Arabian Post Staff -Dubai U. S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will travel to the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Bahrain from June 23 to 25 as Washington moves to reassure Gulf partners over a preliminary accord with Iran that has stirred unease across the region. The visit marks the Trump administration’s most direct diplomatic push to explain the terms of the framework to close allies whose […]
Part of the wider ATOMS Group, NAMAA steps out of stealth to share the scale of its food infrastructure portfolio and outline its long-term commitment to building the systems that power F&B across the region
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 June 2026 – NAMAA, a real estate technology group that builds infrastructure to scale food delivery and production and a part of the wider ATOMS Group, has publicly introduced its Middle East food infrastructure portfolio. Since 2019, the company has quietly acquired and developed 150 facilities across the region, each designed to serve a distinct function within the food and beverage (F&B) ecosystem. With a clear sense of where the market is heading, NAMAA is now ready to share what has been built and where it is going next.
A Deliberate Approach to Foundation-Building From the outset, NAMAA chose to focus its energy on fundamentals: understanding the regional landscape, forging meaningful partnerships, and putting physical infrastructure in place. That groundwork has since translated into a portfolio of facilities spanning Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, and Bahrain. The portfolio currently comprises three core offerings:
KitchenPark facilities – Ready-to-use CloudKitchens® commercial kitchens and Central Processing Units (CPUs) for F&B brands looking to scale without the capital burden of traditional premises
ProFood Bespoke builds — Tailored culinary infrastructure designed around specific operational requirements
CloudRetail – Purpose-built to close the gap between production and the end consumer
HungerHub – The region’s #1 chain of digital food courts
Picnic & Future Foods – Two new brands soon to be launched in the region
Significant and Sustained Investment In 2025, NAMAA deployed close to $100 million across the Middle East, directed entirely towards expanding its footprint, supporting existing operators, and responding to the sustained demand it continues to see across markets. That investment is not slowing.
Dubai, in particular, has become a focal point. In 2026, NAMAA plans to invest approximately $40 million into the emirate alone, a marked increase from the $28 million committed there in 2025. It is a market NAMAA has come to regard as one of the most dynamic in the region: fast-moving, receptive to new models in food and logistics, and broadly supportive of the kind of infrastructure-led approach the company brings.
A Region at an Inflexion Point The Middle East’s food landscape is shifting. Consumer demand is rising, supply chains are being rethought, and resilience has become a genuine priority for operators and governments alike. Against that backdrop, NAMAA sees a clear and enduring role for dedicated infrastructure not as a complement to the broader ecosystem, but as its foundation.
For NAMAA, the region is not just a deployment target. It is a long-term commitment that is built around empowering operators, supporting businesses of all sizes, and ultimately serving the communities these food systems exist to feed. Hashtag: #NAMAA
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About NAMAA
NAMAA is a leader in driving the growth of digital food solutions, quick commerce, and the underlying real estate foundations. The founding members have been laying the groundwork in the region since 2019, guided by a philosophy centred on developing infrastructures that give consumers fast and dependable access to meals, groceries, and essentials. Part of the wider ATOMS Group, the company has since grown into a multi-sector network with operations spanning the Middle East. Among its portfolio is KitchenPark, a commercial kitchen network providing CloudKitchens® facilities and CPUs across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, and Bahrain, as well as bespoke culinary infrastructure builds and quick-commerce-ready facilities.
SHANGHAI, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 June 2026 – The 2026 China International Financial Exhibition opened in Shanghai on June 16-18. UnionPay, together with 15 global ecosystem partners, showcased its latest achievements in global network development, core technological capabilities, open AI ecosystem, consumption growth solutions, and ecosystem collaboration.
Building a Global Payment Network
Amid a diverse and competitive global payments landscape, UnionPay continues to strengthen its global payment network by advancing three strategic pillars: merchant acceptance, local card issuance, and cross-border QR interoperability.
UnionPay’s acceptance network now spans 183 countries and regions, covering over 100 million merchants outside China’s mainland. UnionPay mobile payment services are available in more than 100 markets, while cards have been rolled out across 84 countries and regions outside the Chinese mainland. As of May 2026, transaction volumes generated by international cards and wallets in China rose by 54% and 62% respectively year-on-year. A real-time transaction dashboard at the exhibition area continuously updated cumulative transaction volumes, highlighting the sustained growth of UnionPay’s global business.
Cross-border QR payment interoperability is a centerpiece of UnionPay’s international section. The company has accelerated partnerships with local payment networks across Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Central Asia, Latin America, and Africa to enable QR payment connectivity. On June 11, 2026, the China-Indonesia cross-border QR linkage officially went live, witnessed by central bank governors of both countries. The milestone increased the total number of overseas merchants accepting UnionPay QR codes to more than 46 million.
To showcase services catered to inbound visitors, UnionPay has set up a dedicated booth for Nihao China, demonstrating the one-stop service app jointly developed with China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism. With over 200,000 registered users, the Nihao China app integrates a wide range of travel-related services, including QR payment, public transit, voice translation, and tax refunds. The user interface has been fully localized to suit international users.
UnionPay has been working with global partners to build a cross-border payment ecosystem featuring unified standards, orderly development, and shared success. Five international partners have joined UnionPay at this year’s exhibition, namely, ASPI from Indonesia, ZeroPay from South Korea, Dialog Finance from Sri Lanka, Halyk Bank from Kazakhstan, and Banco do Brasil.
Expanding the Ecosystem and Advancing Fintech Innovation
As digital transformation accelerates, UnionPay remains committed to strengthening independent and secure fintech capabilities. The company has been investing in computing infrastructure, artificial intelligence, privacy protection, and smart payments. By fostering collaborative innovation among members, universities, technology companies, and government agencies, UnionPay expands the ecosystem and supports the development of new productive forces in the financial industry.
The AI exhibition area highlights the progress of UnionPay’s National AI Application Pilot Base in the financial sector, the only one of its kind in China. UnionPay has established a “1+1+N” large language model architecture consisting of an L0 foundation model, an L1 financial payments model, and multiple L2 models specific to different use cases. The architecture is supported by a computing resource pool with over 1,000 GPUs and a high-quality 2TB open financial dataset. Leveraging a comprehensive payment data infrastructure covering merchants, industry stakeholders, users, and use cases, UnionPay delivers robust data support for model training, consumer insights, and intelligent decision-making. More than 120 AI applications have been deployed across four key verticals: inclusive finance, consumption growth, risk management and compliance, and operational efficiency. To address critical data security challenges in the financial sector, UnionPay has pioneered privacy protection technologies for large language model and introduced an innovative edge-cloud synergy approach, enabling secure AI services without exposing sensitive data. The innovation facilitates broader AI adoption while safeguarding partner data.
UnionPay’s open AI platform brings together the innovative capabilities of ecosystem partners, including banks, payment institutions and technology companies. By providing payment, data, and AI-powered services, the platform empowers industry participants and fosters collaborative innovation. The exhibition area for smart payments features UnionPay’s APOP (Agentic Payment Open Protocol), an open framework for agent-based payments. Built on user consent and robust risk controls, APOP explores new models for intelligent agents to access payment capabilities. To date, UnionPay has partnered with 19 industry players to deploy applications including travel assistants, overseas hotel reservations, in-vehicle payments, and utility payments.
Fudan University, Huawei, Baidu AI Cloud, HYGON, and KUPAS.AI have joined UnionPay as technology partners at the exhibition, demonstrating collaborative achievements in computing power, large language models, and cybersecurity. Together, they have showcased UnionPay’s open innovation ecosystem and its commitment to driving the evolution of the payments industry through technological progress.
Delivering Payment Services that Better Serve Consumers, Businesses, and the Real Economy
Using Shanghai as a case study, live dashboards at the booth present data insights, including foot traffic heat maps of key commercial districts and consumer profiles of domestic and international visitors. Data showed that tourists from outside Shanghai account for 55% of total spending in the Nanjing East Road commercial area, making them a key driver of consumption. Distinct spending patterns were also observed among inbound travelers: visitors from the US favor local street food, South Korean tourists prefer popular lifestyle destinations, and Thai travelers show strong interest in shopping. These insights provide valuable support for commercial district operations and cultural tourism promotion.
At this year’s China International Financial Exhibition, UnionPay showcases its extensive global network, solid business foundation, and leading technological capabilities through a wide array of immersive exhibits. Moving forward, UnionPay will continue to grow its global payment network, develop self-reliant digital and intelligent infrastructure, and deliver value to consumers.Hashtag: #UnionPay
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Dubai’s commodities market is preparing to launch a same-day physically settled gold contract, giving bullion dealers, refineries and institutional traders a regulated route to execute, clear and settle physical gold transactions within a single trading day. The Dubai Gold and Commodities Exchange will introduce its Gold Spot T+0 Contract on Monday, 22 June, positioning the emirate as one of the few global centres offering exchange-based same-day settlement […]
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 June 2026 – The 2026 International Automotive and Supply Chain Expo (Hong Kong) officially opened today. Under the theme “Luxury, Elevated to a New Realm”, ZEEKR unveiled the global expansion strategy for its dual flagship 9-Series models — the ZEEKR 9X and ZEEKR 009 Grand.
As a key gateway connecting China with global markets, Hong Kong serves as an important benchmark for the premium automotive industry and a strategic platform for luxury brands expanding internationally. Launching the global strategy for the 9-Series in Hong Kong marks a significant new chapter in ZEEKR’s growth across the global premium new energy vehicle market.
800,000 Deliveries Milestone Underscores ZEEKR’s Global Growth Momentum
Strong market performance continues to support ZEEKR’s expansion in the global premium new energy vehicle segment. As of June 16, 2026, ZEEKR’s cumulative global deliveries officially exceeded 800,000 vehicles, marking a major milestone for the brand.
In Hong Kong, ZEEKR has maintained strong momentum. From January to May 2026, ZEEKR captured a 40.7% market share of Hong Kong’s luxury vehicle segment, ranking first among all luxury automotive brands. The ZEEKR 009 ranked as Hong Kong’s best-selling luxury MPV, while the ZEEKR 7X became the city’s best-selling luxury SUV.
Across key international markets, ZEEKR continues to achieve strong results. In Thailand, the brand was the best-selling luxury pure-electric MPV brand in 2025 and retained its leadership position from January to May 2026. In Malaysia, ZEEKR ranked No.1 among luxury pure-electric brands during the same period, with the ZEEKR 7X leading the luxury electric SUV category and the ZEEKR 009 remaining the top-selling luxury electric MPV. In Australia, ZEEKR continued to lead the luxury SUV segment priced above AUD 65,000 from January to May. In Mexico, the ZEEKR 7X secured the monthly luxury EV sales title in both April and May.
At this year’s expo, ZEEKR is showcasing five models spanning family mobility, executive transportation and flagship luxury, highlighting the breadth of its premium product portfolio.
The ZEEKR 9X, ZEEKR’s new global flagship of ultra-luxury SUV, is built on the SEA-S architecture and features a 900V high-performance silicon carbide electric drive system delivering more than 1,030 kW of maximum power. Four integrated safety structures combined with extensive use of 2,000 MPa ultra-high-strength steel contribute to a torsional rigidity rating of 41,600 N·m/deg, setting a new benchmark for safety in the hybrid SUV segment. The ZEEKR 9X recently opened pre-sales in the Middle East, where it has received strong market interest. The model is scheduled to expand into key markets across Latin America, Central Asia and Europe.
The ZEEKR 009 Grand, the brand’s global ultra-luxury four-seater flagship MPV, features a 720-degree comprehensive safety architecture and the world’s first integrated die-cast C-ring cabin structure, delivering segment-leading rear-seat protection. The second row is equipped with two ultra-soft aniline leather executive seats featuring 20 massage points and an industry-leading seven-zone graphene heating system, creating an exceptional luxury experience for rear passengers. The right-hand-drive version of the ZEEKR 009 Grand is scheduled to launch in Hong Kong in the fourth quarter of 2026.
The ZEEKR 8X, a super hybrid high-performance flagship SUV, also makes its Hong Kong debut. Built on the SEA-S Super Hybrid Architecture, the ZEEKR 8X delivers a flagship experience across four key dimensions: performance, intelligence, safety and comfort.
Expanding Global Capabilities and Opening a New Chapter of Technology Luxury
As its product lineup continues to grow and its international footprint expands, ZEEKR is accelerating the development of a comprehensive global operating system spanning R&D, product planning, market operations and customer services. Today, ZEEKR’s overseas business covers more than 60 major cities worldwide with a rapidly growing global user base.
As the global automotive industry accelerates toward electrification and intelligent mobility, the luxury vehicle market is entering a new era in which technological innovation is redefining the premium experience. Leveraging Hong Kong’s position as a globally connected international hub, ZEEKR will continue to deepen its global presence and advance the evolution of luxury through innovation. Through cutting-edge technologies, exceptional products and comprehensive lifecycle services, ZEEKR is committed to delivering a distinctive technology-luxury mobility experience for customers around the world.
Hashtag: #ZEEKR
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Zeekr
Zeekr is the global luxury electric vehicle technology brand from Geely Auto Group. Utilizing advanced software-defined architectures and cutting-edge propulsion technologies, Zeekr is dedicated to creating a fully integrated user ecosystem with innovation at its core.
Dubai’s main commodities exchange is preparing to launch a same-day settlement gold contract on Monday, seeking to strengthen the emirate’s role in bullion trading as investors, dealers and refineries demand faster execution, tighter price certainty and reliable access to physical delivery. The Dubai Gold and Commodities Exchange, part of Dubai Multi Commodities Centre, will introduce the Gold Spot T+0 Contract for bullion dealers, refineries, brokers, clearing members […]
By R. Suryamurthy India’s economy is supposedly doing remarkably well. Growth remains among the fastest in the world. Stock markets continue to flirt with record highs. Billionaires are multiplying. Airports are expanding. Bullet trains are advancing. Defence exports are reaching new milestones. The nation is speaking confidently about becoming a $10 trillion economy and a […]
Washington and Tehran have published the text of an interim agreement signed by their presidents to halt a wider Middle East war, even as President Donald Trump warned that the United States could resume strikes and target Iranian officials if Tehran failed to meet its commitments. The 14-point memorandum, signed on Wednesday by Trump and President Masoud Pezeshkian, extends an earlier ceasefire for 60 days and opens […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Investcorp has acquired a strategic stake in Metra, the UAE-headquartered IT distributor, in a deal that strengthens the Bahrain-based alternative investment manager’s exposure to the Gulf’s expanding digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity markets. The value of the transaction and the size of the shareholding were not disclosed. The investment gives Metra its first institutional shareholder and is intended to support the company’s […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Saudi Aramco is considering the sale of a stake in its sulphur business as the state-controlled energy group expands a wider drive to unlock cash from infrastructure assets and support Saudi Arabia’s investment-heavy economic transformation. The potential transaction, known internally as Project Yellowstone, could raise as much as $7 billion and would cover assets linked to sulphur storage and export terminals. Aramco invited […]
Luvina Software Singapore officially launches as a trusted technology partner for AI-powered transformation and enterprise modernisation across APAC
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 June 2026 – After more than two decades of delivering enterprise-grade software engineering and digital transformation solutions to multinational corporations and leading Japanese enterprises, Luvina Software Singapore today officially launches its operations in Singapore, marking a significant milestone in its global growth strategy and reinforcing the Republic’s role as a regional hub for advanced technology, artificial intelligence (AI) and digital innovation.
Management, partners, and guests commemorate the official launch of Luvina Software Singapore. (Front row, second from left: Lynn Le, Director of Luvina Singapore; Ethan Lim, CEO of Luvina Software Singapore; and Le Quang Luong, Co-Founder and CEO of Luvina Software).
Established as a strategic joint venture between Luvina Software Vietnam and Singapore-based consulting firm GleamCore, Luvina Software Singapore aims to serve as a trusted gateway for organisations seeking high-quality, scalable and cost-efficient digital transformation solutions across the Asia Pacific region and beyond. The official inauguration was commemorated in the presence of Mr Cao Xuan Thang, Commercial Counsellor and Head of the Vietnam Trade Office in Singapore, alongside other senior representatives from the Embassy of Vietnam in Singapore, including senior diplomatic and trade officials, as well as strategic partners, enterprise leaders and key stakeholders from Singapore’s technology ecosystem.
The Singapore office represents a strategic move to bridge a growing gap in the digital economy, where organisations are under mounting pressure to modernise legacy systems, adopt AI and scale technological capabilities amid rising costs and talent shortages.
As businesses worldwide accelerate digitalisation, Singapore has emerged as one of the world’s most trusted technology ecosystems and a strategic gateway between East and West, with strong global connectivity, a highly developed regulatory environment and growing leadership in AI and Smart Nation initiatives.
Luvina Software’s decision to establish a presence in Singapore comes amid growing demand for trusted technology partners capable of delivering measurable outcomes. While many businesses prioritise digital transformation, organisations continue to face barriers including high implementation costs, delivery quality consistency, fragmented technology ecosystems and shortages in specialised engineering talent.
Singapore’s investments into frontier technologies, including more than S$1 billion committed towards National AI Research & Development between 2025 and 2030, further reinforce the nation’s position as a trusted global AI hub and a launchpad for regional and international expansion.
Founded in 2004 in Hanoi, Vietnam, Luvina Software has grown into a globally trusted software engineering company with over 750 employees, 1,000+ projects delivered, and more than 110 enterprise clients worldwide across sectors including insurance, banking, healthcare, manufacturing and retail. Impressively, 95% of its clients have remained with the company for at least a decade, underscoring its longstanding reputation for consistency, quality and reliability.
Luvina Software also operates delivery centres in Hanoi, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City, alongside international footprints in Japan, the United States and now Singapore, enabling seamless hybrid and offshore delivery models for clients across global markets.
Its long-standing experience serving discerning Japanese corporations has shaped a delivery philosophy rooted in precision, accountability and rigorous governance, supported by globally recognised certifications including ISO 27001 and CMMI Level 3 for both Services and Development.
At the heart of Luvina Software Singapore’s proposition is a unique operating model that combines Singapore-based strategic advisory and governance with Vietnam’s large-scale engineering capability, allowing enterprises to modernise systems and accelerate innovation without compromising quality or control.
Enterprise Systems Modernisation & Managed Business Platforms
High-Performance Engineering Capacity Enablement
Through its AI-enabled Offshore Development Centre (ODC) model, Luvina integrates AI-assisted software engineering into software planning, coding, testing and deployment, helping organisations accelerate delivery timelines, reduce inefficiencies and improve operational scalability while maintaining strict governance and quality assurance.
Rather than merely acting as a software vendor, Luvina positions itself as a long-term transformation partner, offering end-to-end accountability from technology strategy and implementation to long-term support and optimisation.
As part of its Singapore growth strategy, Luvina Software Singapore intends to work closely with solution providers, system integrators, professional service firms, venture capital and private equity firms, as well as enterprises seeking to co-develop scalable digital products for regional and international markets.
The company has already secured momentum in the Singapore market, having acquired more than a dozen local projects, with plans to further expand its presence across Southeast Asia, Australia and Europe in subsequent phases of growth.
Among its growing portfolio of clients are Nomura Research Institute Ltd., Japan’s largest economic research, management consulting and IT systems integration firm; CRESCO Ltd., a prominent Japanese IT systems integrator and software development company; and CRESCO Vietnam Co. Ltd., the Vietnam subsidiary of the CRESCO Group providing offshore development and IT solutions for Japanese enterprises. The portfolio also included Soliton Systems K.K., a specialist in cybersecurity, identity management, and secure access technologies, reinforcing Luvina Software Singapore’s reputation as a trusted technology partner for enterprise transformation and high-performance software delivery.
Mr Le Quang Luong, Co-Founder and CEO of Luvina Software, said, “Singapore represents not only a new market for us but it’s also a strategic gateway for how we intend to co-create the future of enterprise technology across the region. As organisations face mounting pressure to modernise, adopt AI and scale with confidence, businesses do not simply need more technology vendors; they need trusted partners who can bridge strategy, execution and measurable outcomes.”
“Through Luvina Software Singapore, we bring together Singapore’s global connectivity and governance strengths, Vietnam’s engineering excellence, and Japan’s deeply rooted standards of quality and reliability to help organisations transform with greater speed, confidence and accountability. Ultimately, we are here to turn complex work into outcomes businesses can count on,” added Mr Ethan Lim, CEO of Luvina Software Singapore.
Looking ahead, Luvina Software Singapore intends to deepen its role in helping enterprises modernise legacy systems, accelerate AI adoption and co-develop scalable digital solutions that can be commercialised globally, reinforcing Singapore’s role as a strategic innovation hub for the region.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Luvina Software Singapore
Luvina Software Singapore is the Singapore arm of Luvina Software, a Vietnam-founded enterprise software engineering and digital transformation company with more than 20 years of experience serving multinational corporations and leading Japanese enterprises. Established as a strategic gateway to the Asia Pacific market, Luvina Software Singapore provides AI-powered digital transformation, enterprise systems modernisation, cloud engineering, managed services and high-performance engineering capacity enablement.
Combining Singapore-based strategic advisory and governance with Vietnam’s engineering excellence, Luvina Software Singapore helps businesses accelerate innovation, modernise systems and scale with confidence.
Freight costs on key Asia-UAE routes have surged from about $1,000 to as much as $7,000 per container, intensifying pressure on importers, retailers, manufacturers and re-exporters that rely on Dubai and other UAE hubs for supplies moving across the Gulf, Africa and South Asia.
The jump, flagged at an IBPC Dubai logistics session, reflects a wider disruption in maritime corridors linked to Middle East tensions, fuel-cost volatility, security-risk surcharges and capacity constraints. Paras Shahdadpuri, Governor of IBPC Dubai and Chairman of Nikai Group, said the disruption had tested businesses while reinforcing confidence in the UAE’s ability to respond effectively. “Freight rates have risen from $1,000 to $7,000, putting pressure on businesses, but the speed of response here has helped maintain confidence in uncertain times,” he said.
The impact is being felt most sharply by businesses with thin margins or long replenishment cycles. Consumer electronics, appliances, automotive parts, food products, textiles, building materials and pharmaceutical consignments are among the categories most exposed to higher freight, delayed vessel schedules and tighter booking windows. Importers face a difficult choice: absorb added costs, renegotiate supply contracts, delay shipments or pass part of the burden to consumers.
Dubai’s response has centred on route diversification, customs facilitation and closer coordination among ports, logistics operators, carriers and government agencies. The Green Corridor linking Dubai and Oman has become a critical pressure valve, allowing cargo arriving through Omani ports and airports to move overland through streamlined procedures. Customs declarations through the corridor rose from about 12,000 in March to nearly 100,000 in April, while the value of goods moved increased from Dh1 billion to more than Dh8 billion.
The corridor has helped sustain flows for containers destined for Jebel Ali, goods entering the local market and re-export cargo bound for other destinations. More than 100,000 TEUs have already moved through Green Corridor initiatives, underlining how quickly shippers have adapted to alternative supply routes. Food security shipments and refrigerated cargo movements have remained stable, a key benchmark for a market dependent on uninterrupted imports.
Freight inflation is not confined to the UAE lane. Global container benchmarks have moved higher as peak-season demand started earlier than usual and conflict risk reshaped vessel deployment. The World Container Index climbed to $3,549 per 40ft container in mid-June, while Asia-Europe and transpacific routes also recorded rate increases. Fuel costs, insurance premiums and route deviations have widened the gap between contracted and spot-market pricing.
The UAE’s logistics model has so far avoided the deeper breakdown seen during earlier global supply-chain shocks. Jebel Ali remains central to regional trade, while Fujairah, Khor Fakkan and Omani gateways have gained strategic importance as alternative access points. Cargo owners are mixing sea, land and air solutions to balance cost against reliability, making multimodal logistics a boardroom issue rather than a back-office procurement function.
The pressure comes at a sensitive time for India-UAE trade, which has expanded under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement that entered into force in 2022. Bilateral trade reached $101.25 billion in FY2025-26, with the UAE ranking as India’s third-largest trading partner and second-largest export destination. Higher freight costs risk eroding some of the tariff and market-access gains achieved through the pact, particularly for mid-sized exporters and distributors operating on fixed price commitments.
Business groups say the crisis is accelerating changes that were already under way. Importers are adding supplier options in Southeast Asia and the GCC, splitting shipments across ports, increasing buffer stocks for critical items and using digital tracking tools to manage delays. Logistics providers are offering blended products that combine ocean freight, bonded trucking and air cargo, while retailers are reviewing inventory cycles before the next seasonal demand peak.
The strain is also prompting fresh attention to contract design. More companies are inserting freight-adjustment clauses, separating shipping costs from product pricing and seeking clearer force-majeure language for geopolitical disruption. For smaller traders, the biggest challenge is cash flow: a container that once required a modest upfront freight payment can now tie up several times more capital before goods even reach the warehouse.
Dubai’s latest trophy land sale has come under scrutiny after public property records indicated that the Dh560 million beachfront acquisition announced by Dubai Sotheby’s International Realty may have been assembled through four separate land transactions rather than recorded as a single deal. The brokerage said this month that it had completed the UAE’s largest land acquisition, involving a European buyer and a beachfront estate of more than […]
Seven properties honoured across Asia-Pacific, including highly prestigious ‘Best of the Best’ recognition for Lanson Place Parliament Gardens, Melbourne
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 June 2026 – Lanson Place is proud to announce that seven of its hotels and serviced residences across Asia-Pacific have been recognised in the 2026 Tripadvisor Awards.
Leading this year’s achievements across the region is Lanson Place Parliament Gardens, Melbourne, which has received Tripadvisor’s highly coveted Best of the Best Award 2026, an accolade which places the property among the top one percent of hospitality listings worldwide.
This distinction represents Tripadvisor’s highest level of recognition and is only reserved for properties that consistently receive outstanding guest reviews and ratings over an extended period.
Six Lanson Place properties have also won a 2026 Travellers’ Choice Award, placing them among the top ten percent of listings globally. The awards are based on authentic traveller feedback and experiences that have been shared on Tripadvisor throughout the year.
2026 Tripadvisor Best of the Best Award
Lanson Place Parliament Gardens, Melbourne
2026 Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award
Lanson Place Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
Lanson Place Waterfront Suites, Hong Kong
Lanson Place Bukit Ceylon, Kuala Lumpur
Lanson Place Winsland, Singapore
Lanson Place Mall of Asia, Manila
Two MacDonnell Road, Hong Kong
“To be recognised by Tripadvisor is especially meaningful because these awards are determined by the people who matter most, namely our guests,” said Michael Hobson, Chief Executive Officer of Lanson Place.
“Lanson Place Parliament Gardens, Melbourne receiving a Best of the Best Award, ranking in the top 1% globally, is a particularly rewarding achievement after its first full year of operation. These awards are testament to the passion and dedication demonstrated every single day by our teams across Asia Pacific. We are thrilled that travellers continue to choose Lanson Place and share such positive experiences of our personalised hospitality.”
A Melbourne Landmark
As Tripadvisor’s most prestigious accolade, the Best of the Best recognition for Lanson Place Parliament Gardens, Melbourne ensures that the hotel joins an elite group around the world which are recognised for delivering exceptional guest satisfaction and memorable stays.
Since opening in Melbourne’s historic Parliamentary Precinct as the city’s first five-star boutique hotel, it has distinguished itself through its beautifully designed residences, personalised service and ability to blend hotel comfort and convenience with the warmth of a private home.
Regional Recognition
The six Travellers’ Choice Award-winning properties also underline the strength and consistency of the Lanson Place portfolio across Asia Pacific.
In Hong Kong, both Lanson Place Causeway Bay and Lanson Place Waterfront Suites received recognition, while Two MacDonnell Road further reinforced the group’s strong reputation in its home market.
Across Southeast Asia, Lanson Place Bukit Ceylon in Kuala Lumpur, Lanson Place Winsland in Singapore, and Lanson Place Mall of Asia in Manila were similarly honoured, reflecting the brand’s ability to deliver exceptional hospitality experiences tailored to each destination.
Together, these awards highlight the consistency of the Lanson Place experience across its growing portfolio, where personalised service, thoughtfully designed living spaces, and genuine care remain at the heart of every guest stay.
Hashtag: #LansonPlace
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Lanson Place Hospitality Management Limited
Lanson Place is a wholly owned subsidiary of Wing Tai Properties Limited (Wing Tai), a publicly listed company in Hong Kong (HKEx stock code: 369). The transformative hospitality management company currently manages eight properties under the Lanson Place brand, comprising Personal Hotels and Residences in Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Shanghai, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Manila and Melbourne. Additionally, it manages Two MacDonnell Road in Hong Kong as well as Yiju Apartment in Shenzhen.
Lanson Place provides comfortable, personal sanctuaries for both short-term and extended-stay guests at central locations in major global cities. Infused by a family-like service tradition, Lanson Place creates warm and sheltered places with a club-style feel where communities form and bond. Guests can enjoy a true home-away-from-home experience.
The Group aims to grow the Lanson Place brand across the Asia-Pacific region and continues to explore both investment and management opportunities in major gateway cities.
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Riyadh Air has secured US permission to operate flights to and from the United States, clearing a key regulatory hurdle for the PIF-owned carrier as it accelerates its challenge to established Gulf aviation rivals. The US Department of Transportation approved the airline’s authority after Riyadh Air applied last month for a foreign air carrier permit and exemption authority covering scheduled and charter services […]
Refreshed five-year Encompass roadmap highlights accelerated fleet decarbonisation and proactive talent integration as key competitive advantages
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 June 2026 – The Caravel Group, a diversified global conglomerate with core businesses in maritime services, commodity trading and investment management, today released its fifth annual Responsibility Report, Encompass. The report details the Group’s progress, key achievements and future targets in running a sustainable and resilient business, with a particular focus on its ship management subsidiary, Fleet Management Limited.
Guided by the four core pillars of the Encompass strategy—Navigating Responsibly, Evolving Environmental Stewardship, Safeguarding People and Working Together—the 2025 report demonstrates how the Group has successfully translated high-level ESG ambitions into measurable, accountable day-to-day operational practices across ship and shore.
Dr. Harry S. Banga, Founder & Executive Chairman of The Caravel Group, said: “Five years ago, we established Encompass as our guiding compass. This fifth annual report is a testament to how we have built a business trusted to perform responsibly, adapt with discipline and remain relevant in a volatile maritime industry. By formally embedding ESG metrics into performance reviews for all onshore employees and establishing strategic initiatives like our LNG bunkering joint venture, we have ensured that responsibility and performance are no longer separate conversations.”
The Group achieved a 42% reduction in managed ship GHG emission intensity from its 2008 baseline, significantly exceeding its established 2030 target of a 30% reduction.
Currently, 74% of the managed fleet is equipped with advanced Energy Saving Devices (ESDs), including high-performance hull paint, Propeller Boss Cap Fins (PBCFs) and variable speed motors, keeping the Group firmly on track to equip 100% of its fleet by 2030.
The Caravel Group entered a strategic joint venture with Celsius Shipping to co-own and operate a new fleet of high-specification LNG bunkering vessels, supporting the maritime sector’s wider transition towards cleaner fuels.
2. Navigating Responsibly & Digital Innovation
The Group continued the active pilot deployment of Captain’s Eye, an AI-powered maritime safety solution using onboard CCTV to detect smoke, leaks and safety hazards in real-time.
Upgrades to PARIS (integrated fleet management platform) and NOVA (data analytics) provided vessel owners with real-time financial, EU ETS and FuelEU Maritime compliance reporting, bolstering transparency and proactive risk management.
3. Safeguarding People & Safety Excellence
Port State Control (PSC) detentions across the fleet plummeted from 22 in 2023 to just 5 in 2025, driven by the Group’s increasingly rigorous safety protocols and strengthened reporting discipline.
The Group recorded an exceptional 91% wellbeing score in its annual employee survey, surpassing its 78% target set for 2028 ahead of schedule.
4. Working Together, Talent & Community Engagement
Following its landmark acquisition of the International Maritime Institute (IMI) in India, the Group integrated a highly reliable, Group-aligned talent channel, welcoming over 500 job-ready cadets to Fleet Management in 2025.
The Caravel Group recorded a 92% employee engagement score and a 93% Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) score.
In line with its pledge to commit at least 2% of average net profits over the previous three years to social causes, the Group contributed USD 1,529,993 to community partnerships, education initiatives and disaster relief programmes.
Mr. Angad Banga, Group Chief Executive Officer of The Caravel Group, added: “In today’s market, sustainability is no longer a future consideration—it is an active operating condition. Regulatory frameworks like FuelEU Maritime and EU ETS carry real economic consequences, and our clients look to us for the systems, judgment and commercial depth to navigate this landscape. By pairing digital tools with a robust talent pipeline through the IMI, we are building organisational capability before the moment it is needed, creating a lasting competitive advantage.”
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About The Caravel Group Limited
The Caravel Group, headquartered in Hong Kong, is a privately held and globally diversified group with operations across maritime services, dry bulk commodity trading, institutional investment management, and philanthropy. Its maritime division includes Fleet Management Limited, one of the world’s largest third‑party ship managers, with more than 500 vessels under management, and strategic investments, including a major stake in Pacific Basin (HKEX: 2343). Caravel also owns the International Maritime Institute (IMI) in India, reinforcing its commitment to maritime talent development. Through Caravel Asset Management, the Group invests globally across public markets and private equity, while its philanthropic arm, The Caravel Foundation, supports the education and well-being of underprivileged youth across Hong Kong, China, and India.
Fleet Management Limited, part of The Caravel Group, is one of the world’s largest third‑party ship managers, with more than 500 vessels under management. This scale bears testament to the resilience and commitment of thousands of seafarers and onshore maritime professionals serving shipowners worldwide.
Fleet manages a range of vessels, including bulk carriers, containers, car carriers, oil tankers, gas carriers and chemical tankers from 600 to 320,000 DWT in size – with many being young and energy-efficient with an age profile below the industry average. The company also has a dynamic newbuilding supervision department.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 June 2026 – As entrepreneurship continues to play an increasingly important role in economic growth and innovation, students considering entrepreneurial careers face important decisions about their educational pathways. Beyond acquiring academic qualifications, aspiring entrepreneurs require a combination of business knowledge, analytical capabilities, leadership skills and adaptability to navigate evolving market conditions.
Higher education institutions play a key role in supporting this development by providing students with opportunities to build both foundational knowledge and specialised expertise. Through collaborations with international university partners, SIM Global Education (SIM GE) offers a range of academic pathways across business, management, analytics, marketing and related disciplines that can support students with entrepreneurial aspirations.
Understanding the Educational Choices Available The growing variety of higher education options presents both opportunities and challenges for students. While many may have an interest in entrepreneurship or business, determining the most suitable academic pathway is often less straightforward.
Entrepreneurship today extends beyond the traditional concept of starting a business. It can encompass leading innovation within established organisations, developing new products and services, scaling family-owned enterprises, creating social ventures, or participating in emerging start-up ecosystems. As a result, students are increasingly seeking educational pathways that align with their individual interests, strengths and long-term goals.
A well-informed educational choice can help students develop the competencies most relevant to their intended career direction, whether that involves business leadership, digital innovation, market expansion or social impact.
Building a Foundation Through Business Education A business-related degree can provide aspiring entrepreneurs with a broad understanding of how organisations operate. Entrepreneurs need to understand markets, customers, finance, operations, competition and strategy. They also need to make decisions with limited resources and adapt quickly when business conditions change.
At SIM GE, business-related programmes allow students to explore fields such as analytics, strategy, marketing and management. These areas are relevant to students who want to develop a practical understanding of how businesses are built, managed and grown.
For students who are still exploring their future direction, a business pathway can provide flexibility. It can prepare them for employment, support future postgraduate or professional learning, and build a foundation that may later be applied to entrepreneurial ventures.
Management programmes for future leaders and founders Entrepreneurship is often associated with ideas, innovation and opportunity. However, successful ventures also depend on effective management. Founders must lead people, manage resources, build processes, work with partners and make decisions that affect the long-term sustainability of the business.
Management-focused programmes are therefore especially relevant for students who want to understand how organisations are led and how teams work together. Such programmes can help learners develop perspectives on leadership, planning, decision-making and organisational effectiveness.
For future entrepreneurs, management knowledge is important because a strong idea must eventually be supported by the ability to execute. Whether students later start their own businesses or lead innovation within existing organisations, management capabilities can help them turn ambition into action.
The Growing Importance of Data and Analytics As organisations become increasingly data-driven, analytical capabilities have become a valuable component of entrepreneurial decision-making. Entrepreneurs are expected to evaluate market opportunities, understand customer behaviour and assess business performance using data and technology.
Analytics-related programmes can help students develop these capabilities, enabling them to make more informed decisions and respond effectively to changing business conditions. Such skills are particularly relevant for those interested in digital business, e-commerce, technology ventures and business intelligence.
Marketing and international business for market-ready ventures A strong business idea also needs a clear target market and a business strategy to back it up . Students who are interested in brand-building, customer engagement, communications or market expansion may benefit from marketing and international business-related pathways.
Marketing-focused learning can help students understand consumer behaviour, positioning, customer experience and value creation. International business exposure can help students think beyond a single market, especially in a region such as Southeast Asia where businesses often need to understand cross-border opportunities.
For future entrepreneurs, these perspectives can support the development of ventures that are customer-focused, market-aware and better prepared for regional or global growth.
Entrepreneurship and Social Impact Entrepreneurship is increasingly being viewed through a broader lens that includes social and environmental outcomes. Alongside commercial objectives, many entrepreneurs are seeking to address societal challenges and contribute to sustainable development.
Initiatives such as the Dr Richard K M Eu – SIM Social Entrepreneurship Centre reflect the growing interest in social innovation and impact-driven enterprise. Exposure to these concepts can help students explore how entrepreneurial thinking can be applied to create sustainable solutions for communities and society.
Preparing for the Future While there is no single educational pathway that guarantees entrepreneurial success, the most appropriate route depends on an individual’s interests, strengths and aspirations. However, regardless of specialisation, future entrepreneurs will require a combination of technical knowledge, critical thinking, adaptability, leadership and communication skills.
As Singapore continues to strengthen its position as a hub for enterprise, innovation and regional business activity, education remains an important foundation for entrepreneurial development. By providing access to diverse academic pathways and internationally recognised programmes, institutions such as SIM GE support students in making informed decisions and developing the capabilities needed to navigate an increasingly complex and dynamic business environment.
For many aspiring entrepreneurs, the journey begins not with the launch of a venture, but with the educational choices that help shape future opportunities.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About SIM Global Education
SIM Global Education (SIM GE) is a leading private education institution in Singapore and the region. We offer more than 140 academic programmes ranging from diplomas and graduate diploma programmes to bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes with some of the world’s most reputable universities from Australia, Canada, Europe, United Kingdom, and the United States. SIM GE’s cohort is made up of 17,000 full- and part-time students and adult learners, of which approximately 41% are international students hailing from over 50 countries.
SIM GE’s holistic learning approach and culturally diverse learning environment aim to equip students with knowledge, industry skills and employability competencies, as well as a global perspective to succeed as future leaders in a fast-changing, technologically driven world.
For more information on SIM Global Education, visit www.sim.edu.sg
Harnessing Innovative Technologies to Drive Cultural Mobility and Foster Global Exchange
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 June 2026 – The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), in collaboration with the Center for Metaverse and Computational Creativity at HKUST(Guangzhou), presents the SURREALITY Mixed Reality (MR) × Artificial Intelligence (AI) Digital Art Cross-City Exhibition. As part of HKUST’s 35th-anniversary celebrations, an exclusive media preview of the world’s first large-scale, cross-regional MR × AI digital art exhibition was held at the University’s Clear Water Bay campus.
Showcasing selected works by renowned international and Chinese Mainland digital artists, as well as faculty and students from both campuses, the exhibition integrates creativity with Virtual Reality (VR), MR, and AI technologies. It transforms the campus into a global hub for arts innovation and technological excellence.
The exhibition will open at HKUST(GZ) tomorrow and run through July 31, 2026, before returning to Hong Kong for public engagement. This exhibition exemplifies HKUST’s visionary commitment to driving cultural mobility and fostering international exchange through innovative technologies.
Prof. Nancy IP, President of HKUST, remarked, “This event signifies a major milestone for HKUST in its pursuit of integrating technology, humanities, and cross-regional innovation. The national 15th Five-Year Plan released this year explicitly supports Hong Kong in deepening its development as the East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. In 2024, the HKSAR Government also introduced the Blueprint for Arts and Culture and Creative Industries Development, outlining plans to develop diverse arts and culture industries with an international perspective, and to establish international platforms that foster East-meets-West arts and cultural exchanges. Local universities play a pivotal role in advancing these initiatives.”
“HKUST’s Strategic Plan 2031 identifies the integration of innovation and the humanities as a key direction for the University’s future development. In line with this vision, we established Hong Kong’s first Division of Arts and Machine Creativity, which is committed to creating an innovative platform that fosters the fusion of technology and art while nurturing a new generation of creative talent with strong interdisciplinary perspectives. Hosting initiatives such as SURREALITY and the HKUST AI Film Festival exemplifies this direction and is poised to develop into prominent international platforms that fosters arts and cultural exchanges between China and the rest of the world,” she added.
Prof. Lionel NI Ming-Shuan, President of HKUST(GZ), stated, “‘SURREALITY’ is not only the world’s first large-scale MR × AI art exhibition, but also a powerful showcase of the strengths of HKUST and HKUST(GZ) in interdisciplinary studies and computational creativity. As a flagship initiative under the ‘One HKUST, Complementary Campuses’ framework, the two campuses have welcomed artists and young creators from 23 countries and regions, redefining the boundaries of knowledge production and artistic expression through the seamless fusion of the virtual and the real. At a time when the nation is strategically advancing future industries and the Greater Bay Area is accelerating the development of new quality productive forces, the digital ‘Portal’ connecting Clear Water Bay and Nansha represents far more than a technological breakthrough—it embodies a forward-looking model of educational collaboration, where engineering converges with aesthetics, algorithms with poetry, and global vision with local engagement. At thirty-five years old, HKUST remains youthful and dynamic. Guided by this founding aspiration, HKUST(GZ) will continue to advance in step with HKUST, writing a new chapter of integrated innovation and talent development in the Greater Bay Area.”
SURREALITY showcases the integration of AI-generated artworks with the physical campus environment, creating an immersive experience through spatial computing and real-time rendering technologies. Across the two campuses, nearly 50 works by more than 70 digital artists from the United States, Germany, Russia, Australia, Bolivia, Singapore, Korea, the Chinese Mainland, and Hong Kong are featured. Presented in innovative and striking forms, these exceptional works from around the world highlight HKUST’s strong commitment to advancing interdisciplinary integration.
Today, 19 selected works premiered at the Clear Water Bay campus, where MR-enhanced creations transform the HKUST campus into an immersive, technology-driven art space. By wearing MR headsets, visitors can freely explore three exhibition areas: Living Currents, Future Fables, andBeyond Mind. Several projects created by HKUST(GZ) faculty and students stand out as highlights, with The Gate—built on a metaverse concept—emerging as the centerpiece of the exhibition. As the armillary sphere slowly turns and the portal comes into view, visitors can step inside and instantly traverse the virtual spaces of both campuses, experiencing a groundbreaking sense of cross‑campus, seamless connectivity that embodies the vision of “One HKUST, Complementary Campuses.” Another featured work, Kunpeng, symbolizes a spirit of boundless freedom. A giant fish leaps from the nearby Port Shelter in Sai Kung and transforms into a soaring roc that ascends powerfully into the sky. Its majestic presence delivers a striking visual spectacle. The piece The Twinworld Tree creates a dynamic living system formed by the World Tree and virtual life, symbolizing the interdependence of all things, like the tides.
The exhibition also features an MR recreation of a classic work—GFP Bunny, created by internationally acclaimed contemporary artist, Prof. Eduardo KAC, who is also Professor of Art and Technology Studies at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Since its debut, this piece has sparked global reflection on genetic modification, bioethics, and the boundaries of art. Mr. ZHANG Yishuai, a PhD student in the Thrust of Computational Media and Arts at HKUST(GZ) and a computational artist, presents Echoes of Earth 2.0, offering a forward-looking perspective on AI and interstellar civilizations. This work enriches the exhibition with a visionary reflection on humanity’s aspirations for the future.
Several VR digital art pieces are also on display, including Astra, created by Ms. Eliza MCNITT— Venice Immersive Grand Prize winner and renowned American writer and director—which offers visitors a unique journey of exploration into the universe. Mr. Benedict YU, a VR visual artist from Singapore, presents Mother’s Body Remembers, utilizing LiDAR to capture movements and combining VR with tactile interaction to rekindle visitors’ memories of family connections. The HKUST XRIM Lab‘s work, Unfolding Touch, enables a soft-robot-mediated handshake between the Clear Water Bay and Guangzhou campuses, integrating sensing and tactile replication to create a shared touch experience across distance. Other works include My Flower, which invites viewers to experience the daily challenges faced by people with Alzheimer’s disease. A short animation, The Cat Ghost, which narrates the relationship between ancient Chinese people and cats from the Western world, is also screened.
Prof. Pan HUI, Chair Professor of Emerging Interdisciplinary Areas at HKUST, Acting Head and Chair Professor of the Thrust of Computational Media and Arts, and Director of the Center for Metaverse and Computational Creativity at HKUST(GZ), introduced the core concept of “SURREALITY.” He explained that as technologies such as AI, spatial computing, and MR rapidly evolve, digital worlds are transcending screens into real spaces and becoming deeply integrated into people’s daily life. SURREALITY explores a new form of reality that may emerge in the future—a scenario where the virtual and the physical are no longer distinctly separate but collectively form the environments in which we perceive, interact, and live. Through artistic creation and immersive experiences, the exhibition offers audiences a glimpse into this transformative vision, prompting reflection on how technology is reshaping humanity’s understanding of reality.
The exhibited works come from numerous internationally renowned artists, showcasing the remarkable fusion of creative arts and digital technology. Several prominent participating artists also joined today’s event to introduce their works, fostering cross-regional cultural and arts exchanges. They include Prof. Benjamin SEIDE, media artist, VFX expert, and Associate Professor in the School of Art, Design and Media at Nanyang Technological University; Ms. Katerina SEMENKO, a Russian conceptual phygital artist and International Design Award recipient; and Dr. Adam NASH, an Australian digital virtual artist and Honorary Fellow of RMIT University. Hashtag: #HKUST #HKUST(GZ)
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) (https://hkust.edu.hk/) is a world-class university known for its innovative education, research excellence, and impactful knowledge transfer. With a holistic and interdisciplinary pedagogy approach, HKUST was ranked 6th in the QS Asia University Rankings 2026, 3rd in the Times Higher Education’s Young University Rankings 2024, and 19th globally and 1st in Hong Kong in the Times Higher Education’s Impact Rankings 2025. Eleven HKUST subjects were ranked among the world’s top 50 in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026. In addition, in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2026, HKUST’s Computer Science discipline which encompasses areas such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, has been ranked No. 1 in Hong Kong for ten consecutive years. Our graduates are highly competitive, consistently ranking among the world’s top 30 most sought-after employees. In terms of research and entrepreneurship, over 80% of our work was rated “internationally excellent” or “world leading” in the Research Assessment Exercise 2020 of the Hong Kong’s University Grants Committee. As of May 2026, HKUST members have founded over 1,900 active start-ups, including 11 Unicorns and 22 exits (IPO or M&A).
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Foreign investors delivered their strongest one-day purchase of Vietnamese equities in nearly six years on 15 June, signalling a sharp improvement in risk appetite after fears over Middle East energy disruption eased.
Overseas funds bought a net US$160.4 million of Vietnamese shares on Monday, the largest daily inflow since 10 September 2020. The buying helped steady a market that had been under pressure from rising oil prices, global risk aversion and sustained foreign withdrawals despite Vietnam’s long-awaited move towards emerging-market status.
The VN-Index rose 0.43 per cent to 1,799.31 on Monday and moved back above the 1,800-point area on Tuesday, keeping the benchmark close to levels that still represent a strong annual advance even after a pullback over the past month. The shift was part of a wider rebound across Asian emerging markets after the United States and Iran agreed on terms aimed at ending hostilities and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, easing concerns over inflation and fuel costs.
The reversal is notable because foreign investors have remained net sellers of Vietnamese equities this year. Even after Monday’s inflow, overseas funds have sold about US$2.6 billion of Vietnamese stocks in 2026, following withdrawals of roughly US$4.8 billion last year. Those outflows reflected concerns over market concentration, heavy exposure to a few large-cap groups, tariff uncertainty, currency pressure and the impact of higher energy prices on a manufacturing-led economy.
“De-escalation in the Middle East and Vietnam’s own underperformance have created a textbook re-entry set-up for foreign capital,” said Quynh Cao, head of institutional business at VNDirect Securities. “Positioning was already tight and it does not take much to flip that.”
Vietnam’s appeal to global investors rests on more than a single trading session. FTSE Russell has confirmed that the country will be reclassified from frontier to secondary emerging-market status from 21 September, with inclusion in global equity indices to be phased through 2027. The upgrade is expected to bring passive inflows of about US$1.5 billion, with broader active flows potentially lifting the total to several billion dollars if market reforms continue.
The reclassification follows changes aimed at improving foreign access, including the removal of full pre-funding requirements for equity trades and the development of a global broker model. These reforms address long-standing obstacles for institutional investors, who had complained about settlement risk, limited access channels and operational frictions that made Vietnam harder to replicate within global index portfolios.
Large-cap names expected to draw attention include Vingroup, Masan Group, FPT Corp and Hoa Phat Group, alongside banks, securities firms, industrial stocks and consumer companies with sufficient liquidity and foreign room. Average daily trading value in Vietnamese equities this year has been around US$789 million, underscoring the market’s growing depth, though liquidity remains uneven across sectors.
The macroeconomic backdrop remains supportive. Vietnam’s economy expanded 8.02 per cent in 2025, helped by strong exports, public investment, manufacturing activity and resilient consumption. Foreign direct investment disbursement rose to about US$27.6 billion last year, while exports reached roughly US$475 billion. Growth is expected to moderate this year, but projections still place Vietnam among Asia’s faster-growing economies.
Higher oil prices had complicated that outlook. Vietnam is exposed to imported fuel and energy costs, making any disruption in the Strait of Hormuz a direct risk to inflation, transport costs and factory margins. The drop in crude prices after the US-Iran accord helped restore confidence among investors looking at countries with strong structural growth but sensitivity to external shocks.
The market is not without vulnerabilities. Retail investors remain a major force in daily trading, making sentiment swings sharper when liquidity thins. Foreign ownership limits continue to constrain buying in some leading companies. Corporate governance, disclosure quality and settlement infrastructure also remain areas under watch as Vietnam seeks eventual MSCI emerging-market status.
Analysts say the latest inflow will need to be sustained before it can be treated as a durable turning point. A single large session can reflect short-covering, index positioning or tactical buying after a sell-off. A lasting reversal would require more consistent foreign participation, firmer currency conditions, stable oil prices and evidence that earnings growth can match valuations after the market’s strong run.
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