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Highlights 39% underlying earnings growth Increased contributions from associates, Health & Beauty and Food Health & Beauty delivered strong like-for-like (LFL) sales growth of 4% Portfolio simplification continues with the announced divestment of Singapore Food business and sale of minority stake in Robinsons Retail Proceeds from Yonghui and Robinsons Retail divestments strengthen balance sheet to a net cash position of US$442 million Raised full-year underlying profit guidance […]
Dubai is known for its vibrant event scene, from corporate functions and exhibitions to weddings, private dinners, and luxury celebrations. With so many events taking place every day, finding the right catering Dubai provider has become an essential part of successful planning. Key Factors to Consider When Booking Catering in Dubai Menu Variety Dubai is a multicultural city, and guests often expect a wide selection of international cuisines. […]
By nurturing talent and cultivating a high-impact culture, ONYX redefines hospitality excellence. BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 July 2025 – ONYX Hospitality Group, a leading hospitality management company in Southeast Asia, specialising in luxury hotels, resorts, serviced apartments, and residences, underscores its commitment to human resource development, reaffirming its belief that “people” are at the core of the hospitality and service industry. The company […]
Georgia is rapidly winning the hearts of newlyweds from all over the world, offering a unique combination of breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and surprising simplicity in wedding organization. This is why a wedding in Georgia is becoming increasingly popular. But before every couple dreaming of a celebration in this amazing country, an important question arises: choose a symbolic ceremony or an official marriage registration? Understanding the differences […]
Singapore’s Monetary Authority has designated S$1.1 billion to three fund managers as the inaugural allocation of its S$5 billion Equity Market Development Programme. The scheme aims to invigorate the bourse and broaden market participation, focusing on smaller- and mid-cap equities.
MAS selected Avanda Investment Management, JP Morgan Asset Management and Fullerton Fund Management for the initial round. Fullerton is part of state-owned Temasek. MAS indicated that the providers were chosen based on alignment with EQDP’s goals and their capacity to enhance local asset‑management expertise. Over 100 applications were received, with MAS rolling out five‑year funding commitments in phases.
The EQDP was unveiled in February in coordination with the Financial Sector Development Fund. Its mandate is to deploy capital through Singapore‑based managers investing primarily in domestic listed equities, with an emphasis on diversifying participation outside large‑cap stocks.
Following the EQDP announcement in August last year, the Straits Times Index has surged 23.9% to July 18, 2025, according to MAS. Authorities believe that targeted investment injection could foster deeper liquidity, narrower bid‑ask spreads and more vigorous price discovery across the exchange.
Analysts welcomed the move. One equity strategist said the programme signals a critical shift: “MAS is using its balance sheet to catalyse private capital into under‑represented segments.” Market observers noted that while headline liquidity in the FTSE Straits Times Index is healthy, mid‑ and small‑cap names typically suffer from thin volume and wide spreads, deterring institutional and retail interest.
JP Morgan’s involvement is expected to bring global asset‑management experience to bear on local strategies. Avanda, a Singapore‑grown emerging‑markets specialist, and Fullerton, with sovereign backing, strengthen confidence that domestic competence will benefit from the infusion of global best practice.
Details of each manager’s mandate have not been disclosed, but MAS emphasised that performance will be measured not only by capital deployment but also progress in building domestic expertise in portfolio construction, trading infrastructure and market‑making behaviours. These elements are crucial to achieving sustainable liquidity gains.
Experts point out that Singapore’s programme mirrors efforts overseas, such as Japan’s ETF purchases by its pension fund, but with a distinctive twist: the EQDP partners with private asset managers rather than buying equities directly. That design aims to stimulate skill transfer and innovation in execution capabilities.
Further co‑investment rounds are expected later this year, with MAS reviewing submissions in stages to expedite capital deployment. The S$5 billion envelope is expected to span several tranches, signalling long‑term commitment to market enhancement.
Since introducing a broad stock‑market review in August last year, MAS and its review group have identified several friction points, including limited participation by retail investors, dominance by large‑cap counters and constrained institutional activity in smaller names. EQDP is one among several initiatives aimed at remedying structural imbalances.
Regulatory adjustments are also on the cards, with potential reforms covering short‑selling rules, stock‑lending frameworks and promoting algorithmic market‑making. MAS has indicated a willingness to consult key stakeholders, including retail brokerages and the Singapore Exchange, to create complementary regulatory enablers.
Market participants have pointed out that EQDP funding alone may not be sufficient. A private fund‑operations specialist commented: “Capital without market infrastructure enhancements risks being parked rather than deployed actively.” MAS’ selection criteria emphasise capacity building—suggesting this concern has been taken into account.
Beyond boosting trading volumes, the manoeuvre may help Singapore position itself as a regional equity hub. By fostering advanced trading strategies, tighter spreads and higher turnover, the city‑state stands to attract more international fund flows. Simultaneously, support for domestic managers reinforces Singapore’s ambition to strengthen its plug‑and‑play asset‑management ecosystem.
MAS confirmed that progress and outcomes will be tracked and disclosed periodically. Selected managers will have to report on liquidity metrics, investment activity and capability transfer milestones. This level of oversight reflects a strategic approach to ensure that public‑private collaboration delivers measurable structural improvements.
The UAE Ministry of Finance has introduced Ministerial Decision No. 173 of 2025, establishing clear rules for applying depreciation adjustments to investment properties held at fair value under the corporate tax regime. The decision allows businesses that choose the realisation basis to deduct tax depreciation, addressing a long-standing ambiguity in the treatment of such assets. Under the new rules, eligible taxpayers may deduct whichever is lower: the tax written-down […]
HO CHI MINH, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 July 2025 – The China Factory Products Export Fair 2025 was held in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam from July 12 to 14. Hundreds of original manufacturers from places like Shandong province’s Linyi city displayed thousands of products ranging from daily necessities, office supplies, chemical products, and outdoor equipment to hardware tools. This fair adopted a collaborative […]
By Nitya Chakraborty The INDIA Bloc constituents are finally meeting in New Delhi on Saturday, July 19 to discuss the strategy for the monsoon session of the Parliament beginning on July 21 as also an assessment of the developments in the country including increasing threat to the electoral democracy in the third term of Narendra […]Rania Gule The USD/JPY pair is rising, driven by renewed momentum supported by the ongoing divergence in monetary policies between the Federal Reserve and the Bank of Japan. Yield differentials between the two economies remain a key factor in explaining the pair’s price action. The dollar gained additional support following the release of U.S. retail sales data, which significantly exceeded expectations, thereby weakening the likelihood of a […]
By Dr. Gyan Pathak One day after the “locking down” of the Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir Omar Abdullah, his cabinet ministers, his party National Conference legislators, along with leader from the PDP, People’s Conference, and J&K Apni Party in their homes to prevent them from paying homage to Martyrs of July 13, 1931 […]Globally recognized UI/UX and growth marketing agency Tenet (We Are Tenet) selected to spearhead digital growth initiatives for Yomly, two-time ‘HR Software of the Year’ winner at the Entrepreneur Middle East Tech Innovation Awards, as the company accelerates international expansion & enterprise market penetration. Dubai, UAE — July 14, 2025 — Tenet, an award-winning global growth marketing and UI/UX design agency, today announced its selection as the […]
The first-ever full-scale solo exhibition by Udom Taephanich, sets a new milestone for Thai contemporary art on the global stage. BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 July 2025 – ICONSIAM, the global landmark on the Chao Phraya River, is forging ahead with its mission to become a Must-Visit Global Art Destination, reinforcing its commitment to offering exclusive art experiences while empowering Thai artists to shine […]
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 July 2025 – Today, IX Asia Indexes announced the 2025 2nd quarter review of the ixCrypto Index Series and the IX Digital Asset Industry Index Series. The constituent changes will be implemented on the effective date of 18th July 2025 (Friday). The results of the constituent review and exchange review are as follows: 1. Constituent Review – ixCrypto […]
MUNICH, GERMANY – NEWSAKTUELL – 10 July 2025 – The Supervisory Board of TÜV SÜD AG has appointed Ishan Palit, former Asia Pacific CEO, as Interim Chief Executive Officer (Chairman of the Board of Management) effective July 15, 2025, following the announcement that Dr. Johannes Bussmann will be stepping down to become CEO of MTU Aero Engines AG. Johannes Bussmann will leave TÜV SÜD on July 14, […]
For the winners of the 2025 Golden Bull Award, the answer is clear: vision, agility, and a drive to challenge the norm. KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 July 2025 – These are high-performing companies and trailblazers. This year’s winners are leading the way through innovation, from adopting AI and strengthening cybersecurity to integrating ESG values into their core operations. They show us that […]
On June 19–20, Baku successfully hosted the Baku ID 2025 Innovation Festival. This year’s theme, The Regional Nexus, brought together leading entrepreneurs and technology leaders from the Caucasus, Central Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa, positioning Azerbaijan as the region’s innovation hub. The festival was organized by SABAH.HUB Innovation Center with the support of the Ministry of Science and Education of Azerbaijan, SOCAR, PASHA Holding, and the Center for Analysis and Coordination of the […]
In recent years, Dubai’s real estate market has become one of the most attractive investment destinations globally. With its strategic location, tax-free benefits, and luxury developments, investing in real estate through platforms like Megapolis.ae offers both stability and high potential returns. Why Dubai? Dubai is more than a city — it’s a symbol of modern prosperity, innovation, and luxury living. Thanks to the UAE’s investor-friendly policies, world-class […]
Female MDRT Continues to be Market No. 1 AIA Macau MDRT Market No. 1 for 7 Years HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 July 2025 – AIA Hong Kong & Macau have once again led the industry in the latest Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) membership rankings. AIA Hong Kong continues to lead globally, securing four No. 1 positions, including top rankings in both […]
Birthdays are one of life’s most special moments, and there’s no better way to express your love and best wishes than with a beautiful bouquet of flowers. Flowers carry deep meanings, and they instantly brighten up any occasion, especially birthdays. However, when you’re on a budget, it can be tricky to find the perfect bouquet that looks beautiful without draining your wallet. Luckily, you don’t have to […]
Parsons Corporation has been appointed by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority as the Project Management Consultant for the forthcoming Metro Blue Line, under a five-year agreement. The firm will lead design evaluation, procurement facilitation, construction oversight, testing and commissioning, ending with the handover of the system. The line is projected to enter service by September 2029, covering 30 km with 14 stations, and is a core part of Dubai’s D33 Economic Agenda geared towards completing the city’s next-generation transport network by 2033.
The Metro Blue Line, spanning from Centrepoint on the Red Line through Creek station on the Green Line and reaching Academic City, is expected to serve up to 320 000 passengers daily. It will connect key zones such as Mirdif, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Creek Harbour and Festival City, reinforcing the mobility framework outlined in the 2040 Urban Master Plan.
Pioneering the metro’s expansion, the Blue Line received approval on 24 November 2023 from Dubai’s Vice President and Ruler, reflecting a total investment of AED 18 billion. This strategic vision anticipated a launch coinciding with the metro’s 20th anniversary.
Parsons brings to this contract more than 80 years of global infrastructure and transport systems expertise, and over six decades of regional presence. In Dubai, the firm has supported RTA projects since 2005—from the Metro Red and Green lines and Route 2020 to the Intelligent Traffic Systems Centre and Infinity Bridge—delivering over 100 roads, bridges and tunnels.
Chief among Parsons’ tasks is aligning technical design with RTA standards, streamlining tender processes, supervising contractor performance, and ensuring operational readiness through rigorous testing. Their involvement utilises advanced project controls to ensure on-time, safe delivery—a critical measure as Dubai moves toward its D33 viability targets.
In his capacity as President, Infrastructure EMEA, Pierre Santoni emphasised the importance of Parsons’ long-standing local partnership and its commitment to delivering “innovative technology” and “world‑class transportation systems” in collaboration with the RTA team.
Malek Ramadan Mishmish, Director of Rail Planning and Project Development at the RTA, welcomed Parsons aboard, citing their established delivery record in the emirate and reaffirming Dubai’s aspiration to embrace “smart and sustainable transportation” in line with its ambitions to become the world’s “smartest and happiest city”.
The Blue Line is positioned to deepen the integration of Dubai’s transport ecosystem, with interchange stations at Centrepoint and Creek enabling connectivity across the Red, Green and Blue lines, and future linkages into the Etihad Rail network. As an element of the broader D33 Economic Agenda and the 2040 Urban Master Plan, it is expected to redefine sustainable urban mobility and support anticipated demographic expansion.
Risks inherent to large-scale infrastructure development include potential for budget escalation, complex oversight and synchronization with civil contractors. However, Parsons’ selection underscores the RTA’s continued confidence in its capacity to deliver against these challenges, building on its proven project delivery lineage in Dubai.
With completion forecast by 2029, the Blue Line aims to expand the daily ridership beyond current figures—around 755,000 across the Red and Green lines in 2024—with 320,000 passengers expected to onboard the new route alone.
By Dr. Gyan Pathak Election Commission of India’s order of June 24, 2025 for conducting Special Intensive Revision of Electoral Rolls in Bihar violates its core constitutional responsibility, and is contrary to the well-defined protocol and procedure, and hence whimsical. In the note explaining the process of annual revision/updation of electoral rolls, the ECI has […] 
