ZHONGSHAN, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 July 2026 – As 2026 marks the 160th anniversary of the birth of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the 6th Cross-Strait Sun Yat-sen Forum was held in Zhongshan, Guangdong Province—the hometown of the great pioneer—from June 27 to 29 under the theme “Carrying Forward Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s Spirit of Endeavor and Working Together for the Great Rejuvenation of the Chinese Nation”. This year’s forum was the largest in its history, attracting the broadest participation from Taiwan compatriots and the highest proportion of young participants to date. Around 2,000 representatives from across the Chinese mainland, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macao attended the event. Centered on cultural heritage and driven by economic and trade cooperation, the forum established a multi-level platform for cross-strait exchanges and collaboration while fostering broader consensus on integrated cross-strait development.
At the 6th Cross-Strait Sun Yat-sen Forum open ceremony
Distinguished guests from both sides of the Taiwan Strait attended the opening ceremony and noted in their remarks that Dr. Sun Yat-sen is a revered national pioneer shared by compatriots on both sides of the Strait. His vision of rejuvenating China remains a common spiritual legacy, and people across the Strait should carry forward his ideals and work hand in hand toward national rejuvenation. During the opening ceremony, Zhongshan Municipal People’s Government and the Association of Taiwan Investment Enterprises on the Mainland signed the Strategic Framework Agreement on Deepening Zhongshan–Taiwan Economic and Trade Cooperation to Promote Integrated Development, laying a solid institutional foundation for long-term industrial cooperation across the Strait.
A series of cultural exchange activities also took place throughout the forum. Participants enjoyed an evening tour of the century-old Sunwen West Road Arcade Pedestrian Street, immersing themselves in Zhongshan’s rich historical heritage and the vibrant cultural and tourism scene of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. They also visited the Museum of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, where they studied revolutionary historical archives, bowed before Dr. Sun’s bronze statue to pay homage, and gained a deeper appreciation of his enduring ideals of “All Under Heaven Belong to the People” and “Revitalize China”. Many participants remarked that these activities provided an excellent platform for sustained exchanges among young people across the Strait and that their shared cultural roots and common heritage form a solid foundation for advancing cross-strait spiritual integration.
To further strengthen cross-strait economic cooperation and advance industrial integration between Shenzhen and Zhongshan, the forum also featured the “Taiwan Businesses Gather in Zhongshan, Industries Glow in the Greater Bay Area” 2026 Guangdong-Taiwan Economic and Trade Exchange Conference and Investment Promotion Event Celebrating the Second Anniversary of the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link. A total of 19 industrial projects were signed during the event. The first group comprised seven Taiwan-invested projects spanning semiconductor supporting industries, electronic components, smart home products, high-end fitness equipment, and medical devices. The second and third groups included 12 Shenzhen-Zhongshan collaborative projects covering new energy vehicle components, industrial robotics, memory chip packaging, advanced specialty materials, and integrated cultural, tourism, and commercial developments.
During the investment promotion event, Taiwan business representatives spoke highly of Zhongshan’s business environment. Zhang Congyuan, Chairman of Huali Industrial Group, which has operated in Zhongshan for more than two decades, praised the city’s enterprise service philosophy of “staying out of businesses’ way when everything runs smoothly while providing prompt support whenever needed”. He noted that this business-friendly environment has helped the company grow into one of the world’s leading manufacturers of athletic footwear.
Guo Wenhai, secretary of the CPC Zhongshan Municipal Committee, extended a sincere invitation to Taiwan businesses and entrepreneurs to invest and establish operations in Zhongshan. He emphasized that the city offers not only strong industrial infrastructure but also high-quality government services. Zhongshan will continue to provide proactive, efficient, and dedicated support for businesses while continuously improving both its hard and soft investment environment. Leveraging the opportunities created by the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link, the city aims to create broader prospects for cooperation and shared growth for enterprises from both sides of the Taiwan Strait.
Participants and Taiwan business representatives agreed that, taking the 160th anniversary of Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s birth as an important milestone, this year’s forum created new channels for both cultural exchanges and industrial cooperation across the Strait. Looking ahead, Zhongshan will continue to organize regular initiatives, including entrepreneurship support programs for young people from Taiwan, youth exchange activities, and Guangdong-Taiwan industrial matchmaking events. By carrying forward Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s spirit, embracing the opportunities of the Greater Bay Area, and strengthening both economic cooperation and people-to-people ties, the city will continue to contribute to a new chapter of integrated cross-strait development.
By K Raveendran The arithmetic of India’s fuel market has long been sold as market-driven, but the latest price movements expose a more selective discipline. When crude oil rises, the pass-through to consumers and businesses is quick, stern and explained as unavoidable. When the same crude oil retreats, the adjustment becomes cautious, partial and wrapped […]
Investors heading into the second half of 2026 face an uncomfortable reality: the global economy is changing faster than many portfolios are adapting to it. The forces reshaping markets today are structural. AI is triggering one of the largest capital investment booms in modern history. Digital assets have crossed into mainstream finance. Meanwhile, geopolitical conflict, sovereign debt and valuation risk continue to create significant uncertainty. As the […]
Kuwait has opened a $4.25 billion three-year term loan to a wider group of lenders, using the Kuwait Investment Authority as borrower on behalf of the Ministry of Finance in a transaction that underlines the Gulf state’s broader return to international financing markets. The facility has moved into general syndication after a group of major international banks was appointed to lead the deal. Mizuho Bank, HSBC, Standard […]
ZURICH, SWITZERLAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 July 2026 – An iconic Swiss chocolate brand meets one of the world’s most celebrated names in crystal artistry to bring ‘Never Square’ to life. Creating something unexpected, something beautiful, and something that gives back: Toblerone today announces The Ultimate Gift.
The Making of – Toblerone Crystal Bar crafted by Swarovski
The centrepiece is the Toblerone Crystal Bar crafted by Swarovski: an exceptionally rare series of hand-made crystal replicas of the original Toblerone chocolate bar – the gift many associate with travel. Familiar in form. Remarkable in execution. Individually numbered, certified, and utterly one-of-a-kind.
The Ultimate Gift: A Global Auction for Good
From 1st July to 31st July 2026, travellers passing through some of the world’s most iconic airports (Athens, Delhi, Doha, Dubai, Frankfurt, Madrid, New York JFK, Singapore and Zurich) will encounter a mesmerising pop-up experience celebrating both brands and, above all, will have the chance to bid in person on the Toblerone Crystal Bar crafted by Swarovski.
Toblerone Crystal Bar crafted by Swarovski
Each auction is linked to the airport’s own established charity partner – organisations already embedded in their local communities and chosen by the airports themselves. 100% of winning bids will be donated to the designated charity at each location.
However, the auction is open to everyone globally. No need to be travelling to take part. Bidding is available online (terms and conditions apply), click here to visit the auction site and here for more information on the charities.
Toblerone Crystal Bar crafted by Swarovski unveiled in the Crystal Dome at Swarovski Kristallwelten
The Story Behind the Crystal Bar
Toblerone was born in Switzerland in 1908. Its triangular shape has made it one of the most recognised silhouettes in the world. For generations of travellers, it has been the gift you bring home: a small but indulgent, reliable piece of Switzerland.
To bring the Toblerone Crystal Bar to life, Toblerone turned to Swarovski. Swarovski delivers a diverse portfolio of unmatched quality, craftsmanship, and creativity. Founded in 1895 in Austria, the company designs, manufactures and markets high-quality crystals and created stones as well as finished products such as jewelry.
The two share more than Alpine geography. They share a belief that quality is not a detail but it is the point. That the things worth making are worth making properly. And that some of the most enduring objects in the world are the ones that manage to be both beautiful and, somehow, completely unpretentious about it.
The result is the Toblerone Crystal Bar crafted by Swarovski: Toblerone’s unmistakable triangular form, unapologetically rich on the inside, reimagined as a luxury artefact through Swarovski’s crystal craftsmanship.
Iain Livingston, President Toblerone & World Travel Retail, says: “Toblerone has always been more than a chocolate bar. It’s a ritual, a symbol of travel, and one of the world’s most recognised gifts. Creating the Toblerone Crystal Bar crafted by Swarovski feels like a natural expression of who we are: a brand that takes quality seriously but never takes itself too seriously. The Ultimate Gift is exactly that and will raise funds to support brilliant causes that help make the world a better place.”
The Craft Behind the Crystal
Each Toblerone Crystal Bar crafted by Swarovski is exclusively designed and developed using Swarovski’s rich savoir-faire:
Modelled on the original Toblerone chocolate bar & manufactured in Austria
Each weighs 851g and measures 305mm in length
546 individually cut facets per bar
140 hours of development and 65 hours of production – 100% handmade
Crafted with high-precision cutting technology, characterised by unmatched brilliance
The Ultimate Gift Box: Available to All
For those who prefer to take something home immediately, Toblerone is also launching a limited-edition Ultimate Gift Box adorned with Swarovski crystals, available exclusively in World Travel Retail throughout the campaign period across airports globally.
Inside: a Milk Toblerone bar.
Crystals on the outside. Unapologetically rich on the inside. The answer, as ever, to the question every traveller eventually asks themselves at the airport: “Where is my Toblerone?”
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Toblerone
In 1908, Theodor Tobler and Emil Baumann invented a unique chocolate: Toblerone. “Toblerone” is a portmanteau of “Tobler” and “Torrone,” the Italian term for honey-almond nougat. Its distinctive triangular shape has been recognised around the world ever since. Today, production remains based in Bern Brünnen, where employees work with great passion every day — producing up to 4 million Toblerone products daily, with around 90 percent of all Toblerone sold worldwide manufactured right there in Bern.
Toblerone has never been square. Not in shape. Not in spirit. And not in ambition. Never Square is the belief that the best things in life refuse to conform — and that the most interesting gifts are rarely the obvious ones.
About Swarovski
Masters of Light Since 1895.
Swarovski creates beautiful products of impeccable quality and craftsmanship, celebrating joyful extravagance and self-expression.
Founded in 1895 in Austria by Daniel Swarovski, Swarovski creates the world’s finest crystals, Swarovski Created Diamonds, Swarovski Crystal Pearls and Swarovski Zirconia, jewelry, and accessories, as well as home décor and crystals for the automotive industry.
Swarovski Crystal Business operates in more than 140 countries worldwide, with 2,200 boutiques complemented by a network of selected multibrand partners and employs approximately 18,300 people globally. Together with its sister companies, Swarovski Optik and Tyrolit, it forms the Swarovski Group. Rooted in the company’s heritage, Swarovski strives to make a positive impact on people, society, and the planet. Today, sustainability measures are implemented throughout the value chain, with a focus on circular innovation, championing diversity and inclusion, and encouraging self-expression. This includes the philanthropic work of the Swarovski Foundation, which supports charitable organizations bringing positive environmental and social impact.
Abu Dhabi Investment Authority has emerged as a cornerstone investor in Luxshare Precision Industry’s planned $3.1 billion Hong Kong listing, giving the Apple supplier heavyweight backing as the city’s equity market stages its strongest first-half fundraising run in five years. The Shenzhen-listed electronics manufacturer opened the Hong Kong public offer on Tuesday, seeking to sell 383.5 million H shares at a maximum price of HK$63.28 each. At […]
Donald Trump reported at least $1.4 billion in 2025 earnings from cryptocurrency and memecoin-linked ventures, a federal filing shows, putting digital assets at the centre of the president’s personal finances during his second term. The 927-page annual financial disclosure, released by the US Office of Government Ethics, details a sharp expansion of income from family-linked crypto businesses, licensing deals, token sales and related partnerships. The scale of […]
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Nearly 1,700 British investors have taken Binance and its founder Changpeng Zhao to London’s High Court, seeking at least £150 million in damages over allegations that the crypto trading platform unlawfully sold them high-risk derivative products without regulatory authorisation. The claim, filed on Monday, marks one of the largest private actions brought in Britain against a global crypto exchange. The investors allege that Binance entities promoted and […]
The MoU appoints DOE-licensed MNA Metal Resources as preferred collector for used automotive batteries, strengthening traceability across BateriHub and Global Energy Battery’s nationwide battery ecosystem.
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 July 2026 – BateriHub, operated by Battery4U Sdn. Bhd., together with Global Energy Battery Sdn. Bhd., has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with MNA Metal Resources to strengthen the responsible collection, documentation and recycling of used automotive batteries in Malaysia.
Under the MoU, MNA Metal Resources will serve as the preferred used battery collector, either directly or through transporters appointed by MNA, for scrap batteries collected through BateriHub and Global Energy Battery’s operations. The arrangement is designed to ensure that used batteries are channelled through proper, licensed and documented collection and recycling processes.
“This MoU matters because every battery replacement has an afterlife,” said Stanly Ng, General Manager of BateriHub. “When a customer replaces a car battery with us, the old battery should not disappear into an unknown chain. It should be collected, recorded and handled by the right people. For customers, the promise is simple: when you choose BateriHub, we take care of the replacement quickly, and we take care of the used battery responsibly.”
The partnership comes as Malaysia’s automotive sector continues to expand. According to the Malaysian Automotive Association, Malaysia recorded 820,752 new vehicle sales in 2025, its second consecutive record year. While this MoU focuses on used lead-acid automotive batteries, it also comes amid wider national attention on battery waste management, with The Star reporting growing attention on regulated recycling, safe disposal pathways and battery traceability as Malaysia’s vehicle ecosystem evolves.
As Malaysia’s largest direct-owned automotive battery retailer, BateriHub plays a critical role at the point of replacement, where old batteries are handed over by customers at branches or during on-demand battery delivery services. Global Energy Battery, which focuses on battery wholesale, supply and distribution, contributes additional collection volume through its wider business network.
Together, BateriHub and Global Energy Battery have channelled approximately 280,000 used batteries, equivalent to around 4,200 tonnes, through formal disposal and recycling channels over the past three years. MNA Metal Resources is a licensed lead-acid battery recycler and smelter under the Department of Environment, with operations covering the collection, movement and processing of scheduled waste.
“As a company involved in the supply and distribution of batteries, we recognise that responsibility does not end at the point of sale,” said Sandy Yap, Chief Operating Officer of Global Energy Battery. “A sustainable battery industry requires proper collection, proper documentation and proper recycling. This partnership allows us to support that responsibility across our business network.”
“We are pleased to partner with BateriHub and Global Energy Battery to support a more transparent and responsible battery recycling ecosystem in Malaysia,” said Genly Villa Olaguer, Fleet Manager of MNA Metal Resources. “Proper handling of used batteries is essential to protect the environment and ensure that valuable materials can be recovered safely through licensed facilities.”
Used lead-acid batteries require proper handling because they contain materials such as lead and sulfuric acid, which can harm soil, waterways and communities if leaked, dumped or processed irresponsibly. Through this partnership, the companies aim to improve accountability in the movement of scrap batteries from retail and supply channels to licensed recycling facilities.
BateriHub said the MoU reflects its broader effort to make responsible waste management part of its core retail promise, not just a back-end operational process. Hashtag: #BateriHub
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About BateriHub
BateriHub is Malaysia’s largest direct-owned car battery retailer, operating a nationwide network of 200 branches supported by centralised training, service standards, and technician operations. Since 2011, the company has served over 1.0 million customers, received over 70,000 positive reviews across Google, Facebook, and e-commerce platforms, employs more than 5000 staff, and covers 500+ service areas across 11 states. Learn more at https://baterihub.com/
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 July 2026 – The “Taiwan International Plant-Based Festival” officially launched in Singapore. Led by Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) Deputy Minister Hu Jong-I, the delegation introduced Taiwan’s premium produce and elite Phalaenopsis orchids into Singapore’s luxury dining and international sectors. The initiative leverages high-end restaurant marketing and immersive thematic exhibitions to showcase the quality, safety, and sustainability of Taiwanese agriculture, actively expanding its reach into premium consumer and international procurement markets.
The culinary campaign features a high-profile partnership between “Yang Ming Spring”—a prominent Taiwanese pure vegan culinary group honored with the Michelin Green Star—and Si Chuan Dou Hua Restaurant at PARKROYAL on Beach Road under the Pan Pacific Hotels Group. From July 1 to September 30, this exclusive plant-based menu highlights premium fresh ingredients sourced directly from Taiwan, including water snowflake, green bamboo shoots, cabbage, tea leaves, and the rising export star, the “Mango Pineapple,” elevating Taiwanese produce onto international five-star tables.
The launch was attended by MOA Deputy Minister Hu Jong-I, Ministry counselor Wu Wen-ling, Pan Pacific Hotels Group Executive Director Ms. Wee Wei Ling, and Yang Ming Spring Founder Mr. Chen Chien-Hung. Deputy Minister Hu noted that this festival marks a critical milestone for Taiwanese agriculture as it integrates with green gastronomy globally. The MOA aims to connect Singaporean consumers with Taiwan’s top-tier produce, establishing a premium brand image rooted in food safety and trust to unlock future export channels.
The launch elegantly incorporated Taiwan’s Phalaenopsis orchid floral aesthetics to create a “five-sensory feast” that harmonized taste, vision, and cultural narrative, solidifying Taiwan’s premium brand image. The event successfully drew over 80 distinguished guests, including mainstream Singaporean media, food critics, business chamber representatives, and executive chefs.
Concurrently, the official residence of the Taipei Representative Office in Singapore hosted the festival’s thematic opening reception, serving as a premier venue for cultural diplomacy and showcasing the narrative of Taiwan’s agricultural excellence. The exhibition focused on three themes: Taiwanese orchid aesthetics, Mango Pineapple innovation, and sustainable agriculture tourism. This space demonstrated Taiwan’s agricultural evolution from precision R&D to green sustainability, highlighting its export potential to foreign diplomats and Singaporean trade buyers.
The MOA emphasized that the initiative’s core strategy is to “drive tangible procurement through engaging and immersive experiences in our target markets.” By bridging high-end dining with diplomatic prestige, the three-month campaign will maximize the visibility of Taiwanese agri-products across Southeast Asian markets. Aligning with global net-zero sustainability trends, the festival establishes a safe, premium brand image, paving the way for Taiwanese agriculture to integrate into global high-end supply chains and broader Asia-Pacific channels.
Hashtag: #YMSpring
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Dubai, UAE: As Dubai continues to attract property buyers from overseas markets, DSQ Real Estate is highlighting the growing importance of post-purchase advisory for international investors who own property in the emirate but may not be physically present to manage every stage of the ownership journey. For many overseas buyers, purchasing a property in Dubai is only the beginning. Once the transaction is completed, owners often need […]
by Alexandra Govorukha Between 70% and 95% of digital transformation efforts fail. That’s not a technology problem. Boston Consulting Group research reveals roughly 70% of challenges in AI projects stem from people and process issues, not technical ones. Yet most organisations continue to treat transformation as a deployment challenge, not a communications one. My Executive Master’s in Digital Transformation and Innovation Leadership from IE Business School gave me […]
A broad group of payment, banking, technology and crypto firms has joined Open Standard to introduce Open USD, a US dollar-backed stablecoin designed for large-scale business payments and digital settlement. The initiative brings together more than 140 companies, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, BlackRock, Coinbase, Stripe, BNY, Standard Chartered, Google, Shopify, Coinbase, Ripple, Fireblocks, Gemini, MetaMask, Emirates NBD and Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank. Open USD, trading under […]
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HANGZHOU, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 June 2026 – The inaugural AI+OPC Innovation and Development Conference was held from June 29 to 30 in Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, capital city of east China’s Zhejiang Province. Centered on one-person company (OPC), a new form of smart economy in the AI era, the conference program comprised one opening ceremony and two parallel breakout sessions.
Live from the 1st “AI+OPC” Innovation & Development Conference in Hangzhou
It gathered around 400 delegates from government departments, industry associations, financial institutions, AI enterprises and OPC startup operators across the country. Participants exchanged insights on AI innovation pathways and cross-industry integration strategies, injecting strong impetus into Hangzhou’s ambition to develop a national benchmark hub for AI+OPC entrepreneurship.
A series of key launches and milestone ceremonies took place during the opening segment. Official releases included the 2026 national OPC development observation report, Hangzhou’s 2026–2028 action plan and supporting policies to build a national AI+OPC entrepreneurship hub, and a catalog of actionable AI+OPC application scenarios. Attendees also received an in-depth interpretation of the specifications for AI-enabled OPC community services and evaluation.
The ceremony featured multiple landmark initiatives: plaque awarding for Hangzhou’s priority AI+OPC incubation communities and dedicated observation sites, the official launch of the AI+OPC Community Alliance initiative, and a kickoff marking the official construction of the national AI+OPC entrepreneurship hub.
The open forum session featured keynote speeches from distinguished industry and academic leaders. Speakers included Pan Yunhe, former executive vice president of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and professor at Zhejiang University; Liang Gui, former executive vice governor of Jiangxi Province and ex-director of the Torch High Technology Industry Development Center under the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology; and Zou Ling, head of Hong Hub, Shangcheng District’s single-member unicorn startup acceleration community, who shared cutting-edge insights from varied perspectives.
A panel dialogue followed, bringing together representatives from Moshu OPC Community (Beijing E-Town), the School of Future Science and Engineering at Soochow University, Qingju Hub · Future Digital Intelligence Port (Shangcheng District), and Puhua Capital for in-depth industry exchanges.
Complementary concurrent events held throughout the conference included an OPC capital-industry matchmaking salon, a symposium on industry-education integration for AI-powered OPC sectors, and a national exchange forum for AI+OPC community practitioners.
OPC has emerged as a vibrant new engine driving economic vitality and underpinning high-quality development. Against the backdrop of a new development era, the inaugural Hangzhou AI+OPC Innovation and Development Conference unites OPC innovators nationwide.
Drawing on the creative energy of millions of independent super-individual operators, the event delivers sustained digital momentum to fuel Hangzhou’s super-individual economy, while rolling out replicable local practices and actionable Hangzhou solutions to advance high-quality growth of smart economies nationwide.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
World Cup Fever Returns: Learning Emotional Management on the Pitch
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 June 2026 – The four-yearly World Cup is in full swing, and the football fever once again sweeps the globe. The pitch has long been known as a “proving ground” for heroes; even for world-class players with years of experience, the joy of scoring a goal is often balanced by the sight of others in tears, frustrated by a defeat. The prowess of these players will be etched into the hearts of countless children, inspiring a lifelong love for the sport.
Save the Children Hong Kong firmly believes that the football pitch is more than just a venue for competition—it is an ideal classroom for Social-emotional Learning. For eight-year-old Kai-long, the setbacks and failures experienced on the pitch have proven far more vital to his personal growth than mastering technical skills or perfecting “step-overs”.
The Play to Thrive programme empowers children to master emotional management and communication skills while staying active in sports. Compared to a “Zidane turn”, these are the skills that will truly serve them for a lifetime.
On the training ground, eight-year-old Kai-long’s skills are clearly “a cut above the rest”. From the way he carries the ball to the power of his strikes, he already carries himself like a mini professional. During internal matches, he frequently finds the back of the net, scoring multiple goals for his side.
However, the moments that truly bring a smile of approval to the coaches and teachers are not Kai-long’s technical displays, but his small yet heart-warming gestures. For instance, he is seen helping teammates by steadying the inflatable goalposts during shooting drills. Even when knocked down during a match, if the coach does not blow for a foul, Kai-long doesn’t complain; he simply brushes it off with a smile and gets straight back to chasing the ball.
When Excellence Becomes a Burden: Children Trapped by the Need to Win
“He has a personality that tends to be quite fixated on winning and losing. Because of his own performance, or because his classmates’ performance didn’t meet his expectations, he would sometimes experience emotional ups and downs,” explains Mr. Lui, the PE teacher. He admits that while Kai-long’s football skills are outstanding, his stubborn nature previously caused friction with teammates and classmates. Mr. Lui noted that since Kai-long was already a member of the school’s reserve team, he recommended him for the Play to Thrive programme not to “learn football”, but in the hope that he would learn how to get along with others.
Consequently, what moved Mr. Lui the most was not Kai-long’s “goal-scoring show”, but his reaction during a match when other students deliberately moved the inflatable goalposts. Instead of complaining or losing his temper as he might have done in the past, Kai-long continued to play with a smile on his face. “Previously, he might have called it unfair or had an emotional outburst, but today he didn’t complain; he even found it quite funny. He is no longer fixated on winning or losing.”
In the eyes of his father, Chung, Kai-long has been a child with extremely high expectations of himself and a drive for perfection since he was young. “Whether it is schoolwork or his behaviour, he hopes to be a good role model and be very well-behaved.” However, Chung also mentioned that this perfectionist streak serves as a source of pressure for Kai-long.
Interpersonal Skills Are More Important Than Footballing Ability
Chung admits that Kai-long used to be very fixated on winning and losing: “In the past, if he lost a game of football against his elder brother, he would be resentful; when he was younger, he even tried to hit him.” While it is natural to crave goals and seek victory on the pitch, Chung also believes that how one treats others and interacts with peers is a vital part of growing up, which is why he enrolled Kai-long in Play to Thrive.
“Football is a natural educational tool,” says Ms. Wong Shek Hung, Director of Hong Kong Programmes at Save the Children Hong Kong. She explains that experiencing victory, defeat, and frustration is inevitable in sports, providing the perfect opportunity for children to learn emotional management. She adds that Play to Thrive originated from a community football programme developed by Save the Children UK for children in Jordan and Indonesia.
The core of the programme lies in integrating Social-emotional Learning into football training to help children build five core competencies: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. Furthermore, the programme is open to all children regardless of gender, ethnicity, or background, allowing them to master self-awareness, emotional regulation, and team communication skills within a diverse and inclusive environment.
No Ordinary Football Training
As this is unlike conventional football training, every coach is required to undergo professional training covering “Child Safeguarding” and emotional support knowledge. Ms. Wong Shek Hung notes that during the “debriefing” session at the end of each practice, coaches guide the children to reflect on their experiences on the pitch, attempting to translate these moments into emotional literacy. The ultimate goal is “to let children learn how to become ‘masters of their own emotions’.”
Demonstrating Personal Growth and Cultivating Leadership Skills
Mr. Lui noticed that after joining the programme, Kai-long not only showed progress in his personal emotional management but also learned how to consider things from others’ perspectives. During PE lessons, Kai-long has become more willing to take the initiative to help his classmates and has learned to accept teammates with different abilities, even proactively coaching others. “He gets along with his classmates much more harmoniously now; the barriers that existed before have disappeared,” Mr. Lui remarked. He further revealed that Kai-long’s form teacher, having observed this growth, officially appointed him as a class monitor for the second term.
His father, Chung, observed that since joining the programme, Kai-long has demonstrated a level of resilience rarely seen before. He recalled a match where Kai-long served as both captain and goalkeeper; even when facing conceded goals and falling behind, “his first instinct wasn’t to feel discouraged, but rather to keep encouraging his teammates from the back to keep running and keep attacking.”
Ms. Wong Shek Hung reaffirmed that this is precisely the philosophy of Play to Thrive: “We emphasise ‘Football Second, Growth First’, ensuring that even if children lose a match, they learn to handle their emotions, communicate, and cooperate throughout the process.”
Building Resilience: Transforming Lives Through Football
Ms. Kalina Tsang, CEO of Save the Children Hong Kong, stated that she has always believed football is a powerful tool for building resilience in children: “We have always been concerned about children’s physical and mental well-being. Football is more than just a sport; beyond honing technical skills, it can be used to build a child’s resilience. By combining football training with Social-emotional Learning, and under the guidance of professionally trained coaches, Play to Thrive ensures that the sweat shed by children on the pitch is transformed into self-awareness and emotional management skills.” Ms. Tsang also noted that Kai-long’s growth perfectly embodies the programme’s success. She said, “We are deeply gratified to see Kai-long progress from initial emotional fluctuations to confidently cooperating with teammates and facing victory or defeat positively—improving both on a personal level and in his interactions with peers.”
As for Kai-long himself, it is difficult for an eight-year-old to describe his transformation in detail. But when asked what was different about him, he said with an innocent smile, “I used to blame my teammates for not passing the ball, but now I’ve learned not to. I tell them: ‘It’s okay, pass it again next time. We’ll win the ball back together.'”
Launched in Hong Kong in 2023, the Play to Thrive programme is a service that integrates Social-emotional Learning with football training. It aims to create a safe and supportive space for schoolchildren, promoting their physical, social, and mental health through sport. The programme currently operates across various districts in Hong Kong, including community teams in areas such as Sham Shui Po and Tin Shui Wai. The school-based project collaborates with over 30 primary schools across the territory, integrating football training into school life to help students recognise and manage their emotions, build healthy interpersonal relationships, and enhance their confidence and resilience. In response to the current situation where up to 39% of primary and secondary students in Hong Kong face mental health challenges, the programme places special emphasis on SEL to help children master effective communication and emotional management both on and off the pitch.
In 2025 alone, the community and school projects of Play to Thrive held a total of 744 training sessions, with total service hours exceeding 1,000 hours. The programme reached 1,120 children and their families across Hong Kong, establishing close partnerships with 32 schools and 4 non-profit organisations. In terms of impact assessment, participant satisfaction was high, with satisfaction rates for the community and school projects reaching 80% and 75%, respectively.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Save the Children Hong Kong
Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. In Hong Kong and around the world, we do whatever it takes – every day and in times of crisis – so children can fulfil their rights to a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. With over 100 years of expertise, we are the world’s first and leading independent children’s organisation – transforming lives and future.
Established in 2009, Save the Children Hong Kong is part of the global movement which operates in around 100 countries. We work with children, families, schools, communities and our supporters to deliver lasting change for children in Hong Kong and around the world.
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Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority has opened the prequalification stage for contractors and consortiums seeking to build the Dubai Metro Gold Line, moving the Dh34 billion project from planning into the procurement phase. The authority has issued requests for qualification for the fully underground line, with interested contractors required to submit qualification documents by 17 August. The process follows an expression-of-interest stage launched […]
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Reaffirming Thailand’s status as a world destination for the luxury residences market
BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 June 2026 – CG Capital Advisory Limited (CG Capital), Thailand’s leading investment manager from Central Group specializing in real estate and hospitality investment, today announced a major strategic investment milestone under the leadership of Mr. Phoom Chirathivat, Managing Partner and Co-Founder of CG Capital. The company unveiled its forward-looking vision for the luxury residential and hospitality markets in Thailand, alongside the official launch of the sales gallery for InterContinental Residences Bangkok Asoke. The project carries a total development value of THB 5.5 billion, with two-bedroom units starting from THB 44.8 million. Reservations have already surpassed 60% ahead of the project’s official public launch, a clear sign of confidence in CG Capital’s strategy and its world-class standards.CG Capital’s Vision: Reading Global Volatility, Positioning Thailand as a World Destination.
InterContinental Residences Bangkok Asoke Building Head
Mr. Phoom Chirathivat, Managing Partner and Co-Founder of CG Capital, said that despite a difficult global economic backdrop, marked by slowing markets, geopolitical conflict, and volatility in traditional capital markets, CG Capital sees Thailand’s luxury real estate market moving in the opposite direction. Driving this is a major shift in the behaviour of the world’s wealthiest individuals: a wave of global wealth migration. Data from Henley & Partners shows the number of high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) relocating globally has surged from 51,000 in 2013 to 142,000 in 2025, a 178% increase over 12 years.
Mr. Phoom Chirathivat, Managing Partner and Co-Founder of CG Capital
“Global markets are slowing down, but Thailand is holding its position as a world destination. Demand from HNWI buyers, both Thai and international, hasn’t dropped off. If anything, these buyers have become more selective about the assets they choose. That tracks with what we’re seeing from Thailand’s Board of Investment, which has approved Long-Term Resident visas for more than 6,000 wealthy global citizens since 2022. Thailand isn’t just a tourism destination anymore. It’s become a place HNWIs choose for long-term residence and investment,” said Mr. Phoom.
Claiming the Asian Crown: The “Right Brand, Right Partners, Right Product” Strategy
Rising demand for high-end residences has pushed CG Capital’s investment strategy toward branded residences, the fastest-growing segment of the market. Thailand currently holds the largest market share of branded residences in Asia at 23.3% of the region’s USD 26.6 billion total market value, ahead of the Philippines (17.3%) and South Korea (11.6%). CBRE’s Global Branded Residences report ranks Thailand 4th in the world by number of projects, with Bangkok and Phuket sitting among the world’s top 10.
Mr. Phoom Chirathivat added:”The success of InterContinental Residences Bangkok Asoke comes down to understanding global trends. What sets us apart is ‘Right Brand, Right Partners, Right Product,’ paired with Bangkok’s best location, Sukhumvit. We’re not chasing a trend. We’re reading the market and building on the long-term confidence we have in this country.”
From Private Equity DNA to World-Class Product Development
What sets CG Capital apart, as the largest private equity fund manager in Thailand’s real estate and hospitality sector, is the way it applies institutional investment thinking to every part of development. Long-term asset value gets weighed through two lenses at once: capital appreciation and living experience.
CG Capital’s Next Steps and the Official Sales Gallery Launch
Looking ahead, Mr. Phoom said CG Capital will keep pursuing new investment opportunities in the hospitality segment, setting new standards for Thailand’s real estate industry. “Reservations above 60% so far are a clear vote of confidence in CG Capital. Now that the sales gallery is open to the public, we’re confident the design and craftsmanship on display will help the project move quickly toward its sales target, further cementing CG Capital’s position as Thailand’s leading branded residences developer,” he said.
InterContinental Residences Bangkok Asoke welcomes visitors to view show units at the sales gallery from 4–5 July onward. Interested parties may schedule an exclusive private appointment via https://residencesasoke.com/ or Tel: 092-989-2616
Expanding the Reach: Bringing the Project to International Buyers
Alongside the sales gallery opening in Bangkok, CG Capital continues to take InterContinental Residences Bangkok Asoke directly to international buyers. The project will next be featured at “Thailand: A New Chapter Begins,” an exclusive showcase hosted by CBRE Thailand in collaboration with Taiwan Sotheby’s International Realty in Taipei on 3 – 4 July 2026, from 1:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. at W Taipei (Strategy Room 1).
Taiwan is a market CG Capital sees as a promising source of long-term residence demand. According to CBRE Thailand and Real Estate Information Center (REIC), Taiwanese buyers now rank as the fourth-largest group of foreign buyers in Thai property market, with transaction value growing an average of 27% a year between 2023 and 2025. Thailand’s appeal to this group comes down to geographic proximity, competitive entry pricing, and a lifestyle suited to long-stay living.
For CG Capital, the event is also a chance to read first-hand how Taiwanese HNWIs are thinking about long-term residence and investment in Thailand. Interested parties in Taiwan may get in touch, please contact Taiwan Sotheby’s International Realty 0800.887.288 (Taiwan) or CBRE Thailand +66(0) 81 742 6624 (Thailand).
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About CG Capital
CG Capital Advisory Limited manages private equity investments for blue-chip domestic and international institutional and UHNW investors with an inaugural fund size of THB 10 billion, investing primarily in Thailand’s hospitality, tourism, and real estate sectors through greenfield, brownfield, and turnaround strategies. Its diversified portfolio includes hotels, branded residences, condominiums, amusement and water parks, and mixed-use developments, focusing on Thailand’s leading travel destinations such as Bangkok, Phuket, Koh Samui, and Pattaya.
Led by Mr. Phoom Chirathivat, Managing Partner and Co-Founder of CG Capital, the firm combines deep expertise in investment and hospitality with a strong conviction in Thailand’s tourism potential—particularly within the luxury and lifestyle segments.
Legal disclaimer Sixteen Residences Limited, being the current owner and developer of InterContinental Residences Bangkok Asoke, is solely responsible for the development, marketing, and sale of the Units. The Units are not owned, developed or sold by InterContinental Hotels Group PLC or its affiliates (collectively “IHG”). There exists no joint venture, partnership, ownership or similar relationship between Sixteen Residences Limited and IHG. IHG is not responsible for the content presented in this press release.
Hawaii’s effort to turn discarded fishing nets and household plastic into asphalt has moved from laboratory promise to road trials, offering the island chain a possible new use for marine debris while researchers test whether the material can be used without worsening microplastic pollution. The project, led by researchers at the Center for Marine Debris Research at Hawaiʻi Pacific University with the Hawaii Department of Transportation and […]
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