ByteDance has secured a $29.6 billion syndicated loan from nearly 30 banks, as the TikTok owner steps up spending on artificial intelligence and overseas computing infrastructure, three people with direct knowledge of the financing said on Friday. The dollar-denominated facility is one of Asia’s largest loans this year and was expanded from an initial target of $20 billion after strong demand from lenders, the people said. Chinese […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Nasdaq Dubai has listed $713 million of dual-currency green bonds issued by Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Limited through its Dubai International Financial Centre branch, adding another sizeable sustainable debt transaction to the exchange. The offering was issued under ICBC’s $20 billion Global Medium Term Note Programme and comprises two three-year tranches carrying the theme China-Arab States Renewable Energy Cooperation. The first […]
ABUJA, Nigeria – EQS Newswire – 3 September 2026 – The Nigeria NOW! takes place on 19 and 20 November at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, under the patronage of the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake. Between 500 and 600 delegates are expected across energy, infrastructure and mining.
The Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development is partnering with EnergyNet to deliver the first Nigeria NOW!, and has committed to remain involved through the preparatory period rather than at the event alone. The Ministry hosted the Abuja launch, secured the patronage of the Honourable Minister, and convened three further federal ministries as deliberate participants.
Speaking at the launch through Engr. Obadiah Simon Nkom, Director-General of the Mining Cadastre Office, Dr Alake set out why four ministries participate rather than one. Infrastructure, licensing, financing, technology, security and market access fall across several mandates, and no single ministry can answer an investor’s questions on all of them.
Why Nigeria
Nigeria now issues no mining licence without a plan for a local processing plant. The rule has been applied consistently and the investment following it includes a $1.3 billion partnership with the Africa Finance Corporation covering an alumina refinery, geological mapping and exploration support, a $600 million lithium processing plant near the Kaduna-Niger border, and a $200 million lithium refinery outside Abuja.
The first working demonstration is already running. A lithium plant at Endo in Nasarawa State, commissioned on 2 July, processes 6,000 tonnes of ore a day on around $250 million of investment. Sector revenue reached over 38 billion naira in 2024 against 6 billion the previous year. A memorandum signed with Türkiye in May covers exploration, technology transfer, digitalisation and training, and the Solid Minerals Development Fund began awarding exploration grants in July under its new EMERGE endowment.
Nigeria’s power sector is moving on the same principle of decentralised decision-making. Two years into the Electricity Act 2023, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission has transferred regulatory oversight to sixteen subnational commissions, giving states authority over their own electricity markets for the first time. The Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority has put domestic capital behind distributed renewable energy, and industrial self-supply has reached 200MW, with a steel plant among the projects breaking ground against it.
Dr Alake’s own formulation is that the days of exporting raw minerals from pit to port are over.
What the Expo covers
Nigeria NOW! brings government, investors, project developers, financial institutions and development partners together around three sectors, energy, infrastructure and mining, with a focus on projects, capital and partnerships rather than announcements alone. The programme runs across two days at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja.
“This is the first Nigeria NOW! held in Nigeria, and the Ministry’s commitment to stay involved through the preparatory period is what makes it different from a conference that arrives and leaves,” said Abdoulaye Sylla, Portfolio Manager and Head of Corporate Development at EnergyNet. “We expect between 500 and 600 delegates, and the Ministry has asked that the Expo be judged on what is delivered after it closes.”
Partners
Nextier joins the Expo as Official Advisory Partner, providing strategic advisory and media support across the programme.
The Nigerian Indigenous Women in Mining and Natural Resources Organisation (NIWIMNRO) joins as Women in Mining Partner. The network was recognised at the Abuja launch with EnergyNet’s Leadership Award and a $25,000 grant, following a year in which it took its work with women artisanal miners from three states to all six of Nigeria’s geopolitical zones, adding protective equipment, mobile medical visits and cooperative registration to the training programme it began with.
Women in Mining joins as Women in Mining in Nigeria Partner; The Lagos State Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources joins as Lagos State Sponsor; The Electricity Hub joins as Official Podcast Partner.
YES! Nigeria
The Youth Energy Summit runs alongside Nigeria NOW! on 20 November at the same venue, bringing young professionals and entrepreneurs into the same building as the investors and ministries. The Youth Sustainable Development Network joins as a partner for the Nigerian edition, alongside the University of Abuja’s Centre for Entrepreneurship Development and Students as YES! Supporting Partner.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of EnergyNet Ltd.
Download Image (1): https://apo-opa.co/4gIB9gr (Four Nigerian ministries convene global investors in Abuja for the maiden Nigeria NOW! Launch (1))
Download Image (2): https://apo-opa.co/4x1g0o5 (Four Nigerian ministries convene global investors in Abuja for the maiden Nigeria NOW! Launch (2))
Download Image (3): https://apo-opa.co/4gV7u42 (Four Nigerian ministries convene global investors in Abuja for the maiden Nigeria NOW! launch (3))
Media and partnership enquiries:
Poliana Sperandio
Director
Marketing Strategy & Performance
EnergyNet
[email protected]
+44 (0) 207 384 8191
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
EnergyNet produces investment forums and digital dialogues across energy, mining and infrastructure in Africa, bringing governments, investors, developers and utilities together around investment, policy dialogue and project delivery. Best known for the Africa Energy Forum, EnergyNet has worked in Nigeria for fifteen years. EnergyNet owns and operates the Energy News Network, its independent editorial platform, and is part of Clarion Events.
Pessimism sells. It always has. But investors who let fear set their strategy this year are, I believe, about to miss one of the more compelling setups markets have offered in some time. Eveywhere I look, the mood among investors feels heavier than the numbers actually justify. There is talk of central bank brinkmanship, and a market supposedly one bad news day away from falling apart, among […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai stc Bahrain has signed a strategic partnership with Tata Consultancy Services to transform its IT operations, introducing managed services and advanced automation as the telecoms provider seeks a more scalable, resilient digital infrastructure. The agreement, announced during LEAP 2026 in Riyadh, will focus on modernising stc Bahrain’s technology landscape and establishing what the company describes as a future-ready operating model. The programme is […]
Nutex Health has confirmed that an unauthorised third party stole sensitive patient, employee, provider, business and financial information from its computer network and threatened to publish the data externally. The Houston-based healthcare provider disclosed the findings in an August 31 filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, upgrading its earlier notification of the intrusion to a report under the regulator’s category for material cybersecurity incidents. The […]
Greenlogue/AP Mubadala Energy reduced Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions from its operated assets by 30.9 per cent in 2025, while cutting emissions and flaring intensity across its portfolio. The Abu Dhabi-headquartered company said in its 2025 Sustainability Report, published on Wednesday, that average emissions intensity fell by 12.4 per cent and flared gas intensity declined by 33.9 per cent across its operated portfolio. Mubadala […]
The GCC has emerged as one of the world’s leading markets for workplace artificial intelligence use, with 93 per cent of frontline employees using AI at least several times a week, Boston Consulting Group said. Adoption among managers and leaders across the region is even higher at 95 per cent, according to regional findings from BCG’s fourth annual AI at Work report, Strategy Matters More Than Tools, […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai TotalEnergies and ExxonMobil will hold dedicated procurement workshops in Luanda on September 8, giving Angolan suppliers direct access to information on contracting requirements and opportunities linked to the companies’ upstream operations. The sessions form part of the pre-conference programme for Angola Oil & Gas 2026, whose main conference and exhibition will run on September 9 and 10 at the Centro de Convenções de […]
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 September 2026 – Wellcome, Hong Kong’s longest established supermarket chain with the largest store network, has announced a strategic partnership with CJ Foods, South Korea’s largest food company and a leading force in the globalisation of K-food with its bibigo™ brand. Marked by a signing ceremony in Seoul, the collaboration will further strengthen Wellcome’s Korean food offering, bringing a wider selection of authentic Korean favourites to customers across the stores at Wellcome and Market Place stores across Hong Kong.
The collaboration is expected to generate more than US$22 million in sales, and will significantly expand the Korean product assortment at Wellcome and Market Place across key categories, including groceries, chilled foods, Korean-inspired ready meals, snacks, frozen meals and healthy meals.
The partnership aligns with Wellcome’s ongoing strategy to broaden its international product assortment, drive innovation and stay attuned to evolving consumer tastes, while bringing more sought-after global brands to customers in Hong Kong. To mark the partnership, over 30 products have been featured in Wellcome’s popular Everyday Value price-lock programme, reinforcing Wellcome’s commitment to delivering quality products at great value for customers.
Bringing Over 100 Korean Products to Hong Kong Customers
As demand for Korean food continues to grow in Hong Kong, spanning everyday grocery essentials, frozen meals and ready-to-eat favourites, Wellcome continues to strengthen its international product range, bringing sought-after global brands and greater choice to customers.
Through the partnership with CJ, Wellcome will introduce new products across multiple categories and targets bringing over 100 Korean food products from CJ Foods to its store network in phases. The expanded range will give customers greater access to authentic Korean flavours and a wider variety of quality food choices.
Among the exclusive products launching at Wellcome are the Bibigo tofu and Bibigo kimchi. Made using traditional Korean recipes with carefully fermented napa cabbage, the kimchi offers a versatile Korean side dish that combines authentic flavours with everyday convenience.
Delivering Greater Value Through Everyday Value
At Wellcome, providing customers with quality products at great value remains a key priority. Since its launch in 2025, the Everyday Value price-lock programme has demonstrated Wellcome’s commitment to helping customers better manage their everyday grocery spending while enjoying dependable quality.
Over 30 products from CJ Foods have been featured in the Everyday Value programme, with prices locked. The initiative allows customers to enjoy popular Korean products at stable, competitive prices without compromising on quality.
Darren Chan, Managing Director, Food, Hong Kong & Macau, DFI Retail Group, said: “At Wellcome, we are committed to offering customers quality products from around the world while delivering exceptional value every day.
Korean food has become an increasingly important category for Hong Kong consumers, reflecting growing interest in both Korean cuisine and culture. Through our partnership with CJ, we are bringing trusted Korean brands closer to our customers, while leveraging our extensive store network and Everyday Value programme to make these products more accessible than ever.”
Teresa Bae, Chief Business and Strategy Officer, CJ Foods, said: “This partnership marks a new foothold for the growth of our K-food business in Hong Kong, one of the world’s leading global business hubs. With delicious bibigo products, we will deliver the distinctive flavors of K-food to Hong Kong consumers.”
From 4 Sep to 17 Sep, 2026, CJ products will be available at the Korean Food Fair at Wellcome and Market Place.
Hashtag: #WellcomeHK #CJFoods #StrategicPartnership
https://www.wellcome.com.hk/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/wellcome-hong-kong/
https://www.facebook.com/wellcome.supermarket
https://www.instagram.com/hkwellcome/
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Established in 1945, Wellcome is Hong Kong’s longest established supermarket chain with the largest store network. Since 1964, the company has been wholly owned by DFI Retail Group and serves as the Group’s key supermarket brand in its food business. Together with Market Place, 3hreesixty and Oliver’s, Wellcome operates a network of over 325 stores serving more than 14 million customers every month.
With the mission of “Always Fresh, Always Value and Always Here for You”, we take pride and passion in providing a quality range of fresh and grocery products, great value and an exciting shopping experience to help our customers save more and enjoy more. As a market-leading supermarket, Wellcome constantly innovates to serve our communities better. In 2021, it introduced a new format, Wellcome Fresh, which offers great value and high-quality fresh produce in an environment that combines the atmosphere of a wet market with the convenience of a supermarket. In 2025, Wellcome launched “Everyday Value” price commitment, locking prices on over 500 fresh & grocery essentials for customers. More recently, it has accelerated its e-Commerce development, enhancing the omnichannel customer journey by offering a more convenient, flexible and personalised grocery shopping experience. For more information about Wellcome, please visit http://www.wellcome.com.hk.
CJ Foods, a business unit of CJ CheilJedang, is a global food company delivering a variety of products ranging from food ingredients and frozen/chilled foods to appetizers. Established as Korea’s first sugar manufacturer in 1953, CJ Foods has grown to become the country’s largest food company. Today, it is leading the global food industry with its renowned Korean food brand, “bibigo.” The company operates in multiple regions worldwide including South Korea, the U.S. (as CJ Schwan’s), Japan, China, Southeast Asia, Europe, and Oceania. For more information, visit https://www.cj.co.kr/en/aboutus/business/food
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 September 2026 – The Mineral Boutique Limited, the Hong Kong-registered owner of The Mineral Boutique brand and trademarks, welcomes the clarification issued by the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (“CCS”) concerning its investigation into DNA Brands Co Pte Ltd.
In its clarification of 11 August 2026, CCS confirmed that references to The Mineral Boutique concerned specific Singapore outlets operated by DNA Brands, and that The Mineral Boutique Limited was not subject to the investigation. This distinction has subsequently been reflected in updated media reporting.
CCS stated:
“The Mineral Boutique Limited, and any outlets other than those named above trading under The Mineral Boutique brand trademarks, were not subject to this investigation.”
The distinction is important: operating particular retail outlets under a brand name is separate from ownership or management of the underlying brand.
Because the relevant Singapore outlets traded under The Mineral Boutique name, earlier public reporting sometimes conflated operation of those particular outlets with ownership or management of the underlying brand. The CCS clarification allows that distinction to be reflected accurately in the continuing public record.
The Mineral Boutique Limited supports the continued identification of the relevant Singapore outlets where necessary to assist consumers and the CCS refund process. The company has asked publishers only to ensure that the continuing public record accurately distinguishes those DNA Brands-operated outlets from The Mineral Boutique Limited and its wider business.
CCS’s refund scheme identifies the relevant Singapore outlets at Jewel Changi Airport, NEX and Wheelock Place among the outlets operated by DNA Brands. Consumers who may be eligible for the refund scheme can continue to contact the Consumers Association of Singapore (“CASE”) directly.
Building the Next Phase of The Mineral Boutique
With this distinction now reflected in the official record, The Mineral Boutique is focused on its next stage of development.
The Mineral Boutique is a beauty and wellness concept with an established retail and spa presence across Hong Kong and Macau. Its approach brings together mineral-powered skincare, professional treatments, advanced beauty technology and wellness within an integrated customer experience.
The brand has received consecutive recognition from Vogue Hong Kong, including Best Beauty Flash at the 2025 Vogue Hong Kong Beauty Awards and Best Anti-Aging Mask at the 2026 awards.
Kimmy Lee, Chief Commercial Officer of The Mineral Boutique Limited, said:
“The Mineral Boutique will continue to grow across Asia through a more holistic approach that connects skincare, advanced beauty technology, professional treatments and wellness.
“An upcoming collaboration with Paris-based 48 Collagen Café is one example of how we are extending the customer experience beyond traditional beauty retail.
“We remain focused on innovation, trusted partnerships and consistently high standards of service as we build the next chapter of The Mineral Boutique across the region.”
The Mineral Boutique Limited will continue working constructively with media, partners and other stakeholders to ensure the public record remains accurate while advancing its long-term growth strategy across Asia.
Hashtag: #TheMineralBoutique
https://themineralboutique.comhttps://www.facebook.com/TheMineralBoutique/https://www.instagram.com/themineralboutiqueofficial/https://www.ccs.gov.sg/consumer-protection/legislation-and-guidelines/refund-scheme-for-affected-consumers-of-dna-brands/
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
The Mineral Boutique Limited is a Hong Kong-registered company and owner of The Mineral Boutique brand and trademarks.
The Mineral Boutique combines premium skincare, professional treatments, advanced beauty technology and wellness experiences, with an established retail and spa presence across Hong Kong and Macau.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 September 2026 – Hong Kong ranked fifth among Asia Pacific’s (APAC) preferred Living investment destinations in Cushman & Wakefield’s inaugural APAC Living Investor Survey 2026, with investors increasingly pursuing student accommodation, repositioning and conversion opportunities to gain exposure to the sector’s long-term growth prospects.
Among respondents who ranked Hong Kong among their preferred investment destinations, 90% are actively considering repositioning or change-of-use opportunities, highlighting the growing importance of conversion-led strategies in addressing the city’s Living sector supply constraints.
Rosanna Tang, Deputy Managing Director & Head of Research, Hong Kong at Cushman & Wakefield, said: “In Hong Kong, recent market transactions show that investors are approaching the Living sector through a value-add lens, particularly through conversion opportunities and student accommodation assets. Since 2021, the market has recorded US$1.63 billion (HK$12.8 billion) of student housing conversion related transactions across 24 deals, including US$739.9 million (HK$5.8 billion) from 10 deals in the first seven months of 2026, involving a broad spectrum of investors. This strong momentum reflects renewed interest from institutional capital, including the return of real estate funds, as investors seek exposure to resilient, education-linked residential assets underpinned by the city’s persistent accommodation shortage and growing student population.”
Investor Conviction Remains Strong Across APAC
Beyond Hong Kong, investor conviction across the APAC Living sector remains strong, with 85% of investors planning to increase Living investment over the next five years and respondents collectively indicating an estimated US$33.2 billion (HK$260.28 billion) of Living-sector deployment over the same period.
The survey found that Living is becoming an increasingly important real estate allocation across the region, supported by resilient demand fundamentals and investor preference for stabilised, income-producing assets. Notably, a third of respondents with diversified real estate portfolios expect Living to account for more than 30% of their real estate portfolio within five years, underscoring the sector’s growing importance in institutional investment strategies.
Conal Newland, International Director, Head of Living, APAC at Cushman & Wakefield, said: “Our inaugural APAC Living Investor Survey reinforces the growing institutionalisation of the sector across the region. Despite heightened economic and geopolitical uncertainty, investors continue to view Living as a long-term strategic allocation supported by resilient demand fundamentals, defensive income characteristics and strong structural growth drivers. The fact that 85% of respondents intend to increase Living investment over the next five years highlights how Living is evolving from an alternative investment strategy into a core institutional real estate allocation.”
Australia and Japan Lead Investor Preferences
Australia/New Zealand and Japan emerged as the region’s most preferred Living investment destinations, ranking clearly ahead of other APAC markets. Japan’s position reflects its scale, liquidity and status as APAC’s most mature institutional multifamily market, while Australia’s housing undersupply and strong rental fundamentals continue to underpin long-term growth potential. Singapore, South Korea and Hong Kong form the next tier of preferred markets, although deployment continues to be constrained by scale, regulation and pricing.
Demand for Stabilised Assets Outpaces Supply
The survey also found that investors are increasingly favouring stabilised, income-producing and defensive Living assets. Recent market volatility has prompted 50% of respondents to report a greater preference for stabilised assets, yet the availability of standing institutional-grade stock remains limited across much of APAC.
This supply-demand imbalance is increasingly pushing investors towards alternative routes to market. Nearly three-quarters (73%) of respondents are actively considering repositioning or change-of-use strategies, while joint ventures emerged as the most likely deal structure over the next one to three years. Office and hotel conversions are also becoming an increasingly important source of Living supply in markets such as Singapore and Hong Kong.
Josh Rose-Nokes, Director, Living Research, APAC at Cushman & Wakefield, said: “What stands out is not a shortage of capital, but a shortage of investable stock. Investors increasingly want stabilised, income-producing Living assets, yet much of APAC lacks sufficient institutional-grade product to satisfy that demand. This mismatch is driving greater competition for stabilised assets and accelerating interest in repositioning, conversions and partnership-led deployment strategies.”
The gap between buyer and seller expectations was identified as the leading investment challenge by 44% of respondents, followed by development viability at 29%. Limited transaction evidence and inconsistent market transparency were also highlighted as barriers to pricing assets accurately and deploying capital efficiently.
About the Survey
The inaugural APAC Living Investor Survey 2026 draws on insights from institutional investors, fund managers, listed property groups and specialist Living-sector participants across APAC, representing approximately 224,000 units or beds. For the purposes of this survey, diversified respondents refer to investors with exposure across multiple real estate sectors and exclude Living-only specialists. The survey was fielded in Q2 2026 during the Middle East hostilities and provides insights into investor sentiment, capital allocation trends and investment priorities across the APAC Living sector. Estimated five-year capital deployment figures were derived from banded responses using midpoints.
For more information and to download the report, please click here.
About Cushman & Wakefield’s Living Platform
Cushman & Wakefield’s Living platform provides integrated advisory services to investors, developers, and operators across the residential investment spectrum, including multifamily, build-to-rent, purpose-built student accommodation, co-living, and senior living. The team delivers integrated advisory across capital markets, valuation, development consultancy, and asset strategy, supported by proprietary research and a region-wide Asia Pacific network, as well as dedicated research and consultancy professionals who provide strategic insights and execution capabilities across the region. Click here for additional information.
Hashtag: #Cushman&Wakefield
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Cushman & Wakefield (NYSE: CWK) is a leading global commercial real estate services firm for occupiers and investors with approximately 53,000 employees in over 350 offices and nearly 60 countries. In Greater China, a network of 23 offices serves local markets across the region. In 2025, the firm reported revenue of $10.3 billion across its core services of Valuation, Consulting, Project & Development Services, Capital Markets, Project & Occupier Services, Industrial & Logistics, Retail, and others. Built around the belief that Better never settles, the firm receives numerous industry and business accolades for its award-winning culture. For additional information, visit www.cushmanwakefield.com.hk or follow us on LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com/company/cushman-&-wakefield-greater-china).
A distinguished leader who served as the 8th Governor (Yang di-Pertua Negeri) of the Malaysian state of Penang, Tun Fuzi will advise IMA on its regional growth strategy, strategic partnerships, and institutional engagement as the Publisher accelerates the expansion of its leading business magazine title, The SmartInvestor (TSI) across ASEAN.
“Onboarding Tun Fuzi is a milestone not only for IMA, but Malaysia’s media publication industry. Undoubtedly a seasoned leader fortified by his long diplomatic career experience, we are confident that his strategic insights will pave the way for TSI’s stronger regional voice,” said CT Cheah, IMA’s Managing Director and TSI’s Managing Editor.
Currently, TSI has established its presence in Hong Kong in addition to Malaysia via its magazine content and dedicated website platforms. The publication also recently relaunched https://smartinvestor.com.my and https://smartinvestor.hk and is also in progress to rolling out its China website by the first half of 2027.
Beyond expansion plans, Tun Fuzi also shares a common vision with IMA in empowering communities through financial literacy as the partnership will kickstart initiatives to promote practical grassroots financial education, strengthen awareness on governance and regulatory compliance as well as encourage informed financial-decision making among communities, business and future generations.
“A well-informed society is fundamental to sustainable economic growth. I believe the media has an important role in promoting financial awareness, encouraging good governance, and connecting businesses and communities across borders. Working with IMA, I am committed to supporting its nation-building initiative of advancing financial literacy and responsible investment knowledge across ASEAN,” stated Tun Fuzi.
With its expansion strategy in place and leveraging on the new appointment, IMA is exploring new opportunities for regional collaboration to broaden its reach and relevance across Asia. At the heart of this ambition is a commitment of combining credible journalism with education, contributing to a more informed, resilient and inclusive society.
Hashtag: #InovatifMediaAsia #TheSmartInvestor #TunFuzi
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Founded in 2002, IMA has built a reputation for producing high-quality business and lifestyle publications. Apart from its leading business magazine The SmartInvestor, the Publisher also owns titles including Calibre, FENG, The G.Mag and The Real Time.
With a new management onboard in 2023, IMA is slated to expand its regional presence for publications, business dialogues and cross-border collaborations.
Websites:
1.https://smartinvestor.com.my
2.https://smartinvestor.hk
BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 September 2026 – SCX Corporation, SC Group’s recurring-income business platform, is advancing sustainable growth through the strategic expansion of SCX Logistics. The company has set a roadmap to expand its logistics portfolio to more than 1,000,000 sq.m. by 2029, following strong demand from customers across diverse industries. SCX Logistics reported revenue growth of more than 240% in the first half of 2026, compared with the same period last year.
The company also highlights the completion of SCX Logistics Bangna Km.20, an 80,000 sq.m. logistics development that embodies SC’s three promises: Quality, Care, and Responsibility. Combining a strategic location, total cost efficiency, flexibility, and future readiness, SCX Logistics is designed to meet the increasingly complex needs of the industrial sector. The company plans to expand across the strategic Bangna and EEC corridors by a further 200,000 sq.m. by 2027.
Mr. Rachod Nantakwang, Chief Executive Officer of SCX Corporation Co., Ltd., said that SCX continues to advance SC Group’s recurring-income businesses to build a stronger and more sustainable foundation for long-term growth. SCX Logistics is a key part of this strategy, and the company remains committed to its 2029 roadmap to expand its logistics portfolio from 200,000 sq.m. at the end of 2025 to more than 1,000,000 sq.m. in strategic logistics locations nationwide. The objective is to create greater value for customers while developing infrastructure that genuinely meets business needs.
“The warehouse market continues to experience strong demand. However, customer requirements today are markedly different from the past. Customers no longer assess warehouses solely on rental rates per square metre. They consider the entire production and logistics ecosystem: locations that reduce transportation time, flexible functionality that can adapt to future change, clean-energy solutions that support business sustainability, and, critically, a warehouse partner that can work alongside them to solve their business challenges.
We understand these evolving needs. This understanding has earned us the trust of customers across a wide range of industries and contributed to SCX Logistics achieving revenue growth of more than 240% in the first half of 2026, compared with the same period last year,” Mr. Rachod said.
SCX has consistently upheld SC’s three promises: Quality, Care, and Responsibility. The company also applies SC’s strengths in Design, Function, and Trust to its logistics developments, placing a strong emphasis on understanding each customer’s operations from the outset. This enables SCX Logistics to design spaces around actual business requirements, from building layouts and transportation flows to loading and unloading areas, as well as future energy and technology needs.
This approach is reflected in SCX Logistics Bangna Km.20, which has recently been completed across the full 80,000 sq.m. development. The project demonstrates SCX’s customer-centric approach to warehouse development, beginning with an understanding of customer requirements rather than a building concept. The project is currently fully occupied, with an occupancy rate of 100%.
SCX Logistics Bangna Km.20 is located on Bangna-Trad Road at Km.20 in Samut Prakan, on a site of more than 90 rai. It is a strategic location for logistics and transportation, serving warehouses, distribution centres, and industrial facilities across a range of sectors. The development offers both ready-built buildings and built-to-suit solutions tailored to specific customer requirements.
The project serves international customers from Asia and Europe across industries including logistics, manufacturing, data centres, and digital infrastructure.
Mr. Rachod added that SCX Logistics’ expansion plans for 2026 and 2027 will focus on strategic locations that play an important role in Thailand’s logistics network. Under the concept “Corridor, Not Just Land,” SCX selects investment locations based on the role each area plays in the supply chain and its ability to connect businesses with regional markets, rather than simply on the size of the land plot.
The company plans to add approximately 200,000 sq.m. of logistics space across key locations, including Bangna, Laem Chabang, Amata Chonburi, and the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). This expansion is expected to bring SCX Logistics’ total warehouse portfolio to approximately 400,000 sq.m. by the end of 2027.
“Each location plays a distinct role in supporting our customers’ businesses. Bangna is a key connection between Bangkok, Suvarnabhumi Airport, and the EEC. Laem Chabang is an important gateway for international trade, while Amata and the EEC are among the country’s major manufacturing bases.
We therefore do not see ourselves simply as a warehouse developer and operator. We aim to be an infrastructure partner that can deliver solutions tailored to the needs of customers across industries, while contributing to the development of Thailand’s infrastructure and supporting investment that drives national economic growth,” Mr. Rachod said.
SCX Logistics will continue to be a new and recurring source of income for SC Group over the long term. The company expects SCX Logistics’ full-year revenue to grow by approximately 280% from the previous year.
SCX Corporation operates under the vision “The Prospering Expedition” and the mission “The Way Forward,” with a focus on exploring new business opportunities that generate consistent recurring income over the long term.
Its portfolio includes SCX Logistics, which operates the warehouse business and has developed five projects totalling more than 200,000 sq.m. in strategic locations; SCX Hospitality, which operates hotels in Bangkok and other key destinations, including KROMO Bangkok, Curio Collection by Hilton, The Standard Pattaya Na Jomtien, and YANH Ratchawat; and SCX Working Solutions, which operates more than 120,000 sq.m. of office space, including Shinawatra Tower 3.
SCX’s growth is supported by a diverse and capable team, strong strategic partnerships, and a corporate culture that places customers and the environment at the heart of business development.
For more information, please contact [email protected] or visit https://www.scx.co.th.
Hashtag: #SCXcorporation #SCXLogistics #SC #SCWarehouse #Logistics #Engine2 #RecurringIncome
https://www.scx.co.th/enhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/scx-corporationhttps://www.facebook.com/scxcorporation
https://www.youtube.com/@SCXCorporation
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Adobe has expanded its partnership with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and state-backed AI company HUMAIN, offering more than 27 million eligible citizens and residents a year of free access to its AI-powered creative tools. The US software company said the programme, announced at LEAP 2026 in Riyadh on Monday, is valued at more than $4 billion and will provide eligible people aged 13 […]
Highlights:
Financial Highlights:
| For the 6 months ended 30 Jun | |||
| HK$’000 | 2026 | 2025 | Change |
| Revenue | 1,450,897 | 1,436,576 | +1.0% |
| Sales derived from private label products | 277,194 | 251,203 | +10.3% |
| Gross profit | 518,758 | 518,177 | +0.1% |
| Interim dividend per share (HK cents) | 11.0 | 11.0 | – |
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 31 August 2026 – Best Mart 360 Holdings Limited (“Best Mart 360” or the “Company”, together with its subsidiaries, the “Group”; stock code: 2360.HK), a leading leisure food retailer in Hong Kong, announced its interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2026 (“the Period under Review”). During the Period under Review, the revenue recorded by the Group amounted to approximately HK$1,450,897,000, representing an increase of approximately 1.0% as compared to approximately HK$1,436,576,000 for the six months ended 30 June 2025 (the “Corresponding Period Last Year”).
During the Period under Review, profit attributable to owners of the Company amounted to approximately HK$116,221,000.
For the six months ended 30 June 2026, gross profit of the Group was approximately HK$518,758,000, representing an increase of approximately 0.1%, as compared to gross profit of approximately HK$518,177,000. Gross profit margin during the period was approximately 35.8%. During the Period under Review, basic earnings per share of the Group was approximately HK11.6 cents. The Board recommended the payment of interim dividend of HK11.0 cents per share.
BUSINESS REVIEW
CHAIN RETAIL STORES
As at 30 June 2026, the Group operated a total of 190 chain retail stores, including 184 chain retail stores in Hong Kong and 6 chain retail stores in Macau, respectively. During the Period under Review, the Group continued to implement its store network optimization strategy to fully showcase its diverse product portfolio, further enhance its overall brand image and provide customers with a more comfortable shopping environment.
Since 2021, the Group has launched its brand of global wine and food stores “FoodVille”, which provides mid-to-high-end, premium food products from around the globe. These include fine wines, premium chocolates, health foods, cheese, Western sauces and ingredients from around the world, aming to cater to the market’s pursuit of a quality of life and expanding the Group’s customer base. As at 30 June 2026, the Group operated a total of 8 retail stores under the brand.
During the Period under Review, the rental expenses (on a cash basis) of the Group’s retail stores accounted for approximately 9.7% of its sales revenue.
THE PRODUCTS
During the Period under Review, the Group adhered to its global procurement strategy, sourcing high-quality products from around the world to provide customers with a diversified range of choices. During the Period under Review, the Group sold over 1,045 brands and more than 3,054 stock keeping units (“SKUs“) of products in total. The Group continuously optimised its product portfolio and actively introduced a variety of new products and flavours to meet customers’ ever-changing needs.
To enrich its product mix and maintain effective control over product quality, supply stability and profit margins, the Group continued to actively develop its private label products. During the Period under Review, sales derived from private label products amounted to approximately HK$277,194,000 (six months ended 30 June 2025: approximately HK$251,203,000), which accounted for approximately 19.1% of the Group’s total revenue for the Period under Review. The Group had a total of 12 private labels covering approximately 272 SKUs of products, including masks, canned Chinese delicacies, cereals, milk, honey, nuts and dried fruits as well as a wide range of leisure food products.
MEMBERSHIP SCHEME AND MARKETING & PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES
As at 30 June 2026, the Group had a cumulative total of approximately 2,469,754 registered fans and members (30 June 2025: approximately 2,243,198). As at 30 June 2026, the number of mobile app members reached approximately 1,374,462 (30 June 2025: approximately 1,238,775).
During the Period under Review, the Group continued to carry out a variety of marketing activities, including “Best Price”, “Instant Redemption upon Purchase” and other promotional campaigns, which provided customers with a series of special offers on selected quality products as a way to show its appreciation for their support and effectively enhance customer loyalty. The Group also launched a new brand promotion campaign, namely “Best Mart, Always a Friendly Buy”, in 2026. By integrating online and offline promotional channels, the Group further strengthened its brand image and enhanced its interaction and connection with customers.
The Group also utilised a variety of outdoor media, such as large-scale advertisements at MTR stations and truck wraps, together with marketing strategies on digital media and social platforms, to further increase its brand exposure and market penetration, thereby attracting more new customers to shop at its stores.
In addition, the Group actively fulfilled its corporate social responsibility by partnering with the charitable foundation under China Merchants Group to launch the “Care 360˚” Neighborhood Support Programme, which aids families in need, continuously promotes community care and inclusion and actively puts into practice the core principles of corporate sustainability.
EMPLOYEES
As at 30 June 2026, the Group employed a total of 1,257 full-time and part-time employees (31 December 2025: 1,227). The increase in the total number of employees was primarily due to the Group’s recruitment of additional staff for its newly opened stores. To retain talent and provide its employees with appropriate incentives to enhance their sense of belonging and loyalty, the Group regularly reviews and updates its employee remuneration packages and benefit plans, taking into account labour market supply and remuneration trends as well as individual employee performance. During the Period under Review, the staff costs of the Group (excluding emoluments of the Directors) accounted for approximately 9.6% of its total revenue (six months ended 30 June 2025: approximately 9.7%).
OUTLOOK
Global geopolitical tensions remain high, and uncertainty persists regarding the pace of the external economic recovery. Meanwhile, the active expansion of mainland Chinese e-commerce platforms into Hong Kong has driven the popularity of cross-border online shopping, further intensifying competition in the local retail market. Amid complex and increasingly competitive market conditions, the overall business environment for the retail sector is expected to remain under pressure in the second half of 2026. However, as Hong Kong hosts a series of major international events and exhibitions as well as cultural and sports activities, the number of visitors to Hong Kong and their willingness to spend are steadily recovering. At the same time, consumption of daily necessities has demonstrated strong resilience. Market demand for value-for-money globally sourced food products and healthy snacks continues to grow, presenting the Group with solid development opportunities. Looking ahead, the Group remains cautiously optimistic about its business prospects. To address intense market competition, we are committed to refining operational management, optimizing business processes, and maintaining strict cost controls.
To further strengthen its connection with consumers, the Group officially launched a rebranding campaign in June 2026, adopting “Best Mart, Always a Friendly Buy” as its new core brand value and striving to build a more welcoming, youthful, vibrant and creative brand image. Regarding its store network management, the Group will balance strategic expansion with operational optimization. On one hand, the Group will capitalise on appropriate market opportunities and continue to expand its footprint through a “dual-brand” strategy featuring “Best Mart 360˚” and “FoodVille”, aiming to precisely meet the demand for high-quality food across different customer segments. On the other hand, the Group will adhere to strict capital-return discipline by actively negotiating with landlords for more flexible and reasonable lease terms, while regularly reviewing the operational efficiency of existing stores. Through these efforts, the Group aims to comprehensively enhance the overall profitability of its network and deepen its presence in the mass retail market.
Faced with a complex, ever-changing and highly competitive market environment, the Group is comprehensively exploring and researching the application of artificial intelligence in its business processes, aiming to enhance operational efficiency through innovative technology. The Group will further deepen its online-offline integration strategy, fully leverage the advantages provided by the extensive member database of its mobile app and implement targeted marketing through big data analysis to effectively increase member engagement and overall repeat purchase rates.
In terms of online channels, the Group will strengthen its collaboration with the foodpanda mall platform to ensure a seamless shopping experience. The Group will also remain agile in our operational strategies to optimize overall sales performance.
Guided by its core brand philosophy of “Best Quality” and “Best Price”, the Group will make every effort to expand its upstream supplier network while ramping up the development of its private label products. These initiatives will solidify our competitive pricing advantage while effectively meeting the market demand for daily necessities. The Board is confident that, through prudent yet flexible strategic planning, strong brand appeal and an optimised product portfolio, the Group will successfully enhance customer loyalty. This will steadily drive the business toward sustainable growth, thus creating long-term and robust returns for shareholders.
Hashtag: #BestMart360
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Best Mart 360 Holdings Limited, mainly operates chain retail stores under the brand “Best Mart 360˚”. It offers a wide collection of imported prepackaged leisure foods and other grocery products, principally from overseas. The Group’s business objective is to offer “Best Quality” and “Best Price” products to customers through continuous efforts on global procurement with a mission to provide comfortable shopping environment and pleasurable shopping experience to customers. As at 30 June 2026, the Group operates 190 retail stores that are strategically located across 18 districts in Hong Kong and Macau. In addition, the Group’s new global gourmet store, “FoodVille”, was officially opened in September 2021, which mainly provides globally sourced medium-to-high-end quality food products.
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Devanathan is due to take up the newly created role in October and will be based in Singapore, reporting to Kiran Mani, OpenAI’s managing director for Asia-Pacific. Her responsibilities will cover consumer growth, enterprise adoption and partnerships, regulatory engagement and operations across Southeast Asia and Australia.
The move gives OpenAI an experienced technology executive as competition intensifies among artificial intelligence companies for users, corporate customers, developers and public-sector partnerships. Devanathan has spent more than a decade at Meta and has held senior roles spanning ecommerce, gaming and country leadership across Asia-Pacific.
Devanathan announced her departure from Meta on Friday, describing the decision as “bittersweet” and saying she would take a short break before beginning her next chapter. OpenAI subsequently confirmed that she would join the company in the regional position.
Her departure also reshapes Meta’s reporting structure in one of its largest markets. Arun Srinivas, Meta’s managing director and country head for India, will report directly to Benjamin Joe, the company’s vice-president for Asia-Pacific. Srinivas had been reporting to Devanathan.
Devanathan joined Meta in 2016 and helped build its businesses and teams in Singapore and Vietnam, as well as ecommerce initiatives across Southeast Asia. She moved in 2020 to lead Meta’s gaming business in Asia-Pacific before being appointed vice-president and head of India, taking up that position in January 2023. Her remit was later expanded to include Southeast Asia.
At Meta, her work covered the company’s business and revenue priorities, relationships with major brands, advertisers, creators and partners, and the expansion of digital commerce and messaging services. She has more than 25 years of experience across banking, payments and technology.
OpenAI’s appointment places Devanathan in charge of markets where governments and companies are accelerating investment in generative artificial intelligence while also debating rules on safety, data, copyright and the use of advanced models. Her remit includes regulatory engagement, making her role important to OpenAI’s efforts to navigate differing policy regimes across Southeast Asia and Australia.
The company has been expanding its physical and management presence across Asia-Pacific, with offices in Singapore, Tokyo, Seoul, Sydney and Delhi. It has also strengthened its leadership in India, where it appointed former Uber executive Prabhjeet Singh as managing director earlier this year.
OpenAI has made India a significant part of its regional growth strategy as demand for generative AI tools rises among consumers, developers and businesses. In February, the company launched OpenAI for India, an initiative focused on artificial intelligence infrastructure, enterprise adoption, skills development and education partnerships.
Devanathan’s appointment extends that regional build-out beyond India, giving OpenAI a senior executive responsible for Southeast Asia and Australia from Singapore. The role combines commercial expansion with policy and operational responsibilities rather than focusing solely on sales or partnerships.
For Meta, the leadership change comes as the company continues to manage its advertising, messaging and social-media businesses across the region while increasing investment in artificial intelligence. Devanathan’s departure removes an executive who had overseen both India and Southeast Asia and had been part of Meta’s Asia-Pacific leadership structure.
When Meta appointed Devanathan to lead its India operations in 2022, the company said she would bring together its business and revenue priorities and strengthen relationships with brands, creators, advertisers and partners. She moved back to India for the role after earlier assignments in Singapore and Southeast Asia.
In her departure message, Devanathan highlighted work involving government citizen services delivered through WhatsApp in India and small businesses using Meta’s applications as digital storefronts in Vietnam, Indonesia and Thailand. She also referred to her experience helping technology companies and creators grow across the region.
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The clarification sets out the eligibility framework for companies considering operations in Pulau 1 of Forest City, where qualifying fintech businesses, Financial Global Business Services operations and foreign-owned payment system operators can apply for the special rate. The incentive runs for 10 consecutive years of assessment and may be extended for another 10 years if the company continues to meet the stipulated conditions.
Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation, or MDEC, is the government agency appointed to process applications, while approvals are subject to the national investment assessment framework. Eligibility does not arise simply from locating a technology business within Forest City.
Qualifying activities must incorporate at least one designated technology enabler. These include artificial intelligence or big data analytics, the Internet of Things, cybersecurity, cloud computing, blockchain, creative media technology, robotics or automation, and advanced network connectivity or telecommunications technology.
The framework therefore covers AI where the technology supports an eligible financial or business-service activity. A general AI developer or technology company does not automatically qualify for the Forest City incentive merely because it uses artificial intelligence.
Applicants must be companies incorporated under Malaysia’s Companies Act and resident in the country, with minimum paid-up capital of RM50,000. The qualifying business must be conducted in Pulau 1, Forest City. Companies must also comply with requirements covering employment, knowledge workers, operating expenditure, economic substance, environmental, social and governance commitments and any regulatory approvals applicable to their activities.
The Forest City incentive is separate from Malaysia Digital Status and the Malaysia Digital tax incentive administered by MDEC. Companies do not need Malaysia Digital Status to apply for the Forest City programme, and an applicant generally cannot receive another tax incentive for the same qualifying activity.
That distinction has become important because the national Malaysia Digital scheme includes figures of up to 100%, potentially creating confusion over whether technology and AI businesses can obtain complete corporate tax exemption in Forest City.
Under the Malaysia Digital tax incentive, companies making new investments can apply for a zero per cent reduced tax rate on qualifying intellectual-property income, subject to the applicable intellectual-property nexus rules. Qualifying non-IP income may receive a 5% or 10% reduced rate for up to 10 years, depending on whether the relevant conditions are met.
Alternatively, eligible new investments can choose an investment tax allowance of 60% or 100% of qualifying capital expenditure, which can be set against up to 100% of statutory income for a period of up to five years. The 100% figure refers to the investment tax allowance and does not constitute a general declaration that all income earned by an eligible company is tax-free.
Companies undertaking qualifying expansion investments face a different structure. The national digital programme provides a 15% reduced tax rate on qualifying IP and non-IP income for up to five years, or an investment tax allowance of 30% or 60% of qualifying capital expenditure, subject to the conditions attached to the scheme.
Applications for the Malaysia Digital tax incentive remain open until December 31, 2027. Applicants for that programme must first secure Malaysia Digital Status. Forest City’s programme has a longer application window, running to December 31, 2034 under the existing guidelines.
Forest City’s financial-zone incentives were formally unveiled by the government in September 2024 as part of an effort to establish Johor as a competitive financial and services hub close to Singapore. The package also includes separate arrangements for single family offices and knowledge workers.
Qualifying single family office vehicles operating under the Forest City framework can obtain a zero per cent tax rate on chargeable income from approved holding and investment activities, subject to Securities Commission Malaysia requirements. That concession is distinct from the 5% regime covering fintech, Financial Global Business Services and foreign payment system operators.
Forest City also sits within the wider Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone, strengthening its role in Malaysia’s strategy to attract cross-border investment, advanced financial services and digital businesses. Johor has emerged as a major destination for digital infrastructure and technology investment, supported by its proximity to Singapore, expanding data-centre capacity and improving regional connectivity.
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