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No Judgement, No Awkwardness: More Hongkongers Are Opening Up to AI for Mental Health Support

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HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 April 2026 – There is a particular kind of exhaustion that comes not from the stress itself, but from carrying it in silence — unsure whether it is serious enough to mention, or whether anyone would truly understand.

A newly completed Hong Kong study suggests there may finally be a way to bridge that gap. The AIM Greater China Psychology Research Group has completed a Hong Kong-based study conducted in the 2025–2026 academic year, comparing the effectiveness of human hypnotherapists against AI in delivering hypnotic experience-based stress relief experiences. The findings were striking: a significant proportion of participants felt that both approaches yielded virtually equivalent levels of relaxation — and more than 60% reported preferring their AI session after the fact.

Over 400 Applicants: A Reflection of a Generation in Need of Being Heard

The research team recruited participants experiencing family-related stress via Facebook. Within a short period of the post going live, over 400 individuals voluntarily applied — a figure that speaks not only to the pervasiveness of stress in modern life, but also to a growing willingness among the public to prioritise their own emotional wellbeing and actively seek self-care solutions.

From the applicant pool, 48 participants were randomly selected to take part. Each participant underwent two separate hypnotic experience stress relief audio sessions, each lasting approximately one hour — one recorded by a human hypnotherapist, and one fully generated by AI, including both the script and voice. Participants then compared their personal experiences of both sessions.

What Humans Can Do, AI Can Do Too

In the most critical area of comparison — stress relief effectiveness — the largest single group of participants (41.7%) rated the AI and human sessions as equally effective. On a scoring basis, the AI hypnotic experience averaged approximately 2.92 points, compared to 2.58 points for the human session — with AI coming out marginally ahead.

The study further found that nearly 90% of participants indicated they would enjoy a session if it genuinely helped them feel relaxed. In other words, what people truly care about is whether it works — not whether the voice behind it belongs to a human or a machine. On this front, AI has passed the test.

Over 60% More Willing to Share Their Feelings with AI

The results around personal preference were perhaps the most eye-opening. When asked which session they enjoyed more, 62.5% of participants chose the AI experience — and among women, that number climbed even higher, to 68.4%.

So what made AI the preferred choice? Researchers believe it comes down to one simple thing: feeling safe. With AI, there is no worry about being judged. No fear of saying the wrong thing. No awkwardness. About 1 in 4 participants said they actually found it easier to talk openly with AI — because it communicates in a way that feels clear, calm, and natural, much like everyday conversation.

The truth is, some things are just easier to say when no one is watching. That is not a flaw in human nature — it is simply how many of us work.

When it came to privacy, the findings were equally reassuring. More than half of all participants said they had no concerns about AI handling their personal information. Only a very small number — just 2.08% — said they felt uncomfortable. This points to a growing sense of trust in AI tools among the general public.

AI Reads the Data; Therapists Read the Person

Beyond the hypnotic experience itself, the local research team also evaluated AI’s capability as an analytical tool — with equally impressive results.

AI was able to rapidly process large volumes of participant responses, objectively assess individual stress levels, and identify underlying patterns. For instance, AI identified that 35% of participants independently expressed a desire for “personal space” or “better soundproofing” in their homes. On the surface, these may seem like trivial lifestyle concerns — yet AI connected this pattern to the reality of Hong Kong residents living in constrained spaces, highlighting a deeper psychological sense of having “nowhere to breathe”. This level of insight would be difficult to uncover through manual review of dozens of questionnaires alone.

AI also observed that many participants habitually occupied the role of “problem-solver” or “mediator” within their households, suppressing their own emotional needs in the process. Researchers noted that this reflects a widely recognised social phenomenon — the pressures faced by eldest daughters and the so-called “sandwich generation,” caught between the responsibilities of caring for ageing parents and raising children. AI’s ability to rapidly identify these hidden emotional burdens allows therapists to bypass lengthy preliminary assessments and focus more swiftly on the core issues that require their attention.

AI Is Here to Help, Not to Take Over

The local research team emphasises that the study was never intended to position AI as a replacement for human therapists. Rather, the aim is to explore how the two can work in tandem. Much like how blood test reports assist physicians in diagnosis, AI can play an analogous supporting role in the mental health field — organising data, identifying patterns, and lowering barriers to seeking help, so that mental health professionals can direct their energy towards the moments that truly require a human touch.

Those who proactively seek psychological support remain a minority, often deterred by the fear of inconvenience, social stigma, or the awkwardness of speaking up. If AI can serve as the bridge that encourages more people to take that first step, that alone may be its most meaningful contribution to society.

Hashtag: #HypnosisInstitute

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

About Hypnosis Institute

Hypnosis Institute is dedicated to helping people in Hong Kong lead healthier and more fulfilling lives through hypnotic experience. We offer accessible and practical hypnotic experience training programmes designed to integrate hypnotic techniques into everyday life, with a focus on stress management, emotional wellbeing, and personal growth.

Hypnosis Institute is Hong Kong’s only hypnotic experience professional development platform that simultaneously operates a research group, social innovation group, practical training group, crisis psychological support group, charitable initiatives, networking events, therapeutic services, and a comprehensive training pathway.

As the sole Hong Kong chapter of the Association for Integrative Medicine (AIM) in the United States, the sole overseas Hong Kong academy of UK educational institution Study House (Quality Licence Scheme), and the sole specialist hypnotic experience training school in Hong Kong under Cambridge International College in the United Kingdom, Hypnosis Institute provides internationally recognised qualifications that contribute to the advancement of the industry.

Founder Charles Leung is a trainer of trainers in the field of hypnotic experience, and has been specially appointed by the Association for Integrative Medicine as the Chief Instructor for Specialist hypnotic experience in Greater China. He has trained over 1,000 hypnotherapists and instructors, upholding the highest standards of professional development in the mental health field.

The Institute’s programmes integrate a comprehensive range of methodologies, including hypnotic experience combined with MBTI personality profiling, DISC behavioural analysis, mental health coaching, emotional education, and the HiddenMe Cards inner child tool — providing a holistic and personalised approach to hypnotic experience practice. Instructors specialise in paediatric hypnotic experience, Internal Family Systems (including inner child) hypnotic experience, stress and insomnia relief hypnotic experience, interpersonal relationship hypnotic experience, as well as hypnotic experience in reminiscence and palliative care.

Driven by the belief that everyone can harness the power of hypnotic experience to enhance their mental wellbeing, Hypnosis Institute is committed to sharing psychological knowledge and providing professional support in the areas of emotional management, life challenges, and the professional development of the hypnotic experience industry.

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A Pandastic Summer Birthday Celebration at Ocean Park Chance to win the all-new MAXUS MIFA 7 PLUS Pure Electric 7-Seater MPV

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HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 July 2026 – Ocean Park is set to ignite a summer of joy with the Pandastic Summer Birthday Celebration for its entire family of six beloved giant pandas, running from now until 31 August 2026. Join us in celebrating the second birthday of the panda twins, Elder Sister Jia Jia and Little Brother De De, alongside their August-born parents Ying Ying and Le Le, and June birthday stars An An and Ke Ke. Come immerse in the celebration brimming with interactive games, performances and water play.

Even more exciting, visitors could take home fabulous prices, including the newly launched MAXUS MIFA 7 PLUS, the mid-size family pure electric MPV – by entering the Summer Joy Lucky Draw* on every eligible visit during the promotion period of 3 July and 31 August 2026!

Birthday photo spots and Panda Friends encounters

Celebrate the pandas’ special days with pandastic photo opportunities across the Park. Capture snapshots at the main entrance’s gigantic birthday countdown zone. Don’t miss the charming 5-metre-tall Giant Panda Birthday Bun Tower at Waterfront Plaza, adorned with piles of pink birthday buns to celebrate the pandas’ birthdays in true Hong Kong style.

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Explore the Panda Friends Cute & Cuddly zone at Eco-Herbal Trail, featuring over 60 Panda Friends sculptures, each carrying magnifying sunglasses and cameras, ready to discover the wonders of nature.

The precious panda moments

Relive the heartwarming journey of all six giant pandas at the Pandastic Happy Moments exhibit next to the Hong Kong Jockey Club Sichuan Treasures. This special display showcases precious footage commemorating the rapid growth of twins Jia Jia and De De and other adorable life stages from all the giant panda members. It is a truly unmissable experience for all panda enthusiasts.

Fans can also visit the Giant Panda Fans Zone near the exhibit, created for fans to meet and connect and exchange their own handmade crafts and treasured panda keepsakes until 31 August 2026!

Summer splashing fun with Panda Friends

Dive into body-cooling water fun at the Panda Friends Splashy Birthday Camp outside Applause Pavilion. Experience the thrill of dashing through giant water curtains or facing a massive waterfall-style deluge from the mega water bucket. Unleash your playful instincts with all-time favourite water bomb fights at Panda Friends Water Bomb Fun or get caught in refreshing water gun ambushes from Ocean Park’s special Celebration Squad during their energetic Pandastic Birthday Splash, featuring adorable dance routines inspired by the panda twins.

Delightful entertainment and limited-edition performances

The highly-anticipated Pandastic Summer Birthday Spectacular features giant inflatable Panda Friends roaming the Park, accompanied by various performance groups delivering vibrant songs and dances at the Pawsome Summer Party on 8, 15 and 16 August 2026. Ocean 6N1 dress up with their special birthday outfits and showcase incredible singing and dancing in All Star Jam talent show. Whiskers & Friends will also give a birthday edition special performance at Ocean Park Star Match. Ocean Park’s lively roving band will also keep the festive atmosphere high.

Summer Birthday KV

Exclusive collectibles

Commemorate the twins’ second birthday with exclusive, limited-edition Giant Panda Birthday stamps. Collect all the stamps from designated Park locations to complete your very own beautiful birthday card. Test your skills and reflexes at interactive game booths to win special prizes. The talented coloured-chalk artists painting adorable giant panda figures in the Park.

Adorable merchandise and food and beverage

Check out our adorable Panda Friends Summer Collection, vibrant with colourful and summery designs. Highlights include the Giant Panda Plush Keychain Blind Box, featuring all the Panda Friends in their cutest summer outfits. Jia Jia and De De have transformed into the “Lemon Twins”, starring in a new range of summer essentials to keep everyone cool and refreshed throughout the season. Equally unmissable is the Panda Friends Hong Kong Food Collection, which charmingly captures iconic Hong Kong food elements.

Beyond these, the all-new Ocean Park x Maltese Crossover Series and the Panda Friends Hong Kong Food Collection prize items will be making their way to game booths across the Park, starting from mid-July. On top of that, fans can also look forward to Panda Friends photo frame, claw machines and press penny machines to bring in another level of excitement.

To celebrate the giant pandas’ birthdays, Ocean Park has prepared a tempting lineup of panda-themed treats, including the Panda Twins Mini Burgers and Panda Snack Platter. No birthday celebration is complete without desserts and cakes. The Park has also launched a delightful selection of treats, as well as refreshing snow cones and frozen fruits for visitors to beat the summer heat. What’s more, other restaurants across the Park will be introducing a summer menu featuring fruit-inspired recipes, so you can savour the flavours of summer with surprises in every bite.

Summer Joy Lucky Draw

Adding a final layer of excitement, the Summer Joy Lucky Draw* offers fantastic surprises. From 3 July to 31 August 2026, upon Park admission, visitors can register to participate for a chance to win from over 1,000 prizes with a total value of more than HK$815,000, including the grand prize, a brand-new MAXUS MIFA 7 PLUS Pure Electric 7-Seater MPV worth HK$369,102, sponsored by Inchcape Hong Kong. Every visit offers another chance to win!

Pair up and dive into summer fun with Summer Duo Pass

Pair up with a friend or family for an unforgettable summer adventure and enjoy up to 30% off with the Summer Duo Pass# available from now until 31 August 2026. Weekday tickets for two adults or two kids start at HK$753 and HK$377 respectively, while any-day tickets for two adults or two kids start at HK$861 and HK$430 respectively.

New Get Closer to the Animals experiences

Beyond the panda birthday festivities, Ocean Park is launching two new Get Closer to the Animals programmes. You can enjoy snorkelling in the Park’s world-class aquarium and visit behind the scenes to interact with the mysterious yet adorable sharks and rays for the very first time in the newly launched Fish Friends Face-Off X Shark & Ray Discovery! There is also a new Meerkat Feeding experience for visitors to learn more about these adorable ambassadors!

Elevating the digital visitor experience

To coincide with the launch of Ocean Park’s summer celebrations, Ocean Park is also enhancing its digital experience with a redesigned official website, which features enhanced mobile compatibility and a more intuitive browsing experience across all devices. This new website supersedes the previous mobile application and enables viewers to access the latest park information anytime, anywhere on one platform.

Ocean Park Named “Muslim-friendly Attraction of The Year”

Ocean Park has been named Muslim-friendly Attraction of The Year at the prestigious Halal in Travel Awards 2026 organised by CrescentRating, the world’s leading consultant on Muslim-friendly tourism. This recognition highlights the Park’s dedication to welcoming diverse guests through comprehensive facilities, including dedicated prayer rooms and an expanded portfolio of Halal-certified dining options like the recently certified Bayview Restaurant. With this milestone, Ocean Park looks forward to welcoming even more international visitors to experience its unique blend of conservation, entertainment, and exceptional cultural hospitality.

*The Summer Joy Lucky Draw (Trade Promotion Competition Licence Number: 61599) will be held from 3 July to 31 August 2026. Terms and conditions apply. For eligibility, registration procedures and promotion details, please visit https://www.oceanpark.com.hk/en/a-day-at-the-park/events/summer-joy-lucky-draw

# Terms and conditions apply. For information of the Summer Duo Pass, please visit: https://www.oceanpark.com.hk/en/ticket-offer/admission-ticket-special-offers

Hashtag: #OceanPark

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

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Nanyang Optical Co. Pte Ltd (In Liquidation) Announces Tender Sale of Optical Inventory Located in Shenzhen, China

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SHENZHEN, CHINA – Wechat: RobertKhanCo

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Robert Khan & Co Pte Ltd

We are a team of International Business Assets Consultants focused on the marketing & valuation of unique & interesting projects. We believe that “Valuation is more Art than Science”. Every asset, machine or even a piece of jewellery is unique and imbued with their own story. With over 20 years of experience uncovering unique stories across an exhaustive range of asset classes, we offer our clients our experienced eye, keen ears and interested heart to curate projects and realise their project objectives. Our services include valuation, marketing & sale of various asset classes locally and internationally.

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Hong Kong Disneyland Continues to Enhance Guest Experience Through Flexible Weather Adaptation Measures

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HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 July 2026 – As Hong Kong’s summer weather becomes increasingly unpredictable, with periods of extreme heat, high humidity, and occasional rain showers and thunderstorms, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort (HKDL) continues to enhance its facilities and operations to better support guests and cast members throughout the season.

From cooling facilities and shaded rest areas to flexible operational arrangements, the initiatives are designed to provide more choices and added ease for both guests and cast members during the summer months.

Additionally, HKDL has introduced an exclusive “Summer Chill” 4PM Ticket Offer for Hong Kong residents. Guests can enjoy the park from 4:00pm onwards, helping them avoid the hottest hours or periods of heavy rain, with prices starting at just HK$480.

Guests are also encouraged to stay hydrated and explore the resort’s wide selection of indoor attractions and entertainment offerings during the hottest hours of the day.

Weather-Conscious Design for a Better Guest Experience

The guest experience is supported by the resort’s planning and operations through a combination of environmental design and infrastructure enhancements. Disney Imagineers use detailed studies of sunlight, temperature, humidity and wind, supported by advanced computer simulations, to assess conditions across different areas of the park and guide design decisions.

For instance, Wayfinders’ Table in Adventureland was designed with sun exposure and ventilation needs in mind. Through the use of hard roof materials and thoughtful airflow planning, the design helps reduce heat buildup while providing shelter from rain.

Canopies, trees and fans are also used for the outdoor stage show “Moana: A Homecoming Celebration” to provide shade and added relief. The park also preserves and plants trees more extensively to provide additional natural shade.

Enhancing Infrastructure to Adapt to Changing Weather Conditions

HKDL has strengthened its guest-focused infrastructure to help improve airflow and provide added cooling support in various summer weather conditions. Energy-efficient ceiling fans operate at entrances and ticketing areas, while upgraded axial fans enhance airflow in queuing zones.

The park now features approximately 860 fans, with mobile units deployed flexibly to provide cooling support where they are needed most, particularly in high-traffic areas. Portable air-conditioning units have also been added in select outdoor zones to further support ventilation.

Mist cooling systems are also available at multiple outdoor locations, while additional shade structures have been added to queuing and dining areas.

Over 40 free water dispensers are provided across the resort, with nearly half already upgraded to dispense water 50% faster, helping guests rehydrate more conveniently throughout their visit.

Supporting Cast Members Through Changing Weather Conditions

With cast member safety as a top priority, HKDL continuously reviews operational measures to support frontline teams working outdoors in varying weather conditions. Cast members are dressed in outdoor costumes made with breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics, while additional rest breaks, hydration support and access to cooling facilities are provided during periods of extreme heat and humidity.

The resort closely monitors weather conditions and proactively adjusts outdoor show schedules whenever Heat Stress at Work Warnings are issued.

Disney Ambassadors also distribute electrolyte drink powder and chilled water bottles to frontline cast members working in outdoor areas.

Cooling Fun with Pixar Summer Fest

HKDL integrates cooling moments into storytelling. Guests can conveniently transition between a wide variety of indoor attractions, dining venues and entertainment offerings located throughout the resort, helping the magic continue in changing weather conditions.

The newly launched “Pixar Summer Fest” invites guests to beat the heat with immersive entertainment. The “Pixar Water Play Street Party!” welcomes guests to join beloved Pixar characters in a lively water parade, offering refreshing fun as part of the festive atmosphere.

Guests can also chill out with refreshing Pixar-themed treats, including Lime Dole Whip with Pineapple Slush Float at Jessie’s Snack Roundup, Monsters, Inc.-inspired Mike Wazowski Ice Cream Bar, Toy Story Alien Ice Cream Bar, and Sulley-inspired Mint Chocolate Flavored Soft Serve. These playful creations offer visual delight and refreshing summer treats for guests.

Exclusively for Hong Kong residents, the “Summer Chill” 4PM Ticket offers later entry to the park for just HK$480, allowing guests to enjoy an afternoon-to-evening “Pixar Summer Fest” experience.

Hashtag: #HongKongDisneyland

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

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