breathable moisture shield on the surface, perfectly balancing deep nourishment with long-lasting hydration.

During the event, founder Katherine and Karen detailed the rigorous research and development process, noting the formula underwent hundreds of iterations to achieve perfection.

Founder Katherine and Karen
Founder Katherine and Karen

Addressing the classic sunscreen dilemma, Katherine explained: “Physical blockers often leave a white cast, while chemical filters raise absorption concerns recently flagged by the FDA. KK Éclat offers a groundbreaking alternative.”

By merging Nano Frame technology with high-shearing encapsulation, the formula utilizes sunscreen particles with a slight negative charge matching the skin’s natural state. This creates a precise, repelling “safety layer” that keeps active filters effectively on the skin’s surface without penetration.

Additionally, the cream features Biosaccharide Gum-4, a breathable biological barrier that shields against UV rays, environmental pollutants, including PM2.5 particles. This multi-layered defense specifically combats photo-aging, meeting the high-frequency demands of modern urban life.

Hashtag: #KKÉclat #NanoFrameTechnology #LuxurySkincare



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About KK Éclat

Founded in France by Karen and Katherine, KK Éclat is a luxury skincare brand rooted in the philosophy that women should never have to choose between enjoying life’s pleasures and radiant skin. As advocates for the harmony of “health and pleasure,” the founders believe that enjoying life to the fullest and maintaining a superior complexion can, and should, coexist.

Driven by its hallmark Nano Frame Technology, KK Éclat ensures optimal absorption of active nutrients, delivering high-efficacy and long-lasting hydration and anti-aging results. The brand is dedicated to bridging the gap between science and luxury, offering personalized skincare solutions tailored to the diverse needs and daily routines of every skin type.

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New Zealand Returns to Food and Hospitality Asia 2026 With National Pavilion Featuring 15 Premium Food and Beverage Exporters

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SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 April 2026 – New Zealand returns to Food and Hospitality Asia (FHA) for the first time since 2018 with a dedicated national pavilion showcasing 15 food and beverage companies at Singapore Expo from 21 to 24 April 2026. The pavilion will spotlight innovative and premium quality products for Asia’s retail, hospitality and foodservice buyers, reinforcing its reputation as a trusted and safe food and beverage producer and supplier to the region. These exhibitors offer a glimpse into New Zealand’s world-class, premium food and beverage sector.

Hero image of New Zealand Food and beverage. New Zealand’s food and beverage is known for its exceptional taste, nutritional value and premium quality – and it reflects a culture of innovation that’s helping to shape the future of food.

New Zealand’s participation in FHA demonstrates long-term commitment not only to Singapore but across the region, showcasing how New Zealand looks to continue its partnership through trade and innovation, while helping to shape the future of food.

New Zealand food and beverage exports to Asia grew from NZ$5.5 billion in 2018 to NZ$8.4 billion in 20251. Notably, New Zealand and Singapore share a strong partnership spanning over 60 years – both are small, advanced economies that depend on international trade for growth. Food and beverage illustrate this relationship: it plays an important part in addressing common challenges between both countries. For New Zealand exporters, Singapore serves as a key market and a strategic gateway to the region.

“FHA is an important meeting point for buyers across Asia, and this pavilion gives interested buyers and partners a direct way to meet New Zealand producers and explore our outstanding, safe, great tasting F&B products for retail, hospitality and foodservice,” said Joe Nelson, Regional Director for South East and East Asia at New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE).

He adds, “We want to showcase the best of what New Zealand has to offer. The 15 companies exhibiting this year have something specific to offer – from dairy and honey, to snacks, beverages and premium ingredients. Several already supply into the region and are here to deepen those relationships, while others are bringing products to Asian buyers for the first time. Either way, buyers who visit will be tasting products and talking directly to the people who make them.”

Companies showcasing their products at the New Zealand Pavilion include Ao Cacao, a New Zealand bean-to-bar artisan chocolate maker with 18 international medals across leading chocolate competitions, including an award in the Club des Croqueurs de Chocolat Guide – widely known as the “Michelin Guide of Chocolate”. The brand will feature its single origin dark chocolate, specialty milk chocolate and foodservice range at the show. Family business Barker’s, founded in 1969, has more than 20 years in exporting and producing fruit and vegetables-based syrups, spreads, chutneys and sauces and will feature its new squeeze relishes and preserves at the tradeshow.

Blue Frog, New Zealand’s leading premium granola brand, known for its bold flavour combinations and high nut content, will showcase their breakfast cereals, made using premium natural ingredients for an indulgent granola experience. Meanwhile, New Zealand’s only certified organic chicken producer Bostock Brothers & Waitoawill be featuring its naturally lean, halal-certified organic Smoked Applewood chicken rashers, among other products.

Producers of high-quality, premium dairy products Canary Foodswill be showcasing its double-churned pastry butter sheets and butter medallions known for its deliciously creamy texture and spreadability, while international specialty coffee icon and B-Corp Certified Coffee Supremewill be showcasing its Supreme Blend in different formats, from whole beans and espresso roast to drip bags.

Comvita, the global leader in UMF-certified Mānuka honey and science-backed bee-based health products will introduce its limited edition MānuKaya and Bird’s Nest Mānuka Honey drink, alongside its Kids Mānuka Honey Eye Health Jelly and Mānuka Honey Pops. Meanwhile, the number one supplier of retail natural cheese and cheese manufacturer in New Zealand Dairyworkswill showcase its creamy cheese and cracker snack packs, along its natural, orange-coloured cheddar burger slices.

New entrants to Singapore and the region, family-owned juice brand Eden Orchards, will be showcasing its Pure Blueberry and Pure Cherry juice. Its blueberry juice is rich in antioxidants; while its cherry juice, which naturally contains melatonin, is becoming a go-to addition to evening routines. Meanwhile, Griffin’s, New Zealand’s largest snack food company since 1890 will spotlight its high quality and premium snacks – from natural snack bars and biscuits – to crisps and crackers across its 4 brands.

Leading New Zealand protein snack business Jack Link’swill feature its high protein meat snacks, renowned for bold flavours – perfect for those who are active and health conscious. Southern Fresh, New Zealand’s leading growers and processors of premium fresh produce will introduce its airfreight, popular and crunchy baby spinach and baby coloured carrots at the pavilion.

Stock Shop Co., premium New Zealand producer of chef-made stocks, glaces, jus and sauces for professional kitchens, will feature its two globally recognised products, Veal and Lobster Stock, while Tatua,world-class manufacturer of specialty dairy ingredients and products made from New Zealand grass-fed certified milk, will showcase its newly launched indulgent Crème Custard. Not forgetting Whittaker’s, New Zealand’s beloved chocolate and confectionery brand will feature its 100% bean-to-bar, palm-oil free chocolates at the pavilion.

Don’t just visit the booth – experience New Zealand’s finest at your table. For a limited time this April and May, Singapore restaurants Artichoke and Magpie will launch specially crafted menus using premium ingredients from several innovative New Zealand companies.

Taste the difference. Visit the New Zealand Pavilion at Hall 8, Booth 8D4-01 at Food & Hospitality Asia 2026 from 21 to 24 April 2026 at Singapore Expo, and our exclusive website to find out more about our exhibiting companies.

1 StatsNZ
Hashtag: #NZFnB #NewZealandfoodandbeverage #NZatFHA2026





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About New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE)

New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) | Te Taurapa Tūhono is the New Zealand government’s international business development agency. Our purpose is to grow companies internationally – bigger, better, faster – for the good of New Zealand. NZTE uses its extensive knowledge and global networks to help exporters of all sizes make better decisions and connect them with international partners and opportunities.

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