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Storefriendly Introduces New Self-Service Storage System & IoT-Driven Smart Management — Enhanced Facilities to Meet Evolving Customer Needs

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HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 July 2025 – Storefriendly Self Storage Group has recently been honored with the prestigious “I&T Award (Hong Kong)” and “ESG Award (Hong Kong)” by the Self Storage Association Asia (SSAA). As an industry pioneer, the Group is the first to introduce a cutting-edge self-service storage system, including intelligent management solutions and AI-powered real-time customer support. The Group will soon celebrate the grand opening of its new flagship location, Storefriendly Tower (Peninsula West) in Lai Chi Kok, marking a milestone in its mission to deliver faster and higher-quality services to its customers.

Award-Winning Innovation: Cutting-edge Self-Service Storage System

Storefriendly’s innovative self-service storage solution earned the 2025 SSAA “I&T Award (Hong Kong)”, underscoring the Group’s relentless pursuit of innovation and its role in setting new standards for the industry. Embracing the digital era, Storefriendly has pioneered the integration of the O2O (Online-to-Offline) model to streamline the storage rental process. Customers can now select branches and unit sizes, complete payments, and confirm bookings online, all from their mobile devices or computers. Upon confirmation, a QR code is issued for seamless access to the selected branch, enabling a swift and user-friendly move-in process.

24/7 Security and IoT Monitoring for Enhanced Safety

Storefriendly’s physical locations are equipped with 24/7 security surveillance and automated environmental monitoring, powered by Internet of Things (IoT) technology. This system detects anomalies such as power surges or water leakage in real time, ensuring rapid response and optimal storage conditions. Coupled with a 24-hour customer support hotline, these features offer customers peace of mind when using the self-service storage units.

Hybrid AI + Human Customer Service for Faster & More Personalized Support

Customer service is another cornerstone of Storefriendly’s development strategy. After years of listening to customer feedback, the Group identified a need for faster and more in-depth support. By incorporating a smart AI-driven customer service system, Storefriendly now offers 24-hour assistance for basic inquiries and facility tour bookings. At the same time, the Group remains committed to providing personalized support through human agents during service hours, ensuring a premium and empathetic customer experience.

Full-Building Storage Tower Ecosystem Promoting Sustainability

In addition to offering comprehensive storage services, Storefriendly Tower locations, including the Lai Chi Kok branch, are equipped with solar systems and EV charging stations, reinforcing the Group’s commitment to environmental sustainability. These green initiatives have earned the Group the “ESG Award (Hong Kong)”, recognizing its leadership in sustainable development within the storage industry.

Premium, Club-Level Facilities Unlock New Possibilities for Storage

As Hong Kong’s first full-building self storage ecosystem, Storefriendly Tower provides club-class storage experiences with added-value amenities that enrich the customer journey. These include but are not limited to:

  • Free on-site parking with complimentary EV charging
  • Bike repair station for cycling enthusiasts renting bike units
  • Tool stations on traditional storage floors to facilitate packing and transport
  • Dedicated workspaces for customers to handle personal tasks etc.

Specialized Storage: Wine Storage & Safety Box

Beyond conventional storage, Storefriendly is expanding into specialized and boutique storage solutions, such as climate-controlled wine cellars and on-demand safety boxes. The wine storage units are equipped with temperature and humidity control systems to preserve wine quality, while the smart safes offer high-security storage for valuables with real-time monitoring and secure access, meeting the diverse needs of modern customers.

Hashtag: #StoreFriendlyTower

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

About Storefriendly Self Storage Group

Founded in 2002, Storefriendly Self Storage Group is one of Asia’s leading self storage brands, operating over 90 branches and 40,000 storage units across Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, and Taiwan. More than half of its branches are self-owned properties, strategically located with 24-hour smart access systems and robust security infrastructure. The Group is committed to providing safe and flexible storage solutions for both personal and business clients.

Storefriendly continues to invest in technology, including AI customer service, wine cellars, and smart safes, to enhance service quality and deliver an exceptional storage experience.

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

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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.

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

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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.

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Final Weeks to Visit UABBHK 2025 — Explore AI-Enhanced Architecture Before Exhibition Closes on 24 January

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HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 January 2026 – The 2025 Hong Kong & Shenzhen Bi-City Biennale of Urbanism Architecture (Hong Kong) (UABBHK 2025) is entering its final two weeks at Oil Street Art Space (Oi!) and East Kowloon Cultural Centre (EKCC). Organised by The Hong Kong Institute of Architects Biennale Foundation, and co-organised by The Hong Kong Institute of Architects, The Hong Kong Institute of Planners, and The Hong Kong Designers Association, the Biennale is proudly supported by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) as Lead Sponsor.

Reimagining Architecture as Civic Performance

Under the theme “TECHFORMANCE: Technology, Platform and Performance”, UABBHK 2025 explores how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the architectural discipline — from static design to dynamic, participatory experience. Featuring over 25 exhibits across two venues, the Biennale brings together architects, designers, artists, and researchers to examine how emerging technologies such as generative design, robotics, immersive media, and machine learning are transforming authorship, spatial storytelling, and public engagement.

Exhibits Worth Revisiting

As the Biennale draws to a close, the curatorial team invites visitors to experience some of the most thought-provoking and visually striking works.

At Oi!, “Sanctum in the AI Age: Redefining the Human-Deities Nexus in Urban Future” by Jessica Kong and Nam Wu offers a compelling exploration of AI-generated shrine designs and spirituality in hyper-dense urban contexts. Nearby, “Island Totem” by Island Works presents a poetic memorial column using water, light, and soundscape to reflect on the overlooked histories and geographies of Hong Kong’s islands.

At EKCC, “Sentient Mirror – Genius Loci” by XCEPT invites visitors to contribute personal memories and emotional data which are transformed into a dynamic “memory-scape” of Hong Kong architecture. “Stone Synergy: AI-Driven Community Housing” by Olivia Chen proposes a design platform that empowers communities to co-create sustainable housing using local materials and machine learning. In “Collaborative Ephemeral Pavilion – Design with Technology”, Prof. Tris Kee and students from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University repurpose metal scaffolding into a community-built pavilion that shares local stories through interactive media. Meanwhile, “Computational BioPhilia: Culture-Nature Synthesis in Biomimicry Fabrication” by Patrick So, Bojia Xiao and Polly Heng presents a biodegradable architectural prototype that nurtures soil regeneration using AI and modular design, blending ecological restoration with digital fabrication.

Upcoming Programmes — Tech Sunday and Guided Tours

On 18 January 2026, UABBHK 2025 will host its final Tech Sunday at Oi!, featuring two sessions. The morning session, “Cultural Identity & Ritual in the AI-Enhanced Urban Realm”, includes presentations by Ashley Wong, Jessica Kong, and Vicky Lam, exploring informal shrines, afterlife economies, and AI-generated flower market futures. In the afternoon, “Craft, Algorithm, and Robotic Fabrication” brings together Kristof Crolla, Garvin Goepel, Su Chang, and others to discuss AI-enabled design and fabrication practices.

To complement the forums, free guided tours are available at both venues on 11 and 18 January. Prior registration is available at UABBHK 2025’s website.

Cross-Border Dialogue Continues in Shenzhen

Beyond the Hong Kong venues, UABBHK 2025 is also being showcased in the Shenzhen & Hong Kong Bi-city Biennale of Urbanism Architecture (Shenzhen) (UABBSZ), which has been opened on 31 December 2025, at the Hetao Science and Technology Innovation Center. Themed as “City Theater”, UABBSZ positions Shenzhen as a city of performative stage where architecture, technology, and civic life intersect. In Shenzhen, a symbolic tunnel portal installation of UABBHK 2025 is set, linking Shenzhen and Hong Kong as a gesture of spatial and curatorial continuity.

Exhibition and Admission Details of Hong Kong part of UABBHK 2025

  • Venues:
    • Oil Street Art Space (Oi!), 12 Oil Street, North Point
    • East Kowloon Cultural Centre (EKCC), 60 Ngau Tau Kok Road, Kowloon
  • Exhibition Period:
    Now until 24 January 2026
  • Admission:
    Free
  • Link to free guided tours registration:
    https://uabb2025.hkia.org.hk/en/programme

For updated schedules, programme registration, and more information, please visit UABBHK 2025’s website: https://uabb2025.hkia.org.hk/en. For detailed exhibitor list and installation descriptions, please refer to the appendix.Hashtag: #UABBHK

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

About The Hong Kong Institute of Architects Biennale Foundation

The Hong Kong Institute of Architects Biennale Foundation is a non-profit making organisation established and incorporated in 2014 for charitable purposes. The objects for which the Biennale Foundation is established are:

  • To promote creativity and advance the understanding, appreciation and interest of architectural and design excellence
  • To encourage cross-border and cross-disciplinary dialogue and collaboration among creative professionals from Hong Kong, other parts of the Greater China region and overseas
  • To support art, design, architectural and cultural education for students and youth, the community, and policy makers
  • To create a favourable environment for study, research and experimentation of design, art and architectural works in an exhibition scale
  • To energise and revitalise specific sites of interests by introduction of cultural and creative events

About the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency

The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA), formerly known as Create Hong Kong (CreateHK) since 2009, was established in June 2024. CCIDA is a dedicated office under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR Government) to provide one-stop services and support to the cultural and creative sectors with a mission to foster a conducive environment in Hong Kong to facilitate development of the arts, culture and creative sectors as industries. CCIDA’s strategic foci are nurturing talent and facilitating start-ups, exploring markets, promoting cross-sectoral and multi-disciplinary collaboration, promoting industrialisation of the arts, culture and creative sectors under the industry-oriented principle, and fostering a creative atmosphere in the community, thereby reinforcing Hong Kong as Asia’s creative capital and our positioning as the East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange.

2025 Hong Kong & Shenzhen Bi-City Biennale of UrbanismArchitecture (Hong Kong)’s Disclaimer:
The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region provides funding support to the project only, and does not otherwise take part in the project. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in these materials/events (or by members of the project team) are those of the project organisers only and do not reflect the views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, the CreateSmart Initiative Secretariat or the CreateSmart Initiative Vetting Committee.

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