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Mapletree and Singaporean photographer Melisa Teo present Two Rivers exhibition (Part II) at VivoCity

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SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 June 2025 – Mapletree Investments (“Mapletree” or “the Group”) is pleased to host the second instalment of Two Rivers, a photography exhibition by Paris-based Singaporean photographer Melisa Teo, at Singapore’s largest shopping mall VivoCity.

(From left) His Excellency Mr Stephen Marchisio, Ambassador of France to Singapore; photographer Melisa Teo; Guest-of-Honour Mr Dinesh Vasu Dash, Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth, and Manpower; and Mr Edmund Cheng, Chairman, Mapletree at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Two Rivers (Part II) photography exhibition at VivoCity’s waterfront Promenade.

Two Rivers (Part II) is supported by Mapletree and celebrates the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Singapore and France. It is held at VivoCity’s waterfront Promenade and South-West Boulevard (Level 1, near Wine Connection) from 4 June to 4 July 2025.

The official launch of Two Rivers (Part II) was officiated by Guest-of-Honour Mr Dinesh Vasu Dash, Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth, and Manpower; Mr Edmund Cheng, Chairman, Mapletree; His Excellency Mr Stephen Marchisio, Ambassador of France to Singapore; and photographer Melisa Teo.

Two Rivers is a captivating exploration of life, memory and dreams, featuring images from the Singapore River and the Seine River in Paris, France. The exhibition at VivoCity will showcase eight new photographs in addition to the original 60 photos presented at Anderson Bridge from 23 April to 31 May 2025.

Mr Edmund Cheng, Chairman of Mapletree said: “We are delighted to bring Two Rivers to VivoCity, one of the Group’s flagship properties. This engaging exhibition features an impressive collection of photographs from two rivers in Singapore and France by Singaporean photographer Melisa Teo, providing a memorable experience for a wider audience to enjoy. From funding diverse initiatives to sponsoring photography exhibitions such as Two Rivers, we are committed to bringing the arts closer to the community. Mapletree looks forward to deepening its support in the arts scene, strengthening community bonds and celebrating the limitless creativity of our artists.”

Photographer Melisa Teo added: “Diplomatically, Mapletree’s support for this initiative has contributed to strengthening the ties between France and Singapore through art and culture, and achieving a significant milestone in the cultural landscape of Singapore. Professionally, this opportunity has allowed me to pursue my work with greater purpose, enriching my artistic life in meaningful ways. Personally, it has helped me learn to appreciate the diverse perspectives and rich cultural heritage that both France and Singapore offer, deepening my own understanding of the transformative power of art in connecting communities.”

Exhibition highlights included an Artist Talk by Melisa Teo, which took place at library@harbourfront (VivoCity, Level 3) from 4pm to 5pm on 4 June 2025. The complimentary talk engaged a wide range of attendees, including photography enthusiasts and individuals interested in how art influences perspectives. Melisa Teo shared her journey as an artist, inspiring others to embrace their passions and pursue their dreams.

Young creatives are also invited to participate in the My Two Rivers: Young Artist Competition at South-West Boulevard. Centred on the theme My Two Rivers, which explores the vital role rivers play in shaping human civilisations, the competition invites participants from two age categories: Junior (seven to 12 years old), who will complete a colouring template based on selected photographs from Two Rivers, and Youth (13 to 16 years old), who will submit original artworks inspired by the theme. Submissions will be accepted at the exhibition from 4 to 24 June 2025. Participants stand a chance to win up to S$200 in VivoCity eVouchers and have their artworks showcased in Paris, France.

Mapletree’s support for Two Rivers underscores its belief in the power of arts to inspire and connect people. Since 2010, Mapletree has proudly disbursed more than S$7 million to exclusively fund a diverse range of arts-focused Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives.

Two Rivers is a joint initiative supported by the Singapore and French governments. The exhibition is presented by the French Embassy as part of the vOilah! France Singapore Festival, and supported by Singapore’s Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, National Arts Council, National Parks Board and Land Transport Authority.

Two Rivers photography exhibition (Part II) Details
Exhibition period: 4 June to 4 July 2025 Venue: VivoCity (Promenade and South-West Boulevard), 1 HarbourFront Walk, Singapore 098585

My Two Rivers: Young Artist Competition: 4 to 24 June 2025Hashtag: #TwoRiversbyMelisaTeo #TwoRiversExhibition #MelisaTeo




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Melisa Teo

Melisa Teo is a Singaporean photographer who regards her camera as a “third eye” which is guided by intuition to perceive a reality that eludes the naked eye. For her, the camera is a transmitter and translator of light’s messages and photography, a doorway bordering visible and invisible worlds.

Since 2008, she has explored spiritual realms in search of the sacred, and this has been documented in books like Light From Within and The Light Beyond, as well as exhibitions such as Dark Light and Eden. In recent years, her fascination with the relationship between man and nature is highlighted in The Trees of Paris (2020). Her latest book Two Rivers (2025), features images of the Singapore and Seine Rivers and explores her connection to both her birthplace and her adoptive city. Melisa majored in English Language and Literature at the National University of Singapore and French Language and Literature at Sorbonne University in Paris. Website: https://melisateo.com | Instagram: @melisa_teo

MAPLETREE

Headquartered in Singapore, Mapletree is a global real estate development, investment, capital and property management company committed to sustainability. Its strategic focus is to invest in markets and real estate sectors with good growth potential. By combining its key strengths, the Group has established a track record of award-winning projects, and delivers consistently attractive returns across real estate asset classes.

The Group manages three Singapore-listed real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) and nine private equity real estate funds, which hold a diverse portfolio of assets in Asia Pacific, Europe, the United Kingdom (“UK”) and the United States (“US”). As at 31 March 2025, Mapletree owns and manages S$80.3 billion of logistics, office, data centre, student housing and other properties.

The Group’s assets are located across 13 markets globally, namely Singapore, Australia, Canada, China, Europe, Hong Kong SAR, India, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea, the UK, the US and Vietnam. To support its global operations, Mapletree has established an extensive network of offices in these markets.

For more information, please visit www.mapletree.com.sg.

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The VinFast VF 8 and the New Priorities of EV Ownership

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DUBAI, UAE – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 July 2026 – Today’s EV buyers are looking beyond range and horsepower. They want an ownership experience that is just as reassuring as the vehicle itself, and that is where the VinFast VF 8 makes a strong case.

Just a few years ago, conversations surrounding EV buying were dominated by battery size, driving range and acceleration. Those things still matter today, but they are no longer the whole story. As EVs move into the mainstream, buyer priorities are shifting toward practical, long-term considerations, including the post-purchase experience, charging convenience, straightforward servicing, and the enduring reliability of the brand. These factors increasingly shape purchasing decisions, and they also provide a useful lens through which to look at the VinFast VF 8, an all-electric mid-size SUV.

Designed by the legendary Italian design house Pininfarina, the all-electric D-segment SUV combines clean, modern styling with the practicality expected of a family vehicle. It delivers up to 493 km of NEDC driving range, produces up to 402 horsepower through a dual-motor AWD system, and comes equipped with Level 2 driver assistance technologies, a 15.6-inch infotainment display, and a spacious cabin designed for everyday comfort. In the UAE, buyers also benefit from a 10-year vehicle warranty, a 10-year unlimited-mileage battery warranty, alongside 24/7 roadside assistance and five years of free maintenance up to 100,000 km.

While the VF 8 already has plenty to offer on paper, the real challenge is making ownership feel effortless once the excitement of the purchase has passed. Recognizing that, VinFast has invested heavily in the ecosystem that supports its vehicles.

Earlier this year, the company signed agreements with 29 international aftersales partners as part of a broader plan to expand its global service network to more than 1,100 workshops across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia during 2026. The company is also rolling out customer support initiatives such as software updates, battery inspections, and technical support throughout the ownership journey.

In the UAE specifically, VinFast works with Al Tayer Motors to provide local aftersales support while continuing to strengthen its regional service network through experienced local partners. In March, the company signed an MoU with PlusX Electric, a DEWA-approved charging provider, to extend support beyond the dealership network. The plan includes portable charging pods, on-demand mobile charging, and emergency roadside charging services. The goal is to reduce downtime and eliminate the awkward scenario of running low on charge far from a plug.

“VinFast is committed to building a long-term and comprehensive EV ecosystem in the UAE, one that gives customers confidence not only in the quality and performance of our electric vehicles, but also in the reliability and accessibility of the supporting infrastructure,” one executive of VinFast Middle East said in a press release.

The Middle East is entering an important stage of its EV journey, with governments investing in cleaner mobility and consumers enjoying more choices than ever before. As the market evolves, delivering a competitive vehicle is only part of the equation, while making ownership straightforward is becoming just as important. The VinFast VF 8 reflects that shift, pairing the features of a modern electric SUV with growing investments in charging, aftersales support, and customer service.

Hashtag: #VinFast #EV

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

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ISCA Accountants Move Beyond the Numbers to Help Singaporeans Navigate Life’s Financial Decisions

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SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 July 2026 – The Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) launched Life & Money Matters, a nationwide community initiative that aims to help Singaporeans make informed financial decisions with confidence throughout every stage of life.

The initiative will be administered by ISCA Cares, ISCA’s charitable arm, which has spent more than a decade supporting the community through bursaries, mentorship and outreach programmes. Building on this strong foundation, Life & Money Matters expands ISCA Cares’ community impact by mobilising the knowledge and expertise of the accountancy profession to help Singaporeans build practical financial capability and long-term resilience. This reflects ISCA Cares’ strategic shift from “giving” to “enabling”, expanding its community impact through the knowledge and expertise of the accountancy profession.

Every major life decision carries a financial dimension, whether it is pursuing further education, entering the workforce, starting a family, purchasing a home, caring for ageing parents or planning for retirement. As financial decisions become increasingly complex, Life & Money Matters seeks to equip Singaporeans with practical knowledge and decision-making skills to navigate these milestones with greater confidence.
The initiative will bring together ISCA members and accounting and finance professionals to volunteer their expertise in communities across Singapore. Through a combination of digital learning resources and community workshops, participants will gain practical guidance on everyday financial topics such as budgeting, managing financial trade-offs, planning ahead, recognising financial scams and building long term financial resilience.
Unlike traditional financial literacy programmes, Life & Money Matters focuses on helping individuals make better financial decisions throughout their life, rather than by promoting financial products or investment strategies. The programme is designed to be practical, impartial and accessible, supporting Singaporeans from different age groups and backgrounds, including students, young adults, families, seniors and vulnerable households.
Mr Lee Boon Teck, President of ISCA, said: “Every life decision has a financial dimension. As trusted finance professionals, accountants have a responsibility not only to support businesses but also to contribute to society. Through Life & Money Matters, we hope to empower Singaporeans with the confidence to make better financial decisions while giving our members a meaningful platform to use their expertise in service of the community. By strengthening financial capability, we can also strengthen households and build more resilient communities.”
Life & Money Matters will be rolled out progressively in the second half of 2026 through partnerships with community organisations, schools, grassroots organisations and other stakeholders.

ISCA recognises distinguished contributions to the profession

At the ISCA Annual Dinner, ISCA also recognised distinguished individuals whose leadership and contributions have made a lasting impact on Singapore’s accountancy profession, business community and public service.
ISCA Honorary Membership, was conferred on Mrs Tan Ching Yee in recognition of her outstanding contributions to Singapore’s accountancy profession, public administration, corporate regulatory ecosystem and national development.
Mrs Tan said: “I am deeply honoured to receive the ISCA Honorary Membership. I am grateful for the recognition. I share this honour with the many colleagues and partners I have had the privilege to work with over the years in support of Singapore’s accountancy profession and broader public interest. I hope to continue contributing to the profession’s development.”
The ISCA Distinguished Lifetime Membership was conferred on Mr Phillip Tan in recognition of his longstanding contributions to the accountancy profession, business community and public service.
Mr Tan said: “I am honoured to receive the Distinguished Lifetime Membership from ISCA. I am humbled by this recognition and I am grateful for the opportunity to have contributed to the profession along with my fellow colleagues and partners over the years. I recognise and commend ISCA’s work in ensuring that professional judgement, ethics and trust remain at the core of professional accountants in Singapore and I hope to continue sharing my expertise with the profession for many more years to come.”
ISCA also presented the Special Appreciation Award to the ISCA Strengthening Small and Medium Practices Taskforce for its leadership in developing a strategic roadmap to strengthen Singapore’s small and medium sized accounting practices through extensive stakeholder engagement and industry collaboration.

Hashtag: #ISCA #CharteredAccountants #AnnualDinner #DifferenceMakers #Accounting #Accountancy

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

Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA)

The Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) is the national accountancy body of Singapore. Established in 1963, ISCA administers the Singapore Chartered Accountant Qualification programme and is the designated entity by the Singapore Ministry of Finance to confer the Chartered Accountant of Singapore [CA (Singapore)] designation.

ISCA supports over 45,000 members across industries in Singapore and globally, with members in more than 40 countries. With a growing international presence, ISCA has 12 overseas chapters, 7 offices across 10 countries and a network of over 150 strategic partners, strengthening professional connections and opportunities across borders. ISCA is also a member of Chartered Accountants Worldwide, a global network representing more than 1.8 million Chartered Accountants and students across over 190 countries.
ISCA advances professional development and lifelong learning through ISCA Academy, its training arm and drives community impact through ISCA Cares, its charity arm.
For more information, visit .

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60,000 Accountancy and Corporate Finance Professionals to Be AI-Ready Over Three Years

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ISCA and IMDA launch AIxAccountancy, the first AI fluency programme for non-tech professionals under the National AI Impact Programme

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 July 2026 – The Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) and the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) officially launched the AI Fluency Programme, AIxAccountancy, today. The programme will empower accountancy and corporate finance professionals with the skills, confidence and know-how to use artificial intelligence (AI) effectively and responsibly at work. It supports ISCA’s broader commitment to strengthening AI capabilities across the profession, in line with its ambition to upskill 60,000 accountancy and corporate finance professionals [1] over a three-year period.

2. AIxAccountancy is the first training programme developed through IMDA’s partnership with professional bodies under the National AI Impact Programme (NAIIP) [2], which aims to train 100,000 non-tech professionals to become AI bilingual over the next three years. Prior to its launch, more than 20,000 individuals [3] across the public and private sectors, including tertiary students, had already expressed interest in AIxAccountancy, reflecting strong demand to build AI capabilities. The Accountant-General’s Department is also planning to incorporate the programme as part of the learning and development of all 4,000 public sector finance and internal audit officers. To make the programme widely accessible, AIxAccountancy will be offered free to ISCA members who are Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents, including tertiary students.

Flexible AI training programme with industry-recognised credentials

3. AIxAccountancy is designed to offer flexible and structured online learning tailored for working professionals to learn at their own pace, fitting in their busy schedules so that their professional and personal commitments are not disrupted. The programme will be delivered in two progressive phases, enabling learners to develop core AI capabilities before advancing to specialised applications. Learners will gain hands-on experience with widely used AI tools such as ChatGPT, Claude, Copilot and Gemini, with the curriculum regularly refreshed to stay industry-relevant.

  • Phase 1 will focus on AI foundations for common workplace tasks, such as creating AI-enabled workflows for financial statement analysis. Learners will gain essential AI knowledge, hands-on experience with a range of AI tools, and the confidence to use AI effectively in their day-to-day work.
  • Phase 2 will focus on applying AI to role-specific workflows across accounting, finance, auditing, taxation and related disciplines.

4. Upon completing both phases, ISCA will award participants a Certificate of Completion, a digital badge and Continuing Professional Development Education (CPE) hours. The digital badge serves as a verifiable, tamper-proof record of achievement that recognises AI proficiency, signalling credibility to employers. It can be easily shared across professional platforms including LinkedIn.

5. Accounting professionals in, or aspiring to, management roles can also enrol in modules focused on AI implementation after completing the two phases. These modules are designed to equip them to lead the responsible adoption of AI and drive AI transformation within their organisations.

An AI sandbox to experiment and learn from peers and industry leaders

6. As part of AIxAccountancy, participants will also have access to AI Nexus, a dedicated hub for accountancy and corporate finance professionals to learn and share insights, resources and best practices on AI adoption. Through AI Nexus, participants can experiment, prototype and build their own AI-assisted workflows in a sandbox environment, applying their learning directly to real industry needs. Participants can also connect with peers, technology providers and educators to share and work on new use cases. Regular sharing sessions by leading accountancy companies and AI tool providers will further enrich the learning experience with best practices and real-world applications. Together, these channels ensure participants receive both expert guidance and meaningful peer-to-peer learning throughout the programme. Participants can access AI Nexus at: https://ainexus.isca.org.sg/.

7. Mr Lee Boon Teck, President of ISCA, said: “AI is reshaping the future of the accountancy profession. The professionals who will thrive are those who become AI bilingual, combining deep accounting expertise with the ability to use AI confidently, responsibly, and with sound professional judgement. AIxAccountancy is more than a training programme. It is a national profession transformation initiative that equips accountants and finance professionals with the skills and confidence to create greater value for businesses and society.”

8. Mr Ng Cher Pong, Chief Executive of IMDA, said: “AI delivers the most impact when it is grounded in domain expertise and applied to the work professionals know best. Our partnership with ISCA on AIxAccountancy reflects this approach by equipping accounting and corporate finance professionals not just with AI skills, but also with the ability to apply them meaningfully and responsibly in their day-to-day work. We look forward to seeing more professionals harness AI with confidence and purpose, becoming not only fluent, but truly AI bilingual in their field.”

9. Mrs Chia-Tern Huey Min, Chief Executive Officer of Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority, said: “ISCA’s AI Fluency Programme, AIxAccountancy, comes at an opportune time, as AI continues to reshape industries and redefine the way we work. It complements the refreshed Skills Framework for Accountancy, which embeds AI fluency across all 44 job roles – spanning data analytics, visualisation and strategic decision-making. Through this programme, accounting and finance professionals will gain the practical AI skills they need to thrive in this rapidly evolving landscape.”

10. The launch of the AIxAccountancy underscores ISCA and IMDA’s commitment to help the accountancy profession navigate the AI era. By equipping professionals with accessible learning, practical AI experimentation and community collaboration, ISCA aims to accelerate AI adoption across the profession while ensuring professional judgement, ethics and trust remain at the core of professional accountants in an increasingly AI-driven business environment.


[1] The AI Fluency Programme ambitions announced by ISCA on 12 November 2025: https://isca.org.sg/content-item?id=372ef303-e135-4a4a-94e0-e1e157b9aed4.

[2] NAIIP announcement at the Ministry of Digital Development and Information’s (MDDI) Committee of Supply (COS) 2026: https://www.imda.gov.sg/resources/press-releases-factsheets-and-speeches/national-ai-impact-programme.

[3] These include professionals from accounting and professional services firms, corporates, individuals who registered their interest through the AIxAccountancy sign-up form, and other industry professionals, as well as tertiary students.

Hashtag: #ISCA #CharteredAccountants #AIxAccountancy #AIFluency #AIBilingualism #DifferenceMakers #Accounting #Accountancy

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

Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA)

The Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) is the national accountancy body of Singapore. Established in 1963, ISCA administers the Singapore Chartered Accountant Qualification programme and is the designated entity by the Singapore Ministry of Finance to confer the Chartered Accountant of Singapore [CA (Singapore)] designation.

ISCA supports over 45,000 members across industries in Singapore and globally, with members in more than 40 countries. With a growing international presence, ISCA has 12 overseas chapters, 7 offices across 10 countries and a network of over 150 strategic partners, strengthening professional connections and opportunities across borders. ISCA is also a member of Chartered Accountants Worldwide, a global network representing more than 1.8 million Chartered Accountants and students across over 190 countries.
ISCA advances professional development and lifelong learning through ISCA Academy, its training arm and drives community impact through ISCA Cares, its charity arm.
For more information, visit .

Infocomm Media Development Authority

The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) leads Singapore’s digital transformation by developing a vibrant digital economy and an inclusive digital society. As Architects of Singapore’s Digital Future, we foster growth in Infocomm Technology and Media sectors in concert with progressive regulations, harnessing frontier technologies, and developing local talent and digital infrastructure ecosystems to establish Singapore as a digital metropolis.

For more news and information, visit or follow IMDA on LinkedIn (IMDAsg), Facebook (IMDAsg) and Instagram (@imdasg).

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