For much of the past century, urban development followed a relatively straightforward equation: build housing, expand infrastructure and accommodate population growth. This formula is now showing its limitations. As climate risk intensifies, biodiversity declines and cities compete not only for investment but also for talent, developers around the world are now forced to redefine the very nature and purpose of what they build.

From the Gulf to Singapore, and from Scandinavia to Southeast Asia, large-scale urban projects are evolving into integrated ecosystems where mobility, green infrastructure, education, healthcare, digital services and environmental restoration are planned together. The industry paradigm has shifted from constructing buildings to designing places capable of sustaining both economic growth and quality of life over generations.

Vinhomes has initiated a comprehensive repositioning to navigate this global transition.

Known as Vietnam's largest residential developer, the company is increasingly recognized not merely as a builder of housing projects, but as a creator of large-scale lifestyle ecosystems, communities where urban planning, technology, ecology and public services are conceived as parts of the same system.

When Nature Becomes Urban Infrastructure

For decades, environmental considerations were often introduced after a city's masterplan had already been completed.

The emerging model reverses that sequence. Across many of its recent developments, Vinhomes operates on the principle that natural systems should become the starting point of planning. Hydrology, coastal conditions, biodiversity and existing vegetation are treated as design inputs that shape the urban layout from the earliest stages.

This philosophy marks a notable departure from conventional large-scale development, particularly in rapidly urbanising markets where natural landscapes have frequently given way to intensive construction.

With more than 30 developments across Vietnam and a land bank equivalent to roughly two-thirds the size of Singapore, Vinhomes has the unusual opportunity to test this planning approach at a metropolitan scale.

Rather than replicating identical urban formulas, each project is designed around the ecological characteristics of its location.

The company maintains that the long-term success of a city should ultimately be measured not by how much has been built, but by whether natural ecosystems continue to thrive decades after residents have moved in. That perspective aligns with an increasingly influential school of urban planning in which green infrastructure is viewed as essential public infrastructure.

Factors Compelling Cities Toward Regeneration

Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) frameworks have become standard across global investment. Urban planners, however, are beginning to question whether sustainability alone is sufficient.

Maintaining today's environmental conditions may no longer be enough if tomorrow's cities must also respond to rising temperatures, sea-level change and growing demographic pressures.

Vinhomes' strategic response is crystallized in its ESG++, a framework that extends beyond conventional ESG principles by introducing two additional objectives: Regeneration and resilience.

The distinction is subtle but important.

Regeneration implies restoring ecological systems rather than simply reducing environmental impact. Resilience focuses on designing cities capable of adapting to changing climatic, technological and social conditions over many decades.

Projects such as Vinhomes Green Paradise Can Gio and Vinhomes Global Gates Ha Long are intended to demonstrate how these concepts can be incorporated into large-scale urban planning, combining renewable energy, smart infrastructure and ecological restoration within a single development model.

This shift highlights a growing global consensus: the success of next-generation cities will ultimately be measured by their ability to adapt to increasingly complex environmental challenges.

Vietnam's Urban Story Is Becoming Part of a Global Conversation

For many international audiences, Vietnam remains associated primarily with its cultural heritage and natural landscapes. Urban development may become an equally important part of that story.

Rapid urbanisation, expanding infrastructure investment and a national commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 have created conditions in which entirely new urban models can be planned without many of the legacy constraints facing older cities.

This developmental opportunity is capturing increasing global interest.

Commenting on Vinhomes Green Paradise's participation in the global 7 Wonders of Future Cities initiative, Jean-Paul de la Fuente, Director of the New7Wonders Organisation, described Vietnam as undergoing a "transformative step change" in its national identity and global positioning. He pointed to the country's progress in reducing the carbon footprint of urban mobility as an example of coordinated action between government and the private sector that offers valuable insights extending beyond Southeast Asia.

For Vinhomes, participation in international platforms such as 7 Wonders of Future Cities is therefore less about showcasing a single project than about contributing to a broader discussion on how rapidly developing economies might approach urban growth differently. The company's evolution mirrors a wider shift taking place across the global property sector.

Increasingly, the core value proposition for developers is no longer anchored in how many buildings they can deliver. Instead, it centers on whether they can create cities that remain economically competitive, environmentally resilient and socially relevant long after construction has ended.

Hashtag: #Vinhomes

https://vinhomes.vn/en

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

CUHK's Academic Excellence and Global Research Impact

CUHK's academic rigour is further recognised in the 2026–27 Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report, where it ranks 28th globally and 5th in Asia, remaining Hong Kong's top university for the fourth consecutive year. The University features 15 subjects in the global top 50, including five in the top 10, such as Education and Educational Research (#1), Gastroenterology and Hepatology (#2), Computer Science (#7), and Arts and Humanities and Artificial Intelligence (both ranked #9).

CUHK: Where Bold Ideas Become Impactful Research

CUHK provides an exceptional environment for impactful research, supported by approximately 300 research institutes and centres, alongside four state key laboratories approved by the Ministry of Science and Technology of China. Reflecting on the academic environment, Zhamilya Zhirenova, a PhD student in Biomedical Science from Kazakhstan, has deepened her expertise through her involvement with the Centre for Neuromusculoskeletal Restorative Medicine (CNRM), an InnoHK research centre CUHK established with Sweden's Karolinska Institutet.

Unlike traditional research pathways, where students are often confined to a single university laboratory, Zhamilya gained extensive experience at Hong Kong Science Park, a dynamic setting that closely resembles industry. "It feels more like an industrial company," she reflected, "and that experience has been invaluable." For researchers with ambitions beyond academia, such early exposure to the pace and expectations of the biotech industry provides a distinct advantage.

Nurturing the Next Generation of Scientific Innovators

Many of CUHK's scholars are globally renowned experts who have made significant breakthroughs in their respective fields. These experts provide valuable mentorship, cultivating an intellectually stimulating environment for innovative research.

At the Centre for Novostics, an InnoHK research centre dedicated to advancing molecular diagnostics, Yasine Malki, a Chemical Pathology PhD student from Hong Kong, highlighted mentorship as a defining aspect of his experience at CUHK. Benefiting from the mentorship of Professor Dennis Lo, CUHK's Vice-Chancellor and President, and a pioneer in molecular diagnostics, Yasine collaborates with specialists in molecular technologies, bioinformatics, and clinician-scientists, exemplifying CUHK's dynamic, multidisciplinary approach to medical science.

Through the latest global rankings, CUHK continues to demonstrate the impact of its research and scholarship. The University offers robust financial support to attract top-tier global talent, such as the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) for the 2027–28 intake, which provides over HK$1.81 million (approximately US$232,420) in funding. Applications open on 1 September 2026.

Hashtag: #CUHK

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About CUHK

Founded in 1963, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) is a leading comprehensive research university with a global reputation and world-leading rankings. Located in the heart of Asia, CUHK has a vision and a mission to combine tradition with modernity, and to bring together China and the West. The University has eight faculties: Arts, Business Administration, Education, Engineering, Law, Medicine, Science, and Social Science. Together with the Graduate School, the University offers over 300 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. All faculties are actively engaged in research in a wide range of disciplines, with an array of research institutes and research centres specialising in interdisciplinary research of the highest quality.

The HR Asia Awards are among Asia's most prestigious annual human resources awards, recognizing organizations that demonstrate excellence in workplace culture and sustainable people development. Winners are evaluated using the TEAM (Total Engagement Assessment Model), which measures employee engagement, organizational trust, and workplace experience, drawing on benchmarking data from more than 2.5 million employees across 20,000 organizations throughout the region.

According to the independent assessment conducted for the HR Asia Awards 2026, Green SM significantly outperformed market benchmarks in the "Best Companies to Work for in Asia" category, achieving outstanding scores across several key dimensions, including technology enablement in the workplace (4.8/5), workplace sustainability (4.71/5), and diversity, equity, and inclusion (4.72/5).

A defining element of Green SM's workplace culture is its unwavering commitment to the principle that "Every Voice Counts." This commitment is embedded through comprehensive employee engagement initiatives, including regular internal surveys, 360-degree performance evaluations, and multiple feedback channels that transform employee insights into tangible improvements in policies, workplace practices, and operational excellence.

At Green SM, talent development is viewed not merely as an HR function but as a strategic driver of service excellence. The Company continues to invest comprehensively in recruitment, professional training, operational standardization, workplace culture, and structured career development pathways for its Green Drivers. In parallel, Green SM delivers continuous capability-building programs for managers and employees, combining practical learning with digital learning platforms to strengthen leadership and management capabilities and organizational agility in an evolving business environment.

Alongside its investment in people, Green SM has been progressively building a unified organizational culture across its international markets. Rooted in values established in Vietnam while embracing the diversity of local cultures and communities, the Company fosters an environment that encourages collaboration, continuous learning, and empowerment. This enables teams across different countries to uphold consistent service standards while remaining responsive to the unique needs of local customers and communities.

Green SM also received the Technology Empowerment Awards in recognition of its continued digital transformation in human resource management. Through the digitalization of HR processes, the development of competency frameworks, the expansion of digital learning ecosystems, and the integration of data-driven people management, the Company has streamlined repetitive administrative tasks, enhanced decision-making efficiency, and enabled employees to devote greater focus to innovation, customer experience, and superior service delivery.

Mr. Nguyen Quoc Tuan, Global Chief Executive Officer of Green SM, said: "Our people have always been the cornerstone of Green SM's sustainable growth. We believe that when individuals are empowered by technology and united by shared values, our teams across every market can deliver exceptional experiences for our customers. These two awards affirm the direction we have taken and further strengthen our commitment to building a truly multinational organization with its roots in Vietnam."

In 2026, Green SM aims to expand its global workforce and partner network to approximately 400,000 people worldwide. As the Company continues to accelerate its international expansion, it will further invest in talent development and technology-driven people management to build a highly capable global workforce, maintain consistent service excellence across markets, and advance its vision of becoming the world's leading green mobility platform.

Hashtag: #GreenSM

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Vision & Value Thought Leadership Campaign – In 2025, Cushman & Wakefield launched the Vision & Value thought leadership campaign in Greater China. By conducting a range of marketing activities through multiple channels, including online social platforms and offline events, this initiative deepened Cushman & Wakefield's ties and value proposition with clients and communities, significantly enhancing brand impact and demonstrating the firm's market-leading position.

Earth Day Every Day ESG Marketing Campaign – To celebrate the 56^th Earth Day, Cushman & Wakefield launched the Earth Day Every Day 21-Day Low-Carbon Challenge campaign, running from April 22 to May 13, in conjunction with Bottloop, a pioneer in recycling and environmental conservation. Centered on carbon-reduction check-ins via the WeChat mini-program, the campaign paired with promotion on social media channels including WeChat, Weibo, Zhihu and LinkedIn. It recorded 300+ check-ins, with reduced carbon emissions of 366.5 kg, and achieved more than 43,900 views across social media, reflecting an innovative initiative in ESG marketing.

Cushman & Wakefield Client Interview Video Series – The Cushman & Wakefield Client Interview video series is a refined interview program launched via the Cushman & Wakefield WeChat Channel. With a format that blends expert dialogue with insights into real estate industry insights, the series targets key players in commercial real estate, property investment, urban renewal and associated fields. The series delivers a "talk show" for Cushman & Wakefield colleagues and clients, sharing industry trends through engaging conversation. The video series has reached more than 370,000 views, generating significant buzz in the industry and reinforcing our strong corporate branding.

KK Chiu, Chief Executive, Greater China, Cushman & Wakefield, said, "We are honored to receive such high recognition for our performance at the 12^th Phoenix Tree Marketing Awards. This achievement reflects trust and respect from our clients, media, and the real estate community, and marks an important milestone in the growth of our marketing capabilities across Greater China. We will continue to deliver innovative and integrated marketing initiatives to strengthen our brand positioning and elevate our industry presence. Because at Cushman & Wakefield, better never settles."

Founded in 2015 at the inaugural WMMS Global Mobile Marketing Summit, the Phoenix Tree Awards form part of the industry's premier recognition for mobile marketing excellence. Judged by an independent panel of senior experts, the awards evaluate criteria including innovation, strategy, execution and impact, celebrating companies that set new standards in brand marketing. Over the years, they have evolved into a symbol of professionalism and prestige, renowned for honoring high-quality case studies that drive industry advancement.

Hashtag: #Cushman&Wakefield

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Cushman & Wakefield

Cushman & Wakefield (NYSE: CWK) is a leading global commercial real estate services firm for property owners and occupiers with approximately 53,000 employees in nearly 350 offices and 60 countries. In Greater China, a network of 23 offices serves local markets across the region. In 2025, the firm reported revenue of $10.3 billion across its core services of Valuation, Consulting, Project & Development Services, Capital Markets, Project & Occupier Services, Industrial & Logistics, Retail, and others. Built around the belief that Better never settles, the firm receives numerous industry and business accolades for its award-winning culture. For additional information, visit www.cushmanwakefield.com.hk or follow us on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/cushman-&-wakefield-greater-china).

By Paul Murray, CEO Life & Health Reinsurance, Swiss Re

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 9 July 2026 - Op-ed by Paul Murray, CEO Life & Health Reinsurance, Swiss Re.

Ten years.

That is roughly how long we have before many societies reach one of the most defining demographic tipping points of our era: the point at which the "new" silver economy (over 65's) outnumber people aged 30-59 who have traditionally been the bedrock of the life and pensions system.

The significance of this shift goes far beyond demographics.

It represents a symbolic moment that forces us to rethink the intergenerational contract: how we provide care and financial security for people as they move into later life – and how we finance a new set of needs.

The demographic evidence is already visible across major economies. In the US, adults aged 65 and over already outnumber children in 11 states. Singapore's over-65 population has nearly doubled in a decade to 21%. Japan is approaching 30%. The UK, France and Germany are not far behind

These numbers are well-known. But their meaning is not yet fully reflected in our industry's existing product strategy.

The tipping point is also more than a statistical curiosity. We will experience it through the decisions we make coming into retirement and to secure the future of the generation coming after us. We will need to make new choices on how we fund care. We will need to make new assumptions about when to retire. And we will face a new reality around how much of the financial burden falls on the state, families or the individual.

Families have always carried the weight of old age, even as pensions, healthcare systems and social care programmes have broadened that responsibility across society.

But the arithmetic underpinning the system is breaking. Globally, the ratio of working-age people financially supporting each person over 65 is projected to fall from around five-to-one in 2021 to three-to-one by 2050. Across developed markets, debates about pension reform, healthcare funding and retirement ages reflect the same underlying question: how do we maintain security and dignity later in life when there are fewer hands to carry the weight?

It's not a crisis of demographics. It's a crisis of design – our systems were built for shorter lives and larger workforces, and they haven't been rebuilt for the world we are actually entering.

That insight matters because it challenges how we think about insurance's role. I believe we have less than a decade to develop the products that the older consumers who make up the Silver Economy – and their families – will need.

There will be no silver bullet. We cannot return to a single solution based around family care versus public provision. The individual retiree will be the focus, but our thinking will need to be based on a more collaborative model in which families, governments, communities and the private sector work together.

Recent Swiss Re consumer research in France and Germany revealed something striking. People don't think about later life in terms of pensions or insurance policies. They think about practical outcomes: staying independent, being resilient when health shocks hit, not becoming a burden to their children.

Our industry has spent decades optimising for wealth accumulation and income protection during working years. Ageing societies demand we apply the same rigour to what happens after.

That does not mean the intergenerational contract has failed. It means it is evolving.

We are already seeing what that evolution looks like in practice.

• Senior health products in Asia are closing a real gap —The median age of cancer diagnosis is 67, yet many critical illness policies expire before retirement even begins. The result is high out-of-pocket expenses, stressed public healthcare, and increased burden on families. With dedicated products to cover later life illnesses, such as senior cancer products we are effectively closing a protection gap.
• Long term care in France has had some success with private solutions alongside public provision. With over 1.4 million people covered by private long term care insurance, France has built a strong risk pool that directly addresses one of the strongest concerns expressed by consumers: not becoming a burden on the next generation.
• Deferred annuities offer a third path beyond the binary "draw-down versus annuity" thinking. By combining flexibility today with guaranteed income later, they help transform longevity from an individual financial risk into one that can be shared more broadly.

At first glance these solutions appear very different. In reality, they are pieces of the same puzzle. Each expands the circle of support around the individual. They help families carry less of the burden alone, and they complement the work of state safety nets.

That is what the next evolution of the intergenerational contract looks like in practice.

Ageing societies are one of humanity's great achievements. But if our products and institutions stay built for a demographic reality that no longer exists, achievement curdles into liability.

We have a decade to close that gap. Let's treat it as a product-development window, not a deadline.

Disclaimer
Certain statements and illustrations contained herein are forward-looking and are made for informational purposes only. These statements (including as to plans, objectives, targets, and trends) and illustrations provide current expectations of future events based on certain assumptions and include any statement that does not directly relate to a historical fact or current fact. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Swiss Re undertakes no obligation to publicly revise or update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Further information on forward looking statements and the use of information contained in this publication can be found in the Legal Notice section on Swiss Re's website.

Hashtag: #SwissRe #lifeinsurance #reinsurance

https://www.swissre.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/swiss-re/

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Swiss Re

The Swiss Re Group is one of the world's leading providers of reinsurance, insurance and other forms of insurance-based risk transfer, working to make the world more resilient. It anticipates and manages risk – from natural catastrophes to climate change, from ageing populations to cyber crime. The aim of the Swiss Re Group is to enable society to thrive and progress, creating new opportunities and solutions for its clients. Headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, where it was founded in 1863, the Swiss Re Group operates through a network of around 70 offices globally.

Separated by thousands of miles, the two millennia-old port cities reconnected, leveraging their ports as a bond and cultural exchanges as a cohesive force to hold in-depth talks on integrated port-city development and bilateral economic and trade connectivity.

This cross-Indian Ocean dialogue echoes the ancient Maritime Silk Road while charting a brand-new outbound development path. As a pivotal starting port of the ancient Maritime Silk Road, Ningbo is building a new global trade landscape powered by smart manufacturing.

A thousand years ago, merchant vessels from Mingzhou Port set sail southward loaded with Yue Kiln celadon porcelain, passing through Ceylon to deliver Oriental crafts across the Indian Ocean coasts. Precious gemstones and spices traveled the same sea route back to regions south of the Yangtze River, laying the groundwork for the earliest cultural exchange between the two ports through trade. Today, the cargo carried by giant cargo ships has undergone a dramatic transformation. Beyond traditional daily necessities, intelligent equipment, digital home appliances and industrial robots now dominate shipments.

Official statistics show that Ningbo's exports of intelligent equipment, including mechanical arms and industrial robots, hit 440 million yuan in 2025, surging more than 40% year-on-year. From January to May this year, Ningbo's exports of mechanical and electrical products maintained steady growth, reaching 247 billion yuan, a 4.1% year-on-year increase and accounting for 58.0% of the city's total export volume. The new energy foreign trade sector saw explosive growth, with exports of new energy vehicles, lithium batteries, and photovoltaic products jumping 138.4% year-on-year, with electric vehicle exports skyrocketing 215.9%. Smart manufactured goods are continuously expanding the scope of Ningbo's foreign trade.

Complementing the Colombo forum, an exhibition highlights Ningbo's outstanding going-global enterprises and their products, vividly illustrating the profound shift in Ningbo's trade structure.

Alongside time-honored Maritime Silk Road staples such as celadon porcelain and silk, Ningbo's smart manufactured products—including AI translation glasses, intelligent outdoor gear and digital small home appliances—occupy prominent display spaces across the venue. In Sri Lanka, Ningbo smart water meters are widely adopted nationwide, while handheld cooling fans and intelligent kitchen appliances have entered ordinary households.

Leveraging Colombo Port's transshipment advantages, massive volumes of Ningbo smart manufactured goods are distributed onward to Europe, the Middle East and beyond. What Ningbo exports today is no longer mere commodities, but a complete outbound solution integrating technology, brand value and after-sales services.

Faced with mounting challenges including homogeneous global market competition and rising trade barriers, Ningbo's manufacturing sector has abandoned the old model of low-cost OEM production, relying on intelligent transformation to consolidate its competitive edge in overseas markets.

Over more than a decade of digital transformation efforts, Ningbo has achieved full digital upgrading of all industrial enterprises above designated size. A large number of local factories have built unmanned black-light workshops and flexible production lines, escaping vicious price competition through continuous technological iteration. Represented by five specialized, sophisticated, distinctive and innovative enterprises dubbed Ningbo's "Five Little Tigers"—famous for their core proprietary technologies, including highly sophisticated visual inspection equipment, heat-resistant materials, sun-proof coatings, puncture-proof materials and self-drilling fasteners—these niche manufacturers have developed differentiated technical routes and full-spectrum production capacity, cementing irreplaceable competitiveness for Ningbo smart manufacturing on global markets.

Beyond trade expansion, Ningbo has built a supporting cultural communication system to ensure "products go global, accompanied by local culture".

The launch of Sri Lanka's first "One-Meter Cultural Space" cultural station during the Colombo event marks a tangible milestone of Ningbo's go-global initiative. Built on enterprises' overseas outlets, these miniature cultural exhibition halls integrate intangible cultural heritage crafts, urban stories and smart products, enabling overseas clients to experience cutting-edge manufacturing while gaining insight into Ningbo's profound cultural heritage.

During the twin-city story-sharing session, Ningbo entrepreneurs based in Sri Lanka and local designers blending Chinese and Sri Lankan aesthetics shared stories of bilateral exchanges. Economic and trade ties have evolved into a bond for people-to-people communication, bridging divides in cross-cultural trade.

From Tang-dynasty celadon porcelain sailing across the Indian Ocean to intelligent equipment shipping to every corner of the globe, Ningbo, the ancient Maritime Silk Road port, has preserved its enduring gene of openness. Where exchanges once relied purely on commodity trade, today smart manufacturing underpins a stable, diversified and high-value-added global trade network.

The Ningbo-Colombo dialogue stands as a vivid microcosm of this transformation: the port still links lands and seas, yet the core of its trade has undergone a full intelligent upgrade.

Rooted in its historical legacy as a key Maritime Silk Road hub, Ningbo has consolidated its industrial foundation through a decade of digital development, expanded global market reach via worldwide port networks, and softened trade cooperation through cultural exchanges. This brand-new outbound shipping route forged by smart manufacturing has not only reshaped the city's foreign trade landscape, but also delivered a replicable port-city development model for Chinese manufacturing to go global.

Hashtag: #NingboSmartManufacturing #MaritimeSilkRoad #GlobalTrade

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

• Exclusive Co-Development: The partnership covers the exclusive supply and co-engineering of the IVECO URANIA and IVECO TUTELA ranges – the only fluids officially recommended by IVECO
• Network Support: PLI will strengthen support for IVECO's European dealer network, driving customer value, reliability, and total cost-of-ownership (TCO) optimisation

TURIN, ITALY - Media OutReach Newswire - 9 July 2026 – IVECO, one of Europe's leading commercial vehicle manufacturers, and PETRONAS Lubricants International (PLI) have officially renewed their long-standing strategic partnership for an additional five years. The agreement extends the partnership through 2032, reinforcing a collaboration that has driven innovation, performance, and sustainability in the commercial transport sector for more than 50 years.

The renewal ensures the continued supply and joint engineering of a comprehensive range of lubricants designed for commercial vehicles. From advanced engine oils to transmission fluids, brake fluids and coolants, PLI and IVECO will continue to formulate solutions specifically engineered to meet the demanding operational requirements of IVECO's commercial vehicle portfolio across Europe.

A Legacy of Technical Excellence

This milestone reflects the sustained success of the co-branded IVECO URANIA engine oils and IVECO TUTELA technical fluids, developed through decades of joint R&D and a shared commitment to delivering high-performance, energy-efficient solutions that maximise vehicle uptime and extend component life. The ranges are also the only fluids recommended by IVECO.

The partnership's rapid pace of innovation was recently highlighted by the launch of Urania Next 0W-16. This breakthrough –the first SAE 0W-16 engine oil developed specifically for heavy-duty applications – delivers exceptional fuel efficiency, reduced CO₂ emissions, and extended oil drain intervals. Furthermore, the formulation is Euro 7 ready, supporting improved efficiency and emissions performance for IVECO's latest generation of engines.

Domenico Nucera, Chief Quality & Operations Officer, Iveco Group, commented, "The renewal of the agreement with PETRONAS Lubricants International confirms the strength of a long-standing collaboration built on shared technical expertise and a common ambition to continuously improve performance, efficiency, and sustainability across our vehicle and powertrain portfolio. Through the co-engineering of our IVECO URANIA and IVECO TUTELA ranges, we are able to deliver solutions that maximise vehicle uptime, optimise total cost of ownership, and support our customers and dealer network with the highest standards of quality and reliability."

Driving Dealer and Customer Value

The renewed agreement also places a strategic focus on the IVECO dealer network. Beyond providing cutting-edge products, PLI will implement targeted initiatives aimed at strengthening dealer engagement and reinforcing customer awareness of IVECO's officially approved lubricants. These initiatives are expected to support dealer business growth across European markets, while helping customers benefit from enhanced vehicle reliability and optimised total cost-of-ownership.

Domenico Ciaglia, Group Chief Strategy & Transformation Officer of PETRONAS Lubricants International (PLI), said: "This partnership renewal demonstrates what can be achieved through a long-term forward-thinking collaboration, with consistency, and a shared commitment to excellence. Through continuous product innovation, we have been able to co-develop market-leading solutions such as the Urania Next 0W-16 engine oil formulation, seamlessly integrated into IVECO's ecosystem. This collaboration enables us to deliver greater value to the industry by combining our expertise and driving innovation together.

Looking ahead, PETRONAS Lubricants International remains fully committed to supporting the IVECO Group with forward integrated reliable, high-performance products and solutions that create lasting value for its network and customers.

This renewed collaboration further reinforces the foundation of PLI's broader strategic roadmap, demonstrating how technical excellence and trusted partnerships can drive sustainable, long-term value internationally."
Hashtag: #PETRONASLubricantsInternational #PLI #IVECO #industrial #lubricants #technology

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

PETRONAS Lubricants International (PLI)

PETRONAS Lubricants International (PLI) is the global lubricants manufacturing and marketing arm of PETRONAS, Malaysia's dynamic global energy group. Established in 2008, PLI manufactures and markets a full range of high-quality automotive and industrial lubricant products in over 100 markets internationally. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, PLI also has offices around the world including Turin, Belo Horizonte, Beijing, and Chicago. PLI is the technical resource behind PETRONAS' partnership with the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team, responsible for the design, development and delivery of the Fluid Technology Solutions™, which includes customised lubricants, fuels and transmission fluids to power the Silver Arrows.

We are a progressive energy and solutions partner, enriching lives for a sustainable future. Our commitment remains to conduct and grow our business in ways that contribute positively to society and the environment.

PLI is driving an aggressive business growth agenda as one of the leading global lubricants companies at the forefront of the industry, providing custom-made solutions for every need. For more information, please visit www.pli-petronas.com.

HMG is a premier leader in healthcare management in the Asia-Pacific sector, having established an extensive and mature multinational medical network across the region. The group has long been dedicated to optimizing medical administration and claims processes through digital transformation and cutting-edge technology. Serving over 700,000 clients of its insurance partners, HMG provides comprehensive, transparent, and high-quality healthcare solutions. In 2025 alone, the total medical expenses processed through HMG exceeded HKD 150 million.

OncoCare is a leading private oncology institution that firmly believes in and practises "patient centric" care. Its aim is to add years and quality of life to all patients through highly efficient, knowledge-based integrated cancer diagnosis and personalised treatment. OncoCare brings together a team of clinical oncologists, and in combination with the robust specialist network of Tamarind Specialists, a member of the same group in Hong Kong, provides patients with medical services across fields such as colorectal surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, breast surgery, respiratory medicine, and family medicine. Patients have access to cross-disciplinary medical assessments, precision cancer treatment plans and personalised cancer care, ensuring they and their families receive the most reassuring support during challenging times.

The core highlight of this Pan-Asian Strategic Cooperation Agreement lies in the deep integration of HMG's pan-Asian service network with OncoCare's Asia-leading oncology expertise. Together, they will build Asia's premier "Pan-Asian Closed-Loop Medical Ecosystem." With Singapore, Hong Kong, and Malaysia serving as the core hub locations, the key highlights include:

• Integrated Closed-Loop Service: From initial medical record review and cross-border "green channels" to clinical treatment and financial settlement, patients will experience seamless services within the joint management system of HMG and OncoCare. Coupled with transparent medical billing, this ensures the highest standard of medical quality control.
• Cross-Border Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) Diagnosis: Using OncoCare's Singapore headquarters, its Hong Kong flagship centers in Central and Tsim Sha Tsui, and its Malaysia branch as central hubs, the ecosystem brings together experienced specialists from all three regions to provide international-grade second medical opinions for cancer patients in need.
• Seamless Network Integration & Financial Transparency: HMG's 700,000+ clients can instantly connect with OncoCare's healthcare teams. Furthermore, both parties have introduced personalised treatment plans for common cancers, offering clear financial predictability and budget protection.

Mr. Chan Kin-chung, Founder of HMG, stated: "We are deeply honored to partner with OncoCare. Through the Pan-Asian Closed-Loop Medical Ecosystem, we have successfully aligned top-tier resources across Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia. Clients can enjoy treatment plans jointly formulated by regional experts within a single secure and transparent system, fulfilling our highest cross-border commitment to 'patient centric' healthcare."

Mr Lim Eng Seng, Group CEO of Tamarind Health, the parent company of OncoCare, added, "As a patient centric oncology-focused group, we recognise the challenges cancer patients face in navigating increasingly complex private and cross-border healthcare systems. Through this integrated ecosystem, we will leverage the collective strengths of our multidisciplinary teams and directly managed centres across Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia to deliver seamless, high-quality cancer care. Looking ahead, we remain committed to making expert oncology services accessible anytime, anywhere, while elevating patient experience and improving treatment outcomes."

Looking ahead, the Pan-Asian Closed-Loop Medical Ecosystem plans to further introduce green channels for the latest overseas medications, personalised genetic testing, and cross-border post-operative rehabilitation management, continuously pioneering a more comprehensive and forward-looking landscape for private cancer care for patients in Asia.

Riau Complex Sets a New Standard for Employee Living, Supporting Asia Pacific Rayon's Workforce and Families

Media Inquiries, please contact:
HMG
Tracy Ng
Email: tracy_ng@hmg.com.hk

OncoCare
Marketing & Communications
Karen Ng
Email: karen.ng@oncocare.hk

Hashtag: #HealthMutualGroup #OncoCare #PanAsianStrategicCooperationAgreement #PanAsianClosedLoopMedicalEcosystem #CrossBorderCancerPatients #OneStopFullCycleCare #CrossBorderReferrals #MultidisciplinaryTeamMDT #PersonalisedTreatment #PrecisionCancerCare

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

• SNP builds on Palantir platforms to deliver new AI-powered solutions for solving mission-critical customer challenges
• The partnership will build on SNP's strong base with more than 3,000 customers globally and 15,000 successful SAP transformation projects
• SNP and Palantir will leverage their strengths to help customers modernize their SAP landscapes and business processes in a predictable and secure way

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 9 July 2026 - SNP SE, a leading provider of software for AI-enabled digital transformation, automated data migration and data management in the SAP environment, and Palantir, a global leader in artificial intelligence and data platforms, today announced a strategic partnership at SNP's flagship event, Transformation World, in Heidelberg, Germany. The collaboration positions SNP to develop new AI-powered solutions with an aligned approach to accelerate SAP transformations for joint customers.

The two partners will offer solutions for mission-critical challenges across all types of SAP projects, helping customers improve speed, efficiency and quality. The first joint solution, Test Data Proposal, solves a so far highly manual area of SAP migrations, the identification of relevant test data for given customer test cases. By leveraging AI, this process runs automatically and saves customers' time and resources. Test Data Proposal will expand SNP's proven Kyano® platform.

As part of the partnership, SNP and Palantir are also collaborating in large-scale moves to SAP Cloud ERP applications where customers seek to accelerate these modernization programs. Both companies combine complementary, category-leading strengths. SNP contributes deep real-world SAP data migration expertise while Palantir provides state-of-the-art AI-driven software platforms, which enable and accelerate secure modernizations for customers.

"Organizations are looking for new ways to increase speed, efficiency, and quality in large-scale SAP transformations," said Jens Amail, CEO of SNP. "We are hugely excited to collaborate with Palantir, a company that has leveraged AI to revolutionize and accelerate the way enterprises modernize mission-critical systems and automate operations. Together, we will deliver secure outcomes and new solutions to customers and partners."

"We have seen exceptional momentum accelerating SAP migrations for customers, and helping them do so via the Ontology and AIP (Artificial Intelligence Platform) in a way that significantly compresses the timeline and delivers operational value along the way," said Sameer Kirtane, Head of US Commercial at Palantir. "SNP over the last 30 years has built an impressive track record of delivering predictable, compliant and auditable outcomes in thousands of successful engagements. We are proud to partner with SNP to fundamentally rethink how customers transform their SAP landscapes."

Hashtag: #SNP #Palantir #SAP #AI

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About SNP

SNP (ticker: SHF.DE) is the global technology platform leader and trusted partner for companies seeking unparalleled data-enabled transformation capabilities and business agility. SNP's Kyano^® platform integrates all necessary capabilities and partner offerings to provide a comprehensive software-based experience in data migration and management. Combined with the Bluefield^® approach, Kyano sets a comprehensive industry standard for restructuring and modernizing enterprise data faster and more securely while harnessing AI-driven innovations based on over 30 years of experience.

The company works with more than 3,000 customers of all sizes and in all industries in over 80 countries, including numerous DAX 40 and Fortune 500 companies. The SNP Group has more than 1,600 employees worldwide at over 34 locations in 22 countries. The company is headquartered in Heidelberg, Germany, and generated revenues of around EUR 297 million in the 2025 fiscal year.

More information is available at www.snpgroup.com

About Palantir

Foundational software of tomorrow. Delivered today.

Additional information is available at https://www.palantir.com

Palantir Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements may relate to, but are not limited to, Palantir's expectations regarding the amount and the terms of the contract and the expected benefits of Palantir's software platforms. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified. Forward-looking statements are based on information available at the time those statements are made and were based on current expectations as well as the beliefs and assumptions of management as of that time with respect to future events. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which involve factors or circumstances that are beyond Palantir's control. These risks and uncertainties include the ability to meet the unique needs of customers; the failure of Palantir's platforms to satisfy customers or perform as desired; the frequency or severity of any software and implementation errors; Palantir's platforms' reliability; and customers' ability to modify or terminate the contract. Additional information regarding these and other risks and uncertainties is included in the filings Palantir makes with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. Palantir's forward-looking statements speak only as to Palantir, and Palantir assumes no responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of any forward-looking statements made by any other party. Except as required by law, Palantir does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments, or otherwise.

Compelling path to $1billion ARR and public offering, fueled by product market fit in the agentic AI age, explosion of identities and related threats, and accelerating growth

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 9 July 2026 – Keeper Security ("Keeper" or "we"), the identity security platform for humans, machines and AI agents, today announced a major milestone in its journey to become the market standard for AI-native identity security, having reached $225 million in Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR). Since 2021, Keeper's ARR has grown over 3x.

Keeper protects over 95,000 organizations, which includes many Fortune 500 enterprises and public sector agencies. The company is quickly emerging as the market standard for AI-native identity security for enterprises globally with its leading zero-trust and zero-knowledge identity security platform. In 2025, leading analyst firm Gartner recognized Keeper as the second-fastest-growing security software competitor globally, second only to Google.* This recognition underscores Keeper's rapid market expansion in addressing identity security challenges created by cloud transformation and artificial intelligence adoption across enterprise infrastructure and endpoints.

Keeper is now growing at over 4x the industry average.

This market-leading growth is driven by the explosion of identities in the agentic AI age and relentless focus on innovation to protect customers, as evidenced by the release of its unified privileged access management and identity security platform, KeeperPAM®, which protects both human and Non-Human Identities (NHIs), including service accounts, machine identities, databases, AI agents and agentic workloads. Since the launch of KeeperPAM in February 2025, KeeperPAM revenue has exhibited 10x year-over-year growth and Keeper has seen industry-leading new customer growth, adding an average of 850 new organizations every month. In the last fifteen months, Keeper added over 400 innovative features and products to KeeperPAM.

"Identity is the new security perimeter," said Darren Guccione, CEO and Co-founder of Keeper Security. "As enterprises increasingly deploy AI agents and autonomous systems, the number of privileged identities and machine credentials is growing exponentially. Organizations need a modern, unified platform that secures every identity – human and non-human – and governs every privileged interaction. Our growth reflects the market's demand for a platform purpose-built to address these challenges."

Keeper's cloud-native cybersecurity platform delivers a comprehensive approach to identity security and privileged access management by unifying enterprise password management, secrets management, privileged session management, database management and endpoint privilege management in a single platform. Keeper's AI-native identity security strategy seamlessly extends these capabilities to non-human identities and agentic AI environments, enabling organizations to discover, manage and secure machine credentials and autonomous workloads with the same rigor applied to human users.

As enterprises adopt AI technologies at scale, the proliferation of non-human identities is rapidly outpacing that of human identities by 150:1, according to reports, thereby creating new attack surfaces and operational complexity. Keeper's platform helps organizations establish identity-first security strategies that provide security, visibility, governance and least-privilege controls across their entire identity ecosystem.

"Autonomous agents, frontier LLMs and machine-to-machine workflows are operating inside enterprise environments right now – without adequate governance, secrets management or access controls," said Craig Lurey, CTO and Co-founder of Keeper Security. "Keeper is purpose-built to solve this problem at scale."

The company's continued growth and market recognition reinforce its position as one of the cybersecurity industry's most innovative and fastest-growing providers of AI-native identity security and privileged access management solutions. Keeper's financial profile combines best-in-class growth, profitability and a debt-free capital structure and is an asset positioned to efficiently lead identity security in the agentic AI age.

"Surpassing $225 million in ARR confirms what we've heard in every enterprise conversation – that securing non-human identities is the defining security challenge of the AI era," said Darren Guccione, CEO of Keeper Security. "We have established an accelerated path to $1 billion in ARR which, coupled with our technology roadmap, will provide optionality for a public offering."

Source Citation:

Gartner, Market Share Analysis: Security Software, Worldwide, 2025, Rahul Yadav, Deepali, 11 May 2026

Gartner is a trademark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates.

Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner's Business and Technology Insights Organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

Hashtag: #KeeperSecurity

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Keeper Security

Keeper Security is the leading zero-trust and zero-knowledge identity security solution, trusted by millions of people and thousands of organizations globally. KeeperPAM® is Keeper's privileged access management platform that unifies password and passkey management, secrets management, privileged session management and endpoint privilege management in a single cloud-native platform, protected with quantum-resistant encryption. KeeperAI delivers real-time, AI-native threat detection across every privileged session. As AI agents proliferate and identity becomes the defining attack surface, Keeper governs access for humans, machines, non-human identities and AI agents, serving as the unified control plane for access, compliance and visibility across the enterprise. For more information, visit KeeperSecurity.com.

A Vision Built on Innovation

The event opened with a keynote by Eric Wang, Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of CUKTECH, who shared the brand's global vision and product roadmap for Southeast Asia, with Vietnam identified as one of its key strategic markets.

Eric Wang highlighted CUKTECH's continuous investment in research and development (R&D) to solve the everyday challenges faced by modern consumers, including slow charging speeds, limited product innovation, and the increasing need for reliable, high-performance charging solutions that support multiple devices simultaneously. By combining advanced charging technologies with user-focused design, CUKTECH aims to deliver a faster, safer, and more intelligent charging experience.

Real-World Experience from Technology Reviewer Hung Khuc

One of the event's highlights was a sharing session by Hung Khuc, one of Vietnam's leading technology reviewers, who discussed his hands-on experience using CUKTECH products in his daily work.

"As a content creator who frequently shoots outdoors, I need charging devices that are both powerful and reliable. What impressed me most about CUKTECH's power banks and chargers is their real-world performance. They can simultaneously fast charge my MacBook Pro, smartphone, and camera at full speed without power drops or interruptions."

To promote transparency and foster closer engagement with the local technology community, the event concluded with an extensive media Q&A session. Eric Wang, together with CUKTECH's product research and quality management teams, addressed questions on product localization, international safety standards, the brand's one-for-one warranty policy, and future product development plans.

More than a product launch, Charge & Connect represents CUKTECH's official step toward establishing a lasting presence in Vietnam. By combining cutting-edge charging technology, award-winning design, and a strong focus on user experience, CUKTECH is committed to delivering premium charging solutions that meet the evolving needs of modern consumers.

As the brand continues to expand its product ecosystem, CUKTECH aims to become a trusted technology partner for Vietnamese users while helping shape the future of premium charging accessories in the market.

Hashtag: #CUKTECH

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

On its third anniversary, Argent Plastic Surgery has moved into a larger, purpose-built clinic dedicated to the comfort of its patients, with particular care for its youngest.

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 8 July 2026 - Argent Plastic Surgery has relocated to a new, purpose-built clinic at Mount Alvernia Hospital, Medical Centre A, 820 Thomson Road #03-07. The move marks the practice's third anniversary and brings paediatric and adult plastic and reconstructive surgery together within a single, considered space.

A Larger Space, and More Room to Care

The new clinic broadens the range of care available and has been designed with careful attention to how patients feel while they are there. At its heart is a comfortable, welcoming waiting space designed for both children and their parents. A dedicated children's play corner gives younger patients somewhere to feel at ease before their procedure and provides the children of adult patients with a place of their own while a parent is being seen. Adults have a separate waiting area, arranged for privacy and quiet, so that a personal decision can be weighed calmly and in comfort.

The relocation also introduces an in-clinic day-procedure room, enabling suitable minor procedures to be carried out on site. Consultation, procedure and recovery can therefore take place within a single location, enhancing both privacy and convenience.

This is how Argent Plastic Surgery intends to care for its patients from here, in a space shaped around their comfort rather than adapted to it.

Hashtag: #ArgentPlasticSurgery #reconstructivesurgery #paediatricplasticsurgery

https://www.argentplasticsurgery.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-hanjing-lee-388095255/
https://www.facebook.com/Argentplasticsurgery
https://www.instagram.com/argentplasticsurgery/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@argentplasticsurgery

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Argent Plastic Surgery

Argent Plastic Surgery is a Singapore-based plastic and reconstructive surgery practice led by Dr Lee Hanjing, a female fellowship-trained plastic surgeon. The clinic cares for both adults and children, offering cosmetic surgery of the face and body, and reconstructive surgery following cancer, trauma and congenital conditions, alongside wound care, scar management and minor procedures such as the removal of lumps, bumps and abscesses. Dr Lee Hanjing has also spent more than ten years performing corrective surgery for children with cleft lip and palate, ear deformities and other conditions in developing countries including Myanmar, Cambodia, Indonesia and Vietnam, an experience that shapes the practice's commitment to a safe, private and welcoming environment for patients of all ages.

He was recognized for his multiple successes that has influenced a broader mindset shift for sustainable growth beyond corporate boundaries.

"Brigadier General Romero exemplifies a leader whose multifaceted impact redefines leadership standards, setting a benchmark for future generations," the ACES Awards 2026 said in its official statement on his winning as one of Outstanding Leaders in Asia.

Mikro-Tech Capital Inc. is an anchor organization in investments management which translates his multiplicity in skills and utmost regard for national transformation through excellence and mindset for the future.

ACES Awards cited Brigadier General Romero as the visionary chairman of Mikro-Tech Capital Inc., whose transformative leadership across multiple sectors manifests his unwavering commitment to nation-building.

Romero's stewardship of Mikro-Tech Capital has pushed its subsidiaries in power and energy into advancing sustainability goals for the Philippines.

His pioneering approach in port infrastructure has significantly enhanced island connectivity in the Philippines, facilitating economic growth and regional integration, the award statement added.

The council praised Romero's ability to turn his vision into results and noted that his leadership has fostered a culture of resilience and innovation within his organizations.

The ACES Council said: "Brigadier General Romero exemplifies a leader whose multifaceted impact redefines leadership standards, setting a benchmark for future generations."

The ACES Awards is among top Asian platforms that meticulous screen and recognize individuals and organizations demonstrating excellence in leadership, sustainability, innovation, and responsible growth.

This year's program carries the theme "Setting the Benchmark for Enduring Impact." The ACES awards gala will be in October in Kuala Lumpur.

Brigadier General Romero said: "This honor serves as an affirmation and a challenge—to continue to create opportunities for others. It highlights the potential of Filipino leadership to move the needle for mindsets that change outcomes that yield benefits beyond one's lifetime."

A celebrated sportsman, sports patron and businessman, Romero was a legislator with recent focus on poverty alleviation. He devoted the past year on humanitarian service, leading the Philippine Reservist Movement as chairman of the Association of Reservist and Reservist Administrators of the Philippines.

Hashtag: #ACESAwards #Mikro-TechCapitalInc.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Charging stations are becoming a key connection of smart energy systems

According to the 'Technical White Paper' by StarCharge, for years, EV charging infrastructure has mainly been seen as support for vehicle sales expansion: building more chargers, expanding coverage, and speeding up charging.

However, this role is starting to change.

As electrification scales up, charging networks are becoming a part of the energy system itself. They are no longer just places for vehicles to top up; they are evolving into smart energy nodes connecting vehicles, the grid, distributed energy, storage, and digital management.

This shift from charging infrastructure to charging network systems shows that the industry is moving from basic access to integrated value: from charging services to energy services, from standalone stations to PV-storage-charging systems, from equipment deployment to scenario-based infrastructure.

StarCharge believes that the future charging network ecosystem will go through four major turning points.

Four Key Points Reshaping the Ecosystem

1. Charging Networks Are Becoming Energy Infrastructure

Charging infrastructure is going beyond its original role as just a support for EVs. As EV adoption grows, charging networks are becoming strategic energy infrastructure: they connect mobility demand with the grid, distributed energy, storage, digital platforms, and future energy services.

2. Defining the Scenarios for the Network

The future charging network won't be shaped by hardware alone. Policies determine whether infrastructure should be built, technology determines the speed of construction, but real-world scenarios determine what the charging network actually needs to look like.

Urban commuting, highway trips, ride-hailing, logistics fleets, county and rural coverage, holiday peak demand, heavy trucks, mining areas, ports, airports, and autonomous driving all create different charging needs. Therefore, a mature charging network can't be 'one-size-fits-all'; it has to be designed around different vehicle types, operating hours, power requirements, reliability needs, and grid conditions.

3. Digital platforms turn charging networks into operable assets

A large charging network only truly has value when it can be scaled, optimized, and managed. This is exactly the core role of cloud platforms. They turn millions of charging points, users, stations, transactions, and energy flows into a measurable, controllable, and continuously optimized operating system.

StarCharge's platform capabilities cover site selection, pricing, marketing, station operations, smart maintenance, charging safety, station robots, AI-based smart charging, fleet management, energy optimization, and ESG reporting. In other words, digital platforms are the key to transforming charging infrastructure from a heavy-asset network into smart, operable, and scalable assets.

4. Charging stations are becoming grid-friendly energy resources

The next-generation charging infrastructure won't be defined by any single technology. It will be built on a complete tech stack, combining high-power charging, liquid cooling, integrated PV-storage-charging, DC bus architecture, V2G, automated charging, and AI-driven operations. In other words, future charging stations shouldn't just be passive electricity consumers that add stress to the grid. Through energy storage, renewable energy integration, V2G, smart scheduling, and AI-based energy optimization, charging stations can become grid-friendly energy resources.

This means that aside from charging vehicles, a charging station can absorb renewable energy, buffer peak loads, respond to demand-side signals, support peak shaving and valley filling, regulate frequency, and provide carbon-neutral ESG data for fleet operators. Its business model will also go beyond charging fees, creating new value through energy services, data services, carbon-related benefits, and grid interaction capabilities.

Microgrids Have Emerged at the Right Time

At the same time, with the continuous development of distributed energy and photovoltaic energy, microgrids have emerged at the right time. They are not just a product, but a local energy system built around real-world scenarios.

In the latest "White Paper" on scenario-based microgrid technology, StarCharge points out that microgrids are moving from customized engineering projects toward scalable, replicable energy systems.

A microgrid is a scenario-based local energy system

According to StarCharge, a microgrid is not a single device, nor is it just an energy storage product. It's a local energy system designed around the needs of a specific scenario, coordinating local generation, loads, storage, control, and operational strategies within a defined electrical boundary.

Moreover, depending on the scenario—such as data centers, individual charging stations, zero-carbon industrial parks, or green mines—the energy challenges are completely different. The right microgrid is defined by the scenario it serves.

The white paper also highlights four high-value paths: electricity-computing synergy, independent power supply, zero-carbon parks, and green mines. In areas with weak grids or limited grid access, microgrids ensure the operation of critical loads. In emerging load scenarios like data centers and industrial parks, microgrids support renewable energy integration, energy resilience, and cost optimization. In high-tech-demand scenarios like mines, microgrids become the foundation for ensuring production continuity, energy transition, and ESG competitiveness.

The three-stage evolution of microgrids

As power sources and loads become increasingly DC, microgrid architectures are evolving from AC-dominated systems to AC-DC hybrid systems, and eventually toward microgrids with a higher proportion of DC.

Microgrid 1.0 — dominated by AC architecture. It integrates renewable energy into the existing AC grid framework, but its control heavily relies on grid-following management and support from the external grid.

Microgrid 2.0 — the AC-DC hybrid stage. AC and DC buses coexist, allowing PV, storage, and DC loads to connect more directly. Bidirectional power hubs, solid-state transformers (SST), and energy routers become important bridges between AC and DC systems. This stage balances strong AC compatibility with higher DC efficiency and is expected to remain mainstream in the next 10-15 years.

Microgrid 3.0—it's the era of DC microgrids. As solar PV, wind power, battery storage, data centers, LED lighting, and EV charging increasingly move toward DC, DC microgrids can reduce repeated AC-DC conversion losses, simplify control, and support millisecond-level responses.

This evolution is closely linked to the mission of microgrids: breaking through energy access bottlenecks, enabling sustainable development, connecting technology, industry, policy, market, and community needs, and unlocking the integrated value of local energy systems.

In the future, StarCharge will steadily expand into the growing global markets for new EVs and renewable energy, building on its smart energy systems that have been widely validated in the Chinese market.

Hashtag: #StarCharge

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

• Formula E Season 12 accelerates global expansion and sustainability milestones as DHL delivers precision logistics behind one of the world's most complex sporting championships
• Battery logistics takes center stage off track as electrification drives new supply chain demands

SHANGHAI, CHINA - Media OutReach Newswire - 7 July 2026 – As the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship returns to Shanghai for the 2025/2026 Season, the world's premier all-electric racing Championship accelerates into its most ambitious chapter yet with a record 17 races across 11 global cities, including new circuits in Madrid and Miami.

Underscoring its commitment to sustainability and transparency, Formula E has also recently become the first global sport to achieve B Corp Certification, a globally recognised designation awarded to companies that meet high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. "Achieving B Corp Certification is a defining milestone for Formula E and reinforces our mission to drive sustainable innovation both on and off the track," said Barry Mortimer, Paddock and Logistics Director, Formula E. "It reflects our commitment to operating responsibly as we continue to push the boundaries of electric mobility and sustainable sport on a global stage."

DHL Powers the Global Movement of Formula E

Behind the high-speed action lies a complex global logistics operation. DHL, the Official Founding and Official Logistics Partner of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship since 2013, plays a critical role in moving the Championship seamlessly across continents, ensuring that every race is delivered with precision, efficiency and sustainability.

Each race in this season requires the transport of approximately 400 metric tons of freight, including 21 electric race cars, charging infrastructure, broadcast equipment, and critical power systems, all orchestrated through tightly coordinated multimodal solutions spanning air, ocean, rail and road.

In the lead-up to the 2026 Shanghai E-Prix, DHL executed a three-day multimodal journey from Sanya, combining ferry and road transport. This required extensive planning and documentation to ensure full compliance across multiple transport regulations, highlighting the precision and intricate choreography required to meet unmovable race-day deadlines.

Battery Logistics at the Heart of Electrified Racing

Beyond motorsport, this partnership shines a spotlight on one of the fastest-growing and most complex areas of global trade: battery logistics. As electrification accelerates worldwide, the safe and compliant transport of lithium-ion batteries has become mission-critical and increasingly challenging.

Formula E offers a vivid real-world example. Each race involves transporting approximately 31 high-performance batteries, each weighing around 400kg—far exceeding typical consumer battery thresholds and classified as regulated dangerous goods. Their transport requires strict adherence to international regulations, including IATA and ICAO standards, covering specialized packaging, state-of-charge restrictions, certified handling procedures, and multiple layers of regulatory approvals from airlines and authorities.

The complexity is further amplified by varying customs requirements of different countries and cities, and stringent transport conditions across different modes. From certified aluminum containment units and non-stackable packaging to detailed documentation and risk classification requirements, every step demands precision and deep expertise.

"Every Formula E race may look seamless on track, but behind the scenes it is a highly complex logistics operation—especially when it comes to transporting lithium-ion batteries safely across borders," said Federico Cavani, Head of Motorsports Italy, DHL Global Forwarding. "These are regulated dangerous goods that require meticulous planning, strict compliance with global standards, and specialized handling at every stage. Our partnership with Formula E showcases how advanced battery logistics can be executed safely at scale, and reflects the same challenges DHL customers face as electrification accelerates globally."

China: The Engine Driving Global Battery Supply Chains

China has emerged as the undisputed hub of the global battery ecosystem, underpinning the rapid growth of electrification worldwide. In 2025, global electric vehicle battery deployment reached 1.2 terawatt-hours (TWh), with China accounting for around 60% of the total, reinforcing its position as the largest and most dynamic market. Beyond demand, China also leads across the manufacturing value chain. The country produces over 70% of the world's lithium-ion batteries, with some estimates placing its share at more than three-quarters of global output in 2025.

The ability to move batteries safely, compliantly, and efficiently—both within China and across international markets—has thus become a critical differentiator.

"DHL Global Forwarding China partners with several of the world's leading battery manufacturers, providing end-to-end battery transportation solutions across the entire logistics value chain. The company also supports the rapidly growing energy storage logistics sector, helping customers better manage and optimize their energy storage supply chains. Each year, we handle more than 10,000 TEUs of batteries and battery-related materials exported from China, with shipments destined for major markets such as the United States and Europe," said Stephen Zhang, Vice President, Ocean Freight, Greater China, DHL Global Forwarding.

As global supply chains evolve alongside the energy transition, DHL's role extends far beyond the racetrack. From supporting EV and battery ecosystems to enabling resilient, compliant and sustainable logistics solutions, the company continues to power the shift toward a low-carbon future—one race, and one shipment at a time.

DHL Group has made significant investments in its New Energy capabilities under its Strategy 2030: Accelerating Sustainable Growth. Through DHL New Energy Logistics, a sector brand driving electrification and the energy transition, the company delivers end-to-end solutions across the full value chain, spanning wind, solar, EVs and batteries, BESS, charging, grid infrastructure, alternative fuels, and hydrogen. Leveraging a global network covering more than 220 countries and territories and supported by over 20 DHL EV Centers of Excellence and a dedicated team of trained dangerous goods specialists, DHL ensures high-sensitivity cargo moves safely, compliantly, and on time.
Hashtag: #DHL

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

DHL – The logistics company for the world

DHL is the leading global brand in the logistics industry. Our DHL divisions offer an unrivalled portfolio of logistics services ranging from national and international parcel delivery, e-commerce shipping and fulfillment solutions, international express, road, air and ocean transport to industrial supply chain management. With approximately 389,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide, DHL connects people and businesses securely and reliably, enabling global sustainable trade flows. With specialized solutions for growth markets and industries including technology, life sciences and healthcare, engineering, manufacturing & energy, auto-mobility and retail, DHL is decisively positioned as "The logistics company for the world".

DHL is part of DHL Group. The Group generated revenues of approximately 82.9 billion euros in 2025. With sustainable business practices and a commitment to society and the environment, the Group makes a positive contribution to the world. DHL Group aims to achieve net-zero emissions logistics by 2050.

Agency leader Bryan Phang is the sole COE (Diamond Agency) winner to achieve four consecutive award wins; Prudential’s solid showing underpinned by its strong knowledge sharing and mentorship culture

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 7 July 2026 – Prudential Singapore ("Prudential") achieved the strongest showing globally in the 2026 Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) Culture of Excellence (COE) Awards, with 29 agency leaders recognised out of 68 winners worldwide. This was up from 13 winners in 2025, reflecting the strong progress made by Prudential's agency force. Accounting for more than two in five award recipients this year, Prudential had the highest number of MDRT COE Award winners globally.

The MDRT COE Award recognises agency leaders who deliver strong outcomes across six dimensions of agency management¹: production, retention, recruitment, persistency, whole person, and MDRT or MDRT Academy membership.

Mr Rom Lee, Chief Agency Officer, Prudential Singapore, said: "Having 29 agency leaders recognised on the global MDRT Culture of Excellence Awards, up from 13 last year, is a strong affirmation of the standards our leaders set for themselves and their teams. Beyond individual achievement, it reflects a culture grounded on discipline, a strong MDRT sharing culture and a deep commitment to helping customers make confident financial decisions.

"We have worked to create an environment where financial representatives can grow their careers, perform at a high level and be recognised for their achievements. As customer needs continue to evolve, this culture of excellence will remain central to how we develop a trusted, future-ready agency."

MDRT COE Award winner Mr Bryan Phang, Financial Services Director, Prudential Singapore, is the only Diamond Agency recipient globally to achieve this distinction for a fourth consecutive year. This year, the agency went a step further by achieving all six criteria of the Award. Said Mr Phang: "Earning this recognition for a fourth consecutive year is meaningful. The best teams make each other better. For us, it's about developing people, building leaders and creating a culture that can sustain success over time. We hope this recognition raises the bar for what strong agency culture and high standards can achieve."

New MDRT COE Award winner, Ms Chiam Shu Yi, Wealth Director, Prudential Financial Advisers Singapore, Platinum Agency, is recognised for developing the careers of young and mid-career financial representatives. Said Ms Chiam: "Success is never built alone. The greatest fulfilment in leadership is investing in people, helping them discover hidden confidence, and reach milestones which they thought were out of reach. By supporting others, you empower them to grow, succeed, and build lives and careers they are proud of."

Agency leaders awarded the MDRT Culture of Excellence Award include:

Prudential's agency force has continued to deliver strong results and a consistently growing number of qualifiers. In 2026, it had 1,425 MDRT qualifiers, including 186 Court of The Table (TOT) and 73 Top of the Table (TOT) qualifiers, as well as 29 MDRT COE Award winners.

Prudential continues to invest in capability building across its agency force through training and professional development pathways. These include the Financial Consultant Induction Programme (FCIP) for new joiners, which leads to an Institute of Banking and Finance Qualified (Level 1) certification, as well as leadership development tracks such as the Chartered Insurance Agency Manager designation.

The company also equips financial representatives to serve affluent and high-net-worth customers through its in-house High Net Worth Skill Up Series and external programmes including the Certified Affluent Wealth Adviser and Advanced Affluent Wealth Adviser courses by the Wealth Management Institute. In 2024, Prudential also enhanced its Management Associate Programme (MAP) to support fresh graduates and young professionals pursuing a career as financial representatives².

Prudential has 5,400 financial representatives with its tied agency and financial advisory arm, Prudential Financial Advisers Singapore, as of 31 December 2025.

1 For more information on criteria for MDRT Culture of Excellence Awards, please visit: https://www.mdrtcenter.org/culture-of-excellence-awards
2 For more information about the enhanced Management Associate Programme, visit: https://www.prudential.com.sg/about/newsroom/press-release/2024/prudential-ramps-up-hiring

Hashtag: #Prudential #PrudentialSingapore #MDRTCOE #MDRTCultureofExcellenceAward

https://www.prudential.com.sg/
https://sg.linkedin.com/company/prudential-assurance-company-singapore
https://www.facebook.com/PrudentialSingapore/
https://www.instagram.com/prudentialsingapore/

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Prudential Assurance Company Singapore (Pte) Ltd (Prudential Singapore)

Prudential Assurance Company Singapore (Pte) Ltd is one of the top life and health insurance companies in Singapore, serving the financial and protection needs of the country's citizens for 95 years. As at 31 December 2025, it has S$66.3 billion funds under management. The company has an AA Financial Strength Rating from leading credit rating agency Standard & Poor's and delivers a suite of well-rounded product offerings in Protection, Savings and Investment through multiple distribution channels including a network of 5,400 financial representatives.

About MDRT Center for Field Leadership

The MDRT Center for Field Leadership was created exclusively for financial services field and home office leaders. As a separate, individual membership association with innovative leadership development strategies, the MDRT Center provides its members with exceptional value and leadership growth opportunities. MDRT Center membership allows increased engagement within the MDRT community while allowing leaders to develop a culture of excellence within their respective organizations. To learn more visit mdrtcenter.org.

Co-hosted by Bloomberg L.P., the Forum was attended by Michael R. Bloomberg, Founder of Bloomberg L.P. and Bloomberg Philanthropies; Tang Zhiwen, Minister, Embassy of the People's Republic in the United States of America; Ma Xiaoxiao, Deputy Consul General of the People's Republic of China in New York; Chen Yiqun, Director-General of Information Office of Shanghai Municipality, and Hu Minghua, President of Shanghai United Media Group and over 200 guests from the political, business, finance and cultural sectors of China and the United States. The forum is dedicated to exploring the openness and similarities between Shanghai and New York to identify a shared framework of certainties among global hub cities.

The two cities share distinct advantages in sectors such as finance and trade, while also facing common challenges in urban renewal, low-carbon development, and digital transformation. Candid and open dialogue is essential for mutual learning, and it will also inject stability into China-U.S. relations.

On the topic of how global capital understands the Chinese market, a panel titled "Investing in China, Winning the Future" featured Chinese and international guests discussing how the appeal of Chinese assets is shifting from traditional growth narratives to AI, high-end manufacturing, financial opening-up, and institutional market development. As a hub for financial opening-up, an asset allocation center, and a cluster for innovative enterprises, Shanghai has become a crucial gateway linking international capital with opportunities in China.

Consumption is one of the most dynamic topics between China and the U.S. At the second panel of "Opportunies in emerging Consumer Markets", moderated by Bloomberg Television host David Westin, panelists observed that the consumer vitality of Shanghai and New York stems not only from market size but also from their ongoing ability to create experiences, understand people, and activate urban spaces.

Besides the forum, the New York series of events for OUR WATER Season 3 also includes: West Meets East·Shanghai & New York 2026 - A Polaroid 20×24 Special Exhibition; Chinese Opera: A Century of Dreams - An Exhibition of Art Design and Technology; An Exhibition themed Shanghai's "One River, One Creek" and Jing'an CAZ China-U.S. Business Leaders Dialogue in New York.

These events shape a tangible and immersive waterfront narrative, allowing Shanghai and New York—two super metropolises that have thrived on water—to resonate in harmony through dialogue. As Minister Tang Zhiwen stated in his address, Shanghai and New York, are expected to become benchmarks for subnational cooperation between China and the United States, and to make new contributions to fostering a "constructive China-U.S. relationship of strategic stability."

Hashtag: #ShanghaiEye

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Designed to provide timely and flexible capital, these two business financing facilities were developed to enable Shariah-compliant businesses in navigating shifting market demands. Both products are aligned with the Shariah finance principle of Murabahah via Tawarruq concept, delivering transparent, ethical banking solutions to the Malaysian market.

Term Financing-i: Business Growth and Strategic Expansion

Engineered to fund medium to long term growth projects, asset purchases and infrastructure expansion while maintaining a healthy cash flow. AEON Bank Biz's Term Financing-i offers this flexibility:

• Zero collateral required
• No hidden charges on financing application or utilisation
• Flexible repayment tenure of up to 60 months
• Approved fund disbursed directly into customer's AEON Bank Biz Business Current Account-i

*Terms and conditions apply

Working Capital Financing-i: Empowering Business with Liquidity Agility

This financing facility provides a flexible credit line for short term cash flow needs, designed to bridge operational budget gaps and manage financial cycles. With AEON Bank Biz's Working Capital Financing-i, customers can gain access to the following:

• High value liquidity and multiple disbursement options, within approved financing facility limit up to 3-year tenure
• Flexibility to pay your principal and refresh approved limit, without the hassle of repeated financing applications
• Up to 12-months disbursement period
• Disbursement managed fully online, deposited straight into customer's AEON Bank Biz Business Current Account-i

*Terms and conditions apply

A Dynamic Business Banking Experience

Beyond credit line disbursement, AEON Bank Biz serves as a holistic 360-degree, Shariah compliant banking partner for business owners across Malaysia. It enables businesses to manage assets, liabilities, operational financial needs and merchant operations, through a simplified banking process.

At the core of it all is the Business Current Account-i with a dynamic business banking functionality to support businesses to thrive :

• Integrated cash management capabilities for payments and collections: Seamless processing for DuitNow and RENTAS, as well as instant settlement and notification for DuitNow QR
• Smart cash management: Maximize idle capital yield via Biz Term Deposit-i, offering competitive profit optimization rates up to 3.20% p.a. on customizable tenures as short as 1 day, with an entry baseline of just RM500
• Governance controls: Multi-user level access authorizations and structured approval workflows engineered to mirror corporate governance standards safely

*Terms and conditions apply

Empowering Businesses to Scale Sustainably

This latest rollout by a digital bank in Malaysia aligns directly with the national goal to supercharge SME contributions to the domestic Gross Domestic Product (GDP) up to 50% by 2030. In order to achieve that, access to financing, including digital banking solutions remains a key enabler for business growth. In fact, this is where banking institutions and fintech catalysts such as AEON Bank play an important role in achieving that target.

Click on the links to find out more about AEON Bank Biz and discover a #BetterBusinessBanking experience to scale your growth.
Hashtag: #AEONBank #digitalbank #islamicbank #digitalislamicbank #AEONBankBiz #BusinessBanking #TermFinancing #WorkingCapitalFinancing

https://www.aeonbank.com.my/business
https://www.linkedin.com/company/aeonbankmy/?viewAsMember=true
https://www.facebook.com/share/1EqAqfTFLp/?mibextid=wwXIfr
https://www.instagram.com/aeonbankmy?igsh=dnNwYnNjb2Z4N3ky

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

ABOUT AEON BANK (M) BERHAD

AEON Bank (M) Berhad is Malaysia’s first digital Islamic bank, licensed and regulated by Bank Negara Malaysia and the Ministry of Finance. Officially launched on 26 May 2024, we currently offer a suite of Shariah-compliant products and services for the Personal Banking and Business Banking (AEON Bank Biz) customers.

Our Personal Banking offerings are 100% accessible online via the AEON Bank app, where customers can activate and access the deposit Savings Account-i, AEON Bank x Visa Debit Card-i, Personal Financing-i, Term Deposit-i, Savings Pot, DuitNow QR, Zakat, Takaful, JomPay, utility bill payments, as well as a range of digital payment services with strategic partners and merchants. Moreover, AEON Bank has developed the Neko Missions, Malaysia’s first gamified digital banking interactive rewards programme and ‘Neko Sensei’, the AI-powered personal financial coach.

On 8 August 2025, AEON Bank (M) Berhad officially introduced AEON Bank Biz with the integrated cash management capabilities anchored by the Business Current Account-i, alongside Biz Term Deposit-i, Biz QR, Term Financing-i and Working Capital Financing-i. AEON Bank Biz focuses on streamlined processes for account onboarding, credit assessments and financial services, utilising AI-driven fintech solutions to enable simplified procedures, faster approvals, and an enhanced digital banking experience for businesses in Malaysia.

For eligible deposit-based products under AEON Bank and AEON Bank Biz, such as the Savings Account-i, Savings Pot, Term Deposit-i, Business Current Account-i and Biz Term Deposit-i, the deposits are protected up to RM250,000 per depositor. AEON Bank is a member of Perbadanan Insurans Deposit Malaysia (PIDM) and the deposit protection is automatic and free.

Being part of the AEON Group conglomerate, AEON Bank (M) Berhad is equally held by AEON Financial Service Co. Ltd. (AFS Japan) and AEON Credit Service (M) Berhad (ACSM). AFS Japan is responsible for the AEON Group’s financial services businesses, with strong roots in the retail sector which operates in Japan and 10 countries across Asia. AEON Group is Japan’s largest retail group and it is a pure holding company that comprises eight core businesses.

AEON Group Malaysia consists of several entities, namely, AEON Co. (M) Bhd, AEON Credit Service (M) Berhad, AEON Bank (M) Berhad, AEON BiG (M) Sdn Bhd, AEON Fantasy (M) Sdn Bhd, AEON Delight (M) Sdn Bhd, AEON Global Supply Chain Sdn Bhd and Malaysian AEON Foundation (MAF). AEON Group has been a recognisable household brand with more than 200 years of history and evolution in Japan since the Edo era, along with 4 decades of growth in Malaysia, providing consumers with daily financial solutions and diversified retail convenience.

Our cloud native agility and AI optimisation, combined with the strength of our Shariah finance DNA, Malaysian tenacity and Japanese roots are our distinguishing factors, while the integration across the AEON ecosystem gives us a competitive advantage of being the only bank in Malaysia with its own nationwide retail network. On top of that, AEON Points loyalty programme offers customers value-added benefits and meaningful rewards for their online shopping and in-store purchases.

AEON Bank (M) Berhad is committed to empowering the community in pursuing their financial aspirations and achieve economic independence, while cultivating a more inclusive financial future for all. We will continue to contribute towards positioning Malaysia as the Islamic banking hub in the region and fostering the growth of the nation’s digital economy.

Marking a historic milestone, the MAMA-winning icon celebrates a year of regional breakthroughs and a defining leap into the global spotlight.

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 6 July 2026 - This July, celebrating his birthday month, Anson Lo marks a decisive leap into the global spotlight. Defined by his philosophy of "Adventure and Limitless," the MAMA award-winning artist over the past weekend brought his solo concert tour to Macau, delivering a highly acclaimed, two-night engagement that drew an overwhelming response. This milestone is further amplified by the highly anticipated release of his new English single "Helicopter" and his high-profile appearance in the English drama The Season. Known for his razor-sharp choreography, Lo has transcended his status as Hong Kong's premier idol to become a defining figure of a new, international generation.

The Rise of "Lo-Phenomenon"

Anson Lo's trajectory over the last few years has been defined by a series of professional breakthroughs that have solidified his status as a regional powerhouse:

• Cross-Cultural Collaborations: From headlining Waterbomb Singapore to a viral collaboration with Japan's Avantgardey, Lo has proven his ability to electrify massive international crowds and bridge creative gaps across Asia.
• A Landmark Fashion Milestone: In a historic international collaboration, Lo became the first Hong Kong artist to co-design a capsule collection with Italian luxury legend Giuseppe Zanotti. This partnership, alongside his work with luxury houses, cements his status as a definitive global fashion icon.
• Industry Recognition: Since winning Best New Asian Artist (Mandarin) at the 2021 Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA), Lo recently marked a significant turning point by performing on South Korea's MBC Show Champion and The Fact Music Awards (TMA) stage, bringing Cantopop to major music platforms in South Korea.
• Global Screen Ventures: Lo expanded his international television footprint with a high-profile guest appearance in the elite ensemble English drama The Season. The series premiered worldwide on major streaming platforms like Hulu and Viu, underscoring his growing global versatility.

A New Frontier: Crafting English Hits and Lyrics

Lo's global evolution shines through his self-penned English rap lyrics across nearly all his dance singles. Expanding his creative control, he wrote his two full English tracks, "Trippin' Up" and the newly released "Helicopter." "Helicopter" just dropped to an overwhelming global response, solidifying his international musical footprint.

About Anson Lo

Anson Lo (born July 7, 1995) is a multifaceted Hong Kong singer, dancer, and actor. Since his 2018 debut with the group MIRROR, he has evolved into a record-breaking soloist, headlining multiple solo concerts and releasing chart-topping hits such as "Megahit," "Mr. Stranger," and "Hey Hey OK!". Today, he stands as a versatile artist working across music, fashion, and film.

Instagram @ansonlht | Facebook @ansonlht | YouTube: @AnsonLoHonTing
Hashtag: #AnsonLo #盧瀚霆 #AnsonLo盧瀚霆

https://www.facebook.com/ansonlht
https://www.instagram.com/ansonlht/
https://www.youtube.com/@AnsonLoHonTing

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Coca-Cola Products Introduced Across All Subway Hong Kong and Macau Outlets Starting July

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 6 July 2026 - Swire Coca-Cola and Subway's Hong Kong and Macau franchisee, Fu-Rui-Shi Hong Kong Corporate Development Limited, jointly announced the signing of a seven-and-a-half-year strategic partnership agreement. Starting in July 2026, all Subway stores and online platforms in Hong Kong and Macau will fully introduce beverages from under the Coca‑Cola portfolio , offering customers a more diverse and enhanced meal pairing experience.

Omnichannel Supply with Diverse Beverage Choices

Richard Gould, Director and General Manager of Swire Coca-Cola HK, said the company is pleased to form a long-term partnership with Subway. He noted that meaningful partnerships go beyond brand collaboration — they respond to consumer needs and enhance everyday experiences.

He added that the collaboration not only elevates the dining experience but also reflects our commitment to creating more relevant, refreshing and enjoyable meal occasions for consumers .

Richard Zhu, Chief Executive Officer of Subway China, also welcomed the collaboration, highlighting the combined strengths of both brands in delivering more diverse choices to consumers in Hong Kong and Macau.

Under the agreement, Subway outlets and online platforms in Hong Kong and Macau will offer a range of beverages from the Coca-Cola portfolio, including Coca-Cola, Sprite, Fanta, Schweppes, Authentic Tea House, Aquarius and more, along with pairing recommendations and upgrade options. Seasonal and limited-time promotions will also be introduced.

Driving Innovation to Enhance Consumer Experience

With 44 outlets across Hong Kong and Macau, this partnership combines the respective strengths of both companies to further enhance market competitiveness. Leveraging Coca-Cola's strong brand portfolio and platforms such as Foodmarks and Coke+, the collaboration will enable more diversified partnership models.

Looking ahead, both parties aim to explore integrated promotions to drive bundled sales, as well as closer integration of physical stores and digital channels to boost consumer interaction and conversion, setting a new benchmark for cross-industry collaboration and sustainable growth. With customer experience at its core, the partnership aims to inject new energy into cross-sector collaboration within the local food and retail industry, creating long-term value for the Hong Kong and Macau markets and achieving a win-win-win outcome for brands, merchants and consumers.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Famous for its signature crispy fried duck, the fast-growing Indonesian food brand proves that high-quality, affordable dining is a winning formula.

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 6 July 2026 - Bebek Goreng Pak Ndut, the rapidly expanding restaurant brand famous for its signature crispy fried duck and authentic Indonesian-style cuisine, today announced the upcoming grand opening of its fourth Singapore outlet at Sengkang Grand Mall, officially opening its doors on Saturday, July 11, 2026. This launch represents a key milestone in the brand's aggressive regional growth strategy, which currently includes two successful high-volume locations in Malaysia and an upcoming market entry into Bangkok.

​Built on a fast-turnover, highly accessible dining model, Bebek Goreng Pak Ndut is proving that affordable, everyday meals do not have to compromise on taste or quality. The brand focuses purely on operational efficiency and delivering exceptional value to the masses, making its famous fried duck and authentic Indonesian flavors accessible to everyone without the premium price tag.

​"Our mission is simple: serve uncompromisingly authentic, high-quality food at a price that keeps customers coming back multiple times a week," said Joni Anson, Founder of Bebek Goreng Pak Ndut. "With this new Sengkang location, our thriving outlets in Malaysia, and our upcoming expansion into Bangkok, we are showing that a great dining experience should be affordable, fast, and consistently delicious."

​To celebrate the grand opening with the Sengkang community, the new outlet will be offering an exclusive 23% storewide discount throughout the weekend of July 11 and 12, 2026.

​For more information, to view the menu, or to find the nearest location, please visit www.bebekgorengpakndut.com.sg or follow the brand on Instagram and TikTok at @bebekgorengpakndut_sg.
Hashtag: #BebekGorengPakNdut

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Bebek Goreng Pak Ndut

Bebek Goreng Pak Ndut is a regional multi-outlet restaurant brand specializing in authentic, affordable Indonesian-style cuisine. Operating a high-efficiency central kitchen and multiple fast-casual outlets across Singapore and Malaysia, the brand is dedicated to delivering consistent, high-quality meals at accessible price points.

Supporting the Next Generation of Animation Storytellers

Building on its support for emerging animation talent through the inaugural XPPen Award for Graduation Films at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in 2025, XPPen deepens its commitment to the animation community through the 2026 Annecy Festival Residency. The initiative provides selected animation feature film projects with studio space, tailor-made professional mentorship and opportunities to engage with the global animation community.

This year's residency selected three animation projects from 52 submissions across 29 countries: All the Heaven's Doors, Condenaditos, and Todo viene del agua. These projects boldly reflect on social issues, refuse fatalism, and revisit fragments of life and history with exceptional artistic courage and creative vision. As the residency's official partner, XPPen provides its flagship Artist Pro 27 (Gen 2) drawing displays to support artists throughout the creative development process, from concept sketching and storyboarding to visual refinement.

"We contribute more than hardware, but also our deep respect for artistic souls who refuse to follow the crowd—those committed to using animation to probe the depths of human nature," said Brian Huang, Marketing Director at XPPen. "We admire creators who challenge the world through storytelling, and we're honored to walk alongside such creative spirits with tools they can trust throughout their journey."

Featuring professional-grade color performance, a 27-inch 4K 120Hz display, and X-Touch technology, the Artist Pro 27 (Gen 2) enables artists to remain fully immersed in art creation. By seamlessly supporting technical demands, the tool fades into the background and becomes an extension of the creator, freeing artists to focus on what matters most: telling compelling stories.

Showcasing Professional Innovation at MIFA 2026

At MIFA 2026, the world's leading animation industry marketplace held alongside the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, XPPen presented its latest creative product lineup, demonstrating how its expanding ecosystem supports creators at every stage of their creative journey.

The lineup spans entry-level standalone tablets for aspiring artists, the Magic Drawing Pad for everyday digital creation, the Artist 16 3rd portable pen display for professional creators, the flagship Artist Pro 27 (Gen 2) for high-end creative production, and the newly launched Pilot Pro, a productivity-focused editing console designed to streamline editing workflows, marking XPPen's first foray into the professional editing console category.

Beyond product demonstrations, XPPen invited artists to share their creative process on site. Illustrator and animator Julie Roulet demonstrated how professional pen displays can support efficient animation workflows, while 2D/3D artist Benjamin Cerbai explored hybrid digital creation using the Magic Drawing Pad, giving visitors first-hand insight into how the device supports diverse creative scenarios.

By continuing its presence at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival and MIFA, XPPen reaffirms its long-term commitment to supporting creators through both technological innovation and meaningful engagement with the animation industry. Guided by its belief in empowering bold self-expression, XPPen is dedicated to developing tools that enable creators to turn ideas into reality. The company continues to build a creative ecosystem that supports artists at every stage of their journey, growing alongside them from their first ideas to professional creative production.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

The Asian Excellence Awards is one of Asia's most prestigious accolades in the fields of corporate governance, ESG, and investor relations. Organized annually by Corporate Governance Asia since 2011, the awards are recognized for their rigorous evaluation standards and stringent selection criteria.

This year, VinFast received recognition in three major categories: Best Investor Relations Company, Asia's Best CFO awarded to Ms. Nguyen Thi Lan Anh, and Best Investor Relations Professional awarded to Ms. Amandae Baey.

VinFast was the only Vietnamese company recognized at the 2026 awards. Other recipients this year were leading corporations from several key Asian markets, including Hong Kong, Mainland China, Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

In the Best Investor Relations Company category, VinFast was highly regarded for its transparency in information disclosure, its ability to maintain regular engagement with investors and analysts, and the effectiveness of its communication and outreach initiatives with financial communities.

For the Asia's Best CFO award, the organizers recognized the critical role of corporate finance leaders in maintaining strong financial foundations, developing effective capital-raising strategies, and navigating market volatility. The award honors CFOs who demonstrate exceptional leadership in guiding their companies toward stable and sustainable growth across varying economic conditions.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Lan Anh, Chief Financial Officer of VinFast, said: "This series of recognitions at the Asian Excellence Awards 2026 is a meaningful acknowledgment of VinFast's journey in building a global enterprise founded on advanced and sustainable governance standards. VinFast will continue to strengthen governance capabilities, enhance transparency, and foster open dialogue with stakeholders to build long-term trust in international markets."

Ms. Nguyen Thi Lan Anh has served as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of VinFast Auto Ltd since 2024. Having joined Vingroup in 2020, she brings extensive knowledge of the Company's operations through her leadership experience across multiple functions, including finance, manufacturing, and supply chain management. She is a Fellow Chartered Certified Accountant (FCCA) and a Certified Practising Accountant of CPA Australia.

Ms. Amandae Baey has served as Vice President of Investor Relations at VinFast since 2024, where she leads the Company's global investor engagement, analyst relations, and capital markets positioning. She is a CFA charterholder.

The awards highlight VinFast's increasing integration into global capital markets and reaffirm its commitment to adopting international governance standards, enhancing disclosure quality, and strengthening engagement with shareholders and investors through a professional, proactive, and sustainable approach.

Over the past year alone, VinFast has received dozens of prestigious international awards spanning investment and finance, corporate communications, electric mobility, technology, design, and sustainability. Notable recognitions include the "Outstanding Innovation in Sustainable Electric Mobility" and "Remarkable Contribution to Energy Independence" awards at the CNN Indonesia Awards; the "Best Value Car of the Year" award at the Autocar India Awards 2026; ranking 101st in TIME magazine's "Asia-Pacific's Best Companies of 2025" list; and six awards at the APAC Effie Awards.

Hashtag: #VinFast #AsianExcellenceAwards #InvestorRelations

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Corporate Governance Asia

Corporate Governance Asia is Asia's leading publication covering corporate governance, ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance), investor relations, and sustainability. Since its launch in 2002, it has become a trusted source of insights and analysis for corporate leaders, investors, regulators, and financial professionals across the region.

The Asian Excellence Awards, organized annually by Corporate Governance Asia since 2011, recognize outstanding companies and business leaders across Asia for excellence in corporate governance, ESG practices, and investor relations.

Over Ten Thousand International Delegates Gather in Hong Kong Confirming City’s Status as World’s Meeting Place

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 4 July 2026 - The Hong Kong Tourism Board is proud to support the 108th Lions International Convention 2026 in Hong Kong. Having previously hosted the convention in 1992 and 2005, Hong Kong has once again been chosen by Lions Clubs International as the venue for its flagship event, attracting around 17,000 delegates from across the globe. Hong Kong has thus become one of the very few cities among more than 200 Lions member countries and regions worldwide to have secured hosting rights three times. This underscores Hong Kong's status and appeal as the Events Capital of Asia and the World's Meeting Place.

Hosting Same High-Profile Event for the Third Time Cements Hong Kong's Title as Asia's World City

HKTB Chairman Dr Peter Lam said, "HKTB is delighted to partner with the Lions Clubs International District 303 Hong Kong and Macao, China, to bring this Convention to Hong Kong for the third time. Its return affirms Hong Kong's position as the World's Meeting Place and a top-of-mind destination for MICE tourism. It also showcases Hong Kong's integrated strengths in world-class MICE infrastructure, global aviation connectivity, diverse and distinctive tourism offerings, and quality hospitality services. These are the key factors in attracting international MICE events and encouraging business travellers to return time and again. We extend our warmest welcome to Lions from around the world and, together with our industry partners, have curated exclusive itineraries and experiences to encourage delegates to stay longer and discover the unique appeal that can be found only in Hong Kong."

Lions Clubs International is one of the world's largest service organisations, with more than 1.4 million members and around 50,000 district clubs across over 200 countries and regions. Since 1917, the organisation has supported communities worldwide through a wide range of social service and community aid initiatives.

Lions International Convention 2026 Honorary Chairman and Past International President Dr Tam Wing-kun said, "Hong Kong is an international metropolis where Eastern and Western cultures converge. With its well-developed professional services and comprehensive MICE infrastructure, Hong Kong is an ideal host for this international mega event. I am delighted that the Convention has returned to Hong Kong. This year's edition will provide Lions from all corners of the world with a broad and diverse platform to explore the future development of international services. Delegates will also be able to experience first-hand Hong Kong's world-class cuisine and rich cultural appeal. I am confident they will be the best ambassadors possible when they return home, telling the good stories of Hong Kong to the world."

Lions Attempt Tai Chai World Record in Hong Kong
The 108th Lions International Convention is being held for five consecutive days from 3 to 7 July at AsiaWorld-Expo. To celebrate its return to Hong Kong and promote traditional Chinese culture, the organiser will attempt to set a world record with thousands of international Lions practising Tai Chi simultaneously. The activity aims to promote exercise for all and deepen participants' understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals, creating a meaningful finale to the convention.

HKTB Teams Up with the Trade to Offer Unforgettable Cultural Tourism Experiences

Hashtag: #MEHK #MeetingsandExhibitionsHongKong #HongKong #MICE #Lions #LionsInternationalConvention2026

https://www.mehongkong.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/meetings-exhibitions-hong-kong

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Just a few years ago, conversations surrounding EV buying were dominated by battery size, driving range and acceleration. Those things still matter today, but they are no longer the whole story. As EVs move into the mainstream, buyer priorities are shifting toward practical, long-term considerations, including the post-purchase experience, charging convenience, straightforward servicing, and the enduring reliability of the brand. These factors increasingly shape purchasing decisions, and they also provide a useful lens through which to look at the VinFast VF 8, an all-electric mid-size SUV.

Designed by the legendary Italian design house Pininfarina, the all-electric D-segment SUV combines clean, modern styling with the practicality expected of a family vehicle. It delivers up to 493 km of NEDC driving range, produces up to 402 horsepower through a dual-motor AWD system, and comes equipped with Level 2 driver assistance technologies, a 15.6-inch infotainment display, and a spacious cabin designed for everyday comfort. In the UAE, buyers also benefit from a 10-year vehicle warranty, a 10-year unlimited-mileage battery warranty, alongside 24/7 roadside assistance and five years of free maintenance up to 100,000 km.

While the VF 8 already has plenty to offer on paper, the real challenge is making ownership feel effortless once the excitement of the purchase has passed. Recognizing that, VinFast has invested heavily in the ecosystem that supports its vehicles.

Earlier this year, the company signed agreements with 29 international aftersales partners as part of a broader plan to expand its global service network to more than 1,100 workshops across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia during 2026. The company is also rolling out customer support initiatives such as software updates, battery inspections, and technical support throughout the ownership journey.

In the UAE specifically, VinFast works with Al Tayer Motors to provide local aftersales support while continuing to strengthen its regional service network through experienced local partners. In March, the company signed an MoU with PlusX Electric, a DEWA-approved charging provider, to extend support beyond the dealership network. The plan includes portable charging pods, on-demand mobile charging, and emergency roadside charging services. The goal is to reduce downtime and eliminate the awkward scenario of running low on charge far from a plug.

"VinFast is committed to building a long-term and comprehensive EV ecosystem in the UAE, one that gives customers confidence not only in the quality and performance of our electric vehicles, but also in the reliability and accessibility of the supporting infrastructure," one executive of VinFast Middle East said in a press release.

The Middle East is entering an important stage of its EV journey, with governments investing in cleaner mobility and consumers enjoying more choices than ever before. As the market evolves, delivering a competitive vehicle is only part of the equation, while making ownership straightforward is becoming just as important. The VinFast VF 8 reflects that shift, pairing the features of a modern electric SUV with growing investments in charging, aftersales support, and customer service.

Hashtag: #VinFast #EV

https://me.vinfast.com/en

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Boosting Southeast Asia Strategy

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 3 July 2026 - Recently, XTransfer, the world's leading B2B cross-border trade payment platform, officially inaugurated its new office in Malaysia. This marks XTransfer's continued investment in localised operations across Southeast Asia and lays a solid foundation for further strengthening its regional trade finance services.

Leaders and partners from several major local Malaysian banks and financial institutions attended the event to witness this important milestone. The opening ceremony began with a lively lion dance performance, followed by a ribbon-cutting session led by distinguished guests in a festive atmosphere. Ribbon-cutting guests included Ms Winnie Wong, Director of Financial Institutions Group at Maybank; Ms Sylvia Wong, Regional Head at CIMB; Ms Daphne Yoo, Director at OCBC; along with representatives from various institutions and associations, and the head of XTransfer's Malaysia team.

Guests warmly congratulated XTransfer on the opening of its new office and expressed their expectation that XTransfer will continue to support the development of local trade by providing Malaysian SMEs with more efficient and secure cross-border payment solutions. Representatives from multiple banks also noted that they look forward to deepening collaboration with XTransfer, further improving localised settlement networks, and jointly promoting the development of the cross-border payments ecosystem.

As a fintech company deeply focused on global trade finance, XTransfer has consistently adhered to a technology-driven and compliance-first approach. It is committed to providing global trade enterprises with secure, convenient, and cost-effective cross-border payment and collection solutions. With the launch of its new Malaysia office, XTransfer will position Malaysia as a strategic hub for its Southeast Asia operations, extending its reach across the Asia-Pacific market and further accelerating regional business expansion. Going forward, XTransfer will continue to advance its internationalisation strategy to better serve global trade companies.

It is also worth noting that in February this year, XTransfer received conditional approval from Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) for key payment licenses. Upon completing the pre-issuance conditions and being permitted to launch, XTransfer will introduce digital payment services to support businesses, particularly SMEs engaged in international trade. With the official opening of the new office, XTransfer will leverage stronger local service capabilities together with its global network resources to continue helping regional trade businesses seize global opportunities and expand into broader international markets.

Hashtag: #XTransfer #Crossborder #Payment #SMEs #Malaysia

https://www.xtransfer.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtransfer.cn

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

The Ascott Limited introduces a vibrant integrated stay, events and lifestyle hotel within Sunshine Central, Ayer Itam.

PENANG, MALAYSIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 3 July 2026 - HARRIS Hotel & Conventions Sunshine Penang officially opens its doors today, marking the debut of the HARRIS brand in Malaysia and introducing a vibrant new hospitality, meetings and lifestyle destination in the heart of Ayer Itam.

Located just 30 minutes from the Penang International Airport and within Sunshine Central in Ayer Itam, the hotel offers a strategic Penang address that brings together modern accommodation, meetings and events facilities, direct mall connectivity, and access to retail, dining and lifestyle conveniences, as well as some of Penang's best-known local attractions. Designed for domestic and international leisure travellers, families, business travellers, groups and event planners, the hotel offers a practical and well-rounded hospitality experience in one of the island's established local neighbourhoods.

Marking HARRIS' First Presence in Malaysia

The opening of HARRIS Hotel & Conventions Sunshine Penang reflects the growing appeal of Penang as a destination where leisure, food, culture, healthcare, retail and business events meet. With its location near Penang Hill, Kek Lok Si Temple, traditional markets and local hawker food, the hotel provides a convenient base for travellers seeking to experience Penang beyond the usual city-centre stay.

At the same time, its position within Sunshine Central strengthens its relevance for corporate travellers, meeting planners, event organisers and business groups. The hotel is connected to retail and lifestyle facilities, supported by extensive parking within the development, and offers direct access to event spaces suited for corporate meetings, conferences, seminars, weddings, annual dinners and social celebrations.

"The debut of HARRIS in Malaysia is an important milestone for Ascott as we continue to expand our brand portfolio across the country," said Mondi Mecja, Country General Manager, Ascott Malaysia. "Penang's strong position as a tourism, healthcare and business events destination makes it an ideal location for the brand's first Malaysian property. Together with our partners at Sunshine Central, we are excited to introduce a hotel that caters to today's leisure travellers, families, corporate guests and event organisers in one integrated destination."

A Stay Designed for Leisure, Business and Group Travel

The hotel features 284 rooms and suites, comprising HARRIS Rooms, HARRIS Suites and HARRIS Family Suites. Its accommodation is designed to support both short stays and group travel, with room options suited for individual travellers, couples, families and guests attending meetings or events. Facilities include Harris Bistro, the hotel's all-day dining restaurant, F&B lounge, swimming pool, children's wading pool, children's playground, gymnasium and high-speed Wi-Fi, reflecting HARRIS' energetic and friendly approach to practical hospitality.

Discovering Ayer Itam and Penang's Local Attractions

For families and leisure travellers, HARRIS Hotel & Conventions Sunshine Penang offers an accessible stay option within reach of Ayer Itam's popular food, retail and cultural experiences. Its proximity to Penang Hill and Kek Lok Si Temple also creates opportunities for weekend stays, family holidays, group itineraries and pre- or post-event leisure visits.

A New Venue for Meetings, Weddings and Events

As one of the newest large-scale event venues in Penang, the pillarless Grand Ballroom, which can host up to 1,000 guests for banquet-style events, making it suitable for weddings, gala dinners, annual dinners and large-scale corporate functions.

The event spaces are designed for flexibility, with adaptable seating layouts, moveable partitions and modern AV capabilities, including integrated LED screens, high-speed Wi-Fi, professional sound and microphone systems, and dedicated AV control support.

With local weddings, company events, meetings and regional business events expected to be key demand drivers, the hotel is positioned as a practical new choice for planners who require accommodation, event space, retail convenience and ample parking access in one connected destination.

Convenience for Medical Travellers and Visiting Families

HARRIS Hotel & Conventions Sunshine Penang is also well placed for guests visiting Penang for healthcare-related travel, with access to established hospitals and private medical facilities on the island. Together with its family-friendly accommodation, mall connectivity, dining options, the hotel provides a convenient base for medical travellers and accompanying family members.

Opening Offer

To celebrate its opening, HARRIS Hotel & Conventions Sunshine Penang is offering HARRIS Rooms from RM308+ per room per night. Book from now till 31 October 2026, and stay period from 3 July to 31 October 2026. Website for bookings: Reservations and Bookings

Guests may also follow HARRIS Hotel & Conventions Sunshine Penang on Facebook at facebook.com/harrissunshinepenang and Instagram at @harris_sunshinepenang for the latest updates and opening highlights.

For images, please click here.

Hashtag: #HARRISHotels #HARRISHotel&ConventionsSunshinePenang #TheAscottLimited

https://www.discoverasr.com/en/harris/malaysia/harris-hotel-conventions-sunshine-penang
http://facebook.com/harrissunshinepenang
https://www.instagram.com/harris_sunshinepenang

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About The Ascott Limited

The Ascott Limited (Ascott) is driven by a vision to be the preferred hospitality company, enriching global living with heartfelt experiences. With a portfolio of more than 1,000 properties spanning over 230 cities across more than 40 countries, Ascott's presence spans Asia Pacific, Central Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the USA. Its diverse collection of award-winning brands includes Ascott, Citadines, lyf, Oakwood, Somerset, The Crest Collection, The Unlimited Collection, Fox, Harris, POP!, Preference, Quest, Vertu and Yello.

Ascott specialises in managing and franchising a wide range of lodging options, including serviced residences, hotels, resorts, social living properties and branded residences, catering to the varying needs and preferences of global travellers. Through the Ascott Star Rewards (ASR) loyalty programme, members enjoy exclusive privileges and curated experiences, enhancing every aspect of their travel journey.

As a wholly owned business unit of CapitaLand Investment Limited, Ascott generates fee-related revenue by leveraging its expertise in both lodging management and investment management. It also drives the expansion of funds under management by growing its sponsored CapitaLand Ascott Trust and private funds.

For more information on Ascott and its sustainability programme, please visit www.discoverasr.com/the-ascott-limited. Alternatively, connect with Ascott on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn.

Transaction Valued at $122.5M Establishes 20,000-Liter US Biologics Drug Substance Manufacturing Platform, Covering Development through Commercial Supply

TAIPEI, TAIWAN - Media OutReach Newswire - 2 July 2026 - Bora Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. ("Bora" or "Bora Group"; TWSE: 6472; OTCQX: BORAY) today announced the completion of its acquisition of the GMP manufacturing operations of MacroGenics, Inc. (NASDAQ: MGNX) including its biologics drug substance facility in Rockville, Maryland and an associated warehousing center in Frederick, Maryland, for total consideration of US $122.5 million through its wholly owned subsidiary Bora Biologics USA, LLC.. Upon closing, Bora signed a long-term CDMO Service Agreement with MacroGenics.

With the close of the transaction, Bora Group's biologics CDMO franchise, Bora Biologics, now operates 20,000 liters of single-use bioreactor (SUB) drug substance manufacturing capacity across two active US sites: Rockville, Maryland and San Diego, California, and one development facility in Zhubei, Taiwan.

"This acquisition establishes a US biologics manufacturing platform that sponsors can depend on, from development through licensed commercial supply," said Bobby Sheng, Chairman and CEO of Bora Group. "As regulatory and supply chain dynamics continue to evolve, we expect biotech and pharmaceutical companies to increasingly seek manufacturing partners with US-based, inspection-proven infrastructure. Bora Biologics is designed to meet that need, offering a fully integrated, end-to-end biologics platform spanning drug substance and drug product capabilities."

With the addition of the Rockville facility, Bora Biologics supports more than 4 active commercial programs, with more than 120 completed GMP batches and supply into multiple global markets including the US, EU, Japan, Canada and the UK with fully integrated QC and analytical capabilities.

Across its US network, Bora Biologics has completed five FDA inspections, including two at Rockville and one PMDA review in 2025, with clean results at both sites. The combined platform has supported more than 33 biologics and 15 biosimilars, establishing a manufacturing base for biotech and pharmaceutical companies with reduced offshore dependency and domestically anchored infrastructure.

Bora Group intends to integrate its US drug substance (DS) capabilities with its existing sterile drug product (DP) capabilities over the next 12 to 18 months, offering a seamless, fully integrated development-through-commercial biologics solution.

Hashtag: #BoraPharmaceuticals

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Bora

Founded in 2007, Bora Pharmaceuticals ("Bora" or "the Company", 6472.TW and BORAY.OTCQX) is a leading pharmaceutical services company with a vision and goal of "Contributing to Better Health All Over the World". Operating under a "Dual Engine" model that integrates CDMO and commercial expertise, we empower pharmaceutical and biotech partners to optimize product development, accelerate launches, and scale supply to meet global patient needs. At the same time, we actively broaden R&D and sales infrastructure, focusing on niche and rare disease markets to improve patients' quality of life.

By investing in talent, infrastructure, and biologics expansion, Bora continues to transform operations and achieve sustainable growth. Committed to making success "certain," Bora sets new standards in the pharmaceutical and CDMO industries.

For more, please visit:
https://www.bora-corp.com
https://www.boracdmo.com

Disclaimer:
This document and the accompanying information may contain forward-looking statements. All statements regarding the company's future business operations, potential events, and prospects (including but not limited to forecasts, targets, estimates, and operational plans) are considered forward-looking statements unless they refer to factual occurrences. Forward-looking statements are subject to various factors and uncertainties that may cause significant differences from actual results, including but not limited to price fluctuations, actual demand, exchange rate variations, market share, competitive conditions, changes in the legal, financial, and regulatory framework, international economic and financial market conditions, political risks, cost estimates, and other risks and variables beyond the company's control. These forward-looking statements are based on current predictions and assessments, and the company disclaims any responsibility for future updates.

Singapore-based companies have committed more than S$5.5 billion in Johor since the JS-SEZ memorandum of understanding, while IMFC-J reported 1,000 enquiries linked to RM73 billion in potential investment in March 2026.

JOHOR, MALAYSIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 2 July 2026 - Forest City Special Financial Zone (Forest City SFZ) today issued a progress update on the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), pointing to early implementation milestones in investment facilitation, financial-services incentives and cross-border connectivity.

The JS-SEZ agreement, signed on 7 January 2025, covers approximately 3,588 square kilometres across southern Johor. It comprises nine flagship areas and targets investment in 11 sectors, including manufacturing, logistics, financial services, the digital economy, tourism, education, healthcare and the green economy. Forest City is the designated financial-services flagship within the framework.

"The JS-SEZ has moved beyond framework design and into early-stage execution. Forest City has a defined role in financial services and family-office activity, while the wider zone is building a pipeline across multiple industries," a Forest City SFZ spokesperson said.

Investment pipeline builds across the JS-SEZ

Singapore's Ministry of Trade and Industry said Singapore-based companies had committed more than S$5.5 billion in investments into Johor since the JS-SEZ memorandum of understanding was signed in January 2024. The figure was highlighted at the second JS-SEZ Joint Investment Forum in Singapore in October 2025.

On the Malaysian side, the Invest Malaysia Facilitation Centre Johor (IMFC-J) reported in March 2026 that it had received 1,000 investor enquiries and was facilitating RM73 billion in potential investment.

IMFC-J is a joint federal-state one-stop centre led by the Iskandar Regional Development Authority, Invest Johor and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority.

The figures represent investment commitments and potential project value rather than fully realised capital expenditure, but provide an early measure of the commercial pipeline forming around the economic corridor.

Forest City builds financial-services proposition

Malaysia announced the Forest City SFZ incentive package in September 2024, followed by the gazettement of the Single Family Office (SFO) tax rules in October 2025. Under the scheme, a qualifying SFO vehicle may receive a 0% tax rate on eligible investment income for an initial 10-year period, with a possible extension for a further 10 years, subject to asset, local investment, staffing and operating-expenditure requirements.

The initial phase requires at least RM30 million in assets under management. The wider Forest City incentive framework also includes a 5% corporate tax rate for qualifying global-services and selected relocation activities, while eligible knowledge workers in the JS-SEZ may qualify for a 15% personal income tax rate, subject to prevailing rules and approvals.

According to Forest City data, nine family offices had received approvals under the scheme by June 2026. The Securities Commission Malaysia had previously reported more than 30 expressions of interest and has set a target of RM2 billion in SFO assets under management by the end of 2026.

Separately, Forest City said 593 applicants were approved for the SFZ category of the Malaysia My Second Home programme between 1 October 2024 and 31 March 2026, indicating demand from investors, professionals and long-stay residents alongside the financial-services push.

Cross-border measures support the dual-market model

The JS-SEZ framework is intended to combine Johor's land, industrial capacity and cost base with Singapore's capital, connectivity and business ecosystem. Measures under the bilateral framework include investor facilitation, automated immigration channels, paperless goods clearance and improved transport links.

Singapore has rolled out QR-code immigration clearance across travel modes at the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints. Travellers should continue to carry their passports, which may still be required for verification and for clearance at the Malaysian border.

The Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System Link is targeted to begin passenger service by the end of 2026. The four-kilometre line will connect Bukit Chagar and Woodlands North in about five minutes and is designed to carry up to 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction during peak periods.

Execution and conversion remain the next test

The World Bank projects Malaysia's economy to expand by 4.4% in 2026, supported by domestic demand, while warning that trade restrictions, global policy uncertainty and weaker external demand remain downside risks.

For the JS-SEZ, the next phase will be measured by the conversion of enquiries and commitments into approved projects, realised investment, skilled employment and operating businesses. Delivery of transport, utilities, talent development and regulatory coordination will also determine the pace at which companies adopt a cross-border operating model.

"The early indicators are encouraging, but the economic impact should be assessed over a multi-year horizon. The priority now is to convert the pipeline into sustainable business activity, jobs and a deeper professional-services ecosystem," the spokesperson said.

Forest City SFZ said it will continue working with public agencies, financial institutions and professional-service providers to support family offices, international investors and companies evaluating Johor as part of their regional growth strategy.

Key figures

Hashtag: #ForestCity

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Forest City Special Financial Zone

Located in Iskandar Puteri, Johor, Forest City Special Financial Zone (FCSFZ) is Malaysia's pioneering special financial zone and the financial-services flagship within the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone. It is positioned to attract financial institutions, multinational corporations, high-net-worth individuals and businesses operating in wealth management, financial technology and global business services.

Its incentive framework includes a 0% income tax rate for qualifying Single Family Office Vehicles for up to 20 years, a preferential 5% corporate tax rate for approved qualifying activities, and a special 15% personal income tax rate for eligible knowledge workers, subject to the applicable conditions, regulatory approvals and prevailing legislation. Forest City also holds duty-free island status, further strengthening its appeal as a regional investment, business and wealth-management destination near Singapore.

Luc reports to Cécile de Sousa, Chief Operating Officer, Asia Pacific & Middle East, Natixis CIB and Etienne Huret, Head of Portugal and India Hubs, Natixis.

He brings to the role nearly two decades of experience in Global Capability Center management and offshoring strategies, entrepreneurship, delivery, software engineering, financial markets, architecture, data, digital transformation and innovation.

Luc was instrumental in establishing Natixis Services in India, Natixis CIB's technology and innovation hub in Bangalore. He previously held the position of Executive Director and Head of CIB Operations and IT and served on the Board of Directors at Natixis Services in India from 2021 until 2025. He then transitioned to Natixis Investment Managers in Paris, where he has been serving as Head of IT Production until his current appointment. Prior to joining the IT team at Natixis CIB in 2014, Luc gained experience as a Software Developer at Société Générale and Partners Advisers SA. He holds a Master's degree in Electronic Engineering from Ecole Nationale d'Ingénieurs de Brest and an Executive MBA from HEC Paris.

In his new role as Chief Executive Officer, Luc will support the growth of Natixis Services in India and strengthen its integration within Natixis's global processes.

Cécile de Sousa said, "It is with great pleasure that we welcome Luc back to Bangalore to lead our India center of expertise as it celebrates its five-year anniversary. He has been pivotal in setting up this crucial operation, and spearheading technology-driven transformation and process optimization. Luc's extensive knowledge of our internal processes, coupled with his proven track record in India, positions him perfectly to assume the leadership responsibilities of Natixis Services in India."

Etienne Huret said, "Luc's appointment is a key milestone in our commitment to further developing Bangalore as a critical hub for the Groupe BPCE and Natixis businesses. I look forward to working with him closely as we continue to grow synergies between our Portugal and India hubs and collaborate closely with the Group on strategic initiatives."

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Natixis Corporate & Investment Banking

Natixis Corporate & Investment Banking is a leading global financial institution that provides advisory, investment banking, financing, corporate banking and capital markets services to corporations, financial institutions, financial sponsors and sovereign and supranational organizations worldwide.

Our teams of experts in close to 30 countries advise clients on their strategic development, helping them to grow and transform their businesses, and maximize their positive impact. Natixis CIB is committed to aligning its financing portfolio with a carbon neutrality path by 2050 while helping its clients reduce the environmental impact of their business.

As part of Groupe BPCE, the second largest banking group in France through the Banque Populaire and Caisse d'Epargne retail networks, Natixis CIB benefits from the Group's financial strength and solid financial ratings (Standard & Poor's: A+, Moody's: A2, Fitch Ratings: A+, R&I: A+).

About Natixis Services in India

Natixis Services in India is a Center of Expertise for Groupe BPCE, a banking group of French origin, and its subsidiary, Natixis. Natixis Services in India delivers operational excellence and agile solutions by leveraging advanced technologies to address challenges in the banking industry. Natixis Services in India's focus is on enhancing the client experience, mitigating risks, and strengthening competitive positioning. The team is committed to enriching career development opportunities within an inclusive and dynamic work environment.

Professionals increasingly need reliable workspaces that can be accessed as needed, whether for a few hours, a day, or specific meetings. JustCo App's pay-per-use access caters to the demand for increased flexibility and short-term access.

New users can simply download the app, create an account, and immediately browse available JustCo workspaces. There are no upfront membership fees, making it ideal for freelancers, business travellers, remote workers, and visiting team members to access JustCo locations when and where they need it.

Users can purchase Hot Desk (Day) passes or make Meeting Room bookings directly in the app. Multiple passes can be purchased and shared with colleagues or partners. This supports common scenarios such as hosting meetings, working between locations, or enabling visiting teammates to use a workspace immediately.

Pay-per-use features are currently available in Australia, Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia, and will subsequently roll out across other locations.

This builds on JustCo's broader strategy to integrate workspace discovery, access, and usage into a unified digital platform across markets. The JustCo Store, available on web and powering the app, provides real-time visibility of workspace availability across locations.

Concurrently, since the start of the year, JustCo has successfully opened new locations across Bengaluru, Gurugram, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Singapore and Taipei, reflecting a steady pipeline growth. Additional openings have also been confirmed across Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Mumbai, Seoul, Tokyo and Yokohama, providing clear visibility for the second half of the year.

Together, these openings underscore JustCo's commitment to executing the expansion strategy presented to investors at the time of its IPO and further strengthening its footprint across Asia Pacific's leading commercial hubs.

Visit the JustCo Store at www.justcoglobal.com to browse available offices and membership plans, with selected spaces available for move-in as early as the next business day. Or download the JustCo App on iOS and Android.
Hashtag: #JUSTCO

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About JustCo Holdings Limited

JustCo is a platform building the future of work across Asia Pacific. Our vision is to be the global benchmark for flexible workspace by creating connected ecosystems where people, businesses and communities can thrive.

Through our portfolio of brands, including The Collective, JustCo and the boring office, we support organisations of all sizes, from startups and SMEs to multinational corporations, with flexible workspace solutions across multiple cities and markets.

Beyond workspace, JustCo helps businesses scale faster through flexibility, operational simplicity and access to a regional network. For landlords, we transform buildings into vibrant business destinations that attract demand, enhance asset performance and create long-term value.

Together with our members, partners and landlords, we are building an ecosystem that connects work, business, learning, wellness and community, enabling people and organisations to grow and succeed.

For more information, visit: justcoglobal.com

Over the past year, women across TikTok and Instagram have embraced hashtags such as #BuryMeInThis - a viral expression of ultimate obsession, where users name the look they would want to be remembered in. What began as playful, dramatic content quickly evolved into a cultural signal: a new generation of women declaring that they are not dressing for occasions - they are the occasion.

LUX recognised the deeper meaning behind the trend and partnered with legal experts to give it permanence. #LUXMyWill enables women to turn a fleeting social post into a formally recognised personal style wish - one that can be witnessed, documented and preserved.

The initiative invites women to declare their chosen look on camera and tag someone they trust to honour it. Legal specialists worked alongside the brand to define what gives such a declaration standing, and to create simple, accessible content explaining the process. Selected participants also received a LUX My Will box, designed to preserve their chosen outfit alongside their recorded declaration.

"Beauty has always been a powerful form of self-expression. Today, women are taking that further - not waiting for occasions, but becoming them," said Judy Zu, Global Brand Director, LUX. "This trend showed us that when a woman chooses how she wants to be remembered, it's not frivolous - it's a statement of identity. We wanted to give that statement the recognition it deserves."

The movement built organically. Creators who had previously posted under #BuryMeInThis revisited their content to make it official, tagging friends who, in turn, created declarations of their own. Each tag became a new participant. Each declaration, a witnessed moment. Each video, a permanent expression of personal style.

Through this chain of participation, #LUXMyWill expanded rapidly - creator by creator, tag by tag - turning individual expressions of glamour into a collective cultural movement.

At its core, #LUXMyWill reinforces LUX's enduring belief: beauty is not just something you wear for a moment. It is something you embody, define, and leave behind - because you are the occasion.

Hashtag: #LUXMyWill ##BuryMeInThis

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About LUX

LUX has been celebrating beauty and femininity since 1925. We stand for beauty that does not blend in: bold, sassy and maximalist. We will continue to support efforts that help women express their Main Character Beauty.

About VML

VML is a leading creative company that combines brand experience, customer experience, and commerce, to create connected brands that drive growth. The agency is a leading global marketing and systems integration partner, specializing in creating innovative solutions for business transformation. VML is celebrated for its award-winning work with blue chip client partners including AstraZeneca, Colgate-Palmolive, Dell, Ford, Intel, Microsoft, Nestlé, The Coca-Cola Company, and Wendy's. The agency is recognized by the Forrester Wave™ Reports, which name WPP a "Leader" in Commerce Services, Global Digital Experience Services, Global Marketing Services and, most recently, Marketing Measurement & Optimization. VML's global network is powered by 28,000 talented people across 60-plus markets, with principal offices in Kansas City, New York, Detroit, London, São Paulo, Shanghai, Singapore, and Sydney.

Distinguished guests from both sides of the Taiwan Strait attended the opening ceremony and noted in their remarks that Dr. Sun Yat-sen is a revered national pioneer shared by compatriots on both sides of the Strait. His vision of rejuvenating China remains a common spiritual legacy, and people across the Strait should carry forward his ideals and work hand in hand toward national rejuvenation. During the opening ceremony, Zhongshan Municipal People's Government and the Association of Taiwan Investment Enterprises on the Mainland signed the Strategic Framework Agreement on Deepening Zhongshan-Taiwan Economic and Trade Cooperation to Promote Integrated Development, laying a solid institutional foundation for long-term industrial cooperation across the Strait.

A series of cultural exchange activities also took place throughout the forum. Participants enjoyed an evening tour of the century-old Sunwen West Road Arcade Pedestrian Street, immersing themselves in Zhongshan's rich historical heritage and the vibrant cultural and tourism scene of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. They also visited the Museum of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, where they studied revolutionary historical archives, bowed before Dr. Sun's bronze statue to pay homage, and gained a deeper appreciation of his enduring ideals of "All Under Heaven Belong to the People" and "Revitalize China". Many participants remarked that these activities provided an excellent platform for sustained exchanges among young people across the Strait and that their shared cultural roots and common heritage form a solid foundation for advancing cross-strait spiritual integration.

To further strengthen cross-strait economic cooperation and advance industrial integration between Shenzhen and Zhongshan, the forum also featured the "Taiwan Businesses Gather in Zhongshan, Industries Glow in the Greater Bay Area" 2026 Guangdong-Taiwan Economic and Trade Exchange Conference and Investment Promotion Event Celebrating the Second Anniversary of the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link. A total of 19 industrial projects were signed during the event. The first group comprised seven Taiwan-invested projects spanning semiconductor supporting industries, electronic components, smart home products, high-end fitness equipment, and medical devices. The second and third groups included 12 Shenzhen-Zhongshan collaborative projects covering new energy vehicle components, industrial robotics, memory chip packaging, advanced specialty materials, and integrated cultural, tourism, and commercial developments.

During the investment promotion event, Taiwan business representatives spoke highly of Zhongshan's business environment. Zhang Congyuan, Chairman of Huali Industrial Group, which has operated in Zhongshan for more than two decades, praised the city's enterprise service philosophy of "staying out of businesses' way when everything runs smoothly while providing prompt support whenever needed". He noted that this business-friendly environment has helped the company grow into one of the world's leading manufacturers of athletic footwear.

Guo Wenhai, secretary of the CPC Zhongshan Municipal Committee, extended a sincere invitation to Taiwan businesses and entrepreneurs to invest and establish operations in Zhongshan. He emphasized that the city offers not only strong industrial infrastructure but also high-quality government services. Zhongshan will continue to provide proactive, efficient, and dedicated support for businesses while continuously improving both its hard and soft investment environment. Leveraging the opportunities created by the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link, the city aims to create broader prospects for cooperation and shared growth for enterprises from both sides of the Taiwan Strait.

Participants and Taiwan business representatives agreed that, taking the 160th anniversary of Dr. Sun Yat-sen's birth as an important milestone, this year's forum created new channels for both cultural exchanges and industrial cooperation across the Strait. Looking ahead, Zhongshan will continue to organize regular initiatives, including entrepreneurship support programs for young people from Taiwan, youth exchange activities, and Guangdong-Taiwan industrial matchmaking events. By carrying forward Dr. Sun Yat-sen's spirit, embracing the opportunities of the Greater Bay Area, and strengthening both economic cooperation and people-to-people ties, the city will continue to contribute to a new chapter of integrated cross-strait development.

Hashtag: #CrossStraitSunYatSenForum #Zhongshan #Guangdong

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

From 1st July to 31st July 2026, travellers passing through some of the world's most iconic airports (Athens, Delhi, Doha, Dubai, Frankfurt, Madrid, New York JFK, Singapore and Zurich) will encounter a mesmerising pop-up experience celebrating both brands and, above all, will have the chance to bid in person on the Toblerone Crystal Bar crafted by Swarovski.

Hashtag: #Toblerone #Neversquare #CrystalBar #UltimateGift #SwarovskiCrystals

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Toblerone

In 1908, Theodor Tobler and Emil Baumann invented a unique chocolate: Toblerone. "Toblerone" is a portmanteau of "Tobler" and "Torrone," the Italian term for honey-almond nougat. Its distinctive triangular shape has been recognised around the world ever since. Today, production remains based in Bern Brünnen, where employees work with great passion every day — producing up to 4 million Toblerone products daily, with around 90 percent of all Toblerone sold worldwide manufactured right there in Bern.

Toblerone has never been square. Not in shape. Not in spirit. And not in ambition. Never Square is the belief that the best things in life refuse to conform — and that the most interesting gifts are rarely the obvious ones.

About Swarovski

Masters of Light Since 1895.

Swarovski creates beautiful products of impeccable quality and craftsmanship, celebrating joyful extravagance and self-expression.

Founded in 1895 in Austria by Daniel Swarovski, Swarovski creates the world's finest crystals, Swarovski Created Diamonds, Swarovski Crystal Pearls and Swarovski Zirconia, jewelry, and accessories, as well as home décor and crystals for the automotive industry.

Swarovski Crystal Business operates in more than 140 countries worldwide, with 2,200 boutiques complemented by a network of selected multibrand partners and employs approximately 18,300 people globally. Together with its sister companies, Swarovski Optik and Tyrolit, it forms the Swarovski Group. Rooted in the company's heritage, Swarovski strives to make a positive impact on people, society, and the planet. Today, sustainability measures are implemented throughout the value chain, with a focus on circular innovation, championing diversity and inclusion, and encouraging self-expression. This includes the philanthropic work of the Swarovski Foundation, which supports charitable organizations bringing positive environmental and social impact.

The MoU appoints DOE-licensed MNA Metal Resources as preferred collector for used automotive batteries, strengthening traceability across BateriHub and Global Energy Battery’s nationwide battery ecosystem.

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - Media OutReach Newswire – 1 July 2026 - BateriHub, operated by Battery4U Sdn. Bhd., together with Global Energy Battery Sdn. Bhd., has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with MNA Metal Resources to strengthen the responsible collection, documentation and recycling of used automotive batteries in Malaysia.

Under the MoU, MNA Metal Resources will serve as the preferred used battery collector, either directly or through transporters appointed by MNA, for scrap batteries collected through BateriHub and Global Energy Battery's operations. The arrangement is designed to ensure that used batteries are channelled through proper, licensed and documented collection and recycling processes.

"This MoU matters because every battery replacement has an afterlife," said Stanly Ng, General Manager of BateriHub. "When a customer replaces a car battery with us, the old battery should not disappear into an unknown chain. It should be collected, recorded and handled by the right people. For customers, the promise is simple: when you choose BateriHub, we take care of the replacement quickly, and we take care of the used battery responsibly."

The partnership comes as Malaysia's automotive sector continues to expand. According to the Malaysian Automotive Association, Malaysia recorded 820,752 new vehicle sales in 2025, its second consecutive record year. While this MoU focuses on used lead-acid automotive batteries, it also comes amid wider national attention on battery waste management, with The Star reporting growing attention on regulated recycling, safe disposal pathways and battery traceability as Malaysia's vehicle ecosystem evolves.

As Malaysia's largest direct-owned automotive battery retailer, BateriHub plays a critical role at the point of replacement, where old batteries are handed over by customers at branches or during on-demand battery delivery services. Global Energy Battery, which focuses on battery wholesale, supply and distribution, contributes additional collection volume through its wider business network.

Together, BateriHub and Global Energy Battery have channelled approximately 280,000 used batteries, equivalent to around 4,200 tonnes, through formal disposal and recycling channels over the past three years. MNA Metal Resources is a licensed lead-acid battery recycler and smelter under the Department of Environment, with operations covering the collection, movement and processing of scheduled waste.

"As a company involved in the supply and distribution of batteries, we recognise that responsibility does not end at the point of sale," said Sandy Yap, Chief Operating Officer of Global Energy Battery. "A sustainable battery industry requires proper collection, proper documentation and proper recycling. This partnership allows us to support that responsibility across our business network."

"We are pleased to partner with BateriHub and Global Energy Battery to support a more transparent and responsible battery recycling ecosystem in Malaysia," said Genly Villa Olaguer, Fleet Manager of MNA Metal Resources. "Proper handling of used batteries is essential to protect the environment and ensure that valuable materials can be recovered safely through licensed facilities."

Used lead-acid batteries require proper handling because they contain materials such as lead and sulfuric acid, which can harm soil, waterways and communities if leaked, dumped or processed irresponsibly. Through this partnership, the companies aim to improve accountability in the movement of scrap batteries from retail and supply channels to licensed recycling facilities.

BateriHub said the MoU reflects its broader effort to make responsible waste management part of its core retail promise, not just a back-end operational process.
Hashtag: #BateriHub

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About BateriHub

BateriHub is Malaysia’s largest direct-owned car battery retailer, operating a nationwide network of 200 branches supported by centralised training, service standards, and technician operations. Since 2011, the company has served over 1.0 million customers, received over 70,000 positive reviews across Google, Facebook, and e-commerce platforms, employs more than 5000 staff, and covers 500+ service areas across 11 states. Learn more at https://baterihub.com/

The culinary campaign features a high-profile partnership between "Yang Ming Spring"—a prominent Taiwanese pure vegan culinary group honored with the Michelin Green Star—and Si Chuan Dou Hua Restaurant at PARKROYAL on Beach Road under the Pan Pacific Hotels Group. From July 1 to September 30, this exclusive plant-based menu highlights premium fresh ingredients sourced directly from Taiwan, including water snowflake, green bamboo shoots, cabbage, tea leaves, and the rising export star, the "Mango Pineapple," elevating Taiwanese produce onto international five-star tables.

The launch was attended by MOA Deputy Minister Hu Jong-I, Ministry counselor Wu Wen-ling, Pan Pacific Hotels Group Executive Director Ms. Wee Wei Ling, and Yang Ming Spring Founder Mr. Chen Chien-Hung. Deputy Minister Hu noted that this festival marks a critical milestone for Taiwanese agriculture as it integrates with green gastronomy globally. The MOA aims to connect Singaporean consumers with Taiwan's top-tier produce, establishing a premium brand image rooted in food safety and trust to unlock future export channels.

The launch elegantly incorporated Taiwan's Phalaenopsis orchid floral aesthetics to create a "five-sensory feast" that harmonized taste, vision, and cultural narrative, solidifying Taiwan's premium brand image. The event successfully drew over 80 distinguished guests, including mainstream Singaporean media, food critics, business chamber representatives, and executive chefs.

Concurrently, the official residence of the Taipei Representative Office in Singapore hosted the festival's thematic opening reception, serving as a premier venue for cultural diplomacy and showcasing the narrative of Taiwan's agricultural excellence. The exhibition focused on three themes: Taiwanese orchid aesthetics, Mango Pineapple innovation, and sustainable agriculture tourism. This space demonstrated Taiwan's agricultural evolution from precision R&D to green sustainability, highlighting its export potential to foreign diplomats and Singaporean trade buyers.

The MOA emphasized that the initiative's core strategy is to "drive tangible procurement through engaging and immersive experiences in our target markets." By bridging high-end dining with diplomatic prestige, the three-month campaign will maximize the visibility of Taiwanese agri-products across Southeast Asian markets. Aligning with global net-zero sustainability trends, the festival establishes a safe, premium brand image, paving the way for Taiwanese agriculture to integrate into global high-end supply chains and broader Asia-Pacific channels.

Hashtag: #YMSpring

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

It gathered around 400 delegates from government departments, industry associations, financial institutions, AI enterprises and OPC startup operators across the country. Participants exchanged insights on AI innovation pathways and cross-industry integration strategies, injecting strong impetus into Hangzhou's ambition to develop a national benchmark hub for AI+OPC entrepreneurship.

A series of key launches and milestone ceremonies took place during the opening segment. Official releases included the 2026 national OPC development observation report, Hangzhou's 2026–2028 action plan and supporting policies to build a national AI+OPC entrepreneurship hub, and a catalog of actionable AI+OPC application scenarios. Attendees also received an in-depth interpretation of the specifications for AI-enabled OPC community services and evaluation.

The ceremony featured multiple landmark initiatives: plaque awarding for Hangzhou's priority AI+OPC incubation communities and dedicated observation sites, the official launch of the AI+OPC Community Alliance initiative, and a kickoff marking the official construction of the national AI+OPC entrepreneurship hub.

The open forum session featured keynote speeches from distinguished industry and academic leaders. Speakers included Pan Yunhe, former executive vice president of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and professor at Zhejiang University; Liang Gui, former executive vice governor of Jiangxi Province and ex-director of the Torch High Technology Industry Development Center under the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology; and Zou Ling, head of Hong Hub, Shangcheng District's single-member unicorn startup acceleration community, who shared cutting-edge insights from varied perspectives.

A panel dialogue followed, bringing together representatives from Moshu OPC Community (Beijing E-Town), the School of Future Science and Engineering at Soochow University, Qingju Hub · Future Digital Intelligence Port (Shangcheng District), and Puhua Capital for in-depth industry exchanges.

Complementary concurrent events held throughout the conference included an OPC capital-industry matchmaking salon, a symposium on industry-education integration for AI-powered OPC sectors, and a national exchange forum for AI+OPC community practitioners.

OPC has emerged as a vibrant new engine driving economic vitality and underpinning high-quality development. Against the backdrop of a new development era, the inaugural Hangzhou AI+OPC Innovation and Development Conference unites OPC innovators nationwide.

Drawing on the creative energy of millions of independent super-individual operators, the event delivers sustained digital momentum to fuel Hangzhou's super-individual economy, while rolling out replicable local practices and actionable Hangzhou solutions to advance high-quality growth of smart economies nationwide.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

World Cup Fever Returns: Learning Emotional Management on the Pitch

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 30 June 2026 - The four-yearly World Cup is in full swing, and the football fever once again sweeps the globe. The pitch has long been known as a "proving ground" for heroes; even for world-class players with years of experience, the joy of scoring a goal is often balanced by the sight of others in tears, frustrated by a defeat. The prowess of these players will be etched into the hearts of countless children, inspiring a lifelong love for the sport.

Save the Children Hong Kong firmly believes that the football pitch is more than just a venue for competition—it is an ideal classroom for Social-emotional Learning. For eight-year-old Kai-long, the setbacks and failures experienced on the pitch have proven far more vital to his personal growth than mastering technical skills or perfecting "step-overs".

The Play to Thrive programme empowers children to master emotional management and communication skills while staying active in sports. Compared to a "Zidane turn", these are the skills that will truly serve them for a lifetime.

On the training ground, eight-year-old Kai-long's skills are clearly "a cut above the rest". From the way he carries the ball to the power of his strikes, he already carries himself like a mini professional. During internal matches, he frequently finds the back of the net, scoring multiple goals for his side.

However, the moments that truly bring a smile of approval to the coaches and teachers are not Kai-long's technical displays, but his small yet heart-warming gestures. For instance, he is seen helping teammates by steadying the inflatable goalposts during shooting drills. Even when knocked down during a match, if the coach does not blow for a foul, Kai-long doesn't complain; he simply brushes it off with a smile and gets straight back to chasing the ball.

When Excellence Becomes a Burden: Children Trapped by the Need to Win

"He has a personality that tends to be quite fixated on winning and losing. Because of his own performance, or because his classmates' performance didn't meet his expectations, he would sometimes experience emotional ups and downs," explains Mr. Lui, the PE teacher. He admits that while Kai-long's football skills are outstanding, his stubborn nature previously caused friction with teammates and classmates. Mr. Lui noted that since Kai-long was already a member of the school's reserve team, he recommended him for the Play to Thrive programme not to "learn football", but in the hope that he would learn how to get along with others.

Consequently, what moved Mr. Lui the most was not Kai-long's "goal-scoring show", but his reaction during a match when other students deliberately moved the inflatable goalposts. Instead of complaining or losing his temper as he might have done in the past, Kai-long continued to play with a smile on his face. "Previously, he might have called it unfair or had an emotional outburst, but today he didn't complain; he even found it quite funny. He is no longer fixated on winning or losing."

In the eyes of his father, Chung, Kai-long has been a child with extremely high expectations of himself and a drive for perfection since he was young. "Whether it is schoolwork or his behaviour, he hopes to be a good role model and be very well-behaved." However, Chung also mentioned that this perfectionist streak serves as a source of pressure for Kai-long.

Interpersonal Skills Are More Important Than Footballing Ability

Chung admits that Kai-long used to be very fixated on winning and losing: "In the past, if he lost a game of football against his elder brother, he would be resentful; when he was younger, he even tried to hit him." While it is natural to crave goals and seek victory on the pitch, Chung also believes that how one treats others and interacts with peers is a vital part of growing up, which is why he enrolled Kai-long in Play to Thrive.

"Football is a natural educational tool," says Ms. Wong Shek Hung, Director of Hong Kong Programmes at Save the Children Hong Kong. She explains that experiencing victory, defeat, and frustration is inevitable in sports, providing the perfect opportunity for children to learn emotional management. She adds that Play to Thrive originated from a community football programme developed by Save the Children UK for children in Jordan and Indonesia.

The core of the programme lies in integrating Social-emotional Learning into football training to help children build five core competencies: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. Furthermore, the programme is open to all children regardless of gender, ethnicity, or background, allowing them to master self-awareness, emotional regulation, and team communication skills within a diverse and inclusive environment.

No Ordinary Football Training

As this is unlike conventional football training, every coach is required to undergo professional training covering "Child Safeguarding" and emotional support knowledge. Ms. Wong Shek Hung notes that during the "debriefing" session at the end of each practice, coaches guide the children to reflect on their experiences on the pitch, attempting to translate these moments into emotional literacy. The ultimate goal is "to let children learn how to become 'masters of their own emotions'."

Demonstrating Personal Growth and Cultivating Leadership Skills

Mr. Lui noticed that after joining the programme, Kai-long not only showed progress in his personal emotional management but also learned how to consider things from others' perspectives. During PE lessons, Kai-long has become more willing to take the initiative to help his classmates and has learned to accept teammates with different abilities, even proactively coaching others. "He gets along with his classmates much more harmoniously now; the barriers that existed before have disappeared," Mr. Lui remarked. He further revealed that Kai-long's form teacher, having observed this growth, officially appointed him as a class monitor for the second term.

His father, Chung, observed that since joining the programme, Kai-long has demonstrated a level of resilience rarely seen before. He recalled a match where Kai-long served as both captain and goalkeeper; even when facing conceded goals and falling behind, "his first instinct wasn't to feel discouraged, but rather to keep encouraging his teammates from the back to keep running and keep attacking."

Ms. Wong Shek Hung reaffirmed that this is precisely the philosophy of Play to Thrive: "We emphasise 'Football Second, Growth First', ensuring that even if children lose a match, they learn to handle their emotions, communicate, and cooperate throughout the process."

Building Resilience: Transforming Lives Through Football

Ms. Kalina Tsang, CEO of Save the Children Hong Kong, stated that she has always believed football is a powerful tool for building resilience in children: "We have always been concerned about children's physical and mental well-being. Football is more than just a sport; beyond honing technical skills, it can be used to build a child's resilience. By combining football training with Social-emotional Learning, and under the guidance of professionally trained coaches, Play to Thrive ensures that the sweat shed by children on the pitch is transformed into self-awareness and emotional management skills." Ms. Tsang also noted that Kai-long's growth perfectly embodies the programme's success. She said, "We are deeply gratified to see Kai-long progress from initial emotional fluctuations to confidently cooperating with teammates and facing victory or defeat positively—improving both on a personal level and in his interactions with peers."

As for Kai-long himself, it is difficult for an eight-year-old to describe his transformation in detail. But when asked what was different about him, he said with an innocent smile, "I used to blame my teammates for not passing the ball, but now I've learned not to. I tell them: 'It's okay, pass it again next time. We'll win the ball back together.'"

Launched in Hong Kong in 2023, the Play to Thrive programme is a service that integrates Social-emotional Learning with football training. It aims to create a safe and supportive space for schoolchildren, promoting their physical, social, and mental health through sport. The programme currently operates across various districts in Hong Kong, including community teams in areas such as Sham Shui Po and Tin Shui Wai. The school-based project collaborates with over 30 primary schools across the territory, integrating football training into school life to help students recognise and manage their emotions, build healthy interpersonal relationships, and enhance their confidence and resilience. In response to the current situation where up to 39% of primary and secondary students in Hong Kong face mental health challenges, the programme places special emphasis on SEL to help children master effective communication and emotional management both on and off the pitch.

In 2025 alone, the community and school projects of Play to Thrive held a total of 744 training sessions, with total service hours exceeding 1,000 hours. The programme reached 1,120 children and their families across Hong Kong, establishing close partnerships with 32 schools and 4 non-profit organisations. In terms of impact assessment, participant satisfaction was high, with satisfaction rates for the community and school projects reaching 80% and 75%, respectively.

Interview Video: https://savethechildren.click/PTT-KaiLong-Video-2026
Hashtag: #SavetheChildrenHongKong #香港救助兒童會 #mentalhealth #精神健康 #football #足球 #WorldCup #世界盃

https://savethechildren.org.hk/en/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/save-the-children-hong-kong
https://www.facebook.com/savethechildrenhk
https://www.instagram.com/savethechildrenhk/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/savehk

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Save the Children Hong Kong

Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. In Hong Kong and around the world, we do whatever it takes – every day and in times of crisis – so children can fulfil their rights to a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. With over 100 years of expertise, we are the world's first and leading independent children's organisation – transforming lives and future.

Established in 2009, Save the Children Hong Kong is part of the global movement which operates in around 100 countries. We work with children, families, schools, communities and our supporters to deliver lasting change for children in Hong Kong and around the world.

The Image-Makers Look in the Mirror, and Like What They See (Mostly)

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 30 June 2026 - The Hong Kong public relations industry has a renewed sense of optimism, driven by the revival of the IPO market and expanding opportunities in technology and travel, according to the results of the 2026 PRHK Benchmark Survey. While agency leaders rated the 2025 business environment as a muted 2.50 out of 5, sentiment for 2026 climbed significantly to 3.08 out of 5.

Some key findings:

• The "GBA Paradox": While there is a lot of talk about the Greater Bay Area's promise, an overwhelming 73.3% of Hong Kong PR agencies currently generate no revenue at all from the GBA. The Hong Kong government's recent launch of the GoGlobal connect platform, which can also connect agencies to Chinese companies, is one example of an opportunity to redress the situation.
• AI Adoption Gap: The PR sector has moved quickly to adopt AI: 81.3% of agencies now use ChatGPT, but 75% of agency leaders still flag AI as a top industry issue, struggling to bridge the gap between experimenting with tools and building disciplined, enterprise-wide operational workflows.
• Culture Trumps Cash: Defying the "revolving door" stereotype of agency life, the industry boasts a remarkably healthy median retention rate of 84.5%. When asked what keeps talent from leaving, 87.5% of leaders cited company culture as their number-one retention driver, completely eclipsing base compensation (43.8%).

Produced by Public Relations Hong Kong (PRHK) in collaboration with the Centre for Communication and Public Opinion Survey at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, the report captures an industry successfully navigating structural challenges while keeping a firm eye on renewed growth.

Financial Services, Tech, and Tourism Lead Growth
When forecasting growth for the next 12 months, 75.0% of agency leaders identified financial services, specifically banking, insurance, and fintech, as the sector with the most potential. This optimism is largely fueled by the anticipated revival of Hong Kong's IPO market, which is expected to generate significant communications mandates. Technology and travel/tourism tied for second, each cited by 56.3% of respondents as key growth drivers for the year ahead.

Penn Leung, Chairperson of PRHK, noted: "The Hong Kong PR industry is demonstrating remarkable resilience. While budget pressures and talent challenges remain, our agencies are adapting and showing a renewed sense of cautious optimism for 2026. The expected return of financial market activity and the structural expansion of tech and tourism prove that strategic communications counsel is more relevant than ever."

Budget Pressures and the Threat of Fee Discounting
Pricing and client budgets remain the industry's most pressing vulnerabilities. An overwhelming 81.3% of agency leaders cited shrinking client budgets as their number-one challenge for the coming year. Consequently, 68.8% of Hong Kong PR agencies admitted to discounting their professional fees in the last financial year to win assignments. The report warns that discounting at this scale carries compounding consequences, pushing down market fees and threatening the perceived value of strategic PR as a premium service.

David Ketchum, Research Chair of PRHK, commented: "The data reveals critical insights that agency leaders must address head-on. The disparity between ambitions in the Greater Bay Area and actual revenue generation is stark. Furthermore, the prevalence of fee discounting poses a structural threat to our industry. Agencies that will thrive in 2026 are those that firmly defend their value and operationalize new technologies to enhance their consulting-led strategies."

Download the full 2026 PRHK Benchmark Report HERE
Download the Summary Infographic HERE

Hashtag: #PRHK

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About PRHK

Public Relations Hong Kong (PRHK) is the city's premier network for PR and communications professionals, dedicated to driving industry standards and representing the voice of the local market.

Reaffirming Thailand's status as a world destination for the luxury residences market

BANGKOK, THAILAND - Media OutReach Newswire - 30 June 2026 - CG Capital Advisory Limited (CG Capital), Thailand's leading investment manager from Central Group specializing in real estate and hospitality investment, today announced a major strategic investment milestone under the leadership of Mr. Phoom Chirathivat, Managing Partner and Co-Founder of CG Capital. The company unveiled its forward-looking vision for the luxury residential and hospitality markets in Thailand, alongside the official launch of the sales gallery for InterContinental Residences Bangkok Asoke. The project carries a total development value of THB 5.5 billion, with two-bedroom units starting from THB 44.8 million. Reservations have already surpassed 60% ahead of the project's official public launch, a clear sign of confidence in CG Capital's strategy and its world-class standards.CG Capital's Vision: Reading Global Volatility, Positioning Thailand as a World Destination.

Mr. Phoom Chirathivat, Managing Partner and Co-Founder of CG Capital, said that despite a difficult global economic backdrop, marked by slowing markets, geopolitical conflict, and volatility in traditional capital markets, CG Capital sees Thailand's luxury real estate market moving in the opposite direction. Driving this is a major shift in the behaviour of the world's wealthiest individuals: a wave of global wealth migration. Data from Henley & Partners shows the number of high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) relocating globally has surged from 51,000 in 2013 to 142,000 in 2025, a 178% increase over 12 years.

"Global markets are slowing down, but Thailand is holding its position as a world destination. Demand from HNWI buyers, both Thai and international, hasn't dropped off. If anything, these buyers have become more selective about the assets they choose. That tracks with what we're seeing from Thailand's Board of Investment, which has approved Long-Term Resident visas for more than 6,000 wealthy global citizens since 2022. Thailand isn't just a tourism destination anymore. It's become a place HNWIs choose for long-term residence and investment," said Mr. Phoom.

Claiming the Asian Crown: The "Right Brand, Right Partners, Right Product" Strategy

Rising demand for high-end residences has pushed CG Capital's investment strategy toward branded residences, the fastest-growing segment of the market. Thailand currently holds the largest market share of branded residences in Asia at 23.3% of the region's USD 26.6 billion total market value, ahead of the Philippines (17.3%) and South Korea (11.6%). CBRE's Global Branded Residences report ranks Thailand 4th in the world by number of projects, with Bangkok and Phuket sitting among the world's top 10.

Mr. Phoom Chirathivat added:"The success of InterContinental Residences Bangkok Asoke comes down to understanding global trends. What sets us apart is 'Right Brand, Right Partners, Right Product,' paired with Bangkok's best location, Sukhumvit. We're not chasing a trend. We're reading the market and building on the long-term confidence we have in this country."

From Private Equity DNA to World-Class Product Development

What sets CG Capital apart, as the largest private equity fund manager in Thailand's real estate and hospitality sector, is the way it applies institutional investment thinking to every part of development. Long-term asset value gets weighed through two lenses at once: capital appreciation and living experience.

CG Capital's Next Steps and the Official Sales Gallery Launch

Looking ahead, Mr. Phoom said CG Capital will keep pursuing new investment opportunities in the hospitality segment, setting new standards for Thailand's real estate industry. "Reservations above 60% so far are a clear vote of confidence in CG Capital. Now that the sales gallery is open to the public, we're confident the design and craftsmanship on display will help the project move quickly toward its sales target, further cementing CG Capital's position as Thailand's leading branded residences developer," he said.

InterContinental Residences Bangkok Asoke welcomes visitors to view show units at the sales gallery from 4–5 July onward. Interested parties may schedule an exclusive private appointment via https://residencesasoke.com/
or Tel: 092-989-2616

Expanding the Reach: Bringing the Project to International Buyers

Alongside the sales gallery opening in Bangkok, CG Capital continues to take InterContinental Residences Bangkok Asoke directly to international buyers. The project will next be featured at "Thailand: A New Chapter Begins," an exclusive showcase hosted by CBRE Thailand in collaboration with Taiwan Sotheby's International Realty in Taipei on 3 – 4 July 2026, from 1:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. at W Taipei (Strategy Room 1).

Taiwan is a market CG Capital sees as a promising source of long-term residence demand. According to CBRE Thailand and Real Estate Information Center (REIC), Taiwanese buyers now rank as the fourth-largest group of foreign buyers in Thai property market, with transaction value growing an average of 27% a year between 2023 and 2025. Thailand's appeal to this group comes down to geographic proximity, competitive entry pricing, and a lifestyle suited to long-stay living.

For CG Capital, the event is also a chance to read first-hand how Taiwanese HNWIs are thinking about long-term residence and investment in Thailand. Interested parties in Taiwan may get in touch, please contact Taiwan Sotheby's International Realty 0800.887.288 (Taiwan) or CBRE Thailand +66(0) 81 742 6624 (Thailand).

Hashtag: #CGCapital #InterContinentalResidencesBangkokAsoke

https://centralgroupcapital.com/
https://www.facebook.com/Centralgroupcapital/

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About CG Capital

CG Capital Advisory Limited manages private equity investments for blue-chip domestic and international institutional and UHNW investors with an inaugural fund size of THB 10 billion, investing primarily in Thailand's hospitality, tourism, and real estate sectors through greenfield, brownfield, and turnaround strategies. Its diversified portfolio includes hotels, branded residences, condominiums, amusement and water parks, and mixed-use developments, focusing on Thailand's leading travel destinations such as Bangkok, Phuket, Koh Samui, and Pattaya.

Led by Mr. Phoom Chirathivat, Managing Partner and Co-Founder of CG Capital, the firm combines deep expertise in investment and hospitality with a strong conviction in Thailand's tourism potential—particularly within the luxury and lifestyle segments.

Legal disclaimer
Sixteen Residences Limited, being the current owner and developer of InterContinental Residences Bangkok Asoke, is solely responsible for the development, marketing, and sale of the Units. The Units are not owned, developed or sold by InterContinental Hotels Group PLC or its affiliates (collectively "IHG"). There exists no joint venture, partnership, ownership or similar relationship between Sixteen Residences Limited and IHG. IHG is not responsible for the content presented in this press release.

Along the banks of the Yellow River, Binzhou in Shandong Province is witnessing a surge in industrial development. In the smart workshops of Weiqiao Pioneering Group, robotic arms move with precision and agility; at the command center of Chambroad Holdings, data from pipelines spanning thousands of miles updates in real time; at the port terminals, high-end aluminum products and fine chemical goods are continuously loaded onto vessels, setting sail for global markets.

This industrial hub boasts 37 out of the country's 41 industrial categories, forming six trillion-yuan-level industrial clusters, including high-end aluminum, fine chemicals, and smart textiles. A total of 82 products rank among the top in China or hold leading global market shares. Binzhou has been listed among China's Top 100 Advanced Manufacturing Cities for four consecutive years.

In 2025, the industrial enterprises above designated size in Binzhou achieved operating revenue exceeding RMB 1.06 trillion, crossing the trillion threshold for the second consecutive year. Total profits reached RMB 77.73 billion, with a profit margin of 7.3%, both ranking first in Shandong Province. Value-added industrial output above designated size accounted for 38.9% of the city's GDP growth, cementing industry as a key pillar of economic development.

Binzhou's transformation has been driven by extending technological upgrading from individual enterprises to entire industrial chains. From 2023 to 2025, three clusters, i.e., lightweight aluminum new materials, intelligent textiles, and functional nutritional products, were successively selected as provincial-level advanced manufacturing clusters. The proportion of R&D investment in GDP has remained the highest in Shandong for five consecutive years. Six national-level excellent smart factories, 32 provincial-level advanced smart factories, and 66 green factories above the provincial level have taken root here, turning intelligent manufacturing and green transformation from blueprints into reality.

From an industrial city to an intelligent manufacturing powerhouse, Binzhou is steadily advancing on the path of new industrialization with practical actions, writing a new chapter of high-quality development.

Hashtag: #BinzhouInformationOffice

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Building Performance Modelling as a Strategic Tool
Integrated modelling uses computer-based simulations to predict how a building will perform even before it is constructed. By analysing factors such as energy consumption, indoor comfort, daylight access, airflow, and operational efficiency, it helps project teams understand how design decisions may affect a building's long-term performance.

Traditionally, this approach has been used to support compliance with building regulations and sustainability certification frameworks. However, its role is expanding as project teams increasingly seek data-driven insights during the design process.

One factor contributing to this trend is the growing focus on measurable operational outcomes. Frameworks such as NABERS Commitment Agreements and Section J Performance Solutions require project teams to demonstrate expected building performance before construction begins. As a result, modelling is becoming an increasingly valuable tool for evaluating whether design targets can realistically be achieved.

The approach is already widely adopted across Australia's construction sector. Research indicates that approximately 90% of new residential developments and 85% of non-office commercial projects now incorporate building performance modelling. At the same time, around 53% of standard projects and 49% of premium projects are using modelling primarily for compliance-based assessments.

"Modelling is increasingly viewed not just as a compliance requirement, but as a practical tool for evaluating whether design targets can realistically be achieved," shared Erika Yuniarti, Managing Director of Afogreen Build.

Integrated Modelling Provides a Broader View of Building Performance
Many project teams are also moving beyond assessments that focus on a single performance metric.

Integrated modelling evaluates multiple aspects of building performance together, including:

• Energy use
• Thermal comfort
• Daylight access
• Ventilation
• Occupant experience

This approach allows stakeholders to better understand how different building systems and design decisions interact with one another.

By identifying potential issues earlier in the design process, project teams can make more informed decisions before significant design resources are committed. This can help reduce design revisions, improve overall efficiency, and provide greater confidence that performance objectives can be achieved once the building is operational.

Applications Across Multiple Sectors
The growing adoption of building performance modelling can be seen across a variety of project types. Recent projects undertaken by Afogreen Build highlight how simulation-based assessments are helping project teams evaluate performance, improve design outcomes, and support sustainability objectives.

a. Large-Scale Hotel Development
One project involved the transformation of a former police station site into a two-tower hotel complex with a gross floor area of approximately 25,000 sqm. The development combines a 131-room boutique luxury lifestyle hotel with a 451-room budget-friendly hotel, creating a diverse hospitality offering designed to serve different traveller segments.

To support both guest comfort and sustainability objectives, Afogreen Build conducted integrated daylight, glare, and energy modelling throughout the project. Daylight simulations showed that approximately 94% of guest rooms met daylight performance requirements, while glare assessments helped optimise visual comfort within occupied spaces.

Energy modelling indicated an overall reduction in energy consumption of 30.2% compared to baseline building performance. The analysis also identified key areas of energy use, providing valuable insights that can support future operational and system optimisation efforts.

b. Train Station Project
For a train station project, Afogreen Build adopted an integrated modelling approach to evaluate factors such as daylight access, thermal comfort, glare, and natural ventilation across key passenger areas, including the concourse and platforms.

The simulations helped project stakeholders better understand how environmental conditions would affect the passenger experience throughout the day. Findings from the study informed façade design strategies, balancing natural daylight with measures to reduce excessive glare and solar heat gain in occupied spaces.

The assessments also identified opportunities to improve thermal comfort and air movement within the station, supporting a more comfortable environment for commuters while maintaining energy-efficient design principles.

c. High-Performance Data Centre
Afogreen Build also applied building performance modelling to a 50 MW data centre project, where energy efficiency was a key design consideration.

The study evaluated the interaction between IT equipment, cooling systems, power distribution infrastructure, and other supporting building systems. By analysing how these components work together under operational conditions, the project team was able to gain a clearer understanding of the facility's overall energy performance and identify opportunities for optimisation.

The modelling contributed to an optimised Category 2 Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) range of 1.19 to 1.31, reflecting a highly efficient approach to managing energy consumption within a large-scale, energy-intensive facility.

Together, these projects demonstrate how building performance modelling can be applied across diverse sectors, each with its own operational requirements and performance priorities.

The Future of Performance-Driven Design
As sustainability frameworks and performance expectations continue to evolve, Afogreen Build expects modelling to become an increasingly important part of project planning and design across a wide range of sectors.

"There is increasing emphasis on understanding how buildings are likely to perform before they are built, rather than waiting until they are operational to identify challenges," said Ms. Erika. "The ability to evaluate performance early in the design process is becoming increasingly valuable as projects face more complex sustainability and operational requirements. The team should work closely with project stakeholders to establish realistic assumptions and evaluate likely performance outcomes from the outset. This process helps reduce unnecessary design iterations, improve modelling efficiency, and increase the likelihood of achieving targeted performance objectives. By integrating performance considerations earlier in the design process, project teams are better positioned to deliver buildings that meet both compliance requirements and long-term operational goals."

For more information about building performance modelling and sustainability consulting services, visit Afogreen Build's website.
Hashtag: #AfogreenBuild

https://www.afogreenbuild.com/au/

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Afogreen Build

Afogreen Build is a building sustainability consultant in Australia specialising in sustainability advisory, environmental simulations, and performance modelling. Its services include building energy simulation, daylight analysis, thermal comfort assessments, CFD modelling, and green building certification consulting for projects across the Asia-Pacific region. The company supports project teams in designing buildings that prioritise energy efficiency, occupant comfort, and long-term.

With more than two decades of experience in the pulp and paper industry and a decade of service on ABAF's Fiscal Council, Branco brings extensive expertise in governance, finance and institutional engagement to the role. Under his leadership, ABAF will continue promoting dialogue among industry, government, communities and civil society to support the sustainable growth of Bahia's forestry sector.

"The forestry sector plays a critical role in generating employment, supporting regional development, fostering innovation and contributing to environmental conservation," said Fernando. "Through constructive dialogue, transparency, legal certainty and shared governance, we can strengthen the sector's positive contribution to Bahia's economy and sustainable development," he added.

As one of the world's leading producers of dissolving pulp and specialty cellulose, Bracell believes that sustainable forestry is fundamental to addressing global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity conservation and the transition to a low-carbon economy. The company has consistently invested in sustainable forest management practices, research and development, biodiversity protection, carbon monitoring initiatives and partnerships that promote responsible land use and environmental stewardship.

Bracell's forestry operations are guided by a long-term sustainability strategy that combines productive eucalyptus plantations with the conservation of native vegetation, protection of water resources and preservation of biodiversity. Through its 1-for-1 commitment, the company has expanded its conservation efforts and strengthened its contribution to climate and nature-positive outcomes.

The company also recognises that the sustainable development of the forestry sector extends beyond environmental stewardship. Bracell, a member of the RGE group of companies founded by Sukanto Tanoto, works closely with local communities through initiatives focused on education, income generation, environmental awareness and social development, helping create lasting value in the regions where it operates. In Bahia alone, tens of thousands of people have benefitted from the company's social programmes.

Branco's appointment comes at a time when the forestry sector is increasingly called upon to contribute solutions for sustainable economic growth and climate resilience. Fernando's leadership at ABAF represents an important opportunity to further strengthen collaboration across the sector and advance shared sustainability goals for Bahia and Brazil, the company said.

Through ABAF, Bracell will continue supporting initiatives that strengthen the competitiveness, transparency and sustainability of Bahia's forestry value chain while contributing to a sector that generates renewable products, supports local economies and helps build a more sustainable future.

Hashtag: #RGE #Bracell #Sustainability #SustainableDevelopment #Conservation #Forestry #Brazil #Bahia #ABAF

https://www.bracell.com

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Bracell

Bracell is a global leader in the production of dissolving pulp and specialty cellulose with two main mill operations in Brazil in Bahia and São Paulo. In addition to its operations in Brazil, Bracell has a management office in Singapore and sales offices in Asia, Europe and the U.S.

Please visit Bracell's website for more information.

This year's Olympic Day event was themed "Run with Hong Kong Athletes" and was held at Hong Kong Science Park. It featured three categories: the 4km Individual Run, the 2km Family Fun Run and the 2km Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games Fun Run. The venue also offered a variety of sports experiences and interactive zones. Among them, TCL set up the "SQD Advantage Challenge", where participants experienced TCL's SQD-Mini LED display technology through a fun ball-toss game and won Olympic-themed gifts. The lively atmosphere attracted many families and members of the public to take part and enjoy the energy and excitement of Olympic Day.

In addition to receiving commemorative gifts upon completing the event, runners could also enter a lucky draw using their bib numbers. TCL offered several smart TV prizes, with the highlight being the TCL flagship 75-inch X11L SQD-Mini LED TV, valued at HK$44,900. This model delivers peak brightness of up to 10,000 nits and features 20,736 precise local dimming zones for detailed reproduction of high dynamic range scenes. With Super QLED, WHVA 2.0 Ultra panel technology, and Ultra Colour Filter, it achieves 100% BT.2020 full-scenario wide colour gamut, ensuring vivid colour performance even in bright environments. Whether for watching the Olympics or everyday entertainment, the X11L recreates an immersive viewing experience at home, allowing the public to relive the excitement and emotion of sport.

Mr Roger Gao, General Manager of TCL Hong Kong Branch, said: "As a Worldwide Olympic Partner, TCL firmly believes that both technology and sport have the power to inspire and unite communities. By supporting the '2026 Olympic Day cum Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games Fun Run', we are demonstrating TCL's commitment to promoting sports culture through innovation. We hope to extend the Olympic spirit from the sporting arena into everyday life."

TCL and the International Olympic Committee announced a global partnership in 2025, with the collaboration running through 2032. TCL became the official Worldwide Olympic and Paralympic Partner in the Home Audiovisual Equipment and Home Appliances category.
Hashtag: #TCL

https://www.tcl.com/hk/en

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

TCL

Founded in 1981, TCL is committed to delivering forward-looking technology experiences and smart, healthy living solutions. TCL stands for "The Creative Life", reflecting the brand's belief in using creativity to inspire life. TCL operates in more than 160 countries and regions worldwide.

Empowering Enterprises to Go Global, Pioneering the Blue Ocean of Silver Economy

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 27 June 2026 - The "Wealth Management Expo 2026", powered by Bank of China (Hong Kong) ("BOCHK") and organised by TVB under the theme of "Empowering Enterprises to Go Global, Pioneering the Blue Ocean of Silver Economy", was successfully held today. The Expo featured top-tier financial experts and prominent figures for market pulse insights and visionary perspectives on the international landscape, the international use of RMB, enterprises going global, silver economy and wealth management.

The Expo was officiated by Mr. Michael WONG, GBS, JP, Acting Financial Secretary of the HKSAR Government; Mr. Christopher HUI, GBS, JP, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury of the HKSAR Government; and Mr. Stephen CHAN, Deputy Chief Executive of BOCHK. Mr. Christopher HUI also shared at the opening forum on how Hong Kong as a global offshore RMB hub supports enterprises in going global. Other attending guests included Dr. KO Wing Man, GBS, JP, Standing Committee of the National Committee of the CPPCC; Mr. SIU Sai Wo, General Manager (Business Operations) of TVB; and representatives from BOCHK.

Mr. Stephen CHAN, Deputy Chief Executive of BOCHK, said in his opening remarks, "This year marks the inaugural year of the nation's 15th Five-Year Plan, which clearly supports Hong Kong in strengthening its role as an international asset and wealth management centre. Against this backdrop, Hong Kong, as a vital bridge between the Chinese Mainland and the rest of the world, is set to tap into an unprecedented opportunity for growth. Bank of China (Hong Kong) will actively align with national policies and the HKSAR Government's direction by deepening its regional business development and promoting the international use of RMB, while continuing to fulfil its corporate social responsibilities, contributing to the consolidation of Hong Kong's position as an international financial centre."

Opening Forum: Experts Shared Insights on RMB Empowering Enterprises to Go Global

The opening forum of the Expo "New Opportunities in Global Wealth Investment: RMB Empowering Enterprises to Go Global" featured Mr. Christopher HUI, GBS, JP, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, HKSAR Government; Mrs. Pauline NGAN, BBS, JP, Deputy Chairman and Managing Director of Mainland Headwear Holdings Limited, Member of the National Committee of the CPPCC; Mr. Sam YU, Chairman of Hong Kong Investment Funds Association; and Mr. Jack YANG, RMB Business Executive Director of BOCHK. They engaged in an in-depth discussion on the international market trends, enterprises going global and the international use of RMB, elaborating new investment opportunities.

Summit Forum: Decoding Silver Economy Opportunities and Industry Integration

The growing silver-haired population is driving demand across a range of areas, including health, lifestyle and wealth management. Held under the theme "Redefining Value in the Silver Age: Uncovering Blue Ocean Market Opportunities", the summit forum featured Dr. KO Wing Man, GBS, JP, Standing Committee of the National Committee of the CPPCC; Mr. Angus CHAN, Director of Elderly Care Services of Chinachem Group; Mr. Terry WONG, Chief Executive Officer of Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation; and Mr. Wilson TANG, Chief Executive of BOC Group Life Assurance Company Limited. Drawing on a macro perspective on industry structure, the speakers analysed the business opportunities within the silver economy and explored how to drive supply chain transformation and integration across traditional industries such as healthcare and insurance, while offering a forward-looking view of the immense potential of this emerging market.

Thematic Workshops and Immersive Digital Experience Zone, Showcasing Comprehensive Wealth Growth Strategies

The Expo also held several thematic workshops, in which experts analysed prevailing topics, including global fund and equity market conditions, retirement wealth planning, and emerging markets, equipping clients with insights into wealth growth strategies. Two fund workshops focused respectively on emerging markets and global income opportunities. The first workshop, "Focusing on Emerging Value in Asia: Embarking on a New Chapter for RMB Assets and China's Equity and Bond Markets", examined how the Chinese Mainland's deepening cooperation with ASEAN, the Global South, and Belt and Road Initiative partner countries is generating new investment opportunities in emerging markets. The workshop also offered an investment outlook of the implications of the National 15th Five-Year Plan and the shifting global landscape for RMB assets and the Chinese Mainland's equity and bond markets. The second fund workshop, "Harnessing Multi-Asset Strategies to Capture Asia-Pacific Income Opportunities," explored how investors should diversify asset portfolio amid heightened volatility in global equity and bond markets, while capturing income opportunities from Asia-Pacific and emerging markets.

The retirement planning workshop, "Forward-Looking Wealth Planning: Charting Your Own Path to a Premium Retirement", addressed the retirement pain points commonly faced by Hong Kong residents, offering financial advice for the silver generation to build a solid safety net for themselves and their families. The equities workshop, "Navigating 2026: Decoding Stock Market Strategies", dissected global equity market performance and explored how different financial products can be used to balance aggressive and defensive positioning to capture markets with growth potential. The wealth management workshop, "AI-led Future: Blue Ocean Opportunities in Southeast Asia and New Horizons for Enterprises Going Global", examined the AI investment boom and analysed the unique edge of Hong Kong as a "super value-adder" for enterprises going global.

A 3D immersive digital experience zone highlighted BOCHK's capabilities across its expansive network reach, anti-fraud education, professional services, digital innovation leadership and award-winning credentials.

BOCHK Private Wealth also officially unveiled its new Wealth+ service proposition at the event, expanding its scope beyond wealth management to encompass multi-dimension of clients' lives, including lifestyle experiences, family financial planning and holistic well-being, with a commitment to addressing client's unique and individual needs.

The "Wealth Management Expo 2026" concluded successfully with fruitful outcomes. Through a full day of engaging forums, workshops, digital experience zone and sponsored booths, industry professionals, investors and the public can gain insights into global opportunities, keep abreast of the latest development in the international use of RMB and the strategic advantages of enterprises going global, while capitalising on the diverse opportunities presented by the silver economy, and mastering financial management and wealth growth.

Hashtag: #WealthManagementExpo2026

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

The defining feature of the new network is Vietnam's first and only multi-connected robotic surgery ecosystem. Rather than deploying standalone robotic systems, Vinmec has established an integrated operating platform that brings together multiple world-leading robotic technologies across its hospital network. Vinmec Times City International Hospital serves as the clinical coordination hub, linking robotic surgery centers at Vinmec Smart City, Vinmec Da Nang, Vinmec Central Park, Vinmec Can Tho and other Vinmec hospitals throughout the country.

For general surgery, Vinmec operates three of the world's leading robotic surgery platforms: Da Vinci Xi at Vinmec Times City, Hugo RAS at Vinmec Da Nang and Vinmec Central Park, and Toumai MT-1000 at Vinmec Smart City and Vinmec Can Tho. Together, these technologies enable surgeons to access deep anatomical structures, perform highly precise procedures within confined surgical spaces, and select the most appropriate platform based on each patient's condition. Notably, the Toumai MT-1000 also introduces the capability for 5G-enabled remote robotic surgery, laying the foundation for future models of connected healthcare delivery.

In orthopedic surgery, Vinmec has deployed a comprehensive portfolio of next-generation joint replacement robots, including ROSA at Vinmec Smart City, MISSO at Vinmec Times City and Vinmec Can Tho, and CORI across Vinmec Ocean Park 2, Hai Phong, Da Nang, Central Park, Phu Quoc and Nha Trang. These technologies enable personalized surgical planning based on each patient's anatomy while supporting millimeter-level precision in implant positioning and joint balancing, helping optimize clinical outcomes and accelerate postoperative recovery.

For neurosurgery and spine surgery, Vinmec has integrated the StealthStation S8, Mazor X Stealth Edition robotic guidance system and the O-arm with StealthStation O2 imaging platform at Vinmec Smart City and Vinmec Da Nang. This advanced technology suite provides real-time navigation, intraoperative imaging and continuous surgical verification, enabling surgeons to accurately access complex anatomical structures while improving procedural safety and reducing the risk of complications.

Complementing its advanced technology ecosystem, Vinmec is also the first healthcare provider in Vietnam to develop a "3-in-1" robotic surgery model built on Personalization, Automation and Standardization. Every patient receives an individualized treatment plan through preoperative 3D reconstruction and surgical simulation, benefits from AI-enabled robotic assistance during surgery, and is treated according to internationally recognized standards in clinical practice, education and research.

Technology delivers value only when placed in the hands of highly skilled professionals. To operate this large-scale robotic surgery ecosystem, Vinmec has developed a multidisciplinary team of specialists who have undergone rigorous training, competency assessments and international robotic surgery certification programs. Their expertise forms the foundation for delivering safe, high-quality and consistently effective surgical care.

Alongside the launch of the robotic surgery network, Vinmec also announced the establishment of the Robotic Surgery Patient Support Fund, backed by nearly VND 300 billion in funding from Vingroup. The fund is expected to reduce financial barriers and expand patient access to advanced robotic surgery, particularly for those facing financial hardship.

At the event, Prof. Tran Van Thuan, MD, PhD, Deputy Minister of Health, remarked: "I highly appreciate Vinmec's vision of not only investing in advanced medical equipment but also building a comprehensive ecosystem encompassing clinical care, medical education, scientific research, technology transfer, and international collaboration." The Deputy Minister also acknowledged the humanitarian value of the Robotic Surgery Patient Support Fund, which helps expand access to advanced surgical technologies for eligible patients.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, Prof. Tran Trung Dung, MD, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of Vinmec Healthcare System, said:

"Our High-Tech Robotic Surgery Network is built on a model of multidimensional connectivity connecting experts, hospitals and the world's leading technology partners within a single integrated ecosystem. Our goal is to provide patients in Vietnam with access to the most advanced surgical innovations while progressively positioning Vietnam as a regional destination for high-tech healthcare and precision surgery."

According to Assoc. Prof. Pham Van Binh, MD, PhD, Director of the Vinmec High-Tech Robotic Surgery Network, the true strength of the centers lies not only in their advanced robotic systems but also in their ability to transform technology into sustainable clinical excellence.

"Our vision extends beyond building a treatment center. We are establishing an academic institution for robotic surgery that integrates clinical practice, academic training, scientific research and technology transfer, bringing together leading robotic surgeons from Vietnam and around the world."

The launch of Vinmec's High-Tech Robotic Surgery Network represents not only a significant milestone in the healthcare system's development but also an important step forward in accelerating Vietnam's transition toward an era of precision, personalized and technology-driven surgery. By bringing world-class surgical innovation closer to patients, Vinmec is laying the foundation for Vietnam to emerge as a new regional hub for robotic surgery and advanced medical treatment in Southeast Asia.

Hashtag: #Vinmec

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Global Industry Leaders Convene, Charting a New Chapter for the Intelligent Era

Liu Ying, Executive Vice President of China Telecom, stated in her speech that China Telecom closely align with the high-quality joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative, promoting the deep integration of mature domestic technological capabilities with global cloud and network resources, and steadily enhancing its international operational strength. Through continuous cultivation, China Telecom has built an AI Token international operation capability system, consolidating the foundation for expanding the global market and deepening ecosystem cooperation. Based on the new stage of the AI Token era, China Telecom is committed to leveraging Token operations as a bond to share the new global computing network, co-create a new paradigm of AI services, jointly govern the new cross-border compliance order, and collectively embrace the new value of the digital intelligence wave.

Hashtag: #ChinaTelecom

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

During the reception, Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK), the government's investment promotion agency, announced impressive results for the first half of 2026, revealing that these enterprises are expected to bring in over HK$53 billion (US$6.8 billion) in foreign direct investment and create over 8,600 new jobs for Hong Kong.

Speaking at the reception, John Lee, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), said Hong Kong is one of the best places in the world to do business, being ranked as the world's freest economy by the Fraser Institute and the second most competitive economy according to the latest IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook.

"In choosing Hong Kong for your Asian and global business expansion, you share my belief in Hong Kong's flourishing future," Mr Lee said. "You have made a wise choice. Hong Kong is one of the world's best economies to do business in and with."

Under the "one country, two systems" principle, Hong Kong possesses the distinctive advantages of enjoying strong support from the country (China) and being closely connected to the world. The city offers an open and business-friendly environment, a simple and low tax regime, and a common law system that seamlessly connects with global financial centres.

Austria-based transport and logistics firm Gebrüder Weiss recently upgraded its Hong Kong office to become regional headquarters in East Asia and Oceania. Its Regional Director East Asia/Oceania, Michael Zankel, said of Hong Kong, "The business environment is great, you have a lot of talent around here to employ. It has always been the gateway to the Chinese Mainland but for us it is more a gateway to Asia."

According to Merwann Younes, Global Head of Hospitality & Lifestyle Channels for Italian company Moleskine, Hong Kong is a "a very dynamic and creative city, which are also the core values for Moleskine as a brand."

Etienne Dubois, Chief Strategy Officer, Unlimitics, which has developed an AI-powered school simulation game designed for neurodivergent children, said Hong Kong is a good place for start-up entrepreneurs like himself. "It is a very good melting pot for talent and opportunities and for growth," he said.

Expanding on its first half results for 2026, InvestHK announced that its number of completed projects had increased 9% compared to the same period in 2025, while anticipated direct investment was up 36% and new jobs created rose 6% year-on-year.

In terms of place of origin of the 413 enterprises, 246 came from the Chinese Mainland, followed by Singapore (26), the United States (21), the United Kingdom (18), France (11) and Italy (11).

The top five sectors are innovation and technology (93), financial services and fintech (89), tourism and hospitality (55), transport, logistics and industrials (44), and business and professional services (39).

Looking ahead, Mr Lee said the HKSAR Government was expediting development of the Northern Metropolis, a new economic engine destined to rise as an international I&T and business hub.

"This will unlock abundant opportunities and shape a prosperous future for Hong Kong," Mr Lee said, adding that the HKSAR Government is creating Hong Kong's first Five-Year Plan, a strategic blueprint that will focus on long-term economic momentum, advancing technology and improving livelihoods.

Investment promotion results of InvestHK for the first half of 2026 are available at: https://gia.info.gov.hk/general/202606/25/P2026062500366_548202_1_1782386859629.pdf

Hashtag: #hongkong #brandhongkong #asiasworldcity #investhk #business #investment

https://www.brandhk.gov.hk/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-hong-kong/
https://x.com/Brand_HK/
https://www.facebook.com/brandhk.isd
https://www.instagram.com/brandhongkong

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.