International Monetary Fund officials have urged South Africa to ensure that a planned fiscal rule designed to guide public spending and debt management is carefully structured and strongly supported, warning that the success of such a framework will depend on clear targets, institutional oversight and political commitment. The recommendation comes as authorities in Africa’s most industrialised economy attempt to stabilise public finances following years of rising government […]
Autonomous delivery robots are beginning to move beyond pavements and into urban streets, as robotics company Coco Robotics deploys a faster generation of machines guided by mapping technology originally developed for the global mobile game Pokémon GO. The company says its latest machine, known as Coco 2, can travel at speeds of up to 13 miles per hour while navigating city roads and bicycle lanes where local […]
JAKARTA, INDONESIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 March 2026 – The Ministry of Forestry of the Republic of Indonesia reaffirmed the country‘s commitment to sustainable forest governance and transparent supply chains during a meeting with representatives from Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd. and Hanwa Co., Ltd. at the Ministry‘s office on Wednesday (March 4).
Official Meeting on Sustainable Forestry The Indonesian Ministry of Forestry receives representatives from Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd. and Hanwa Co., Ltd.—key buyers of wood pellets from PT Biomasa Jaya Abadi
The meeting was part of Indonesia‘s ongoing engagement with international partners to strengthen mutual understanding of sustainable forest management and the governance framework underpinning Indonesia‘s forest-based industries, including the emerging biomass sector.
Ade Mukadi, Director of Forest Product Processing and Marketing Development at the Ministry of Forestry, emphasized that Indonesia continues to strengthen its forest governance architecture to ensure that forest utilization is conducted responsibly and in accordance with national regulations and sustainability principles.
“Indonesia has established a comprehensive forest governance framework that integrates legality assurance, sustainability standards, and independent verification. We continue to enhance this system to ensure transparency, accountability, and supply chain integrity,” Ade stated.
Official Dialogue with Ministry of Forestry’s Ade Mukadi (second left), Director of Forest Product Processing and Market, and Tony Rianto (second right), Head of the Sub-Directorate, meet with Tokyo Gas and Hanwa representatives
Tokyo Gas and Hanwa are buyers of wood pellets produced by PT Biomasa Jaya Abadi (PT BJA), which operates in Pohuwato Regency, Gorontalo Province. Tony Rianto, Head of the Sub-Directorate for Forest Product Certification and Marketing, explained that Indonesia‘s forest governance system is guided by four key pillars: sustainable forest management that balances ecological, social, and economic functions; transparency and accountability; regulatory compliance; and respect for indigenous peoples and local communities.
Central to this framework is Indonesia‘s Timber Legality and Sustainability Verification System (SVLK), a national assurance system ensuring that forest products originate from legal and sustainably managed sources. The system covers the entire supply chain—from harvesting and transportation to processing and export—and is implemented through independent verification bodies accredited to audit forest operators, industries, and exporters.
Furthermore, Indonesia continues to enhance the system in line with evolving global market expectations, including the development of geolocation-based monitoring at harvesting sites and the digitalization of transport and export documentation.
These measures are designed to strengthen traceability and support compliance with emerging international due diligence requirements, such as the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
During the meeting, discussions also covered Indonesia‘s forest utilization planning framework, including the Annual Work Plan (RKT), which regulates harvesting activities under approved long-term forest management plans and incorporates biodiversity safeguards and conservation measures.
The Ministry reaffirmed that forest utilization activities are subject to rigorous regulatory oversight and monitoring mechanisms to ensure compliance with environmental safeguards and sustainable forest management practices.
The meeting followed an earlier discussion between Tokyo Gas and Hanwa and the Pohuwato Regency Government on Monday (March 2). Regent Syaiful A.
Mbuinga confirmed that PT BJA has fulfilled all licensing requirements, operates legally, and contributes to the local economy by employing more than 1,500 workers.
Investment in Pohuwato, including from PT BJA, has contributed to regional economic growth of around 9%, with the local government maintaining strict oversight of investment activities in the region.
Hashtag: #TirtoIndonesia
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
VIENNA, AUSTRIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 March 2026 – Easy to transport, featuring compact size and high-quality images, developed to revolutionise and facilitate the work of interventional radiologists all around the world. Esaote launched the new MyLab™ E85 GTS, the new cart-based ultrasound system that Esaote, a leading Italian company in medical imaging innovation, presented at the European Congress of Radiology (ECR), held in Vienna from 4th to 8th March.
The machine is based on two new technologies, combined for the first time: Virtual Navigator and Ablation Confirmation. The former enables real-time multimodality image fusion for accurate navigation, reinforcing the role of ultrasound as a valuable aid to computed tomography (CT)-guided interventional procedures. The second analyses and combines pre- and post-treatment CT and multiparametric MRI data with real-time ultrasound imaging automatically to assess the technical success of thermal ablation procedures. The combination of both technologies aims at providing interventional radiologists with accurate diagnosis, excellent needle visualisation and improved interventional procedures.
Equipped with a touch-sensitive keyboard that is easy to clean, MyLab™ E85 GTS represents a further evolution in the devices now available to specialists, offering their patients even greater precision in minimally invasive therapeutic and diagnostic procedures. The combination of Virtual Navigator and Ablation Confirmation guarantees extremely high performance in biopsies, aspirations and drainages. The visualization of the needle is excellent and contributes to the confidence of the physician and the precision of the operation performed.
“Interventional procedures can be done under CT guidance, but allying them with ultrasound systems, characterized by non-radiation procedures and real time-imaging, offers invaluable advantages: with a single click, the fusion between CT and US images is operational”, explained Marta Daniel, Guided Therapy Product and Clinical Solutions Manager at Esaote, on the sidelines of the launch of the new ultrasound scanner at the European Congress of Radiology in Vienna. “By maximising the workflow of focal ablation, MyLab™ E85 GTS offers the first “integrated” Ablation Confirmation Software in addition to fusion imaging. The software analyses pre- and post-ablation CT scans and provides feedback on the effectiveness of the procedure, maintaining real-time fused images to navigate the target area, both to confirm treatment and to further ablate any residual areas identified. This is a revolutionary breakthrough that ensures confidence and precision”, she concluded.
Esaote developed the new MyLab™ E85 GTS with today’s interventional radiology needs in mind. “Working with young physicians all around the world, we identified their challenges and understood their specific requests, pushing us to go beyond the conventional functions of an ultrasound system”, said Laurent Rapon, Global Business Development Manager GTS US. “The E85 GTS is our first response to this commitment, proposing a sealed keyboard design and integrating tailor-made software to further ease complex interventional procedures”.
Hashtag: #Esaote
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Chinese authorities have begun restricting the use of OpenClaw artificial-intelligence applications on office computers within banks, government departments and state-owned enterprises, responding to mounting security concerns surrounding the emerging technology. Instructions circulated through regulatory and internal administrative channels direct public institutions and state-controlled companies to halt installation or use of OpenClaw AI tools on official devices and internal networks. The move reflects a tightening approach to generative […]
Software that rewrites and improves its own code is emerging as one of the most consequential developments in artificial intelligence, pushing the boundaries of how digital systems are designed, maintained and regulated. Engineers and researchers say the rise of autonomous coding agents capable of modifying their own behaviour could alter the economics of software development while raising profound questions about oversight and accountability. Advances in large language […]
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 March 2026 – Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the Food Expo PRO and Hong Kong International Tea Fair will be staged concurrently from 13 to 15 August 2026 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The fairs serve as a powerful business platform tailored for industry professionals to launch new products, build connections with influential buyers, and discover fresh market opportunities.
The Food Expo PRO open exclusively to trade buyers on the first two days, and welcome public ticket-holders on 15 August. The concurrent Hong Kong International Tea Fair will be open to both trade buyers and public ticket holders for all three days. The 2025 edition gathered some 18,500 buyers from 64 countries and regions. Buyers are mainly importers, wholesalers, distributors, hotel groups, restaurants, clubhouses, and retail leaders such as department stores, as well as e-tailers. Apart from Hong Kong, buyers came from Chinese Mainland, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, as well as ASEAN countries, including Cambodia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam, among others, highlighting Hong Kong’s significant role as a key food trade hub globally.
Positioned strategically at the heart of Asia, coupled with its exceptional logistics services and adept supply chain management, Hong Kong serves as a promising platform for global food manufacturers to extend their reach into markets across Chinese Mainland and the broader Asian region. As a renowned culinary capital of Asia, Hong Kong is also home to a thriving food services industry that captivates locals and visitors alike.
Food Expo PRO aims to strengthen Hong Kong’s position as a business hub for the food industry in Chinese Mainland, Asia, and the world. As a pioneer in the F&B industry, the Expo has always kept a close eye on several key trends and innovation in order to capture the evolving dynamics of the food industry.
This year, Food Expo PRO will introduce a new Meat product zone to spotlight the dynamic meat sector and meet rising demand for premium, diverse, and innovative meat offerings. The zone will showcase a wide range of high-quality meat products, including chilled and frozen meats, processed meats, specialty items, and value-added solutions from global and regional suppliers. It aims to connect exhibitors with professional buyers seeking opportunities in premium proteins, sustainable sourcing, and market trends in the Greater Bay Area and beyond.
Recognising the promising landscape of the Halal Market, the Expo introduced a dedicated Halal food and beverage label in 2024, bringing a diverse variety of Halal certified products ranging from snacks, condiments to seafood. In 2025, more than 120 food suppliers showcased halal products from around the world. A seminar will guide through the importance and the progress of promoting halal-friendly environment in Hong Kong. This session will explore the growing demand for halal products and the standard.
Highlighted zone “Food Science and Technology” brings alternative food and future food products to the professional buyers. The Coffee zone, debuted last year, will showcase coffee products, accessories, and machines from various origins. Events such as coffee demonstrations and seminars covering the coffee value chain will also be held concurrently.
Food Expo PRO also features a variety of seminars and forums covering the latest developments and market opportunities in the food industry. The Food Tech Symposium will focus on the latest technological advancements transforming the sector. The discussion will cover how new technologies can enhance efficiency and quality, benefiting both producers and consumers.
Hong Kong International Tea Fair: Brewing opportunities in tea business
The concurrent Hong Kong International Tea Fair is Asia’s premier marketplace for the tea industry, showcasing a variety of high-quality specialty teas, delicate teaware and tea related products. Building on the positive feedback from adopting the B2B2C format in 2025, which attracted over 500,000 visits together with the four concurrent fairs, the 2026 Tea Fair will once again open to the public during the three-day exhibition period, bringing the rich culture of tea to a wider audience.
To capture the evolving trends in the tea industry, the 2025 edition featured a diverse variety of new-style tea beverages such as sparkling tea, Kombucha, non-alcoholic wine-tea concoction beverage, herbal tea and yuenyeung in a capsule. A thematic zone “Friends of Tea” also presented tea-related lifestyle products such as tea-pairing food and tea perfume. The 2026 edition will strengthen the zone to enrich the overall visiting experience of public tea lovers.
Each day at the fair is filled with different activities and events. The 2026Hong Kong International Tea Culture Forum will be organised, with the purpose of creating an international platform for communication, promoting tea culture, and driving the international development of the tea industry. The China and Greater Bay Area KamCha Competition 2026 (Hong Kong Milk Tea) – Hong Kong Final will be held during the Hong Kong International Tea Fair, aiming to select the top Hong Kong-style milk tea masters, showcase the skills and unique flavours of Hong Kong-style milk tea production, and promote Hong Kong-style milk tea culture. Other events, such as the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Youth International Tea Art Competition 2026, Youth Tea Ceremony, Tea Tasting Sessions and Tea Art Performances, offer an immersive exploration of tea’s rich history and latest trends.
The International Tea Event Space Design Competition 2026continues to promote tea culture. Participants can present their creative tea-serving space designs through the competition, and the shortlisted designs will be displayed and judged during the fair. Another fair highlight is the Hong Kong International Tea Fair Tea Competition. Exhibitors’ teas will be judged in six categories: Green Tea, Oolong Tea, Black Tea, Chinese Black Tea, Raw Pu’er, Others. The entries will also compete for “The Best Aroma Award” and “The Best Taste Award”. Visitors can enjoy free tea tasting of winning teas during the Fair.
The two fairs will continue to adopt the HKTDC’s EXHIBITION+ model that integrates online and offline elements, extending face-to-face interactions from physical events to smart business platform, Click2Match, which will be open to participants from 6 to 22 August.
In addition, the International Conference of the Modernization of Chinese Medicine and Health Products (ICMCM), organised by the Modernized Chinese Medicine International Association (MCMIA), together with the HKTDC and ten scientific research institutions and industry associations, will be held at the Hong Kong Exhibition and Convention Centre on 13 and 14 August to deliver professional traditional Chinese medicine insights into the industry.
BALI, INDONESIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 March 2026 –The multi-award-winning architecture of Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan – an awe-inspiring, suspended rice bowl structure – remains as pioneering today as when it was unveiled 28 years ago. Now, the Forbes Five-Star resort draws on those cutting-edge foundations to reveal a thoughtful reimagining of its luxury riverside suite accommodations and jungle-view dining spaces.
The resort has partnered with the world’s largest hospitality design firm, Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA), for a revamp anchored in Balinese harmony and heritage. Guided by an ethos of refined, rejuvenated, and liveable, the resort refresh launches in July 2026 across seven suite accommodations: five Premier Duplex Suites and two Family Premier Suites.
Ayung Terrace – the resort’s elevated jungle-vista restaurant – and Jati Bar, its river valley hideaway, will also showcase new furniture, colour schemes and styling. Every element of the refresh is rooted in respect for the jungle, rice paddy and Ayung River valley surrounds.
Inspired by Craftmanship and Culture
Existing design elements combine with Balinese textiles and craftsmanship to weave a rich tapestry of local artistry in the upgraded guest sanctuaries. Light, earthy fabrics inspired by Ubud’s rice paddies partner with dark, stained wood for a fresh contemporary vibe.
Through the redesign, HBA pay homage to the resort’s original architectural concept while offering a renewed aesthetic and meeting contemporary demands. Integrated smart home elements like LUTRON lighting offer seamless control over the suite environment.
The Following Reimagined Suites Will be Open to Guests from July 2026:
Premier Duplex Suite – The ultimate retreat for couples who appreciate extra space, this two-level one-bedroom suite includes a dining area with floor-to-ceiling river-view windows, and a sun terrace. Rich teak wood and hand-loomed fabrics create a warm, welcoming ambience.
Family Premier Suite – Ideally located in the resort’s main building near the restaurants and spa, this luxury one-bedroom suite features a beautifully designed kids’ room. A large living space and views over the river valley provide a soothing retreat for the entire family.
Driven by Sustainability
From reused materials to energy-saving fixtures, the redesign is deeply grounded in sustainability principles. All new guest rooms have energy-efficient LED lighting alongside new air conditioning units that use environmentally friendly energy-saving refrigerants.
Optimising the existing framework and reusing and refurbishing through careful craftmanship has reduced the need for new building materials. Any new materials used have been carefully chosen for longevity and locally sourced where possible.
Dining with a Difference
Soaring over the lush jungle river valley, Ayung Terrace restaurant has long immersed diners in a sense of wonderment and natural beauty. Now, new elements such as plush grey river-view sofas, elegant wooden chairs and marbled-topped tables infuse a vibrant burst of energy. At Jati Bar, welcoming sofas and chairs in natural green and grey tones offer an elevated setting in which to enjoy creative cocktails, light bites and river vistas.
“Four Seasons Sayan is known for its cutting-edge design and architecture,” comments Tim Churchmack, Resort Manager, Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan. “This new design honours that heritage and pays further homage to our incredible natural home. We’re thrilled to unveil these elevated living and dining spaces with intuitive, modern facilities within refreshed surrounds. It’s an exciting new era for Four Seasons Sayan.”
The refresh follows a stand-out few years for the multi-award-winning riverside hideaway, including earning an inaugural Michelin key in 2025 for exceptional, unforgettable guest experiences. In the same year, the newly re-launched Sacred River Spa secured a Four-Star rating from Forbes Travel Guide, hot on the heels of Ayung Terrace’s 2024 Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for its unique, locally focused wine list. Hashtag: #FourSeasonsBali
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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Kiztopia brings its award-winning “Play to Learn, Learn through Play” concept to Southern Malaysia, marking its 3rd outlet in Malaysia and 22nd across APAC
JOHOR BAHRU, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 March 2026 – Kiztopia, Singapore’s leading family edutainment brand, officially celebrated the grand opening of its newest outlet at Toppen Shopping Centre, Johor Bahru on February 26, 2026. This milestone marks Kiztopia’s third outlet in Malaysia since 2024 and its 22nd family edutainment centre across the Asia-Pacific region.
From left: Ms. Li San, Operations Manager of Kiztopia Malaysia; Ms. Heidi Tian, CEO and Founder of Kiztopia; Mr. Sergey Aristarkhov, Centre Manager of Toppen Mall; Ms. Su Wei, General Manager of Kiztopia Malaysia; and Mr. Nicholas Yong, COO of Kiztopia, commemorated the official ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new outlet.
Founded in Singapore in 2019 with its flagship outlet at Marina Square, Kiztopia was awarded “Best Attraction Experience” at the Singapore Tourism Awards in 2021. Today, the brand operates across Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia, with sub-brands including Kiztopia Club, Bouncetopia, SkyPark, Kiztopia Prestige, and Xventure — a sports and adventure concept designed for teens, adults and thrill-seekers.
The Johor Bahru outlet represents Kiztopia’s continued commitment to expanding its footprint in Malaysia, bringing innovative and immersive family experiences to the southern region.
Speaking at the grand opening ceremony, Ms. Heidi Tian, Founder and CEO of Kiztopia, said: “A very warm welcome to our grand opening ceremony at Toppen Shopping Centre today. This marks our third outlet opened in Malaysia since 2024 and our 22nd outlet in the APAC region. We are honoured to collaborate with Ikano Group and delighted to bring memorable experiences and timeless fun to all families in Johor and across Malaysia.
We are fully committed to Malaysia’s market development and hope to bring more innovative and creative concepts and experiences to Malaysian families.”
Ms. Su Wei, General Manager of Kiztopia Malaysia, added: “This expansion reflects how much we value families in the South. Beyond the play zones, our team is here to create lasting memories — and we can’t wait to see the smiles begin at Toppen.”
Mr. Sergey Aristarkhov, Centre Manager of Toppen Mall, shared: “Toppen is not just a shopping mall; it is a place that creates meaningful experiences for families and children. This is what we believe in. We are proud to welcome Kiztopia as part of our experiential offerings, strengthening Toppen’s position as a destination for family bonding and interactive play.”
A world of imaginative play and active learning
Kiztopia is built around its core philosophy of “Play to Learn, Learn through Play.” The Johor Bahru outlet features vibrant thematic play zones inspired by Kiztopia’s eight unique IP-registered characters, each designed to stimulate creativity, physical activity, and social development.
Children can explore large-scale interactive playground structures, role-play zones that spark imagination, obstacle courses that encourage physical agility, and immersive activity areas that nurture teamwork and problem-solving skills.
Designed as a safe, engaging and enriching environment, the centre allows children to build confidence while strengthening family bonds through shared experiences.
Beyond daily play sessions, Kiztopia also offers curated birthday party packages and school visit programmes, providing customised, guided experiences that combine fun, education and memorable celebrations for children of all ages.
Strengthening Malaysia’s family entertainment landscape
The launch at Toppen Shopping Centre reinforces Kiztopia’s long-term commitment to Malaysia as a key growth market in Southeast Asia. By collaborating with Ikano Group and Toppen Mall, Kiztopia aims to deliver not just entertainment, but holistic family experiences that blend education, physical play and emotional connection.
With Malaysia’s growing demand for premium indoor family attractions, Kiztopia continues to innovate with new concepts, seasonal events and cross-brand experiences such as Jumptopia™ and Splashtopia — signature inflatable event experiences that have delighted families across the region.
Visit Kiztopia at Toppen Shopping Centre
Families in Johor Bahru and surrounding areas are invited to experience Kiztopia’s newest outlet at Toppen Shopping Centre and discover a dynamic space where imagination, learning and fun come together.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Kiztopia
Founded in 2019 with its flagship outlet at Marina Square, Kiztopia is Singapore’s leading family edutainment brand, awarded “Best Attraction Experience” at the Singapore Tourism Awards in 2021. Featuring eight unique IP-registered characters, Kiztopia offers a range of programs and activities where children can “Play to Learn, Learn through Play.” Today, Kiztopia operates 22 family edutainment centres (FECs) across Asia, including Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Taiwan, with sub-brands such as Kiztopia Club, Bouncetopia, SkyPark, Kiztopia Prestige, and Xventure, a sports and adventure concept for teens, adults, and thrill-seekers. In 2024, Kiztopia secured its first round of private equity funding to support regional growth and expansion. Beyond its FECs, our signature bouncy castle event, Jumptopia™ and Splashtopia, has delighted families across the region, alongside co-organized events like the Children’s Festival and TriFactor Kids Run, family staycation collaborations, and a kids’ travel product line with American Tourister. For more information, visit http://www.kiztopia.com.my/.
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Game Republic New Horizons has assembled a new international advisory board to guide the development of its 2026 conference, marking a strategic move by the long-running games industry network to strengthen its global reach and influence. Organisers say the board will help shape the programme, identify emerging opportunities across the games ecosystem, and ensure the event reflects the priorities of developers, investors and technology partners operating in […]
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Tourism activity across the United Arab Emirates is continuing under established regulatory frameworks as authorities monitor developments linked to wider regional security concerns. The Ministry of Economy and Tourism said hotels, resorts, cultural landmarks, shopping centres and other visitor attractions remain open and are receiving guests as normal, while relevant authorities maintain oversight of evolving conditions. Officials indicated that tourism establishments across the federation are operating according […]
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HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 March 2026 – Best Nights VC (BNVC) is proud to announce its investment in Mad Monkey, one of the world’s leading socially responsible hostel groups, joining lead investor EXS Capital. With locations across Southeast Asia and Australia, Mad Monkey welcomes hundreds of thousands of young travelers every year, creating unforgettable nights, lifelong friendships, and meaningful human connection on the road.
For Best Nights VC, the venture capital investment firm of globally known spirits brand Jägermeister, this partnership is a natural strategic fit. Best Nights don’t only happen at home, they happen while traveling, meeting strangers who become friends, and sharing unique experiences in unfamiliar places. Perfectly reflecting BNVC’s Emerging Markets Strategy, Mad Monkey stands out as a hospitality platform that already enables more than one million bed nights for over 115,000 guests a year across seven countries, including the Philippines, Cambodia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, and Australia, creating epic social connections on the journey.
“This investment marks an exciting next chapter for Mad Monkey,” said Tom Edwards, Co-Founder and Director at Mad Monkey. “With the support of EXS and Best Nights VC, we’re excited to continue with our growth plan while staying true to our mission of creating meaningful, inclusive travel experiences. Their shared belief in connection, community, and responsible travel strongly reflects our own values.”
“We’re delighted to welcome Best Nights VC into the Mad Monkey journey,” said Eric Solberg, Founder and CEO of EXS Capital. “Their deep understanding of culture-led consumer brands and their focus on meaningful social experiences make them a natural partner. Together, we see strong alignment in supporting Mad Monkey’s continued expansion and its ability to create safe, high-energy environments for travelers.”
“We’re excited to join EXS in backing Mad Monkey,” said Lorrain de Silva, Managing Director at Best Nights VC. “From empowering solo travelers to creating authentic social connection on the road, Mad Monkey represents exactly the kind of platform we believe in. We’re proud to come on board and contribute to a brand that already delivers more than one million Best Nights every year.”
Mad Monkey embodies the core mission of Best Nights VC: building safe, inclusive, high-energy environments where people connect, celebrate, and discover new cultures together. This investment is anchored in three narrative pillars that define Mad Monkey’s impact and long-term relevance:
Empowering the Solo Traveler
Safety at Mad Monkey is not an add-on, it is the foundation for inclusivity. Especially for first-time and solo female travelers, Mad Monkey offers a trusted and consistent standard across 24 locations in
Southeast Asia. From secure accommodation to strong on-site communities, the brand provides a reliable safety net that enables confidence, independence, and freedom of movement.
Social Tech: Connection Before Arrival
Mad Monkey bridges digital convenience with real-world connection. Through the Mad Monkey App, guests can see their future “tribe” before they arrive. Features such as pre-stay chat and real-time guest transparency allow travelers to start building community even before packing their bags, and allowing an extended user experience beyond the trip – fostering immediate social bonds, accountability, a sense of belonging from day one and lasting connections.
Community Impact
Guided by the belief that “one community shouldn’t ruin it for the next,” Mad Monkey sees itself as a guest in every region it operates. Its CSR initiatives are designed to support local communities and ecosystems rather than exploit them, Mad Monkey is proud to employ 77% of their staff from outside city communities ensuring that the local communities are enriched by the platform too.
Together, Mad Monkey, EXS and Best Nights VC are excited to co-create the next chapter of global backpacker culture, scaling experience-driven hospitality, expanding into new markets, and delivering more moments of joy, connection, and adventure worldwide.
The following announcement was issued today to a Regulatory Information Service approved by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom.
DFI RETAIL GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED
2025 PRELIMINARY ANNOUNCEMENT OF RESULTS
Highlights
Underlying profit reached the high-end of guidance at US$270 million, up 35% year-on-year
Reported profit of US$235 million, up US$480 million year-on-year
Health and Beauty delivered strong like-for-like (LFL) sales and profit growth
Convenience returned to profit growth in the second half of 2025, supported by a favourable mix shift towards higher-margin, non-cigarette categories
Strengthening value-driven, omnichannel proposition in Food and Home Furnishings
Divestments of Yonghui, Robinsons Retail and Singapore Food underscored the Group’s transition from a portfolio to a focused operating company and strengthened balance sheet to a net cash position
Returned approximately US$740 million to shareholders for the full year 2025, including a US$600 million special dividend
Final dividend of US¢10.50 per share based on a new 70% payout policy announced in December 2025
“Effective execution of our strategy drove strong financial performance and higher shareholder returns in 2025, despite a challenging retail environment. Our significant progress made in portfolio simplification creates investment capacity for strategic priorities, enabling greater value for our customers and accretive inorganic opportunities to drive sustainable growth and returns.”
Lincoln Pan
Chairman
DFI RETAIL GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED
PRELIMINARY ANNOUNCEMENT OF RESULTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
INTRODUCTION
It is my honour and privilege to join DFI Retail Group (‘DFI’ or the ‘Group’) as Chairman of the Board, supporting Group Chief Executive, Scott Price, and his leadership team in executing its strategic priorities and delivering shareholder returns. On behalf of the Board, I would also like to express our gratitude to John Witt for his invaluable contributions to DFI over many years.
As Asia’s leading multi-format retail platform, DFI has a unique set of assets – strong customer trust, an extensive store network across markets, deep data insights from a powerful loyalty programme, and a strengthening Own Brand portfolio – that will serve as a foundation for growth over the coming years.
Amid macroeconomic volatility and evolving consumer needs, the Group has been responding effectively through a stronger value proposition and enhanced omnichannel capabilities. This strategy is yielding early and encouraging results, demonstrated by a 35% increase in underlying profit in 2025. We remain particularly optimistic about the growth prospects in Health & Beauty and Convenience, as well as the opportunities emerging in digital.
I am confident that under the capable leadership of Scott and his team, DFI will continue to deliver retail excellence to customers across Asia while driving long-term value creation and growth.
Under a new 70% dividend payout policy announced in December 2025, the Board recommends a final dividend of US¢10.50 per share (2024 final dividend: US¢7.00).
STRATEGIC HIGHLIGHTS
Over the course of 2025, the Group executed effectively against its strategic framework of Customer First, People Led, Shareholder Driven. This approach enables DFI to navigate market challenges while capturing opportunities that build on its strong platform for sustainable growth.
The retail landscape is rapidly evolving, driven by shifting consumer behaviour and digitalisation. The Group remains focused on strategic priorities that place customers first – delivering quality, value and convenience in everyday moments. Across its businesses, the Group made good progress in strengthening value propositions, expanding customer reach in growth markets, driving deeper customer engagement with data-driven insights and accelerating digital monetisation. These initiatives enhance its ability to better serve customers and supplier partners while delivering returns to shareholders.
Investing in talent development remains at the top of the agenda. During the year, the Group achieved an improved team member engagement score. Inclusive leadership, a purpose-driven culture and engaged team members are critical to driving stronger performance and delivering exceptional customer experience. In parallel, the Group continues to enhance its organisational agility in meeting customer needs while reducing overhead costs.
In 2025, the Group completed the divestments of minority stakes in Yonghui and Robinsons Retail, as well as Singapore Food business, enabling reinvestment in subsidiary businesses and strategic priorities with stronger growth and return potential. This approach, combined with a sharpened business focus and a strengthened balance sheet, delivered a total shareholder return exceeding 90% in 2025, including the distribution of a US$600 million special dividend in October.
PROSPECTS
Transformation is an ongoing journey for today’s retailers. Serving diverse communities across Asia, where economic conditions and consumer expectations vary widely, the Group must stay agile and locally relevant guided by a customer-first mindset and a disciplined focus on growth opportunities that further build on its competitive advantages. Over the year, DFI has invested in delivering better outcomes for customers through price reinvestment, Own Brand innovation, omnichannel expansion and data-driven personalisation – focus areas that will remain central to its growth plans in the years ahead. An expanded digital ecosystem also unlocks new avenues to drive deeper value for supplier partners and enhance shareholder returns.
I would like to end by expressing the Board’s appreciation to our team members. We could not be more proud of the work they have done over the year, particularly in responding to the deeply tragic Tai Po fire in Hong Kong. Their unwavering dedication to serving our customers across Asia is what will continue to drive our business forward and build long-term value for shareholders.
Lincoln Pan
Chairman
GROUP CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REVIEW
INTRODUCTION
We are pleased to close 2025 on a strong note, with underlying profit attributable to shareholders up 35% year-on-year to US$270 million, reaching the high end of our guidance range. This strong performance was driven by a recovery in LFL subsidiary sales, improved margins and proactive portfolio actions, including the divestment of our minority stake in Yonghui.
Customers across Asia, including in our home market of Hong Kong, are increasingly seeking quality and convenience at great value. While macro challenges remain, we are encouraged to see early signs of recovery in key retail segments, including 3% growth in health and beauty sales in Hong Kong, supported by a 12% increase in tourist arrivals. As Asia’s leading multi-format omnichannel retail platform, we are uniquely positioned to meet customers’ evolving needs effectively across all channels through relevant and compelling customer propositions.
With a renewed focus on balancing profitability with capital discipline, the Group ended the year in a net cash position, after distributing a US$600 million special dividend, and delivered a significantly improved return on capital employed (ROCE) of 9.4%. Our strengthened balance sheet allows us to reinvest for growth as we deepen our focus on higher-return subsidiary businesses and strategic priorities that sustain value creation for shareholders. For the full year 2025, we returned a total of approximately US$740 million to shareholders, including the special dividend.
In December, we held our inaugural Investor Day where DFI announced a new dividend policy with an increased payout ratio of 70%. Dividends paid during the year, combined with a share price increase of more than 70%, resulted in a total shareholder return exceeding 90% in 2025. We also outlined our three-year plan for realising our financial ambitions and accelerated growth goals, including a target of US$310-350 million in underlying profit (representing 11% CAGR at the mid-point compared to 20251) and an improved ROCE of at least 15% by 2028.
As we enter the new financial year, we remain firmly focused on executing our strategic priorities to drive sustained, profitable growth.
STRATEGIC DELIVERABLES – KEY PROGRESS
Over the past year, we have made significant progress in our transformation from a portfolio business into a strategically focused operating company. We have been advancing our strategy across five key deliverables to create greater value for our customers, supplier partners and shareholders.
Retail Excellence
By delivering best-in-class customer propositions, we see a wide range of opportunities for driving higher store sales density and market share gain across all business segments.
Health & Beauty
Mannings and Guardian continue to strengthen their position as the trusted advisor for wellness, unlocking strong cross-category growth opportunities through an assortment with high functional value across supplements, derma skin care and hair care. Customers across Asia are increasingly shifting to retailers that best fulfil their broad, diverse and unique wellness goals. Our technology-enabled personalised services – including skin, scalp and health assessments – drive higher purchase conversion and basket size by deepening customer understanding of their wellness needs. These capabilities will be expanded to 25% of our Health & Beauty store network to enhance our competitive differentiation and leadership in wellness.
Convenience 7-Eleven is broadening its shopper missions towards higher-margin, non-cigarette categories with a strategic focus on ready-to-eat (RTE) offerings, which accounted for 24% of Convenience sales in 2025. Across markets, consumers are seeking more convenient, high-quality and value-driven meal solutions. The expansion of Food Bars to 1,250 locations in South China and the rollout of RTE-focused store revamp across the entire Hong Kong network by 2028 will further strengthen 7-Eleven’s RTE proposition.
Food
Given consumers’ pivot towards value, continued northbound travel and increasing competition from Chinese mainland e-commerce platforms, the Wellcome team has focused on enhancing food basket value for customers by advancing our Everyday Low Price strategy. Investment in reduced pricing through strategic direct sourcing of core basket items, particularly in fresh, has resulted in a 2% growth in volume driven by higher footfall and increased items per basket. Direct sourcing allowed us to reduce prices while protecting gross profit, resulting in a 30-basis point gross margin improvement. These efforts further supported the narrowing basket price gap compared to the Greater Bay Area to a currently low single-digit price difference2.
Home Furnishings
Similar to Food, IKEA has focused on enhancing its affordability and accessibility by reinvesting in the pricing of high-volume products, broadening the range of entry price points, rationalising the tail of slow-selling assortment, and further expanding digital touchpoints through third-party marketplaces. We are also strengthening IKEA Food as a key draw for customers seeking exciting and affordable food experiences as part of their store journey. These efforts are supported by significant cost transformation initiatives across our operating markets.
Own Brand
Our reset in Own Brand strategy across Food and Health & Beauty is driving higher customer loyalty and sales penetration through greater exclusivity and value. By refining our product range to align closely with customer needs and maximising cross-selling across our formats, we achieved meaningful improvements in margins and sales productivity.
Access to Customers
We continue to strategically expand our network in high-growth, profitable markets, primarily through a capex-light franchise model, with 114 net new openings3 in 2025. In particular, we will deepen 7-Eleven’s presence in Guangdong province to around 2,400 stores and expand Guardian’s footprint in Indonesia to approximately 750 stores by 2028.
Omnichannel and Data Ecosystem
DFI’s expanded omnichannel ecosystem is elevating our relevance and engagement with customers, providing us deep data insights across daily consumer needs that few peers in Asia can match. This ecosystem now allows our customers to engage with DFI brands across more than 90 digital channels, including apps, websites, third-party marketplaces, quick-commerce partnership with food delivery platforms and click-and-collect services. Our strengthened digital proposition was underpinned by a 140-basis point increase in online sales penetration to 6.4%4 as at year-end 2025, with order volume more than doubled year-on-year. Our overall digital ecosystem, comprising e-commerce, retail media, insights monetisation and yuu, continues to drive improved financial returns for the Group.
Retail Media (DFIQ Media)
Positioned to become Asia’s leading omnichannel retail media network, DFIQ Media offers a differentiated online and offline advertising proposition, enabling brands to execute cross-format campaigns through our digital assets and more than 10,000 in-store digital screens across markets. DFIQ Media delivered strong sales growth, albeit from a low starting base, achieving a fourfold increase in revenue over 2024, supported by proprietary data insights from over 7 million monthly active users across our growing digital portfolio.
DFIQ Portal
We aim to empower our supplier partners with actionable insights that drive greater business impact and better outcomes for customers. The DFIQ Portal – a vendor platform combining DFIQ Media, DFIQ Insights and trade capabilities – was launched in December 2025, providing suppliers real-time access to critical analytics that enables optimised inventory management and more effective strategic planning.
Retail Analytics
Leveraging cross-format data insights from over 5 million yuu Rewards members in Hong Kong, we continue to enhance our assortment and promotional decisions to help expand both in-store sales and gross profit.
Lean & Agile Model
Maintaining a lean and agile operating model is essential to ensuring efficient decision-making in a rapidly evolving retail landscape. Continued cost optimisation and better product sourcing will support both strategic price reinvestment and sustainable margin expansion in the coming years. Overhead reductions are expected to translate into lower SG&A costs beginning 2026. We remain disciplined in capex, driving network growth primarily through a franchise model with a strong focus on paybacks.
Strategic pivot from portfolio to a focused operating company
We conduct strategic reviews of our businesses guided by return on capital and total shareholder return priorities. During the year, we completed the divestment of our minority stakes in Yonghui and Robinsons Retail, as well as our Singapore Food business, generating total gross proceeds of approximately US$1 billion in cash consideration. In line with our capital allocation priorities, these proceeds were redeployed towards debt repayment, resulting in a net cash position of US$70 million as at year-end 2025. In addition, a special dividend of US$600 million was distributed to shareholders in October 2025. The Group remains focused on maximising total shareholder return while maintaining strategic flexibility for inorganic growth opportunities that are accretive to long-term shareholder value.
2025 PERFORMANCE
Total revenue from subsidiaries in 2025 was US$8.9 billion, up 1% on a LFL basis, excluding cigarettes. Organic revenue, excluding divested businesses5 for the comparable period, grew 0.5%. Strong sales growth in the Health & Beauty division was offset by lower contributions from other segments.
Excluding the impact of the minority stake divestments in Yonghui and Robinsons Retail completed in 2025, total revenue for the Group, including 100% of associates and joint ventures, remained broadly stable.
The Group reported total underlying profit attributable to shareholders of US$270 million for the year, up 35% year-on-year. This was supported by improved profitability from subsidiary businesses, lower financing costs and higher underlying profit from associates following the divestment of Yonghui.
Underlying profit from subsidiaries was US$183 million, 15% higher than the prior year. This was driven by strong Health & Beauty performance in addition to earnings recovery in Singapore Food and Home Furnishings segment, partially offset by lower contribution from Convenience due to reduced cigarette volume.
The Group’s share of underlying profit from associates was US$88 million, an improvement of US$45 million compared to the prior year, primarily due to the divestment of minority stake in loss-making Yonghui and higher contribution from Maxim’s as a result of improved mooncake sales and restaurant performance in Southeast Asia. Despite challenging trading conditions in Hong Kong and Chinese mainland, Maxim’s delivered profit growth in these regions through cost optimisation.
The Group reported operating cash flow after lease payments of US$430 million, 30% higher than the prior year, supported by underlying operating profit growth. Free cash flow6 for the period was US$281 million, up 78% year-on-year. As at 31 December 2025, the Group’s net cash was US$70 million, compared to US$468 million net debt at 31 December 2024.
SUSTAINABILITY
We remain firmly committed to our purpose to sustainably serve Asia for generations with everyday moments – with a focused, balanced, collaborative approach taking into account the macroeconomic environment and consumer sentiment. We are driving progress on our pathway to reduce our Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 50% by 2030 from a 2021 baseline, with our targeted investments in refrigerant emissions management, energy efficiency, and behaviour-change initiatives across our operations gaining momentum throughout the year. From 2025 to 2030, we will further increase the share of renewable energy use in our portfolio, helping to accelerate the energy transition in the key markets where we operate.
As advocates for our customers and the communities we serve, we are committed to delivering affordable, sustainable products. In 2025, we delivered 380 tonnes of Own Brand low-carbon rice to our Hong Kong markets and added multiple products through our Grounds to Green programme to our 7-Eleven RTE range. These award-winning initiatives demonstrate our ability to anticipate customer expectations and deliver on market demands. We maintained strong discipline in waste and packaging management, keeping us on track to meet our 2030 targets.
BUSINESS REVIEW
HEALTH AND BEAUTY
Sales for the Health and Beauty division grew 7% year-on-year or 5% on an LFL basis to US$2.6 billion. Underlying operating profit was US$228 million for the year, representing an increase of 8% compared to 2024.
Both Mannings and Guardian achieved strong LFL sales performance, supported by growing wellness sales penetration towards the mid-term target of over 35%. To further strengthen our leadership in wellness – a cross-category opportunity spanning health, beauty and personal care – Mannings and Guardian complemented their wellness-focused assortment with in-store health, skin and scalp assessments in selected outlets. Our personalised consultations and tailored product recommendations deepen our engagement with customers, supporting larger basket sizes and higher purchase conversion.
In Hong Kong and Macau, LFL sales increased by 5%, driven by strong growth in tourist store sales from higher arrivals. Own Brand strategy reset resulted in a 35% improvement in gross profit per SKU through a refined product range that better aligns with customer needs. Sales of Mannings China declined due to the closure of majority of its offline store network as the business pivots towards a cross-border e-commerce model.
Guardian in Southeast Asia reported 5% LFL sales increase, driven by growth in basket sizes across key markets and an expanding e-commerce presence, including the Guardian Malaysia loyalty programme launched in March 2025 and a new Guardian Singapore app in July 2025. Indonesia and Vietnam delivered LFL sales growth exceeding 10%, supported by strong traffic gains. Gross margin expansion and operating leverage contributed to operating profit growth of 16% in the region.
CONVENIENCE
Total Convenience sales were US$2.3 billion, representing a decline of 2% year-on-year or 3% on an LFL basis, due to lower-margin cigarette volume reductions following tax increases in Hong Kong in February 2024. Excluding cigarettes, overall Convenience sales grew 1% compared to 2024 and were marginally lower on an LFL basis. Underlying operating profit was US$97 million, down 6% year-on-year. Favourable sales mix shift towards higher-margin non-cigarette categories drove a return to a positive profit growth in the second half of 2025.
In Hong Kong, the Group expects to mitigate financial impact from declining cigarette sales in 2026 and beyond through continued growth in higher-margin non-cigarette categories, including RTE which accounted for 18% of sales for the full year, up from 16% in 2024.
7-Eleven Singapore reported robust LFL sales growth driven by a stronger RTE proposition and effective promotional campaigns. In South China, continued store network expansion through a capex-light franchise model, including 99 net increase in store number, contributed to 3% sales growth. LFL sales, however, were down 2% largely due to intense subsidy competition from food delivery platforms, primarily in the first half of the year. The focus remains on driving footfall through innovative RTE and Food Bar expansion to 1,250 stores by the end of 2028, compared to 325 as of year-end. Both markets saw meaningful profit growth, supported by a favourable product mix shift and disciplined cost control.
FOOD
Reported sales for the Food division were US$3.0 billion, remaining stable compared to 2024 on an LFL basis. Underlying operating profit reached US$62 million for the year, up 6% year-on-year, driven by earnings recovery in Singapore Food following the distribution of government consumption vouchers in 2025.
In Hong Kong, the Wellcome team strengthened its fresh and value proposition through pricing reinvestment supported by strategic direct sourcing. These efforts included a new partnership with Dingdong Maicai (DDL) since May 2025 for a wider selection of price-competitive fresh produce, as well as the Everyday Value campaign launched in September 2025, offering up to 40% savings on 100 core basket items. The team also accelerated omnichannel growth through broader digital channels – including a quick-commerce partnership with foodpanda and click-and-collect services – and a shortened delivery time to same or next day delivery, driving a more than 20% sales growth in Hong Kong Food online sales. Despite a 1% LFL sales decline compared to the prior year, total volume grew 2% driven by increased transactions and items per basket.
Southeast Asia Food sales performance benefited from multiple rounds of government consumption voucher distribution in Singapore during the year, including S$800 vouchers for each household and S$600 vouchers for individuals in celebration of the nation’s 60th anniversary. These vouchers, which were redeemable at supermarkets and heartland merchants, drove stronger sales in the Food segment. Convenience and Health & Beauty did not see a similar uplift in sales as the vouchers were not applicable to these outlets. Divestment of Singapore Food business was completed in early December 2025. Post-completion, the Group continues to serve the Singapore market through its Guardian and 7-Eleven brands. As the only nationwide modern trade operator in Cambodia, Lucky reported robust LFL sales growth with strong margin expansion on scale benefits.
HOME FURNISHINGS
IKEA reported sales of US$677 million, down 3% year-on-year and 5% on an LFL basis, compared to an 11% LFL sales decline in 2024. Operating profit was US$26 million, representing a meaningful improvement from US$16 million in the prior year, driven by effective cost control measures across markets.
Amid a challenging macro environment and reduced consumer demand for big-ticket items due to subdued real estate market activity, the IKEA team has prioritised enhancing its value proposition and omnichannel presence. Key initiatives include price reductions on high-volume products, rationalisation of non-core assortment, and a broader range of entry price points. In Indonesia, the team has further expanded digital partnerships with third-party marketplaces to improve accessibility, supporting continued progress towards its overall online sales penetration target of 18-20% by 2028. IKEA Food remains a critical traffic and revenue driver, representing 14% of total sales.
These combined with significant cost optimisation efforts in labour, supply chain and infrastructure across markets contributed to a US$10 million improvement in overall profitability.
RESTAURANTS
The Group’s share of Maxim’s underlying profits was US$72 million in 2025, an increase of 9% year-on-year, supported by resilient sales of US$3.1 billion, up 0.4% year-on-year, and ongoing cost optimisation. Improved mooncake sales during the mid-autumn festival and stronger restaurant performance in Southeast Asia was offset by challenging trading environment in Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland. Cost management in these markets also supported overall profit growth. During the year, Maxim’s continued to expand its Southeast Asia network with 84 net new stores added, mainly in Thailand and Vietnam.
OUTLOOK
2025 marked a year of strong progress for DFI, with the strategic reset across our businesses driving improved underlying profitability in both subsidiaries and associates, a stronger ROCE and enhanced shareholder returns. Our strengthened balance sheet and disciplined use of capital provides capacity to reinvest for growth both organically and inorganically, laying a strong foundation as we pursue our financial ambitions of achieving a US$310-350 million underlying profit (+11% CAGR at midpoint compared to 20257) and a 7-10% online sales mix by 2028.
At our inaugural Investor Day, we outlined clear strategic priorities which include strengthening our value proposition, enhancing omnichannel capabilities, accelerating Own Brand innovation, deepening digital monetisation, and leveraging data to deliver better outcomes for both customers and supplier partners.
For the full year of 2026, the Group expects organic revenue growth of approximately 2-3%8 and underlying profit attributable to shareholders to be between US$270 million and US$300 million. Excluding the divestment impact of Singapore Food and Robinsons Retail, this would represent a year-on-year growth of 13-25%.
Looking into 2026 and beyond, I am confident that DFI has developed a renewed foundation as we execute against our strategic priorities to deliver sustained, profitable growth, drive market share gains across our formats and generate long-term returns for our shareholders.
Scott Price
Group Chief Executive
—————– 1 Excluding Singapore Food business and minority stake in Robinsons Retail upon completion of divestment in 2025 2 Based on a third-party assured price comparison of a 200-item comparable basket between DFI and Greater Bay Area
3 Excluding Singapore Food. Divestment of business was completed in early December 2025. 4 Excluding Singapore Food, cigarettes under Convenience and IKEA food 5 Excluding financial contribution from Singapore Food (December 2024) and Hero Supermarket (2024) for comparison purpose 6 Free cash flow is equivalent to cash flows from operating activities after lease payments minus normal capital expenditure
7 Excluding Singapore Food business and minority stake in Robinsons Retail upon completion of divestment in 2025
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
DFI Retail Group
DFI Retail Group (the 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 its associates operated 7,580 outlets across 12 markets, of which 5,529 stores were operated by subsidiaries. The Group, together with associates, employed over 79,000 people, with some 42,000 people employed by subsidiaries. The Group had reported revenue of US$8.9 billion in 2025.
The Group is dedicated to delivering quality, value and service to Asian consumers through a compelling retail experience, supported by an extensive store network and highly efficient supply chains.
The Group and its associates, operates a portfolio of well-known brands across five key divisions. The principal brands are:
Health and Beauty
• Mannings on the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Macau S.A.R.; Guardian in Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam.
Convenience
• 7-Eleven in Hong Kong and Macau S.A.R., Singapore and Southern China.
Food
• Wellcome and Market Place in Hong Kong S.A.R.; San Miu in Macau S.A.R.; Lucky in Cambodia.
Home Furnishings
• IKEA in Hong Kong and Macau S.A.R., Indonesia and Taiwan.
Restaurants
• Hong Kong Maxim’s group on the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Macau S.A.R., Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
The Group’s parent company, DFI Retail Group Holdings Limited, is incorporated in Bermuda and has a primary listing in the equity shares (transition) category of the London Stock Exchange, with secondary listings in Bermuda and Singapore. The Group’s businesses are managed from Hong Kong. DFI Retail Group is a member of the Jardine Matheson group.
Uniting Networks from Over 17 Countries to Drive Cross-Border Collaboration and Sustainable Regional Growth
BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 February 2026 – As design increasingly proves its power to transform creativity into a strategic force of macroeconomic competitiveness, Bangkok Design Week 2026 (BKKDW2026), organized by the Creative Economy Agency (Public Organization) or CEA, together with its partners, enters its ninth edition with a bold ambition — evolving from a national design festival into a leading creative platform for Asia. By uniting networks of designers and international partners from more than 17 countries across Asia and Europe, the festival plays a pivotal role in positioning Bangkok as Asia‘s Creative Festival Hub (Creative Hub of Asia).
Under the theme “DESIGN S/O/S,” Bangkok Design Week 2026 highlights design and creativity as practical tools to help societies act, adapt, and survive amid global challenges. The festival significantly expands its international partnerships, opening new spaces for designers, artists, and creative entrepreneurs to exchange knowledge, technology, and business models. These collaborations aim to foster a new creative business ecosystem as one that leads to investment opportunities, business matching, and the development of Thai creative products capable of competing in global markets.
Explore perspectives from international partners, who shed light on the role of design as a universal language — a borderless bridge between cultures that generates tangible opportunities for Thailand’s creative economy in the global arena.
FROM LEGACY TO THE FUTURE. RESTORATION AS A DESIGN PROJECT Sustainable Cultural Asset Management for Future Generations by Embassy of Italy in Bangkok
The first international highlight comes from Italy, through the project Italia Reloaded, presented by the Italian Cultural Institute and the Embassy of Italy in Thailand. The initiative introduces the concept of “Restoration as Sustainability.”
Maria Sica, Director of the Italian Cultural Institute, explains “Restoration is not about the past, it lies at the heart of sustainability. It focuses on reusing existing resources rather than producing new ones, guided by the principle of ‘Not Fake’- repairing without imitation. By integrating innovation, restoration preserves the authenticity and living value of cultural heritage. The project also draws on the historical relationship between Florence and Bangkok, inspired by the legacy of Silpa Bhirasri, serving as a foundation for knowledge transfer and hands-on workshops. These activities aim to elevate Thai craftsmanship to international standards while supporting high-quality cultural tourism. Together, these efforts frame restoration as a strategic pillar of urban cultural asset management — revitalizing historic districts, generating economic vitality, and strengthening a creative business ecosystem that grows sustainably from the city’s existing foundations.
LAHI (Heritage): The Philippine Fashion Exhibition Fashion as Cultural Diplomacy and a New Economic Bridge in ASEAN by the Philippine Embassy in Thailand
Representing the Philippines, Bangkok Design Week 2026 serves as the launch platform for “LAHI (Heritage): The Philippines Fashion Exhibition,“ presented through a collaboration between the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Bangkok, and thePhilippine Embassy in Thailand. Using fashion as a tool of both economic development and creative diplomacy, the initiative underscores Thailand’s role as a strategic partner for the Philippines within ASEAN.
A representative from DTI noted “Bangkok Design Week is a key platform for showcasing Philippine design capabilities to regional and global markets. It also serves as a gateway for cross-border business and investment opportunities, particularly through co-creation.The collaboration explores hybrid products that combine Thailand’s strength in international-standard manufacturing with Philippine design and craftsmanship. This approach not only strengthens the ASEAN brand and elevates products into high-value market segments, but also demonstrates how fashion — when rooted in cultural heritage — can become a competitive economic asset on the global stage.”
Ephemeral Sounds of the Gulf Listening to Impermanence Through Design That Is Meant to Dissolve
The project “Ephemeral Sounds of the Gulf“ by Japanese mixed-media artist and producer Erika Tsuchiya (VCUarts Qatar) examines the tension between permanence and impermanence in contemporary production and consumption. The work experiments with biomaterial records, using physical media as a sonic and conceptual platform.
Erika Tsuchiya explains “The project reflects the continued economic potential of the physical format market even in a digital era — especially in Bangkok, where vinyl culture is experiencing a revival. At the same time, the project functions as research and development for a future green supply chain in the music industry. By recording natural soundscapes from the Arabian Gulf region and distributing them globally through biodegradable records, the work challenges conventional expectations of sonic perfection, while raising awareness of digital pollution and resource-intensive mass reproduction.
“Presently, designers and creators must be conscious of where materials come from and the impact of their choices. Understanding costs and consequences from the very beginning of the supply chain is the foundation of business models that grow not only in profit, but in long-term sustainability.” Tsuchiya concludes.
People Pavilion: Reimagining Streetlights as Urban Landmarks Shade, Light, and Inclusive Design for the Tropical City
Another tangible example of urban innovation is People Pavilion, or Lan Prakai Muang, a collaboration between Urban Ally and HAS design and research, led by Jenchieh Hung and Kulthida Songkittipakdee. The project reinterprets “the Streetlight Pole” an existing piece of urban infrastructure transforming it into a functional and inclusive public architecture.
The design is grounded in a shared perspective that “the tropical climate is not a constraint, but an urban resource.” Drawing from everyday life in Bangkok where people seek shade during the day and light at night, the pavilion upgrades existing infrastructure into usable public space. This approach reduces construction waste while adding value to existing urban assets through the concept of infrastructure upcycling.
The core of the project goes beyond creating a new space. People Pavilion functions as an urban prototype for sustainable city-making, offering alternative solutions to public space challenges without relying on large-scale budgets. Through cross-sector collaboration and inclusive design, underutilized or neglected areas are transformed into places of tangible social and economic impact supporting a more resilient, adaptive, and people-centered city. Ultimately, the project demonstrates that meaningful urban transformation can be achieved through strategic design, rather than heavy financial investment.
HONG KONG: Projecting Future Heritage When Everyday Architecture Becomes Tomorrow‘s Blueprint
The exhibition “HONG KONG: Projecting Future Heritage,“originally presented at the Venice Biennale Architettura in 2025, arrives in Bangkok curated by Hong Kong architects and urbanists Sunnie S.Y. Lau and Fai Au. It offers a perspective on social innovation by re-examining architecture embedded in everyday life. Moving beyond iconic landmarks, it invites critical reflection on ordinary buildings and familiar urban structures.
The two creators explain “Under the concept of Future Heritage, we explore strategic commonalities among historic port cities such as Hong Kong, Venice, and Bangkok. Those highlight the role of urban water systems as foundational infrastructures that have shaped these cities’ transformation from historic settlements into economic centers. We also present local architectures that reflect real everyday life, which may become valuable historical heritage in the next 20 – 30 years.”
From a sustainability perspective, the exhibition proposes an approach to urban development that integrates traditional wisdom with contemporary technology. Rather than viewing existing buildings as obsolete or burdensome, it advocates adaptive reuse — reimagining and repurposing structures without demolition — so they can continue to support living, working, and everyday life in meaningful ways. The exhibition underscores that looking back at what already exists is a crucial key to transforming cultural heritage into economic and intellectual capital capable of sustainable growth in the future.
Elevating Bangkok Design Week as the Creative Hub of Asia
These collaborations represent only a fraction of what unfolds at Bangkok Design Week 2026, taking place from 29 January – 8 February 2026. Through CEA’s strategic direction, the festival is being elevated as an international creative platform connecting designers, cities, businesses, and investors from Thailand and abroad. The goal is clear to transform cultural capital into measurable economic value, while firmly establishing Bangkok as one of Asia’s leading creative festival hubs. Driven by the power of the creative economy and sustained through long-term cross-border collaboration, Bangkok Design Week continues to advance a vision of inclusive, competitive, and sustainable growth for the region and beyond. Hashtag: #CEA #BKKDW2026 #BangkokDesignWeek #DesignSOS #PowerOfDesign #PowerOfThaiDesign
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Bangkok Design Week
Bangkok Design Week, first launched in 2018, has long been a fixture on the Bangkok event calendar. It plays a pivotal role in fostering the creative economy and propelling Bangkok to stand out as a member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) as a City of Design. Organized by the Creative Economy Agency (Public Organization) or CEA, in collaboration with over 60 public and private organizations, educational institutions, and international partners, the festival draws an estimated 400,000 visitors from both Thailand and abroad each year. Bangkok Design Week serves as a growth engine for Thailand’s creative industries in multiple ways, including showcasing creative businesses and designs, stimulating competitiveness, providing local and international business networking opportunities, and generating economic momentum for downstream sectors such as marketing, printing, online media, galleries, cafes, restaurants, gifts and souvenirs, travel, hotels, and public transportation.
About the Creative Economy Agency (Public Organization) or CEA
The Creative Economy Agency (Public Organization) or CEA, is a government agency dedicated to promoting creativity as a key driver of Thailand’s creative economy. CEA supports the development of various creative industries and encourages the manufacturing sector to adopt creative approaches, enhancing the value of products and services and boosting Thailand’s global competitiveness.
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai UAE has activated an advanced national crisis management system aligned with international standards, according to Ali Saeed Al Neyadi, Chairman of the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority, outlining a coordinated action plan designed to strengthen preparedness and response across federal and local entities. Speaking in Abu Dhabi, Al Neyadi detailed how the authority’s integrated framework brings together early warning mechanisms, unified […]
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