Technology

AluHouse Debuts North American Steel Modular Solution at 2026 World of Modular, Securing Four Industry Awards

Published

2 days ago

April 27, 2026

LAS VEGAS, April 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — AluHouse Group, a Hong Kong-based modular manufacturer, made its North American debut from April 20-23 at the Modular Building Institute (MBI)’s 2026 World of Modular held in Las Vegas, Nevada, where the company presented a seven-story steel modular multifamily project that is now moving toward delivery in the U.S., while also taking home four Awards of Distinction for two completed projects in Hong Kong.

As the only modular building manufacturer from Asia specializing in mid- to high-rise modular construction to exhibit at 2026 World of Modular, AluHouse placed at the center of its exhibition a physical model and technical display of a multifamily project based in California. Designed and manufactured fully in line with the U.S. national and state-level building codes, the project has already cleared mock-up module inspection and is transitioning into mass production. The modules, measuring 50 feet in length and 15 feet in width, reach a prefabrication level of over 95%, showcasing how modern building construction is moving complexity off-site while enhancing precision, accelerating delivery, and ensuring reliable performance.

“The showcase is a defining step for us,” said Eric Kwong, Founder and Chairman of AluHouse Group. “Our entry into the US market goes beyond business expansion. It’s about proving that modular construction, when executed to the highest standards, can meaningfully address housing shortages across the U.S. and Canada with speed, quality, affordable, and consistency, particularly at a time when a structural shift in trade and labor policies are driving up the materials and labor costs. We are building long-term partnerships here with both local and global expertise, not just delivering projects as a supplier.”

“This debut also represents a major step forward in bringing Hong Kong’s innovative Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) technology to the global market,” he added. “The development of the MiC sector in Hong Kong has been supported by consistent policy initiatives and industry guidance from the Hong Kong SAR Government, which has enabled the technology to achieve significant maturity and scale within the global modular industry.”

The seven-story steel modular multifamily project on display at AluHouse’s booth consists of 36 modules designed and engineered in full compliance with the regional building standards, with all structural, MEP, and finishing work fully integrated within the factory. Following the prototype inspection and approval, the project has moved into mass production, with the modules now being prepared for delivery to the U.S.

“Meeting North American standards on our first major project required absolute alignment across design, engineering, and manufacturing,” said Paul Law, Director of AluHouse. “The successful design and manufacturing of this project proves our ability to achieve that synergy. With a dedicated local team now in place, we are ready to support developers and owners on projects that demand both speed and certainty.”

AluHouse’s push into the U.S. market is backed by technical capability few in the industry can match. The company is one of the largest modular construction manufacturers in the world and among the few operating globally across steel, concrete, and aluminum modular systems, with proven experience in high-rise construction exceeding 40 stories. This includes a landmark social housing project previously delivered in Hong Kong, which comprised nearly 16,000 modules in a high‑rise steel structure and was recognized as one of the world’s largest of its kind, demonstrating AluHouse’s strength in large-scale manufacturing and rapid project delivery. Its production network, anchored by two major facilities in China’s Greater Bay Area and Saudi Arabia, delivers a combined annual capacity of up to 78,000 modules, providing the scale required to execute large, complex projects with speed and precision.

To date, AluHouse has completed more than 200 projects worldwide, delivering over 27,000 modules across Australia, New Zealand, the Middle East, and Greater China, with North America now emerging as the next frontier as its first U.S. project moves into production. Its vertically integrated supply chain spans steel fabrication, concrete production, aluminum extrusion, mould systems, aluminum windows and curtain wall manufacturing, and full module assembly, shortening lead times, ensuring consistency, and strengthening cost control, all supported by proprietary digital systems that connect design, production, and delivery into a single workflow.

AluHouse’s leadership was further bolstered by prestigious recognition at the MBI Awards of Distinction, where it secured four major honors for its landmark projects in Hong Kong, a city with rigorous safety standards, complex regulatory frameworks, and high-quality demands that make it one of the world’s most stringent construction markets globally.

The recognitions include two “Best of Show” awards, which represent the highest level of peer-voted recognition for project excellence at the event. Determined by the votes of conference delegates to identify the most distinctive projects in each major category, these awards were conferred upon:

Best of Show: Permanent Modular Education (P.L.K Siu Hon Sum Primary School)Best of Show: Relocatable Modular Social & Supportive Housing (Choi Hing Road Transitional Housing)Permanent Modular Education Honorable Mention (P.L.K Siu Hon Sum Primary School)Relocatable Modular Social & Supportive Housing Honorable Mention (Choi Hing Road Transitional Housing)

The company’s Choi Hing Road Transitional Housing project, which won an award in the Relocatable Modular Social & Supportive Housing Category, stands as the tallest steel modular transitional housing development in Hong Kong at eight stories, featuring Q690 (equivalent to ASTM A514 Grade Q) high-strength steel to achieve both structural performance and rapid delivery. The project adopts a hybrid approach that integrates newly constructed modules with relocated modular units from previous developments, demonstrating both efficient resource reuse and flexible deployment. The Po Leung Kuk Siu Hon Sum Primary School project is Hong Kong’s first fair-faced concrete modular campus, which won an award in the Permanent Modular Education Category.

“While these projects follow Hong Kong’s building codes, they demonstrate AluHouse’s ability to navigate complex regulatory environments, a skill directly transferable to the diverse code landscape across U.S. states. These outstanding modular projects in Hong Kong embody the quality and innovation developed locally, showcasing how ‘Hong Kong manufacturing’ can be transformed into ‘global application’ through AluHouse’s expansion into markets such as North America,” said Eric Kwong.

About AluHouse Group

AluHouse is a global leader in modular construction, delivering faster, safer, and more sustainable building solutions. Headquartered in Hong Kong, the company provides end-to-end services covering R&D, design, manufacturing, transportation, and on-site installation across steel, concrete, and aluminum modular systems. Its products span a wide range of sectors, including residential housing, apartments, schools, student housing, workforce accommodation, hospitals, and public facilities, addressing the needs of markets facing labor shortages and rising costs. AluHouse’s services extend across North America, Hong Kong, Mainland China, the Middle East, Australia, New Zealand, and beyond.

For more information, please visit:

Website: www.aluhouse.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aluhouse-company-limited/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AluHouseALPOD/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@aluhouse5503

Media Contact: Kira Li, kira.li@aluhouse.com

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SOURCE AluHouse

Technology

Meridian Singapore Immigration Launches New Website to Simplify the PR Application Journey for Foreigners in Singapore

Published

3 hours ago

April 30, 2026

New online platform provides clear, structured guidance for Employment Pass and S Pass holders navigating Singapore’s residency and Permanent Residency pathways

SINGAPORE, April 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Meridian Singapore Immigration Pte. Ltd. has officially launched its new website at meridianimmigration.sg, a resource built specifically for foreigners living and working in Singapore who are exploring Permanent Residency or long-term residency options.

The platform arrives at a time when Singapore’s expatriate and foreign professional community is growing rapidly, yet many EP and S Pass holders report struggling to find clear, reliable information on the PR application process. Singapore’s immigration framework is among the most structured in Southeast Asia, with eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, and submission windows that change frequently. For individuals navigating this process without professional guidance, the stakes are high and the margin for error is narrow.

Meridian’s website was built to address that gap directly. The platform offers detailed explanations of available immigration pathways, structured consultation options, and educational resources developed by the firm’s team of immigration specialists. Rather than presenting a services catalogue, the site walks users through the considerations relevant to their specific situation, whether they hold an Employment Pass, S Pass, or are planning for their family’s long-term residency in Singapore.

“We built this platform because we saw how overwhelming and confusing the immigration process can be for people who genuinely want to build their lives here,” said a spokesperson for Meridian Singapore Immigration. “Our goal is to be the trusted partner that walks them through every step with clarity and integrity.”

Singapore’s continued attractiveness as a regional hub for multinational corporations, financial institutions, and technology firms means the pipeline of foreigners seeking long-term residency options remains substantial. At the same time, the ICA’s PR application framework has grown more nuanced, with factors such as economic contributions, family ties, and community integration weighed during assessment. Applicants who proceed without a clear understanding of these criteria often submit applications that are either premature or structurally incomplete.

Meridian’s approach centres on preparation and transparency, helping applicants understand where they stand before they apply and what supporting documentation strengthens their case.

Meridian Singapore Immigration Pte. Ltd. is a professional immigration consultancy dedicated to guiding individuals and families through Singapore’s immigration process. Specialising in Permanent Residency (PR) applications, residency pathways, and compliance support, Meridian offers clear, structured solutions tailored to each client’s unique circumstances. Founded on the values of Guidance, Integrity, and Success, Meridian is committed to making immigration simple, transparent, and accessible for everyone. For more information, visit meridianimmigration.sg or contact info@meridianimmigration.sg / +65 8873 1113.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/meridian-singapore-immigration-launches-new-website-to-simplify-the-pr-application-journey-for-foreigners-in-singapore-302757392.html

SOURCE Meridian Singapore Immigration Pte. Ltd.

Technology

Socomec, Daitron team up to meet Japan’s growing power demands

Published

3 hours ago

April 30, 2026

TOKYO, April 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Socomec, a century-old electrical group specialising in mission-critical energy, and Japan’s Daitron, an electronics components distributor, have signed a partnership to deliver power conversion solutions and service backup power and electrical-switching systems across Japan.

The deal combines Socomec’s equipment with Daitron’s on-the-ground engineering team, which has more than 74 years of experience in the Japanese market. The two companies will handle everything from project delivery to ongoing maintenance and spare parts.

The partnership covers three product areas: uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), which keep facilities running during outages; power conversion systems, which ensure the availability and continuity of high-quality energy; and static transfer switches, which automatically reroute power loads between sources without interruption.

Beyond equipment sales, the agreement includes training, spare parts, long-term service contracts and a full range of expert services covering prevention, measurement and analysis, consultancy, deployment and optimisation. Socomec will provide product and technical training to Daitron’s team, while Daitron handles installation, servicing and day-to-day client support in Japan.

The target market spans data centres, semiconductor plants, industrial facilities, hospitals and green buildings, all areas where even brief power interruptions can prove costly. Data center demand in particular is surging, driven by the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence infrastructure, with colocation and enterprise facilities among the primary targets.

“Daitron knows the Japanese market inside and out. They have the people, the relationships, and the hands-on experience, and we bring the technology to match,” said Socomec Asia-Pacific CEO O’Niel Dissanayake. “It’s a natural fit, and together we can offer something neither company could deliver alone.”

“Japan’s data centres, chip factories and industrial plants all require power systems they can count on,” said Masaharu Kato, corporate officer of Daitron. “Socomec’s technology is exactly what these customers need, and our job is to make sure it’s installed, maintained and supported properly. That’s what we do best.”

The partnership comes as Japan faces a step change in power demand. Electricity consumption is expected to grow 5.3% over the next decade, driven by data centres and semiconductor factories, according to the country’s grid operator. Industrial energy demand alone is forecast to rise 18.3% over the same period.

That growth is creating strong demand for reliable power infrastructure. Data centres, for example, run around the clock and cannot afford downtime, making backup power and efficient energy management essential. Socomec’s systems are designed to reduce power consumption without sacrificing reliability, a balance that is becoming increasingly important as operators look to manage both costs and environmental commitments.

Both companies say project planning and bids are already underway, with a long-term goal of expanding the partnership’s reach across Japan as demand grows.

About Daitron

Daitron Co., Ltd. is a Japanese engineering and trading company founded in 1952 and headquartered in Osaka. Listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TYO: 7609), Daitron sells and manufactures electronic components, semiconductor processing equipment and power supply systems. The company has more than seven decades of experience serving Japan’s electronics and manufacturing industries.

SOCOMEC: When energy matters

Founded in 1922, SOCOMEC is an independent industrial group of more than 4,800 experts spread across the world in 30 subsidiaries. Our vocation: design, manufacture and sale of electrical equipment, with a strong expertize in critical power applications. In 2025, SOCOMEC achieved a turnover of 997 million euros (not yet audited).

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SOURCE Socomec

Technology

Multi-Destination Travel Surges Across Asia-Pacific This Labour Day, Trip.com Group Data Shows

Published

3 hours ago

April 30, 2026

Multi-city travel across Asia-Pacific grew 35% year-on-yearMulti-city travel outpaces single-destination growth by more than 2xSoutheast Asia sees strong double-digit growth, with Thailand up to 52% YoY

SINGAPORE, April 29, 2026 /CNW/ — Multi-city travel across Asia-Pacific grew 35% year-on-year this Labour Day period, according to data from Trip.com Group. Several Asia-Pacific markets including Japan, South Korea, parts of Southeast Asia and Mainland China celebrate Labour Day, driving strong cross-border and domestic travel flows across the region.

Over 30% of international trips now span multiple destinations, highlighting a continued shift towards more complex, itinerary-led travel. This shift reflects a growing preference to maximise time and value with multiple destinations within a single trip rather than a single location.

Multi-destination trips become a defining travel pattern

While single-destination travel continues to account for most bookings, growth is increasingly driven by more complex itineraries. Multi-destination bookings are growing at more than twice the pace of single-destination travel, reflecting stronger demand for flexibility and deeper exploration.

Travellers are increasingly structuring trips across multiple cities to maximise both time and value, with popular combinations including:

Tokyo – Osaka – Kyoto (Japan)Seoul – Busan (South Korea)Bangkok – Phuket (Thailand)

These itineraries reflect a growing preference for multi-stop journeys that blend urban experiences with leisure destinations.

Southeast Asia sees fast growth in multi-destination travel

Across Southeast Asia, demand for multi-destination travel is rising steadily, with strong growth across key markets of Thailand: 52%, Malaysia: 40%, and Singapore: 17%, according to Trip.com Group data.

Top outbound destinations across Southeast Asian markets include Japan (Tokyo, Osaka), South Korea (Seoul), China (Shanghai, Beijing), Thailand (Bangkok), Indonesia (Bali).

In other parts of Asia such as Hong Kong SAR, multi-destination travel also grew by over 50% year-on-year, highlighting growing preference for more complex itineraries over traditional single-destination trips, particularly in well-connected urban markets.

In Mainland China, domestic travel remains a strong base, while overseas journeys are increasingly shaped by multi-destination itineraries, with over 40% of outbound trips spanning multiple destinations and continuing to grow.

This suggests that travellers in this region are increasingly combining multiple cities within a single trip, supported by strong regional connectivity.

Japan’s domestic travel momentum on the rise

Japan is also seeing shifts in domestic travel behaviour, even as outbound demand continues to grow.

In Japan, domestic travel is growing rapidly, indicating rising interest in travelling within the country, accounting for one-quarter of all flight bookings, and to cities such as Tokyo, Sapporo and Okinawa.

Intra-Asia travel dominates Labour Day demand

The Labour Day holiday period continues to be driven by regional travel within Asia-Pacific, with travellers favouring destinations that offer ease of access, diverse experiences, and flexible itineraries.

The Group’s data highlights the continued strength of short-haul travel, supported by strong connectivity and shorter flight durations.

More broadly, the way people travel across Asia-Pacific is evolving. Travellers taking a more deliberate approach to how they plan their trips. While cross-border journeys are increasingly shaped by multi-city itineraries, domestic travel remains a strong and steady part of the landscape. Together, these patterns point to a more flexible and value-conscious mindset, as travellers look to make the most of both time and budget.

About Trip.com Group

Trip.com Group is a leading global travel service provider comprising of Trip.com, Ctrip, Skyscanner, and Qunar. Across its platforms, Trip.com Group helps travellers around the world make informed and cost-effective bookings for travel products and services and enables partners to connect their offerings with users through the aggregation of comprehensive travel-related content and resources, and an advanced transaction platform consisting of apps, websites and 24/7 customer service centres. Founded in 1999 and listed on NASDAQ in 2003 and HKEX in 2021, Trip.com Group has become one of the best-known travel groups in the world, with the mission “to pursue the perfect trip for a better world”. Find out more about Trip.com Group here: group.trip.com.