HONG KONG, May 26, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - The Hong Kong Institute of Directors (HKIoD) has officially announced that nominations are now open for the HKIoD Awards for Director Excellence 2026. This flagship award programme continues to serve as a cornerstone for promoting outstanding corporate governance and director professionalism across Hong Kong.This year's Awards theme, Navigating Through Disruptive Forces in Challenging Times, underscores the resilience required by modern boards to steer their organisations steadily through rapid digital transformations, macroeconomic shifts, and evolving stakeholder expectations.In its 26th edition, HKIoD will once again present its signature accolades across three critical governance pillars: the Directors of the Year Award, the Climate Governance Award, and the Social Impact Award. These honours go beyond simple recognition; they celebrate visionary leaders who deeply embed corporate governance, climate governance, and social sustainability in the core of their business frameworks.Mr Richard Tsang, Chairman of HKIoD, during his keynote address, stated: "As fellow directors, we serve as stewards of corporate governance, tasked with balancing the interests of all stakeholders. This year’s theme perfectly captures the prevailing uncertainties we face today—times are undeniably tough, yet we continue to forge ahead with resolve. Through this impactful initiative, we remain deeply committed to honouring role models, fostering peer learning, and raising the overall standard of corporate governance in Hong Kong."Mr Jonathan Shea, CEO of HKIoD, introduced the key highlights and arrangements for the 2026 project cycle and encouraged eligible candidates to submit their nominations well ahead of the deadline.Insights from Distinguished Past AwardeesThe briefing session featured an insightful panel discussion, titled "Distinguished Directors' Insights", moderated by Mr Vincent Chan (Council Member & Chairman of the Awards Organising Committee). Three distinguished past awardees shared their experiences on how rigorous board oversight translates into organisational resilience:- Mr Alvin Lee (Executive Director, FSE Lifestyle Services Limited) highlighted the critical need for forward-looking governance in the face of technological shifts. He noted that boards must proactively embrace technology rather than passively approve management decisions. For instance, establishing dedicated AI committees can help organisations seamlessly integrate digital tools into daily practices like cost analysis and ESG tracking.- Ms Helen Li (Group Chief Auditor, The Bank of East Asia Limited) discussed strengthening risk and audit frameworks under stringent regulatory landscapes. She emphasised that true board diversity—compassing expertise across such areas as financial oversight and cybersecurity—is essential for managing unpredictable "unknown unknowns" and allowing directors to constructively challenge executive management.- Ms Theresa Yeung (Managing Principal, East Asia, Arup) shared her extensive experience steering massive infrastructure and sustainability initiatives. She explained that when driving deep organisational change, boards must look beyond simple slogans and explicitly hardcode sustainable concepts into clear, actionable checklists and daily KPIs.The panel collectively reminded prospective applicants that the assessment process functions as a free corporate "health check". Nominees are strongly encouraged to prepare robust, quantitative data to back up their achievements for review by the independent judging panels.Nomination Details & CategoriesThe deadline for submitting all nominations for the 2026 Awards is 23 July 2026. The nominations will be rigorously evaluated by a highly credible panel of prominent business leaders, professionals, and regulatory representatives.Awards are granted across the following categories:Company CategoriesDirector CategoriesListed CompaniesNon-Listed CompaniesStatutory / Non-Profit OrganisationsExecutive DirectorsNon-Executive DirectorsBoard of DirectorsTo download nomination forms and access detailed guidelines, please visit the official HKIoD portal: https://www.hkiod.com/award-series-for-director-excellence-2026/.Photo Caption: (Left to Right) HKIoD Awards Organising Committee Chairman Mr Vincent Chan hosts the interactive panel discussion alongside past awardees Mr Alvin Lee, Ms Helen Li, and Ms Theresa Yeung, highlighting best practices in corporate leadership and sustainable governance.About The Hong Kong Institute of Directors (“HKIoD”)The Hong Kong Institute of Directors (“HKIoD”) is Hong Kong’s premier body representing directors working together to advance corporate sustainability in creating long-term value for companies, their owners, stakeholders, humankind and Planet Earth through advocacy and standards-setting in corporate governance and director professionalism. Led by Founder Chairman Dr The Hon Moses Cheng, HKIoD was founded in 1997. Throughout the years, HKIoD is honoured to have the Chief Executive of HKSAR as the Institute’s Patron. Membership of HKIoD comprises of directors from diverse industries and corporate types and includes Executive Directors, Non-Executive Directors and Independent Non-Executive Directors. With multi-culturalism and international perspectives, HKIoD organises activities that cover director training, seminars and forums, collective director voice, guideline establishment, public education, Award Series for Director Excellence, assessment of Corporate Governance Scorecard for listed companies etc. As a member body of the Global Network of Director Institutes (“GNDI”), HKIoD is committed to global collaboration in promoting good corporate governance and director professionalism. HKIoD is the appointed Host of the Hong Kong Chapter of Climate Governance Initiative, a global network that collaborates with the World Economic Forum in actively promoting directors’ address of the risks and opportunities of climate change.For details please visit: http://www.hkiod.com | http://www.gndi.org | https://climate-governance.org/Awards Enquiries: Media Enquiries:The Hong Kong Institute of Directors Strategic Public Relations GroupOdessa So Brenda Chan / Karen Ng+852 2889 4988 / odessa.so@hkiod.com +852 2114 4396 / 2114 4978brenda.chan@sprg.com.hkkaren.ng@sprg.com.hkFax:+852 2889 9982 Fax:+852 2114 4948 Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

HONG KONG, May 26, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Cornerstone Robotics, a leading innovator in surgical robotics based in Hong Kong, is pleased to announce that its proprietary Sentire(R) Surgical System has officially received European Union CE mark certification under the Medical Device Regulation (MDR) and has simultaneously obtained approval from the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) of Singapore. These certifications cover minimally invasive surgical procedures in General Surgery, Gynecology, Thoracic and Urology. This milestone marks the formal entry of the Sentire(R) Surgical System into the core medical markets of Europe and the Asia-Pacific. Cornerstone Robotics has thus become the first Hong Kong-based surgical robotics brand to simultaneously complete EU regulatory certification and in-depth European clinical validation, signaling that Hong Kong’s high-quality medical device innovation has officially entered the international market’s main track. Achieving Combined Regulatory Approval and Clinical ValidationThe Sentire(R) Surgical System is a high-end surgical robotic platform that combines clinical workflows with integrated engineering, software, and imaging technologies. Achieving CE certification not only demonstrates that its safety, efficacy, and quality management system fully comply with stringent international regulatory standards but also affirms that this high-quality platform possesses the robust capability and credentials to serve physicians and patients worldwide.Alongside regulatory certification, Cornerstone Robotics has simultaneously advanced its international clinical validation. By leveraging its three global R&D centres and establishing an early presence in the UK, the Company has integrated European talent and clinical resources to inject international innovation momentum into product iteration and clinical adaptation. Since 2025, the Company has partnered with Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust (PHU) to undertake a fully compliant clinical investigation for the Sentire(R) Surgical System, steadily accumulating real-world European clinical data to support evidence-based research, training protocol development, and clinical adoption. To date, the Sentire(R) Surgical System has successfully completed numerous complex procedures in the UK, spanning core specialties including urology, gynecology, and upper and lower gastrointestinal surgery. The investigation achieved positive patient outcomes, and the clinicians were very satisfied with the system’s performance. Concurrently, the Singapore HSA certification, as one of the highly mature and internationally recognised medical device market access systems in the Asia-Pacific, is similarly renowned for its rigorous safety and efficacy evaluations. The Sentire(R) Surgical System's simultaneous achievement of certifications from both the EU and Singapore fully demonstrates Cornerstone Robotics' quality and compliance across different global regulatory frameworks.Deepening Global Presence with One-Stop Localised ServicesAdhering to its “From Hong Kong to the World” strategy, Cornerstone Robotics has deepened its global localisation efforts with the strategic support of the Hong Kong Investment Corporation (the HKIC), aiming to empower physicians and patients worldwide through professional service. In the European market, to further support regional customers and enhance clinical responsiveness, the Company established its UK subsidiary in 2025, initiating a one-stop service provision encompassing professional training, clinical technical support, and after-sales service. The Company has already completed multiple training sessions in the UK, covering surgeons, operating room nursing teams, and hospital technical support personnel, helping clinical teams rapidly build proficiency and confidence in operating the Sentire(R) Surgical System, thereby establishing a solid foundation for scaled commercial rollout.While continuing to deepen its European footprint, Cornerstone Robotics has also been actively expanding its Asia-Pacific collaboration network. Previously, Cornerstone Robotics signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the National Healthcare Group (NHG) and the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine (LKC Medicine) of Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, to jointly advance the development of Singapore's healthcare innovation ecosystem. In April 2026, Cornerstone Robotics completed the first installation of the Sentire(R) Surgical System in Singapore at Woodlands Hospital under NHG. The system is being made available to surgical teams from multiple local hospitals for system testing, operation training and clinical workflow adaptation assessments. This deployment leverages the system’s performance in research and training, steadily advancing the adoption of innovative surgical robotic applications in Singapore and the broader Asia-Pacific region.Full-Stack In-House R&D and Vertical Integration: The Foundation for High-Quality Global ExpansionCornerstone Robotics has consistently adhered to the long-term strategy of full-stack in-house R&D and vertical integration, which forms the foundation of its competitive advantage and high-quality international expansion. Anchored in this strategy, the Company has successfully built an underlying technology platform spanning mechanical, electrical, software, algorithmic, and vision imaging technologies. This high degree of technological autonomy ensures superior clinical performance, secures supply chain resilience, and enhances the agility and long-term innovation potential of its R&D. Built upon this vertically integrated architecture, the Sentire(R) Surgical System delivers exceptional stability and predictable performance in demanding surgical environments.Professor Samuel Au, Founder and CEO of Cornerstone Robotics, commented: “Receiving both EU CE and Singapore HSA certifications marks a major milestone in Cornerstone Robotics' evolution from technology innovator to a global clinical solution provider. From our first clinical investigation in Portsmouth, UK, to formally securing multi-jurisdictional regulatory approvals, every step of the journey reflects our commitment to proprietary innovation, product excellence, and clinical value. Looking ahead, we will continue expanding into key global markets and partnering with leading medical institutions to bring advanced surgical robotic solutions to more physicians and patients worldwide.”The successive approvals of both EU CE and Singapore HSA certifications represent not only important market access gateways for the Sentire(R) Surgical System, but also a signal that Cornerstone Robotics' globalisation strategy has entered an accelerated phase. Strategic capital support has injected further momentum into this global push. In November 2025, Cornerstone Robotics successfully completed an oversubscribed financing round of approximately US$200 million, led by the HKIC with participation of global strategic investors and top-tier sovereign funds. As a flagship “patient capital” investor wholly owned by the HKSAR Government, the HKIC’s investment underscores market confidence in Cornerstone Robotics' global commercial capabilities and long-term growth prospects. With the European and Asia-Pacific markets as strategic anchors, Cornerstone Robotics is delivering more precise and reliable robotic solutions to physicians worldwide and extending higher-quality life protection to patients across the globe.About Cornerstone Robotics (CSR)Established and incubated in Hong Kong, Cornerstone Robotics (CSR) is an innovative surgical robotics unicorn driven by the vision of leading medical innovations for a healthier world. It advances surgical care with cutting-edge robotic systems that make high-quality healthcare more accessible and efficient globally. With three global R&D hubs and six business centers worldwide, the company has established a 30,000-square-meter manufacturing facility in China. Developed entirely in-house, its Sentire(R) surgical system has successfully completed multi-specialty clinical trials and received market approval in multiple countries and regions, including China, the European Union and Singapore, serving medical professionals globally and bringing better care to more patients.To find out more information, please visit our website at https://en.csrbtx.com/ Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

SINGAPORE, May 25, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Sale seasons in Singapore, such as the Great Singapore Sale or the year-end 12.12 events, offer significant opportunities to save on high-ticket items. However, the pressure of flash deals and limited-time offers can easily lead to impulsive overspending. Managing these large purchases responsibly requires disciplined planning and using financial tools like quick loans to maintain your long-term stability.Selecting a flexible credit line or quick loans may provide access to funds that can be considered as part of managing expenses during sale periods. This approach may help you with short-term cash flow management while meeting daily expenses. The following strategies focus on how to navigate major sale events while keeping your financial health intact.Create a prioritised shopping listBefore the sales begin, you should identify what you truly need versus what you simply want. A common mistake is falling into the trap of discount illusion, where buying a discounted item you do not actually need is viewed as a saving when in reality, it is an unnecessary expense.List your intended large-scale purchases in a spreadsheet, noting their original prices and the stores that sell them. Prioritise these items based on their utility and longevity, such as essential home appliances or quality electronics. This preparation allows you to act decisively on genuine deals while ignoring filler items that only serve to drain your budget.Set a hard budget capThe excitement of a sale can often cloud your financial judgment, leading to multiple impulsive purchases, thus making you lose track of your total expenses. To avoid this, determine a realistic total amount you are willing to spend across the entire sale season.If your high-priority items exceed your current cash in hand, you might consider using quick loans to bridge the gap. A flexible credit line can offer immediate access to funds, but you must ensure the total loan amount fits within your calculated repayment capacity. Establishing this limit early may help you not to fall short of funds for the remainder of the month due to a single weekend of shopping.Use flexible financing to control cash flowLarge purchases often require significant upfront cash that can temporarily destabilise your monthly balance. In such cases, quick loans or a personal line of credit can serve as a valuable tool for managing short-term cash flow.Some credit lines may offer promotional interest rates of up to 0% interest for several months, subject to applicable terms and conditions. This flexibility allows you to secure the sale price of a large item immediately while spreading the cost over a few months. Repaying the balance quickly may help you benefit from the sale discount without losing those savings to interest charges.Think twice before you payFlash sales and discount banners are designed to trigger a fear of missing out, thus forcing you to act in haste. One of the effective ways to counteract this is the 24-hour rule: wait a full day before proceeding to purchase any non-essential large item.Giving yourself this time allows the initial emotional impulse to fade, helping you decide if the item truly adds value to your life. If the deal is still available and fits your budget the next day, you can proceed with confidence. This simple pause can save you a lot of funds and from buyer's remorse in the foreseeable future.Focus on quality and long-term valueA low price tag does not always equal a good deal if the product requires frequent repairs or expensive maintenance. When shopping for large items during a sale, prioritise quality over quantity by researching product reviews and warranties.Investing in a durable, high-quality appliance, even at a slightly higher sale price, often costs less in the long run than a cheaper, lower-quality alternative. Additionally, always check return policies before purchasing, as being stuck with a non-returnable faulty item can turn a temporary bargain into a long-term loss.Final thoughtsManaging large purchases during Singapore's sale seasons is about making informed decisions that align with your financial goals. By using a structured plan and leveraging tools like quick loans responsibly, you can enjoy the full benefits of a sale without lingering financial distress.Disclaimer: This content is published by iQuanti Singapore Pte Ltd, an external marketer engaged and compensated by UOB Ltd.Contact Information:Name: Sonakshi MurzeEmail: Sonakshi.murze@iquanti.comJob Title: ManagerSOURCE: iQuanti Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

HONG KONG, May 26, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Shoucheng Holdings (697.HK) is seeing a new valuation catalyst from its forward-looking deployment across the robotics industry chain. On May 25, information on the Shanghai Stock Exchange website showed that the SSE Listing Review Committee is scheduled to hold its 31st review meeting of 2026 on June 1, 2026, to review the STAR Market IPO application of Unitree Robotics Co., Ltd. As a representative company in China’s embodied intelligence and humanoid robotics sectors, Unitree Robotics’ steady IPO progress is expected to raise capital-market attention toward the robotics value chain and provide a clearer valuation reference for Shoucheng’s related robotics assets.Public information shows that Unitree Robotics’ STAR Market IPO application was accepted by the SSE on March 20 this year, with planned fundraising of RMB4.202 billion. Based on the assumption that the new shares will account for no less than 10% of the post-issue share capital, Unitree Robotics would have an implied post-issue valuation of no less than RMB42.0 billion. Shoucheng Holdings participates in the investment in Unitree Robotics through the Beijing Robotics Industry Development Investment Fund. The fund held 3.8262% of Unitree Robotics before the offering and is expected to hold approximately 3.44% after the offering. Based on the above valuation estimate, the corresponding value of this equity stake would be about RMB1.446 billion.For Shoucheng Holdings, Unitree Robotics’ upcoming review means that its robotics industry investment is entering a value-validation stage. In recent years, the company has continued to deploy capital and resources in embodied intelligence, service robots and commercial application scenarios, gradually building an integrated model of industrial fund investment, offline scenario implementation and capital-market exits. If Unitree Robotics is successfully listed, it will help enhance the visible valuation of Shoucheng’s robotics assets and strengthen market recognition of its industrial investment capabilities. Overall, Unitree Robotics’ IPO creates a clear industrial catalyst and valuation re-rating window for Shoucheng, with the company’s medium- to long-term valuation upside expected to be further unlocked. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com