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Global research explores how newer wealth, continued business ownership, and family stewardship influence philanthropic practices among Asia’s wealthiest families

• Roughly 94 percent of Asia‘s wealthiest families are first- or second-generation wealth holders
• Approximately 95 percent of Asia’s wealthiest families retain control of the businesses that generated their wealth

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 September 2026 – As private wealth continues to expand globally and an estimated US$74 trillion is expected to transfer between generations over the next 20 to 25 years, understanding how wealthy families approach philanthropy is becoming increasingly important. New research from The Bridgespan Group, based on analysis of 186 of the wealthiest individuals and families across 20 economies spanning Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas, sheds light on how the world’s wealthiest families give, what they fund, how they organise their philanthropy, and how they seek to create change.

Supported by Bridgespan’s Funders Council comprising the Institute of Philanthropy, The Rockefeller Foundation, and the Gates Foundation, and with contributions from the Financial Services Development Council and Wealth Management Institute, High-Impact Family Philanthropy: What Makes Family Giving Distinctive marks the third year of the High-Impact Philanthropy series, building on previous research on institutional philanthropy and corporate giving.

“This research comes at a pivotal moment for family philanthropy, especially as private wealth continues to grow,” said Xueling Lee, co-author and partner at Bridgespan. “Our research helps fill a knowledge gap on how the world’s wealthiest families organise their philanthropy and pursue impact, and finds distinguishing characteristics in Asia.”

In Asia, where founders and second-generation leaders often remain closely involved in the businesses that generated their wealth, philanthropy is frequently connected to broader questions of stewardship, business ownership, succession, and community engagement. The research finds that these differences are shaped by factors including the relative newness of wealth, continued business ownership, and the close connection between family, business, and philanthropy. Bridgespan’s research on corporate giving highlights this dynamic: founder- or family-linked companies account for 11 of Asia’s 20 largest corporate funders, compared with four among the world’s 20 largest corporate funders.

“Beyond the scale of their giving, many families bring a long-term perspective, deep personal commitment, and relationships across sectors built over decades,” said Brian San, secretary-general of the Institute of Philanthropy. “These qualities are particularly relevant in Asia, where family-owned businesses remain a powerful force and philanthropy is often closely connected to family stewardship, business leadership, and community engagement. The report highlights how these characteristics can help families catalyse collaboration, support innovation, and contribute to meaningful impact over time.”

“This research confirms what we have seen firsthand: family philanthropy has driven some of today’s boldest solutions and most pioneering research. These funders are uniquely positioned to take risks and build coalitions that can solve big, complex problems at their root,” said Deepali Khanna, senior vice president and head of Asia (division) at The Rockefeller Foundation. “Some of the work we are proudest of, like the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet, started because family philanthropies were willing to commit early and jointly at a time when no single institution could have carried it alone.”

While the report finds that wealthy families around the world share many common philanthropic behaviours, it also identifies several characteristics that distinguish family philanthropy in Asia.

• Asia’s wealth is newer: Approximately 94 percent of wealth held by Asia’s wealthiest families sits with first- or second-generation wealth holders, compared with roughly 85 percent in high-income economies outside Asia. The relative newness of wealth influences how wealth is held, the degree of family involvement in operating businesses, the availability of liquid assets, and the form philanthropy takes.
• Asian families retain tighter control of their businesses: Approximately 95 percent of Asian families maintain control of the businesses that generated their wealth, compared with roughly 68 percent outside Asia. Where wealth remains closely tied to an operating business, philanthropic decisions often sit alongside broader considerations such as government relationships, succession planning, and reputation.
• Families fund remarkably similar issues across regions: Education, health, and support for marginalised and vulnerable populations are among the top issues supported by wealthy families. In Asia, families are more likely to support elderly care, religion, and sports, while families from other regions more frequently fund science and technology initiatives, including those related to artificial intelligence.
• Few families publicly report outcomes from their giving: More than 80 percent of families in Asia publicly report outputs from their giving, such as schools built or teachers trained, compared with just 45 percent of high-income families outside Asia. However, outcome reporting, such as learning gains or graduation rates, remains uncommon across all groups.

Beyond examining how families give, the companion report How the World’s Wealthiest Families Give explores approaches that help families translate their resources and influence into meaningful and sustained impact:

1. Taking risks others cannot or will not: Families often have the autonomy to move from decision to deployment more readily than institutional or corporate funders. In Singapore, for example, the Lien Foundation made a decade-long push into early childhood development, a sector that few had championed when it began. Its sustained work alongside government and other stakeholders contributed to broader sector development over time.
2. Facilitating collective action: Families with trusted relationships across sectors can bring together stakeholders who might not otherwise gather, helping fragmented efforts to evolve into coordinated action. In 2024, the Jollibee Group Foundation, led by Tony and Grace Tan Caktiong, partnered with the Provincial Government of Basilan, the Zuellig Family Foundation, and the League of Corporate Foundations to expand its school feeding programme. Together, the partnership supports the delivery of nutritious meals to nearly 25,000 children in 250 schools.
3. Mobilising multiple types of capital: A family with authority across philanthropic and investment decisions may be able to move capital across different instruments with fewer external negotiations, board approvals, or fiduciary obligations to outside investors.

Download the full reports:

• https://www.bridgespan.org/insights/high-impact-family-philanthropy-what-makes-family-giving-distinctive
• https://www.bridgespan.org/insights/how-the-worlds-wealthiest-families-give

Hashtag: #TheBridgespanGroup #Bridgespan #CSR #ESG #Philanthropy #FamilyPhilanthropy #InstituteofPhilanthropy

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About The Bridgespan Group

The Bridgespan Group (www.bridgespan.org) is a global nonprofit that collaborates with social change organisations, philanthropists, and impact investors to make the world more equitable and just. Bridgespan’s services include strategy consulting and advising, sourcing and diligence, and leadership team support. We take what we learn from this work and build on it with original research, identifying best practices and innovative ideas to share with the social sector. We work from locations in Boston, Delhi, Johannesburg, Mumbai, New York, San Francisco, Singapore, and Washington, DC.

More than 25 years after its founding, AlarmSystemStore.com continues to earn industry recognition, receiving Alarm.com’s Silver Premier Partner designation for the third consecutive year.

INDIANA, US – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 September 2026 – AlarmSystemStore.com, a security solutions provider founded in Columbus, Indiana, in 1997, has been recognized as an Alarm.com Silver Premier Partner for 2025, marking the third consecutive year the company has earned the distinction. The recognition reflects performance during the previous calendar year and highlights the company’s continued commitment to helping homeowners and businesses adopt smarter, more reliable security solutions.

A Nearly Three-Decade Success Story
When AlarmSystemStore.com was founded in 1997, the security industry looked very different. Traditional alarm systems relied heavily on landline communication, remote access was virtually nonexistent, and smart home technology had yet to enter the mainstream.

Over the past 28 years, the company has evolved alongside the industry—embracing alarm monitoring, cloud-based security, video surveillance, smart automation, and connected property management solutions. As an authorized dealer for DSC, Qolsys, Alarm.com, Honeywell, Resideo, Alula, Uplink Security, and a supporter of most other major brands, including 2Gig and GE Security, for its monitoring and interactive services, the company has built its reputation on selection, expertise, and value.

A Different Model: DIY and B2B, Without the Markup
Unlike traditional alarm companies, AlarmSystemStore.com caters to the do-it-yourself, direct-to-consumer, and direct business-to-business markets as a discount provider of professional-grade equipment and services.

Customers typically save more than 50% off the same equipment and services offered by traditional alarm companies. The company backs every sale with free technical support and offers a pre-programming and setup option for customers who prefer a more plug-and-play experience.

Three Consecutive Years of Recognition
The latest award marks a significant milestone for the company:

• 2023 Alarm.com Silver Premier Partner
• 2024 Alarm.com Silver Premier Partner
• 2025 Alarm.com Silver Premier Partner

Because each designation reflects the prior year’s performance, the three-year streak points to sustained engagement and consistent growth within the Alarm.com partner network.

“Alarm.com has quickly become our top recommended service for customers, surpassing all others. It’s truly a top-notch service, which is apparent from both their tremendous growth and our growth with them as a dealer. We are proud to be affiliated with them,” said Andy Bowman, President at AlarmSystemStore.com.

About Alarm.com and the Premier Partner Program
Alarm.com began offering cloud-based interactive security services and integrations with security hardware in 2002 and went public in 2015 — the same year AlarmSystemStore.com Store became an authorized dealer. Today, the platform offers a range of cloud-based services, including alarm system command and control, smart home automation, and video and access control, and currently serves more than 6 million active residential and commercial subscribers globally.

Alarm.com services are available only through authorized dealers such as AlarmSystemStore.com, who provide activation and ongoing service support for the end user. The Premier Partner Program recognizes dealers that demonstrate strong performance, customer engagement, and commitment to delivering exceptional experiences on the platform — placing AlarmSystemStore.com among a select group of recognized partners.

Looking Ahead
As security technology continues to evolve through artificial intelligence, video analytics, and connected devices, AlarmSystemStore.com remains focused on helping customers adopt solutions that are both effective and easy to manage — at a price that undercuts the traditional alarm model. The same principle that guided the company in 1997 still applies today: trusted guidance, professional-grade equipment, and long-term support, without the premium price tag.

Hashtag: #AlarmSystemStore.com

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About AlarmSystemStore.com

Founded in 1997 and headquartered in Columbus, Indiana, AlarmSystemStore.com provides professional-grade security systems, smart home automation solutions, video surveillance products, and technical support for homeowners and businesses throughout the United States. The company specializes in helping customers design, install, and manage security solutions powered by industry-leading technology.

Student Flag-guard Team debuts new signature uniforms, embodying vigour and a sense of mission

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 September 2026 – The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) today (7 September) commenced the 2026/27 academic year with a solemn Flag-raising Ceremony this morning, with the CUHK Flag-guard Team, clad in student-designed new uniforms, conducting the ceremony – demonstrating vigour and a sense of mission. The national flag, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region flag and the CUHK flag were solemnly raised to the national anthem, marking the start of the new academic year.

It was followed by the Inauguration Ceremony for Undergraduates 2026. The events come at a landmark moment for the University, following its recent rise to 18th place in the QS World University Rankings and the official launch of its new strategic plan, CUHK 2026–2030: Leaping to Greatness.

The Flag-raising and Flag-guard Team Recognition Ceremonies

The Flag-raising Ceremony was attended by more than 130 guests, including the Hon Alice Mak Mei-kuen, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs of the HKSAR Government, Ms Wan Ning, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Education and Youth Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR, Professor Hon Jasper Tsang Yok-sing, Honorary Professor in CUHK’s Faculty of Social Science, Dr Norman Chan Tak-lam, Vice-Chairman of the CUHK Council, Professor Dennis Lo Yuk-ming, CUHK Vice-Chancellor and President, alongside Legislative Council members, members of the University Council, senior management, representatives of Colleges and Faculties, staff, students and alumni.

Following the Flag-raising Ceremony, the University held the Recognition Ceremony for the CUHK Flag-guard Team. Miss Mak, Dr Chan and Professor Lo presented 18 Appointment Certificates and 5 Certificates of Appreciation respectively. In addition, a student received the “Best CUHK Flag-guard Team Member Award 2025-2026” in recognition of her outstanding performance and dedication to the team.

Three awards for the Flag-guard Team Uniform Design Competition were also presented. The final design of the new uniforms was developed from the winning concepts of the champion students and further refined with valuable input from Professor Lo. Featuring CUHK’s signature purple and gold – representing devotion and loyalty, and perseverance and resolution, respectively. The new uniforms reflect the team’s professionalism and vibrant spirit, while embodying the youth’s loyalty and commitment to the nation, Hong Kong and the University, as well as their steadfast dedication to promoting patriotic values.

Navigating the AI era through virtue and ethics

At the Inauguration Ceremony for Undergraduates 2026 held at Sir Run Run Shaw Hall, Professor Lo welcomed the incoming cohort, encouraging them to regard CUHK as their second home for intellectual and personal growth.

Addressing how students could navigate the artificial intelligence (AI) era, Professor Lo emphasised the importance of developing both technical capabilities and sound moral judgement. He encouraged students to use AI responsibly, with honesty, independent judgement and respect for others. He noted that, as routine tasks became increasingly automated, human strengths such as empathy, critical reasoning and moral judgement would become even more important, highlighting why the University motto, “Through Learning and Temperance to Virtue”, was more relevant today than ever.

Professor Lo added that a journey at CUHK would open up opportunities for students to become responsible global citizens, “Social responsibility begins with an awareness that our actions and attitudes can make a difference. As an ancient Chinese saying goes, ‘A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step’ (「千里之行，始於足下」). The idea of changing the world may seem daunting. Yet social responsibility often starts with small, everyday actions on campus and in the local community: volunteering, supporting community initiatives, embracing sustainability or extending kindness to those around us. Meaningful change is built one step at a time: start locally while thinking globally, using knowledge and talent to contribute to the common good.”

Professor Lo invited students to actively participate in the journey of shaping CUHK’s future trajectory, adding that their curiosity, integrity, fresh ideas and willingness to contribute would play a vital role in the University’s development.

Hashtag: #CUHK #Inauguration #Flag-raising #newacademicyear #Flag-guard #uniform

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HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 September 2026 – HUAFULI, a high-end decorative panel brand under the Shanghai Stock Exchange main board listed company “Dongguan Huali Industries Co., Ltd.” (Stock Code: 603038.SH), has leveraged its 30 years of brand heritage and formidable R&D and supply chain strength to achieve a rapid growth of over 50% against recent market downturns! Backed by a robust brand history, HUAFULI served as a supporting furniture materials supplier for top-tier international events, including the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games, and the 2011 Shenzhen Summer Universiade, earning national-level recognition for its quality.

HUAFULI today officially announced its full-scale entry into the Hong Kong market, establishing its presence in the heart of Lockhart Road, Wan Chai—renowned as “Hong Kong’s Building Materials Street.” A grand opening ceremony was held for its brand-new 2,800 sq. ft. flagship exhibition hall, the “HUAFULI Hong Kong Home Art Gallery”. The brand offers an Integrated Door-Wall-Cabinet solution and localized services, using Hong Kong as a strategic pivot to expand into the global market!

The ceremony, themed “Huafuli: A New Chapter in Hong Kong”, was officiated by management representatives, including Mr. Jacky Tan Xujie, Vice Chairman of Dongguan Huali Industries Co., Ltd., Mr. Xie Zhikun, CEO and Co-founder of Dongguan Huali Industries Co., Ltd., Mr. Lu Xuqiu, Co-founder of Dongguan Huali Industries Co., Ltd., Mr. Wang Tangxin, Co-founder of Dongguan Huali Industries Co., Ltd., Mr. Ji Juntao, Vice President of Dongguan Huali Industries Co., Ltd., and Mr. Ken So, Sales Manager of the Hong Kong Region, Huafuli. The event also featured a heavyweight guest, three-time TV King, renowned artist, and Brand Spokesperson Mr. Wayne Lai, who attended the ribbon-cutting and conducted a live contract signing ceremony, witnessing this significant milestone in HUAFULI’s development in Hong Kong.

30 Years of Dedication: From Single-Product Champion to System Service Provider; Executive President Xie Zhikun Reveals Deep “Hong Kong Ties”

Founded in 1995, Huali Shares was listed on the SSE main board in 2017. In its early years, the brand took the lead in breaking foreign technological monopolies, spearheading the formulation of China’s furniture edge banding industry standards, and achieving the highest national sales for ten consecutive years. Over 30 years of development, the brand has successfully upgraded from an edge banding sales champion to a whole-house system service provider encompassing decorative panels, edge banding, and home hardware. Amid the transformative challenges faced by the home building materials industry in recent years, HUAFULI has defied market trends with a robust growth of over 50%, demonstrating remarkable business resilience and market leadership.

During his opening speech, Mr. Xie Zhikun, CEO and Co-founder of Dongguan Huali Industries Co., Ltd., shared emotionally: “Thirty years ago, we started with a single edge banding strip, proactively formulating the industry standards for furniture edge banding in China and maintaining the number one sales position nationwide for thirty consecutive years. With this dedication, we successfully upgraded from a ‘single-product champion’ to a complete system covering decorative panels, edge banding, and home hardware. Even when the industry faced challenges recently, HUAFULI still achieved a 50% growth against the trend. In fact, our connection with Hong Kong began back in 2008 when we established a subsidiary here. Hong Kong people are extremely particular about home quality, placing special emphasis on eco-friendliness, moisture resistance, and health, which are precisely HUAFULI’s strengths. The ‘HUAFULI Hong Kong Home Art Gallery’ unveiled today is not just an ordinary showroom, but a home art gallery that offers peace of mind and lifestyle aesthetics. In the future, we will collaborate with all sectors in Hong Kong using solid products, a professional team, and localized services, opening a new chapter where quality and craftsmanship parallel each other—basing ourselves in Hong Kong, connecting with the Mainland, and radiating globally!”

Mr. Ken So, Sales Manager of the Hong Kong Region, Huafuli, Addresses Three Industry Pain Points, Eliminates Northbound Travel Hassles, and Sets a HK$100 Million Sales Target

In an exclusive media interview, Mr. Ken So, Sales Manager of the Hong Kong Region, Huafuli, deeply analyzed the business logic and localized strategy behind the brand’s entry into Hong Kong:

• Eliminating Cross-border Travel Fatigue to Significantly Boost Deal Success Rates: Mr. So pointed out that local interior designers and homeowners were often limited to brochure samples or had to endure tiring trips to Mainland factories to view actual materials. “We established ourselves directly in the core area of Lockhart Road, Wan Chai, building a 2,800 sq. ft. high-spec exhibition hall. Designers can now bring clients at any time to view 1:1 physical large panels and finished door-wall-cabinet displays. The art gallery does not retail directly to homeowners but serves as a shared design base for Hong Kong designers and contractors, addressing eco-concerns on the spot and significantly improving local designers’ deal success rates.”
• Insisting on a 100% Direct-Sale Model with Unified National Pricing—”Not a Cent Added”: Differentiating from traditional building material brands that rely on multi-tiered agents, Mr. So emphasized HUAFULI’s commitment to a direct-sale system: “Whether in the Mainland or Hong Kong, HUAFULI is directly operated by the group, ensuring high consistency in product quality, after-sales service, and pricing. Although we have set up a top-tier showroom in the prime location of Wan Chai and hired a star spokesperson, the panel prices remain unified nationally with the Mainland—’not a cent added’—truly yielding benefits to local partners with sincerity.”
• Eco-friendly Panels Replacing Traditional Laminates; Setting a HK$100 Million Sales Target: Mr. So analyzed that eco-friendly decorative panels are in a golden growth period in Hong Kong, gradually replacing traditional fireproof laminates and veneers. “We see massive market potential, and HUAFULI has set a target of achieving HK$100 million in sales in Hong Kong within 3 to 5 years! The Hong Kong market is strict and aligned with international standards. We are using Hong Kong as a touchstone and strategic hub for adapting to global standards, and will further expand into more overseas markets in the future.”
• Strong Supply Chain Backing to Achieve “Zero Minimum Order, Next-Day Delivery” Express Fulfillment: Relying on six major production bases in the Mainland (totaling 600,000 square meters) and a network of 14 branch warehouses, HUAFULI breaks the traditional months-long waiting period for imported building materials. It provides the local industry with a localized, one-stop delivery service characterized by “zero minimum order, zero inventory requirements, same-day response, and next-day delivery,” greatly alleviating the financial and warehousing pressures on local partners.

Global Debut of German-Japanese Nano-Microcrystalline EBH Technology; Dual Ultimate Eco-certifications Lead New Trends in HK Building Materials

With Hong Kong’s increasingly stringent requirements for green buildings, indoor air quality, and ESG standards, HUAFULI brings a high-specification product system suitable for the Hong Kong environment:

• Hong Kong Debut of the German-Japanese EBH Series: Combining German plasma spraying and Japanese precision light-curing technologies, this series boasts top-tier performance across six dimensions: anti-fingerprint (90% reduction), scratch resistance (2H+ hardness), anti-mildew and antibacterial (99.5%+), and yellowing resistance. Its surface presents an advanced, luxurious 5° matte gloss, perfectly adapting to Hong Kong’s humid climate.
• Dual Highest Eco-certifications: “ENF Grade + JIS JAS F4-star”: Showcasing top-tier eco-friendly panels (including Particle Board, Multi-layer Plywood, and Oriented Strand Board, etc.) that have comprehensively passed the dual certifications of the national highest environmental standard “ENF Grade” (formaldehyde emission ≤0.025 mg/m³) and Japan’s highest environmental standard “F☆☆☆☆ (F4-Star).”
• Recognized by the “Hong Kong ECO Mark”: The products have obtained the Hong Kong Green Label Scheme certification, achieving extremely low TVOC and formaldehyde emissions from the source. This directly addresses the pain points of Hong Kong’s indoor air quality and aligns with the high standards for ESG inspection by developers.
• Patented Laser Edge Banding 2.0 and colour matched door-wall-cabinet system: The entire series comes standard with the original factory’s seamless laser edge banding technology, achieving panel edge banding in-one. HUAFULI particularly advocates the “Integrated Door-Wall-Cabinet” concept, where interior doors, wall panels, and custom cabinets are all made from the same original factory batch of substrates with identical colors and textures. This achieves zero color difference and a highly unified whole-house aesthetics with perfectly extended textures, providing unparalleled one-stop quality solutions when paired with original factory moldings and hardware components.

Star Spokesperson Mr. Wayne Lai Yiu Cheung Attends the Event, Heavily Endorses Dual Ultimate Eco-friendliness at Contract Signing

The atmosphere at the grand opening ceremony was vibrant, with traditional auspicious lion eye-dotting and lion dance performances kicking off the splendid prologue for the “HUAFULI Hong Kong Home Art Gallery.” Brand Spokesperson Mr. Wayne Lai Yiu Cheung conducted a grand contract signing ceremony on site and joined management guests for a celebratory group toast and photo.

Hashtag: #HUAFULI

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About HUAFULI

Founded in 1995, Huali Shares was listed on the main board of the Shanghai Stock Exchange in 2017 (Stock Code: 603038.SH). Starting from the field of decorative composite materials, the company has adhered to integrity and innovation, inherited the spirit of craftsmanship, and over the past 30 years, has developed into a comprehensive holding enterprise encompassing home building materials, smart water affairs, membrane filtration materials, and industrial digital intelligence businesses. It is committed to leading industry progress through high-level R&D, satisfying people’s aspirations for a better life through technological innovation, and empowering industrial upgrades through digital and intelligent technologies. Its home building materials business primarily focuses on edge banding, decorative panels, and home hardware, mainly used in panel furniture, interior decoration, and commercial space construction. It is the first domestic home materials manufacturing enterprise to break the German technological monopoly and possess independent intellectual property rights, and is the leading formulator of important industry standards for edge banding in China.

Deputy Prime Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas outlined an investment-led blueprint anchored by an upgraded Joint Public Private Committee (JPCC), private-sector syndication, and World Bank alignment ahead of the 2026 Annual Meetings and 2028 ASEAN Chairmanship.

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 September 2026 – Thailand is ready to cross into “new horizons” — achieving high-income status and driving a more resilient ASEAN, declared Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Dr. Ekniti Nitithanprapas as he delivered the closing address at the Bangkok Business Summit 2026 today,

Detailing the strategic “why, how, and design” of the national transition, Dr. Ekniti stated that entering new horizons is an unavoidable global imperative. While ASEAN is uniquely positioned to capture emerging opportunities, the region must guard against severe geopolitical, technological, and climate risks with proactive, unified action.

“The goals must be clear, and we are completely on the same page: Thailand must achieve high-income status,” said Dr. Ekniti.

“The recipe provided by the World Bank aligns directly with what our business leaders have outlined. An investment-led growth policy, private-sector-centred endeavours, and persistent implementation are what the government and business community are now executing together. Think of the seven new growth engines as our forwards on the pitch. The government acts as both coach and midfielder — spearheading investment, driving trade, empowering SMEs, unlocking regulatory friction, and cultivating human capital. Meanwhile, fiscal and financial stability serves as our steadfast defensive backline.”

Dr. Ekniti affirmed that the Joint Public and Private Committee (JPPC) will no longer function as a purely advisory body, but will operate as an executive economic steering council mandated to enact structural reforms and track execution against the World Bank’s recommendations.

“We will not be the same old Thailand. We will be driving the global agenda. Thailand will enter new horizons, empower people, and build resilience,” Dr. Ekniti emphasised. “In the next two years, Thailand will assume the Chairmanship of ASEAN. We will establish a long-term, multi-year agenda for a stronger, more resilient ASEAN. If this new model of public-private partnership carries on, we will decisively reinvent Thailand.”

Key leaders representing the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry, and Banking (JSCCIB) delivered strategic sector priorities to anchor the transition.

Payong Srivanich, Chairman of the JSCCIB and the Thai Bankers’ Association, underscored that reinventing the economy requires modernising legacy industries while creating space for future engines.

“From three core challenges – structural, competitiveness, and public-sector efficiency – came the White Paper outlining the seven industries of the future,” stated Mr. Payong. “This time, the government has presented a credible policy framework based on collaborative public-private partnership. Thailand must address fundamental security—whether in food, energy, or low-carbon growth. We are declaring to the world that we are done with planning and on the same page. Now we are geared up for execution.”

Dr. Poj Aramwattananont, Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and Board of Trade of Thailand, stressed that amid geopolitical friction, geoeconomics, and regional conflict, growth must be anchored in ASEAN’s 600-plus million people which serve as both supply and demand networks.

Adapting to international trading rules is inseparable from Thailand’s targeted accession to the OECD by 2028. The accession process acts as the structural catalyst to modernise domestic legislation, corporate governance, transparency, and fair market competition to premier global standards—lowering compliance costs and solidifying investor confidence.

Pimjai Leeissaranukul, Chairwoman of the Federation of Thai Industries, insisted that Thailand must build its own brand; it can no longer afford to be just the world’s OEM. She called for a decisive departure from labor-cost competition toward high productivity, automation, AI, and green sustainability. She advocated expanding target sectors—such as next-generation electric vehicles, smart electronics, automation, and wellness—while enforcing enhanced public procurement.

Carlos Felipe Jaramillo, Vice President for East Asia and Pacific at the World Bank, observed that the eyes of the financial world will be on Bangkok next month as it hosts the 2026 IMF–World Bank Group Annual Meetings, providing Thailand with a premier global stage to show that it is advancing on a credible pathway to attain high-income status by 2037.

“The World Bank has presented a series of structural reforms that Thailand can pursue to reach high-income status, creating more and better-paying jobs for young Thais in the future,” Mr. Jaramillo stated. “The plan deliberately puts the private sector at the center, because experience has taught us that the private sector is the primary engine of employment. This reform agenda is multifaceted, requiring coordinated national effort, and, more importantly, relentless persistence in implementation.”

The Bangkok Business Summit 2026 concluded with a clear consensus: today’s closing discussions mark the formal launch of sustained, institutionalised execution across the public sector, private enterprise, and multilateral institutions to ensure Thailand stands as a resilient economic anchor for the wider ASEAN region.

Hashtag: #JSCCIB

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As part of his official visit to Vietnam, on the afternoon of September 4, 2026, His Excellency Min Aung Hlaing, President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, and the high-level Myanmar delegation visited the VinFast Hai Phong Manufacturing Complex, where they learned firsthand about the remarkable and rapid development journey of the Vietnamese automotive brand.

HAI PHONG, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 September 2026 – Mr. Pham Nhat Quan Anh, Chairman of VinFast, personally welcomed His Excellency President Min Aung Hlaing and led the delegation throughout their visit to the VinFast Hai Phong Manufacturing Complex. Mr. Quan Anh accompanied the President and the delegation through the Body Shop and General Assembly Shop, introducing VinFast’s integrated manufacturing processes, advanced production lines featuring a high level of automation, and its internationally competitive portfolio of electric vehicles.

At the General Assembly Shop, where VinFast vehicles are completed, President Min Aung Hlaing expressed his strong impression of the quality and high standards of VinFast’s Vietnamese-made electric vehicles. The President also praised the modern infrastructure and advanced facilities of the manufacturing complex, as well as VinFast’s remarkable journey in establishing itself as the No. 1 automotive brand in Vietnam and rapidly expanding its presence internationally.

As of September 2026, VinFast has maintained the No. 1 position in Vietnam’s automotive market for 24 consecutive months, while expanding its presence to more than 10 countries worldwide, including key markets such as Indonesia, India, the Philippines and North America.

The visit by President Min Aung Hlaing takes place against the backdrop of Vietnam and Myanmar strengthening cooperation across multiple areas, contributing to greater connectivity and exchanges, while opening up new opportunities for cooperation between the business communities of the two countries.

The visit also provided an opportunity for VinFast to showcase to Myanmar’s leadership the latest achievements of Vietnam’s automotive industry, as well as the manufacturing capabilities and technological expertise of a Vietnamese enterprise. It further contributed to strengthening connectivity between Vietnam and Myanmar in the areas of industry, trade and green mobility.

As one of Vietnam’s modern automotive manufacturing complexes, the VinFast Hai Phong Manufacturing Complex represents an important milestone in the journey of a Vietnamese automotive brand onto the global stage. Built on its manufacturing foundation in Vietnam, VinFast is expanding its operations across international markets, with a strategic focus on developing a green mobility ecosystem and accelerating the transition toward electric transportation.

The VinFast Hai Phong Manufacturing Complex has previously welcomed numerous senior leaders and heads of state during their official visits to Vietnam. Former Indonesian President Joko Widodo, former President of Bulgaria Rumen Radev and former Prime Minister of Luxembourg Xavier Bettel are among the international leaders who, while in office, visited the facility, toured VinFast’s electric vehicle production lines and learned firsthand about VinFast’s electric vehicle offerings.

The visits by heads of state and senior leaders to the VinFast Manufacturing Complex not only reflect international interest in the manufacturing capabilities and technological potential of a Vietnamese enterprise but also create opportunities to strengthen economic connectivity and advance cooperation in industry and green mobility between Vietnam and countries across the region.

With its vision of “For a Green Future,” VinFast continues to accelerate investment in manufacturing capabilities, technology and its electric vehicle ecosystem, with the ambition of bringing Vietnamese green mobility products and solutions to an increasing number of customers around the world.

Hashtag: #VinFast

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LSAF Global, in partnership with ISCA and the Professional Services (PS) Centre Alliance, brings the PS Centre ecosystem to businesses in Indonesia.

The challenge is often not finding advisers. It is knowing where to start.

LSAF Global, in partnership with the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) and the Professional Services (PS) Centre Alliance, is bringing the PS Centre ecosystem to businesses in Indonesia, connecting them with professional expertise, trusted networks and opportunities across Singapore, Indonesia and the region.

The PS Centre is a collaborative network that aims to make that easier by giving businesses a trusted starting point to find professional expertise, local market knowledge and business connections when expanding across the region.

Businesses in Indonesia can tap on the wider PS Centre network, which currently spans Hongqiao in Shanghai, Ho Chi Minh City, Nanjing and Singapore.

The network is set to grow further, with Johor, Shenzhen and Bangkok among the next locations being developed.

Together, the PS Centres and wider ecosystem are intended to create trusted business corridors across the region so that companies entering a new market do not have to start from zero.

Cross-border business is getting harder

The collaboration in Indonesia comes at a time when companies are looking overseas for growth while facing a more complicated business environment.

Tariffs and geopolitical tensions are changing where companies manufacture and source their products. Supply chains are being redesigned. AI and cyber risks are creating new business questions. Sustainability requirements are changing how companies operate and report.

Increasingly, these problems do not sit neatly within one profession.

A company may start with a tariff question only to discover that it also needs tax, legal and supply chain advice. Another may see an opportunity in Indonesia but need help finding local partners and understanding how best to enter the market.

The PS Centre ecosystem brings different forms of expertise and business networks together so companies do not have to navigate these issues alone.

The collaboration comes amid strong economic links between Singapore and Indonesia.

From Singapore to Indonesia and from Indonesia to the region

The PS Centre ecosystem is designed to work across markets.

Singapore businesses entering Indonesia can connect with local professional advisers, business networks and partners on the ground through LSAF Global and the wider PS Centre ecosystem.

Indonesian businesses looking towards Singapore can tap the Singapore PS Centre and Singapore’s professional services ecosystem.

A business looking beyond Indonesia and Singapore can tap the wider network for support in Vietnam and China. As new centres open, the network will extend into more markets.

Across its existing locations, the PS Centre network has already facilitated more than 90 business connections, supported 100 companies and engaged over 700 businesses and professionals.

The ambition goes beyond opening centres in different cities.

It is to build a connected ecosystem and trusted business corridors that connect opportunities in one market with trusted expertise and networks in another.

Helping businesses solve cross-border challenges

A key initiative being expanded across the PS Centre network is the Business Growth Clinic.

Its premise is simple.

Businesses do not always know which professional they need. They simply know they have a problem to solve.

A manufacturer may produce different parts of the same product across several countries and need help understanding how changing tariffs affect its business.

A professional services firm may want to access talent in another market but is unsure how to structure its operations.

Another business may be looking for an overseas partner, considering an acquisition or trying to understand how geopolitical changes could affect where it invests next.

Instead of figuring out which adviser to approach first, businesses can bring their problem to the Business Growth Clinic.

Depending on the issue, accountants, lawyers, tax specialists, valuers, consultants and other professionals can come together to understand the problem and connect the business with the expertise it needs.

Businesses in Indonesia will also be able to tap the Business Growth Clinic through the PS Centre ecosystem. A Singapore company facing a business issue in Vietnam can tap expertise through the Ho Chi Minh City PS Centre. An Indonesian business looking to establish operations in Singapore can connect with professionals through the Singapore PS Centre. A business exploring China can access support through Hongqiao.

As the PS Centre network expands, the reach of the Business Growth Clinic will expand with it.

Mr Lee Boon Teck, President of the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA), said: “Businesses do not always know which professional they need. They simply know they have a problem to solve. The strength of the PS Centre lies in the network we are building together: connecting businesses with professional expertise, trusted networks and opportunities across markets. The PS Centre Alliance can help businesses in Singapore and Indonesia make the connections they need to grow across the region.”

Connecting businesses with professional expertise

The initiative is led by the PS Centre Alliance, comprising the Association of Small & Medium Enterprises, Institute of Valuers & Appraisers Singapore, Singapore Business Federation, Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Singapore Manufacturing Federation, Tax Academy of Singapore, The Law Society of Singapore and ISCA.

The Alliance brings together organisations representing both sides of the equation: businesses looking for opportunities and professional services firms with the expertise to help them pursue those opportunities.

In Indonesia, this gathering of the PS Centre Alliance partners to build relationships with local business and professional organisations, including the Indonesian Employers Association (APINDO), Singapore Chamber of Commerce Indonesia, The Indonesia Capital Market Institute (TICMI) and Kongres Advokat Indonesia (KAI).

These relationships will help connect businesses with people who understand the local market while linking them to the wider PS Centre network.

Building sustainability capabilities in Indonesia

ISCA and Universitas Sahid (USAHID) will enter a three-year collaboration to strengthen sustainability capabilities in Indonesia.

The collaboration will facilitate access to the ISCA Sustainability Professional Certification for eligible USAHID students, faculty members, alumni and other participants. It will also support learning and knowledge sharing in sustainability reporting and related areas.

The collaboration aims to connect academic learning with professional practice and build a stronger pool of professionals who can support businesses as sustainability requirements evolve.

Prof. Dr. Ir. Giyatmi, M.Si., Rector of Universitas Sahid, said: “Bringing the Professional Services Centre ecosystem to businesses in Indonesia represents an important step in strengthening collaboration between Indonesia and Singapore’s professional and business communities. We believe the ecosystem can serve as a valuable platform for knowledge exchange, professional development, and stronger connections between academia and industry. Universitas Sahid is pleased to support this initiative and looks forward to contributing to the development of future-ready professionals who can support sustainable and regional economic growth.”

The collaboration in Indonesia marks another step in building a regional network where businesses, professional services firms and local partners can connect across markets.

As businesses increasingly look beyond their home markets for growth, the aim is simple: when a business sees an opportunity across borders, it should not have to start from zero.

For additional quotes from PS Centre Alliance partners, please refer to the attached Annex.

ANNEX

Ms Hamidah Aidillah, Vice President, Association of Small & Medium Enterprises, said: “For Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs) looking to grow overseas, finding the right connections and trusted support in a new market can be challenging. Through the PS Centre Alliance’s collaboration in Indonesia, businesses can gain access to professional expertise and local networks, helping Singapore SMEs better navigate the Indonesian market and pursue opportunities for growth across the region. This move is also in line with ASME’s internatiolisation efforts across ASEAN. ”

Mr Lie Kok Keong, Council Chairperson, Institute of Valuers and Appraisers Singapore, said: “Bringing the PS Centre ecosystem to businesses in Indonesia creates meaningful new opportunities for Chartered Valuers and Appraiser (CVA) holders to connect with a wider network of professionals in Indonesia through fostering knowledge exchange and capacity building. We encourage CVA holders to leverage on the wider network to build ties with their Indonesian counterparts to grow and create opportunities together.”

Mr Mark Lee, Chairman of Singapore Business Federation, said: “Businesses today need to remain agile and diversify their markets to build long-term resilience. Indonesia’s long term growth prospects and close ties with Singapore offer significant opportunities for our companies. By bringing PS Centre Jakarta and SEC@Jakarta together, we can make it easier for businesses to access our collective networks, advisory expertise and facilitation support, and help them turn these opportunities into meaningful partnerships and growth.”

Mr Ernie Koh, Council Member, Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCCI), said: “Indonesia is an important market for many Singapore businesses seeking to expand their regional presence. Through the PS Centre Alliance’s collaboration in Indonesia, enterprises can access trusted professional support and local networks, helping them better navigate the market and build the connections needed for cross-border growth.”

Mr Wayne Yap, Chief Executive Officer of the Singapore Manufacturing Federation, said: “Professional services firms are important partners in helping manufacturers understand new markets, manage business requirements and expand with confidence. Through the PS Centre ecosystem, businesses will bring together professional expertise, industry networks and local market connections to support manufacturers and other businesses pursuing opportunities in Indonesia and across the region.”

Mr Dennis Lui, Chief Executive Officer, Tax Academy of Singapore, said: “Tax is not a footnote to cross-border investment – It can determine whether opportunity becomes reality. Tax Academy of Singapore sits at the intersection of government, industry, and academia, enabling us to translate policy into practical capability and connect the people who make investment happen. Through the PS Centre Alliance’s collaboration in Indonesia, we want to bring that strength to the Singapore-Indonesia corridor – helping businesses move from opportunity to execution.”

Ms Peggy Yee, Treasurer and Council Member of The Law Society of Singapore said: “With more businesses expanding across borders and industries, the ability to navigate legal and regulatory complexities will become a critical skill for both businesses and firms. Bringing the PS Centre ecosystem to businesses in Indonesia will further provide valuable and trusted support for enterprises in the region, ensuring access to trusted legal expertise along with other professional services.”

Hashtag: #ISCA #CharteredAccountants #ProfessionalServices #ProfessionalServicesCentre #DifferenceMakers #Accounting #Accountancy

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA)

The Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) is the national accountancy body of Singapore. Established in 1963, ISCA administers the Singapore Chartered Accountant Qualification programme and is the designated entity by the Singapore Ministry of Finance to confer the Chartered Accountant of Singapore [CA (Singapore)] designation.

ISCA supports over 46,000 members across industries in Singapore and globally, with members in more than 40 countries. With a growing international presence, ISCA has 12 overseas chapters, 7 offices across 10 countries and a network of over 150 strategic partners, strengthening professional connections and opportunities across borders. ISCA is also a member of Chartered Accountants Worldwide, a global network representing more than 1.8 million Chartered Accountants and students across over 190 countries.

ISCA advances professional development and lifelong learning through ISCA Academy, its training arm and drives community impact through ISCA Cares, its charity arm.

For more information, visit www.isca.org.sg.

Ruto announced the decision during a visit to Kajiado County on Thursday, arguing that Tata Chemicals’ long presence in the area had delivered insufficient industrial development for local communities. He said any replacement investors would be expected to establish manufacturing operations in the county rather than simply extract and export raw materials.

The president said one of the incoming companies should develop a major glass manufacturing plant, while another would produce chemicals in Kajiado. His comments signalled a shift towards requiring more domestic processing of minerals and greater value addition around Lake Magadi, one of Kenya’s best-known mineral production centres.

“That TATA company… had that contract for 100 years. They have not built anything in Kajiado, they have not built any factory in Kajiado,” Ruto said. He questioned why Kenya should continue exporting soda ash while importing products such as glass that can be manufactured using the mineral.

Tata Chemicals said it respected the authority of Kenya’s government and remained committed to resolving outstanding issues through the appropriate legal and regulatory channels. The company said its Kenya unit had submitted a comprehensive response to matters raised by the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs, including information concerning compliance with applicable regulatory requirements.

The latest order follows a government directive that halted mining operations at Tata Chemicals Magadi Limited on July 28. The company had also been required to suspend exports of soda ash from its Magadi operation while the ministry reviewed regulatory concerns.

Tata Chemicals said on August 17 that it had provided all information, reports and documentation requested by the ministry and was awaiting further direction. At that stage, the company said it believed it had demonstrated compliance and was seeking a clear pathway to resume operations.

The company has disputed any suggestion that its activities have brought no benefit to the area. It said last month that about 500 employees and their families, as well as contractors, suppliers, transporters and local businesses, depended directly or indirectly on its Magadi operations. It also said about 30,000 people in the surrounding community benefited from its programmes in water, healthcare, education, infrastructure and community development.

Tata Chemicals Magadi describes itself as Africa’s leading producer of natural soda ash and one of Kenya’s leading exporters. The company says it exports more than 350,000 tonnes annually to markets in Southeast Asia, India, the Middle East and elsewhere in Africa.

Its financial performance in Kenya has weakened amid pressure on global soda ash prices. Tata Chemicals reported that the Magadi unit generated revenue of ₹5.86 billion in the financial year ended March 2026, down from ₹6.12 billion a year earlier. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation fell to ₹1.01 billion from ₹1.42 billion, while net profit declined to ₹480 million from ₹1.18 billion.

The company nevertheless recorded higher sales volumes in Kenya during the year and commissioned new equipment, including a five-megawatt solar plant, a solar pond and a 50,000-tonne electric calciner soda ash facility. Those investments were disclosed before the July suspension.

Ruto’s government is now tying future access to the Lake Magadi resource to industrial projects inside Kajiado. Kenya’s state news agency said the president indicated that a new investor would be required to establish glass and chemical processing facilities before receiving a licence to operate.

The change places the Magadi operation’s ownership, workforce and supply relationships under fresh uncertainty. Tata Chemicals said its immediate priorities remained the welfare of employees, the Magadi community and other stakeholders while it continued engagement with government authorities.

No timetable has been announced for the two prospective replacement companies to begin operations, and the government has not publicly identified them. Details of how existing mining rights, licences, assets or contractual obligations would be transferred have also not been disclosed.

The expansion of the CPMZ pipeline will add capacity to transport two billion more litres of fuel annually, strengthening supplies to Zimbabwe and wider regional markets

NHAMATANDA, MOZAMBIQUE – African Media Agency – 3 September 2026 – The President of Mozambique, H.E. Daniel Chapo and the President of Zimbabwe, H.E. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, today broke ground on a major expansion of the Beira-Harare fuel corridor that will increase pipeline capacity by 67% and strengthen energy security across Southern Africa.

The CPMZ project will increase the CPMZ pipeline’s annual transport capacity from 3 million to 5 million cubic metres by the end of 2027, supporting growing fuel demand in Mozambique, Zimbabwe and wider regional markets.

The expansion will add capacity to transport approximately two billion additional litres of fuel annually into Southern Africa’s interior, strengthening a critical supply route connecting the Port of Beira with Zimbabwe and supporting access to diesel, petrol and jet fuel across regional markets, including Zambia, Malawi, Botswana and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The project represents a significant investment in regional energy resilience and Mozambique-Zimbabwe cooperation, while construction and commissioning will take place without interrupting daily pipeline operations or fuel supplies to markets served by the corridor.

H.E. Daniel Chapo, President of the Republic of Mozambique, said:

“The expansion of the CPMZ pipeline is an important investment in Mozambique’s infrastructure and in the energy security of our region. By strengthening the connection between the Port of Beira and the Southern African hinterland, we are reinforcing Mozambique’s role as a strategic gateway for regional trade while deepening our cooperation with Zimbabwe. This is the kind of infrastructure investment that strengthens regional connectivity, supports economic activity and creates greater resilience for the future.”

Read more

Hashtag: #CPMZ

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Workshop: “Eyes from Space: Solving Everyday Problems with Satellite Data”

After live quizzes on satellites, Yasuo Shirai, Vice President of Engineering, showed how optical, thermal-infrared and radar satellites observe water, farmland, forests and disasters — including Tenchijin’s own KnoWaterleak. In a hands-on challenge, students acting as a city mayor decided where to build a new hospital by combining satellite and ground data. His closing message: satellite data becomes truly powerful only when paired with local knowledge and human ideas.

Yasuo Shirai – VP of Engineering, Tenchijin Inc | Japan

“The energy of the 400 students in that hall was extraordinary. Their questions on water, agriculture and the environment are exactly the problems we tackle with satellite data every day. Co-hosting with MYSA showed that the distance between an Asian classroom and space technology is far shorter than students imagine, and I hope some of them will one day build this industry with us.”

Hashtag: #Tenchijin #KnoWaterLeak #ScienceCastle #leaveanest

https://tenchijin.co.jp/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/tenchijin/
https://x.com/tenchijin_pr

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Tenchijin Inc.

Tenchijin Inc. is a space technology company developing satellite-data solutions for infrastructure management. Its flagship product, Tenchijin COMPASS KnoWaterleak, combines satellite data and AI to detect and prevent water leaks, achieving up to 65% cost reduction and 85% time savings in field tests, and received the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare Prize at the 7th Infrastructure Maintenance Grand Prize.

https://knowaterleak.space/