ACOH 2026 Early Bird Rate Ends 30 April; Abstract Submission Closes 1 April

KUCHING, Malaysia, March 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Asia's leading platform on workplace health and safety, the 24th Asian Congress on Occupational Health (ACOH) 2026, is calling on researchers, practitioners, and industry professionals to secure their participation as key deadlines approach. Scheduled to take place from 5 to 8 August at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching, the congress serves as a premier regional hub for advancing workplace health standards and fostering international collaboration.

Organised by the Academy of Occupational and Environmental Medicine Malaysia and supported by Business Events Sarawak and the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau, ACOH 2026 carries the theme "Shaping a Sustainable Future: Global Perspectives on Occupational Health." The event is expected to draw over 2,000 delegates and will feature a comprehensive programme including plenary sessions, symposia, and scientific presentations on critical issues such as occupational diseases, mental health, industrial hygiene, and the impact of climate change on workforce sustainability.

Abstract submission remains open until 1 April, with authors invited to submit under a wide range of key themes, including occupational medicine, mental health at work, industrial hygiene practice, occupational health policies, digital transformation and work, as well as climate change and workplace safety. This provides an opportunity for participants to present research, share practical insights, and contribute to shaping workplace health practices at both organisational and policy levels.

For international delegates, the early bird registration is set at RM1,750, with a dedicated student rate of RM1,100 and an accompanying person package available at RM150.

Beyond the main congress, participants can enhance their expertise through intensive pre-congress workshops on 5 August at the Hilton Kuching, covering specialised areas such as Aviation Medicine, Fitness to Work, and Diving Medicine. These sessions are complemented by Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) workshops on 4 and 5 August, focusing on Audiometry, Medical Surveillance, and Spirometry. Participants may also join exclusive technical tours to the SOCSO Tun Abdul Razak Rehabilitation Centre and the PETRONAS Twin Towers and Leadership Centre.

ACOH 2026 offers participants access to the latest research, insights from international experts, and valuable networking opportunities with industry leaders and policymakers. The congress also provides a platform to benchmark practices, explore emerging trends, and gain practical knowledge that can be applied to improve workplace health, safety, and productivity.

While attending the congress in the "Land of the Hornbills," delegates are invited to discover Sarawak's breathtaking landscapes, from the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Mulu Caves to rare wildlife encounters, including orangutans at Semenggoh Nature Reserve and the iconic proboscis monkeys at Bako National Park.

Those interested are encouraged to register early to secure their participation and submit abstracts before the 1 April deadline.

For more information, visit www.acoh2026.com or contact the Congress Secretariat at secretariat@acoh2026.com or 082-555 189.

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ACOH 2026 Early Bird Rate Ends 30 April; Abstract Submission Closes 1 April

BARCELONA, Spain, March 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- At MWC 2026, Mark Giles, Industry Research & Analysis Director at Ookla—a global leader in connectivity intelligence—delivered a keynote titled "Experience-Driven Voice Core Network with Ookla RootMetrics." In his speech, Mark Giles introduced the HD voice experience evaluation framework and the AI Calling voice experience evaluation framework. He also shared insights from a recent voice evaluation project in the Philippines. Ookla is dedicated to assisting operators in enhancing their voice networks through experience evaluations, ultimately improving user satisfaction.

Mark Giles emphasized that voice services are advancing in three key areas. First, new user groups like live streamers and digital avatars are emerging. Second, innovative smart terminals such as AI assistants and AI glasses are on the rise. Last, new user behaviors, including AI applications and remote interactions, are becoming prevalent. These advancements are driving the voice experience toward higher definition, AI integration, accessibility, immersion, and interactivity.

Mark Giles noted that the dimensions for evaluating voice experience must adapt to include AI. Assessing AI-powered voice experience is a major industry focus. Therefore, in addition to traditional QoE, QoS, and coverage metrics, Ookla's voice experience evaluation now incorporates three new dimensions: AI-based immersive experience, AI-based interaction experience, and QoI (Quality of Intelligence). QoI measures factors like the accuracy and latency of AI models, and service inclusivity. The AI-based immersive experience evaluates elements such as AI noise reduction MOS. The AI-based interaction experience assesses aspects like real-time translation accuracy. This updated framework offers a more thorough and structured approach to guiding operators' voice services in the AI age.

Ookla uses its world-leading drive test tool, RootMetrics, to evaluate operators' voice experience in regions like Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and Latin America. In his presentation, Mark Giles discussed their voice service evaluation project in the Philippines. Using Speedtest Drive, Ookla conducted a comprehensive 1,200 km drive test, collecting 23,000 data samples in Manila. This test provided the first systematic and thorough insight into the country's voice service experience. Results of Philippines project showed that operator-provided VoLTE services significantly outperform OTT services in metrics like MOS, call blocking, and call drops. This is due to OTT voice services sharing bandwidth with general Internet traffic, making them more susceptible to network congestion. During peak data usage, OTT calls can be blocked or interrupted. Moreover, the data reveals that the overall VoLTE connection rate in the Philippines stands at just 31%, a notably low figure. To improve voice experience, phase out outdated 3G networks, and embrace AI-driven advancements, the Philippines must further develop its VoLTE services. Moving forward, Ookla will continue to evaluate AI-enhanced voice services in countries like the Philippines. For more details, download the report from the Ookla official website.

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[MWC 2026] Preparing for AI Calling: Ookla's Vision for Updated Voice Quality Standards