Connect with us

Media OutReach

Pyxis Secures S$13 Million in First Close of Growth Funding Round, Signalling Strong Market Momentum for Maritime Electrification in Asia

Published

on

  • Pyxis secured S$13 million in the first close of its S$18 million growth funding round, reflecting strong investor confidence in its vessel technology, commercial traction, and regional growth strategy.
  • Backed by climate-tech and venture funds, including Shift4Good and MotionVentures, family offices, MOL PLUS, the corporate venture capital arm of Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, and SEEDS, the investment arm of SG Growth Capital.
  • Green financing from OCBC will enable Pyxis to scale its vessel deployment.
  • Growth funding capital will expand Electra™’s capabilities as well as accelerate vessel manufacturing and the rollout of ultra-fast marine charging infrastructure across Asia.
  • Pyxis signed a Heads of Agreement (HoA) with MOL (Asia Oceania) to explore the potential of establishing a joint venture company.


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 December 2025 – Pyxis, a leading Singapore-based maritime electrification startup, has secured S$13 million in the first close of its S$18 million growth funding round. The early close underscores rising investor conviction in Pyxis’ technology and commercial progress, reinforced by continued support from Singapore government agencies such as the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and SEEDS, which operates under SG Growth Capital, the investment platform of the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) and Enterprise Singapore.

Pyxis’ fund raise comes at a time marked by an increased demand for electric vessels across Asia. The region operates more than 70,000 coastal and in-port vessels, while Singapore alone expects some 1,600 harbour crafts to transition to electric or low-carbon alternatives as part of the broader national goals.

Pyxis’ electric vessels and energy systems address this need directly – reducing the total cost of ownership (TCO) by lowering both fuel and maintenance expenses, while significantly improving energy efficiency and cutting emissions.

Powered by Electra™, the company’s proprietary energy and vessel management platform, Pyxis enables real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and fleet-level optimisation, improved reliability, and reduced downtime.

To date, the company has secured 17 orders for electric vessels across multiple customers in the region, including Singapore. Concurrently, Pyxis is developing a network of ultra-fast marine charging sites, with two charging locations deployed and additional sites planned in partnership with local stakeholders. An upcoming 300KW charger location will also be launched in Q1 2026. With these deployments, Pyxis is entering its strongest growth chapter since inception.

Strengthened by Equity, Green Financing and Regulatory Support

The financing round is backed by a strong coalition of climate-tech, venture capital, and maritime strategic investors, with follow-on commitments from Shift4Good, Motion Ventures, the world’s largest maritime tech fund, and SG Growth Capital, underscoring the sustained confidence of Pyxis’ long-term partners. It also includes participation from strategic backers including Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, one of the world’s largest shipping companies, through its corporate venture capital arm, MOL PLUS.

The raise was catalysed by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA)’s Expression of Interest (EOI) for electric vessel financing, which was part of Singapore’s broader maritime decarbonisation and innovation efforts to build an electric harbour craft ecosystem that supports early adopters of new electric solutions.

In addition to equity financing, Pyxis has secured green debt financing from OCBC, strengthening its capacity to scale vessel deployment and infrastructure development. This financing, to be channelled toward vessel capital expenditure, will provide capital flexibility essential for accelerating commercial rollout.

“Investor conviction in this round sends an unmistakable message: maritime electrification is accelerating, and Pyxis is leading that transition,” said Tommy Phun, Founder and CEO of Pyxis. “The strength of this first close, anchored by strategic follow-on investments, validates the scalability of our technology and our ambition to build Asia’s leading coastal electrification ecosystem.”

“Two years ago, Pyxis was a bold vision with a great team behind it. Today, that vision is moving fast across the water: 17 vessels secured, charging infrastructure rolling out, Electra™ evolving into a true operating system for electric fleets, and international expansion underway,” said Sebastien Guillard, Co-founder and Managing Partner of Shift4Good. Few companies execute with this clarity and pace. We’re proud to back Pyxis again and support their rise as the leader of Asia’s coastal electrification wave.”

“SEEDS is proud to continue backing Pyxis, a fast-growing company with a capable team and strong strategic partnerships, together with our co-investment partner Shift4Good. We look forward to seeing Pyxis advance its solutions and contribute to the maritime electrification landscape in the region,” said Tan Kaixin, General Manager of SEEDS.

Funding to Fast-Track 2026 Regional Expansion

The round’s proceeds will power Pyxis’ next phase of growth, including:

  • Scaling Vessel Production: Increasing manufacturing capacity for the Pyxis One, Pyxis R and Pyxis L series to meet rising demand from Singapore, Japan and emerging ASEAN markets.
  • Advancing the ElectraTM Smart Ecosystem: Deploying advanced IoT systems, predictive maintenance tools and vehicle-to-grid capabilities to enhance operational efficiency and energy resilience for operators.
  • Expanding Ultra-Fast Marine Charging Infrastructure: Accelerating development of next-generation, high-capacity charging stations to support large-scale electric vessel operations across the region.

Milestones Laying the Foundation for a Successful Raise

Earlier this year, the company launched Pyxis R, its next-generation solar-electric passenger ferry in Singapore as a real-world showcase of how clean vessels can transform urban coastal mobility and tourism experiences.

In November 2025, Pyxis signed a Heads of Agreement (HoA) with MOL (Asia Oceania) as an extension of the collaboration established under their 2023 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The HoA outlines the mutual understanding to jointly explore the feasibility of a joint venture company.

Pyxis is also expanding regionally through a strategic partnership with Utomodeck Group in Indonesia, supporting infrastructure build-out and electrification efforts across the world’s largest archipelago.

Looking ahead, Pyxis will debut Pyxis L, its luxury-focused electric vessel variant, in early 2026. Designed for premium hospitality, private charters and elevated passenger experiences, Pyxis L will open high-value market segments across Asia.

Together, these achievements, alongside the strong investor support, position Pyxis as a key catalyst in Asia’s transition toward cleaner, smarter, all-electric coastal transport.
Hashtag: #pyxis#maritime #sustainability #technology #funding

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

About Pyxis

Pyxis is a maritime electrification technology start-up with a mission to create a sustainable, greener maritime future. By easing mass commercialisation and adoption of electric coastal vessels, Pyxis accelerates maritime decarbonisation while elevating vessel performance and management. Led by maritime veterans and supported by leading coastal vessel owners and government agencies, Pyxis is positioned to drive transformation in key port segments of Singapore and sister-ports in the region.

Advertisement

Media OutReach

Etiqa’s Project Firefly Reinforces Mangrove Ecosystem in Sungai Panjang in Collaboration with Malaysian Nature Society

Published

on

SELANGOR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 January 2026 – Etiqa has launched Etiqa’s Project Firefly a new environmental initiative dedicated to conserving one of Malaysia’s iconic firefly habitats while uplifting the livelihood of the communities living along Sungai Panjang in Sabak Bernam, who rely on eco-tourism and the mangrove ecosystem. The programme was carried out in collaboration with the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), and the Sabak Bernam District Council.

(L to R) Raffi Ismail, Marketing & Partnership Manager, Malaysian Nature Society; Fukhairudin Mohd Yusof, CEO of Etiqa General Insurance Berhad; Zaki Parmin, Assistant Agricultural Officer, Sabak Bernam District Council; Amran Hassan, Chief Strategy Officer, Etiqa

Through Etiqa’s Project Firefly, Etiqa is taking proactive steps to preserve and sustain the ecosystem by planting 130 Sonneratia Caseolaris or locally known as Berembang saplings and 200 Sonneratia Caseolaris seeds, undertaking habitat restoration works, and mobilising 50 Etiqa volunteers for a community-driven initiative along Sungai Panjang, covering a total stretch of 10 kilometres. In addition, an awareness session was conducted by Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s Faculty of Science which aimed to educate participants on the ecological importance of fireflies and the need for long-term conservation.

Fireflies play an important role as indicators of mangrove ecosystem health, which in turn supports environmental balance and benefits surrounding communities. However, across Malaysia, firefly populations are declining due to rapid habitat loss caused by river pollution, deforestation, and increasing light pollution along mangrove-lined rivers. These threats not only endanger native species but also affect the livelihoods of local fishermen and villagers who rely on healthy river ecosystems and firefly-based eco-tourism. Protecting congregating firefly zones through the preservation of adequate vegetation buffers along riverbanks is therefore critical to ensuring the long-term survival of these species and the sustainability of local livelihoods.

Fukhairudin Mohd Yusof, CEO of Etiqa General Insurance Berhad (EGIB) said, “We initiated Etiqa’s Project Firefly as conserving native firefly species is deeply connected to the well-being of the communities that co-exist around them. By conserving firefly habitats, we are not only protecting an irreplaceable part of Malaysia’s biodiversity but also helping sustain the eco-tourism and river-based livelihoods of Sungai Panjang residents. This reflects Etiqa’s purpose in Making the World a Better Place that includes meaningful environmental action which strengthens both nature and society, creating long-term value for future generations.”

Mr. I.S Shanmugaraj, Executive Director of Malaysia Nature Society says, “Fireflies are natural indicators of a healthy mangrove ecosystem, and their presence reflects the overall condition of our rivers and surrounding environments. We commend Etiqa for taking proactive steps through Etiqa’s Project Firefly to address the growing threats of habitat degradation along fireflies corridor. Meaningful conservation requires collective action, and we hope this initiative will inspire more companies to collaborate with environmental organisations and local communities to protect biodiversity while supporting sustainable livelihoods for the long term.”Hashtag: #Etiqamy

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

About Etiqa

Etiqa is a multi-channel distributor of Insurance and Takaful products via its 10,000 agency force, 44 branches and 17 offices, over 490 bancassurance network (via Maybank branches, third-party banks, as well as co-operatives and brokers) through its presence in Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Indonesia and Cambodia.

In striving to make the world a better place, Etiqa’s Sustainability journey focuses on internal initiatives that reduces its carbon footprint and increases its social impact, as well as external solutions that allow its clients to do the same.

Continue Reading

Media OutReach

PolyU research teams and startups shine at CES 2026, winning three prestigious innovation awards

Published

on

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 January 2026 – The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) led 19 startups to the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026, held from 6 to 9 January. Alongside the groundbreaking technologies presented by participating startups, the University also showcased its research achievements, covering fields such as human security, digital health and energy optimisation. PolyU delivered an outstanding performance at this year’s Show, with three projects winning one “Best of Innovation Award” and two “Innovation Awards”. This not only marks the University’s best result since it first took part in this event, but also accounts for two-thirds of all awards received by the Hong Kong startup delegation, underscoring PolyU excellence in research, innovation and entrepreneurship.

PolyU delivered an outstanding performance at this year’s CES, with three projects winning one “Best of Innovation Award” and two “Innovation Awards”, underscoring the University’s excellence in research, innovation and entrepreneurship.

Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation), remarked, “PolyU is committed to nurturing innovative research talent with both national and international outlooks. We empower our teams by leading them to major international innovation events and fostering close collaboration among industry, academia, research and investment sectors on a global level, creating opportunities for the overseas expansion of PolyU startups. PolyU was the sole university from Hong Kong to exhibit at the event, with its participating teams making up 30% of the Hong Kong delegation, contributing to Hong Kong’s advancement into an international innovation and technology hub. Our record-breaking performance at this year’s CES affirms international recognition of PolyU research and innovation, propelling our teams to continue striving along the path of innovation and technology to create even more profound social impact.”

PolyU led 19 startups to exhibit at CES 2026. Prof. Christopher Chao (centre) posed with representatives from the award-winning PolyU teams.
PolyU led 19 startups to exhibit at CES 2026. Prof. Christopher Chao (centre) posed with representatives from the award-winning PolyU teams.

Leveraging its robust research strengths and its unique startup ecosystem, PolyVentures, the University actively supports its research teams and startups in developing innovative technologies, bringing Hong Kong research achievements to the global stage. The Smart Firefighting Robot, developed by Mr WANG Meng, a PhD candidate of the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering as well as Founder of PolyU startup Widemount Dynamics Tech Limited, along with his team, achieved the highest score in the “Products in Support of Human Security for All” category and earned the prestigious “Best of Innovation Award”. The Powered Rehab Skateboard, developed by Prof. Kenneth FONG, Associate Dean of the Graduate School and Associate Head of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, received an “Innovation Award” in the “Accessibility and Longevity” category. The FattaLab® Fatty Liver Diagnostic Device, developed by a team spearheaded by Prof. ZHENG Yongping, Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering, Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering, and Founder and Chief Scientist of PolyU startup Eieling Technology Limited, also won an “Innovation Award” in the “Digital Health” category.

The three award-winning innovations aim to enhance human security or health through cutting-edge technologies. The AI-driven Smart Firefighting Robot features autonomous patrol, burning materials classification, fire extinguishing and real-time data sharing functions in smoke-filled environments, protecting firefighters and the public simultaneously. The Powered Rehab Skateboard is a portable and cost-effective robotic system that supports home-based and community rehabilitation for stroke patients. The skateboard facilitates motor recovery in hemiparetic upper limbs and allows users to engage in effective therapy. The FattaLab® Fatty Liver Diagnostic Device is the world’s first lightweight intelligent assessment system for fatty liver detection. Weighs only 120 grams, the device can complete fatty liver assessment within 30 seconds, achieving detection accuracy at medical-grade standards.

Organised by the Consumer Technology Association, CES is one of the world’s largest and most influential consumer electronics exhibitions, spotlighting cutting-edge technologies for modern living. This year, CES attracted over 4,500 exhibitors from around the globe. The PolyU startups participating in the exhibition were as follows:

PolyU Startups Featured Innovations Company Representatives
AniMed Technology Limited Contactless real-time AI-driven health monitoring Dr LYU Weimin
Co-founder and CEO, AniMed Technology Limited
CyanSE Smart Energy Tech Limited AI-powered energy optimisation platforms for smart buildings Ms Amber ZHANG
Co-founder, CyanSE Smart Energy Tech Limited
DRESIO Limited AI-powered physiotherapy assessments software solution Mr Alexander YING
CEO, DRESIO Limited
Eieling Technology Limited FattaLab® Fatty Liver Diagnostic Device
(CES 2026 Innovation Award)
Prof. ZHENG Yongping
Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering, Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering, PolyU; Founder and Chief Scientist, Eieling Technology Limited
Entoptica Limited Cutting-edge ophthalmic diagnostic technologies Dr Mukhit KULMAGANBETOV
Senior Research Fellow, InnoHK Centre for Eye and Vision Research; CEO, Entoptica Limited
Feelings Group Limited AI-powered computer vision solution Dr WONG Wing-sze
Research Assistant Professor, Department of Language Science and Technology, PolyU; Clinical Consultant and Co-inventor, Feelings Group Limited

Ms YIP Chi-hay
Partner, Feelings Group Limited

Gembody Limited Next-generation portable AI ultrasound system Ms MAO Qian
CEO, Gembody Limited

Dr YANG Fan
CTO, Gembody Limited
ImageVector MedTech Limited AI-Vision for Joint Degeneration

Dr JIANG Tianshu

Executive Director, ImageVector MedTech Limited

Immune Materials Limited Innovative long-lasting antimicrobial self-disinfection materials Prof. Chris LO Kwan-yu
Professor, Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies, PolyU; Co-founder, Immune Materials Limited

Prof. KAN Chi-wai
Associate Dean and Professor, School of Fashion and Textiles, PolyU; Co-founder, Immune Materials Limited

Innobound Limited Portable smart terminal for emotional interaction, health monitoring and daily living assistance Ms GAO Lan
CEO and Founder, Innobound Limited
MedVision Limited AI-powered medical imaging solution Prof. CAI Jing
Head and Professor, Department of Health Technology and Informatics, PolyU; Consultant, MedVision Limited

Dr MA Zongrui
Postdoctoral Fellow,Department of Health Technology and Informatics, PolyU; Founder, MedVision Limited

Mirror Caring Limited Knee health management solution Prof. Stephen WANG Jia
Professor, School of Design, PolyU; Founder, Mirror Caring Limited
Nuvatech Limited Next-Gen Fashion OS powered by Multi-modal AI Mr DENG Yanheng
Founder, Nuvatech Limited
On-Skin Wearable Technology Limited Wearable Biomedical Electronic Device Dr Rayman GONG
Founder and CEO, On-Skin Wearable Technology Limited
ReSaTech Limited AI solutions for product reliability Mr Ricky LAW
CEO, ReSaTech Limited
UbiquiTech Innovations Limited Edge-AI robot for autonomous inspection and cleaning in confined spaces Prof. CAO Jiannong
Vice President (Education), Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Professor in Data Science, Chair Professor of Distributed and Mobile Computing, PolyU;
Founder and Chief Scientist, UbiquiTech Innovations Limited

Dr LIANG Zhixuan
Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Computing, PolyU; Founder and CEO, UbiquiTech Innovations Limited

Vcare Vision Technology Limited Non-invasive myopia prevention solution Dr TANG Yuk-ming
Senior Lecturer, Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, PolyU; Co-founder, Vcare Vision Technology Limited
Widemount Dynamics Tech Limited Smart Firefighting Robot

(CES 2026 Best of Innovation Award)

Mr WANG Meng
PhD candidate, Building Environment and Energy Engineering, PolyU; Founder, Widemount Dynamics Tech Limited
XOXO Beverages Limited Automated Cocktail Machine for improvements event and hospitality efficiency Mr Nicholas YU Wo-ping
Founder, XOXO Beverages Limited

Hashtag: #PolyU

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

Continue Reading

Media OutReach

Starlight Centre Launches New Program For Students with Autism Entering Mainstream Primary Schools.

Published

on

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 January 2026 – Starlight Centre has launched a new program designed for students with autism entering mainstream primary schools, including Pathlight and St. Andrew’s Mission School, next year. This school-readiness program is aimed at preschoolers (around 6 years old) in preparation for the challenges of primary school. Starlight Centre plans to utilise peer modelling and the RISE™ framework to equip these preschoolers with the essential skills needed for the transition to primary school.

Peer Modeling
Starlight Centre has provided specialised care services for children with high-functioning autism from primary 1 to 6 and have supported many students who are now ready to demonstrate positive behaviours from the programmes. Through peer modelling, younger students can observe and learn from their more experienced peers, helping them understand the acceptable boundaries of good behaviour.

RISE™
The Starlight RISE™ Primary School Readiness Program effectively prepares young children for formal education by developing their physical, social, emotional, and cognitive skills through engaging, play-based activities.

By actively involving parents in the process through comprehensive evaluations and strong partnerships, Starlight Centre aims to make parents feel valued and confident that their child’s development is being supported holistically, beyond just basic skills.

Hashtag: #AutismEducation #SpecialNeedsEducation #EarlyChildhoodEducation #ParentingSupport #StarlightCentre

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

About Starlight Centre

Starlight was founded by a group of parents and seasoned autism professionals who have experienced first-hand the challenges of finding the most effective therapy programs, preschools, and after-school care services. We understand what you’re going through and are here to help. No matter your child’s needs, come to us, and we will connect you with the right resources.

Continue Reading

Trending