Media OutReach

NUS expands start-up hub in Tokyo to propel deep tech innovation

Published

9 months ago

28/03/2025

BLOCK71 Tokyo, its second office in Japan, opens at TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY, the country’s latest global innovation hub.
NUS collaborates with Japanese partners, who will invest about ¥1 billion to spur global venture creation.

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 March 2025 – NUS Enterprise, the entrepreneurial arm of the National University of Singapore (NUS), is expanding its presence in Japan with the launch of its second BLOCK71 office in Tokyo today. This follows the successful opening of its first location in Nagoya in November 2024. In collaboration with key partners, Central Japan Innovation Capital (CJIC), Kyoto University, and TIS Inc., NUS Enterprise aims to support start-ups, researchers, and students while connecting them with investors. These partnerships align with Japan’s efforts to accelerate the growth of its start-up ecosystem[1].

Located at TAKANAWA GATEWAY Link Scholars’ Hub, BLOCK71 Tokyo will support the growth of Southeast Asian technology-driven start-ups in Japan, contributing to the urban development’s focus on environmental sustainability, mobility and robotics, and smart health. It will also provide Japanese start-ups with the resources needed to expand into Southeast Asia and beyond.

“Japan’s strong foundation in technology and research makes it an ideal environment for start-up growth. It ranks among the world’s top three countries for patent applications and invests over three percent of its GDP in R&D, one of the highest globally. This creates immense potential for innovation. With BLOCK71 Tokyo located in the country’s latest innovation hub, we have a strategic platform to connect start-ups and drive cross-border collaboration. To amplify our impact, we are partnering one of Japan’s top universities, a major corporation, and a leading venture capital firm, all sharing our vision to foster deep tech innovation and build a robust global ecosystem,” said Professor Tan Eng Chye, NUS President, at the opening of BLOCK71 Tokyo.

Professor Tan was joined by Dr Tan Sian Wee, NUS Senior Vice President, Innovation and Enterprise; Associate Professor Benjamin Tee, Vice President (Ecosystem Building), NUS Enterprise; Mr Hiroyuki Takeshima, Executive Officer, East Japan Railway Company (JR East); and Mr Kikukawa Jingo, Director-General, Innovation and Environment Policy Bureau, Ministry of Economy Trade and Industry[JO1] at the opening of BLOCK71 Tokyo.

Building innovation ecosystems through strategic partnerships

Building on the success of its globally recognised BLOCK71 model, BLOCK71 Tokyo will promote knowledge exchange, cross-border innovation, and new opportunities for start-ups entering the Japanese market. To deepen its impact, NUS has inked three new partnerships.

NUS-Central Japan Innovation Capital collaboration

Under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by Assoc Prof Tee and Professor Kazuya Takeda, CJIC CEO, CJIC will invest up to five percent of its assets under management in NUS-affiliated deep tech start-ups. The fund aims to raise approximately ¥5 billion by the end of its fundraising, expected in November 2025. A subsidiary of the Tokai National Higher Education and Research System, CJIC supports university start-ups focused on deep tech innovation. NUS and CJIC will also explore broader collaboration opportunities to help start-ups from both ecosystems expand into the Japanese and Southeast Asian markets.

NUS-Kyoto University collaboration

Beyond funding, NUS is enhancing entrepreneurial support for deep tech start-ups through its partnership with Kyoto University, formalised by an MOU signed by Prof Tan and Dr Nagahiro Minato, Kyoto University President. As a first step, Kyoto University will send start-ups to join the NUS Graduate Research Innovation Programme (NUS GRIP). They will also become the first overseas university partner in a localised version of the programme. This will empower Kyoto University’s graduate students, researchers, and alumni to transform research into impactful deep tech ventures, addressing some of the social challenges in Asia and seizing new opportunities.

Both universities will also offer exchange programmes to foster cross-border entrepreneurial experiences. Kyoto University students will have the opportunity to intern at NUS GRIP start-ups, while NUS GRIP start-ups can gain hands-on experience from Kyoto University Innovation Capital Co., Ltd (Kyoto-iCAP), the university’s venture capital arm. This partnership enhances the flow of entrepreneurial talent and deepen innovation ties between the two countries, further boosting their deep tech ecosystems.

NUS-TIS Inc. collaboration

NUS is expanding its global entrepreneurship efforts through a partnership with TIS Inc., one of Japan’s leading IT companies, to build a globally connected start-up ecosystem. This collaboration, formalised through a Collaboration Agreement signed by Prof Tan and Mr Yasushi Okamoto, TIS Inc. Group President, launches the Deep Tech Seed to A Growth Expansion Programme (Deep-SAGE), a tailored start-up acceleration initiative to help seed-stage start-ups worldwide scale towards pre-Series A and Series A funding.

TIS Inc. will commit a total of ¥840 million to support Deep-SAGE over the next three years. This will include three cohorts, each comprising up to 10 start-ups. As part of this commitment, TIS Inc. plans to invest a minimum of ¥55 million each in at least two start-ups per cohort.

BLOCK71 will design and deliver the programme, providing structured support through virtual mentorship sessions and workshops. Start-ups will also have incubation opportunities at BLOCK71 offices across 11 cities, including Singapore, Silicon Valley, Saigon and Suzhou, drawing on a global network that supports international market entry and commercial opportunities.

Through these strategic collaborations, NUS reinforces its position as a leading start-up university in the global innovation landscape, nurturing entrepreneurial mindsets and empowering the next generation of technology entrepreneurs.

Deepening market immersion and cultural exchange in Tokyo

Following the success of its second Japan Immersion Programme in Nagoya held in 2024, where start-ups gained insights into Japan’s manufacturing powerhouse, BLOCK71 Japan will launch the third edition in Tokyo in May 2025. The 2024 programme provided start-ups with a deeper understanding of Japan’s culturally distinct landscape, helping them build connections with local partners, secure new customers, and develop new proof-of-concept projects.

The 2025 edition will focus on the three key themes of TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY: environmental sustainability, mobility and robotics, and smart health. It will welcome five Southeast Asian start-ups, who will have the opportunity to showcase their solutions at the upcoming GATEWAY Tech TAKANAWA event — a platform for large corporations and start-ups to exchange innovative ideas and solutions. This immersive experience will further strengthen ties between Southeast Asia and Japan, equipping start-ups with the knowledge and networks they need to enter new markets and drive innovation.

[1] https://www.forbes.com/sites/japan/2025/02/11/japans-newest-startups-are-revitalizing-regional-economies/

Annexe – Quotes by representatives

“As a sub-subsidiary of the Tokai National Higher Education and Research System, CJIC has strong commitment to support university start-ups focused on deep tech innovation and enhance the central Japan economy. NUS and CJIC will also explore broader collaboration opportunities to help start-ups from both ecosystems expand into the Japanese and Southeast Asian markets.”

Dr Kazuya Takeda, Central Japan Innovation Capital CEO

“NUS and Kyoto University have been collaborating in the field of basic research for some time, but with the signing of this MOU, we will build a new relationship in the field of industry-academia collaboration.”

Dr Nagahiro Minato, Kyoto University President

“Our collaboration with NUS under the Deep-SAGE programme demonstrates TIS Inc.’s unwavering belief in the power of innovation. With this investment, we are poised to accelerate the growth of deep tech start-ups worldwide. This initiative not only reinforces our commitment to global entrepreneurship but also sets the stage for a new era of technology-driven growth.”

Mr Yasushi Okamoto, TIS Inc. Group President

“RoPlus participated in the Japan Immersion Programme organised by BLOCK71 Japan in 2024, which proved to be a fruitful experience. We had the opportunity to engage in individual meetings with stakeholders, including end-users and potential investors. Additionally, we showcased our products at Messe Nagoya, where we connected with various industry partners and increased market awareness. Through this programme, we successfully secured a distributor for the Japanese market and engaged two potential end-users. I would like to thank BLOCK71 Japan for fostering a supportive ecosystem and providing a strategic platform for NUS spin-offs to enter the Japanese market.”

Mr Low Jin Huat, RoPlus Co-Founder

“The Japan Immersion Programme from NUS helped me make valuable connections with Japanese companies. We were able to secure a pilot project with one of the companies we met during this programme. It has helped us shape our strategy for entering the Japanese market.”

Mr Zaid Ahmed Khan, M.I. Cloud Technologies CEO

Hashtag: #NUS

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

About National University of Singapore (NUS)

The National University of Singapore (NUS) is Singapore’s flagship university, which offers a global approach to education, research and entrepreneurship, with a focus on Asian perspectives and expertise. We have 16 colleges, faculties and schools across three campuses in Singapore, with more than 40,000 students from 100 countries enriching our vibrant and diverse campus community. We have also established more than 20 NUS Overseas Colleges entrepreneurial hubs around the world.

Our multidisciplinary and real-world approach to education, research and entrepreneurship enables us to work closely with industry, governments and academia to address crucial and complex issues relevant to Asia and the world. Researchers in our faculties, research centres of excellence, corporate labs and more than 30 university-level research institutes focus on themes that include energy; environmental and urban sustainability; treatment and prevention of diseases; active ageing; advanced materials; risk management and resilience of financial systems; Asian studies; and Smart Nation capabilities such as artificial intelligence, data science, operations research and cybersecurity.

For more information on NUS, please visit nus.edu.sg.

About NUS Enterprise

NUS Enterprise, the entrepreneurial arm of the National University of Singapore (NUS), plays a pivotal role in advancing innovation and entrepreneurship at NUS and beyond. We actively promote entrepreneurship and cultivate global mind-sets and talents through the synergies of experiential learning, active industry partnerships, holistic entrepreneurship support and catalytic entrepreneurship outreach. Our initiatives and global connections support a range of entrepreneurial journeys and foster ecosystem building in new markets. We provide expertise and connections to create successful spin-offs and translate innovations into the marketplace through industry collaboration. These initiatives augment and complement the University’s academic programmes and act as a unique bridge to industries well beyond Singapore’s shores.

For more information on NUS Enterprise, please visit enterprise.nus.edu.sg.

About BLOCK71

BLOCK71 is an initiative by NUS Enterprise in collaborative and strategic partnerships with established corporates and government agencies. It is a technology-focused ecosystem builder and global connector which catalyses and aggregates the start-up community. In Singapore, we spearhead new initiatives and provide mentorship and growth opportunities in key local, regional and global markets.

For more information on BLOCK71, please visit block71.co.

About TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY

Carrying on in the tradition of its past as a gateway to Edo (now known as Tokyo) and a history of innovation that began with Japan’s first railways, TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY will be an experimental site to create enriching lives for the next 100 years, where the creation of new culture and business continue under the concept of a Global Gateway.

THE LINKPILLAR 1 and the area around Takanawa Gateway Station open at the end of FY2024 (March 2025), with the other buildings (THE LINKPILLAR 2, MoN Takanawa: The Museum of Narratives, and TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY RESIDENCE) and the surrounding areas to open in FY2025. JR East will continue developing the Shinagawa Development Project to enhance the value of Shinagawa Station area (Shinagawa Station North Exit and Shinagawa Station Block).

For more information on TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY, please visit takanawagateway-city.com.

About TAKANAWA GATEWAY Link Scholars’ Hub

TAKANAWA GATEWAY Link Scholars’ Hub (LiSH) is the facilities for a start-up ecosystem in TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY with diverse human resources and systems that support over 100 start-ups. It aims to create solutions to social issues around the world and implement them in society by collaborating with diverse and cutting-edge knowledge, analysing data using the city data platform (city-OS) including railway data, and providing a variety of financial support.

For more information on LiSH, please visit takanawagateway-lish.com.

Media OutReach

Media OutReach Newswire Expands ASEAN Press Release Distribution Network with the Addition of Timor-Leste

Published

3 hours ago

15/12/2025

Media Outreach

Providing press release distribution to media in ASEAN’s newest member state

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 December 2025 – Media OutReach Newswire, Asia Pacific’s first global newswire, has expanded its press release distribution network in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), affirming its position as the leading global newswire for ASEAN, Southeast Asia, and the wider Asia Pacific region.

After a two-decade accession process, Timor-Leste officially became the 11^th member state of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations on 26 October 2025, during the 47^th ASEAN Summit, held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The expansion of press release distribution to the new ASEAN member state cements Media OutReach Newswire as the global newswire having local presence, knowledge, and expertise across Asia Pacific. This enables the newswire to build and expand its distribution network in response to any new developments in this dynamic region.

Media OutReach Newswire’s Timor-Leste press release distribution network includes all media in the country, including the nation’s top media outlets, such as Suara Timor Lorosa’e (STL), Timor Post, the Jornal Independente, and Tempo Timor to name a few.

Jennifer Kok, Founder & CEO of Media OutReach Newswire, said: “As a global newswire founded in APAC, we have expert knowledge of the media and needs of PR professionals here, and can respond to any changes in the region. When the news broke, our Media Research Team immediately sprang to work on building the press release distribution network in Timor-Leste. As the only global newswire founded and headquartered in APAC, Media OutReach Newswire is the expert on ASEAN, Southeast Asia, and Asia Pacific, catering to PR professionals in the region, with a comprehensive, targeted, and up-to-date press release distribution network. This is combined with a global network covering North America, Europe, South and Latin America, the Middle East and Africa. Our network of real journalists and guaranteed online news postings on authentic media power SEO, GEO, and AI citation – AI models have been proven to trust and cite press releases on real news sites, and we are committed to our clients’ press releases being published on real news media.”

Media OutReach Newswire’s total communications solutions provide PR professionals direct access to real journalists, allowing them to secure earned write-ups and build media relations. Guaranteed and verbatim news postings on real and authoritative news sites – across Asia Pacific, North America, South and Latin America, Europe, Middle East and Africa – power SEO and GEO, surfacing brands in AI search results citations. The pioneering reporting, with ready-to-use multi-format auto-reports with data insights and PR campaign intelligence, allow PR professionals to demonstrate campaign performance and ROI to stakeholders.

Jennifer added, “At Media OutReach Newswire we have worked steadfastly for over 16 years to build an unparalleled global network of real journalists and editors at trusted media, and KOLs. I am pleased to see Timor-Leste join the ASEAN community, and for us to be able to connect corporations and organisations with the country’s media and people.”

The addition of press release distribution in Timor-Leste is testament to Media OutReach Newswire offering the most comprehensive press release distribution service across ASEAN and Asia Pacific, with the total communications solutions that PR professionals need. It further solidifies the company’s position as Asia Pacific’s global newswire – trusted by the journalists and the media – empowering brands, agencies and PR professionals in the age of AI.

Hashtag: #MediaOutReachNewswire #pressrelease

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

About Media OutReach Newswire

Media OutReach Newswire is Asia Pacific’s first global newswire, serving as a trusted partner to the media, PR and communications professionals, corporations, and government bureaus, across the region and the globe.

Founded in 2009 as a champion of the PR industry, Media OutReach Newswire leverages next-generation technology to redefine press release distribution and reporting, with data insights and PR campaign intelligence, providing total communications solutions for PR professionals.

With a global network of 200,000 editors and journalists, 70,000+ media titles, from 1,500 media partners in more than 40 languages, Media OutReach Newswire is the only newswire offering guaranteed verbatim postings on real news sites. Press releases on authentic media are trusted by AI models, powering SEO, GEO, and AI search results citations.

Headquartered in Hong Kong, with offices across China, Singapore, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Taiwan, the global press release distribution network spans Asia Pacific and Southeast Asia, the US, Canada, South and Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

For more information about our services, solutions and network, please visit www.media-outreach.com

Media OutReach

Nano Singapore Expands Premium Supplement Range in Malaysia to Meet Growing Demand for Science-Backed Wellness

Published

3 hours ago

15/12/2025

Media Outreach

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 December 2025 – Nano Singapore, a Singapore-based health and wellness brand, is expanding its premium supplement range in Malaysia with the introduction of five flagship products. The expansion responds to rising consumer demand for scientifically formulated wellness solutions, as more Malaysians prioritise preventive health and seek supplements backed by research and manufactured to international safety standards.

With Nano Singapore’s expansion, Malaysians now have more options for quality health supplements.

The five formulations introduced include Tongkat Ali Plus, Probiotics 40 Billion CFU with Prebiotic, Magnesium Glycinate 834mg, Turmeric Curcuma Complex with 95% Curcuminoids, and Milk Thistle Complex, which reflect the brand’s multi-ingredient approach to supplementation. Each product is manufactured in GMP-certified, FDA-registered facilities.

Five Flagship Formulations

Tongkat Ali Plus – A multi-herbal vitality formula combining Tongkat Ali with Maca, Ginseng, and 17 synergistic botanicals, offering a more complete men’s wellness solution compared to single-ingredient alternatives.
Probiotics 40 Billion CFU with Prebiotic – A high-potency gut health probiotics formula featuring four clinically researched strains (L. Acidophilus, B. Lactis, L. Plantarum, L. Paracasei) paired with prebiotic fibre to support digestion, gut balance, and long-term immunity.
Magnesium Glycinate 834mg – A gentle, high-absorption form of magnesium that supports muscle relaxation, stress reduction, and sleep quality, with superior bioavailability and reduced gastrointestinal discomfort compared to oxide or citrate forms.
Turmeric Curcuma Complex with 95% Curcuminoids – A high-strength antioxidant formula with 95% standardised curcuminoid content significantly higher than common turmeric powders, designed to support joint comfort, mobility, and inflammation response.
Milk Thistle Complex – A comprehensive liver support supplement combining Milk Thistle with Dandelion, Artichoke, Black Pepper, and Turmeric for broader detoxification and antioxidant protection.

“Consumers today are more informed about what goes into their supplements. They’re looking for products with transparent formulations, credible sourcing, and measurable benefits,” said Joel Fu, General Manager of Nano Singapore. “Our formulations are designed to address real wellness needs like energy, gut balance, and recovery by using ingredients supported by scientific research.”

The expansion strengthens Nano Singapore’s presence in Malaysia, where the brand currently serves customers through its e-commerce platform and a growing network of local pharmacies. Strategic partnerships with Touch ‘n Go, Watsons, and other retail channels are also underway to improve accessibility nationwide.

For more information or to browse the full product range, visit the official Malaysia website at https://my.nanosingaporeshop.com/.
Hashtag: #NanoSingaporeMY

https://my.nanosingaporeshop.com/
https://www.facebook.com/NanoSingaporeMY/
https://www.instagram.com/nanosingaporemy/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@NanoSingaporeMY
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nanosingaporemy.os

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

Nano Singapore MY

Nano Singapore is a leading wellness brand offering premium, research-backed health supplements designed to support daily wellbeing and long-term vitality. Formulated in Singapore and manufactured in GMP-certified, FDA-registered facilities, the brand focuses on delivering high-quality products across key categories, including gut health probiotics, multivitamins, beauty supplements, men’s health, liver support supplements, and herbal wellness formulas.

Nano Singapore serves customers nationwide through a strong e-commerce presence and an expanding distribution network across local pharmacies in Malaysia. With a commitment to transparency, safety, and measurable results, Nano Singapore continues to be a trusted choice for Malaysians seeking effective and reliable wellness solutions.

Media OutReach

Five Talent Shifts Redefining Hiring in Hong Kong: PERSOL Unveils 2025 Workforce Insights

Published

5 hours ago

15/12/2025

Media Outreach

PERSOL’s latest Industry Insight Report reveals how digitalisation, sustainability and shifting worker expectations are transforming recruitment and retention across Asia Pacific.

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 December 2025 – PERSOL has released its Industry Insight Report 2025, revealing an urgent need for employers across Asia Pacific to adapt to a fast-changing talent landscape. With hybrid digital and ESG-related skills in short supply, the study finds that employee expectations for flexibility, purpose and growth now outweigh pay, reshaping talent attraction and retention across the region.

2025 talent trends and hiring priorities

In Hong Kong, hiring remains selective, with steady demand for digital sales talent, bilingual professionals and frontline leaders. Employers are also facing rising wage pressure and waning youth interest in frontline roles, prompting businesses to rethink how they attract and engage talent. To fill critical service and customer-facing roles, companies are increasingly widening their talent search across the broader region to address persistent shortages.

Based on findings from 12 markets and four core sectors – Manufacturing, Consumer, Professional Services and Supply Chain – the report offers a regional view of how work and workforce priorities are evolving.

APAC’s Workforce in Flux

PERSOL’s Industry Insights Report 2025 finds that automation, sustainability regulation and demographic change are reshaping labour markets across the region.

Employers continue to face widespread skills shortages, with demand for digital, analytical and hybrid capabilities outpacing supply in most major markets. ESG awareness and compliance literacy are also becoming essential hiring criteria as organisations respond to growing sustainability expectations.

The report highlights that Generation Z and millennial professionals are reshaping what they value at work, prioritising flexibility, purpose and development opportunities over pay alone. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), Asia and the Pacific remains the world’s fastest-growing employment region, underscoring the need for businesses to evolve workforce strategies in line with these shifting expectations.^{^[1]}

Elvin Tan, Regional Director and Head of Operations APAC said, “The region’s talent economy is at a crossroads. Workforce gaps are no longer just about headcount. They are about adaptability. Employers who balance technology investment with cultural intelligence and purpose-led hiring will emerge stronger in the next cycle.”

The Five Talent Shifts Defining the Future of Work

The report identifies five interconnected shifts reshaping how employers hire, engage and compete for talent across Asia Pacific.

At the heart of this transformation is the rise of hybrid skills, where digital fluency and human capability increasingly go hand in hand. These capabilities are especially important in digital sales and customer-facing roles, where employers look for talent who can combine technical proficiency with strong communication skills.
Closely linked to this is the growing importance of sustainability and compliance literacy. As ESG expectations become more deeply embedded in business strategy, roles once limited to sustainability teams are now expanding across finance, operations and supply chain functions.
The study also points to a major shift in the employer–employee dynamic, with candidates behaving more like consumers. Jobseekers expect transparency, mobile-first communication and a sense of purpose from the hiring process itself. This trend is evident locally, where bilingual candidates increasingly evaluate organisations on culture, stability and clear growth pathways.
These evolving expectations are most visible among younger professionals, particularly Gen Z and millennials, who prioritise flexibility, belonging and personal growth. For many, meaningful work and supportive leadership now matter more than salary alone.
The report also highlights a growing need for stronger collaboration between businesses, educators and government to keep skills development aligned with evolving workforce demands. In Hong Kong, this coordinated approach is becoming increasingly important as industries adapt to rapid digitalisation, rising service expectations and ongoing talent shortages.

Zen Loh, Managing Director & Strategic Business Group Head said, “This report reflects PERSOL’s commitment to equipping our clients with data-driven insights that translate into real workforce strategies. We’re helping businesses and jobseekers prepare for what’s next by understanding the skills, mindsets and motivations shaping the future of work.”

Empowering Organisations for What’s Next

PERSOL believes that insight is only powerful when it drives action. Across Asia Pacific, the company works alongside organisations to turn workforce intelligence into real progress, helping them attract, develop and retain the people who will shape the next generation of work.

Download the PERSOL Industry Insight Report 2025 at www.persolapac.com/industry-insights-2025 to explore the trends transforming how Asia Pacific works, hires and grows.

[1] International Labour Organization (ILO), World Employment and Social Outlook 2025: Asia and the Pacific – May Update. Published May 2025.

Hashtag: #PERSOL

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

About PERSOL in APAC

PERSOL is Asia-Pacific’s leading Staffing and HR solutions partner, operating across 13 markets with deep local insight and regional scale. With more than 140 offices and decades of experience, we deliver integrated workforce solutions that are tailored, tech-enabled, and designed for the dynamic world of work.

We combine human expertise with smart technology to help organisations solve workforce challenges, unlock potential, and stay ahead of change. From recruitment and talent management to workforce strategy and advisory, our collaborative approach puts your goals at the centre.

In 2025, we came together under the PERSOL name – reflecting our bold vision for the future of work and our Group’s Vision: ‘Work and Smile’. Whether you’re building teams, growing careers, or transforming how work gets done, we’re here.