Taiwan’s cabinet is preparing to raise defence spending by about 16 per cent in 2027, pushing total security-related expenditure above NT$1 trillion for the first time as Taipei accelerates military modernisation amid sustained pressure from Beijing.
The proposed allocation is expected to exceed NT$1.1 trillion, or roughly US$34 billion, when broader defence-related spending is included. The package is due to be unveiled on August 20 and will cover the armed forces as well as expenditure linked to the coast guard, veterans and special military programmes.
The increase would maintain Taiwan’s defence expenditure above 3 per cent of gross domestic product, extending a shift towards substantially higher military budgets under President Lai Ching-te. Taipei has been expanding funding for weapons, ammunition, drones, missile systems, naval platforms and military infrastructure as China strengthens its forces across the Taiwan Strait.
Taiwan’s 2026 defence expenditure calculated under a broader methodology covering coast guard spending and military pensions stands at NT$949.5 billion, equivalent to about 3.32 per cent of GDP. The Ministry of National Defence’s own allocation is NT$806 billion, NT$161.1 billion higher than the previous year.
Lai has set a longer-term objective of raising defence expenditure to 5 per cent of GDP by 2030, arguing that Taiwan must demonstrate greater capacity to defend itself while adapting to China’s rapid military expansion. The policy also responds to pressure from Washington for Taipei to shoulder a larger share of the cost of deterring an attack.
The spending expansion comes as Taiwan conducts its annual Han Kuang exercises, which this year involve large-scale simulations of invasion, blockade, cyber disruption and attacks on critical infrastructure. About 20,000 reservists have been mobilised as the military tests decentralised command, communications under disrupted conditions and stronger integration between civilian agencies and the armed forces.
Taiwan is placing greater emphasis on asymmetric capabilities designed to make a cross-strait assault costly. Drones, mobile missile launchers, sea-denial weapons and dispersed command systems have become important elements of planning. Military exercises have also incorporated lessons from conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, where inexpensive unmanned systems have demonstrated their ability to damage far more costly military assets.
The island is developing its domestic defence industry alongside purchases from the United States. Projects include locally built submarines, missiles and unmanned systems, while American arms orders include F-16V fighters, HIMARS rocket launchers, torpedoes and stand-off weapons. Some deliveries have been delayed because of production and supply-chain constraints, although parts of the HIMARS programme have moved ahead of schedule.
Political approval remains an important hurdle. Taiwan’s opposition-controlled legislature has challenged parts of Lai’s military programme and previously reduced or delayed special defence spending proposed by the administration. Lawmakers in May approved additional defence expenditure worth about US$25 billion, substantially below the amount originally sought by the government.
Those disputes are likely to shape scrutiny of the 2027 proposal once the cabinet sends the wider government budget to parliament. The administration argues that higher expenditure is necessary because military preparedness requires long-term procurement, stockpiling and infrastructure investment rather than emergency spending after a crisis emerges.
China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to bring the democratically governed island under its control. Taipei rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claim. Chinese aircraft, naval vessels and coast guard ships operate regularly around Taiwan, while Beijing has repeatedly staged major exercises intended to demonstrate its ability to surround or blockade the island.
Beijing has also continued expanding its own military budget. China announced a 7 per cent increase in defence expenditure for 2026, taking officially declared spending to about US$283 billion, leaving a wide financial and numerical gap between the People’s Liberation Army and Taiwan’s forces.
Google has opened its latest artificial intelligence weather technology to researchers worldwide after tests showed its cyclone forecasting system could deliver more than a day of additional warning on storm tracks, strength and damaging winds. The company has released the code and model weights for WeatherNext 2 alongside WeatherNext Cyclones, allowing meteorological agencies, scientists and developers to adapt the technology for research, operational forecasting and specialised regional […]
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Arabian Post Staff -Dubai UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Russian President Vladimir Putin have discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation while calling for intensified diplomatic efforts to ease tensions across the Middle East. The two leaders held a telephone conversation on Friday, reviewing cooperation under the UAE-Russia strategic partnership and reaffirming their commitment to expanding ties in areas of mutual interest. Their discussions […]
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TAIPEI, TAIWAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 August 2024 – From July 31 to August 2, the Council of Indigenous Peoples (CIP) joined hands with the State of Hawaii Office in Taipei to present the three-day “Formosa-Hawaii Cultural Festival” at the New Taipei City Citizen Plaza, inviting people from across Taiwan to immerse themselves in the world of Austronesia through music and dance, and experience firsthand the beauty and passion of Austronesian culture.
Chairperson Ljaucu Zingrur (Tseng Chih-Yung) of the Indigenous Peoples Council delivered opening remarks at the Aloha Taiwan Cultural Festival, expressing the hope that cultural exchanges between Taiwan and Hawaiʻi will deepen Austronesian cultural connections and help preserve the invaluable cultural heritage of Indigenous peoples.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, CIP Minister Ljaucu‧Zingrur said that cultural experiences often move people deeply, and that sound policy can turn that emotion into lasting institutions. As the CIP marks its 30th anniversary this year, the opening ceremony of the Formosa-Hawaii Cultural Festival featured a special tribute honoring individuals who have made outstanding contributions to Indigenous affairs. Among these forerunners and partners are those who advocated internationally for the rights of their people, devoted their lives to rescuing endangered Indigenous languages, brought international acclaim to Taiwan through music, dance, and sport, and even those who became guardians of their communities for leading the swift evacuation of an entire village amid a raging storm and rebuilding it in the aftermath. In paying tribute to these unsung heroes, the Minister expressed hope that this honor will be passed on, inspiring more talented citizens to join in advancing Indigenous affairs. He also expressed that this cultural celebration is powerful proof that Indigenous culture is not only flourishing on Taiwan’s own soil, but is also embracing the world with the utmost confidence and openness as it steps onto the international stage.
The festival’s biggest draw is its lineup of top international music and dance performances from across the Pacific, alongside Golden Melody Award-winning stars, paired with a lively, delicious, and fun Austronesian-themed marketplace, together creating the most exuberant summer party of the season! The whole venue is awash in the romance of Aloha. Visitors can savor Hawaiian Kona coffee and Indigenous delicacies in the Austronesian-themed exhibition area, try their hand at Hula dancing and lei making, and enter a daily lucky draw for limited-quantity market vouchers. Families of all ages can spend a leisurely afternoon into the evening enjoying live music while browsing the market stalls, experiencing firsthand the distinctive cultural charm and way of life shared by Taiwan’s Indigenous peoples and Hawaii.
The three-day program offered one highlight after another. During the day, the State of Hawaii Office in Taipei brought in the internationally acclaimed Ke Kai O Kahiki, a dance group known for powerful, masculine hula performances, to showcase the depth of Hawaiian culture. Furthermore, the CIP has invited music and dance troupes from Palau and Tuvalu to share the profound bonds of Pacific heritage. As night falls, Golden Melody Award-winning stars took the stage in succession. On July 31, “The Call of Mountains and Sea” kicked off with performances by Usay Kawlu, Utjung Tjakivalid, and Kasiwa; on August 1, “The Night of Island Sounds” brought Princess Ai and Abao back-to-back; and on August 2, “Aloha Night” closed the festival with a grand finale by Biung and Abus, pouring out the soul of the ocean through the most contemporary electronic beats and rhythms.
The CIP and the State of Hawaii Office in Taipei warmly invited people across Taiwan to bring family and friends to the New Taipei City Citizen Plaza this weekend, to enjoy live music, explore the marketplace, and experience firsthand this not-to-be-missed summer party rich in culture.
Photo: Chairperson Ljaucu Zingrur (Tseng Chih-Yung) of the Indigenous Peoples Council delivered opening remarks at the Aloha Taiwan Cultural Festival, expressing the hope that cultural exchanges between Taiwan and Hawaiʻi will deepen Austronesian cultural connections and help preserve the invaluable cultural heritage of Indigenous peoples.
Hashtag: #CouncilofIndigenousPeoples
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
A tentative deal between Iran and Oman on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz is being treated in some quarters as the moment the year’s biggest energy risk finally eases. I believe that investors would be wise to treat it with considerably more caution than that. The scale of what is at stake in this waterway is hard to overstate. In a normal year, roughly 20 million […]
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By Dr. Gyan Pathak When the textile landscape of the country and the world is changing fast, it would not be enough for India to only celebrate National Handloom Day every year on August 7. The country will have to do much more than celebrating the day by releasing commemorative document and press releases giving […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Strong occupier demand and limited availability of high-quality warehouses continued to support the UAE’s industrial property market during the second quarter of 2026, even as the pace of rental increases eased from earlier highs. Dubai industrial rents rose 6.8% year on year and 2.3% from the previous quarter. Abu Dhabi recorded annual growth of 5%, reflecting continued demand from logistics providers, manufacturers, technology […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Abu Dhabi is emerging as one of the best-positioned global centres for low-carbon hydrogen production, processing and export, supported by competitive energy costs, industrial capacity and expanding links to overseas markets. A new assessment by the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry places the emirate at the forefront of a hydrogen sector that is moving beyond policy pledges towards commercially focused projects. […]
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has rejected a report that the military has exhausted nearly 80 per cent of its principal high-altitude missile interceptors during the war with Iran, insisting that American forces retain the weapons required to sustain operations. Hegseth described the account as untrue after CNN reported that the Pentagon had used almost four-fifths of the interceptor inventory for the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense […]
Chainlink’s LINK token is being withdrawn from centralised cryptocurrency exchanges at its fastest pace in more than a month, signalling that a growing number of holders may be moving assets into private wallets rather than preparing to sell them. About 1.26 million LINK left known exchange addresses during the 24 hours to August 4, the largest daily net outflow since June 29. The transfer was worth roughly […]
Emerging economies are becoming the EV industry’s fastest-growing markets, creating new opportunities for automakers with an international footprint. VinFast’s latest expansion reflects that shift.
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 August 2026 – For much of the past decade, the global electric vehicle conversation has revolved around three markets: China, the United States, and Europe. But recent industry data suggests the next chapter may be written elsewhere.
In July, VinFast exported more than 5,000 electric vehicles aboard two dedicated vessels.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), global car sales fell about 5% in the first half of 2026 as economic pressures, fuel price volatility and policy changes weighed on demand in China and the US. Yet electric vehicle sales rebounded strongly in the second quarter, reaching record levels in 50 countries. Markets including Vietnam, India, Australia and South Korea roughly doubled EV sales compared with a year earlier, while more than 90 countries posted year-on-year growth during the first half of the year.
The shift reflects a broader change in where future industry growth is likely to come from. While China remains the world’s largest EV market, the IEA expects sales there to stagnate this year for the first time this decade, even as electric vehicles account for more than 60% of new car sales. Meanwhile, emerging markets are becoming increasingly important, supported by expanding policy incentives, growing charging infrastructure and rising consumer interest.
The agency also notes that China and other emerging economies are expected to account for around 60% of global car demand over the next decade, making success in these markets an increasingly important determinant of future automotive leadership.
VinFast’s latest performance reflects this changing landscape.
The Vietnamese automaker delivered 70,085 electric vehicles globally in the second quarter of 2026, up 96% year-on-year, bringing first-half deliveries to 128,662 vehicles, a 78% increase from the same period last year. The company’s two-wheel business also continued to expand rapidly, with 286,039 electric scooters and e-bikes delivered during the quarter, up 311% year-on-year.
The delivery mix also highlights the importance of products designed for diverse market needs. Models ranging from the compact VF 3 and VF 5 to the Limo Green MPV and the newly introduced VF MPV 7 all contributed meaningfully to second-quarter volumes, suggesting demand is spread across both personal mobility and commercial transportation segments.
Just as significant is where those vehicles are going.
In July, VinFast exported more than 5,000 electric vehicles aboard two dedicated vessels. One shipment, consisting of approximately 1,500 VF 6 SUVs, was designated for partner Green SM’s planned expansion in Europe, while another transported more than 3,500 vehicles to the Philippines and Indonesia. The voyages marked VinFast’s 37th and 38th international export shipments in fewer than four years, underscoring the increasing operational scale behind its global expansion.
VinFast’s effort in international market, including in the Middle East, shows that as growth becomes more geographically diversified, automakers can no longer rely on a handful of mature markets to drive expansion. Instead, success will increasingly depend on building products, distribution networks and operations that can compete across a wide range of emerging economies.
For the global EV industry, the center of gravity is not disappearing from established markets. It is becoming far more distributed. VinFast’s recent momentum suggests that companies positioned across multiple high-growth regions may be among the best placed to benefit from that shift.
By K Raveendran Bankipur may eventually be remembered not as the constituency that discovered Prashant Kishor, but as the first place where the anger dramatised by the Cockroach Janta Party acquired an electoral address. The distinction is crucial. Kishor’s victory does not amount to popular acceptance of a coherent alternative to Narendra Modi, the Bharatiya […]
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Arabian Post Staff -Dubai The global oil market has lost more than 2.6 billion barrels since the US-Israeli war with Iran began on February 28, Saudi Aramco chief executive Amin Nasser has said, warning that depleted inventories will take more than a year to rebuild. The cumulative loss is equivalent to nearly one month of worldwide oil consumption and reflects the prolonged disruption of shipping through the […]
HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 August 2026 – The World Council on City Data (WCCD) has officially awarded Vinhomes Green Paradise – Can Gio the InterimCustom ISO 37122Smart CityCertification. This milestone marks another significant step in Vinhomes Green Paradise’s journey toward becoming the first mega urban development in Vietnam to achieve an internationally recognized smart city certification, setting new benchmarks for sustainable urban development on a global scale.
The certification recognizes the substantial progress Vinhomes Green Paradise has made in advancing its smart city development in alignment with international standards. WCCD acknowledged that the project has achieved remarkable progress in its design, planning, and development strategy. This WCCD Certification serves as an important foundation for the project as it advances toward Full Certification upon commencement of operations.
The award of the WCCD Interim Custom ISO 37122 Smart City Certification follows a comprehensive assessment conducted by the WCCD and based upon the customized indicators framework WCCD specifically developed for greenfield development projects. The framework incorporates the core principles of ISO 37122, one of the world’s most respected international standards for measuring and evaluating smart city performance.
Dr. Patricia McCarney, President & CEO of the World Council on City Data (WCCD) and Director of Standardized Urban Metrics (SUM), stated: “This WCCD InterimCustom ISO 37122 Smart City Certification recognizes Vinhomes’ long-term vision and commitment to developing a smart, sustainable, and future-ready urban model. The Vinhomes Green Paradise – Can Gio urban development project is now equipped with a powerful baseline of data designed to propel success, providing a strong foundation for year-over-year monitoring of development goals in smart urban governance, infrastructure development, technology adoption and sustainability, ensuring Full ISO 37122 Certification once operations commence. We congratulate Vinhomes on this important certification milestone, a global first, setting a new precedent for greenfield developments in cities worldwide.“
Mr. Chulse Oh, Head of AX Group at Korea Management Association Consultants (KMAC), commented: “The award of the WCCD Interim Custom ISO 37122 Smart City Certification marks an important milestone in realizing the vision of a world-class smart city in Vietnam. KMAC will continue to support the project in developing smart city solutions and implementation strategies and refining the criteria for a comprehensive smart city model during the operational phase.”
In March 2026, Vinhomes Green Paradise officially launched its Smart City Certification Project in partnership with WCCD, SUM, and KMAC. Under the agreed roadmap, the Interim Custom Certification represents the first major milestone in the process of assessing and refining the criteria for a comprehensive smart city model aligned with international standards.
Vinhomes Green Paradise benefits from a unique geographical setting, overlooking the Can Gio Sea and adjacent to the UNESCO-recognized Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve, which spans over 75,000 hectares. The development features a total area of 2,870 hectares, and a construction density of only 16%. Vinhomes is pioneering the project under its enhanced ESG++ model, structured around five pillars: Environment, Social, Governance, Regeneration, and Climate Adaptation.
Upon full operation, the entire urban management system will be greened, with the goal of utilizing 100% clean electricity generated from renewable energy sources and achieving 100% net-zero emission transportation. In addition to strict compliance with environmental protection standards, the project places a strong emphasis on biodiversity conservation and ecosystem regeneration, aligned with Ho Chi Minh City’s climate adaptation strategy.
To support these efforts, a Forest Regeneration and Climate Adaptation Fund will be established to finance research, restoration, and long-term resilience initiatives. A key focus of the fund is the regeneration of the Can Gio mangrove ecosystem, helping to create a protective green belt for the entire development.
With its pioneering ESG++ vision, Vinhomes Green Paradise has become the first Official Participant in the “7 Wonders of the Future Cities” campaign initiated by New7Wonders.
The award of the WCCD Interim Custom ISO 37122 Smart City Certification further reinforces Vinhomes Green Paradise’s pioneering vision in advancing a smart and sustainable urban model that meets international standards, while progressing toward becoming a benchmark future city for the region and the world.
Hashtag: #Vinhomes
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Vinhomes
Vinhomes is Vietnam’s leading real estate investment, development, and management company. It currently operates 32 urban developments while expanding its portfolio of flagship projects across strategically important provinces and cities nationwide. By integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles with modern, highly connected infrastructure, Vinhomes is creating world-class integrated townships and megacities that are redefining Vietnam’s real estate market, driving sustainable development, and elevating the country’s urban landscape to international standards.
About the World Council on City Data (WCCD):
Established in Canada in 2014, the World Council on City Data (WCCD) is committed to helping cities and communities of all sizes globally embrace ISO standardized, independently verified, and globally comparable city data. The organization facilitates data-driven decision-making processes in management, planning, and investment, enabling cities to become more sustainable, safe, resilient, prosperous, inclusive, and smart.
The WCCD team of professionals spearheaded the development and implementation of three international standards on city data, which have been published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in Geneva. These standards, referred to as the WCCD ISO 37120 Series on City Data, encompass ISO 37120 (Indicators for Sustainable Cities), ISO 37122 (Indicators for Smart Cities), and ISO 37123 (Indicators for Resilient Cities).
Since its inception, the WCCD has been expanding its global network of cities dedicated to high-caliber data. The WCCD collaborates with more than 125 cities across 40 different countries.
About Standardized Urban Metrics (SUM):
Cities worldwide are taking centre stage in the drive toward sustainable development and the prosperity of nations. Standardized Urban Metrics (SUM) is designed to build on the strengths of its rapidly expanding global network of city leaders, senior levels of government officials, private capital market professionals and key international organizations and industry innovators dedicated to securing a better future for cities.
SUM’s service provision spans services connected to the ISO 37120 Series (ISO 37120 – Indicators for City Services and Quality of Life, ISO 37122 – Indicators for Smart Cities and ISO 37123 – Indicators for Resilient Cities) in partnership with the World Council on City Data (WCCD). The SUM team work with city leaders and private developers to customize these ISO certifications for new greenfield developments – new cities, new business districts and new communities.
SUM houses a new global first – the ISO 37125 International Standard on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Indicators for Cities and Regions. The SUM ISO 37125 certification protocol supports cities to report ESG city level data in conformity with the ISO globally standardized definitions and methodologies. SUM’s third-party verification process ensures the highest calibre data for cities across the globe. This Standard provides city leaders, governments, and the private sector with a robust, data-driven framework to guide ESG initiatives, drive infrastructure investment, attract investment, create and implement strategic planning decisions, propel innovation, and ensure socially inclusive planning and management. SUM is welcoming cities to join an exciting global cohort of World Premiere Cities – the first ISO 37125-certified cities.
SUM establishes a global hub for innovative learning partnerships among leaders of cities and private capital markets. Together, SUM and its partners foster innovation, imagine alternative futures, and create more livable cities. Certification by SUM underscores a collective commitment to a sustainable and prosperous future for cities and regions.
For more information, please contact:
Dr. Patricia McCarney President & CEO, World Council on City Data (WCCD) and Director, Standardized Urban Metrics (SUM) [email protected]
About KMAC
Korea Management Association Consultants (KMAC) is one of Asia’s leading management consulting firms, delivering end-to-end capabilities from strategy formulation and transformation design to operational implementation and performance improvement. For decades, KMAC has served as a trusted innovation partner to the Korean government, public institutions, and leading private-sector enterprises, helping shape and execute initiatives that strengthen national competitiveness, modernize industries, and advance digital and AI transformation, sustainability, and organizational excellence. By combining deep sector expertise, rigorous strategic insight, and proven execution capabilities with an extensive regional network, KMAC enables clients to convert ambitious visions into actionable roadmaps, measurable operational outcomes, and sustainable growth across Asia and global markets.
For more information, please contact:
Mr. Young Hwan Park Team Lead of Asia Business Center, Korea Management Association Consultants (KMAC) [email protected]
Singapore’s government has defended plans to develop housing at Maju Forest and Gillman Barracks while assuring lawmakers that the proposed layouts remain open to changes aimed at protecting greenery, wildlife corridors and heritage buildings.
The debate in Parliament on Tuesday followed public opposition to proposals that could involve clearing about 15 hectares of Maju Forest at Sunset Way and at least 10 hectares of forest around Gillman Barracks. Eighteen parliamentary questions were raised, with lawmakers pressing the government on alternative sites, ecological damage, public consultation and whether development could be abandoned.
Minister of State for National Development Alvin Tan said the two areas would proceed towards housing development because they had been designated for residential use and were needed to meet demand over the next decade. He said, however, that environmental and heritage studies were part of the process of shaping the projects rather than exercises designed to justify predetermined plans.
“The question before us is not whether housing, greenery or heritage matters. They all do,” Tan told Parliament. “The challenge is how we balance these needs responsibly within our limited space.”
The formal period for public comments on the environmental and heritage assessments closes on August 6, but government agencies will continue discussions with residents, nature groups and other stakeholders. Feedback could result in changes to construction footprints, development density, ecological corridors and the number of heritage structures retained.
Maju Forest covers about 23 hectares beside Sunset Way in Clementi. The land has largely been zoned for residential development since the 1980 Master Plan, although decades of natural regeneration have created secondary forest containing streams, native vegetation and threatened wildlife.
Housing authorities have proposed retaining about eight hectares, including a freshwater stream and surrounding buffer zone, as a refuge for wildlife and a corridor connecting neighbouring green areas. The remaining land would accommodate public housing, although the number and mix of flats have not been finalised.
Environmental surveys recorded several species of conservation importance, including the critically endangered straw-headed bulbul. Earlier studies connected with the Cross Island Line also identified the Sunda pangolin in the wider forest area.
Nature groups have argued that narrowing the habitat could displace animals, increase roadkill risks and weaken connections between Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, Clementi Forest, the Rail Corridor and the Southern Ridges. They have also warned that secondary forests cannot be quickly replaced because mature ecological systems take decades to regenerate.
Christopher de Souza, a lawmaker from Holland-Bukit Timah, urged the government to examine other land near Maju Forest, including a construction site being used for the Cross Island Line. He cited changes made to earlier plans for Dover Forest, where part of the forest was preserved after alternative housing arrangements were considered.
Tan said the Cross Island Line site could be assessed for homes once railway construction was completed, but it was not available to satisfy near-term demand. Authorities were already prioritising vacant and previously developed land where practical, he added.
Gillman Barracks presents a different planning challenge because the area contains both forest and buildings associated with Singapore’s military and cultural history. Established as a British garrison in 1935, it was converted into an arts precinct in 2012 and now accommodates galleries, restaurants and lifestyle businesses.
The environmental and heritage studies covered 47 hectares, including an estimated 40-hectare development zone and a seven-hectare green area north of Telok Blangah Heights. The wider study area contains about 21.8 hectares of forest and 10 hectares of urban vegetation, scrubland and grassland.
Authorities are considering retaining most of the native-dominated secondary forest and creating ecological routes linking Telok Blangah Hill Park, HortPark, Berlayer Creek and Labrador Nature Reserve. Proposed corridors would be at least 30 metres wide to support the movement of birds and other wildlife.
Gillman Barracks has 86 buildings, with preliminary plans indicating that 25 could be retained. Officials are studying the preservation of all structures assessed as having exceptional heritage value and most buildings considered highly significant.
Rachel Ong, who represents the area, questioned whether alternative housing sites had been evaluated and called for continued dialogue with residents, conservation groups and heritage specialists.
Workers’ Party representatives also challenged the government on whether cancelling the projects remained possible. Tan said the developments would proceed because of national housing requirements, but the design, scale and conservation measures remained under review.
The government’s position places the two projects within a broader effort to maintain an adequate housing supply while controlling prices and meeting demand from new households. Singapore has also been converting previously developed sites, including the former Old Police Academy at Mount Pleasant and land occupied by golf courses, into residential districts.
Microsoft has warned travellers and organisations about a Russian state-linked cyberespionage campaign that manipulates hotel and venue Wi-Fi networks to steal credentials, compromise cloud accounts and install surveillance malware. The operation, named CaptiveCrunch, has been active since early May and is attributed to Storm-2945, an operational subgroup of Midnight Blizzard. The wider hacking organisation, also known as APT29 and Cozy Bear, has been linked by the United […]
Aldar Properties recorded an 18% rise in first-half net profit after tax to AED 4.9 billion, as the Abu Dhabi developer converted its substantial project backlog into revenue and expanded income from investment properties. Revenue increased 8% year on year to AED 16.8 billion during the six months ended June, while gross profit rose 17% to AED 6.2 billion. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation advanced […]
Spotlighting Macao’s Emerging Medical and Wellness Sector
MACAU SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 August 2026 – iRad Hospital, a premier medical and wellness facility launched by Melco Resorts & Entertainment and iRad Group, was recently featured in a July 2026 episode of CNN’s internationally broadcast program Meanwhile in Asia. The program discussed Macao’s efforts to diversify its economy beyond gaming, spotlighting its medical and wellness tourism sector.
iRad Hospital at Studio City, Macau
During the episode, CNN examined how destinations across Asia are seeking new growth avenues, noting Macao’s strategic push to develop a niche in medical tourism. The feature included a visit to iRad Hospital, which opened within a luxury integrated resort environment, and highlighted its proposition of allowing visitors to incorporate health screenings and aesthetic treatments into their leisure or family stays.
Located at Melco’s Studio City, iRad Hospital is the world’s first and Macao’s only integrated resort hospital. In partnership with iRad, Melco is playing a leading role in advancing Macao’s medical tourism development by integrating healthcare and wellness services with its world-class Forbes Five-star spa portfolio. The initiative aligns with Macao’s broader economic diversification objectives and contributes to strengthening the city’s appeal to high-value international visitors beyond gaming.
iRad Hospital offers advanced diagnostic imaging, wellness and preventive care, aesthetic medicine, executive health screening, and dedicated medical concierge services. Through partnerships with leading hospitals and institutions in Hong Kong, the United States and Korea, the hospital provides visitors with access to expanded specialty medical resources and healthcare options.
Mr. Lawrence Ho, Chairman & CEO of Melco Resorts & Entertainment, said, “Macao’s next phase of development will be defined by quality, innovation, and diversification. As the leading integrated resort operator, we are committed to advancing the evolution of the integrated resort model beyond traditional hospitality—integrating culture, wellness, and high‑value services that strengthen the city’s long‑term competitiveness. Through initiatives such as iRad Hospital at Studio City, Melco is helping shape the development of integrated medical and wellness tourism and enhancing Macao’s visibility as a diversified international destination.”
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Melco Resorts & Entertainment Limited
The Company, with its American depositary shares listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market (Nasdaq: MLCO), is a developer, owner and operator of integrated resort facilities in Asia and Europe. The Company currently operates City of Dreams (www.cityofdreamsmacau.com) and Altira Macau (www.altiramacau.com), integrated resorts located in Cotai and Taipa, Macau, respectively. In addition, the Company operates Studio City (www.studiocity-macau.com), a cinematically-themed integrated resort in Cotai, Macau. In the Philippines, the Company operates and manages City of Dreams Manila (www.cityofdreamsmanila.com), an integrated resort in the Entertainment City complex in Manila. In Europe, the Company operates City of Dreams Mediterranean, an integrated resort in Limassol, in the Republic of Cyprus (www.cityofdreamsmed.com.cy). In South Asia, the Company manages the Nüwa hotel at City of Dreams Sri Lanka (www.cityofdreamssrilanka.com), an integrated resort in Colombo, Sri Lanka. For more information about the Company, please visitwww.melco-resorts.com.
The Company is majority owned by Melco International Development Limited, a company listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited, which is in turn majority owned and led by Mr. Lawrence Ho, who is the Chairman, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Company.
About iRad – Hong Kong’s largest MRI diagnostic services provider
Established in 2006, iRad is a trusted leader in diagnostic radiology across Hong Kong. As at 2024, iRad was the largest MRI diagnostic services provider in Hong Kong by revenue and by the number of MRI scanners. Focused on delivering high-quality imaging services and exceptional patient care, the Group’s strong and extensive client base includes the Government of the Hong Kong SAR, as well as other high-profile medical groups, corporations, private doctors and NGOs. Meanwhile, iRad Hospital is the first and largest private medical imaging and examination service provider within an integrated resort in Macau, making iRad Group the first medical imaging group in the world to offer comprehensive private imaging and examination services, including MRI and CT services, to the integrated resort industry.
https://me.vinfast.com/en
By K Raveendran Bankipur may eventually be remembered not as the constituency that discovered Prashant Kishor, but as the first place where the anger dramatised by the Cockroach Janta Party acquired an electoral address. The distinction is crucial. Kishor’s victory does not amount to popular acceptance of a coherent alternative to Narendra Modi, the Bharatiya […]
https://hk.linkedin.com/company/melco-resorts-entertainment
https://x.com/MelcoResorts
https://www.facebook.com/MelcoCSR/
