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SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 May 2026 – The Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) has launched a new Taskforce to strengthen financial reporting and investor confidence in Singapore, amid growing focus on corporate transparency, financial controls and trust in capital markets.

The Strengthening Financial Reporting Taskforce was launched today at the ISCA Value Unlock Forum held in partnership with Singapore Exchange (SGX). Chaired by Ms Euleen Goh, ISCA Distinguished Lifetime Member and Chairman of Singapore Institute of Management Group Ltd, the Taskforce will bring together leaders from business, finance, academia and investor groups to review Singapore’s financial reporting ecosystem and recommend ways to strengthen the quality, integrity and usefulness of corporate reporting.

The Taskforce comes at a timely moment as Singapore continues efforts to strengthen its capital markets and business ecosystem. Recent national initiatives, including the Accountancy Workforce Review Committee and the Monetary Authority of Singapore’s Equities Market Review, have highlighted the importance of strong financial reporting, professional capabilities and investor trust.

The launch also comes amid ongoing discussions on reducing compliance costs for smaller companies, including ACRA’s review of Singapore’s audit exemption framework. Regardless of how the framework evolves, strong financial reporting practices, competent finance professionals and effective financial controls remain fundamental to upholding confidence among investors, lenders and stakeholders.

The Taskforce will study how companies can improve the way they communicate financial performance, business risks and long-term value creation to investors and stakeholders. It will also examine how Singapore can continue to uphold high standards of governance, transparency and accountability in a rapidly evolving business environment.

Ms Euleen Goh, Chairperson of the Strengthening Financial Reporting Taskforce, said: “Financial reporting has always been the language of business. As markets evolve, it must speak more clearly and more usefully to the stakeholders who rely on it. The Taskforce will take a practical and holistic look at how Singapore can raise the bar so that companies communicate value and insights with the confidence and clarity that investors and the market expect.”

The Taskforce comprises leaders from across the financial ecosystem:

  • Mr Liew Nam Soon, Deputy Regional Managing Partner, EY Asia East; Managing Partner, EY Asean; Managing Partner, EY Singapore & Brunei
  • Mr Leong Yung Chee, Group CFO, United Overseas Bank Limited
  • Professor Lawrence Loh, Director, Centre for Governance and Sustainability, NUS Business School, National University of Singapore
  • Ms Belinda Tan, CA (Singapore), Managing Director of Finance, Temasek International
  • Mr Ang Hao Yao, Vice President, Securities Investors Association (Singapore)
  • Ms Karen Loon, Member, Governing Council of the Singapore Institute of Directors
  • Mr Tan Boon Gin, CEO, Singapore Exchange Regulation (Observer)
  • Mrs Chia-Tern Huey Min, CE, Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (Observer)

Mr Lee Boon Teck, President of ISCA, said: “High-quality financial reporting and strong financial controls are essential to investor confidence and market integrity. As Singapore’s national accountancy body, ISCA believes professionally trained finance and accounting professionals play a critical role in safeguarding trust in business and capital markets. This Taskforce reflects our commitment to supporting Singapore’s continued standing as a trusted global financial and business hub.”

The Taskforce was launched at the ISCA Value Unlock Forum, which brought together C-suite leaders, finance professionals and capital markets stakeholders to discuss how companies can better communicate value to the market.

ISCA Academy, an Approved Training Provider under the SGX Value Unlock Programme, supported the afternoon sessions as part of the ISCA Value Unlock Series. The series aims to equip listed companies and finance leaders with practical capabilities to communicate performance, strategy and value more effectively to the market.

Ms Cyndi Pei, Chairperson of ISCA Academy, said: “As stakeholder expectations continue to evolve, finance leaders are increasingly expected to go beyond reporting results to articulating performance, risks and value creation with clarity, credibility and context. ISCA Academy remains committed to supporting the profession and the broader market by building the practical capabilities needed to reinforce trust, promote transparency and strengthen confidence in Singapore’s capital markets.”

The Taskforce will engage stakeholders over the coming months and provide recommendations on strengthening Singapore’s financial reporting ecosystem.Hashtag: #ISCA #CharteredAccountants #FinancialReporting #DifferenceMakers #Accounting #Accountancy

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

About the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) Academy

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

ISCA supports over 43,000 members across industries in Singapore and globally, with members in more than 40 countries. With a growing international presence, ISCA has 12 overseas chapters, 7 offices across 10 countries and a network of over 150 strategic partners, strengthening professional connections and opportunities across borders. ISCA is also a member of Chartered Accountants Worldwide, a global network representing more than 1.8 million Chartered Accountants and students across over 190 countries.

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

ISCA Academy, the leading business school of ISCA, delivers immersive, industry-informed learning across accountancy, finance, technology, governance and leadership. We equip learners to reskill, reconnect and reinvent, empowering them to stay relevant and ahead by choice.

For more information, visit .

Dubai’s next private-island address is moving from concept to market signal, with Naïa Island emerging as a new test of how far demand for ultra-luxury coastal living can stretch in a city already defined by record-setting property deals. The project, developed by Shamal Holding off the Jumeirah coastline between Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah 3, is designed as a low-rise, low-density enclave with private beaches, estate plots, branded […]

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai   UAE workers are adopting artificial intelligence faster than any other labour force worldwide, placing the country at the top of Microsoft’s global AI diffusion ranking for the first quarter of 2026 and making it the first economy to cross the 70 percent usage mark. The latest Microsoft AI Economy Institute data puts AI usage among the UAE’s working-age population at 70.1 percent, […]

Three new Laguna Phuket developments – spanning lakeside living, golf-front design and Angsana-branded luxury – to be showcased at Park Lane Hong Kong on 16–17 MayCaption

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 May 2026 – Banyan Group Residences is bringing three of its most anticipated new residential launches to Hong Kong this month, with a two-day sales exhibition taking place at Park Lane Hong Kong (Canvas, 26F) on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 May 2026, from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm. The event offers Hong Kong buyers a rare opportunity to explore and invest in some of Phuket’s most compelling new addresses, with dedicated sales teams on hand for private consultations.

Angsana Golf Residences Topaz

The exhibitions follow a year of record residential sales for Banyan Group Residences, as growing numbers of global investors look to Phuket as a safe haven for capital – drawn by the island’s political stability, strong rental yields, year-round lifestyle appeal, and the relative value it continues to offer against comparable markets. Demand has been particularly robust from buyers across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, with Hong Kong remaining one of the Group’s most consistent source markets.

The three projects on show represent some of the most exciting new additions to Laguna Phuket – Asia’s premier integrated resort destination – and span a range of living concepts, price points, and design inspirations, united by the hallmark quality and hospitality expertise of Banyan Group Residences, Asia’s leading branded residential developer by volume.

“Hong Kong has consistently been one of our strongest buyer markets, and we look forward to welcoming buyers in person to discover what we believe is an exceptional line-up of new homes,” said Stuart Reading, Managing Director of Banyan Group Residences. “Whether you’re looking for a holiday retreat, a permanent base in a world-class resort community, or a smart long-term investment, this exhibition offers something genuinely compelling. High-quality property in a prime location at Laguna Phuket still represents outstanding value compared to equivalent homes in Hong Kong or other major cities.”

Bellaguna Lake Residences

Brand new blocks of Bellaguna Lake Residences will be revealed for the first time at the exhibition. Set beside a shimmering lake within Laguna Phuket – steps from Bang Tao Beach – the development takes its design cues from the sleek lines of a contemporary luxury yacht. Five elegantly elongated buildings feature dark wave-like façades and warm, light-filled interiors, with generous private terraces overlooking the lagoon. Residences include one- to three-bedroom condominiums and two- to three-bedroom penthouses with private rooftop pools, as well as a brand new category of two-bedroom residences with private pool.

Bellaguna is Banyan Group Residences’ newest residential brand, conceived specifically for premium year-round living outside of hotel inventory – yet fully supported by the Group’s renowned hospitality management standards.

Bellaguna Golf Residences

Set on land that once formed part of Phuket’s historic tin-mining landscape, Bellaguna Golf Residences draws its design identity from that heritage – soft horizontal lines and sculpted contours reinterpreted through a contemporary tropical lens. Low-rise buildings unfold amid lush gardens and a signature free-form pool, overlooking the fairways of the championship Laguna Golf Phuket course. A brand new block has also just been released for this project, which features a compact one-bedroom configuration, alongside one- to three-bedroom condominiums and two- to three-bedroom penthouses with private pools and sunset golf views.

Angsana Golf Residences Topaz

Inspired by the clarity and elegance of the topaz gemstone, Angsana Golf Residences Topaz comprises three gracefully curved low-rise buildings set within Laguna Phuket, with Sino-Portuguese design accents that subtly reference Phuket’s cultural heritage. The development offers two- and three-bedroom residences and exclusive penthouses with private rooftop pools, all enjoying panoramic views of the golf course, mountains, and the Andaman Sea. A signature rooftop ring-shaped pool completes the picture.

All three projects now have show units available to view at Laguna Property Sales Gallery

Banyan Living

Banyan Group has recently launched Banyan Living, a residential rental and marketing platform created to support owners of branded residences across the Group’s portfolio, while offering guests a professionally managed alternative to traditional home‑sharing platforms.

Developed as a structured, hospitality-led rental ecosystem, Banyan Living enables private owners to generate income from their residences, while providing guests who rent the properties assurance of the design integrity and professional service standards associated with Banyan Group.

Why Phuket, Why Now

Phuket continues to attract growing international interest as both a lifestyle destination and an investment market. Within Laguna Phuket, nationals of some 70 countries have chosen to make the resort community their home, drawn by year-round tropical living, world-class amenities, international schools, medical facilities, and a level of quality and security that is difficult to match elsewhere in the region.

Banyan Group Residences anticipates launching up to USD 1 billion in new luxury residential projects in Phuket over the next two to three years, reflecting the Group’s confidence in the market and the enduring strength of demand from international buyers.

Prospective buyers are welcome to visit the exhibition at Park Lane Hong Kong, Canvas (26F), on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 May 2026, between 11:00 am and 6:00 pm. Private appointments can be arranged in advance by contacting the team directly.

Hashtag: #BanyanGroupResidences #LagunaPhuket #PhuketProperty

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

About Banyan Group

Banyan Group (“Banyan Tree Holdings Limited” or the “Group” – SGX: B58) is an independent, global hospitality company with purpose. The Group prides itself on its pioneering spirit, design-led experiences and commitment to responsible stewardship. Its extensive portfolio spans more than 100 properties, over 140 spas and galleries, and 20-plus branded residences in over 20 countries. Comprising 12 global brands, including the flagship Banyan Tree, each distinct yet united under the experiential membership programme with Banyan. The founding ethos of “Embracing the Environment, Empowering People” is embodied through the Banyan Global Foundation and Banyan Management Academy. Banyan Group is committed to remaining the leading advocate of sustainable travel, with a focus on regenerative tourism and innovative programmes that elevate the guest experience.

About Laguna Phuket

Laguna Phuket is Asia’s premier integrated resort destination, set against the stunning backdrop of the Andaman Sea. Spanning over 1,000 acres, the resort features six luxury hotels, an award-winning 18-hole golf course, fine dining, luxury spas, and branded residences. Guests benefit from complimentary shuttle services, a cashless payment system, and access to world-class recreational and wellness facilities.

About Banyan Group Residences

Banyan Group Residences is the property development arm of leading hospitality pioneer Banyan Group, listed on the stock exchange of Singapore. With over 35 years of development experience and an impressive portfolio of residential brands to suit different lifestyles and budgets, it is Thailand’s leading lifestyle property developer with a strong and increasingly international pipeline of projects. The Group’s main residential brands include the flagship luxury Banyan Tree Residences, Angsana Residences, Dhawa Residences, Garrya Residences, Laguna Residences, Cassia Residences, Skypark, Laguna Lakelands, and Bellaguna.

Britain has confirmed two hantavirus infections among its nationals and is investigating a third suspected case on Tristan da Cunha, widening the public health response to a deadly outbreak linked to the MV Hondius expedition cruise ship in the South Atlantic. The suspected case involves a British national on the remote UK Overseas Territory, while two other British nationals have already tested positive after being connected to […]

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 May 2026 – Techcombank successfully hosted the Overseas Insurance Talent Roadshow 2026 at the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, bringing together global insurance professionals and presenting long-term career opportunities in Vietnam’s evolving insurance market.

Global insurance professionals and industry leaders attend Techcombank’s Overseas Insurance Talent Roadshow 2026 in Hong Kong
Global insurance professionals and industry leaders attend Techcombank’s Overseas Insurance Talent Roadshow 2026 in Hong Kong

The event marked the first international debut of two insurance companies within Techcombank’s ecosystem — Techcom Life (life insurance) and Techcom Insurance (non-life insurance). Both entities are positioned to build a new generation of insurance, anchored in data, technology, and customer-centricity.

The roadshow featured senior leadership from across the ecosystem, including Mr. Pranav Seth, Chairman of Techcom Insurance; Mr. Mukesh Pilania, Chief Executive Officer of Techcom Life; and Ms. Veo Nguyen, Chief People Officer of Techcombank, alongside other executives leading key functions in technology, distribution, and product development.

Discussions at the event focused on Vietnam’s economic outlook and the evolving role of insurance in its next phase of development. Speakers highlighted the industry’s transition from traditional, product-led models toward data-driven, technology-enabled, and personalized approaches, with increasing emphasis on customer experience and long-term engagement.

Participants engaged in in-depth exchanges with the leadership team, gaining insights into Vietnam’s insurance landscape as well as a clearer understanding of the vision and long-term aspirations behind Techcombank’s newly established insurance businesses. The sessions reflected growing international interest in Vietnam as a high-potential market undergoing structural transformation.

Techcom Life, the group’s life insurance arm, has demonstrated strong early momentum, achieving a trajectory within six months and ranking No.1 in the bancassurance market in Q1 2026. Meanwhile, Techcom Insurance served over 650,000 customers in 2025 through a nationwide network of 280 branches and more than 3,500 sales professionals, reflecting its growing scale in the non-life insurance segment.

Hong Kong, one of Asia’s leading insurance hubs, is part of Techcombank’s broader international roadmap, following previous engagements in Singapore, the United States, Europe, and Australia.

Techcombank plans to continue the Overseas Insurance Talent Roadshow across additional global markets in 2026, as part of its strategy to attract international talent and support the development of a next-generation insurance ecosystem in Vietnam.
Hashtag: #Techcombank

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

Air India is preparing deeper cost controls and fresh flight reductions as the Iran war pushes up fuel costs, disrupts airspace and intensifies pressure on a carrier still trying to complete one of the world’s most ambitious airline turnarounds.

The Tata Group-owned airline is weighing measures that could include furloughs for non-technical employees, salary reductions for senior executives, lower bonus payouts and capacity cuts of more than 20 per cent over the next three months. The review comes as the airline faces longer routings, higher aviation turbine fuel prices and weaker economics on several long-haul and regional services.

Nearly 100 domestic and international flights are expected to be trimmed through July, with North America, Europe and West Asia routes among the most exposed. Longer flight paths caused by restricted airspace across parts of West Asia have increased flying time, crew costs and fuel burn. For an airline with a large share of wide-body operations, even a modest extension of flight time can turn a marginal route into a loss-making one.

Chief executive Campbell Wilson has told staff that the airline had already scaled back some services in April and May, but worsening operating conditions required further action in June and July. The cuts are being framed as a temporary response to abnormal costs rather than a reversal of Air India’s expansion strategy, though they underscore the fragility of the carrier’s recovery.

Air India’s financial strain predates the latest escalation in West Asia. The airline has been absorbing the cost of fleet renewal, cabin refits, technology upgrades, merger integration and service improvements since Tata Group acquired it from the government in 2022. Its merger with Vistara has expanded its premium network and given Singapore Airlines a stake of just over 25 per cent in the enlarged carrier, but the integration has also added complexity at a time of volatile fuel markets and aircraft supply delays.

The airline’s losses for the year ended March 2026 have been estimated at more than ₹220 billion, a sharp deterioration linked to high fuel costs, airspace restrictions, operational disruptions and the heavy cost of restructuring. The figure has raised expectations that shareholders may need to provide additional financial support while management attempts to protect liquidity.

War-linked airspace restrictions have hit Air India more severely than many rivals because of its geography. Flights between the subcontinent and North America or Europe often depend on corridors through Pakistan, Iran, Iraq and surrounding regions. With some of these routes restricted or avoided for safety reasons, aircraft must take longer paths, increasing fuel consumption and reducing aircraft productivity.

The carrier has also faced constraints from aircraft availability. Refits of Boeing 787 aircraft, delivery delays and maintenance requirements have limited flexibility in reallocating capacity. The airline’s earlier suspension of Delhi-Washington services highlighted how aircraft shortages and airspace restrictions can combine to make long-haul routes commercially difficult even where demand exists.

Air India’s planned cuts come against a wider global aviation squeeze. Jet fuel prices have surged as the Iran war disrupted energy markets and raised fears over supply through the Gulf. Airlines with weaker fuel hedging, older fleets or longer detour-heavy networks face the harshest impact. Some carriers are raising fares, while others are cutting capacity to protect cash and preserve operational reliability.

For passengers, the adjustments could mean fewer non-stop choices, higher fares on peak routes and greater reliance on partner airlines through hubs such as London, Frankfurt, New York, Newark, Chicago and San Francisco. Air India is expected to prioritise commercially stronger routes and maintain connectivity where demand, yields and aircraft availability justify operations.

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SEMICON Southeast Asia 2026 opened in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday, putting Malaysia at the centre of a regional push to capture a larger share of the global semiconductor value chain as chipmakers rethink production networks, sourcing risks and capacity plans.

The three-day industry gathering at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre runs from 5 to 7 May and is expected to draw more than 20,000 policymakers, manufacturers, suppliers, investors, researchers and technology specialists. Held under the theme “Transform Tomorrow”, the event is being staged in strategic partnership with Malaysia’s Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority.

The launch ceremony was officiated by Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, Malaysia’s Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, with senior SEMI executives, MIDA leadership and global semiconductor company representatives in attendance. The programme places manufacturing scale-up, advanced packaging, intelligent manufacturing, sustainability and workforce development at the centre of discussions, reflecting the industry’s shift from pure capacity expansion to more resilient and geographically diversified ecosystems.

Malaysia enters the event with a strong base in electrical and electronics manufacturing, particularly assembly, testing and packaging. The country has long been a critical node for chip back-end operations, with Penang and Kulim playing key roles in outsourced semiconductor assembly and test activity. The policy focus is now moving further up the value chain into chip design, advanced packaging, automation, materials, equipment support and higher-value manufacturing services.

Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, chief executive officer of MIDA, said Malaysia was no longer positioning itself as a passive beneficiary of industry shifts. “The semiconductor industry is at an inflection point, and Malaysia intends to be at the centre of what comes next,” he said, pointing to the MADANI Economy Framework and the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 as policy anchors for a broader industrial upgrade.

The E&E sector secured RM28.5 billion in approved investments in 2025, underlining continued investor interest despite a more fragmented global trade environment. Malaysia’s broader semiconductor strategy is focused on supply-chain integration, stronger domestic enterprise capability and talent development, as the country seeks to build a deeper industrial base around its existing production strengths.

Ajit Manocha, president and chief executive officer of SEMI, said closer coordination across design, manufacturing, materials and supply chains had become essential as artificial intelligence, high-performance computing and advanced electronics reshape demand. He said SEMICON Southeast Asia was designed not only as a technology showcase but as a platform for partnerships that can support long-term industry growth and resilience.

The timing of the Kuala Lumpur event is significant. Global semiconductor sales are on course to approach $1 trillion in 2026, driven largely by demand for AI accelerators, memory, advanced logic, data-centre infrastructure, automotive electronics and edge devices. Monthly industry sales crossed $99 billion in March 2026, while first-quarter sales were sharply higher than the previous quarter, showing the scale of the current upcycle.

Capital expenditure is also accelerating. Spending on 300mm fab equipment is projected to rise to about $133 billion in 2026 and $151 billion in 2027, as chipmakers expand capacity for advanced logic and memory while governments push for more localised semiconductor supply chains. Yet Southeast Asia remains under-represented in new front-end fabrication plans compared with China, Taiwan, South Korea, Japan and the United States, leaving room for Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand and the Philippines to compete more aggressively for future investment.

SEMICON Southeast Asia 2026 features the Executive Leadership Summit, the MIDA Strategic Semiconductor Forum and Seminar, the Sustainability and Energy Summit, TechZoomers Challenge and TalentCONNECT. These sessions are designed to connect policy, capital, manufacturing capability and workforce planning, rather than treating the exhibition as a conventional trade fair.

The emphasis on talent is especially important. Semiconductor expansion is being constrained not only by investment cycles and export controls but also by shortages of engineers, technicians, automation specialists and materials experts. Malaysia’s challenge is to match global investor confidence with a skilled workforce capable of supporting advanced packaging, precision manufacturing and design-linked activity.

Chicago wheat futures advanced for a third straight session on Tuesday as drought damage across the US Plains kept traders focused on tightening prospects for the winter crop, even as forecasts for rainfall checked sharper gains. The most-active wheat contract on the Chicago Board of Trade rose 0.8 per cent to $6.44-1/4 a bushel in early Asian trade, extending a rally that last week pushed prices to […]

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OSAKA, JAPAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 May 2026 – Travelodge Hotels Asia continues its expansion in Japan with the upcoming opening of Travelodge Osaka Shinsaibashi, set to welcome its first guests in August 2026.

TLOS-1600x1200

Located in Minamisenba, Chuo Ward, the hotel sits in the heart of Osaka’s vibrant Shinsaibashi district—one of the city’s most popular areas for shopping, dining, and nightlife. The hotel is just steps from Shinsaibashi Station, with immediate access from North Exit 3 for seamless connectivity across the city. With more than 300 rooms, the property will be the largest Travelodge hotel in Japan and one of the biggest in the Shinsaibashi area, offering newly renovated, modern accommodation for both leisure and business travelers.

“We are excited to introduce Travelodge Osaka Shinsaibashi to our hotel collection in Japan. It is an important milestone that reflects Travelodge Hotels Asia’s commitment to regional growth, especially in Japan,” said Pinky Lam, Chief Operating Officer of Travelodge Hotels Asia. “Osaka continues to attract travelers from around the world, and we are confident in our ability to continue delivering our signature experience—comfortable stays in strategic locations at great value—in one of the city’s most dynamic districts.”

Comfortable Rooms for Every Traveler

The hotel offers a range of thoughtfully designed rooms to suit different travel needs, from solo travelers to groups.

Room categories include:

  • Standard Double – A comfortable option for solo travelers or couples
  • Standard Twin – Ideal for friends or travel companions
  • Friends & Family Triple – Designed for small groups or families
  • Friends & Family Quadruple – Suitable for families or group stays


Prime Location in the Heart of Osaka

Guests will enjoy convenient access to Osaka’s top attractions, including the iconic Dotonbori, just a 10-minute walk away and known for its vibrant neon lights and street food scene.

Other nearby attractions include:

  • Amerikamura — a lively hub for youth culture, street fashion, and cafés
  • Midōsuji — a major boulevard known for shopping and seasonal illuminations
  • Namba Parks — a popular shopping complex with a rooftop garden
  • Honmachi — a central business district with offices and commercial centers
  • Yodoyabashi — Osaka’s financial hub, home to banks and leading companies

With multiple transport stations within walking distance, guests can also easily access major attractions across the city, including Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan.

Exclusive Pre-Order Sale

To celebrate the upcoming opening, Travelodge Hotels Asia is launching a limited-time Pre-Order Sale, offering 50% off stays at Travelodge Osaka Shinsaibashi.

The promotion is available exclusively for bookings made through www.travelodgehotels.asia, allowing guests to secure exceptional value for upcoming trips—whether for summer holidays, autumn foliage season, winter festivities, or spring travel next year.

Strengthening Travelodge’s Presence in Japan

The opening marks another milestone for Travelodge Hotels Asia as it continues to expand across key destinations in Asia. With its prime location, large room inventory, and accessible pricing, the hotel is expected to become a preferred choice for travelers seeking accommodation near Shinsaibashi, Dotonbori, and Namba.

More details about the hotel and its opening promotions will be announced closer to the launch.

Hashtag: #TravelodgeHotelsAsia #TravelodgeOsakaShinsaibashi

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

About Travelodge Hotels (Asia)

Travelodge Hotels Asia is a fast-growing hotel management and franchise company headquartered in Singapore, with operations across Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Thailand.

With 20 hotels currently in operation and plans to expand to over 50 properties by 2030, the company focuses on delivering value-driven stays in strategic locations. Backed by more than 80 years of global brand heritage, Travelodge offers its signature experience centered on comfort, convenience, and connectivity.

  • US$8 billion ultra-premium integrated commercial property debuts new lifestyle destination located along Shanghai’s iconic Huangpu River waterfront
  • New “Enjoy Life” brand theme highlights premium tenant mix of designer retail and lifestyle brands

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 May 2026 – Hongkong Land Holdings Limited (“Hongkong Land” or the “Company”) marked a key milestone with the opening of Phase Two at Westbund Central, its flagship ultra-premium integrated commercial property in Shanghai’s Xuhui District that is one of the largest mixed-use developments in the world. This stage of the US$8 billion project’s rollout is complemented by its new “Enjoy Life” brand theme, reinforcing the district’s role as a dynamic environment for work, living and leisure.

Photo 1: (From left to right) Mr. Raymond Wong, Director & Head of Property Development, Westbund Central; Mr. John Simpkins, General Counsel, Hongkong Land; Ms. Alfreda Zeng, Chief Operating Officer, Ping An Real Estate; Mr. Stuart Grant, Chief Executive, Westbund Central; Ms. Gan Jin, Vice Chairman, Shanghai West Bund Development Group; Mr. Craig Beattie, Chief Financial Officer, Hongkong Land and Ms. Vera Wu, Director & Head of Commercial Property, Westbund Central.
Photo 1: (From left to right) Mr. Raymond Wong, Director & Head of Property Development, Westbund Central; Mr. John Simpkins, General Counsel, Hongkong Land; Ms. Alfreda Zeng, Chief Operating Officer, Ping An Real Estate; Mr. Stuart Grant, Chief Executive, Westbund Central; Ms. Gan Jin, Vice Chairman, Shanghai West Bund Development Group; Mr. Craig Beattie, Chief Financial Officer, Hongkong Land and Ms. Vera Wu, Director & Head of Commercial Property, Westbund Central.

The Phase Two commercial launch introduces a diverse mix of global first stores, designer labels, and flagship concepts that reinforce Westbund Central’s position as a new downtown in Shanghai. New tenants include international icons such as Issey Miyake, the multi-brand boutique SND, Leica Store & Gallery, artisanal Swiss chocolatier House of Läderach, and design houses HAY and Paulmann.

With a planned total gross floor area of more than 1.7 million square metres, Westbund Central is the Company’s largest-ever single investment and brings together a diversified commercial mix that includes more than 600 international retail and lifestyle brands, 180 food and beverage operators, more than 50,000 square metres dedicated to cultural and art facilities, as well as 650,000 square metres of premium Grade A offices that will house occupiers including globally renowned companies such as adidas and lululemon.

While Phase One centred on food and beverage, cafes, and sports and leisure facilities, Phase Two enhances the district’s prestige by focusing on designer lifestyle brands. Looking ahead, Phase Three will introduce a cluster of global luxury maison flagships to further boost the district’s international appeal. Around 12,000 square metres of retail space is already open, with an additional 30,000 square metres opening within this year.

Michael T. Smith, Group Chief Executive of Hongkong Land, said: “Westbund Central is a fresh and dynamic example of our strategic focus to develop ultra-premium, integrated commercial districts in Asia’s leading gateway cities. As Hongkong Land’s largest single investment to date and our flagship China property, Westbund Central is one of the most significant projects in the company’s portfolio and designed to deliver sustained long-term value.”

Stuart Grant, Chief Executive of Westbund Central, said: “Westbund Central is being shaped as Shanghai’s new downtown and we are incredibly proud to build one of the largest mixed-use properties in the world that redefines modern urban living. We are creating a globally renowned ‘city within a city’ where the finest quality office, retail, residential and hospitality components converge in a single vibrant destination where people can truly enjoy life.”

As further phases are delivered, Westbund Central will continue to reinforce its position as one of Shanghai’s most significant integrated commercial districts and a cornerstone of the company’s long-term growth strategy in its portfolio.
Hashtag: #HongkongLand

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

Westbund Central

Hongkong Land’s Westbund Central is the Group’s largest-ever single investment. Scheduled to complete in phases up until 2028, it is an US$8 billion development encompassing approximately more than 1.7 million sq. m. of prime mixed-use property strategically located at Shanghai’s Xuhui Waterfront. It is a flagship development of Hongkong Land’s prime commercial properties’ CENTRAL Series. The ultra-premium integrated commercial property includes 240,000 sq. m of retail space, 650,000 sq. m. of premium Grade A offices, 160,000 sq. m. of high-end waterfront luxury residences, two hotels (55,000 sq. m.) and over 50,000 sq. m. of cultural and art venues.

Hongkong Land

Hongkong Land is a major listed property development, investment and management group. It focuses on developing, owning and managing premium and ultra-premium mixed-use real estate in Asian gateway cities, featuring Grade A office, luxury retail, residential and hospitality products. With over US$50 billion in assets under management, Hongkong Land’s ultra-premium mixed-use real estate footprint spans over 1.97 million sq. m. lettable area in operation and 1.43 million sq. m. lettable area under development, with flagship mixed-use projects in Hong Kong, Singapore and Shanghai. Its properties hold industry leading green building certifications and attract the world’s foremost companies and luxury brands. Established in 1889, Hongkong Land takes a long-term view, investing significantly alongside its capital partners and concentrating its portfolio where it can create the most value for tenants, customers and investors. Hongkong Land Holdings Limited has a primary listing on the London Stock Exchange, with secondary listings in Singapore and Bermuda. Hongkong Land is a member of the Jardine Matheson Group.

Beijing has moved from denunciation to direct legal defiance of US sanctions, ordering companies and financial institutions under its jurisdiction not to recognise or comply with American penalties imposed on five refiners accused of involvement in Iranian oil trade.

The order, issued by the Ministry of Commerce on 2 May, marks China’s first known use of a formal blocking mechanism against US sanctions on domestic companies. It targets measures against Hengli Petrochemical Refinery Co, Shandong Shouguang Luqing Petrochemical Co, Shandong Jincheng Petrochemical Group Co, Hebei Xinhai Chemical Group Co and Shandong Shengxing Chemical Co. The firms had been placed under US restrictions linked to alleged purchases or processing of Iranian crude, including asset freezes and transaction bans.

The move places banks, insurers, commodity traders and shipping intermediaries in a difficult position. Compliance with Washington’s restrictions may now expose them to legal risk in China, while compliance with Beijing’s order may expose them to penalties under the US sanctions regime. For large Chinese banks with international operations, the dilemma is particularly acute because access to dollar clearing, correspondent banking and global capital markets remains central to their business.

China has long rejected unilateral US sanctions as illegitimate, especially when they apply beyond American territory. Until now, however, Beijing had often allowed major financial institutions and state-linked enterprises to quietly reduce exposure to sanctioned entities to avoid jeopardising access to the US financial system. The latest order changes that balance by instructing domestic parties not to recognise, enforce or comply with the penalties.

The legal basis lies in China’s blocking rules against what Beijing describes as unjustified extraterritorial application of foreign laws. Those rules, introduced in 2021 and strengthened by additional countermeasure regulations, allow authorities to prohibit compliance with foreign restrictions that impair normal business with third countries. The 2 May order says the US measures against the refiners improperly restrict lawful trade and harm the rights of Chinese entities.

The immediate trigger is Washington’s renewed pressure on Iranian oil revenues. Hengli’s Dalian refinery, with capacity of about 400,000 barrels per day, is among the most prominent privately owned refining assets to be targeted. US authorities have accused it of buying large volumes of Iranian crude. Hengli’s parent has denied trading with Iran and said operations remain normal.

Other sanctioned firms are part of China’s independent refining sector, often described as “teapot” refiners, clustered mainly in Shandong and surrounding provinces. These companies have become central to China’s discounted crude imports, including oil from Iran and Russia, as state refiners have generally been more cautious in handling cargoes exposed to sanctions risk.

The financial implications extend beyond the refiners themselves. Banks processing payments, lenders providing working capital, insurers covering cargoes, shipowners transporting crude and brokers arranging trades could all face competing legal obligations. International banks are likely to adopt a more conservative stance, while smaller domestic institutions may come under pressure to maintain services to companies protected by Beijing’s order.

Hengli has already moved to limit operational disruption. Its Singapore trading unit was restructured after the US designation, with a majority stake transferred to a company linked to a local government entity in Dalian. The shift has not fully reassured counterparties, as brokers and financial institutions remain wary of dealing with entities connected to sanctioned operations.

The confrontation comes as energy markets are adjusting to tighter enforcement against Iranian crude flows. China remains Iran’s largest oil customer, with independent refiners attracted by discounted barrels at a time when domestic margins are under pressure. Traders have reported that cargoes are often routed through complex shipping arrangements, with documentation obscuring origin and payments settled through non-dollar channels.

For Beijing, the order is also a political signal. It asserts that China will not automatically absorb the costs of US secondary sanctions when strategic commodities, energy security and private industrial champions are involved. It also offers reassurance to domestic firms that the government is prepared to use legal instruments rather than limit itself to diplomatic protest.

For Washington, the step complicates enforcement. Sanctions work most effectively when banks and intermediaries avoid designated firms without needing direct prosecution. If China compels non-compliance at home, US authorities may have to decide whether to escalate against financial institutions that continue servicing the refiners, a move that could widen the dispute from energy trade into the banking system.

  • Building upon its expertise in Europe, Rhenus is expanding its road freight solutions in Asia Pacific
  • The strategic move will see dedicated expertise and resources to better support the region’s demand for fast and reliable freight transportation options

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 May 2026 – With demand for road freight services across Asia Pacific rising, leading global logistics provider Rhenus Group has announced plans to further expand its road freight operations in the region. As part of its broader regional growth strategy, the company is strengthening cross-border trucking across Southeast Asia and key corridors between Greater China and Southeast Asia. Building on this, it is continuously integrating road with air and ocean freight, while scaling local distribution, sourcing and leveraging existing free trade zone warehousing capabilities.

As part of this expansion, Rhenus is investing in local capabilities to support individual market needs including the recent establishment of its Bukit Kayu Hitam Border Office in Malaysia, with full customs capabilities to support smoother cross-border movements.

Prem Anand Anandaverl, Regional Director of Cross Border Trucking Asia, Rhenus Logistics notes, “Our goal is to provide a seamless connectivity to the global network by reinforcing a comprehensive road freight service and continue to help businesses to move their goods across Asia efficiently and compliantly. Road Freight is playing an increasingly important role in building a resilient supply chain especially in this region.”

Asia Pacific to see high demand for road freight services

The global freight trucking market size [1] is projected to be valued at US$2.74 Tn in 2025 and is set to reach US$3.70 Tn by 2032, growing at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 3.9%. Asia Pacific remains a key growth driver, supported by expanding industrial output, a large consumer base, and rapidly developing logistics infrastructure enabling both domestic and cross-border trade.

Achieving Sustainable Growth through Road Freight: Consistency, Scalability and Increasing Customer Value

With more than 150 owned and partner road freight locations in Europe, Rhenus currently operates in over 15 countries through a well-established network. The expansion of road freight services in Asia Pacific will enable the company to further integrate its’ end-to-end supply chain solutions, combining road freight solutions with air and ocean services to deliver more flexible and customized logistics solutions globally.

Ongoing investments in multilingual local teams, dedicated border infrastructure, and best practice transport management systems will support seamless cross-border operations, stronger customs and regulatory expertise across markets.

Leveraging its rail connections between Greater China and Europe, alongside a robust multimodal network spanning sea, land, and rail, the company aims to provide customers with greater flexibility and scalability in response to evolving supply chain demands. The company is also working with partners to improve CO₂ tracking and explore alternative fuel options, supporting more sustainable road freight operations.


[1] Based on analysis by Persistence Market Research

Hashtag: #Rhenus

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

About Rhenus

The Rhenus Group is one of the leading logistics specialists with global business operations and annual turnover amounting to EUR 8.2 billion. 39,000 employees work at 1,300 business sites in more than 70 countries and develop innovative solutions along the complete supply chain. Whether providing transport, warehousing, customs clearance or value-added services, the family-owned business pools its operations in various business units where the needs of customers are the major focus at all times.

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 May 2026 – As students increasingly evaluate higher education options through the lens of employability, internships have emerged as a critical factor influencing decision-making, reflecting a broader shift towards experience-based learning. Recent findings from Singapore’s Graduate Employment Survey show that employment outcomes for graduates from autonomous universities and the private education sector are closely tracked, with data generally collected approximately six months after graduation to capture early career transitions.

While overall employment rates remain relatively resilient, education and labour market observers note that graduates are increasingly expected to demonstrate practical experience in addition to academic qualifications. Industry commentary linked to the survey highlights that internships and prior work exposure can play a key role in improving employability, particularly in a tighter job market.

Internships as a Bridge Between Education and Employment

Internships are widely regarded as a critical bridge between academic learning and professional employment. They provide students with opportunities to develop workplace competencies, understand organisational environments and build networks that can support job placement after graduation. With Graduate Employment Survey data indicating increased competition for full-time roles, early exposure to industry has become an important differentiator for students entering the workforce.

Embedding Internships into the Student Experience

The Singapore Institute of Management (SIM) has incorporated internships as a core component of its employability strategy through its Career Connect department. Internships are positioned as a key pathway that “bridge students and graduates into the realities of the working world,” allowing them to apply academic knowledge in real business environments.

SIM works with a network of companies ranging from small and medium enterprises to multinational organisations, providing students with access to internship opportunities across sectors.

Students may source internships independently or tap into structured opportunities within SIM’s ecosystem, including in-house placements through initiatives such as the Talent Development Programme.

Technology Enabled Access to Internship Opportunities

To support access at scale, SIM has introduced CareerSense, a digital platform that aggregates internship listings, job opportunities and career events into a single interface. Through this platform, students can connect with employers, explore opportunities and participate in career development activities, reflecting a broader shift towards digital career services in higher education.

Recognising the Value of Internship Participation

SIM has also introduced initiatives to recognise student participation in internships and experiential learning. The SIM60 Work-Integrated Learning for Life WILL Award highlights the role of internships in developing both technical and transferable skills such as communication, adaptability and problem solving. Such initiatives reflect a wider industry view that structured work experience is an increasingly important component of graduate readiness.

A Growing Expectation Among Students

The emphasis on internships reflects a broader shift in student priorities. As employment outcomes become more closely tied to educational choices, students are seeking clearer pathways from classroom learning to career opportunities.

With Graduate Employment Survey data pointing to a more competitive hiring environment, institutions that provide strong access to internships and industry engagement are likely to play a more significant role in shaping graduate success.

References

  1. Ministry of Education Singapore Graduate Employment Survey – https://data.gov.sg/datasets?resultId=d_3c55210de27fcccda2ed0c63fdd2b352&topics=education
  2. Private Education Employment Survey – https://www.ssg.gov.sg/resources/pei/pei-ges/private-education-institution-graduate-employment-survey-2024-2025
  3. Full-time employment opportunity falls to 79.5% for fresh graduates in S’pore – https://hrsea.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/industry/full-time-employment-opportunity-falls-to-79-5-for-fresh-graduates-in-spore-survey-finds/118531408?
  4. SIM Career Service – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/life-at-sim/career-services
  5. SIM Internship & Employment Opportunities – https://www.sim.edu.sg/alumni/internship-and-employment-opportunities

Hashtag: #SIMGlobalEducation #SIMGE #GlobalEducation #InternationalDegree #CareerReady #FutureSkills

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

About SIM Global Education

SIM Global Education (SIM GE) is a leading private education institution in Singapore and the region. We offer more than 140 academic programmes ranging from diplomas and graduate diploma programmes to bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes with some of the world’s most reputable universities from Australia, Canada, Europe, United Kingdom, and the United States. SIM GE’s cohort is made up of 17,000 full- and part-time students and adult learners, of which approximately 41% are international students hailing from over 50 countries.

SIM GE’s holistic learning approach and culturally diverse learning environment aim to equip students with knowledge, industry skills and employability competencies, as well as a global perspective to succeed as future leaders in a fast-changing, technologically driven world.

For more information on SIM Global Education, visit

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 May 2026 – Building on its remarkable success in Singapore and Indonesia, Petite Fleur is thrilled to announce its expansion into Malaysia with the launch of Petite Fleur KL.

Petite Fleur KL Team
Petite Fleur KL Team

This strategic growth marks a significant milestone in the company’s long-term vision to establish itself as the leading florist in the Asia-Pacific region. By bringing its renowned craftsmanship, unique floral designs, and premium floral arrangements to customers in Kuala Lumpur, Petite Fleur is poised to deliver the same quality service that has made it a trusted name in Singapore and Indonesia.

Petite Fleur KL aims to captivate customers in Malaysia with its signature floral artistry, featuring luxury flower arrangements, preserved flowers, and balloon flower bouquets. Specially curated to suit local preferences, the collection combines an enchanting blend of tradition and contemporary elegance in Kuala Lumpur. This expansion reflects the brand’s mission to spread joy through flowers while strengthening its reputation as a leading online florist in Singapore and beyond.

Filling a Gap in the Market

Market research has highlighted a growing demand for premium, same-day flower delivery services in Kuala Lumpur. With this valuable insight, Petite Fleur KL is committed to providing fresh, handcrafted floral arrangements tailored to every occasion, from celebrations and anniversaries to heartfelt gestures. With a seamless online experience, the brand extends its hallmark reliability and quality—renowned in Singapore and Indonesia—to customers in Malaysia. By doing so, the brand sets a new standard for premium floral services in the region.

A Vision for the Future

Patricia, the visionary owner of Petite Fleur, sees this expansion as a pivotal step toward becoming the leading florist in Asia Pacific. “Our goal is to create everlasting memories with every bouquet we deliver,” Patricia shared. “With fresh flower gifts and bespoke floral arrangements, tapping into Malaysia’s market allows us to reach more customers while deepening our connection to diverse cultures and preferences.”

This expansion allows the brand to better serve its international corporate clients, who can now place orders with the same trusted florist in Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia. Employees also benefit from the company’s growth, gaining valuable experience by working with colleagues from diverse cultural backgrounds. This fosters an inclusive and dynamic workplace.

Although still in its early stages, Patricia is confident in the brand’s potential. She plans to expand into more markets within the next two years. This regional approach sets Petite Fleur apart from competitors focused on a single market, ensuring continued success across Southeast Asia.
Hashtag: #petitefleurmy #petitefleurkl #floristkl #floristsg #flowerdeliverykl #flowerdeliverymalaysia



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

Petite Fleur KL

Petite Fleur is a trusted name in Singapore, known for its premium and fast, reliable same-day flower delivery services.

With a keen eye for detail and a deep passion for spreading love, Petite Fleur crafts unique floral arrangements that captivate and inspire, turning every occasion into a memorable moment.

The brand continues expanding its reach and now offers exceptional services across Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Discover more about their exquisite offerings at now!

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 May 2026 – Prof. Dr. Yodchanan Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), led the National Innovation Agency (Public Organization) or NIA, along with Thai Union Group PCL, Mahidol University, and leading corporate partners including Thai Beverage PLC, Nestlé (Thai) Ltd., and new partner Foodland Ventures from Taiwan, to launch “SPACE-F Year 7”. This is Thailand’s first global foodtech startup incubator and accelerator program, continuing the success of solving food industry challenges through sustainable innovation.

SPACE-F Batch 7
SPACE-F Batch 7

Prof. Dr. Yodchanan spoke about elevating “SPACE-F Batch 7” to the policy level and building awareness, stating that MHESI aims to present food innovation products from the startups in this batch at the upcoming Cabinet meeting. This will allow the Prime Minister to taste them, raising awareness that FoodTech is the nation’s new future. The products will be presented to the Cabinet in the next two weeks.

Regarding the core concept of combining technology with “Thai taste,” Prof. Dr. Yodchanan emphasized that no matter how advanced the technology is, it must maintain the “Nice taste of Thailand.” He cited a “high-tech omelet” he previously tasted as an example, noting that there is still room for improvement to make it taste closer to an authentic Thai omelet so that the technology can truly win over consumers’ hearts.

The MHESI Minister continued that regarding food innovation under the Wellness Economy, this year focuses on using the Wellness Economy as a New Growth Engine. This is not limited strictly to food but includes AI, ICT, and software, aiming to push Thailand into a global Wellness Tourism Hub with support from the BOI in connecting investment opportunities.

Prof. Dr. Yodchanan further stated that regarding the use of biodiversity and quality ingredients (Biodiversity & GI), startups will be encouraged to utilize Thailand’s rich biodiversity and GI products as substitutes for imported raw materials. This will help reduce costs and create a unique identity.

“As for connecting the ‘Thinker’ with the ‘Doer,’ this program emphasizes linking startups with large industrial corporations and investors. This helps startups in the Accelerator group advance toward Series A or B funding, while helping the Incubator group learn business and pitching experiences from their seniors to cross the business ‘Death Valley.’ Furthermore, regarding food and nutrition security in the era of war: in the current global conditions facing wartime situations, Food Security and Nutrition Security are vital. This program is an opportunity for startups to create innovations that help solve problems for the whole world, with the government working closely with SPACE-F to create new services and products,” the MHESI Minister said.

However, “SPACE-F Batch 7” features 20 participating startups from 10 countries, focusing on the Proof of Concept (POC) strategy to ensure they can tangibly grow toward commercialization on an international scale.

Dr. Krithpaka Boonfueng, Executive Director of the National Innovation Agency (NIA), stated that NIA aims to strengthen the potential of startups and innovative entrepreneurs to overcome business crises and grow commercially in a tangible way. Over the past 6 years, the SPACE-F program has concretely reinforced its role as a regional food innovation hub by incubating and accelerating over 100 startups from 18 countries worldwide, generating a total funding value of over 5.1 billion THB. For the SPACE-F Year 7 program, it marks another major milestone of leapfrog growth, setting a new international record with an all-time high of 204 applicants, continuously increasing from 156 in Cohort 6 and 148 in Cohort 2, reflecting the confidence of global startups in the program’s potential. Concurrently, the program has significantly expanded its international reach, with applicants from 57 countries worldwide, up from 34 countries in the previous cohort, affirming that SPACE-F is a truly global platform connecting and driving world food innovation.

“The SPACE-F program is considered a vital mechanism in driving the development of a strong and comprehensive foodtech startup ecosystem by systematically connecting knowledge, technology, and the industrial sector together. Particularly, it provides opportunities for startups to co-develop and test real products (Proof of Concept: POC) with large corporate partners, as well as access expert networks and world-class infrastructure. This includes testing protein innovations focused on appearance, freshness, and taste with Thai Union; developing modern health and nutrition solutions with ThaiBev and Nestlé; utilizing deep-tech research laboratories from Mahidol University; and enhancing fundraising capabilities from Foodland Ventures, which plays a crucial role in reducing business risks and effectively increasing the chances of commercialization. For SPACE-F Year 7, it aims to elevate startup development through 2 main programs: the Incubator Program, which focuses on laying business foundations and developing prototypes into market-ready products, and the Accelerator Program, which focuses on accelerating business expansion through connections with strategic partners and investors. This covers 7 key areas of the food industry: 1) Personalized Nutrition, 2) Future Protein, 3) Circular Food Systems, 4) Smart Manufacturing, 5) Sustainable Production, 6) Food Safety, and 7) Novel Consumer Experience, to build high-potential startups capable of developing quality new products that directly meet market demands, ready to compete and grow sustainably on the global stage.”

Ms. Sirichit Jiraruangkiat, Senior Director – Group Innovation at Thai Union Group PCL, revealed, “As a co-founding partner of the SPACE-F program, Thai Union Group PCL continues to drive the development of Thailand’s foodtech startup ecosystem. We aim to support breakthrough growth by promoting the development and testing of innovations at the industrial level, particularly through the Proof of Concept (POC) process, to elevate the standards of future protein products to compete internationally. Thai Union prioritizes the application of modern food production and preservation technologies, covering everything from maintaining product quality and freshness and developing appealing appearances to sensory research to create textures and flavors that effectively meet the demands of global consumers. Simultaneously, the SPACE-F program remains committed to a ‘No Equity Taken’ approach, allowing startups to retain full ownership of their innovations, maintain business agility, and grow independently and sustainably in the long term.”

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pasit Pakawatpanurut, Deputy Dean for Research and Innovation, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, further added, “With expertise in food science, nutrition, biotechnology, and related fields, Mahidol University serves as an academic powerhouse and innovation infrastructure, providing startups with access to advanced laboratories, pilot plants, and modern research equipment. They also receive in-depth consultation from a team of expert researchers to successfully transition research into products that truly meet global market demands (Lab-to-Market). This collaboration is therefore a key mechanism in driving sustainable food innovation and enhancing Thailand’s competitiveness as a global foodtech hub. Mahidol University’s involvement in the SPACE-F program also plays a vital role in strengthening the country’s foodtech startup ecosystem in the long run.”

In addition, another key partner is Thai Beverage Public Company Limited, which places great importance on continuous research and development, believing it to be essential for startups. As a sponsor of the SPACE-F program, they are pleased to be part of an ecosystem that enhances the potential of foodtech startups and provides business and technological guidance to help startups discover solutions that truly meet the needs of the global food market.

Ms. Jenica Conde Cruz, Business Manager – Cereal Partners Worldwide & Incubator at Nestlé (Thai) Ltd., also stated, “Nestlé, a global leader in food and beverages, plays a vital role as a strategic partner of the SPACE-F program. We aim to elevate foodtech startups through the transfer of Research & Development (R&D) knowledge and product development experience under the ‘Good food, Good life’ concept. Nestlé also provides in-depth consultation to support the development of products that meet Nutrition, Health, and Wellness needs, while promoting the use of innovation to tackle global food industry challenges. In parallel, Nestlé also drives the development of innovations that align with sustainability goals by opening opportunities for startups to learn together with experts from our global research center network, in areas of food preservation technology, eco-friendly packaging, and responsible sourcing.”

Victor Chen, CEO of Foodland Ventures Co. closed with, “Foodland Ventures, a leading Venture Capital firm and Accelerator from Taiwan, has joined as a strategic partner in the SPACE-F program to push foodtech startups to expand their businesses into international markets. We aim to act as a bridge connecting innovation from Taiwan with food industry networks in Thailand and Southeast Asia. With expertise in key technologies such as Restaurant Automation, Alternative Protein, and Smart Supply Chain, Foodland Ventures is ready to support startups through access to the Taiwanese market and resources, providing investment and business strategy consultation, and connecting them with the industrial sector to test solutions in real-world environments. This collaboration marks a significant step in building a ‘FoodTech Corridor’ between Thailand and Taiwan to elevate startup potential and drive the food industry toward a sustainable global future.”

The “SPACE-F Year 7” program also introduced 20 startups from 10 countries worldwide: South Korea, Spain, Canada, USA/Argentina, Australia, Singapore, UK, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, and Thailand, selected for this year’s program. All will have the opportunity to co-develop and test real innovations with leading industry partners, covering product development, industrial-level testing, and commercialization in the real market

Such collaboration is a key highlight of the program, providing startups the opportunity to test technology and innovations in real-world environments, reducing development limitations, and increasing the chances of creating business models that accurately meet market demands.

10 FoodTech Startups Joining the Accelerator Program

  1. Terra Bioindustries Inc (Canada): Upcycles agricultural and food industry waste into high-value ingredients such as sugar, protein, and fiber for use in the food, biotech, and chemical industries.
  2. Nucaps (Spain): Develops functional protein ingredients using microencapsulation technology to wrap active substances and probiotics, enhancing nutritional value, reducing costs, and improving taste to effectively promote consumer health.
  3. BeNatureBioLab (South Korea): Develops functional ingredients using nano and microencapsulation technology from natural proteins to wrap active substances and probiotics, increasing the stability, absorption, and efficiency of substances in food, supplements, and health products.
  4. Kinava (South Korea): Converts food waste into biofertilizer, biochar, and biogas within hours using HydroThermal Carbonization (HTC) technology, which reduces odor, energy use, and emissions.
  5. ComexSoft (Spain): A near real-time market intelligence platform that collects and organizes retail data, matching similar products specifically developed for accurate decision-making.
  6. PROTINOS (Thailand): High-protein noodles made from egg whites and soybeans containing complete essential amino acids, created using enzyme incubation techniques, serving as food to help care for and protect health.
  7. SicPama (South Korea): A QR ordering and payment platform with a CRM system that links social media with actual service usage and repeat visits, helping restaurants measure returns and increase revenue.
  8. Nourish Ingredients (Australia): High-performance animal-free fats created via precision fermentation to solve the taste and texture issues of plant-based alternative foods by mimicking the key fats found in meat and dairy products.
  9. Kresko RNAtech (USA/Argentina): Nutrients from biological RNA found in natural foods, developed by AI and biotechnology to be more stable and better absorbed, for use in dietary supplements and health products.
  10. Agrifreeze (Singapore): Develops freezing technology using Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) to control the formation of small ice crystals, reducing food damage and maintaining quality close to fresh products.

10 FoodTech Startups Joining the Incubator Program

  1. Eatwellconcept (Thailand): An AI-powered personalized therapeutic diet platform for NCD patients, offering real-time nutritional guidance by dietitians to improve health and quality of life.
  2. AmaranthLab (UK): Protein ingredients from amaranth for GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1) nutrition to control blood sugar levels and satiety, for use in various functional food products.
  3. Openfarming (Saudi Arabia): An AI operating system for food distributors that converts orders from multiple channels into real-time data, enabling automated demand forecasting and dynamic inventory management without changing existing workflows.
  4. Zuppar Reborn (Thailand): Biodegradable fruit and bakery stickers made from pineapple waste, replacing plastic labels with an alternative that can decompose into fertilizer.
  5. VeriPura (Thailand/Singapore): An AI and Blockchain platform for automated document management and product traceability, making food exports to Europe easier and more compliant with regulations (EU).
  6. YiXingYuan (Taiwan): A modular small-scale fruit processing factory (Factory-in-a-box) utilizing High Voltage Electric Field (HVEF) technology to process fruits directly at the source, preserving product quality while reducing energy use, costs, and spoilage.
  7. JOLA (Thailand): Vitamin-infused jelly pet food that develops DIY treat products, such as jellies for dogs and cats, focusing on natural ingredients, good nutrition, and creating a shared experience between owners and pets.
  8. UPLI (UK): A precision fermentation platform to create functional proteins with characteristics similar to human breast milk, used to increase nutritional value in food at an industrial scale.
  9. Emerald Plast (Thailand): Biodegradable food materials and packaging made from starch and bioplastics to replace traditional plastics, reducing environmental impact and enhancing sustainability image.
  10. Squizify (Thailand): A digital food safety platform integrating software and IoT devices to automatically track, monitor, and manage food business standards, complete with real-time data analysis.

Hashtag: #NIA #NationalInnovationAgency

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

A fake video meeting can now be enough to breach a Web3 company, with North Korea-linked BlueNoroff hackers using bogus Zoom calls, clipboard tricks and fileless PowerShell malware to steal credentials from cryptocurrency targets across multiple countries. The campaign marks a sharper turn in social engineering against the digital assets sector, where attackers are no longer relying only on malicious attachments or crude phishing pages. Instead, they […]

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 April 2026 – AI for Global Civilization: China-Singapore Dialogue was held in Singapore on April 28. The event gathered around 100 participants, including experts, scholars, and representatives from Chinese and Singaporean academic institutions, cultural organizations, as well as technology and cultural enterprises. Participants engaged in in-depth discussions on China-Singapore digital industry cooperation and how digital and intelligent technologies empower inter-civilizational mutual learning. They also jointly showcased innovative achievements and frontier practices of both sides in the integrated field of culture and technology.

Event Highlights
Event Highlights

Opening remarks were delivered by Yuan Lin, Executive Assistant to the President of the Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies, and Wang Donghai, Associate Director of NUS Enterprise. Keynote speeches were delivered by Cai Yiyu, Professor at Nanyang Technological University; Director of the Computer-Aided Engineering Labs and The Strategic Research Program on Virtual Reality; Co-President of Association of Global Technomics Education and Exchange; Cui Kai, Director of the Digital Culture Promotion Department, Center for International Cultural Communication, China International Communications Group (CICG); and Yang Jianwei, Visiting Professor at the National University of Singapore.

Yuan Lin stated that the rapid development of artificial intelligence technology has injected new momentum into China-Singapore cultural exchanges. He stressed the importance of innovating cultural expression forms empowered by digital intelligence, upholding a correct value orientation in technological application, deepening people-to-people exchanges enabled by smart technologies, and actively exploring the profound value of intelligent technologies in advancing cross-cultural understanding.

Wang Donghai pointed out that it is essential to prioritize the integration of technological applications with social needs. Leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence to build bridges for civilizational exchange helps enhance cross-cultural understanding, enabling technology to better serve humanity and drive social progress.

Cai Yiyu noted that Singapore is forging ahead in cutting-edge fields including semiconductors, aerospace and artificial intelligence, opening up broad prospects for bilateral cooperation between China and Singapore. He emphasized that digital and intelligent technologies can be harnessed to revitalize and inherit traditional culture via youthful, trendy formats, thereby further deepening scientific, technological and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.

Cui Kai stated that intelligent imaging technology is profoundly reshaping the logic of cross-cultural narrative. Digital content creation is not merely about keeping pace with technological advancement; more importantly, it should take emotional resonance as the bond to break down cultural barriers, foster in-depth empathy, mutual learning and appreciation among global civilizations, and enable more outstanding civilizational achievements to be seen, understood and respected worldwide.

Yang Jianwei noted that artificial intelligence is becoming an important vehicle for inter-civilizational mutual learning, while cultural differences remain a core obstacle to cross-cultural communication. He advocated for the innovative and rational use of artificial intelligence in the future to eliminate prejudices and enhance civilizational understanding through technological power.

In the Case Sharing Session, guest speakers included Lisa Meng, Head of Singapore of Tencent Cloud International; Koh Chin Yee, Managing Director of Singapore Eye; Bai Yu, Director and Partner of LAiPIC; Hu Chengchen, Founder & CEO of ClariPpi (Singapore); Jane Zhao, SVP and Head of Global Business at Mininglamp Technology; and Jerry Tuo, AI Technology Director of Red Fun Planet. They delivered insightful presentations on the application prospects of artificial intelligence in content production as well as inter-civilizational mutual learning and exchange.

The participating guests agreed that artificial intelligence has brought revolutionary changes to the intelligent production, targeted communication and immersive presentation of cultural content. China and Singapore boast strong complementarity in digital infrastructure and cultural resources. Going forward, the two sides may deepen cooperation in joint research and development and scenario-based application, develop benchmark cultural-technology products and integrated solutions tailored for Southeast Asia, and jointly advance the high-quality development of the digital cultural industry.

This event was jointly hosted by the Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies and the Center for International Cultural Communication,CICG, with Nanyang Technological University and other cultural and business exchange institutions participating as supporting partners.

Hashtag: #ACCWS

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

Porsche Design Tower Bangkok has intensified competition in Southeast Asia’s branded residence market after being presented to global yacht collectors at the Singapore Yachting Festival 2026 as a limited-edition property aimed at ultra-high-net-worth buyers seeking design pedigree, privacy and collectible real estate.

The 21-storey tower, rising 95 metres on Sukhumvit 38 in Bangkok’s Thonglor district, is being developed through a collaboration between Porsche Design and Ananda Development. It is the first Porsche Design Tower in Asia and the third worldwide after projects linked to Miami and Stuttgart, placing Bangkok within a small group of cities being used by luxury lifestyle brands to extend their reach beyond products and into residential property.

The project will comprise only 22 duplex and quadplex Sky Villas, with residences ranging from about 525 to 1,135 square metres. Prices have been positioned from about $15 million to $40 million, making the development one of the most expensive residential offerings in Thailand’s capital. Construction is scheduled to begin before completion targeted for the end of 2028, while the show suite in Bangkok is available by private appointment.

The presentation in Singapore marked a sharper effort to reach buyers whose interests overlap with luxury mobility, yachting, design and private collections. Rather than selling the tower as a conventional condominium, the marketing places it in the category of a scarce lifestyle asset. That approach reflects a wider shift in luxury property, where affluent buyers are increasingly drawn to homes that combine brand identity, service standards, security and membership-like exclusivity.

A defining feature of the Bangkok tower is the “Passion Space” concept, a private garage and display area attached to each residence. These spaces are designed for car collections, private gatherings or personal pursuits, and are accessed through a central spiral car ramp known as “The Loop”. The arrangement gives the building its most distinctive automotive link, turning the owner’s vehicle collection into part of the residential experience rather than a separate amenity.

The tower’s design also draws on Porsche cues. Its automated terrace system is inspired by the movement of the Porsche 911 Targa roof, while the exposed “X-Frame” structure takes references from the Mission R concept car. A lit crown at the top of the building is intended to create a night-time signature on Bangkok’s skyline. The interior proposition includes private lifts, large entertainment areas, wellness zones, pools and high-end kitchen and bathroom fittings.

Chanond Ruangkritya, president and chief executive of Ananda Development, has positioned the tower as a project that embeds Porsche’s design language into the structure rather than merely attaching a name to a luxury address. The developer is betting that a small pool of regional and international buyers will pay a premium for scarcity, brand association and the ability to personalise large-scale residences in a prime district.

Bangkok provides a strong setting for that strategy. Thonglor remains one of the capital’s most established luxury neighbourhoods, with restaurants, retail, wellness services and transport links that appeal to wealthy local residents, expatriates and regional buyers. The city has also become an important hub for branded residences, helped by tourism, medical services, international schools and its role as a base for high-net-worth families across Asia.

The project arrives as Thailand’s luxury property market shows a split trend. Mass-market condominium developers have faced weaker purchasing power, tighter lending and slower absorption, while the highest end of the market has remained more resilient because buyers are less dependent on mortgages. Limited freehold land in central Bangkok, rising construction costs and demand for larger, service-rich homes have supported pricing in prime locations.

The ultra-luxury segment, however, is not without risk. A 22-unit tower reduces supply pressure but also narrows the buyer base sharply. Sales depend on a small number of wealthy purchasers who must accept not only high upfront prices but also long-term maintenance costs associated with specialised amenities, private garages and brand-level service expectations. Foreign ownership limits for condominiums in Thailand also restrict the share available to non-Thai buyers.

Having led 100+ Hong Kong tech firms to SE Asia over the past year, accelerating global expansion through strategic collaboration

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 April 2026 – Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation continues to deepen its innovation and technology (I&T) collaboration with Southeast Asia, actively playing an orchestrating role in supporting Hong Kong’s tech firms go global. HKSTP debuted as an official exhibitor at Southeast Asia’s largest public safety conference, Milipol TechX Summit 2026 (MTX 2026). Under the theme “Supercharging Innovation for Our Safer Tomorrow”, MTX 2026 is a strategic platform to advance business opportunities through government-backed collaboration. HKSTP showcased 10 park companies presenting breakthrough public safety solutions and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Singapore’s TechX Ventures (TechX, a private subsidiary by the HTX – Home Team Science and Technology Agency of Singapore) — HKSTP’s first MoU signed with an organization in Southeast Asia — establishing a structured framework to advance cross-border innovation partnerships focused on practical applications in public safety.

HKSTP debuted as an official exhibitor at Southeast Asia’s largest public safety conference, Milipol TechX Summit 2026 (MTX 2026). Eric Or, Chief Ecosystem Development Officer and Gladys Oon, Director of Partnerships and Account Management of HKSTP, officiated the opening of HKSTP Pavilion.
HKSTP debuted as an official exhibitor at Southeast Asia’s largest public safety conference, Milipol TechX Summit 2026 (MTX 2026). Eric Or, Chief Ecosystem Development Officer and Gladys Oon, Director of Partnerships and Account Management of HKSTP, officiated the opening of HKSTP Pavilion.

Singapore and Hong Kong share a substantive relationship, grounded in regular high-level engagement. These include the Prime Minister of Singapore’s official visit to Hong Kong last month, during which he met with the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and visited the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone (the Hong Kong Park in the Loop). The I&T connection also features HKSTP-led delegations to Singapore platforms such as Singapore Week of Innovation and Technology (SWITCH) and SLINGSHOT 2025, etc. Over the past year, more than 100 HKSTP park companies explored Southeast Asian opportunities, securing over HK$25 million in confirmed business deals with additional potential contracts exceeding HK$20 million directly supported by HKSTP.

Eric Or, Chief Ecosystem Development Officer, HKSTP, said, “At HKSTP, we enable innovators to solve real public safety challenges where trust and demonstrated results matter most. Collaborating with TechX and Singapore’s Public Safety ecosystem gives ventures faster access to decision-makers, enables solution testing in operational environments, and supports scaling validated technologies across Asia.”

Eric Chua, Chief Executive Officer, TechX Ventures said: “SPINN District was designed to be more than a startup village — it is a proving ground where bold founders showcase innovations that matter. Seeing HKSTP’s park companies engage meaningfully with the global public safety ecosystem at MTX 2026 reflects exactly the kind of cross-border momentum we built this platform for. This MoU marks the beginning of something lasting: a structured pipeline that turns innovation into operational impact, as we work together to build a safer world.”

The collaboration between HKSTP and TechX is aimed to establish a comprehensive framework to identify, co-create, and validate operational public safety solutions. Under the partnership, HKSTP and its counterparts will move from identified needs to real deployment through annual solution scouting visits to Hong Kong Science Park, funding of around HK$600,000 (S$100,000) per company for proof-of-concept trials with Singapore Public Safety experts, and an ongoing exchange of challenges and insights. This demand-led model accelerates problem-solution fit and reinforces HKSTP’s leadership in regional safety technology collaboration.

The HKSTP Pavilion, themed “Hong Kong’s Technology for Public Safety and Security — Global Application and Global Impact,” featured 10 park companies showcasing solutions proven in deployments across Hong Kong enforcement departments, the Greater Bay Area, and Singapore-related projects. Cutting-edge public safety technologies were showcased across AI-Driven & Robotics, Network & Communications Infrastructure, and Drones, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) & Low-altitude Economy (LAE). MTX is the largest public safety conference in Southeast Asia, the HKSTP pavilion is strategically positioned within the startup-centric SPINN District, effectively facilitated targeted engagements, secured curated matching opportunities with Singapore government agencies for each participating company, and advanced pilot projects and partnerships.

Park companies eSIX and Weitu AI participated in the signature global innovation challenge Dimension X Cohort 6 and the inaugural cohort of the In-Beta tech verification capability programme organized by Hatch, the innovation centre of Singapore’s HTX, achieving significant success. These companies were the only Hong Kong representatives selected for the programmes, underscoring the global competitiveness and real-world impact of Hong Kong’s innovation ecosystem. eSIX, which delivers patented high-speed networking for Industrial IoT and 5G-enabled remote machine control, was awarded a place at Dimension X. The company received S$100,000 in prize money to complete a four-month proof-of-concept and was invited to showcase its solutions. Weitu AI, which provides world-leading multimodal video understanding for fast, accurate analysis across industries was awarded a place at In-Beta, received S$30,000 in prize money with opportunities to verify their promising tech through rapid experimentation and onsite demo.

Building on existing engagement across the region, HKSTP will continue to strengthen collaboration with regional partners, expand support for park companies, and promote technology‑driven solutions that enhance safety and resilience. The initiative reflects HKSTP’s ongoing commitment to fostering sustained innovation and regional cooperation.

Hashtag: #HKSTP

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

About Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation

Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), established in 2001, has built a thriving innovation and technology (I&T) ecosystem in Hong Kong, supporting 12 unicorns, nurturing over 17,000 research talents, and hosting more than 2,500 technology companies from 26 countries and regions specializing in biomedicine, AI and robotics, fintech, and smart city development. HKSTP is dedicated to positioning Hong Kong as an international I&T hub.

To align with Hong Kong’s future development, HKSTP is committed to attracting and cultivating I&T talent, accelerating the commercialization of innovative outcomes, and providing comprehensive support for technology companies and professionals on their innovation journey. Its vibrant I&T ecosystem continues to grow, encompassing Hong Kong Science Park in Pak Shek Kok, InnoCentre in Kowloon Tong, and three InnoParks in Tai Po, Yuen Long, and Tseung Kwan O. These facilities drive advancements in applied technology, focusing on industries such as advanced manufacturing, micro- electronics, and biotechnology, steering Hong Kong toward new industrialization.

Hong Kong Science Park Shenzhen Branch, located in Futian, Shenzhen, leverages the strategic advantage of “support of the Motherland, connecting to the world.” It serves as a bridge for “bringing in and going global,” actively fostering cross-border I&T collaboration. The Shenzhen Branch supports global technology companies and professionals by providing research and collaboration spaces, with a focus on enterprises in seven key sectors: Medtech, big data and AI, robotics, new materials, microelectronics, fintech, and sustainable development.

HKSTP is dedicated to advancing Hong Kong’s I&T development by providing research infrastructure, startup and enterprise support services, professional investment and business expertise, fostering partnership networks, and attracting top talent. These efforts drive innovation as a new engine for economic growth for Hong Kong.

More information about HKSTP is available at .

About TechX Ventures

TechX Ventures is a wholly owned subsidiary of Singapore’s Home Team Science & Technology Agency (HTX) that operates at the intersection of government mandate and entrepreneurial drive. TechX serves as the engine behind a thriving innovation ecosystem where cutting-edge science and technology are put to work protecting people.

At the heart of it, TechX is established to connect global innovators and partners in advancing public safety innovation. Guided by our Safer World philosophy — the belief that progress means nothing if it doesn’t safeguard public safety — TechX approaches safety not as a sector, but as a shared mission. This conviction shapes every partnership forged, every programme designed, and every measure of success. Safety, at TechX, is our purpose.

TechX delivers its mission through two core areas of expertise: to build and to connect. TechX designs and develops innovation initiatives and programmes alongside partners from across the globe, including flagship platforms such as HTX’s Innovation Centre, Hatch — a structured innovation centre that gives frontier deep-tech a clear pathway to validate and deploy solutions for real public safety challenges. TechX also bridges industry, startups, and government agencies into a global network, producing landmark events such as Millipol TechX, and bringing international communities like DEF CON® to Singapore for the first time.

With active partnerships spanning over 30 ecosystems globally — from Hong Kong to South Korea, and the United States, TechX sits at the heart of a growing worldwide alliance united by one ambition: Bringing Together a Safer World.

  • New strategy highlights synergy among Global Payment, Global Account and Inclusive and Embedded Finance services built on progress in AI and interoperability.
  • As a foundation to the business, Ant International’s global payment services support over 300 payment methods, including more than 10 national QR systems and 50 digital wallets and bank apps, and exceed 20 million daily transactions on average.

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 April 2026 – Ant International now connects over 150 million global merchants with more than 2 billion user accounts globally, the company disclosed at its flagship MoMents 2026 fintech executive forum in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Ant International CEO Peng Yang shares the company's global strategy for the era of AI commerce
Ant International CEO Peng Yang shares the company’s global strategy for the era of AI commerce

Ant International is a leading global digital payment, digitisation and financial technology provider. The company now supports 300+ payment methods in over 220 markets, including all card schemes, 50 mobile payment partners and more than 10 national QR systems, including Singapore’s SGQR, Malaysia’s DuitNow, South Korea’s ZeroPay, Thailand’s PromptPay, Indonesia’s QRIS, Sri Lanka’s LankaPay, and more. It recently onboarded more leading global e-wallets and bank apps such as iFAST Global Bank from the UK, KBank and SCB from Thailand, barq from Saudi Arabia and ShopeePay from Southeast Asia.

With an average of over 20 million transactions daily, Ant International is building broader market reach through new licenses and partnerships in Asia, Latin America and EMEA. In Vietnam, it partners with NAPAS and Vietcombank to roll out cross-border QR payment service, and is also working with the Ho Chi Minh City government on the development of an international financial centre. In Latin America, it formed a strategic partnership with Mexican fintech company R2 in late 2025, supporting the expansion of SME lending across the region. In the Middle East, Ant International collaborates with the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) and national payment network mada, with plans to introduce Alipay+ cross-border QR payments in 2026. Its recent initiatives also include plans to roll out Islamic finance programs in Southeast Asia and other emerging markets.

While serving businesses in their global expansion, Ant International also ranks in first place in terms of the number of global accounts it has been managing for businesses, particularly SMEs, engaged in cross-border commerce.

“New models of financial interoperability and AI commerce give us powerful tools to help global giants as well as mom-and-pop shops to increase resilience and expand revenue streams,” said Peng Yang, CEO, Ant International. “A broader and deeper network means we can work with more partners on more levels to deliver more innovative, trusted, and high ROI fintech solutions in the world’s fastest growing markets.”

Layered solutions for enterprises, SMEs and emerging markets to achieve inclusive growth

Yang underlined a strategy to combine the forces of its four main businesses – Alipay+, Antom, Bettr and WorldFirst – to offer more connected growth solutions for businesses of all sizes.

  • Global payment: Making payments a growth engine for businesses of all sizes to thrive in the global digital economy.
  • Global account: Enabling AI-powered borderless global accounts for businesses of all sizes, and serving as the ticket to digital trade and commerce. This makes ‘born global’ a reality for all businesses from day one.
  • Strategic value boosters: Leveraging innovation and technology to deliver embedded financing, credit and treasury solutions that power inclusive growth.
  • Innovation and technology leadership: Grounded in extensive expertise in supporting global payments and businesses of all sizes, Ant International’s leading AI and blockchain solutions are co-developed with customers, partners and regulators to deliver real impact while ensuring security and compliance.

Go-to-market FinAI solutions for real-world problem solving

Working with top LLMs, card schemes and other fintechs, Ant International builds out FinAI capacities and solutions for merchants and financial institutions to tackle real-world growth and security challenges. Key examples include:

Agentic Mobile Protocol (AMP)

At MoMents 2026, Ant International has introduced the open-sourced AMP – the world’s first agentic payment framework designed for mobile interfaces – to help drive AI commerce. The protocol enables secure, AIOps-native agentic payment connection to mobile services including digital wallets, banking apps, super apps, and mobile portals from phones to wearable devices.

AI-as-a-Service Platform

Ant International’s AI-as-a-Service platform GenAI Cockpit equips fintech partners with tools to build a wide range of agentic solutions, from customer-service assistants to sales copilots. Malaysia’s leading e-wallet TNG eWallet, and easypaisa, Pakistan’s first digital bank, are using the platform to deliver better customer experiences with AI.

AI SHIELD

Ant International’s 3-in-1 risk management transformer maintains trust in the ecosystem by providing a robust security layer underpinning all transactions processed by the company. The model is supported by over 7 billion parameters, and combines graph, sequential and tabular data to identify high-risk transactions with over 95% precision, while improving payment success rates by up to 13.5%.

Falcon TST AI FX model

The industry-first MoE-based AI FX model makes long-term forecasts with prediction accuracy of up to 93%, leveraging over 8.5 billion parameters. Deployed internally at Ant International to manage cashflow and FX exposure on an hourly, daily and weekly basis, Falcon TST has helped to cut the company’s FX costs by up to 60%. The model was open-sourced in 2025 to expand access to its capabilities and invite collaboration to advance time-series learning.

EPOS360

A pioneering AI-powered SME app, EPOS360 integrates practical AI tools with POS system, payments, banking, financing and growth operations for small businesses. The suite of AI-powered tools and payment capabilities was launched in Singapore, and is also available to merchants in Malaysia as a mini-programme via TNG eWallet.

Antom Copilot

Antom Copilot provides automation and assistance for merchants based on learnings from real-world cases, improving efficiency of services such as chargeback dispute handling by up to 46%. Within a year of its launch, 72% of Antom-onboarded merchants completed self-service payment integration with the copilot.

At the MoMents 2026 fintech executive forum held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, executives from global payment networks, banks, fintechs, tech companies, and governors came together to discuss the future of financial services in the era of AI commerce. Conversations focused on new forms of payment transformation, multi-layer global interoperability, super app evolution with AI-native tech, innovation of Islamic financing and initiatives around trust and security.

Ant International launched its Digital Business Center in Kuala Lumpur in 2024.
Hashtag: #AntInternational

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

About Ant International

Ant International is a leading global digital payment, digitisation and financial technology provider. Through collaboration across the private and public sectors, our unified techfin platform supports financial institutions and merchants of all sizes to achieve inclusive growth through a comprehensive range of cutting-edge digital payment and financial services solutions. To learn more, please visit

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 April 2026 – As higher education continues to evolve beyond academic achievement, Singapore Institute of Management Global Education (SIM GE) is reinforcing its commitment to holistic student development through Project 1095, a strategic initiative designed to maximise every day of a student’s three-year university journey.

Built on the belief that university life extends far beyond lectures and examinations, Project 1095 represents SIM GE’s vision of a fully integrated student experience where academic learning is complemented by co-curricular engagement leadership development and personal growth. At the heart of this initiative lies a vibrant ecosystem of student clubs which play a pivotal role in shaping a meaningful and transformative university experience.

With more than 80 student led clubs across sports arts culture special interest groups and student governance SIM GE provides students with diverse opportunities to explore their passions, build communities and develop essential life skills.

A Structured Approach to Holistic Education

Project 1095 named after the 1095 days that make up a typical three-year university programme offers a structured framework that encourages students to make the most of their time on campus. Rather than viewing student life as supplementary, SIM GE positions it as an integral part of the educational journey.

Through this framework student clubs serve as practical platforms for experiential learning, enabling students to apply classroom knowledge in real world settings. Whether organising large scale campus events, leading committees or collaborating with peers from diverse backgrounds, students gain hands on experience that fosters confidence, adaptability and resilience.

Fostering Belonging in a Diverse Campus Community

Beyond skills development, student clubs are instrumental in cultivating a strong sense of belonging among SIM GE’s diverse student population. With a wide range of international cultural and interest-based groups, students can connect with like-minded peers while also broadening their perspectives through cross cultural interaction.

Project 1095 emphasises this aspect of community building, recognising that a supportive and engaging campus environment contributes significantly to overall student wellbeing and success. By participating in club activities students are encouraged to form meaningful relationships and create lasting memories throughout their university journey in SIM.

Preparing Future Ready Graduates

As employers increasingly seek graduates with strong interpersonal and leadership skills, SIM GE’s focus on co-curricular engagement aligns closely with industry expectations. Through its student clubs and Project 1095 framework, students actively take on roles such as organising campus wide events, leading club committees, managing projects and collaborating with peers across diverse backgrounds. These hands-on experiences enable students to develop critical competencies including leadership, communication, teamwork and problem solving in real world settings. For instance, students gain practical exposure by planning large scale events, coordinating with stakeholders and taking ownership of initiatives, allowing them to translate classroom knowledge into actionable skills.

Through Project 1095, SIM GE aims to produce well rounded graduates who are not only academically prepared but also equipped with confidence and global outlook needed to thrive in an evolving workforce.

Making Everyday Count

Project 1095 underscores SIM GE’s belief that university is more than earning a degree, it is about making every one of the 1095 days meaningful. By embedding student clubs and co-curricular experiences into the student journey, SIM GE delivers a holistic education that goes beyond the classroom. Through these experiences, students are empowered to grow, build connections and develop the skills needed to thrive in a dynamic global environment.

References

  1. Life at SIM CCA – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/life-at-sim/co-curricular-activities
  2. SIM Global Education – https://www.sim.edu.sg
  3. Project 1095 – https://project1095.simge.edu.sg
  4. Building Leadership Through CCAs Enhancing the SIM Experience – https://regional.simge.edu.sg/en/building-leadership-through-ccas-enhancing-the-sim-experience/

Hashtag: #SIMGlobalEducation #SIMGE #GlobalEducation #InternationalDegree #CareerReady #FutureSkills

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

About SIM Global Education

SIM Global Education (SIM GE) is a leading private education institution in Singapore and the region. We offer more than 140 academic programmes ranging from diplomas and graduate diploma programmes to bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes with some of the world’s most reputable universities from Australia, Canada, Europe, United Kingdom, and the United States. SIM GE’s cohort is made up of 17,000 full- and part-time students and adult learners, of which approximately 41% are international students hailing from over 50 countries.

SIM GE’s holistic learning approach and culturally diverse learning environment aim to equip students with knowledge, industry skills and employability competencies, as well as a global perspective to succeed as future leaders in a fast-changing, technologically driven world.

For more information on SIM Global Education, visit

VISHNU RAJA
RYO YAMADA
HITORI GOTOH
IKUYO KITA