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De Beers plans to suspend production at its Venetia diamond mine in South Africa for two years as weak rough-stone prices and persistent trading pressures force the group to deepen cost cuts across its global operations. The proposed shutdown at the Limpopo mine will be accompanied by a rescheduling of capital expenditure on the underground project, which was developed at a cost of about $2.3 billion. The […]

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Dealing. com has secured a Guinness World Records title after making 24,343 tokenised stocks available for trading on a single investment platform, placing the Dubai-linked service at the centre of efforts to widen access to global securities through blockchain infrastructure. The title for the “Most Tokenised Stocks Available for Trading on a Single Platform” was presented to Tajinder Virk, co-founder and chief executive […]

NEW YORK, USA – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 July 2026 – Thailand’s Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), under the Ministry of Commerce, will present the THAI SELECT Festival 2026 on 21 July 2026 at Vanderbilt Hall, Grand Central Terminal, New York City. The festival is designed to strengthen the presence of authentic Thai cuisine in the United States, expand international recognition of the THAI SELECT certification, and create new commercial opportunities for Thai restaurants, food producers, and exporters.

DITP Launches THAI SELECT Festival 2026 in New York to Strengthen U.S. Market Opportunities for Thailand's Food Industry

As one of Thailand’s largest export markets for food products, the United States plays a strategic role in supporting the continued growth of Thailand’s food industry. Through the THAI SELECT Festival 2026, DITP aims to connect American consumers with authentic Thai cuisine while reinforcing the competitiveness of Thai restaurants and promoting greater demand for premium Thai ingredients and food products.

The Ministry of Commerce is deeply honoured that Her Royal Highness Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya Sirivadhana Barnavadi has graciously accepted the invitation to preside over the festival’s opening ceremony. Her participation underscores Thailand’s continued commitment to promoting authentic Thai cuisine and the THAI SELECT certification on the international stage.

Held under the theme “Thai SELECT Playground – Play with Thai Flavors,” the festival offers an immersive culinary experience where visitors can explore Thailand’s rich food culture through authentic flavours, regional specialties, cooking demonstrations, cultural showcases, and interactive activities. Inspired by the concept of a playground, the event encourages guests to discover the diversity, creativity, and craftsmanship that define Thai cuisine.

A major highlight of the festival will be signature dishes prepared by 15 THAI SELECT-certified restaurants from across New York, showcasing both traditional favourites and contemporary interpretations of authentic Thai cuisine. Visitors will also have opportunities to engage with Thai culinary traditions through hands-on cultural experiences and interactive exhibitions celebrating Thailand’s culinary heritage.

Internationally acclaimed Thai actors Mile Phakphum Romsaithong and Apo Nattawin Wattanagitiphat will make special appearances throughout the festival, participating in exclusive fan activities while helping introduce authentic Thai cuisine to broader international audiences. Their participation reflects Thailand’s integrated approach to promoting culture, entertainment, and gastronomy as complementary drivers of the country’s global soft power and creative economy.

The festival forms part of DITP’s broader strategy to strengthen the international competitiveness of Thailand’s food industry by increasing global awareness of the THAI SELECT certification, encouraging wider adoption of Thai ingredients by restaurants overseas, and creating new opportunities for Thai food exporters. By strengthening the international profile of authentic Thai cuisine, DITP continues to support sustainable growth across Thailand’s food value chain while reinforcing the country’s long-standing position as one of the world’s leading culinary destinations.

THAI SELECT is Thailand’s official certification mark awarded by the Ministry of Commerce to restaurants and food products that meet recognized standards of authentic Thai taste, quality, and culinary excellence. The certification serves as a trusted guide for consumers worldwide seeking genuine Thai dining experiences while supporting Thai businesses in international markets.

As Thailand continues to expand the global presence of its food industry, THAI SELECT Festival 2026 demonstrates how culinary diplomacy can generate tangible economic value by strengthening international consumer confidence, supporting Thai entrepreneurs overseas, and creating new opportunities for trade, investment, tourism, and long-term business partnerships between Thailand and the United States.

Hashtag: #DITP

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

By Dr. Gyan Pathak Inflation – both wholesale and retail – in India has been rising sharply since January 2026. Wholesale inflation for all commodities rose from 1.19 per cent in January 2026 to 9.87 per cent in June 2026, while retail inflation during this period rose from 2.74 per cent to 4.38 per cent. […]

The article Inflation In India Rising Sharply Since January 2026, Highest In June appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 July 2026 – Paymentology, the leading global issuer processor, today announced a strategic partnership with Thailand-based fintech and payment technology provider T2P to expand access to modern card issuing capabilities and accelerate digital payment innovation across Thailand.

Through the partnership, T2P will leverage Paymentology’s next-generation issuer processing platform to deliver scalable, secure and flexible card programmes for fintechs, financial institutions, corporates and enterprises looking to launch innovative payment solutions.

The collaboration strengthens T2P’s growing payments ecosystem, enabling businesses to bring new prepaid, corporate and digital wallet-linked card programmes to market more quickly while benefiting from Paymentology’s real-time processing capabilities, global expertise and highly configurable platform.

Thailand has become one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing digital payments markets. According to the Bank of Thailand, online payments increased by 13.5% year-on-year in 2025, reflecting growing adoption of digital wallets, QR payments, embedded finance and cashless payment experiences. As businesses look to capitalise on this shift, they increasingly need trusted technology partners that can reduce complexity and accelerate innovation.

By combining Paymentology’s cloud-native issuer processing platform with T2P’s local market expertise, the partnership will help organisations develop payment solutions that meet evolving consumer and business expectations while supporting Thailand’s continued digital transformation.

Minh Ha Truong, Head of Growth APAC at Paymentology, said:“Thailand is one of the most exciting payments markets in Asia. As demand grows for embedded financial services and innovative card programmes, organisations need technology that allows them to launch quickly while remaining flexible enough to evolve with customer expectations.We’re delighted to partner with T2P as they continue expanding their payment capabilities.“

The partnership will initially support a broad range of use cases including:

  • Prepaid card programmes
  • Corporate and commercial payments
  • Employee spend management
  • Digital wallet-linked cards
  • Embedded finance solutions
  • Cross-border payment programmes supporting Thailand’s thriving tourism sector


Taweechai
Pureethip, Chief Executive Officer at T2P, said: “Our partnership with Paymentology is an important step in strengthening T2P’s card and payment technology capabilities. Paymentology’s modern issuer processing platform, real-time processing capabilities, flexibility and experience across markets give us confidence as we continue to develop reliable and scalable payment solutions for businesses in Thailand. Together, we aim to make it easier for organisations to bring practical, secure and flexible card-based payment programmes to market.”

As payment services become increasingly embedded into everyday consumer journeys and business operations, the partnership positions both organisations to support the next generation of payment innovation while expanding access to more secure, reliable and practical payment tools for businesses and consumers across Thailand.

Hashtag: #Paymentology #T2P

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

Anthropic has extended inclusive access to Claude Fable 5 for paying subscribers until July 19, delaying a planned shift towards usage-based charges as speculation mounts over another advanced Claude model appearing inside the Cursor coding platform. The company said Fable 5 would remain available on Pro, Max, Team and eligible Enterprise subscriptions for up to half of each user’s weekly allowance. Claude Code customers will also retain […]

New directors bring 60 years of combined capital markets and resource industry expertise

CALGARY, ALBERTA – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 July 2026 – First Energy Africa Oil Corp. (“First Energy Africa” or the “Corporation”), a Calgary-based energy corporation , today announced the appointment of Simon Akit and Frederick Kozak to its Board of Directors, effective July 13th, 2026.

Simon Akit
Simon Akit

Mr. Akit is founder and managing partner of a resource advisory firm, bringing more than 25 years of experience in Canadian and U.S. capital markets and seven years of engineering and operations experience in the resource industry. He has held senior capital markets and leadership roles at Ventum Financial, Canaccord Genuity, among others and has raised over $5 billion in equity and debt financing for resource companies from institutional investors across Canada, the United States, Europe, and Asia. He holds an MBA from the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto, is a Professional Engineer (APEGA) and currently serves on the boards of several public and private companies.

Frederick Kozak
Frederick Kozak

A Canaccord Genuity former oil and gas research analyst, Kozak is an award winning financial analyst and corporate executive. He brings more than 40 years of experience in the resource and capital markets sector with a focus in Africa and South America. Mr. Kozak holds an MBA from the Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario. He is a Professional Engineer (APEGA) with Lifetime status in Alberta and currently serves on the boards of one public company and one private company.

“Simon and Fred are bringing complementary technical and capital markets seniority required for our complex business. We are confident their contributions will set the right approach on our strategic priorities,” said Jeff Ruskowsky, President, First Energy Africa

The Corporation remains committed to upholding the highest standards of governance and sustainability as it continues to responsibly unlock value across its resource portfolio.

Hashtag: #FirstEnergyAfricaOil

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

About First Energy Africa Oil

First Energy Africa Oil Corp. is a privately held Canadian corporation pursuing exploration and block acquisitions in sub-Saharan Africa. The Company is headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

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GitHub Copilot generated harmful material in every test conducted through a carefully constructed coding workflow, exposing a sharp divide between safeguards in conversational chat and the behaviour of artificial intelligence agents operating across multiple development steps. Researchers Abhishek Kumar and Carsten Maple at the Alan Turing Institute in London tested Copilot inside Visual Studio Code using 204 harmful prompts drawn from three established safety benchmarks. The study […]

Dubai’s diamond trade climbed to an all-time high of $41.7 billion in 2025, strengthening the emirate’s position as a central marketplace linking producers, manufacturers, traders and jewellery consumers. The value of diamonds traded through Dubai increased 16.2% from $35.8 billion in 2024, adding about $5.8 billion within a year. It surpassed the previous record of $40.9 billion established in 2011. Physical trade also reached a peak of […]

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Iranian cruise missiles struck two UAE tankers in the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, killing one crew member and injuring eight others as maritime tensions intensified across the Gulf. The Mombasa and Al Bahiyah were hit while travelling through the southern shipping lane within Omani territorial waters, the UAE Ministry of Defence said. Fires broke out on both vessels and caused material damage […]

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai SBI Funds Management raised ₹26.63 billion from anchor investors, including major sovereign wealth funds, before opening one of the country’s largest public offerings of 2026 to wider subscription on Tuesday. The asset manager allocated 46.4 million shares to 129 anchor investors at ₹574 each, the upper end of its ₹545-₹574 price band. Strong institutional demand helped the anchor book attract prominent global investors […]

Largest Ecosystem Lineup at LEAP East 2026 Achieves Over 1,500 Business Matching Sessions

  • MEINONG ROBOT, a company within HKSTP ecosystem, stood out among more than 500 competing startups to win the 2nd Runner-Up in the Rocket Fuel East Startup Competition, securing a US$10,000 equity-free award; another park company, GenEditBio, also advanced to the Top 6 finalists.
  • HKSTP joined hands with more than 30 park companies to take the global stage of LEAP East as the event’s exclusive Tech Ecosystem Partner, facilitating over 1,500 business discussions and meetings.
  • Under the theme “Gateway to the NEXT”, the HKSTP Pavilion featured innovations from 23 park companies, attracting more than 3,000 visits.

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 July 2026 – MEINONG ROBOT, a company from the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) ecosystem, won the 2nd Runner-Up in the Rocket Fuel East Startup Competition at LEAP East 2026, secured a US$10,000 equity-free award and gained exposure to global investors to accelerate its business expansion. Another park company, GenEditBio, also outperformed more than 500 competing startups and made it to the Top 6 Finalists.

HKSTP presented a strong innovation line up at LEAP East 2026, with over 30 park companies showcasing innovations across Life and Health Tech, GreenTech & Sustainability, Smart Cities & Urban Tech, and AI, Data & Robotics. (Pictured: Cordelia Chung, Chairman of HKSTP (front row, 8th from left); Terry Wong, CEO of HKSTP (front row, 7th from left); Eric Or, Chief Ecosystem Development Officer (5th from left); Hilda Chan, Chief Marketing Officer of HKSTP (front row, 6th from left); Filla Mak, Chief Property and Asset Officer (front row, 9th from left).)
HKSTP presented a strong innovation line up at LEAP East 2026, with over 30 park companies showcasing innovations across Life and Health Tech, GreenTech & Sustainability, Smart Cities & Urban Tech, and AI, Data & Robotics. (Pictured: Cordelia Chung, Chairman of HKSTP (front row, 8th from left); Terry Wong, CEO of HKSTP (front row, 7th from left); Eric Or, Chief Ecosystem Development Officer (5th from left); Hilda Chan, Chief Marketing Officer of HKSTP (front row, 6th from left); Filla Mak, Chief Property and Asset Officer (front row, 9th from left).)

Making its debut in the Asia-Pacific region, LEAP East chose Hong Kong as its host city, bringing together technology leaders, investors, policymakers and tech ventures. As the event’s exclusive Tech Ecosystem Partner, HKSTP participated alongside more than 30 park companies, facilitating over 1,500 business discussions and meetings from 8 to 10 July.

Under the theme “Gateway to the NEXT”, the HKSTP Pavilion featured innovations from 23 park companies across four key sectors: Life and Health Tech, GreenTech & Sustainability, Smart Cities & Urban Tech, and AI, Data & Robotics, attracting more than 3,000 visits.

Terry Wong, CEO of HKSTP, said: “LEAP East’s decision to land its first overseas edition in Hong Kong delivers three important messages to the I&T community. First, Hong Kong has become tech companies’ gateway into the global markets, which reflects the development and achievements of Hong Kong’s I&T ecosystem over the years and demonstrates the city’s unique ability to connect Middle Eastern capital, Asia-Pacific markets and supply chains in the Chinese Mainland, positioning Hong Kong as a true I&T hub. Second, the Middle East and other emerging markets represent the next strategic destination for tech companies. Driven by numerous application scenarios in smart cities, green energy and AI infrastructure, together with the ambitious transformation agenda under Saudi Vision 2030, these markets offer unprecedented growth opportunities for Hong Kong tech companies. Third, Hong Kong’s I&T community is demonstrating a growing global impact. From HKSTP executives and park companies contributing to international forums and thought leadership discussions, to HKSTP serving as the exclusive Tech Ecosystem Partner, and two park companies reaching the Top 6 of the Rocket Fuel East Startup Competition, with one securing the 2nd Runner-Up, all of these achievements underscore Hong Kong’s increasingly prominent position on the global I&T stage.”

In addition, Terry Wong, CEO, Eric Or, Chief Ecosystem Development Officer, Filla Mak, Chief Property and Asset Officer, and Dr Charleston Sin, Head of AI & Data, took part in keynote sessions and panel discussions throughout the event. They shared strategic insights on HKSTP’s I&T ecosystem, biotech, smart cities, and AI, fostering international dialogue, inspiring new breakthroughs and collaborations, and further strengthening HKSTP’s influence within the global I&T ecosystem.

To strengthen connections between park companies and the international innovation community, HKSTP co-organised “Build East: Agentic AI Demo Day and Tour” with Minds by Animoca Brands one day before LEAP East 2026, inviting global investors and startups to gain first-hand insights into Hong Kong’s largest I&T ecosystem and explore cross-border collaboration and investment opportunities.

Hashtag: #HKSTP

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

Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation

Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) was established in 2001 to create a thriving I&T ecosystem grooming 13 unicorns, more than 16,000 research professionals and over 2,400 technology companies from 26 countries and regions focused on developing healthtech, AI and robotics, fintech and smart city technologies, etc.

Our growing innovation ecosystem offers comprehensive support to attract and nurture talent, accelerate and commercialise innovation for technology ventures, with the I&T journey built around our key locations of Hong Kong Science Park in Pak Shek Kok, InnoCentre in Kowloon Tong and three modern InnoParks in Tai Po, Tseung Kwan O and Yuen Long realising a vision of new industrialisation for Hong Kong, where sectors including advanced manufacturing, micro-electronics and biotechnology are being reimagined.

Hong Kong Science Park Shenzhen Branch in Futian, Shenzhen plays positive roles in connecting the world and the mainland with our proximity, strengthening cross-border exchange to bring advantages in attracting global talent and allowing possibilities for the development of technology companies in seven key areas: Medtech, big data and AI, robotics, new materials, microelectronics, fintech and sustainability, with both dry and wet laboratories, co-working space, conference and exhibition facilities, and more.

Through our R&D infrastructure, startup support and enterprise services, commercialisation and investment expertise, partnership networks and talent traction, HKSTP continues to contribute in establishing I&T as a pillar of growth for Hong Kong.

More information about HKSTP is available at .

  • Supporting Asia‑Pacific’s transition from BS 476 to the more comprehensive EN 13501‑1 fire‑classification framework
  • ArmaPrene™‑based insulation, including ArmaFlex® Ultima, achieves significantly lower smoke emissions to support safer evacuation and fire‑engineering compliance
  • ArmaLive Experience Centre builds industry capability through product insights, demonstrations, audits and hands‑on installation training
  • Active collaborations with industry partners and relevant public-sector bodies to help shape safer built environments
  • Long‑term commitment to safer, more energy‑efficient buildings through technical guidance, training and regional knowledge‑sharing

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 July 2026 – Armacell, a global leader in flexible equipment insulation and engineered foams, deepens its collaboration with industry stakeholders across Asia‑Pacific to enhance energy efficiency, sustainability and fire‑safety standards in the built environment.

Central to this expanded engagement is the ArmaLive Experience Centre, which serves as a regional hub for training, technical insight and hands-on demonstrations. The centre is designed to support engineers, consultants, installers and regulatory professionals as they respond to increasingly performance‑based compliance requirements—particularly in the areas of sustainability, energy efficiency and fire safety.

Supporting Asia‑Pacific’s transition to modern fire‑safety standards

Across Asia-Pacific, regulators and industry professionals are steadily moving from legacy BS 476 classifications to the more comprehensive EN 13501‑1 fire-performance framework. This shift reflects a growing focus on smoke‑performance—an essential advancement, as smoke inhalation remains one of the leading causes of fatalities in building fires.

To support this transition, Armacell provides data‑driven guidance, technical resources and targeted training that help stakeholders interpret performance criteria, understand material behaviour and assess system-level implications under the newer standard. These efforts are designed to enable informed specification decisions and support safer fire-engineering outcomes across a wide range of building applications.

A prime example of Armacell’s material innovation is ArmaFlex Ultima, developed using the company’s patented ArmaPrene technology. Generating about ten times less smoke than conventional elastomeric insulation, ArmaFlex Ultima achieves Euroclass B‑s1,d0 performance, enabling specifiers and fire engineers to significantly enhance safety in critical areas such as escape routes, mechanical services and other high-risk building zones.

ArmaLive Experience Centre: Strengthening regional technical capability

Located in Singapore, the ArmaLive Experience Centre delivers an expanded programme of learning and engagement designed to strengthen technical capability across the Asia-Pacific region and raise material and installation standards. The Centre offers a range of practical and knowledge-based initiatives, including:

  • Product insight sessions showcasing compliance performance, system reliability and application-specific considerations.
  • Energy and acoustic audits to support sustainable mechanical design and operational optimisation.
  • Hands‑on installation training to help installers improve workmanship quality, reduce system losses and meet fire-safety and performance requirements.
  • Live demonstrations and scenario‑based workshops focused on insulation selection, fire‑performance criteria and correct installation techniques.

Together, these programmes foster closer collaboration among developers, engineers, consultants, contractors and regulators, deepening their understanding of how insulation solutions contribute to energy efficiency, acoustic performance and fire safety.

Driving industry standards through technical partnerships

Armacell works closely with professional associations, technical bodies and relevant public-sector organisations across Asia‑Pacific to help advance technical standards and support a safer, more sustainable built environment.

Through seminars, joint technical exchanges and shared learning initiatives, the company shares expertise in insulation selection, performance benchmarks and comparative material behaviour—strengthening compliance awareness and improving the quality of building design and system specification.

By combining advanced materials knowledge with sustained industry engagement, particularly through the ArmaLive Experience Centre, Armacell supports informed specification practices, builds regional capability and reinforces its long‑term commitment to safer, sustainable and more resilient buildings across Asia-Pacific.
Hashtag: #Armacell

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

About Armacell

As the inventor of flexible foam for equipment insulation and a leading provider of engineered foams, Armacell develops innovative and safe thermal and mechanical insulation solutions that create sustainable value for its customers. Armacell’s products significantly contribute to driving energy efficiency worldwide.

With more than 3,100 employees and 26 production plants in 20 countries, Armacell operates two main businesses, Advanced Insulation and Engineered Foams. Armacell focuses on insulation materials for technical equipment, high-performance foams for acoustic and lightweight applications, recycled PET products, next-generation aerogel technology and passive fire protection systems.

For more information, please visit:

By Nantoo Banerjee Fake news is flooding across India’s nearly half-a-billion social media and messaging platforms, threatening trust, relationships, and democratic processes. The country, boasting almost a billion internet subscriptions, is facing a growing crisis of misinformation with digital content spreading faster than truth across the online community. To add to the concern are Artificial […]

The article AI-Generated Deepfakes Are Eroding Social Trust appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

Shein Global Holdings is preparing to raise as much as $3 billion through a Hong Kong initial public offering that could begin as early as August, after securing a long-awaited clearance from China’s securities regulator.

The online fashion retailer is considering an offer of between $2 billion and $3 billion, although the final size will depend on its valuation, investor demand and prevailing market conditions. The timetable could also change as the company completes the remaining stages of Hong Kong’s listing process.

Shein is scheduled to face the Hong Kong Stock Exchange’s listing committee this week. Approval at the hearing would allow the company and its advisers to move towards investor presentations, price discovery and bookbuilding.

Some people involved in the process expect the shares to begin trading in September or October rather than August, reflecting the time required to complete regulatory documentation and market the offer to institutional investors. A successful listing would rank among Hong Kong’s largest consumer-sector flotations in years.

China’s securities regulator has approved the proposed sale of up to 341.6 million H shares. The clearance removed one of the biggest obstacles confronting Shein, which submitted confidential listing documents in Hong Kong about a year ago after encountering difficulties in New York and London.

The company could seek a valuation of between $40 billion and $50 billion. That would represent a sharp retreat from the $100 billion valuation achieved during a private funding round in 2022, when pandemic-era online shopping growth and investor enthusiasm for digital retail pushed its value above several established fashion groups.

Shein was valued at about $66 billion in 2023. The lower range being discussed for the Hong Kong offer reflects tighter investor scrutiny, greater competition, changing customs rules and concern over the durability of its low-cost cross-border business model.

The retailer, founded in Nanjing in 2012 by entrepreneur Sky Xu and now headquartered in Singapore, sells inexpensive clothing and lifestyle products across roughly 150 markets. Its data-driven system tests products in small batches, measures consumer demand and orders additional stock when items gain traction.

That model has helped Shein respond rapidly to fashion trends while limiting unsold inventory. It has also placed pressure on traditional retailers and brought intense scrutiny of production volumes, environmental impact, working conditions and supplier oversight.

Although Shein has positioned itself as a global company, much of its manufacturing network remains concentrated in China, particularly around Guangzhou and other parts of Guangdong province. That dependence brought the company within the scope of China’s overseas-listing review system despite the relocation of its corporate headquarters.

Shein previously pursued a New York flotation but faced political resistance and demands for deeper examination of its supply chain, data practices and alleged exposure to forced labour in Xinjiang. The company has said it maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards forced labour and requires suppliers to comply with its sourcing standards.

A subsequent attempt to list in London also stalled. Britain’s financial regulator had cleared the company’s prospectus, but the transaction could not proceed without approval from Beijing. Disagreements surrounding disclosures about supply-chain risks complicated the process.

Hong Kong offers Shein a venue closer to its manufacturing base and within a regulatory framework more acceptable to Beijing. The city’s market, however, may produce a lower valuation than the company once expected from New York or London, where international consumer and technology companies have traditionally attracted broader investor coverage.

The proposed offer comes during a strong period for Hong Kong listings. Companies raised about HK$209.9 billion across 85 new flotations during the first half of 2026, the market’s best first-half performance in five years. A pipeline of hundreds of applicants has strengthened expectations that the city could remain among the world’s leading fundraising centres this year.

Shein’s leadership is also changing as the listing approaches. Executive chairman Donald Tang is expected to step down and continue as a senior adviser. Tang played a central role in the company’s engagement with governments, regulators and investors during its attempts to secure a Western listing.

Xu is expected to take a leading role in presenting the investment case to prospective shareholders. Investors are likely to examine Shein’s growth prospects, profit margins and ability to adapt to customs changes, particularly the removal of duty-free treatment for low-value packages entering the United States from China and Hong Kong.

PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS (H1 2026)

  • Revenue increased to US$113.2 million (up 23.8% YoY), driven by the 2 January 2026 acquisition of the Active Apparel Group Pty Ltd and Active Apparel Group (America) LLC (“AAG”) business which is now successfully integrated into the Group’s platform
  • Net profit grew to US$ 5.4 million representing a 1.8% increase YoY, after absorbing one-off integration costs arising from the AAG acquisition

STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT

  • Deployed proprietary Product Lifecycle Management (“PLM”) system and in-house AI engine, advancing our transformation into a tech-enabled apparel platform and driving greater operating leverage

SHAREHOLDER RETURNS

  • Interim dividend maintained at HK3.0 cents per share, reflecting confidence in cash generation

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 July 2026 – Lever Style Corporation (HKEX: 1346, “Lever Style”), the world’s premier apparel production platform, today reported financial results for the six months ended 30 June 2026.

For the first half of 2026, Lever Style recorded a return to top-line growth. Following a defensive strategy in 2025 aimed at managing credit risk, the Group recorded total revenue of US$113.2 million, representing a 23.8% increase compared to the same period last year. “This revenue expansion was driven by the 2 January 2026 acquisition of the AAG business, which has now been integrated into our operating platform, providing a broader foundation for our growth trajectory.” said William Tan, CEO of Lever Style.

Navigating Integration for Long-Term Value

“While revenue expanded substantially, net profit for the period grew to US$5.4 million, representing a by 1.8% increase, compared to the first half of 2025. This short-term pressure on our bottom line reflects one-off, upfront integration costs. These primarily included temporary staff duplication costs as we merged workflows, systems, and personnel. We regard these transitional costs as necessary investments to secure the structural, long-term profitability of the acquired business.” Mr. Tan added.

With the integration phase now largely completed, the group’s cost structure is better optimized, and the group will enjoy the operating leverage that enhanced scale provides.

Strategic Technology & In-House AI Solutions

The group’s platform-based strategy continues to progress, converting its operational capabilities from a traditional apparel supplier into a tech-enabled enterprise. During the period under review, Lever Style successfully developed and deployed its own PLM system, among other solutions. These internal enterprise systems are designed to enhance workflow transparency, accelerate speed-to-market, and reduce waste across the group’s asset-light supply chain.

Capitalizing on its expanding internal R&D capabilities, the group has also customized AI solutions to fit its specific business model. Rather than relying on generic off-the-shelf software, these proprietary tools support day-to-day merchandiser productivity and factory coordination, reinforcing Lever Style’s long-term competitive advantage.

Market Outlook: Premium Resilience in a K-Shaped Economy

“The US market—our primary market—has proven surprisingly resilient through the first half of 2026. However, underneath the headline figures lies a visible ‘K-shaped’ economic split: a highly promotional and pressured middle market where retail liquidity remains tight and consumers are value-sensitive, and a premium/affluent tier of high-income consumers whose discretionary spending remains relatively stable, sustaining steady demand for premium products and services.” Stanley Szeto, Executive Chairman of Lever Style, commented.

Lever Style remains largely insulated from mass-market volatility due to its focus on upscale designers and premium fashion brands. Because the group’s brand portfolio aligns with this more resilient premium sector of the market, it remains well-positioned to navigate current economic conditions.

Future Prospects & Financial Synergies

Looking toward the second half of 2026 and into 2027, the group’s strategic roadmap focuses on three primary operational and financial levers:

  • AAG Bottom-Line Contribution: With major integration headwinds resolved, the AAG activewear business is expected to start contributing to the bottom line in H2 2026, with net profit margins of this business targeted to improve steadily, with the aim of approaching the margin profile of Lever Style’s legacy business in 2027.
  • Targeting Operating Leverage: As expanded volume is funneled through the group’s upgraded digital platform, Lever Style is targeting synergies from operating leverage across its vendor network, allowing fixed overheads to be managed more efficiently.
  • Pursuing M&A Opportunities: By integrating the AAG business, Lever Style has demonstrated the scalability of its own platform. Consequently, the group remains active in evaluating a pipeline of further value-accretive acquisitions to expand its product capabilities and geographical production footprint.

“The Group has completed the primary phases of integration, upgraded its technology base, and remains aligned with the more resilient segments of consumer demand. The Board remains confident in our underlying business model and our ability to deliver long-term value to shareholders.” Mr. Szeto concluded.

For more details, please visit: https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2026/0713/2026071300602.pdf

Hashtag: #LeverStyle





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

Lever Style Corporation

Listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, Lever Style (HKEX 1346) is the world’s premier apparel production platform for premium contemporary and designer brands such as Alexander Wang, Theory, Todd Snyder, and Aimé Leon Dore; active and performance brands such as Arc’teryx, Columbia Sportswear, Helly Hansen, Spanx, Skims, and J.Lindeberg; and digitally native brands and platforms such as Mizzen+ Main and Bonobos.

Our supply chain solutions encompass fashion design, prototype development, raw material procurement, production, quality control, and logistics. Our innovative, modularized multi-country platform delivers high-mix, low-volume orders and reduces excess inventory and stockouts. Our versatile approach is rooted in decades of technical expertise gained from working with many of the world’s highest-quality and most demanding brands. We support production for 175 brands through a network of more than 150 factories across eight countries: Vietnam, China, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, India and Thailand. A certified B Corp, Lever Style is a committed ESG leader in the apparel production sector.

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Gemcorp Capital has completed a $20 million Shariah-compliant structured financing in Saudi Arabia, marking the emerging-markets asset manager’s first direct lending transaction in the kingdom. The financing has been extended to SILQ, a Saudi financial technology platform that provides procurement, payment and funding services to small and medium-sized enterprises. The transaction gives Gemcorp an initial foothold in a market where growing companies often […]

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Sharjah has secured exclusive rights to develop and operate BookXcess bookstores across the Middle East and Africa, extending the emirate’s publishing ambitions into large-scale international book retail. The agreement places Big Bad Wolf Sharjah, a subsidiary of the Sharjah Book Authority, in charge of developing, managing and marketing the Malaysian bookstore chain throughout both regions. The arrangement also gives the Sharjah entity responsibility […]

SBI Holdings and the Solana Foundation have formed a strategic partnership to develop an on-chain financial market centred on Japan, spanning stablecoins, tokenised securities, institutional services and cross-border settlement infrastructure. The collaboration will involve the Solana Foundation acquiring a stake in SBI R3 Japan, a blockchain-focused company jointly backed by SBI Holdings and Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group. SBI R3 Japan is set to be renamed SBI Solana […]

A newly identified ransomware operation is using a Microsoft-signed malicious driver to disable cybersecurity protections before encrypting files, exposing a dangerous weakness in the trust mechanisms underpinning Windows systems. The malware, named GodDamn, deploys the PoisonX kernel driver to terminate antivirus and endpoint detection and response processes. Kernel-level access gives the driver extensive control over an infected computer, allowing attackers to neutralise defensive software that might otherwise […]

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai ADI Chain has secured a $50 million strategic investment to accelerate the international deployment of blockchain infrastructure designed for governments, enterprises and regulated digital-asset markets. The funding will support network expansion, institutional integrations and the development of applications that connect public blockchain technology with national payment systems, financial institutions and large corporate users. The company did not disclose detailed commercial terms of the […]

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai The United States and Iran exchanged fresh strikes overnight into Monday, deepening a military confrontation that has sharply reduced commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and unsettled global energy markets. US Central Command said American forces completed another round of attacks intended to weaken Iran’s ability to threaten civilian mariners and commercial vessels using the strategic waterway. Dozens of targets were struck, […]

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Abu Dhabi recorded a 21 per cent annual increase in new economic licences during the first quarter of 2026, signalling sustained investor demand and stronger business formation across commercial, professional and industrial activities. The number of active licences across the emirate rose 12 per cent between January and March compared with the same period last year. The expansion covered all three regions, with […]

A flaw in the BIOS firmware of several Dell computers can allow attackers with physical access to recover administrator and user passwords from the device’s flash memory without brute-force cracking. The vulnerability, tracked as CVE-2026-40639, affects the way certain Dell client platforms protect passwords stored in the system’s Serial Peripheral Interface flash chip. Dell has classified the issue as a medium-severity weakness and released BIOS updates for […]

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