Associate Education Minister David Seymour has today announced that Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei will open a charter school called Te Kura o Ngāti Whātua ki Tamaki in Term 3 2026.
“Every child deserves the opportunity to learn and grow in ways which are more specific to their needs. Today’s announcement demonstrates the innovation enabled by the charter school model,” Mr Seymour says.
“At Te Kura o Ngāti Whātua ki Tamaki, students will participate in real-world learning through iwi-led and city based partnerships. This will include collaborations with Māori businesses, partnerships with universities and tertiary education providers, and international school exchanges.
“Learning will be digitally enabled, utilising AI and emerging technologies. It will also strengthen cultural ties through kapa haka and Ngāti Whātua tikanga.
“When it comes to education, one size does not fit all.
“Charter schools show education can be different if we let communities bring their ideas to the table.
“These schools have more flexibility in return for strictly measured results.
“The charter school equation is: the same funding as state schools, plus greater flexibility plus stricter accountability for results, equals student success.
“It will join the charter schools announced in the last year which will open in 2026. This takes the total number of charter schools to 20. We expect more new charter schools to be announced before the end of the year, along with the first state schools to convert.
“I want to thank the Charter School Agency and Authorisation Board for the work they have done getting charters open. They considered 52 applicants for new charter schools. They tell me this round the choices were very difficult.
“This is just the beginning. I hope to see many more new charter schools opening, and state and state-integrated schools converting to become charter schools.”
Six tertiary students have been awarded scholarships as part of efforts to support farmers and growers on-the-ground, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay and Associate Agriculture Minister Andrew Hoggard have announced.
“This Government is backing the sector by supporting the next generation of on-farm advisers,” Mr McClay says.
“Our On Farm Support Science Scholarships are an important part of our efforts to ensure the sector can provide specialised on-the-ground expertise and advice for farmers and growers.
“The successful programme has already started producing the next generation of advisers with four of the inaugural 2024 recipients having secured roles.”
The 2026 scholarships went to students enrolled in agricultural science, commerce, or environmental sustainability degrees.
The recipients were Lincoln University students Cameron Brans, Jack Green, Eibhlin Lynch, and Fraser Wilson, Massey University student Ella Hogan, and University of Canterbury student Cecily Holland. Each will receive $5,000 for the year. They have an interest in dairy, sheep, beef, horticulture, and arable production.
“Recipients in the scholarship programme are also mentored by members of the Ministry for Primary Industries On Farm Support team, providing hugely beneficial experience and networking opportunities,” Mr Hoggard says.
“Farm advisers have a vital role to play in providing on-the-ground support to farmers and growers. These students are the future of the advisory sector and will help keep our food and fibre sector thriving.”
Note to editors: Biographies of the successful scholarship recipients can be found below.
Name: Cameron Brans University: Lincoln University Degree: Bachelor of Commerce (Agriculture) Home region: Waipawa, Central Hawke’s Bay Background: Cameron has an interest in sustainable meat and arable production and diversification on-farm. He’s seeking a career in an advisory role that combines scientific and business aspects of agriculture.
Name: Jack Green University: Lincoln University Degree: Bachelor of Agricultural Science (Hons) Home region: Auckland Background: Jack has been on an exchange at Cornell University (US) for a semester. His study in 2026 will focus on the growing complexity of data and software on New Zealand dairy farms. He’s seeking a career in agri-tech and farm consultancy.
Name: Fraser Wilson University: Lincoln University Degree: Bachelor of Commerce (Agriculture) Home region: Gore, Southland Background: Fraser was raised on a sheep and beef farm and is most interested in the sheep industry. He’s seeking a career in rural banking, agribusiness, and has a long-term goal of farm or agri-business ownership.
Name: Eibhlin Lynch University: Lincoln University Degree: Bachelor of Agricultural Science (Hons) Home region: Whanganui Background: Eibhlin was raised on a dairy, sheep and beef farm. She’s been on an exchange at University College Dublin in Ireland to learn how the country is tackling similar environmental challenges and consumer pressures within the agricultural sector. She’s seeking a career in farm advisory combining science and rural services.
Name: Ella Hogan University: Massey University Degree: Bachelor of Agricultural Science Home region: Dannevirke Background: Ella is passionate about supporting the sheep and beef sector through science-based advisory work. She is interested in connecting research and policy with practical farm management to help farmers build resilient, sustainable businesses.
Name: Cecily Holland University: University of Canterbury Degree: Bachelor of Science, and Bachelor of Social and Environmental Sustainability Home region: Wellington Background: Cecily is interested in horticulture, regenerative agriculture, and helping growers adapt to climate change and improve soil health. She’s seeking a career to work as a sustainability consultant or adviser.
Associate Education Minister David Seymour has today announced Te Kura Awhitu, sponsored by the Tūhoe Charitable Trust, will open by Term 2 2026 as a charter school.
“Every child deserves the opportunity to learn and grow in ways which are more specific to their needs. Today’s announcement demonstrates the innovation enabled by the charter school model,” Mr Seymour says.
“Tūhoe and the Crown stood apart for generations. Today’s announcement delivers on an important commitment to investigate a charter school for Tūhoe based learning that was made in 2013 as part of the reset of the Crown-Tūhoe relationship.
“Te Kura Awhitu will prepare its students for modern life from traditional roots. Autonomy is important to Tūhoe, and the charter school model enables this. It means Tūhoe can embed their tikanga, language, values, environment, and cultural identity into the curriculum. This marks a significant step forward in the Crown-Tūhoe relationship.
“The school will offer a full Māori immersion education. The curriculum is based on the philosophy and guiding principles drawn from the Te Urewera environment.
“The school will have the use of Te Urewera as a classroom, to learn practically about natural sciences, biodiversity, and geography in a way that incorporates Tūhoe traditions and knowledge: learning about environmental change, waterways management and whakapapa.
“NCEA achievement standards will be used for learning. Natural science learning will be taught against achievement standards in biology, environmental studies or agriculture. A learning module on water restoration, for example, may earn credits in sustainability, science and history,” Mr Seymour says.
“Charter schools show education can be different if we let communities bring their ideas to the table.
“These schools have more flexibility in return for strictly measured results.
“The charter school equation is: the same funding as state schools, plus greater flexibility plus stricter accountability for results, equals student success.
“There are more ideas in the communities of New Zealand than there are in the Government. That’s why we open ideas to the wider community, then apply strict performance standards to the best ones.
“It will join the charter schools announced in the last year which will open in 2026. This takes the total number of charter schools to 19. We expect more new charter schools to be announced before the end of the year, along with the first state schools to convert.
“I want to thank the Charter School Agency and Authorisation Board for the work they have done getting charters open. They considered 52 applicants for new charter schools. They tell me this round the choices were very difficult.
“This is just the beginning. I hope to see many more new charter schools opening, and state and state-integrated schools converting to become charter schools.”
Climate Change Minister Simon Watts has announced the appointment of Stuart Calman as New Zealand’s Climate Change Ambassador.
“I am pleased to welcome Stuart to this role, given his expertise in foreign policy, trade and development, along with strong climate policy experience,” Mr Watts says.
“Stuart brings an excellent understanding of opportunities for enhanced cooperation with the Pacific and Southeast Asia. A particular focus in 2026 will be supporting Australia in its role as chair of the UN Climate COP31 negotiations, in partnership with the Pacific. Stuart’s expertise will be beneficial in supporting New Zealand’s economic, trade, and climate goals.”
Mr Calman is a senior diplomat who served as New Zealand’s Ambassador to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) based in Jakarta from 2022-24. He has held leadership roles in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade with a focus on energy, climate resilience and sustainable economic development in the Pacific and Southeast Asia. Prior to joining the Ministry in 2013, Mr Calman held management roles in the Ministry for the Environment and the Ministry of Economic Development, responsible for climate change, energy and environmental policy.
Mr Calman studied Business, Economics and Development at Massey University and his whakapapa includes Ngāti Toa, Raukawa ki te Tonga and Kāi Tahu. He will take up his new, Wellington-based role effective immediately, replacing Stuart Horne who has taken up the role of New Zealand Consul-General in Honolulu.
Mr Calman’s appointment as Climate Change Ambassador starts on Monday 16 February 2026.
A newly discovered molecule shows promise for treating painful lymphoedema.
Scientists have made a breakthrough that could lead to effective treatments for lymphoedema, a painful swelling condition for which there is currently no cure.
Lymphoedema can be congenital or caused by an injury, but it mostly occurs as an unintended consequence following breast-cancer treatment.
It occurs when the lymphatic system, which moves fluid throughout the body via specialised vessels, is damaged, leading to fluid accumulation in tissues.
“Our group of researchers has discovered a new molecule and pathway that together promote lymphatic vessel growth,” says Dr Jonathan Astin, a senior lecturer in molecular medicine and pathology in the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland. See Cell Reports.
“We initially made this discovery in zebrafish but have also shown that the factor works in human lymphatic cells.”
The scientists discovered the growth-promoting molecule, known as ‘insulin-like growth factor’, or IGF, accelerates the growth of lymphatic vessels in zebrafish, so has potential to repair damaged vessels.
They then worked with a University colleague, senior research fellow Dr Justin Rustenhoven, to grow human cells in the lab and found the IGF, could also ‘instruct’ human lymphatic vessels to grow.
“This work is of interest to the medical community as it provides an additional way to induce lymphatic vessel growth,” says Astin.
“This is especially important for people with lymphoedema. In Aotearoa New Zealand, approximately 20 percent of women who have lymph nodes removed as part of breast-cancer treatment will develop lymphoedema, and currently there is no cure.”
There is another molecule, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), that also promotes the growth of lymphatic vessels; the IGF molecule may work together with VEGF to promote the growth of lymphatic vessels, says Astin.
The work was conducted in Astin’s lab by then doctoral student Dr Wenxuan Chen and involved collaborations with Dr Kate Lee, Dr Justin Rustenhoven and Professor Stefan Bohlander, all in the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, as well as a lab in the US.
“We use fish primarily because they’re very simple, but they’re still remarkably similar to us,” Astin says.
“The advantage of using fish is we can fluorescently label lymphatic vessels so that they glow and then image vessel growth in a whole larva or embryo and not impact its growth at all.
“We can just watch it grow, and things happen much quicker in a fish, because they develop much faster.”
The next step will be to test an IGF‑based therapy on mice with lymphoedema to see whether it helps.
Astin is cautious about promising too much but says this holds the potential to become a therapy for this painful, incurable condition in the future.
A first-of-its-kind health and rehabilitation centre has opened at Burnham Military Camp to support the health, wellbeing and operational readiness of New Zealand Defence Force personnel.
“Kiwis who put on the uniform put their lives on the line to defend and protect New Zealand and its people. They deserve the best support possible to proactively care for their minds and bodies, and to help them get back on their feet when they’re injured,” Associate Defence Minister Chris Penk says.
“The new Military Health and Performance Centre, Tû Manawa Ora, at Burnham Military Camp is the first combined health and rehabilitation facility across the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) estate, bringing together a broad range of services under one roof.”
The new facility includes:
Comprehensive medical treatment centre
Dental services
Physiotherapy, rehabilitation and performance spaces
Psychological resilience, pastoral care, social work and counselling services
Education, research, simulation and training facilities
Staff and logistics areas
Emergency response, including ambulance facilities
“Today’s opening represents a step forward in how the Defence Force looks after its people, setting a new standard for healthcare infrastructure across camps and bases,” Mr Penk says.
“Providing multi-disciplinary care will benefit both the prevention and treatment of health issues, ensuring Defence personnel are well supported during service and continue to thrive long after they leave the Force.
“Military healthcare professionals now also have a modern, fit-for-purpose environment that enables the delivery of high-quality health, rehabilitation and performance services, which in turn will improve retention and operational readiness across the Defence Force.
“Building the centre at Burnham, the largest military base in the South Island, reflects its strategic importance. The camp plays a key role in New Zealand’s national security system, supporting training, operational deployments, humanitarian assistance and disaster response.
“Completed in just 18 months, the $22 million project is a testament to the combined efforts of the Defence Estate and Infrastructure group, construction partner Hawkins New Zealand, and our Alliance partners Ernst & Young, GHD NZ and Beca.
“This new centre demonstrates to our Defence people that while they dedicate themselves to serving New Zealand, we are committed to ensuring they have the health, wellbeing and working environments they need to perform at their best.”
Parliament has just passed the most extreme anti-worker legislation since the notorious Employment Contracts Act of 1991, stripping away protections that have been the foundation of fair employment for decades.
“The Employment Relations Amendment Bill effectively introduces fire at will, leaving New Zealand workers more vulnerable than at any time in the past 30 years,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“This is a disgraceful power grab by employers that will pile more pressure on families already struggling with the cost-of-living crisis this Government promised to fix.
“Workers can now be sacked at will with employers able to undermine personal grievance protections even when their own conduct is clearly unreasonable.
“This law change will radically change every workplace in New Zealand. Workers can be unjustifiably dismissed and walk away with nothing.
“How does threatening people’s jobs help families cope with higher prices and a weak job market? It shows how heartless this Government is – prioritising the profits of business over the wellbeing of working New Zealanders and their families.”
The changes will also affect the quality of public services New Zealanders rely on.
“Insecure workers means insecure services. When teachers, health workers, and other public servants face constant job insecurity, it undermines their ability to deliver the quality services New Zealanders deserve.
“This law will drive down wages and accelerate the exodus of skilled workers offshore to countries that value their expertise and provide job security.”
“Supporters of this law change talk about ‘labour market flexibility.’ But flexibility is not evenly shared.
“For large employers, it means more power. For workers, it means uncertainty – wondering whether a minor mistake could cost them their job, or whether a new contract quietly removes protections they once relied on.
“Just like in 1991, with the Employment Contracts Act, business lobby groups are the strongest supporters of these reforms while workers face losing their jobs, reduced protections and weaker bargaining power.”
Latest attack in Government’s war on workers
The bill is the latest in a series of attacks on working New Zealanders by the Coalition Government:
– Axed Fair Pay Agreements
– Reinstated 90-day fire at will
– Scrapped pay equity for more than150,000 women workers
– Suppressed minimum wage increases
– Proposing to cut back sick leave for part-time workers
“The changes made today continue the shift of power in one direction only – strengthening the hand of large employers while leaving workers more exposed in an already fragile economy,” said Fitzsimons.
“This Government’s priorities are clear: landlords and big business are in but working New Zealanders and their families are out.
“Come the election in November, the PSA will be reminding voters of the choices the Coalition parties have made to put the interests of business ahead of working families.”
ENDS
Background Employment Relations Amendment Bill
In summary, the changes will:
– mean workers who are legally unfairly dismissed will have no proper remedies if they have contributed to the situation, however minor.
– allow employers to fire at will workers who are unjustifiably dismissed and earn more than $200,000 – they cannot access a personal grievance process for unjustified dismissal.
– remove the provision that automatically enrols new employees in collective agreements for 30 days. This means new workers will risk being exposed to 90-day fire-at-will trials before understanding the protections offered by collective agreements.
– allow employers to deem workers contractors removing their right to holiday and sick pay and means they can be fired at will – the law change written by multi-national ride share company Uber.
The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahiis Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.
Education Minister Erica Stanford is highlighting the clear, critical need for major change within the Teaching Council following the significant and serious findings of two recent, external reviews.
“The findings of recent reports on issues within the Teaching Council are some of the most serious that I have seen. The reports make it abundantly clear that there are various, highly concerning failures and problems that need to be addressed,” Ms Stanford says.
“The issues identified are not just minor or technical in nature that require slight adjustments. We have recently seen significant revelations that highlight key issues which should not be understated.
“While the reports identified numerous shortcomings, they identified above all that there has been an inadequate focus on ensuring child protection, a paramount function of the Council that should be their top priority.
“Various issues have been identified with leadership, culture, purpose, and the priorities of the Council. The organisation has not appeared to see themselves as a regulator, and ultimately have not been supporting teachers sufficiently.
“Teachers have long questioned the use of the fees within the organisation and these reports show teachers were right to do so. Teachers should be well supported to succeed in their roles, and this is something I have confidence will be addressed.
“These and the other pressing issues raise serious questions concerning the capability of previous boards. A regulatory standards setting body should hold itself to the very highest level, enabling trust and confidence. These reports show previous boards have failed to do this.
“Boards play a key role in organisational culture. As Minister, I have appointed new members to the board to restore sound governance and effectiveness of the Teaching Council. I have confidence in the new board’s ability to govern the Council, but note the organisation has a very long way to go to restore confidence.
“Ultimately, the Teaching Council needs to undertake their duties competently, ensuring within that child safety, that teachers are well supported to deliver a world-leading education system, and that parents, the public and the sector have confidence in their activities.”
EIT Bachelor of Viticulture and Wine Science student Ngaun Siau is preparing for a vintage placement at Craggy Range and an associate judging role at this year’s Hawke’s Bay Wine Awards.
The 27-year-old was awarded the Craggy Range Young Vintner Scholarship and Best Student Wine for her Penrose Cabernet Franc 2025 at last year’s Bayleys Hawke’s Bay Wine Awards.
“I didn’t expect that I would get it,” Ngaun says. “As a student, I study and make wine, but I never thought I would be able to achieve that kind of title.”
Bachelor of Viticulture and Wine Science student Ngaun Siau, pictured with Sue Blackmore, School Viticulture and Wine Science, won two awards at the Bayleys Hawke’s Bay Wine Awards
It is not the first time she has been recognised for her winemaking. Ngaun also received Best Student Wine honours the previous year for her Dalan Cabernet Franc 2024, marking back-to-back awards for the variety.
Ngaun says this year’s wine was produced from a vineyard in Maraekakaho, with contrasting vineyard conditions influencing a different winemaking approach.
“The vineyard conditions were completely different, so I chose a different winemaking path,” she says.
The wine’s name, Penrose, is inspired by the Penrose Staircase, a mathematical concept representing endless steps. Ngaun says the idea resonated with her because she produced a Cabernet Franc the previous year and wanted to continue making wine.
Originally from an agricultural region in Taiwan, Ngaun grew up watching her family harvest crops, sparking an early curiosity about where food and produce ultimately end up.
That interest, combined with a growing passion for sustainable agriculture, led her to Hawke’s Bay and enrolment in EIT’s Bachelor of Viticulture and Wine Science programme in 2023.
Throughout her studies, Ngaun gained experience across vineyards and wineries, working multiple vintages and developing a strong interest in regenerative viticulture. She says exposure to different vineyard systems and production styles has strengthened her understanding of terroir and grape quality.
Her focus on sustainability was reinforced through a regenerative viticulture tour in 2024 and later informed a research project exploring undervine cover cropping and its role in improving soil health.
Ngaun completed her studies at the end of last year and is set to graduate in April.
“These three years went very fast. But they were full of learning, challenges and moments I am very grateful for.”
She says the support of tutors and strong connections with the local wine industry have played a key role in her development.
Ngaun says the openness of the Hawke’s Bay wine community has been central to her growth as a student.
“The industry here is incredibly welcoming. Even very busy winemakers and viticulturists always make time to talk with students and share their knowledge.”
Looking ahead, Ngaun is preparing for her upcoming vintage placement at Craggy Range, where she will work alongside the winemaking team during the harvest in March.
She will also return to the EIT Hawke’s Bay campus in Taradale later this year as an associate judge as part of the Hawke’s Bay Wine Awards judging process.
While her immediate focus remains in Hawke’s Bay, Ngaun says she hopes to continue developing her skills through future vintages, with longer-term plans to pursue further study overseas.
“My roots will always be in wine. There is always more to learn, and that’s what keeps me motivated.”
Assistant Head of School, Lisa Turnbull, says Ngaun’s recognition highlights her dedication and potential.
“Ngaun’s achievements reflect her commitment to learning and her passion for winemaking. We’re very proud of what she has accomplished and look forward to seeing her continue to grow in the industry.”
Jo-Anna Tahuri grew up speaking te reo Māori, but her studies at EIT’s Te Whatukura helped deepen her understanding of the language she now teaches to the next generation.
Originally from Whakatāne, Jo-Anna (Ngāti Kahungunu ki te Wairoa, Ngāti Awa and Tūhoe) moved to Te Tairāwhiti in 2018 to study and be closer to whānau, enrolling at EIT at a time when she was still working out her long-term direction.
“Studying Māori was something I was familiar with. I thought I would just do six months while I figured out what I wanted to do and then I just stayed for so long.”
Jo-Anna Tahuri began studying a NZ Certificate in Te Reo Māori at EIT and left with a Bachelor of Arts (Māori) Honours.
She initially began with the NZ Certificate in Te Reo Māori (Level 3) before going straight into the NZ Diploma in Te Reo Māori (Immersion) (Level 5) and then the Bachelor of Arts (Māori) and later her Honours, which she finished in 2022.
Growing up, te reo Māori had always been part of Jo-Anna’s life, both at home and at kōhanga reo during her early years.
“I thought I knew Māori. Then I started studying properly and realised there was so much more depth to the language.”
A highlight of her time at EIT was the whānau-based environment at Te Whatukura, which she says became central to her experience.
“That made the whole experience. It became my second home. Because I was so unfamiliar with Gisborne, I got to know all the people there and they became like another family to me.”
The supportive atmosphere extended beyond fellow students to the teaching staff. “The tutors also have a lot to do with the environment,” Jo-Anna says.
After completing her honours degree, Jo-Anna studied teaching before taking up her current role as a Year 1 and 2 teacher at Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ngā Uri a Māui.
“I love it. Everything I learned at EIT feeds into what I do now,” the 26-year-old says.
Teaching has been a lifelong dream, inspired by a strong family connection to education, and her experience with teachers as a child.
“I come from a family full of teachers. It’s something I’ve wanted to do since I was little.”
“When I was at school, I remember all the teachers who believed in me and knew what I could do, and I wanted to be that teacher for other kids, especially our Māori kids,” she says.
She remains a strong advocate for Te Whatukura and encourages others to consider studying there.
“I tell everybody to go there. The tutors and the environment make such a difference.”
Looking back, she says her time at EIT shaped both her career and her confidence.
“It helped me grow. It prepared me for where I am now, and I’m really proud of that.”
Pareputiputi Nuku, Pouarataki, Te Ūranga Waka, says: “We are very proud of what she has accomplished at such a young age”.
“I got to know Jo-Anna when she was employed as part of the EIT’s MoE project, Te Ahu o te Reo Māori based at Te Whatukura. Jo-Anna was kaiāwhina and also responsible for all social media for the project. A warm, vibrant and very sharp young wahine. Wepua, Jo-Anna! Karawhiua!”
Gathering Global Experts Delivering Insights from the forefront of Space Science and Sustainability
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 February 2026 – In a landmark development for the region’s scientific community, Hong Kong has been selected to host the Asia-Pacific Regional IAU Meeting (APRIM) for the first time. Dubbed the “The Olympics of Astrophysics and Space Science,” this prestigious event will take place from May 4 to 8, 2026, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC).
Organised by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) and hosted by The University of Hong Kong’s Laboratory for Space Research (LSR), the conference will feature Nobel and Shaw laureates, together with other distinguished scientists from around the world. As a leading astronomical gathering in the Asia-Pacific, the event represents a significant milestone for Hong Kong, underscoring its pivotal role in fundamental research, STEM education, and international collaboration.
A Convergence of Minds in a Burgeoning Space Hub
Professor Quentin Parker, Chair of the APRIM2026 and Director of the HKU Laboratory for Space Research, noted that bringing the “The Olympics of Astrophysics and Space Science” to Hong Kong demonstrates the city’s capacity to serve as a global nexus for astrophysics and space science.
“As Chair of this historic meeting, I am honoured to welcome the global Astrophysics and Space Science community to Hong Kong. We aim to use this platform not only to showcase our city’s capabilities in the ‘New Space’ era but to inspire the next generation of scientists to pursue the unknown,” said Prof. Parker.
Professor Xue Suijian, former Deputy Director of the National Astronomical Observatories of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, attributed the IAU’s decision to Hong Kong’s highly international environment and academic excellence. He highlighted the city’s growing contributions to deep-space exploration, planetary science, and big data analysis, cementing its role as a bridge for international scientific exchange.
Bridging Fundamental Research and Future Possibilities
While rooted in academic rigour, APRIM 2026 also addresses the paradigm shift from government-led initiatives to the democratised era of “New Space.” The conference offers a platform that links theoretical astrophysics with real-world applications.
Aligning with the global scientific agenda, the conference is expected to bring together nearly 1,000 experts. Discussions will span from the origins of the universe to emerging directions in space exploration, covering key areas such as Planetary Science, Stellar Evolution, and Cosmology. The event will also seek to bridge academia and industry, exploring how frontier technologies can contribute to addressing global challenges.
Championing Space Sustainability
A defining feature of APRIM2026 is its focus on “Space Sustainability.” With the growing density of satellite constellations in low Earth orbit, the scientific community faces urgent challenges, particularly in relation to space debris and light pollution.
Through dedicated sessions and public engagement, the conference will tackle these critical issues, advocating for responsible stewardship of the cosmic environment. By integrating these discussions with outreach sessions including youth-focused workshops, the event aims to cultivate a scientifically literate generation ready to steward the future of space exploration.
Professor Luis C. Ho, Director of the Kavli Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics at Peking University, described the meeting as a vital platform for strengthening Asia-Pacific research collaboration. He noted that the event marks a shift from pure fundamental research to industrial application, allowing high-tech solutions to serve the public and open the “blue ocean” of the space economy.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
The Patent Office turned his application down in 2022, and the High Court agreed, with both saying an “inventor” had to be human.
Thaler was set to challenge that in the Court of Appeal on February 24.
His lawyer Clive Elliott KC said when Thaler filled out his application for a patent, he was simply stating the truth.
“He didn’t actually invent this food container, it was his machine,” he said.
“He invented what he calls an autonomous invention machine, in other words, an AI system which is itself able to invent.”
But in its 2023 decision, the High Court said the law in New Zealand did not allow for DABUS to get the credit.
“If the legislators had intended to allow granting of patents in New Zealand for inventions devised solely by non-humans such as artificial intelligences, or life forms other than human beings they would have drafted the Act to accommodate these possibilities specifically and explicitly,” it said.
But Elliot said New Zealand’s Patents Act was only passed in 2013 so parliament knew about artificial intelligence when they created it – and did not exclude it.
Auckland University professor Alex Sims says NZ faces the risk of being left behind.Supplied
Auckland University law professor and intellectual property expert Alex Sims said beyond the technicalities of the case, there was a bigger picture about whether AI could truly be an inventor.
“What AI does is it’s hoovering up human creativity and then it’s using that to produce something. So some people would actually argue that it’s not being creative because it’s all premised on what has gone before,” she said.
Thaler was part of a group taking cases about AI and patents around the world to try to set a precedent.
Auckland University lecturer Joshua Yuvaraj followed his – unsuccessful – attempt in Australia.
People had been at the heart of intellectual property law as it developed over centuries, because there was no mechanism for creation other than the human mind, he said.
“That is why AI is challenging that notion because AI, it appears, can do a lot of what the human mind can do is the argument. That is the tension that IP law is facing.”
The food container US computer scientist Stephen Thaler says was invented by his AI and should be given a patent.Supplied
Patent were seen as important because they would determine whether someone’s designs could be protected if they were created by AI.
“Say you use an AI to make a new type of e-scooter or a new type of kettle or a new coffee machine, if you can’t register that patent then someone can take that idea and make money off your idea,” he said
Sims said many countries tended to be in lock step when it came to intellectual property law.
Most were grappling with the AI patent challenge.
An inquiry in the UK had considered the issue and those it talked to had mixed views, she said.
Some people worried by not allowing AI patents, it could stifle creativity and innovation because people would tend not to use AI.
Others worried letting AI be an inventor would push people out of the creative process, she said.
Thaler and his group were testing the law in several countries but had been unsuccessful everywhere but South Africa, which was considered to have a unique style of IP law.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
Rohan Havelock is investigating how New Zealand’s earthquake insurance stacks up against Japan’s
Shortly after Associate Professor Rohan Havelock arrived in Japan to study its earthquake insurance system, a 7.6-magnitude earthquake damaged nearly 4,000 homes and buildings in Aomori Prefecture.
For the University of Auckland insurance law specialist, it was a reminder of the value of an insurance system that works for homeowners.
New Zealand’s earthquake insurance combines private insurance with government-provided statutory cover. Statutory insurance, says Havelock, pays first, up to a set limit for residential buildings and land, and private insurance typically covers additional building damage only.
After the Canterbury earthquakes, more than 460,000 claims were lodged with the former Earthquake Commission, far exceeding its capacity. Slow claims processing, significant litigation, and the insolvency of two insurers followed. Some claims remained unresolved after a decade.
New Zealand’s subsequent reforms included the Natural Hazards Insurance Act 2023 and the Contracts of Insurance Act 2024, but the dual system continues and Havelock believes similar problems are likely to occur after the next big quake.
“There’s a need for more carefully considered reform, especially relating to standard terms, handling of claims and dispute resolution.”
What can New Zealand learn from Japan?
Havelock says New Zealand could follow Japan’s lead in three ways: First, Japan’s earthquake premiums are priced to match risk: they’re based on a building’s location, age, construction and earthquake strength. In New Zealand, Natural Hazards Insurance is funded through a flat levy: 16c for every $100 of insured building value.
“This means that owners of more risky homes are subsidised by owners of less risky homes, and also that there’s no incentive to strengthen homes against earthquakes, or for owners to move away from earthquake-prone areas,” he says.
Second, Japan’s earthquake insurance is based not on quantifying actual loss, which can be resource-intensive and time-consuming, but on classifying loss into four types: total loss, large half loss, small half loss, or partial loss.
Settlement is invariably by payment (instead of the insurer undertaking repairs or reinstatement), which Havelock says means assessment and claims settlement is rapid and there are fewer disputes over what is necessary.
Third, he says Japan’s dispute resolution process is notably efficient and arguably more claimant friendly.
“Insurers routinely offer re-inspection or review of decisions, which resolves a large proportion of disputes.”
If disagreement continues, Havelock says the main pathway is through the ‘Financial Alternative Dispute Resolution’ system, involving an experienced mediator. This is non-adversarial and is free of filing or hearing fees, says Havelock. “Very few disputes proceed to litigation.”
After tonnes of the invasive seaweed exotic caulerpa washed up on Bay of Islands beaches last year, one call on the ‘kumara vine’ was all it took for Te Taitokerau hapū to spring into action, with hundreds mobilising to help with the clean-up and prevent further spread.
That rapid response saw the birth of Te Tira Taiao o Te Taitokerau – a first-of-its-kind, hapū-led biosecurity response framework – marking a significant shift in how biosecurity risks are identified, communicated and responded to at a community level.
Te Ruarangi co-chair and Te Tira Taiao o Te Taitokerau lead Nyze Manuel says the framework draws on long-established hapū relationships, tikanga and local knowledge, first tested during Covid through the Te Taitokerau Border Control.
Manuel says Te Tira Taiao o Te Taitokerau is an extension of that mahi, bringing together hapū, Northland Regional Council (NRC) and the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) to respond quickly and effectively to emerging biosecurity threats.
“This network isn’t something new – it’s whakapapa, it’s whanaungatanga and it’s been stood up because of the condition of our taiao,” Manuel says.
“It’s a model based on hapū concern. We’ve been working in what people might call ‘underground’, but really we were just doing what our tūpuna have always done ki mai rānō (forever) – noticing changes in our taiao and discussing our concerns collectively.
“What’s different now is that this way of working is being formally recognised and supported by councils and other agencies.”
Education as the first line of defence
A key focus of the framework, Manuel says, is normalising conversations about biosecurity risks so people know what to look for, why it matters and what to do if they find something.
Te Tira Taiao o Te Taitokerau is also unique in its approach as it prioritises prevention, education and mobilisation, led by people who know their environment and communities best.
When the exotic caulerpa response pilot launched last year, Manuel says many people didn’t know what it was, what signs to look for, or how to report it.
In response, the group has rolled out locally tailored signage (funded by MPI), hapū-led engagement and clear reporting pathways across high-use areas in Northland, including boat ramps, marinas and coastal access points.
“That was the gap – people just didn’t know what it was,” Manuel says.
“Now our hapū are out there on the ground as kaitiaki, we’re normalising conversations around biosecurity, using caulerpa as our springboard.
“Each sign includes a local contact person, which then feeds into a centralised MPI database.
“People can’t report what they don’t understand, so education is our most powerful tool.”
Working alongside NRC and MPI
While leadership sits with hapū, the framework works in partnership with regional and central government agencies, including NRC and MPI, to ensure information flows quickly and appropriate action can be taken.
NRC Deputy Chair Jack Craw, who chairs the council’s Biosecurity and Biodiversity Working Party, says the framework significantly strengthens early detection by increasing the number of trusted ‘eyes on the water’, particularly in remote coastal areas.
“It reflects the reality that locals are often the first to notice change,” he says.
“People who’ve dived, fished or gathered kai in the same places their whole lives will notice something different straight away. That local knowledge has already been critical in identifying exotic caulerpa early in places like Aotea and the Bay of Islands.”
The framework also recognises that biosecurity threats are not just environmental or economic, but impact cultural practices, identity, wellbeing and intergenerational relationships with the whenua and moana.
For hapū and iwi, protecting coastal environments is about safeguarding whakapapa and ensuring future generations can continue practices such as gathering kai, fishing and caring for wāhi tapū.
Looking ahead
Manuel says while the framework offers lessons for other regions, it is not a one-size-fits-all model, with success dependent on long-term relationships, shared accountability and deep community connection.
Instead, it demonstrates what is possible when hapū leadership is resourced, respected and partnered with.
“People have tried to replicate the model and failed because they don’t have the relationships or trust of those leading the kaupapa,” Manuel says.
“This kaupapa holds the tikanga of old, whereby back in the day, each hapū or whānau held different portfolios- whether on the moana, whakapapa or elsewhere.
“We do the same today because there’s no ‘I’ in this mahi. We can’t do everything on our own and will always need each other.”
With biosecurity risks expected to increase, the framework provides a strong foundation for responses to both current and emerging threats.
By centring hapū leadership, collective action and preventative education, it positions communities as active protectors of their environments, working alongside councils and agencies.
The framework is supported through MPI funding, with NRC focused on enabling and resourcing community-led action.
Riddet Institute Fellow Laureate Paul Moughan has led a research collaboration with Yili’s Innovation Centre in New Zealand which will help shape World Health Organisation policy on infant nutrition.
Distinguished Professor Moughan, who chaired the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations’ expert consultation which published guidelines on protein quality for humans in 2013, has been working closely with global experts in a joint research effort co-ordinated by the Yili Innovation Centre Oceania (YICO) at Lincoln University.
In a series of papers published in the Journal of Nutrition (2023), Frontiers in Nutrition (2024) and the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry (2025), the work of Professor Moughan and his team has led to breakthrough research that provides a better understanding and far more accurate way of assessing how well babies can absorb and utilise the essential building blocks of protein from breastmilk.
Professor Moughan’s original work in 2013 provided the gold standard for evaluating protein quality in infant formula: the Digestible Indispensable Amino Acid Score (DIAAS).
His latest research with YICO, the Yili Global Maternal and Infant Nutrition Institute and Professor Yin Yulong, a Fellow of the Chinese Academy of Engineering at the Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, has produced new data which deepens this understanding further and has already led to new approaches to infant nutrition production within Yili.
“This has been a hugely productive international research alliance and will no doubt lead to further advances in FAO policy,’’ Professor Moughan said.
“Professor Yin is a digestive physiologist of significant international standing and his thoroughness, attention to detail and scientific leadership was crucial to the success of the collaboration.
“The alliance’s work will also lead to global impacts on the production of infant formula leading to improvements in the long-term health of babies and children.
“It has also been very enjoyable working with the scientific team within Yili. I have been very impressed by the technical capabilities of the team and working with them has actually been quite delightful.’’
Head of YICO, Dr Philip Wescombe, said the Yili Innovation Centre Oceania principal aim was to act as a hub for research collaboration across Oceania.
“After 10 years, we are now well-established in driving innovation by strengthening ties with startups, expanding business opportunities, and fostering greater interaction between researchers, industry, and consumers,’’ Dr Wescombe said.
Resident Director of Yili Group Oceania Region, Zhiqiang Li, said Yili was proud of the work of YICO and of Yili’s teams across Oceania and in Inner Mongolia.
“We are honoured to learn of the warm and respectful relationships the company’s internal technical staff have developed with leading global researchers in China and New Zealand, the support we can provide as Asia’s largest dairy producer, and the fifth largest dairy company in the world,’’ Mr Li said.
References
Hodgkinson, S. M., Xiong, X., Yan, Y., Wu, Y., Szeto, I. M.-Y., Li, R., Wescombe, P., Duan, S., Liu, H., Yin, Y., Lim, W. X. J., & Moughan, P. J. (2023). An accurate estimate of the amino acid content of human milk collected from Chinese women adjusted for differences in amino acid digestibility. The Journal of Nutrition, 153, 3439–3447. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tjnut.2023.10.009
Moughan, P. J., Deglaire, A., Yan, Y., Wescombe, P., Lim, W. X. J., Stroebinger, N., Duan, S., Szeto, I. M.-Y., & Hodgkinson, S. (2024). Amino acid requirements of the infant: The amino acid composition of human breast milk. Frontiers in Nutrition, 11, 1446565. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2024.1446565
Wu, Y., Yan, Y., Xiong, X., Li, R., Duan, S., Tang, M., Szeto, I. M.-Y., Liu, H., Hodgkinson, S. M., Moughan, P. J., Wescombe, P., Wang, J., & Yin, Y. (2025). Effect of different ratios of αlactalbumin to βcasein in infant formula on true ileal digestibility and intestinal morphology of suckling piglets. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 73, 6144–6150. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jafc.4c10520
For the first time in New Zealand, a new animal-free alternative to Foetal Bovine Serum (FBS) is being imported today by a charity, and will be trialled in a research laboratory, marking a major milestone for both science and animal welfare in Aotearoa.
Today (16/02/26) the first shipment ofFRS Pioneer,an animal-free, serum-free alternative to FBS, is en route to Aotearoa as part of a New Zealand pilot study being organised by local charityBeyond Animal Research (BAR).
Foetal Bovine Serum is a widely used laboratory product made from the blood of unborn calves and has been a default ingredient in cell culture research globally for decades. Despite growing ethical and scientific concerns, New Zealand laboratories have not previously had access to such a cost-effective, innovative, trial-ready alternative.
That changes from today.
“This is the incredible moment where change for animals used for science happens” saysTara Jackson, co-founder of Beyond Animal Research.
“For the first time, New Zealand researchers can test this new, genuine alternative to foetal bovine serum in their own labs. This shipment represents years of scientific innovation – and the beginning of a new chapter for how research can be done in Aotearoa.”
The shipment marks the official start of BAR’s New Zealand pilot study, which will support researchers to trial FRS Pioneer in research and teaching settings, document outcomes, and build local evidence to support wider uptake of animal-free methods, not just here in NZ but globally.
FRS Pioneer was developed byDr Katie Bashant Day, Chief Scientist atMedia City Scientific, in response to long-standing limitations of animal-derived serums, including ethical concerns, batch-to-batch variability, contamination risk, and supply instability.
“Foetal bovine serum is inconsistent by nature – every batch is different because every animal is different,” saysDr. Day.
“Animal-free alternatives like FRS Pioneer are designed to be more consistent, more reproducible, and better aligned with where modern science is heading. Seeing this product arrive in New Zealand for real-world trials is incredibly exciting.”
New Zealand is also a producer and exporter of foetal bovine serum, with pregnant cows sent to slaughter and blood collected from their unborn calves for use in laboratories domestically and overseas. BAR says the pilot study represents an opportunity for New Zealand to lead a transition away from this practice.
“New Zealand has the chance to be part of a global solution, not just the supply chain,” says Jackson.
“This pilot is about removing the practical barriers that stop researcher and their labs from changing – access, cost, logistics, and confidence – and replacing them with real, local evidence.”
The first researchers participating in the pilot are based atVictoria University of Wellington, with further institutions expected to join as the study progresses.
A spokesperson from Victoria University of Wellington says the pilot reflects growing interest within the research community in more ethical and scientifically robust tools.
“Researchers are increasingly aware of the limitations of animal-derived products,” the spokesperson says.
“Being able to trial an animal-free alternative in a New Zealand context is a valuable opportunity to assess both scientific performance and practical feasibility.”
BAR says the pilot is the first step in a longer-term goal to make the routine use and production of foetal bovine serum in New Zealand unnecessary and therefore obsolete.
“This single shipment matters,” says Jackson.
“But what matters more is what it enables – better science, greater transparency, and real progress for animals.”
Notes
Foetal Bovine Serum (FBS) is produced from the blood of unborn calves after pregnant cows are slaughtered.
Globally, around800,000 litresof FBS are produced each year. Because only a small amount comes from each calf, that volume likely represents the deaths of aroundone to two million unborn calvesworldwide annually.
FBS from NZ is manufactured (including slaughtered) in NZ and exported internationally.
Through an Official Information Act request to MPI, we confirmed that between January and November 2025,NZ exported approximately 29,000 kilogramsof foetal bovine serum (FBS). Based on industry yield estimates, this volume is likely to have come from the blood of tens of thousands of unborn calves – conservatively between 28,000 and 83,000 foetuses in 2025 alone.
FBS is widely used for cell culture e.g. studying human diseases, discovering new medicines, producing vaccines and cell therapies, freezing and storing cells for future experiments
Animal-free, serum-free alternatives can reduce ethical harm and improve scientific consistency and reproducibility.
This is thefirst import ofFRS Pioneerinto New Zealand.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 February 2026 – CrazyLive, a platform dedicated to investor education and behavioral finance research, today announced that it will host a free public investment seminar on March 8, 2026 (Sunday) at Hotel ICON in Hong Kong.
Titled “Investor Behavior and Decision-Making Frameworks in High-Volatility Environments,” the seminar is designed for retail investors seeking to improve decision-making discipline amid rising market volatility. The event will explore common cognitive biases and behavioral traps that often lead to emotional investing, and introduce a systematic and repeatable decision-making framework to help participants strengthen consistency, structure, and execution in real-world market conditions.
Warren Wang, Founder of CrazyLive, stated:
“Over the years, I have observed that many retail investors do not underperform because they lack intelligence or information, but because they lack discipline and structure. Volatility is not an exception—it is the market’s normal state. The key is whether investors have a clear and executable framework to reduce emotional interference. This seminar is designed to share practical tools and structured thinking approaches grounded in behavioral finance.”
The seminar will feature three seasoned financial market professionals as keynote speakers:
• Cecilia Kwok — Market Sentiment Specialist at CrazyLive and senior financial news anchor, with over 10 years of hands-on investment and trading experience. • Angel Xu — Wharton School graduate (University of Pennsylvania); former Morgan Stanley (New York) analyst; currently a fund manager; CFA and FRM charterholder. • Jolin Zhu — With over 17 years of experience in financial market research and trading, she has participated in large-scale asset management projects and institutional investment operations. She is a specially appointed lecturer for the National Association of Financial Market Institutional Investors (NAFMII) and an editorial board member of the China Asset Management Industry Development Report. She is also a CFA and FRM charterholder.
Key seminar topics will include behavioral bias analysis, case studies of common decision-making errors, and practical decision-support tools such as a streamlined decision checklist and a cash flow stress-testing framework. The discussion will also incorporate insights from recent market developments and volatility cycles.
CrazyLive emphasized that the seminar will focus strictly on academic framework sharing, market phenomenon analysis, and practical experience exchange. The event will not involve the promotion of any financial products, nor will it provide any return guarantees or investment advice.
Event Details
Date: March 8, 2026 (Sunday) Time: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM Venue: Function Room 1–3, Hotel ICON, 17 Science Museum Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Kowloon, Hong Kong Admission: Free of charge Registration Link: https://crazylivehk.netlify.app/
Hashtag: #CrazyLive
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 February 2026 – Media Architects Pte Ltd, a systems integrator specialising in live production streaming and education technology solutions, marked its 25th anniversary in January 2026. Established in 2001, the company has spent the last two and a half decades supporting institutions, organisations, and government agencies in Singapore, providing integrated systems for video production and educational use.
Media Architects Celebrates 25 Years of Innovation in Live Production Streaming and Video Learning Technologies
From DVD Authoring to Systems Integration Founded on 20 January 2001 as DVD Power (Asia) Pte Ltd, the company was launched to address a gap in the local video production landscape. Its founder, a key member of Singapore’s first film school at Ngee Ann Polytechnic, had recently produced an award-winning interactive DVD and identified a gap in the market for professional DVD authoring services in Singapore.
Early milestones included authoring projects for New Line Cinema, Miramax Films, Columbia TriStar and Sony Pictures, as well as locally commissioned educational and heritage content for the Ministry of Education and the National Heritage Board. As DVD technology matured, the company shifted into systems integration, rebranding as Media Architects and expanding its offerings to support professional video workflows and technical training.
Following its 25th anniversary, Media Architects continues to evolve with the industry, building on its original vision while adapting to new technologies and client needs.
Continuous Evolution with Industry Trends Over the past two decades, Media Architects has kept pace with the evolution of media technologies. These include collaborative editing systems (2006), computer-based live production systems (2008), file-based post-production workflows (2010), and bonded cellular streaming systems for remote broadcasting (2012). More recently, the company has focused on video learning platforms, auto-tracking camera solutions, and hybrid classroom systems.
Today, Media Architects supports more than 10 higher education institutions in Singapore with integrated systems that enable lecture recording, hybrid learning, and streamlined content delivery.
Pandemic-Era Pivot to Live Streaming Services When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted live events, Media Architects adapted quickly. Drawing on its early experience in bonded cellular systems, the company developed compact live production setups with robotic cameras and a minimal crew, allowing clients to conduct virtual AGMs and live broadcasts under social distancing restrictions.
These efforts led to the establishment of a new business vertical focused on live event video streaming services and virtual event service platforms, which continued to support clients throughout the pandemic and beyond.
Future Growth: AI Tools, Partnerships, and Regional Reach A Milestone Tender Reflecting the Next Phase of Growth Upon celebrating its 25th anniversary, the company has secured a significant milestone tender to design and implement a clinical observation and recording system with AI-powered video analysis and reporting for a major medical institution in Singapore. This project represents a clear step forward in the company’s transition from traditional AV integration to intelligent, data-driven ecosystems that support high-stakes education and training.
The deployment spans more than 20 specialised clinical training rooms and shared spaces, with provisions for future expansion. At the system’s core is a fully redundant Q-SYS architecture powered by dual Core X10 DSP engines. This setup ensures operational continuity during critical simulations and medical examinations. Audio is captured through high-fidelity, beamforming ceiling microphones, and all network traffic is handled by NETGEAR AVLine switches configured for high-throughput, low-latency AVoIP environments.
Centralised control is achieved through the Q-SYS platform, which unifies audio, video, and automation under a modern IT framework.
What distinguishes this project is the integration of AI-powered video analytics. The system leverages a SaaS platform to enable real-time transcription, video tagging, and structured AI-powered analysis based on clinical rubrics such as SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation). This allows users to reference specific tagged moments during debriefs, providing objective, measurable feedback aligned with learning outcomes.
Students benefit directly from recorded sessions, instructor notes, transcripts, AI analysis, and reports saved to their accounts. This supports reflective practice, skill tracking, and individual learning progress. The implementation reflects Media Architects’ ongoing focus on scalable, systems-based innovation that transforms live video into actionable educational intelligence.
As the company embarks upon its next chapter, this project illustrates how its technical capabilities are now being applied to future-focused environments where reliability, adaptability, and data integration are essential.
Preparing the Team for the Next Chapter In anticipation of future growth, Media Architects is focusing on organisational development and leadership transition. Current team leads are being supported through new hires and strategic mentorship, with plans for the founder to move into an advisory role. The company is also evaluating the addition of industry practitioners to strengthen its system solutioning capacity and broaden its technical depth.
“Our mission at Media Architects has always been to harness the transformative power of video technology. With the latest system, we aren’t just installing cameras; we are architecting an intelligent feedback loop for self-reflection and self-improvement. By integrating AI-powered transcription and analysis, we are turning clinical simulations into objective, measurable data that empowers the next generation of medical professionals.”
— Nick Tay, Founder and Managing Director, Media Architects Pte Ltd
Looking Ahead Following its 25th anniversary, Media Architects remains committed to helping clients deliver high-impact content through integrated, future-ready technologies. Visit their website to learn more about their products and services.
First-Ever Attack-Defence Simulation Aligns with Real Corporate Needs Setting a New Benchmark for Local Cybersecurity Competitions
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 February 2026 – As cyberattacks grow increasingly complex, cybersecurity has become a critical domain of global concern and a talent shortage. According to the latest “Hong Kong Cybersecurity Outlook 2026” released by the Hong Kong Computer Emergency Response Team Coordination Centre (HKCERT) under the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC), nearly 30% of the 622 surveyed enterprises still lack dedicated cybersecurity staff. Specifically, only 26% of SMEs have a dedicated cybersecurity role, significantly lower than the 59% of large enterprises, reflecting a gap in resource allocation and technology adoption among SMEs.
Now in its sixth year, “HKCERT Capture The Flag Challenge” continues to attract top cybersecurity talents from Hong Kong and beyond, showcasing the capability and vitality of the next generation of local and international cybersecurity professionals.
To cultivate practical talent for the cybersecurity sector, the sixth “HKCERT Capture The Flag Challenge 2025” (HKCERT CTFChallenge) was successfully organised by the Digital Policy Office (DPO), HKPC, and HKCERT. This year’s competition was elevated to the first-ever adoption of an attack–defence mode, closely replicating the network setup of real enterprises. Participants experienced first-hand hacking techniques, system vulnerability analysis, threat intelligence gathering, and coordinated response in a simulated real-world environment. Through completing multiple tasks within a limited time, the competition also allowed them to break through the traditional classroom theoretical framework, gain practical experience and build confidence. The event attracted around 1,940 young contestants, an increase of nearly 40% from last year’s 1,385 participants, reaching a record high for the competition. Contestants included teams from Hong Kong, Chinese Mainland, Asia, and Europe, fostering cross-regional exchange and collaboration. In the finals, three local teams and one overseas team were awarded gold prizes in the Secondary School, Tertiary Institution, Open Category, and International Category respectively, while Sing Yin Secondary School received the “Best School Award”. The full list of awardees is available on the event website.
Participants Share Practical Experience Integrating AI into Attack and Defence The competition was well received by contestants for its innovative format and realistic offensive and defensive environment, offering a valuable platform for learning and exchange. The winning team in the International Category, W&M, commented, “Our members are from Shanxi, Guangdong and Beijing. This was our first time competing together in the HKCERT CTF Challenge. The atmosphere and experience of the finals were excellent. The tasks were centred on an attack‑defence simulation, requiring us to find all vulnerabilities while patching our own systems and attacking other teams at the same time. Some vulnerabilities were discovered and exploited by other teams first, which kept the scores very close and made the competition incredibly tense and exciting”.
They added, “During the competition, we also applied lots of AI techniques for assistance, such as applying AI to analyse vulnerabilities and refine attack methods. In the future, AI may play a deeper role in areas like vulnerability detection and code analysis, but for now it cannot be fully relied upon—human oversight is still essential”.
HKCERT CTF Challenge has now been held for six consecutive years, with its scale expanding annually and participants showing continuous growth. Many secondary school students gain their first hands‑on exposure to cybersecurity through the competition and connect with university mentors, helping them shape their academic and career paths. Several past participants have gone on to compete in local and international events, committing to a future in the cybersecurity field. Beyond attracting overseas talent to exchange ideas in Hong Kong, HKCERT continues to build connections between cybersecurity professionals in Hong Kong and Chinese Mainland. Top‑performing teams can gain direct entry into equivalent finals in Chinese Mainland. For example, participants from the previous HKCERT CTF Challenge 2024 advanced directly to the finals of the “Greater Bay Area Cup Cybersecurity Challenge”, where they secured the top four places in the Hong Kong and Macao category. This also provided local contestants with access to world‑class cybersecurity techniques, effectively promoting cross‑regional elite collaboration and talent development.
Finals Format Upgraded: Attack-Defence Mode Mirrors Real Enterprise Operations The finals were comprehensively upgraded this year. In addition to increase the overall technical difficulty, the competition introduced an attack‑defence format for the first time that closely mirrors real enterprise cybersecurity operations. Teams played dual roles—both attackers and defenders—in an environment created with reference to the real-world systems. The tasks simulated incident response and live attack-defence scenarios commonly encountered in the cybersecurity field. Within a limited timeframe, participants had to do penetration testing, exploit vulnerabilities and attack, while patching their own systems and monitoring threats in real time against attacks from other teams. This parallel attack‑defence setup reflects actual workflow patterns in the industry, effectively training participants’ analytical abilities and adaptability under pressure. Through hands‑on practice in a likely enterprise environment, contestants developed multifaceted, industry‑aligned capabilities—laying a solid foundation for their future careers in cybersecurity.
Ms Candy CHAN, Assistant Commissioner (Project Governance and Cybersecurity) of the DPO, highlighted the DPO’s commitment to enhancing Hong Kong’s cyber resilience, with one of its key initiatives being the nurturing of the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. She emphasised that the DPO has been collaborating closely with academia and industry partners to foster a robust talent pipeline and build a safer digital environment in Hong Kong. She noted that this year marks the sixth edition of the HKCERT CTF Challenge, which has grown into one of Hong Kong’s most respected and anticipated cybersecurity competitions over the years. Beyond being a contest of technical prowess, the Challenge serves as a dynamic platform for networking, knowledge exchange and community building among the new generation of cybersecurity experts.
Ir Samson SUEN, General Manager of Digital Trust and Transformation Division of HKPC, stated, “HKCERT CTF Challenge has consistently aimed to build an international platform for technical exchange. Through high-intensity simulated contests, we enhance participants’ cyber defence skills and promote cross-regional interaction among emerging cybersecurity talents. This cultivates a new generation of globally competitive professionals in Hong Kong and strengthens the local talent pipeline. This year’s finals first introduced a simulation of real-world cybersecurity operations, enabling teams to experience both offensive and defensive roles in a recent cybersecurity team. This hands-on approach is crucial for developing practical skills and incident response capabilities”.
Fostering Cybersecurity Awareness Across All Sectors of Society To further enhance cybersecurity awareness across the community, HKCERT has partnered with the DPO and the Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau of The Hong Kong Police Force, to launch the “Building a Secure Cyberspace 2026” campaign to promote cybersecurity awareness. The initiative includes various educational activities, such as an “AI-Generated Four-Panel Comic”contest, which encourages the public to make good use of AI tools while strengthening their understanding of cybersecurity. At the corporate governance level, HKCERT will publish a series of practical guidelines addressing emerging risks —such as AI applications and supply chain security—highlighted in the “Hong Kong Cybersecurity Outlook 2026”, to support business in establishing a robust protection framework. In particular for AI governance, the guidelines will offer actionable recommendations covering AI system security assessments, compliance rules for employees using public AI platforms, controls over sensitive data input, and methods for monitoring and defending against AI‑assisted attacks. These resources aim to help enterprises systematically enhance their cyber resilience across governance, technology, and awareness.
As Hong Kong accelerates the development of innovation and technology and advances its digital economy, strengthening cyber defence capabilities has become a key talent need. HKCERT will continue to support businesses and the public through incident response, security guidance, and cybersecurity awareness programmes. The HKCERT CTF Challenge continues to play a vital role in nurturing local talent, fostering cross-regional collaboration, and advancing public education. By enhancing the overall level of protection, the competition contributes to the sustainable development of the digital economy and reinforces Hong Kong’s long‑term competitiveness.
The seventh edition of HKCERT CTF Challenge will be held in November 2026, featuring more innovative attack-defence challenges and continuing to set up an international category to provide local contestants with a platform for technical exchange with top teams from Hong Kong, Chinese Mainland, and overseas. Registration opens in September 2026, with finalists competing in the live finals in February 2027.
Hashtag: #HKCERT
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Supporting Sustainable Social Development through Arts and Education Celebrating the Power of “Music Changes Lives”
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 February 2026 – Great Eagle Group (Stock Code: 41) today announced that the Great Eagle Music Children Ensemble, supported by the Group, will present its annual concert, “Symphony of Light & Legacy”, on 29 March 2026 at The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts in Wanchai. Through the children’s performances, the concert will share their growth and transformation along their music-learning journeys.
Titled “Symphony of Light & Legacy”, the concert reflects the belief that music, like starlight, can gently illuminate children’s paths forward. “Light” symbolises music as a guiding presence, while “Legacy” represents the continuation of care and encouragement—so that each generation of children may feel supported as they explore a broader future.
Following the inaugural “Grow & Glow” concert in 2023, the Ensemble once again appears on a professional stage. The performance offers a glimpse into the children’s learning journeys and the values nurtured through music training, including discipline, confidence and a sense of responsibility. It also reflects the steady efforts of dedicated educators and the support of the wider community.
For many years, Great Eagle Group has supported the Music Children Foundation (the “Foundation”) in providing underprivileged children with access to structured, quality early music education. In 2018, the Group established the Great Eagle Music Children Ensemble under the Foundation to offer outstanding students a continuous and progressive platform. Through professional training, public performances and competitions, the programme seeks to nurture children’s musical abilities and whole-person development. Currently, the Ensemble comprises 73 orchestra members and 24 choir members. To date, the programme has benefited more than 187 children and delivered over 40 public performances.
Mr Alexander Lo, Executive Director of Great Eagle Group, said: “At Great Eagle, our vision is ‘Sustainable Growth’. We believe a company’s responsibility extends beyond business, and that we must use our resources thoughtfully in support of the communities we serve. Over the years, we have focused on arts, youth education and environmental protection, and remain committed to working alongside partners who share these values. We hope, in our own small way, to help create more opportunities for children to be seen, encouraged and supported, so they may move forward with greater confidence and choice.”
Ms Annike Pong and Ms Monique Pong, Co-founders of the Music Children Foundation, said: “Music brings together art and education in a way that can help children build confidence, broaden their horizons and discover their potential. We are thankful for Great Eagle Group’s long-standing support, which allows us to reach more communities and provide quality music education to more children.”
Tickets for “Symphony of Light & Legacy” are available via Cityline starting today. The concert is also supported by Cordis, under Langham Hospitality Group, a member of Great Eagle Group. Cordis’s brand manifesto, “Let Your Heart Rule”, encourages people to stay true to themselves and cherish authentic connections, which resonates with the positive messages conveyed through music.
“Symphony of Light & Legacy” – Concert Details
Date: 29 March 2026 (Sunday) Time: 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm Venue: Hong Kong Jockey Club Amphitheatre, The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts Ticketing: Cityline https://cultural.cityline.com/en/2026/symphonylightlegacy.html
Programme Highlights and Concert Narrative
The concert will be led by renowned music educator Mr Ray Tsoi as Orchestra Conductor, with Dr Lo Po Yan serving as Choral Director and Choir Conductor.
First Half: Choral works portraying children’s inner journeys from enlightenment to growth.
Second Half: Orchestral performances that, through richly layered melodies, express the strength and momentum of moving forward.
Sustained Commitment, Creating a Shared Future
Great Eagle Group believes the role of a corporation extends beyond achieving business success to making good use of its resources and uniting collective efforts to bring meaningful and sustainable positive impact to the community. Through continued investment in children and youth development, mental wellbeing and cultural education, the Group will continue to move forward hand in hand with society to help create a better future.
At the “Symphony of Light & Legacy” Concert, children will write their dreams through music and pass on hope.
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