Applications of Innovative Technology and Environmental-friendly Designs
HONG KONG, Nov. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Hang Seng Bank ('Hang Seng') today (18 November 2024) unveiled the newly renovated Hong Kong Main Branch in Central with the launch of Future Banking 2.0 – a bold transformation that seamlessly integrates cutting-edge technology with personalised customer service. The first phase of the Hang Seng Main Branch renovation, which includes the General Banking Hall on first floor and the Prestige Banking Centre on third floor was completed, signaling a new chapter for Hang Seng, where innovation, customer-centricity, and sustainability shape the future of its banking services.
To stay ahead of customers' future needs, Hang Seng introduced the concept of Future Banking – a revamp of the traditional banking model to offer its diverse customer base with creative, caring and forward-looking banking services. The 2.0 version further features the pioneering 'Come to You' service concept on General Banking. Equipped with the Bank's market-first Smart Teller, 'Come to You' service concept allows customers to be served while seated comfortably in the banking lounge, reducing the waiting time.
Rannie Lee, Head of Wealth and Personal Banking of Hang Seng Bank said: "Our innovative Future Banking service concept launched last year has been well-received by customers. In the first three quarters of this year, our new-to-bank affluent customer base grew by 100%. Future Banking 2.0 represents our commitment to delivering a seamless and personalised experience that blends technology with customer centricity. Our 'Come to You' service concept is the first in Hong Kong and reflects Hang Seng's ongoing efforts to innovate our services by staying closely connected to our customers and the community."
Upon arrival in the General Banking Hall, frontline staff at reception will facilitate customers to scan a QR code to receive an electronic ticket of different service areas, including Smart Teller area, traditional teller area and personalised financial service area. Once seated in the Smart Teller area, customers can scan another QR code at their seats, allowing staff to locate them using real-time technology and approach them directly to assist with their banking needs. The Smart Teller service is designed to handle 60% of general banking services, including cash deposits of banknotes, foreign exchange, opening fixed deposits, transfers and other personal account-related services. Customers using the Smart Teller service experience a reduced wait time of less than 10 minutes on average.
The transformation of the Hong Kong Main Branch has also created a welcoming and modern space for the community in the heart of Central. Inspired by the serenity of a natural bamboo retreat and cutting-edge technology, the new design presents a refreshing new green atmosphere. It combines the concepts of 'people-oriented, 'integration of nature', and 'agility', fully demonstrating Hang Seng's vision of 'Ever Growing, Ever Innovating' inside and out.
As part of its pledge to make its operations net zero by 2030, Hang Seng is further embedding sustainability concepts and elements into the Hong Kong Main Branch. The use of natural lighting and new air-conditioning system will enhance energy efficiency by reducing energy consumption by around 20% compared to traditional designs. In addition, the upcycling of granites and glass panels demolished from renovation has significantly reduced the construction and demolition waste. The renovation of the Hang Seng Main Branch will be completed by the second quarter of 2025, featuring a new Cross-boundary Wealth Management Centre.
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
Hang Seng Bank Unveils Newly Renovated Hong Kong Main Branch with the Debut of the Market-New 'Come to You' Service Concept
T. Rowe Price Investment Management, Inc. and Braidwell LP participate as new investors
Stephen Williams, MD, Ph.D. joins as Chief Scientific Officer
Rebecca Chambers and Frank Witney, Ph.D. appointed to Board of Directors
FREMONT, Calif., Jan. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Alamar Biosciences, Inc. ("Alamar"), a leader in precision proteomics dedicated to advancing the early detection of disease, announced the close of an oversubscribed convertible notes financing, bringing in more than $50 million of new capital. Accounts advised by T. Rowe Price Investment Management, Inc. and Braidwell LP joined the financing as new investors. Existing investors, including Illumina Ventures and Sands Capital, also participated. The financing will support the continued commercial advancement of Alamar's precision proteomics platform.
"We deeply appreciate the continued support from our existing investors and are excited to welcome our new partners," said Dr. Yuling Luo, founder, chairman, and chief executive officer of Alamar. "Their confidence in our vision and strategy underscores the transformative potential of our work. This investment will enable us to accelerate innovation and continue to expand the reach of our platform, unlocking the full value of precision medicine and early disease detection."
Leadership and Board Expansion
Alamar also announced key additions to its executive leadership team and board of directors to support the company's continued growth and commitment to operational excellence.
To further strengthen its scientific leadership, Alamar welcomes Dr. Stephen Williams as Chief Scientific Officer. Steve brings more than three decades of experience in precision medicine and biomarker innovation. He most recently served as Chief Medical Officer at Standard BioTools and SomaLogic, and previously spent 18 years at Pfizer in senior leadership roles. A recognized leader in the scientific community, he has served on the NIH National Advisory Council for Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, helped launch the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative, and co-founded the FDA-FNIH-PhRMA Biomarker Consortium.
Alamar has also appointed Rebecca Chambers and Dr. Frank Witney as directors to its board. Rebecca, Chief Financial Officer at Veracyte, brings deep financial and healthcare leadership experience from her current role as well as previous positions at Outset Medical, Illumina, Myriad Genetics and Life Technologies. Frank, an operating partner at Ampersand Capital Partners, adds over three decades of life sciences leadership experience, including serving as President and CEO of Affymetrix and Dionex Corporation, and currently sits on the boards of Revvity, Cerus Corporation, Standard BioTools, and several private companies.
"I am thrilled to welcome Steve to our leadership team, and Rebecca and Frank to our board of directors," said Dr. Yuling Luo. "Their deep expertise and diverse perspectives will be invaluable as we accelerate our mission to unleash the power of our Precision Proteomics platform, to enable broad impacts across health and disease. This is an exciting moment for Alamar, and we look forward to the impact their leadership will have on driving innovation and growth."
About Alamar Biosciences, Inc.
Alamar Biosciences is a privately held life sciences company dedicated to powering precision proteomics to enable the earliest detection of disease. Leveraging its proprietary NULISA™ technology and the ARGO™ HT System, Alamar's platform is designed to deliver ultra-high sensitivity and addresses key limitations of existing technologies to deliver precision proteomics. For more information, please visit alamarbio.com.
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
Alamar Biosciences Announces Close of Oversubscribed Convertible Notes Financing and Expansion of Leadership Team
Alamar Biosciences Announces Close of Oversubscribed Convertible Notes Financing and Expansion of Leadership Team
Alamar Biosciences Announces Close of Oversubscribed Convertible Notes Financing and Expansion of Leadership Team
Alamar Biosciences Announces Close of Oversubscribed Convertible Notes Financing and Expansion of Leadership Team
