Austria’s bank99 is expanding into small-business banking with a new range of accounts, savings products and payment cards, using the country’s extensive postal network to reach companies beyond major cities. The Austrian Post-controlled lender announced the business99 offering on Monday, targeting sole traders, partnerships and incorporated companies. Its strategy combines digital account opening with access to banking assistance and cash services at post offices and postal partners […]
Partners with MAGURO Group and The Coral Lounge to Enhance Travel, Dining and Lifestyle Experiences Beyond Hotel Stays
BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 November 2026 – ONYX Hospitality Group, a leading hospitality management company specialising in hotels, resorts, serviced apartments and luxury residences across Asia Pacific, continues its year-long 60th anniversary celebrations by expanding its network of strategic partners through ONYX Rewards. Spanning the travel, dining and lifestyle sectors, these collaborations build on more than six decades of hospitality expertise to deliver greater value to members beyond their hotel stays, while creating opportunities for long-term growth and shared value with business partners.
As part of this ongoing expansion, ONYX Hospitality Group has partnered with two organisations: MAGURO Group, a premium Japanese restaurant operator, and The Coral Lounge, a premium airport lounge provider. These partnerships enhance the ONYX Rewards experience through exclusive benefits and experiences covering every stage of the customer journey, from travel and hotel stays to everyday life.
The collaborations reflect the continued evolution of ONYX Rewards from a hotel guest benefits programme into a platform connecting members with a broader range of travel, dining and lifestyle experiences under the concept “Every Stay Becomes More”. Through joint marketing initiatives across ONYX Hospitality Group’s and its partners’ channels, the partnerships also aim to reach new customer segments, connect customer bases across brands, strengthen long-term member engagement and support mutual business growth. ONYX Rewards currently has more than 1.8 million members and a network of over 14 key partners.
Pornthip Paothong, Vice President, Marketing, ONYX Hospitality Group, said: “As ONYX Hospitality Group celebrates its 60th anniversary throughout 2026, we are not only reflecting on the achievements and experience gained over the past six decades, but are also building on our strong foundations to create new opportunities for the future. ONYX Rewards plays a key role in extending our relationships with customers beyond their hotel stays. This strategy is not simply about offering more benefits or discounts, but about developing meaningful collaborations with like-minded partners that bring together the strengths of each business to enhance customer experiences and create shared business value.
“Our partnerships with MAGURO Group and The Coral Lounge represent another step in making ONYX Rewards an integral part of our members’ lifestyles and travel journeys, offering access to a wider range of experiences. At the same time, these collaborations create opportunities for ONYX Hospitality Group and our partners to reach new customer segments, strengthen brand engagement and build lasting relationships under the concept ‘Every Stay Becomes More’.”
Extending the ONYX Rewards Experience into Dining with MAGURO Group
The partnership with MAGURO Group, which operates premium Japanese dining brands including MAGURO, MAGURO KAPPOU and HITORI SHABU, reflects a shared commitment to quality, attention to detail and the delivery of meaningful customer experiences.
MAGURO Group places particular emphasis on sourcing high-quality ingredients from Japan and trusted suppliers, complemented by attentive service designed to exceed customer expectations. This philosophy aligns closely with ONYX Hospitality Group’s approach to hospitality, which focuses on creating memorable experiences through a deep understanding of guests’ needs and thoughtful attention to detail.
While operating in different sectors, both organisations share a commitment to delivering meaningful customer experiences. The partnership extends the ONYX Rewards experience beyond hotel stays into dining and everyday lifestyle activities. It also creates opportunities to connect the customer bases of ONYX Rewards and MAGURO Group’s Give More+ Club, encouraging greater member engagement and strengthening long-term relationships between the two brands.
Enhancing the Travel Experience with The Coral Lounge
In the travel sector, ONYX Hospitality Group has partnered with The Coral Lounge, a premium airport lounge provider, to extend ONYX Rewards benefits to the pre-departure travel experience.
ONYX Rewards members will enjoy exclusive privileges at seven departure lounges operated by The Coral Lounge located at Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Udon Thani and Hat Yai airports. These lounges offer services and facilities designed to provide greater comfort and convenience throughout the travel experience.
The partnership reflects ONYX Hospitality Group’s approach to creating a more seamless customer journey, from pre-departure experiences and hotel stays to the return journey. By extending its commitment to guest care beyond the hotel environment, ONYX aims to deliver meaningful experiences at more touchpoints throughout members’ journeys.
The collaboration also provides The Coral Lounge with opportunities to connect with ONYX Rewards’ extensive membership base, particularly customers with an interest in travel and tourism. Through joint marketing initiatives, both organisations aim to strengthen brand awareness, broaden customer engagement and contribute to the continued development of ONYX Rewards as a strategic partnership network that creates shared value.
Building a Stronger Lifestyle Ecosystem through ONYX Rewards
Benefits under the partnerships with MAGURO Group and The Coral Lounge have been available to ONYX Rewards members since 15 October 2026. These collaborations mark another step in connecting members with a wider range of travel and lifestyle experiences, responding to the evolving needs of customers seeking greater value from travel and everyday life.
As ONYX Hospitality Group marks its 60th anniversary, the company remains committed to building on its six decades of hospitality expertise to create meaningful experiences that meet increasingly diverse customer needs. Beyond delivering memorable hotel stays, ONYX continues to expand opportunities for customers to engage with its brands through experiences that extend beyond the hotel environment.
This commitment reflects the concept “Every Stay Becomes More” and the ambition to create “More Reasons to Return”, ensuring that every experience strengthens the lasting connection between customers and ONYX Hospitality Group’s brands.
Hashtag: #ONYXHospitalityGroup
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About ONYX Hospitality Group
ONYX Hospitality Group, a reputable force in the Asia-Pacific hospitality industry, operates a portfolio of distinct yet complementary brands – Amari, OZO, Shama and Oriental Residence – catering to the distinctive needs of discerning business and leisure travellers across the region where it has deep expertise. In addition to its brand portfolio, ONYX Hospitality Group also offers additional hospitality services in spa and food and beverage. With six decades of management experience, the company extends its innovative solutions throughout the region, upholding internationally recognised standards and maintaining operational flexibility. By fostering enduring relationships with like-minded business partners, ONYX Hospitality Group delivers unparalleled experiences in a dynamic and competitive market, meeting the ever-evolving demands of travellers.
The UAE plans to invest between Dh150 billion and Dh200 billion in its energy sector by 2030, Energy and Infrastructure Minister Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei said at ADIPEC 2026 on Monday, linking the spending to national security and rising electricity demand. Speaking during a ministerial panel in Abu Dhabi, Al Mazrouei said geopolitical uncertainty, expanding industrial activity and the power requirements of artificial intelligence and data […]
Empowering Global Collections and Payments for Foreign Trade Enterprises
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 November 2026 — XTransfer, the world’s leading B2B cross-border trade payment platform, and Bank of China (Hong Kong) (“BOCHK”) are pleased to announce the signing of a cooperation agreement. The two parties will work together to expand their international business, providing one-stop cross-border financial services, including global collections, payments, and foreign exchange, for enterprises engaged in international trade in Hong Kong and around the world.
(Left to Right) Mr Martin Liu, Vice President of XTransfer, Mr Bill Deng, Founder and CEO of XTransfer, Mr Liu Chao, General Manager of the Global Corporate Banking Department of BOCHK, Ms Winnie Fan, Deputy General Manager of the Global Corporate Banking Department of BOCHK.
Coinciding with Hong Kong FinTech Week 2026, Mr Martin Liu, Vice President of XTransfer and Ms Winnie Fan, Deputy General Manager of the Global Corporate Banking Department of BOCHK, officially signed the cooperation agreement at the XTransfer booth, witnessed by Mr Bill Deng, Founder and CEO of XTransfer and Mr Liu Chao, General Manager of the Global Corporate Banking Department of BOCHK, marking a new stage in the partnership between the two parties.
Under this cooperation, XTransfer and BOCHK will collaborate in depth across business areas including global collections, payments, and foreign exchange. Leveraging BOCHK’s professional capabilities in cross-border settlement and foreign exchange trading, as well as its unique position as the RMB clearing bank in Hong Kong, combined with XTransfer’s self-built globally unified B2B cross-border settlement network and risk management system, the two parties will jointly create an efficient, lower-cost, and compliant fund collection, payment, and currency exchange experience for foreign trade enterprises. Under this cooperation model, XTransfer is the first corporate partner of BOCHK.
As the cooperation progresses, foreign trade enterprises in Hong Kong and around the world will be able to access global cross-border collection, payment, and foreign exchange services more conveniently, meeting their multi-currency transaction and settlement needs across different markets. Both parties expect that by reducing the handover points in cross-border transaction processes, they can enhance the service experience and capital turnover efficiency, helping enterprises seize global trade opportunities more flexibly.
This cooperation also reflects XTransfer’s continuously deepening Financial Institution Partnership Model. Financial institution partners can act as “Co-builders“, providing cross-border collection, payment, and foreign exchange capabilities; at the same time, through XTransfer’s network covering over one million business customers, they can reach more enterprise customer segments with cross-border financial service needs, achieving complementary capabilities and shared strengths.
Mr Bill Deng, Founder and CEO of XTransfer, said, “We are very honored to sign the cooperation agreement with BOCHK during Hong Kong FinTech Week. BOCHK is one of Hong Kong’s most representative banks, with deep expertise in cross-border settlement and foreign exchange services. This cooperation combines the strengths of both parties, enabling SMEs to enjoy cross-border financial services of the same standard as large multinational corporations. Going forward, we will continue to refine our compliance and risk control capabilities and work with more financial institution partners to build trustworthy cross-border financial infrastructure.” Hashtag: #XTransfer #BOCHK #Partnership #Crossborder #Payment #SMEs
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About XTransfer
XTransfer is the world’s largest B2B cross-border trade payment platform with over US$60 billion TPV in 2025, according to CIC. Founded in 2017 as one of the first payment platforms worldwide dedicated to B2B cross-border trade, we serve the largest customer base of over 1 million business customers globally.
We connect top-tier financial institutions directly to SMEs, the backbone of global trade, giving businesses of every size access to the same secure, compliant and seamless payment infrastructure once reserved for multinationals. As of March 31, 2026, we provide payment services across more than 200 countries and regions through partnerships with financial institutions, including some of the most established international banks around the world.
XTransfer has obtained required licenses in major hubs, including the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong SAR, the United Kingdom, the United States, Singapore, the Netherlands, Australia and Canada.
Apollo Global Management is expanding its investment relationship with Abu Dhabi through an agreement to acquire a minority holding in Mubadala Capital, alongside commitments to the firm’s investment strategies. The transaction, announced on 26 October, will bring the US alternative asset manager into Mubadala Capital’s shareholder base as the Abu Dhabi investment business seeks additional international investors. Apollo and other incoming strategic shareholders are expected to commit […]
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The latest partnership introduces limited-edition designs and curated experiences this festive season, bringing a new spirit of celebration to the region
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 November 2026 – Carlsberg Asia today announced the next chapter of 1664’spartnership with CLOT, launching the festive campaign “Make Celebrations Extraordinary” across the Chinese Mainland, Singapore, Malaysia and Vietnam from November 2026 through February 2027.
Building on the partnership’s successful debut Hong Kong last year, 1664, the world’s No. 1* French beer brand, and CLOT, the pioneering fashion label founded by Edison Chen, are expanding the East-Meets-French story to a wider audience. The partnership introduces limited-edition 1664 x CLOT beer cans and exclusive merchandise, alongside a series of curated experiences that bring Asia a new way to celebrate across cultures and occasions.
Arindam Varanasi, Commercial Vice President, Carlsberg Asia, said: “The success of our first collaboration with CLOT proved that when 1664 shows up in culture, consumers respond. This year, we are expanding the partnership into the Chinese Mainland which is our largest market — a further step in strengthening our premium portfolio in Asia. By fusing CLOT’s dynamic energy with 1664’s French heritage, we are bringing our ‘unquestionably good taste’ spirit to life and redefining celebration across the region.”
Make Celebrations Extraordinary: From Design to Moments
At the heart of the campaign is CLOT’s signature Silk Royale pattern, a motif inspired by the elegance of Chinese silk, its intricate geometric lines referencing luxurious jacquard with a modern edge. For this collaboration, the pattern is reimagined in vibrant festive hues, flowing across 1664’s iconic blue-and-white design in a visual dialogue between Asian tradition and French audacity.
Anchored by 1664’s signature cocarde, a nod to the brand’s French heritage and brewing craftsmanship, the 1664 x CLOT design motifs commemorate this special time of year. Exclusively for this collaboration, the CLOT’s iconic Silk Royale pattern is reimagined in a vibrant, multi-coloured treatment. Illuminated by neon-inspired outlines, the design evokes the glow and vibrant energy of Asia in blues, reds and yellows accented by firework patterns, capturing the uplifting moment when celebrations come alive with 1664.
The interplay between CLOT’s richly coloured patterns and 1664’s clean red, white and blue palette creates a contemporary elegance that captures the spirit of celebration in style, where East meets French and tradition meets modernity.
Beyond the beer cans, the 1664 x CLOT design motifs extend to a range of exclusive merchandise. The key highlight is a bespoke apparel collection curated by CLOT for the campaign, including T-shirts, socks and caps, each piece infused with festive vibrancy and the collaboration’s East-meets-French spirit, bringing the partnership to life beyond the taste and into the moments people share.
The 1664 x CLOT limited-edition products are available from November 2026 through February 2027 in selected supermarkets, bars, restaurants and online across Chinese Mainland, Singapore, Malaysia and Vietnam. A series of on-the-ground activations and market-exclusive premiums will also be rolled out throughout the season, inviting consumers to immerse themselves in festive experiences that make their celebrations extraordinary. For more information, please visit https://www.1664blanc.com/.
*GlobalData 2025 research for 2023, based on actual volume sales data in The Hectolitres.
Hashtag: #CarlsbergAsia
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Carlsberg
Established in 1847 by brewer J.C. Jacobsen, the Carlsberg Group is one of the leading brewery groups in the world, with an attractive portfolio of beer and other beverage brands. With over 37.000 employees, and with a presence in more than 150 markets, the Group has a purpose of brewing for a better today and tomorrow. Doing business responsibly and sustainably supports that purpose – and drives the efforts to deliver value for shareholders and society.
Carlsberg Asia is a dynamic and diverse region comprising of 8 operating markets: Cambodia, China, Hong Kong S.A.R. (Macau and Taiwan), Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore and Vietnam. Altogether we have 35 breweries in operation and some 13,000 employees spreading across the Asian markets. The Asia Regional Office is based in Hong Kong.
About 1664
1664, the world’s No.1 French beer brand with a rich heritage spanning over 350 years, epitomizes timeless yet playful elegance. Our brew is distinguished by its lively and refreshing taste profile, with signature citrus notes that deliver impeccable taste in every sip. Inspired by art, design and the French appreciation of life, 1664 elevates everyday moments, turning the ordinary into the extraordinary.
About CLOT® First established in 2003, CLOT is a pioneering streetwear label and the brainchild of Edison Chen. Conceived from the desire to bridge East and West through thoughtfully-designed apparel and goods, the brand takes its Chinese roots to a worldwide stage, modernizing, reinterpreting, and splices motifs from traditional Chinese culture with bold graphics, exaggerated silhouettes, and a dynamic energy reflective of the new youth of Asia. CLOT has since partnered with the likes of adidas, Bang & Olufsen, Coca-Cola, fragment design, Medicom Toy, Nike, Rimowa, Supreme, Stüssy, sacai and visvim to create sold-out collaborations, solidifying its international presence in the process.
CLOT’s vision for a borderless culture of streetwear is further manifested in JUICE, a fashion and lifestyle retailer that expresses an all-encompassing aesthetic through its curation of apparel, home goods, and more. Located in major cities around the world, JUICE can be found in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Taipei, Taichung, and online.
WUXI, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 November 2026 – The 2026 World Internet of Things Expo opened Saturday in Wuxi, an eastern Chinese city, with a focus on the growing integration of artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things.
2026 World IoT Expo in Wuxi, China
The event focuses on the development of intelligent connectivity and its potential to create shared benefits, showcasing how connected devices are evolving beyond collecting and transmitting data to analyzing information, making decisions and taking action.
Organizers said the exhibition covers more than 50,000 square meters and has attracted more than 400 companies from nearly 20 countries and regions. Key exhibits include smart sensors, satellite-based Internet of Things technologies, embodied artificial intelligence robots and next-generation smart devices, with applications spanning manufacturing, transportation and everyday life.
A central theme of this year’s expo is the increasingly close relationship between IoT and artificial intelligence. Sensors allow devices to perceive their surroundings, networks enable information sharing, and AI systems help interpret data and determine appropriate responses.
Exhibits include robotics, machine vision systems and industrial AI models. International companies such as Bosch and Siemens are displaying their technologies alongside Chinese technology firms, highlighting opportunities for cooperation across different parts of the industrial supply chain.
For Wuxi, a city with a strong manufacturing base, the expo also offers a glimpse into its efforts to upgrade its industrial economy.
Since being designated a national demonstration zone for sensor network innovation in 2009, Wuxi has steadily developed its IoT industry. Revenue at major IoT companies in the city reached 318.4 billion yuan ($44.7 billion) in 2025, according to publicly available data.
The city’s established capabilities in sensors, industrial internet systems and connected vehicles are increasingly being extended into artificial intelligence and robotics.
The transition is also receiving policy support. A three-year action plan released by Jiangsu province this year identifies Wuxi as the core of its IoT industry development strategy and calls for deeper integration of IoT and AI technologies, particularly in core industrial production processes.
For participating companies, the expo offers more than an opportunity to showcase new products. It also provides a platform to connect with manufacturers, identify potential business partners and explore international cooperation.
Hashtag: #2026WorldIoTExpoCommittee
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
By Nantoo Banerjee At a time when most big business families across the world are fighting the ‘third-generation curse’ to stay afloat, a few Indian big business houses have survived past the third generation by relying on specific longevity drivers, including early focus on preparing heirs, formal governance, and regularly sharing the foundational history, struggles, […]
Artificial intelligence developer Anthropic plans to offer shares worth up to 552.9 billion yen ($3.5 billion) to investors in Japan as part of its proposed US stock market debut, according to a regulatory filing released on Monday. The planned allocation represents a significant international component of the company’s initial public offering, potentially giving institutional and other eligible investors in Japan direct access to one of the largest […]
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Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan are among Asia’s fastest-growing economies in 2026, with International Monetary Fund projections placing their expansion well above the regional average despite persistent inflation and mounting external risks. The IMF’s October World Economic Outlook database projects growth of 9.0% for Kyrgyzstan and 7.8% for Uzbekistan this year. The figures are forecasts rather than confirmed annual results, and reflect economic conditions and policy assumptions incorporated into […]
Japan is prepared to intervene against disorderly currency movements and excessive speculation, Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama said on Monday, reaffirming close coordination with the United States ahead of its congressional midterm elections.
Katayama said Tokyo would continue operating under its existing understanding with Washington regardless of the election outcome, maintaining a common commitment to orderly foreign exchange markets while each government pursues its own economic objectives.
“We issued a joint statement together, and we will act in line with that,” she told a regular news conference. “If there are disorderly moves or excessive speculative movements, we will take action.”
Her comments came as investors assessed the implications of Tuesday’s American elections for the dollar, US government bond yields and the yen. The vote will determine control of the House of Representatives and Senate, potentially altering President Donald Trump’s legislative prospects.
Katayama stressed that Japan’s engagement with the US Treasury was continuing and that a change in congressional control would not automatically alter the officials responsible for currency discussions. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is her American counterpart.
“We have been in constant talks with them and will continue to do so,” she said, emphasising the importance of preventing disruptive movements rather than defending any particular exchange rate.
The yen traded around 157.8 against the dollar on Monday, remaining under pressure as traders weighed the possibility of renewed official efforts to support the currency. Katayama declined to judge whether the prevailing exchange rate was appropriate or to identify a threshold that might trigger official action.
She said market conditions had improved compared with the period when the Japanese currency weakened beyond 160 per dollar. Nevertheless, the government remained concerned about excessive volatility and transactions driven by speculation.
“I believe there is absolutely no wavering on either side in seeking to prevent excessive volatility, speculative moves and disorderly market developments, while pursuing our respective policy objectives,” Katayama said.
The distinction between exchange rate levels and the speed of currency movements is important for Japan’s intervention policy. Officials have repeatedly avoided committing themselves to a fixed dollar-yen rate, leaving room to respond when trading conditions threaten broader financial stability.
Monday’s remarks did not constitute an announcement of fresh intervention. They instead reiterated that the authorities retain the option of action and intend to consult Washington when necessary to preserve confidence in the functioning of international currency markets. Neither government disclosed a new operation or a revised bilateral arrangement on Monday.
Japan and the United States carried out coordinated yen-buying intervention on 31 July after persistent currency weakness raised concerns about market instability. Subsequent discussions between Katayama and Bessent reaffirmed their intention to discourage disorderly trading and maintain communication between their financial authorities.
At a meeting in North Carolina in August, the two finance chiefs agreed to continue cooperating on orderly currency movements. Katayama subsequently repeated that the policy stance established following their joint market action had not changed.
That understanding provides the immediate context for her latest assurances. It does not mean that every fluctuation in the yen will prompt intervention, or that the two governments necessarily share identical preferences about the currency’s value.
The approaching US elections add uncertainty because shifts in expectations for American fiscal policy can affect Treasury yields and the dollar. A change in the outlook for government borrowing or spending could influence the interest rate differential that helps shape demand for yen-denominated assets.
Such market responses remain contingent on the election result and subsequent policy decisions. Katayama offered no forecast for the vote or specific projection for the yen, concentrating instead on the established mechanism for communication with Washington.
Japan’s authorities also face domestic concerns surrounding the currency. A weaker yen can increase the local cost of imported fuel, food and other goods, complicating efforts to contain household expenses. Exporters, meanwhile, can benefit when overseas earnings are translated into yen, although the effects differ across businesses.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has acknowledged problems associated with an undervalued yen. Katayama referred to shared concerns expressed by Takaichi and Trump during their September discussions, while making clear that maintaining orderly trading remained the operational priority.
The finance minister also addressed fiscal administration on Monday, saying the government would seek greater precision and transparency in its estimates of tax revenue. Her comments on the budget came separately from the currency assurances.
The 2026 REACH Reggio Emilia Conference will position Singapore as a regional hub for early childhood excellence, bringing together global thinking, regional best practice and leaders from across the education ecosystem.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 November 2026 – EtonHouse and E-Bridge will deepen their ongoing collaboration with Reggio Children through a new partnership focused on professional learning in infant care and early childhood education. The partnership will deepen this work through regular professional dialogue, research projects and professional learning, connected with Reggio Children and the experience of the infant-toddler centres and pre-schools of Reggio Emilia.
REACH Reggio Emilia Conference 2026 under the theme Education in Complex Times.
The partnership marks an important milestone at the 2026 REACH Reggio Emilia Conference, which opened in Singapore on 30 October 2026. As artificial intelligence transforms how children learn, create and interact with the world, educators are confronting a fundamental question: What kind of future are we preparing children for?
Over two days, from 30 to 31 October, the conference brings together more than 400 educators, school leaders, policymakers, regulators and researchers from Singapore, China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia, India, Australia, the wider ASEAN region, South America, the Middle East and Italy.
Senior Minister of State Goh Pei Ming, Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Social and Family Development, attended as the Guest-of-Honour and addressed delegates at the conference.
Singapore participants include representatives from the country’s Anchor Operators, the Early Childhood Development Agency, the Ministry of Social and Family Development and the Ministry of Education, alongside educators, trainers and leaders from across the sector.
Organised by REACH (Reggio Emilia in Asia for Children), part of the EtonHouse Group, in partnership with Reggio Children, which works closely with the municipal infant-toddler centres and pre-schools of Reggio Emilia, Italy, and supported by the Embassy of Italy in Singapore, the conference explores how education can respond to rapid technological change while protecting the deeply human foundations of learning.
Held under the theme “Education in Complex Times: Children, Democratic Cultures and the Role of Childhood in Shaping the Future,” the conference examines how education can nurture the qualities children need to navigate uncertainty: curiosity, creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, agency and the ability to participate meaningfully in their communities.
By connecting international perspectives with regional experience and Singapore’s early childhood leadership, the conference aims to strengthen Singapore’s position as a hub for early childhood excellence, professional exchange, best practice and global educational thinking.
The conference follows renewed international attention on the Reggio Emilia Approach after Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales visited Reggio Emilia in May 2026 as part of her longstanding work in early childhood development. Her reflections on the importance of nature, creativity and human connection brought to the forefront the significance of an educational philosophy that places children’s rights, relationships and potential at the centre of learning, principles that are especially relevant in today’s complex and rapidly changing world.
Key Conference Initiatives
The conference creates opportunities for participants to engage with:
Global pedagogical thinking, led by educators from Reggio Children and informed by the educational experience of Reggio Emilia.
Regional best-practice exchange, with educators from Singapore and across the region presenting enquiries grounded in their own cultural and educational contexts.
Immersive professional learning, including atelier experiences and school visits, connecting educational philosophy with everyday practice.
Keynote speakers Annalisa Rainieri and Valentina Violi invite delegates to consider how educational environments and pedagogy nurture a childhood that every child deserves. Project-sharing sessions further demonstrate how principles inspired by the Reggio Emilia Approach can be interpreted thoughtfully across different cultures and education systems.
His Excellency Dante Brandi, Ambassador of Italy to Singapore, said:
“Reggio Emilia has given the world far more than a pedagogy—it has given us a way of trusting children as capable, curious protagonists of their own learning. As artificial intelligence reshapes how the youngest generations engage with knowledge, this Italian approach to early childhood education becomes an even more valuable compass. The Embassy of Italy is proud to support a conference that brings this heritage into dialogue with Singapore and the wider region.”
Speaking at the conference, Ms Bipasha Minocha, Chief Executive Officer of REACH, said: “Alongside our ongoing professional learning, we will be embarking on shared research projects with Reggio Children, involving educators from both EtonHouse and E-Bridge.”
She added: “For me, democratic culture lives in the daily choices of a school. Who is listened to? Can an idea change direction because a child has contributed something none of us expected?”
The conference builds on REACH’s longstanding partnership with Reggio Children and follows the Mosaic of Marks, Words, Material exhibition and conference held in Singapore in 2024, further strengthening the city’s role as a centre for educational dialogue and professional learning.
Attachments:
Full speech by Senior Minister of State Goh Pei Ming (below release).
Conference Details: Education in Complex Times: Children, Democratic Cultures and the Role of Childhood in Shaping the Future
Dates: 30–31 October 2026 Venue: METT Singapore, 11 Canning Walk, Singapore 178881 Guest of Honour: Senior Minister of State Goh Pei Ming, Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Social and Family Development Languages: English, Italian and Mandarin Conference information: https://info.reach.edu.sg/2026-reach-conference Hashtag: #REACH #ReggioEmilia #EarlyChildhoodEducation
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About REACH-Reggio Emilia in Asia for Children
Founded in 2013 by EtonHouse International Education Group, REACH is a proud member of the Reggio Children International Network and represents Reggio Children in Singapore and China. REACH is committed to innovation, collaboration, and dialogue among educators across Asia while protecting and advocating the Reggio Emilia Approach to Education. Through international conferences, professional development programmes, publications, webinars, study groups etc, REACH advocates for children’s rights and potential, celebrating their ‘100 languages’ of expression.
As a beacon of the Reggio Emilia philosophy in Asia, REACH is committed to transformative education practices that value lifelong learning, reflective practice, and contextual change. It invites educators to join in its journey of growth, innovation, and advocacy for children’s rights in early childhood education.
Founded in 1995 in Singapore, EtonHouse has grown into a global education group with more than 100 schools across eight countries. The Group offers a highly recognised international education pathway from infant care to high school, including the International Baccalaureate, Cambridge, and the Reggio Emilia-inspired approach, all designed to nurture inquiry, creativity, and intercultural understanding. In Singapore, EtonHouse also operates E-Bridge Pre-School, providing high-quality and affordable early childhood education to support local communities. Beyond schools, EtonHouse is deeply committed to community impact through teacher training, philanthropy, and purpose-driven educational initiatives.
The Embassy of Italy in Singapore represents Italy in Singapore and Brunei and supports relations across government, business, culture, education, science and innovation. It promotes Italian excellence while facilitating dialogue and collaboration between Italian and Singaporean institutions, companies and communities.
Italy and Singapore enjoy longstanding diplomatic relations, established shortly after Singapore’s independence in 1965. The Embassy continues to support exchanges that strengthen mutual understanding and deepen cooperation between the two countries.
About Reggio Children
Reggio Children – International Center for the Defence and Promotion of the Rights and Potential of All Children – starting from 1994, promotes and disseminates through professional development initiatives, research projects, consulting work in the educational field, ateliers, exhibitions and publishing the pedagogical and cultural heritage of Reggio Emilia’s Municipal Infant-Toddler Centres and Preschools, known in Italy and throughout the world as the Reggio Emilia Approach®.
The Reggio Children International Network was established in 2006 and is made up of references in the countries which have collaborated longest and in stable ways with Reggio Children on the realisation of initiatives and activities.
Japan’s government is tightening cybersecurity measures after breaches exposed information held by ministries, financial firms and technology providers, while investigators examine attacks that have disrupted trading and public services.
The Foreign Ministry disclosed on October 30 that approximately 3,600 sets of personal information might have been compromised through unauthorised access to its network. The records included names and email addresses, with around 900 belonging to people outside the ministry. Officials said confidential information was held on a separate network and had not been affected.
The ministry detected the intrusion on July 27, blocked access and invalidated credentials. An external investigation subsequently identified possible exposure. Authorities said there was no evidence that the information had been misused, and pledged stronger authentication and monitoring.
The disclosure followed an October 28 announcement by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry concerning unauthorised access to the website of the Electricity and Gas Market Surveillance Commission. The incident added another government service to the expanding list of targets, although its full consequences remained unclear.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi convened a ministerial cybersecurity meeting on October 26 and ordered urgent countermeasures. She highlighted large-scale information leaks and the danger of stolen records being exploited for further attacks. The government also instructed agencies to improve assistance for affected organisations through the police and the Information-technology Promotion Agency.
Financial markets have faced direct losses from intrusions. Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama identified five foreign-exchange brokers whose customers experienced unauthorised transactions apparently connected to compromised servers operated by GMO Internet. The companies were Goldenway Japan, Oanda Japan, Ava Trade Japan, Gaitame Finest and Dukascopy Japan.
The brokers restricted affected accounts, blocked suspicious overseas orders and reset passwords. Katayama said on October 27 that regulators had received no reports of additional fraudulent transactions. The Financial Services Agency asked trading firms to strengthen surveillance and encourage customers to change credentials.
GMO shut down an affected cloud trading service on October 21 after discovering unauthorised access. The company subsequently acknowledged that material purportedly belonging to customers had been published online, while investigators continued checking its authenticity and the extent of exposure.
The company promised compensation for losses associated with fraudulent trading and offered affected users alternative services. It also rejected an extortion demand. Tokyo police opened an investigation into suspected violations of legislation governing unauthorised computer access.
Separately, IwaiCosmo Securities disclosed that an attack on technology provider Trade Works resulted in unauthorised orders involving seven customer accounts. Transactions were executed through five accounts, while personal information concerning 4,975 people was exposed. The brokerage said the leaked information could not itself be used to access trading accounts.
The National Cybersecurity Office has warned that intrusions are affecting organisations across numerous industries. Its October guidance emphasised protecting web applications, monitoring suppliers and controlling access to sensitive information. Financial regulators separately instructed institutions to examine third-party exposure and incident-response arrangements.
Artificial intelligence is complicating those efforts. Japan’s National Institute of Information and Communications Technology warned on October 13 that attackers were using increasingly sophisticated vulnerability discovery techniques, including methods that analyse mobile applications to identify weaknesses in connected servers.
GMO’s information-security division separately said its investigation had identified the use of a Chinese-developed artificial intelligence security tool called Artex in attacks directed predominantly at Japanese targets. That finding does not establish that artificial intelligence was involved in every breach or identify the operators responsible for individual incidents.
Cybersecurity company TrendAI counted 331 unauthorised-access incidents among Japanese organisations during January through September, representing 54.5 per cent of the incidents in its analysis. The classification covers different methods and does not necessarily indicate the same perpetrators or a coordinated campaign.
The growing exposure has also prompted scrutiny of authentication practices and outsourced infrastructure. Regulators have urged organisations to review vulnerabilities before attackers exploit them, strengthen access controls and prepare procedures for containing breaches. Particular attention has been directed towards information stolen from service providers that could subsequently enable attacks against their customers.
The Japan External Trade Organization disclosed on October 27 that its e-Venue business-matching platform had suffered unauthorised access on three dates between September and October. It said up to 133 personal-information records might have been exposed and suspended the service while specialists investigated.
JETRO had separately confirmed exposure of 743 records after attacks on other websites beginning October 14. The organisation notified affected businesses and contacts and established temporary online facilities while reviewing security arrangements.
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Amari Pattaya, OZO North Pattaya and Amari Bangsaen recognised for integrating responsible operations, local engagement and measurable sustainability outcomes
BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 November 2026 – ONYX Hospitality Group, a leading hospitality management company in the Asia-Pacific region specialising in hotels, resorts, serviced apartments and luxury residences, has received three awards at the Ultimate Thailand Green Tourism Showcase 2026, organised by Thailand’s Department of Tourism as part of the Chonburi Smart Green Tourism initiative.
Amari Pattaya and OZO North Pattaya were recognised in the Creativity & Innovation category, while Amari Bangsaen received the Unique WOW Experience award.
The three awards demonstrate how ONYX Hospitality Group is translating sustainability into practical, locally relevant action across its properties in Chonburi. Together, they reflect a holistic approach to sustainability management, covering energy and water efficiency, waste management, carbon reduction, community and stakeholder engagement, recognised environmental standards and measurable results.
These achievements bring ONYX for Planet to life at property level. ONYX for Planet is the Group’s sustainability framework, integrating environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles across its business operations and hotel management.
Guided by its Sustainably Crafted Hospitality philosophy, ONYX treats sustainability not as a separate programme, but as part of how it operates, makes decisions, manages resources and creates experiences. This approach includes responsible resource management and procurement, support for local communities and producers, talent development, and guest experiences that connect travellers more meaningfully with the destinations they visit.
Sukamal Mondal, VP – Operations and Sustainability & Community Engagement at ONYX Hospitality Group, said:
“For ONYX Hospitality Group, sustainability creates real value when our principles are translated into meaningful, locally relevant action. Every hotel operates within its own community and environment, so our approach must respond to that context while remaining aligned with ONYX for Planet.
“These awards recognise the work our teams are doing to make responsible practices part of everyday operations and guest experiences. As our approach matures, we are moving beyond individual initiatives to demonstrate impact: what has changed, what value has been created and, wherever possible, how progress can be measured. This is how we strengthen transparency and accountability as we grow.”
Beyond these property-level initiatives, ONYX Hospitality (Thailand) Co., Ltd. has achieved GSTC Hotel Multi-site Certification, demonstrating its alignment with internationally recognised standards for sustainable tourism. The certification was issued by Control Union Singapore Pte. Ltd., a GSTC-accredited Certification Body.
ONYX Hospitality Group has also partnered with CarbonWize to develop its ESG data management system and greenhouse gas emissions monitoring framework, strengthening the Group’s focus on measurement, transparency and accountability.
Through its partnership with SP Group, ONYX is exploring energy efficiency and renewable energy solutions across suitable properties in Thailand. At Amari Don Muang Airport Bangkok Hotel, SP Group’s Cooling-as-a-Service solution has been operational since April 2026 and is expected to reduce energy consumption by more than 40%, save approximately 900,000 kWh of electricity and reduce carbon emissions by around 449 tonnes annually.
Together, the awards and Group-level initiatives demonstrate how ONYX for Planet connects locally relevant action with recognised standards, stronger measurement and operational outcomes. As ONYX Hospitality Group expands across the Asia-Pacific region, this integrated approach will remain part of its long-term business strategy, supporting responsible growth and meaningful value for guests, people, communities and destinations.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About ONYX Hospitality Group:
ONYX Hospitality Group, a reputable force in the Asia-Pacific hospitality industry, operates a collection of comprehensive yet complementary brands – Amari, OZO, Shama and Oriental Residence – catering to the distinctive needs of discerning business and leisure travellers across the region where it has deep expertise. In addition to its brand portfolio, ONYX Hospitality Group also operates additional hospitality services across spa and food & beverage. With six decades of management experience, the company extends its innovative solutions throughout the region, upholding internationally recognised standards and ensuring optimal operational manoeuvrability. By fostering enduring relationships with like-minded business partners, ONYX Hospitality Group delivers unparalleled experiences in a dynamic and competitive market, meeting the ever-evolving demands of travellers.
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