Egypt’s Suez Canal recorded its strongest monthly revenue since early 2024 as oil tankers turned increasingly to the Red Sea route after the effective shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz disrupted Gulf energy flows. Revenue from the waterway reached about $419 million in April, up 27 per cent from a year earlier, supported by a sharp rise in tanker crossings and higher net tonnage. The canal handled […]
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 June 2026 – The National Tax Service of Korea (Commissioner: Lim Kwang-hyun), for the first time, opened the “K-SUUL Pavilion” at Vinexpo Asia[1], which was held for three days from May 26 to 28 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC).
![[Photo] Korean Liquor (K-SUUL) Raises Its First Flag for Globalization on Asias Largest Stage](https://images.media-outreach.com/release.php/Thumb/1600x1067/774538/774538-Photo-Korean-Liquor-K-SUU.jpeg)
The opening of the “K-SUUL Pavilion” was served as a key milestone in raising the global profile of Korean alcoholic beverages and expanding overseas exports.
At the inaugural “K-SUUL AWARDS” held by National Tax Service of Korea last December, 175 small and medium-sized liquor producers from across Korea submitted a total of 366 products. Following document screening and blind testing, 12 products were selected.
The award-winning liquors, selected through a fair judging process with the participation of Korean citizens, was introduced to the global market through this exhibition, marking their first step toward overseas expansion.
The “K-SUUL Pavilion” was operated through cooperation between the National Tax Service of Korea and the liquor industry and association (the Korea Alcohol and Liquor Industry Association). It was designed as an integrated promotional platform to strengthen the export competitiveness of Korean alcoholic beverages and develop overseas sales channels.
The “K-SUUL Pavilion” was operated with a total of 16 booths (display and tasting booths), and 12 companies — including winners of the K-SUUL AWARDS — participated to hold consultations with overseas buyers.
Participating companies ranged from traditional liquor breweries to regional soju producers and major liquor companies, showcasing the diverse spectrum of Korea’s alcoholic beverage industry on a single stage.
In addition to the booths operated by the 12 participating companies, a dedicated booth was set up exclusively to showcase the award-winning liquors, further highlighting the significance of the K-SUUL AWARDS.
At the venue, promotional videos of the award-winning liquors were screened, while English-language brochures and souvenirs were distributed to attract local buyers and visitors to raise awareness of Korean alcoholic beverages.
In addition, meetings with the organizers of Vinexpo Asia, overseas buyers, and distribution industry officials were also held to identify rapidly changing global liquor market trends and assess the overseas expansion potential of Korean alcoholic beverages.
Han Yeong-seok Fermentation Research Institute expressed gratitude for being given the opportunity to participate in the exhibition, saying, “It was meaningful to showcase our award-winning liquor, ‘Dohan Cheongmyeongju,’ on the same stage as liquors from around the world through this exhibition. We did our best to promote Korea’s unique fermentation culture and the value of Korean liquor to the world.”
Going forward, the National Tax Service of Korea will continue to enhance the substance of the K-SUUL AWARDS, continuously discover outstanding liquors from promising small and medium-sized enterprises, and will actively support the globalization of Korean liquor (K-SUUL) by promoting it both domestically and internationally and helping these businesses expand their sales channels.
Hashtag: #K-SUUL
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Somali football supporters have reacted with fury after World Cup referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan was denied entry to the United States despite holding a valid visa, turning what had been celebrated as a landmark moment for Somali sport into a wider dispute over immigration policy and football’s global reach. Artan, regarded as one of Africa’s leading match officials, had been due to take part in the 2026 […]
Visitor arrivals from the six GCC countries reached 55,924 in 2025, up 25.2 per cent from the previous year, outpacing Japan’s wider inbound tourism growth. The increase came as total international arrivals hit 42.683 million, a record annual figure and a 15.8 per cent rise from 2024, when Japan had already surpassed its pre-pandemic high.
The Gulf performance remains small in absolute numbers compared with Japan’s biggest source markets in East Asia, North America and Europe, but the pace of growth has drawn attention from travel operators because GCC visitors tend to favour premium hotels, private tours, family travel, shopping, wellness experiences and multi-city itineraries. Demand has been supported by stronger aviation links through Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha, easier visa processes for several categories of travellers, and sustained interest in Japan’s seasonal attractions.
The rise also reflects a broader shift in Gulf outbound travel. Travellers from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman are looking beyond traditional European summer destinations, especially as Japan promotes cooler regions, countryside routes and immersive cultural experiences. Hokkaido has gained visibility among Gulf families seeking milder summer weather, scenic drives and nature resorts, while Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka continue to dominate first-time travel plans.
Japan’s appeal has been reinforced by the weak yen, which has made shopping, dining and accommodation more attractive for visitors with dollar-linked Gulf currencies. Luxury retail, department stores, theme parks, Michelin-listed restaurants, ryokan stays and private guides have benefited from the spending power of long-haul visitors. Travel agencies across the Gulf have also reported growing demand for tailor-made trips covering cherry blossom viewing, autumn foliage, ski resorts and Japanese pop culture.
Tourism spending has become a major pillar of Japan’s post-pandemic services economy. International visitor expenditure rose to about ¥9.5 trillion in 2025, up 16.4 per cent from the previous year, while average spending per visitor was roughly ¥229,000. The figures underline why Japan is targeting higher-value tourism rather than only volume growth, especially as pressure mounts on crowded destinations such as Kyoto, Mount Fuji viewing spots and central Tokyo districts.
Japan’s national tourism strategy aims to draw 60 million visitors annually by 2030, but policymakers and local authorities are increasingly balancing that target with concerns over overtourism. Measures have included crowd controls, higher accommodation taxes in some areas, visitor-management rules at popular sites and campaigns encouraging travellers to explore regional destinations. For GCC visitors, that strategy fits with demand for quieter, curated experiences outside the standard Golden Route of Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka.
JNTO’s Dubai office has intensified destination marketing across the Gulf, with campaigns highlighting Hokkaido, Setouchi and other regions suited to repeat visitors. Promotional activity has focused on travel trade partners, digital media, luxury travel networks and family-oriented itineraries, reflecting the region’s preference for planned holidays with strong service standards. Japan’s participation in major Gulf travel events has also helped place the country more firmly in tour operators’ premium Asia portfolios.
Air connectivity remains a decisive factor. Gulf hubs provide one-stop access to several Japanese gateways for travellers from across the region, while Emirates, Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways have helped keep Japan visible in high-yield leisure and business travel channels. Doha, Dubai and Abu Dhabi also act as connecting points for travellers from wider Middle East markets, strengthening Japan’s ability to attract visitors beyond its traditional Asian feeder markets.
Visa facilitation has added momentum. UAE nationals continue to benefit from visa-free short stays, while Qatari citizens have access to similar arrangements after completing required registration. Travellers from Saudi Arabia and other GCC states have increasingly been able to use electronic visa channels for tourism, reducing friction for families and first-time visitors. Expatriate residents in Gulf countries remain subject to nationality-based rules, but online processing has improved access for many applicants.
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai The OPEC Fund for International Development has mandated a no-grow €500 million five-year fixed-rate benchmark bond, returning to Europe’s public debt market as highly rated supranational borrowers continue to draw demand from investors seeking secure income. Initial price thoughts for the Regulation S senior unsecured issue have been set at mid-swaps plus 29 basis points. The expected issue rating is aligned with the […]
The currency strengthened sharply in Colombo trading, touching 328 to the dollar from weaker levels around 336.50 before settling in a wider 332-334 range. The previous close was near 337.00-337.75, underscoring the immediate impact of the central bank’s intervention on market sentiment. The move marks one of the rupee’s strongest single-session gains this year after months of pressure linked to higher fuel bills, vehicle imports and heavy demand for dollars from importers.
The new rule, issued through an extraordinary gazette under the authority of Governor Nandalal Weerasinghe, requires exporters of goods receiving proceeds during a calendar month to convert the residual foreign exchange into Sri Lankan rupees on or before the tenth day of the following month. The change effectively reduces the conversion window to about 30 days from the earlier period of about 90 days, after permitted payments are made.
The directive came into immediate effect and applies to exporters after they use proceeds for authorised payments such as imports, debt servicing and other approved foreign currency obligations. It reverses part of the relaxation introduced in 2024, when the central bank gave exporters more time to convert proceeds as foreign exchange conditions improved after the country’s debt crisis.
The latest measure is designed to bring export dollars more quickly into the domestic market at a time when the rupee has come under renewed strain. The currency had fallen by about 8 per cent this year before the intervention, reflecting a combination of stronger import demand, elevated global energy prices and cautious dollar conversions by exporters waiting for more favourable rates.
Market participants said the shortened conversion period could provide near-term support by increasing the supply of dollars through the banking system. The effect, however, may be temporary if importers absorb the additional liquidity quickly, particularly with fuel, medicines, vehicles and intermediate goods continuing to drive demand for foreign exchange.
The rupee’s rebound follows a series of policy moves by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka to contain pressure on the currency and inflation. On May 26, the central bank raised the overnight policy rate by 100 basis points to 8.75 per cent, its largest increase since 2023, signalling a shift away from growth support towards price and currency stability. The rate move followed a faster-than-expected rise in inflation and a renewed deterioration in external conditions.
Headline inflation in Colombo stood at 5.5 per cent in May, marginally above the central bank’s target and slightly higher than April’s 5.4 per cent. Price pressures have been fuelled by energy adjustments and the spillover from tensions in the Middle East, which have pushed up import costs for fuel-dependent economies. Construction firms have also reported higher input costs and shortages of petrochemical-based materials.
The central bank has already spent foreign exchange to defend the currency. Around $211 million was used in May as the rupee tested its weakest level in four years on May 21. Foreign reserves fell 3.8 per cent in April to about $6.7 billion, reflecting the cost of higher imports and intervention, although reserves remain well above the crisis levels seen during the 2022 balance-of-payments collapse.
Sri Lanka’s external position has become more fragile after a stronger start to the year. The current account moved into deficit in April after surpluses during the first quarter, mainly because of a wider trade gap, a softer services surplus and higher primary income outflows. Workers’ remittances continued to improve, offering some relief, but the recovery in imports has changed the balance in the foreign exchange market.
The policy shift also comes as Sri Lanka remains under a $2.9 billion International Monetary Fund programme designed to restore macroeconomic stability after the country’s sovereign default. A further $695 million disbursement was approved in late May, helping support reserves and fiscal reforms, but the economy remains exposed to external shocks, especially oil price volatility and shifts in investor confidence.
“We want this programme to become more than an athlete initiative. We want it to become a platform that inspires ambition, progression and belief across the region.”
Selection goes beyond results and influences – athletes are evaluated based on mindset, potential, level of support and commitment to their sport. The Red Bull Next Generation programme combines performance support, expert guidance and athlete storytelling, helping selected athletes develop both competitively and personally. Athletes chosen for the programme will receive tailored support that includes workshops, mentorship, media training, financial assistance and content visibility across Red Bull channels.
Adelene Tay, Head of Marketing, TCP Red Bull Malaysia, shared, “Red Bull Malaysia has always been committed to energising the local sporting community, from supporting grassroots motorsports talent to providing platforms that inspire ambition, growth, and belief among the next generation of Malaysian athletes.”
“With Malaysia being one of the first markets to lead Red Bull Next Generation, we see this as an important opportunity to shine a spotlight on promising athletes and provide them with greater visibility and opportunities. At Red Bull Malaysia, we remain committed to building a stronger sporting community for the future, and we are excited to play a role in helping more Malaysian athletes realise their potential.”
The programme will also include guidance from Martin Pfeifenberger, a Performance Expert specialising in athlete training, recovery and human performance. With more than 20 years of experience, Martin has worked with elite athletes across over 100 sports disciplines, ranging from Formula 1 drivers and Olympic champions to top-performing teams in football, triathlon, and endurance sports.
“Across Southeast Asia, there are young athletes putting in the work every day, often before anyone is paying attention,” said Sigurd Meiche, Program Director for Red Bull Next Generation, who has extensive experience developing athlete-focused sports initiatives globally.
“Some athletes may already be competing at a high level, while others are building momentum within their local scenes, communities or cities. What matters to us is not whether someone is already famous or fully professional, it is their mindset, ambition and commitment to progressing in their sport,” he said.
“Red Bull Next Generation is about finding those athletes early, supporting them at the moment it matters most, and helping them unlock what’s possible both in sport and beyond it.”
Unlike many traditional, one-size-fits-all athlete programmes, Red Bull Next Generation is intentionally designed to be inclusive across all sports and disciplines, including esports, and welcomes both individual and team athletes. Whether competing nationally, building recognition within a city or hometown, or becoming influential figures within local sports communities, the programme is focused on identifying athletes with the ambition and potential to progress.
Centred around the belief that the next generation of athletes already exists, they just have not been seen yet, Red Bull Next Generation aims to spotlight the training, progression, setbacks and breakthroughs that happen long before mainstream recognition.
Hashtag: #RedBullNextGen
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Energising Malaysians since 1993, Red Bull Malaysia is the No.1 energy drink brand in the nation, fuelling individuals of all lifestyles to live their purpose through a range of effective and delicious energy drinks. A firm believer in the special combination of “Energy” and “Passion”, the brand aims to give drinkers a boost they need to overcome everything and anything.
About TCP Group
TCP Group is a leading beverage and food company in Thailand and the owner of the world’s most iconic energy drink brand “Red Bull” with the Yoovidhya family. Also known as the “House of Great Brands,” the company has a diverse product portfolio and is active in 15 markets in Asia, employing more than 5,000 people globally. In Thailand, the company also enjoys success from its distribution, OEM, vending machine business and market activation service.
Anthropic has released Claude Fable 5, its most powerful AI model made broadly available, opening public access to a safeguarded version of the company’s Mythos-class technology after months of controlled testing among selected partners. The launch marks a significant shift for the San Francisco-based AI company, which had previously limited Mythos-class capabilities because of concerns over advanced cybersecurity and biological-risk use cases. Claude Fable 5 is being […]
Matein Khalid Only after I tried to read the 277-page SpaceX IPO filing did I grasp the truth of Winston Churchill’s observation that his sceptred isle and America were two countries separated by a common language. For my Brit friends and editors, SpaceX is a rocket launch, satellite and AI business. In the legal gobbledygook of SEC/Wall Street, American lingo, SpaceX is history’s first “orbital infrastructure conglomerate”. […]
The MOU establishes a framework for collaboration to facilitate consented cross-border credit report applications for individuals with financial footprints in either country. The initiative aims to enhance financial inclusion, strengthen credit risk assessment, and support the growing economic integration between the two neighbouring markets.
Singapore and Malaysia share one of ASEAN’s most dynamic economic relationships, with bilateral trade regularly exceeding SGD 100 billion annually. Both countries maintain deep labour, education and business linkages, supported by strong digital infrastructure and rapidly growing digital financial services ecosystems.
The collaboration is strategically aligned with the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), which places strong emphasis on digital industries, data-driven enterprises and technology-enabled services. As the digital economy accelerates cross-border business models, including fintech, e-commerce, digital banking and platform-based SMEs, trusted cross-border credit infrastructure will be critical to enabling secure digital onboarding, responsible lending and seamless access to capital across both markets.
Under the MOU, CBS and Experian Malaysia intend to collaborate on a cross-border initiative that enables the structured and secure exchange of individual credit information between the two markets.
The proposed framework will define:
For consumers, the initiative is expected to improve access to financial products by enabling lenders to consider verified credit histories of individuals from across the border. This may particularly benefit digital-native workers, entrepreneurs and professionals whose financial footprints span both jurisdictions. As more individuals build financial footprints on both sides of the Causeway, the ability to securely and responsibly reflect their credit history across borders becomes increasingly important. A structured cross-border credit reporting framework can help ensure that consumers are assessed more fairly and comprehensively, rather than being treated as “new-to-credit” applicants when they move between Singapore and Malaysia.
For financial institutions, access to cross-border credit data can provide a more holistic view of an applicant’s financial obligations, supporting stronger digital underwriting, reduced cross-border fraud risk and more confident expansion into adjacent markets. Improved cross-border data transparency may also enhance operational efficiency and portfolio resilience in increasingly digital lending environments.
CBS and Experian Malaysia emphasised that data protection, regulatory compliance, and consumer consent are foundational to the initiative. Both parties are committed to working within their respective legal and regulatory frameworks and engaging relevant authorities to facilitate responsible implementation. The MOU also contains confidentiality provisions governing information exchanged in the course of collaboration.
Mr. William Lim, Executive Director of Credit Bureau Singapore, said:
“As individuals and businesses operate more seamlessly across Singapore and Malaysia, credit information systems must evolve to reflect cross-border realities. This collaboration represents an important step towards enabling more seamless and responsible access to credit for consumers.”
Ms. Dawn Lai, Chief Executive Officer of Experian Information Services Malaysia, added: “Trusted data collaboration is key to strengthening digital financial ecosystems. By working together, we aim to enhance financial inclusion, improve risk transparency and support sustainable growth across both markets.”
Mr. Vincent Yap, CBS Board Chairman & Group Chief Credit Officer, Consumer Credit Risk Management of Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation, said “The access to cross-border credit data can provide a more comprehensive view of an individual applicant’s financial obligations, supporting more accurate risk assessment outcomes, reduced cross-border fraud risk and promote seamless access to capital across both markets.”
Hashtag: #Experian
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Credit Bureau (Singapore) Pte Ltd (CBS), a subsidiary of Credit Bureau Asia Limited (CBA), is Singapore’s most comprehensive consumer credit bureau that has full-industry uploads from financial institutions such as retail banks, merchant banks, finance companies and credit card issuers licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). CBS is a joint venture between The Association of Banks in Singapore (ABS) and Infocredit Holdings Pte Ltd.
The setting up of a consumer credit bureau in Singapore is a significant addition to enhance the Republic’s risk management capability. Since 2002, the Banking Act, administered by the Monetary Authority of Singapore, has allowed CBS members to disclose and obtain credit-related information to mitigate consumer credit risk through information pooling from CBS. From 2021, credit bureaus that conduct consumer credit reporting businesses in Singapore, such as CBS, are regulated under the Credit Bureau Act 2016.
As part of consumer credit reporting business, CBS aggregates credit-related information amongst participating members and presents a more complete risk profile of a customer to credit providers. This helps credit providers to determine the likelihood of the customer repaying, thus enhancing their risk assessment capabilities. Our goal is to also educate and reach out to the wider community on the importance of credit reputation.
CBS has also been designated by the Ministry of Law as the operator of the Moneylenders Credit Bureau (MLCB) under Section 56 of the Moneylenders Act.
MLCB is a central repository of data on borrowers’ loans and repayment records with all licensed moneylenders (LMLs) in Singapore. It will allow LMLs to assess the creditworthiness of borrowers and make informed decisions when granting loan applications. MLCB will also help borrowers to understand their loan information report so as to work towards achieving better financial health.
About Credit Bureau Asia Limited
(www.creditbureauasia.com)
Credit Bureau Asia Limited (CBA) is a leading player in the credit and risk information solutions market in Southeast Asia. CBA provides credit and risk information solutions to an extensive client base of financial institutions (“FI”), multinational corporations, telecommunication companies, government bodies and public agencies, local enterprises and individuals across Singapore, Malaysia, Cambodia and Myanmar. CBA’s business has two core segments, the FI Data Business and the Non-FI Data Business, covering both consumer and commercial credit risk information.
As at 31 December 2024, the Group has more than 255 financial institution members across Singapore, Cambodia and Myanmar, including banks, microfinance institutions, leasing companies and rural credit operators.
For its Non-FI Data Business, the Group has more than 6,000 enterprise customers, ranging from multinational corporations to small and medium-sized enterprises. CBA’s Non-FI Data Business operates in Singapore and Malaysia, where enterprise customers can access a wide range of business information and risk management services, sales and marketing solutions, and commercial insights. CBA combines data sourced from a variety of publicly accessible registries, Dun & Bradstreet’s extensive international network, as well as information contributed by businesses which subscribe to CBA’s payment bureau services. The Group has access to a database of more than 580 million business records globally.
CBA was named in Forbes Asia’s 2025 “Best Under A Billion” list, marking the second consecutive year that CBA has been named among the top 200 top-performing publicly listed small and mid-sized companies across the Asia-Pacific region.
About Experian (www.experianplc.com)
Experian is a global data and technology company, powering opportunities for people and businesses around the world. We help to redefine lending practices, uncover and prevent fraud, simplify healthcare, deliver digital marketing solutions, and gain deeper insights into the automotive market, all using our unique combination of data, analytics and platforms. We also assist millions of people to realise their financial goals and help them to save time and money.
We operate across a range of markets, from financial services to healthcare, automotive, agrifinance, insurance, and many more industry segments.
We invest in talented people and new advanced technologies to unlock the power of data and to innovate. A FTSE 100 Index company listed on the London Stock Exchange (EXPN), we have a team of 25,200 people across 33 countries. Our corporate headquarters are in Dublin, Ireland. Learn more at experianplc.com.
Apple Maps is preparing a major upgrade to its three-dimensional city experience, with 3D Gaussian splatting set to give users cleaner, sharper and more realistic urban scenes built from oblique aerial imagery. The shift marks a technical break from conventional mesh-based photogrammetry, the approach that has long powered digital city models but often produced warped tree canopies, distorted cables, softened building edges and streetscapes that appeared convincing […]
Access to finance for industrial startups is becoming a sharper policy test for the UAE as high-growth manufacturing ventures confront longer revenue cycles, heavier capital needs and risk profiles that often sit outside conventional lending models. Shaker Zainal, head of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Innovation Fund, has placed the financing gap for industrial startups within a wider challenge of alignment between founders, banks, government-backed platforms and ecosystem […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai UAE nationals building new private homes can claim VAT refunds on a wider range of construction-related expenses under a Federal Tax Authority initiative that broadens relief for citizens at a time of elevated residential building costs. The initiative, now active, applies to eligible refund claims submitted on or after 1 January 2026 and is expected to lift the value of approved homebuilding VAT […]
Coinbase and Cardless have moved to widen access to crypto-linked consumer credit by adding a stablecoin-secured version of the Coinbase One Card for applicants who cannot be approved on an unsecured basis. The product allows eligible Coinbase One members in the United States to pledge USDC held in, or purchased through, their Coinbase wallet as security for a credit card issued by First Electronic Bank and offered […]
Apple has unveiled a major overhaul of Siri and a broad set of child safety tools at its Worldwide Developers Conference, placing artificial intelligence and family controls at the centre of its next software cycle. The new Siri AI is available immediately for developer testing across iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27 and visionOS 27, with support for watchOS 27 due in a later developer beta. A […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Riyadh Air has opened ticket sales for daily flights between Dubai and Riyadh from 18 June, adding a new premium operator to one of the Gulf’s busiest business and leisure corridors as Saudi Arabia accelerates plans to turn its capital into a global aviation hub. Flights will operate between Dubai International Airport and King Khalid International Airport using Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, placing wide-body […]
Scott Price, Group Chief Executive, DFI Retail Group said: “Tackling Scope 3 emissions requires collaboration across the value chain, and we are pleased that the Challenge has created opportunities for innovators to test and scale practical solutions within real operating environments. We look forward to seeing how they support our progress towards more sustainable and resilient food systems.”
Number 8 Bio has built a feed additive that does two jobs at once. BetterFeed™, a family of proprietary organic small molecules, free of bromoform, reduces enteric methane from grazing cattle and sheep, which is responsible for both the majority of livestock emissions and a 12% loss of nutritional energy from every pasture. By stopping that methane from forming, BetterFeed™ redirects the recovered energy straight back into animal growth and production, a genuine win for farmers’ bottom lines as much as for the climate. Winning the DFI Sustainability Innovation Challenge opens a pilot pathway across DFI’s beef and dairy supply chains, including with Mengniu Dairy and Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CPF).
Cintia Nunes, General Manager, Head of Asia, The Mills Fabrica said, “The next phase of climate innovation is not just about discovering new technologies but helping them scale in ways that create tangible change. DFI is an industry leader willing to put real supply-chain access and pilot pathways behind climate-tech innovators. We are committed to deepening this partnership with DFI and to working with more forward-looking partners, so that the most promising innovators get the partnerships, capital and pilots they need to translate their work to commercial impact.”
Erica Chan, Group Chief Legal, Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer, DFI Retail Group added: “We are pleased that this partnership with The Mills Fabrica has identified technologies with real commercial potential. Their global network and deep expertise in sustainability innovation helped us connect with a very strong cohort of climate-tech innovators. What impressed us most was the commercial readiness of the solutions. These are practical technologies with the potential to reduce emissions, strengthen supply chain resilience, and support more sustainable food systems.”
Hashtag: #DFIretailGroup #TheMillsFabrica #Sustainability
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
DFI Retail Group is a leading Asian retailer driven by its purpose to “Sustainably Serve Asia for Generations with Everyday Moments”. At 31 December 2025, the Group and Maxim’s operated 7,580 outlets and employed more than 79,000 people across 12 markets. The Group is committed to delivering quality, value and service to consumers across the region through trusted brands, strong local market positions, and a broad retail ecosystem supported by extensive store networks, digital capabilities and efficient supply chains. The Group operates a portfolio of well-known brands across five key divisions: health and beauty, convenience, food, home furnishings and restaurants under Maxim’s.
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Orange Jordan and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit have convened private-sector roundtables under the PASS programme, widening efforts to connect startups with established companies as Jordan pushes entrepreneurship-led job creation and digital growth. Three sessions were held in Amman, Irbid and Aqaba under the title Private Sector Roundtable – PASS Project, bringing together startups, corporate representatives and ecosystem partners to examine how young […]
LAS VEGAS, US – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 June 2026 – De Beers Group and GIA (Gemological Institute of America) today announced the signing of a definitive agreement for GIA to acquire a 30 per cent shareholding in Tracr, the De Beers Group-backed company behind the development of the pioneering diamond provenance blockchain-driven platform.
The agreement marks a significant milestone in Tracr’s evolution towards independence and reflects GIA’s confidence in the platform’s role as an industry-wide infrastructure to advance natural diamond provenance and traceability at scale.
GIA’s investment – which builds on a 2023 initiative to include diamond provenance information registered on Tracr’s platform on eligible GIA diamond grading reports – represents a significant step in this transition, reinforcing Tracr’s long-term credibility across the diamond value chain.
Al Cook, CEO of De Beers Group, said: “Consumers deserve to know where their diamonds come from and they should feel more confident in their understanding of each diamond’s source. At De Beers we have been providing provenance data on diamonds through Tracr for several years and we believe that delivering provenance should become an industry standard. Following our promise to open Tracr up to broad ownership, we are proud to be partnering with GIA as Tracr evolves into an independent, industry-wide platform. We will work alongside GIA to advance provenance transparency for the entire diamond sector.”
Pritesh Patel, President and CEO of GIA, said: “At GIA, our mission has always been rooted in trust, integrity, and consumer confidence. Our collaboration with Tracr over the past several years reinforced our belief that combining source-based blockchain provenance with GIA’s independent grading and identification expertise can help unlock a new level of transparency for the diamond industry. As Tracr continues to scale globally, we see a tremendous opportunity to deliver meaningful, verifiable provenance information from the source to the consumer. We are proud to deepen our commitment through this investment and help shape the next evolution of transparency, traceability, and trust across our industry.”
Jillian Wolk, CEO of Tracr, said: “The start of Tracr’s evolution into an independent platform, as a result of GIA’s investment, creates a strong foundation for the future. I am excited to continue scaling the platform and bringing more producers on board, which will support Tracr in enabling the individual journey of every registered diamond to come to life. Each stone carries its own narrative, defined by its source and the craftsmanship that has shaped it, and as Tracr continues to grow we have a fantastic opportunity to help reveal those unique stories.”
Today, more than five million rough diamonds have been registered on Tracr at source, representing around two-thirds of De Beers’rough diamond production by value. Since January 2025, single country of origin for De Beers diamonds has been available on Tracr, with all newly sourced De Beers rough diamonds of one carat and above being registered on the platform.
Hashtag: #NaturalDiamonds #Diamonds #DeBeersGroup #GIA #Tracr
https://www.debeersgroup.com/
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Established in 1888, De Beers Group is the world’s leading diamond company with expertise in the exploration, mining, marketing and retailing of diamonds. Together with its joint venture partners, De Beers Group employs more than 20,000 people across the diamond pipeline and is the world’s largest diamond producer by value, with diamond mining operations in Botswana, Canada, Namibia and South Africa. Innovation sits at the heart of De Beers Group’s strategy as it develops a portfolio of offers that span the diamond value chain, including its jewellery houses, De Beers Jewellers and Forevermark, and other pioneering solutions such as diamond sourcing and traceability initiatives Tracr and GemFair. De Beers Group also provides leading services and technology to the diamond industry in the form of education and laboratory services via De Beers Institute of Diamonds and a wide range of diamond sorting, detection and classification technology systems via De Beers Group Ignite. De Beers Group is committed to ‘Building Forever,’ a holistic and integrated approach for creating a better future – where safety, human rights and ethical integrity continue to be paramount; where communities thrive and the environment is protected; and where there are equal opportunities for all. De Beers Group is a member of the Anglo-American plc group. For further information, visit www.debeersgroup.com.
About GIA
An independent nonprofit organization, GIA (Gemological Institute of America), established in 1931, is recognized as the world’s foremost authority in gemology. GIA invented the famous 4Cs of Color, Clarity, Cut and Carat Weight and, in 1953, created the International Diamond Grading System™ which is recognized around the world as the standard for diamond quality.
Through research, education, gemological laboratory services and instrument development, the Institute is dedicated to ensuring the public trust in gems and jewelry by upholding the highest standards of integrity, academics, science and professionalism.
Digital gold has arrived in the Gulf. It still answers to the gram. 1. Two buyers, one price Walk through the Dubai Gold Souq on a busy evening and you will see two buyers who think they are doing completely different things. One is turning a 22-karat bangle over in his hand, watching the shopkeeper punch the day’s rate into a calculator. The other is standing a […]
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 June 2026 – Disney magic blooms anew at Singapore’s premier horticultural destination Gardens by the Bay as the second edition of Disney Garden of Wonder, opens today. Featuring 23 vibrant topiaries inspired by beloved Disney and Pixar characters, the enchanting showcase transforms Floral Fantasy into a world of floral artistry and imagination through 14 March 2027.
Organised in collaboration with Disney and supported by the Singapore Tourism Board, Disney Garden of Wonder is inspired by Disney and Pixar stories that have charmed generations of fans around the world, inviting people of all ages to re-discover their favourite stories of courage, kindness, friendship and love through the beauty of plants. Following the success of its debut at Gardens by the Bay in 2024, the enthralling floral showcase returns in an even more special second edition.
Visitors can look forward to five themed areas:
Outside Floral Fantasy, a 4m-tall Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey marks the entrance and welcomes visitors to Gardens by the Bay.
The hand-assembled topiaries are crafted from more than 40 species of preserved and dried floral materials, which took more than 16,000 man hours.
Each material was selected for its colour, texture and form, helping to reflect each character’s features. Plenty of flowers are used for the Disney princesses for example, while Rapunzel’s hair is crafted from Stipa, a perennial grass that has fluffy or oat-like flowerheads.
The surrounding landscapes also use plant palettes that reflect the mood of each zone — sunflowers and marigolds reflect the honey-toned meadow setting of Winnie the Pooh, while lilies and roses bring out the romantic and jewel-toned settings of Disney Princess stories. Hydrangeas and dusty miller evoke the icy blues, whites and silvers of Frozen.
Throughout the duration of Garden of Wonder, visitors can enjoy select weekend Meet and Greet sessions with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in outfits inspired by Singapore’s national flower, the Vanda Miss Joaquim. Donald Duck and Daisy Duck will also join the experience on select weekends, dressed for a sunny getaway on our tropical island. Meet and Greet dates are available at www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/disneygardenofwonder.
Visitors can round off their experience with shopping at the gift shop, which carries items launching exclusively at Disney Garden of Wonder.
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An integral part of Singapore’s “City in Nature” vision, Gardens by the Bay is a national garden and premier horticultural attraction that showcases the best of garden and floral artistry for all to enjoy. Spanning 101 hectares in the heart of Singapore’s downtown Marina Bay, it comprises three waterfront gardens – Bay South, Bay East, and Bay Central. Bay South, the largest at 54 hectares, officially opened on 29 June 2012.
Guided by the vision to be a world of gardens for all to own, enjoy and cherish, the Gardens’ extensive plant collection, ever-changing floral displays, and myriad of engaging programmes have captured the imagination of many, while its Gift of Gardens community initiative, with Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam, President of the Republic of Singapore as Patron, reaches out to people from all walks of life.
Since opening, Gardens by the Bay has welcomed more than 115 million visitors and garnered numerous international accolades including the third Top Attraction in the World in Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best 2026, Outstanding Achievement in Sustainability at the Singapore Tourism Awards 2024, Best Theme Attraction at TTG Travel Awards 2022 and 2023, and Best Attraction Experience at the Singapore Tourism Awards 2019. The Gardens continues to refresh and refine its offerings, to be a place that everyone can enjoy – a garden where wonder blooms.
For more information, visit www.gardensbythebay.com.sg.
The exhibition brings together over 60 pieces of signature works alongside new creations, accentuating cross-disciplinary philosophy of “Technology + Art + Eastern Culture” to achieve glittering and transparent art works. Through the use of innovative, crystalline materials and immersive, accessible artistic language, Wu Daijie Art Studio redefines artistic expression to deliver avant-garde works that resonate deeply with audiences.
The Opening Ceremony was officiated by guests of honour, including Ms. Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director of the Macao Government Tourism Office; Ms. Chan Lei Lei, Director of Macao Conservatory, Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macau S.A.R. Government; Mr. Philip Cheng, Director of Galaxy Entertainment Group; and lead artist Wu Daijie.
At the opening ceremony, Mr Philip Cheng, Director of Galaxy Entertainment Group, said: “Galaxy Entertainment Group continues to align with the Macao SAR Government’s “Tourism + Culture” initiative, working closely alongside the government and industry partners to create distinctive cultural and artistic experiences. Through dedicated efforts, we present a diverse range of unique events that offer fresh and exciting experiences for visitors from around the world. This exhibition bridges artistic expression with technological innovation, inspired by interpretations and imagination rooted in traditional Eastern culture. We believe that this brand-new exhibition will bring renewed vibrancy and creative energy to Macao’s arts and cultural scene this summer.”
Lead artist Wu Daijie added: “Macau serves as the gateway for Chinese and Western interaction and a vital hub for cultural exchange within the Greater Bay Area. Galaxy Macau and GalaxyArt – world-class integrated resort and arts platform – continuously offer forward-thinking experiences. I am deeply honoured to present my exhibition here, which is not only a sharing of my personal artistic endeavours at this stage, but also a way to contribute to the popularisation of art.”
Structured around four thematic expressions, the exhibition unfolds a poetic journey through light, form and emotion. “Luminosity · The Spirit of Nature” captures the ethereal beauty of living beings, distilling their essence into luminous, crystallised forms that reflect the pure vibrancy of living creatures. “Luminosity · The Glow of Modernity” presents whimsical perfection and unlimited possibilities seen in fairy tales through light and shadows, creating striking, avant-garde visual narratives.
In “Luminosity – Beyond Void & Form,” the serene elegance of Zen philosophy is reinterpreted through a delicate interplay of classical and modern aesthetics, while “Luminosity – Flowing like Water” evokes fluidity and abundance, expressing grace, balance and openness.
A Vivid Transformation into Luminous Clarity
“Ethereal Flow” — a contemporary, fashion-forward series that includes a large-scale aerial installation – is the highlight in the “Luminosity · Flowing like Water” section series. Inspired by a classic passage from Laozi’s Tao Te Ching— “The highest goodness is like water; water benefits all things without contention, embodying the virtue of humility”—the work reflects the idea that true virtue, like water, nurtures and sustains all without striving. With its dynamic sense of scale and dazzling visual impact, the installation invites audiences to reflect on reality and the nature of humanity.
“Ethereal Stone” and “Timeless Dialogue: Taihu Stone” is a collection of four pieces at the “Luminosity – Beyond Void & Form” section. The works draw inspiration from the classic anecdote of Mi Fu reverently addressing a scholar’s rock, reflecting the deep-rooted Chinese tradition of stone appreciation and its unique cultural heritage. Centred on the intricate beauty of Taihu stones, the works reinterpret their delicate, sculptural forms through a contemporary lens. By bringing traditional culture into dialogue with modern artistic expression, the series creates a poetic exchange across time. It also serves as a gentle reflection for today’s fast-paced society—encouraging a return to inner contemplation, and a rediscovery of cultural identity and humanistic spirit through the philosophies of Chinese tradition.
“Dazzling Galaxy – Crystalline Art Exhibition” – open now until September 13 at GalaxyArt – invites visitors to immerse themselves in a radiant convergence of innovation, culture and artistry, further enriching Galaxy Macau’s dynamic cultural landscape and reaffirming the award-winning luxury resort’s commitment to world-class creative experiences.
For more information about Galaxy Macau and GalaxyArt, please visit www.galaxymacau.com.
Hashtag: #GalaxyMacau
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Galaxy Macau, world-class luxury integrated resort, delivers the “Most Spectacular Entertainment and Leisure Destination in the World”. Developed at an investment of HK$43 billion, the property covers 1.1 million-square-meter of unique entertainment and leisure attractions that are unlike anything else in Macau. Nine award-winning world-class luxury hotels provide close to 5,000 rooms, suites and villas. They include Banyan Tree Macau, Galaxy Hotel™, Hotel Okura Macau, JW Marriott Hotel Macau, The Ritz-Carlton, Macau, Broadway Hotel, Raffles at Galaxy Macau, Andaz Macau, and Capella at Galaxy Macau. Unique to Galaxy Macau, the 75,000-square-meter Grand Resort Deck features the world’s longest Skytop Adventure Rapids at 575 metres, the largest Skytop Wave Pool with waves up to 1.5-metre high and 150-metre pristine white sand beach. Two five-star spas from Banyan Tree Spa Macau and The Ritz- Carlton Spa, Macau help guests relax and rejuvenate.
As the dining destination in Asia, Galaxy Macau offers a wide variety of gastronomic delights, exquisite experiences and ingredients of the finest quality with over 120 dining options from Michelin dining to authentic delicacies; Galaxy Promenade is the hottest shopping destination featuring the latest in fashion and curated experiences in Macau. Spanning over 100,000-square-meter, luxury flagship stores, lifestyle boutiques and our selection of labels are among the more than 200 world-renowned brands for a world-class shopping journey; Galaxy Cinemas, immersive thrills and luxurious comfort go hand in hand at Galaxy Cinemas. All 10 theatres are equipped with the latest audio-visual technology; CHINA ROUGE, one-of-a-kind deluxe lounge that evokes the glitz and glamor of Shanghai’s golden era with entertainment in luxury and style; and Foot Hub presents the traditional art of reflexology to make you feel more relaxed and revitalized. For Authentic Macau Flavours & Vibrant Asian Experiences, Broadway Macau – just a 90-second walk via a bridge from Galaxy Macau, has over 35 Authentic Macau & Asian Flavours at its Broadway Food Street. The 2,500-seat Broadway Theatre plays host to world-class entertainers and a diverse array of cultural events. Meeting, incentive and banquet groups are also well looked after with a portfolio of unique venues in Galaxy Macau and a professional service staff.
Galaxy International Convention Center (GICC) is the latest addition to the Group’s ever-expanding integrated resort precinct and will usher in a new era for the MICE industry in Macau. GICC is a world- class event venue featuring 40,000-square-meter of total flexible MICE, and a 16,000-seat Galaxy Arena – the largest indoor arena in Macau.
For more details, please visit www.galaxymacau.com, www.broadwaymacau.com.mo and www.galaxyicc.com.
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