News related to
business

Believing that the best journeys are those shared with the people who matter most, ONYX Hospitality Group, a leading hospitality management company in the Asia-Pacific region specialising in hotels, resorts, serviced apartments, luxury residences, restaurants and spas, encourages families to reconnect and create meaningful moments together this holiday. Through thoughtfully curated experiences designed to bring generations together, each property offers a wide range of on-site activities alongside the unique attractions of its surrounding destination, creating opportunities for families to make every moment together even more meaningful.

Guided by its More of What You Love philosophy, ONYX Hospitality Group’s portfolio of hotels is committed to creating holiday experiences that extend far beyond the guest room. From memorable dining experiences and rejuvenating spa treatments to quality time spent together in the hotel’s shared spaces and opportunities to discover the charm of local communities and cultural heritage surrounding each destination, every journey is thoughtfully designed to be richer and more rewarding. Complemented by the benefits of ONYX Rewards and exceptional dining experiences through ONYX Dining, every stay is made more seamless, more rewarding and more memorable, from the moment guests arrive until they return home.

For families planning a short getaway within Thailand, with the turquoise sea as the backdrop to their ideal holiday, Amari offers meaningful moments of relaxation, creating opportunities to spend quality time with mothers and loved ones alike, whether on the Gulf of Thailand or along the Andaman coast.

Amari Pattaya offers everything families need for a memorable holiday, with accommodation options ranging from one-bedroom rooms to spacious three-bedroom suites accommodating up to six guests, allowing everyone to spend quality time together throughout their stay. At the same time, every generation can enjoy activities tailored to their own interests, whether relaxing at Club Napa, the exclusive lounge on the 19th floor overlooking panoramic views of Pattaya Bay, or letting younger guests enjoy the water park and Tree House Kids Club before coming together again to share memorable dining experiences. From authentic Thai cuisine and international favourites to homemade pasta and poolside bites, dining experience adds another special moment to the family getaway. The day concludes with a rejuvenating treatment at maai spa, where holistic wellness therapies inspired by the beautiful transformation of the silkworm create a deeply restorative experience for both body and mind.

Meanwhile, Amari Hua Hin offers another ideal destination for families wishing to create meaningful moments with their mothers during the holiday. Set within a relaxed seaside atmosphere, the hotel features comfortable accommodation suitable for guests of all ages, a swimming pool, Breeze Spa, and dedicated children’s facilities. Beyond the hotel, families can stroll along the beach, discover local cafés and restaurants, or explore the unique charm of Hua Hin together.

For families seeking a relaxing escape amid the beauty of the Andaman Sea, Amari Phuket is set on a secluded private headland, offering panoramic views across Patong Bay from its guestrooms and suites. The resort’s interiors thoughtfully blend contemporary Thai craftsmanship with a distinctive sense of place, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere throughout the stay. Families can enjoy memorable moments together over authentic Italian cuisine at La Gritta, the resort’s renowned seafront Italian restaurant, or unwind while taking in spectacular ocean views from La Gritta Bar, The Jetty, The TreePod, and Samutr Bar, each offering its own unique ambience. The resort also features two swimming pools, Breeze Spa, and a Kids Club, allowing guests of all ages to enjoy their preferred way of spending time before heading out to experience the vibrant atmosphere of Patong Beach, along with its restaurants and shopping destinations, all just minutes away.

Another excellent choice for a seaside family holiday is Amari Koh Samui, located on Chaweng Beach. Surrounded by natural beauty, the resort offers a range of accommodation options, including spacious two-bedroom suites, along with three swimming pools, Breeze Spa, and activities for children. Families can also enjoy exploring Bophut Fisherman’s Village or discovering the unique charm of Koh Samui together. The resort’s diverse collection of restaurants and bars further enhances every family dining experience, including Amaya Food Gallery, serving Thai and international cuisine through interactive live cooking stations; Amaya Café for coffee, tea and light refreshments; Amaya Bar by the beach; Prego Koh Samui, offering authentic Italian cuisine and pizzas; and Aqua Eatery & Bar, serving beverages and light meals in a relaxed poolside setting.

For families seeking greater tranquillity and a closer connection with nature, Amari Vogue Krabi is located on Tubkaek Beach, one of Krabi’s most peaceful stretches of coastline. Nestled amidst nature at the foot of Dragon’s Crest (Khao Ngon Nak), one of the province’s most renowned scenic viewpoints, the resort enjoys a setting that continues to attract travellers from around the world. Surrounded by the breathtaking Andaman Sea, picturesque offshore islands and lush green mountains, the resort provides an idyllic environment for families to spend quality time together, unwind completely and immerse themselves in the beauty of nature. Beyond the resort, guests can discover Krabi’s natural attractions through island-hopping excursions, kayaking adventures, visits to its famous beaches and viewpoints, or explore the local way of life in Krabi Town, with its restaurants, markets and vibrant evening attractions.

Whether it is taking your parents away for a well-deserved change of scenery, spending the holidays with children and grandchildren, gathering with siblings for a special occasion, or reconnecting with friends after a long time apart, ONYX Hospitality Group’s hotels and serviced residences are ready to be part of every meaningful moment. With a diverse portfolio that caters to different destinations, lifestyles and travel preferences, ONYX Hospitality Group believes that the true meaning of travel lies not simply in the places we visit, but in the people we share the journey with and the moments we create together. Bringing More of What You Love to every stay, the Group continues to create memorable travel experiences that matter.

For more information and reservations, please visit www.onyx-hospitality.com

Hashtag: #ONYXHospitalityGroup

https://www.onyx-hospitality.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/onyx-hospitality-group/
https://www.facebook.com/ONYXHospitalityGroup
https://www.instagram.com/onyxhospitalitygroup/

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

About ONYX Hospitality Group

ONYX Hospitality Group, a reputable force in the Asia-Pacific hospitality industry, operates a collection of comprehensive yet complementary brands – Amari, OZO, Shama and Oriental Residence – catering to the distinctive needs of discerning business and leisure travellers across the region where it has deep expertise. In addition to its brand portfolio, ONYX Hospitality Group also operates additional hospitality services across spa and food & beverage. With six decades of management experience, the company extends its innovative solutions throughout the region, upholding internationally recognised standards and ensuring optimal operational manoeuvrability. By fostering enduring relationships with like-minded business partners, ONYX Hospitality Group delivers unparalleled experiences in a dynamic and competitive market, meeting the ever-evolving demands of travellers.

More information: www.onyx-hospitality.com

Find us on social media:
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onyxhospitalitygroup/
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onyx-hospitality-group/
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ONYXHospitalityGroup

Mentored by Industry Masters and Winner of the iF Design Award, Andrew Unlocks a New Paradigm for High-Net-Worth Residential and Diverse Commercial Spaces from an Eastern Aesthetic Perspective

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 August 2026 – As spatial aesthetics and lifestyle philosophies continue to converge across the Greater Bay Area, academic discourse and talent exchange within the interior design sectors of Hong Kong and Mainland China have reached a pivotal milestone. On the evening of July 3, the CIID Hong Kong Inaugural Gala Dinner, themed “AI x ESG,” took place at Lake House in Tai Po. During the event, the CIID Interior Architecture Design Exchange Center, one of the most authoritative academic bodies in China’s interior design industry, officially licensed the designation to “CIID Hong Kong,” marking the formal recognition of its official preparatory branch in Hong Kong by the headquarters.

At this grand gathering of industry luminaries, Mr. Andrew Lam, Founder of am PLUS DESIGNS, a premier Hong Kong interior design firm, was officially appointed Vice Chairman of the CIID Hong Kong Centre. This prestigious industry title serves as a resounding endorsement of Andrew’s years of deep cultivation in spatial design and his exceptional international vision. Moving forward, he will work side by side with industry titans—including Mr. Joey Ho, Chairman of the CIID Hong Kong, and Mr. Steve Leung, Honorary Advisor—to co-author a new chapter of integration and synergy for design forces in the Greater Bay Area.

Prestigious Lineage and Artisan Foundation: Refining Eastern Aesthetics Through Structural Space

The calibre of an outstanding designer is often defined at the inception of their career. Andrew began his journey from an exceptional vantage point, studying under Mr. Kenneth Ko, widely venerated as the “Father of Modern Chinese Interior Design.” Imbued with Ko’s design philosophy, Andrew developed a profound understanding of spatial essence: infusing physical architecture with human warmth while allowing functional utility and cultural depth to complement one another. His subsequent encounters with master designer Steve Leung on the professional CIID platform further bolstered his industry standing and provided enduring inspiration.

To explore the broader possibilities of serene Eastern aesthetics within a contemporary context, Andrew pursued advanced studies in Japan earlier in his career, training under prominent local practitioners. He continuously contemplated how to harmonize the grand inclusivity of traditional Chinese culture with the understated restraint of Japanese mono no aware and yugen. Within Hong Kong’s densely populated urban landscape, he set out to construct poetic sanctuaries where human warmth and architectural soul harmoniously coexist.

“Contemporary design is no longer about the ostentatious stacking of lavish materials; it is about providing a sanctuary for the mind, body, and soul within a space,” Andrew explains. In his practice, the spiritual essence of traditional Eastern architecture is distilled into serene, restrained structural space and quiet aesthetics. Unbound by the constraints of any single regional style, he returns to the philosophical core of “exquisite simplicity without excess.” Through capturing natural light and shadow, highlighting the raw authenticity of wood and stone, and utilizing minimalist lines, he sculpts an understated beauty rich in Eastern philosophy.

Andrew’s meticulous craftsmanship and pursuit of this design philosophy have earned him top-tier global acclaim. Designed by the am PLUS team, the “St Michel” residential project stood out among nearly 11,000 entries from 72 countries to win the prestigious German iF Design Award 2024 in the Residential Interior Design category. Known as the “Oscar of Design,” the iF Design Award is judged by a panel of 132 independent global design experts. Receiving this honor signifies that am PLUS’s design prowess, blending international aesthetic refinement with exceptional functional utility, has gained unanimous recognition from world-class peers. Furthermore, Andrew was named one of the “40 UNDER 40 Outstanding Contemporary Young Designers.” He has also garnered an array of esteemed accolades worldwide, including the U.S. MUSE Design Awards as Gold Winner and the Taiwan Good Design Award, solidifying his industry renown through proven expertise.

Spatial Algorithms and Spiritual Resonance: Expanding from Luxury Residences to B2B Commercial Spaces

Both Hong Kong and top-tier cities in Mainland China face the rigorous challenge of high-density urban land scarcity. Market research and industry insights indicate that the spatial demands of urban high-net-worth individuals have evolved from conventional sensory decoration to a dual pursuit of optimized functionality and spiritual sanctuary. Addressing this trend, Andrew translates Eastern wisdom into a sophisticated “spatial algorithm.” Regardless of space constraints, he adeptly dissolves physical boundaries using dynamic partitions and adaptable raised platforms.

In expansive luxury residences, this algorithm translates into fluid circulation layouts and magnificent spatial proportions. Recently, am PLUS successfully executed a four-story villa project exceeding 3,000 square feet on Mount Austin Road, Hong Kong. Andrew skillfully employed Eastern quiet luxury aesthetics, utilizing pure, serene materials and natural light play within a dynamic three-dimensional space to effortlessly express understated luxury. Visual short films documenting the project’s execution received widespread acclaim upon release. “Expansive spaces provide designers with a broader canvas for creation,” Andrew notes. He observes that many high-net-worth clients with refined taste resonate deeply with the quiet luxury of modern Eastern design, and he looks forward to leading his team in crafting more expansive living spaces that embody aesthetic depth and spiritual resonance.

Andrew’s design ambitions extend beyond luxury residential projects. Currently, am PLUS maintains a portfolio ratio of approximately 30% commercial and 70% residential. With the official launch of the CIID Hong Kong Center, Andrew plans to guide the firm through a strategic transformation, gradually shifting toward a balanced 50/50 ratio between commercial and residential domains.

“We aim to translate the meticulous planning and human-centric experiences accumulated from years in luxury residential design into B2B commercial spaces, including corporate offices, retail flagships, and boutique dining,” Andrew affirms. He firmly believes that experiential commercial design not only helps businesses reduce costs and boost efficiency but also transforms rigid commercial environments into inspiring hubs for personal creativity and emotional connection.

Compassion Fueling Creativity: Enriching Design through Human Warmth

In their daily routine, interior designers work with hard architectural materials such as steel, timber, stone, and paint. Beyond his demanding design and managerial duties, Andrew has long dedicated himself to social welfare, actively volunteering with charitable organizations such as “Social Seed (社企苗).” Serving as a compassionate guest instructor, he teaches engaging introductory science courses to primary school students. This warm, cross-disciplinary engagement, seemingly unrelated to high-end design, actually serves as a primary source of Andrew’s creative inspiration.

Andrew reflects thoughtfully: “Design should not be confined to cold blueprints. Only by possessing empathy, loving life, and observing the subtle nuances around us can we truly understand the implicit, unspoken spatial aspirations of our clients. Every time I feel the authentic pulse of society and exchange genuine glances with children, it refines my ‘sixth sense’—my intuition and inspiration. I want every design I create to carry warmth, serving as a meaningful contribution to life and living.”

With the establishment of the CIID Hong Kong Center, Andrew will assume his new role to lead am PLUS DESIGNS forward, continuously exploring and advancing the dual dimensions of contemporary Eastern quiet aesthetics and high-end humanistic spatial design.

Hashtag: #amplusdesigns #CIID #andrewlam #interiordesign

https://www.amplusdesigns.com/
https://www.facebook.com/amplusdesigns/
https://www.instagram.com/amplus.designs/
https://xhslink.cn/m/AlO47wSBFbe

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

About am PLUS DESIGNS

Founded in Hong Kong in 2014 by Andrew Lam, Vice Chairman of the CIID Hong Kong Interior Architecture Design Exchange Center, am PLUS DESIGNS is a premier interior design firm dedicated to delivering solutions that combine cutting-edge aesthetics, functional excellence, and sustainable development for high-net-worth individuals and corporate clients across Greater China. Its portfolio encompasses ultra-luxury residences, luxury penthouses, modern corporate spaces, retail flagships, and boutique dining establishments. By synthesizing contemporary Eastern quiet aesthetics with precise functional pragmatism, am PLUS has earned numerous international accolades, including the German iF Design Award.

Official Website: https://www.amplusdesigns.com/

Anchored by the TIGER framework, CUHK leaps toward new heights of academic excellence and global impact

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 August 2026 – The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) today (6 August) unveiled its new five-year strategic plan, titled “CUHK 2026–2030: Leaping to Greatness” (the “CUHK 2026-2030“), outlining the University’s development priorities and strategic direction for the next five years. With the ambition to create greater impact on humanity and global communities, CUHK adheres to its vision of becoming a first-class comprehensive research university whose scholarly output, bilingual and multicultural education, and community contributions consistently meet global standards of excellence. As a publicly funded university, CUHK will leverage its strengths in talent cultivation, knowledge innovation and global engagement to contribute to the development of China and the Hong Kong SAR in alignment with priorities in the national 15^th Five-Year Plan and the city’s first five-year planning.

The “TIGER” action framework of CUHK 2026–2030 forms five interconnected strategic directions. It reflects a united, well-coordinated and actionable commitment from the entire University to progressively realise our vision of “Leaping to Greatness” that symbolises CUHK’s continued evolution to pursue purpose-driven excellence, impact-oriented outcomes and lasting societal contributions with innovation, rigour and responsibility.

The five interconnected strategic pillars in CUHK 2026–2030 include:

• T – Talent Attraction and Development
• I – Institutional Development
• G – Global and Alumni Engagement
• E – Education and Student Experience
• R – Research and Innovation

Embracing the new vision with agility characterised in the spirit of a tiger

In his remarks, Professor Dennis Lo Yuk-ming, Vice-Chancellor and President of CUHK, said: “The five key areas of the Strategic Plan form the ‘TIGER’ action framework that embodies courage, agility and drive, underscoring CUHK’s development vision which will be realised through precise planning and rigorous execution. CUHK will continue to drive breakthroughs in life and health sciences, artificial intelligence (AI), quantum science and other frontier fields, and participate in national scientific research initiatives, leveraging Hong Kong’s unique advantages and position as China’s most international city, with an aim of cultivating world-class talent and new knowledge that benefit the world.”

Aligning with the strategic planning of China and the Hong Kong SAR

Professor Lo said: “CUHK 2026–2030is the first five-year strategic plan formulated since I assumed office in 2025. It marks a major milestone in the University’s development in timely alignment with the five-year planning of China and the Hong Kong SAR. At a time of profound global transformation, technological advances are reshaping the world and redefining the role of universities in society. CUHK has joined the world’s top 20 for the first time in the latest Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings, rising to the 18^th place. This is a testament to the University’s progress in the past 63 years signifying our global academic influence.”

Professor John Chai Yat-chiu, Chairman of the CUHK Council; Professor Dennis Lo Yuk-ming, Vice-Chancellor and President of CUHK, Professor Isabella Poon Wai-yin, Provost of CUHK, Professor Anthony Chan Tak-cheung, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Alumni / Community Engagement & Institutional Advancement), Professor Jiang Liwen, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research & External Affairs) and Mr Albert Chow Hing-pong, Vice-President (Administration), together with other members of the University’s senior management, attended the media luncheon today to mark the official launch.

Creating value to benefit humanity

Professor Isabella Poon Wai-yin, Provost of CUHK, introduced the University’s priority areas and said: “In face of global challenges such as the AI revolution, sustainable development and climate change, universities carry an unprecedentedly vital mission. A truly impactful university does not merely respond to the present needs of the era, but will also actively shape the direction of our future. Through interdisciplinary, cross-regional and cross-sector collaborations, we aim to translate CUHK’s deep academic foundation, unique collegiate system and global network into a driving force for social progress and innovation.”

Team spirit of CUHK leadership in co-creating the development blueprint

The formulation of CUHK 2026–2030 was a year-long collaborative effort overseen by the Strategic Plan Steering Committee chaired by Professor Lo with support from the senior management team and consultation from the broad CUHK community, from conceptualisation, drafting to visual design. This multi-faceted collaboration fully demonstrates the team spirit of the CUHK community in propelling the University toward a new chapter. The visual design of the Strategic Plan agenda features circular lines and patterns representing the letters “C” and “U” for CUHK. The concentric-circle motif also symbolises CUHK members coming together like concentric circles, uniting their strengths to work towards common goals. The visual palette centres on the university colours of purple and gold, representing passion and loyalty (purple), alongside perseverance and resolve (gold). For details of the Strategic Plan, please refer to https://www.cuhk2030.cuhk.edu.hk.

Key Initiatives

Establishing the 10th College for postgraduates

CUHK will establish a postgraduate college as its 10th college. This initiative will extend the University’s long-standing collegiate system to the postgraduate community, creating a vibrant, international environment for cross-disciplinary dialogue, holistic development and lifelong networking.

In addition, CUHK will develop flagship international undergraduate programmes and signature schemes embedding innovation, entrepreneurship and concepts of sustainability into the curriculum. It will also strengthen industry-academia collaboration and knowledge transfer to attract and nurture outstanding local and international innovative talents. CUHK will also revitalise its General Education curriculum with national and global perspectives. Moreover, the University will strengthen collaboration with CUHK-Shenzhen and other institutions in the GBA and expand opportunities for exchange and internships abroad to support students’ holistic development and lifelong learning.

Attracting global talent and expanding international impact

CUHK will leverage its strengths as an international research university to attract outstanding students, scholars and researchers from around the world, fostering a diverse and inclusive academic community. Currently, approximately 56% of CUHK’s professors come from outside Hong Kong while the University achieved a perfect score in the QS international faculty ratio indicator, demonstrating its success in attracting top academic talent globally.

This year, applications from non-local students increased by about 20% compared with last year. Applications from regions outside the Chinese Mainland rose even more significantly, by 75%, with most applicants coming from Southeast Asia and the Middle East, reflecting CUHK’s growing international appeal. To attract exceptional students, CUHK launched the Fenghuang Scholarship this year. The scholarship offers outstanding students who achieve excellent results in local and overseas public examinations financial support, together with overseas exchange opportunities. Through this initiative, the University aims to attract high-calibre young talent and nurture future leaders with a global vision, innovative capabilities and a strong sense of social responsibility.

Driving interdisciplinary research to address global challenges

CUHK will seize opportunities arising from the Northern Metropolis, the Hetao Cooperation Zone and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, while focusing on frontier fields including life and health technologies, AI, quantum science and green technology. The University will further integrate into the national research and innovation ecosystem and actively participate in major scientific initiatives spanning space, polar research and deep-sea studies, fostering comprehensive development from Antarctic expeditions and space missions to the translation of world-class innovations.

In recent years, CUHK has been actively demonstrating its research excellence. Notable achievements include the successful launch of CUHK Sat-1, the world’s first AI satellite dedicated to urban sustainable development, and leading the development of the laser heterodyne spectrometer selected for the nation’s Tianwen-3 Mars exploration mission. These accomplishments underscore the University’s pivotal role in supporting national strategic science and technology development. Furthermore, the Hong Kong Centre for Logistics Robotics, an InnoHK centre established by CUHK, founded Hong Kong’s first full-stack embodied intelligence laboratory in 2026 to drive frontier technologies in embodied AI and robotics, further consolidating Hong Kong’s position as an international innovation and technology hub.

Hashtag: #CUHK #2026-2030 #five-year #strategicplan

https://www.cuhk.edu.hk/
https://www.linkedin.com/school/13045
https://x.com/cuhkofficial
https://www.facebook.com/CUHKofficial
https://www.instagram.com/thechineseuniversityofhongkong/
https://www.youtube.com/user/CUHKchannel

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

About The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Founded in 1963, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) is a leading comprehensive research university with a global reputation and world-leading rankings. Located in the heart of Asia, CUHK has a vision and a mission to combine tradition with modernity, and to bring together China and the West. Under the University’s unique collegiate system, the programmes and activities offered by its nine colleges complement the formal curricula by delivering whole-person education and pastoral care. The University has eight faculties: Arts, Business Administration, Education, Engineering, Law, Medicine, Science, and Social Science. Together with the Graduate School, the University offers over 300 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. All faculties are actively engaged in research in a wide range of disciplines, with an array of research institutes and research centres specialising in interdisciplinary research of the highest quality.

Every day, millions of people around the world use Speedtest® to evaluate the performance of their internet connections. Through its award and verification programmes, Ookla® recognises network operators for outstanding network achievements using its established methodologies.

The recognition marks another milestone for MyRepublic and reinforces our ongoing commitment to delivering quality broadband connectivity to customers across the country.

The Ookla® Speedtest Award™ for Fastest Broadband recognises MyRepublic’s achievement in fixed network performance, while the Speedtest Verified™ Claim for Fastest Upload Speed further highlights the company’s broadband capabilities. Together, these recognitions underscore MyRepublic’s continued efforts to deliver reliable connectivity and an exceptional broadband experience for residential and business customers in Singapore.

These latest recognitions add to MyRepublic’s growing list of industry accolades and reflect the company’s continued focus on providing customers with quality broadband services. MyRepublic remains committed to enhancing its connectivity offerings while delivering an experience that meets the evolving needs of homes and businesses in Singapore.

Hashtag: #MyRepublicBroadband

https://myrepublic.net/sg/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/myrepublic
https://x.com/myrepublic
https://www.facebook.com/MyRepublicSG/
https://www.instagram.com/myrepublicsg/

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

MyRepublic Broadband Pte Ltd

MyRepublic is an award-winning telecom operator whose values lie in the future of connectivity, the next opportunity to disrupt, and innovations that will make a real difference. The provider’s priority is to redefine broadband and mobile connectivity in the markets it operates and empower customers to understand what a true modern connectivity experience can be.

Ookla®

Ookla, an Accenture company, is a global leader in connectivity intelligence that brings together the trusted expertise of Speedtest®, Downdetector®, Ekahau® , and RootMetrics® to deliver unmatched network and connectivity insights. By combining multi-source data with industry-leading expertise, we transform network performance metrics into strategic, actionable insights.

Our solutions empower service providers, enterprises, and governments with the critical data and insights needed to optimize networks, enhance digital experiences, and help close the digital divide. At the same time, we amplify the real-world experiences of individuals and businesses that rely on connectivity to work, learn, and communicate. From measuring and analyzing connectivity to driving industry innovation, Ookla helps the world stay connected.

One Meal, One Ripple, One Community

Pay It Forward allows any participant to buy a prepaid meal at a participating local restaurant, café, or food outlet for someone else in their community. More than a one-way gesture, how Pay It Forward works is designed to create a ripple effect where kindness spreads, anyone can be both a Giver and a Receiver, and one small act sets off a wider movement of community connection.

How a Ripple Starts:

1. Share a Meal. Through the Pay It Forward app, a Giver purchases a prepaid meal from a participating Merchant and can include a Ripple Card with a positive message to pass on.
2. Experience the Gesture. A community member redeems the meal in-store and can share the moment back by sending a Ripple Card of appreciation to the Giver.
3. Pay It Forward. Receivers may later choose to share a meal through the platform for someone else, setting a ripple in motion.
4. Grow the Community. Over time, Givers, Receivers, and Merchants form a wider community supporting one another, one shared meal at a time.

“We built Pay It Forward because we believe technology should help people reconnect, not just transact,” said Amelia Tang, Co-Founder and CEO. “A shared meal is one of the simplest ways to show someone in your community that you thought of them.”

From Pilot to Public Growth

Malaysia was chosen as the first launch market for Pay It Forward’s revolution due to the country’s rich food culture and strong sense of community. The nationwide rollout follows an extended period of product development, merchant onboarding, and community testing. A soft launch in November 2025 brought more than 100 participating Merchants and thousands of users onto the platform, providing the feedback needed to fine-tune the experience before scaling.

Beyond merchants and users, a recent memorandum of agreement signed with Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) introduced the PIF x UTAR Social Impact Project and Campus Ambassador Programme, giving students real exposure to social entrepreneurship and community work.

Kindness is Much Closer Than You Think

Pay It Forward is that platform, a simple way to take the small kind thought you have and pass it on, one meal at a time. Because kindness only truly begins when someone takes the first step.

To share a meal, redeem a meal, or sign up your business, visit payitforward.io/en-my.

Hashtag: #PayItForward

https://www.payitforward.io/en-my
https://www.linkedin.com/company/pif-fintech-sdn-bhd/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577508893886
https://www.instagram.com/pif_payitforward/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pif_payitforward
Rednote: https://www.xiaohongshu.com/user/profile/6892efa7000000002900b4aa
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Payitforward-t6n

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

About Pay It Forward

Pay It Forward was founded by Amelia Tang, Ng Jiunn Jye, and Yvonne Guo on a simple belief: that technology should not only automate our lives, but also help people reconnect with each other. Drawing inspiration from the traditional Italian “Caffè Sospeso”, where one cup of coffee is paid for and left behind for a stranger, the platform brings that same spirit of sharing into the digital age.

Today, Pay It Forward connects Givers, Receivers, and Merchants in one transparent ecosystem, where anyone can purchase a prepaid meal at a participating local restaurant, café, or food outlet and gift it to someone nearby. As the first platform in Malaysia’s social-dining space to combine meal-sharing with community altruism, Pay It Forward is on a mission to build a kinder, more connected society, one shared meal at a time, because sharing is caring.

Eleven shares changed hands at 1.168 million won each at 8 am Seoul time on August 6, about 30% below the previous Korea Exchange closing price. The stock quickly recovered most of the loss and ended Nextrade’s 50-minute pre-market session down roughly 2%, indicating that the extreme opening price was not driven by a change in the company’s business outlook.

The episode echoed a July 28 disruption when a single SK Hynix share traded at 1.272 million won, nearly 30% below the preceding close. That transaction triggered a volatility interruption on Nextrade and transmitted the distorted price into cryptocurrency derivatives linked to the chipmaker.

A perpetual futures contract tracking SK Hynix fell about 19% during the first event. Almost $60 million of leveraged long positions were liquidated within minutes, leaving more than 900 traders with estimated realised losses of $17.4 million. The platform operating the contract later offered to compensate eligible customers and said it would reassess the way external prices were incorporated into its valuation mechanism.

Thursday’s plunge again occurred at the start of Nextrade’s pre-market window, when order books are typically shallower than during the main session. The exchange allows stocks to move as much as 30% above or below the previous Korea Exchange closing price, meaning a small order can reach the limit when few competing bids are available.

The trade underscored the distinction between a price that is technically valid and one that accurately reflects the market’s consensus. Electronic systems can treat an executed transaction as authoritative even when only a handful of shares are involved. Prices may then spread through data feeds, trading algorithms, structured products and blockchain-based markets before human dealers can assess whether the move is credible.

Nextrade launched in March 2025 as the first serious challenger to the Korea Exchange’s long-standing dominance. It attracted investors with lower fees and trading hours stretching from 8 am to 8 pm, compared with the shorter core session on the main exchange. Retail traders account for most activity on the platform, which has at times handled a substantial share of the country’s equity turnover.

Its expanded trading day has improved access and competition, but the two SK Hynix incidents highlight risks when extended hours are combined with fragmented liquidity. Order books can be especially vulnerable at the opening instant, when market makers have not fully populated bids and offers and overseas price signals may still be feeding into domestic systems.

Regulators and exchange operators now face pressure to consider safeguards based on trade size, available depth and deviation from a volume-weighted reference price. Measures could include auction-style openings, minimum order-value requirements, stronger market-maker obligations or delayed dissemination of extreme prices produced by very small transactions.

The disruption comes during an unusually volatile period for SK Hynix and South Korean technology shares. The chipmaker has been at the centre of investor enthusiasm over high-bandwidth memory used in artificial-intelligence accelerators, but its shares have also recorded repeated double-digit moves as traders reassess valuations and future demand.

SK Hynix reported a sharp year-on-year increase in quarterly profit, supported by high-bandwidth memory sales, yet the results fell short of elevated market expectations. The disappointment contributed to a broad sell-off that erased trillions of dollars from South Korean equities at its peak and pushed measures of expected volatility to exceptional levels.

Leveraged exchange-traded funds linked to SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics have amplified those movements. Authorities have halted new sales of some single-stock leveraged products and proposed tighter investment limits, larger minimum deposits and higher transaction costs after retail investors suffered heavy losses.

Research into the market turbulence has also raised concerns that predictable rebalancing by leveraged funds can encourage traders to buy or sell ahead of compulsory end-of-day transactions. Such feedback loops may magnify price changes even when there is little new information about a company’s operations.

Emerging economies are becoming the EV industry’s fastest-growing markets, creating new opportunities for automakers with an international footprint. VinFast’s latest expansion reflects that shift.

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 August 2026 – For much of the past decade, the global electric vehicle conversation has revolved around three markets: China, the United States, and Europe. But recent industry data suggests the next chapter may be written elsewhere.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), global car sales fell about 5% in the first half of 2026 as economic pressures, fuel price volatility and policy changes weighed on demand in China and the US. Yet electric vehicle sales rebounded strongly in the second quarter, reaching record levels in 50 countries. Markets including Vietnam, India, Australia and South Korea roughly doubled EV sales compared with a year earlier, while more than 90 countries posted year-on-year growth during the first half of the year.

The shift reflects a broader change in where future industry growth is likely to come from. While China remains the world’s largest EV market, the IEA expects sales there to stagnate this year for the first time this decade, even as electric vehicles account for more than 60% of new car sales. Meanwhile, emerging markets are becoming increasingly important, supported by expanding policy incentives, growing charging infrastructure and rising consumer interest.

The agency also notes that China and other emerging economies are expected to account for around 60% of global car demand over the next decade, making success in these markets an increasingly important determinant of future automotive leadership.

VinFast’s latest performance reflects this changing landscape.

The Vietnamese automaker delivered 70,085 electric vehicles globally in the second quarter of 2026, up 96% year-on-year, bringing first-half deliveries to 128,662 vehicles, a 78% increase from the same period last year. The company’s two-wheel business also continued to expand rapidly, with 286,039 electric scooters and e-bikes delivered during the quarter, up 311% year-on-year.

The delivery mix also highlights the importance of products designed for diverse market needs. Models ranging from the compact VF 3 and VF 5 to the Limo Green MPV and the newly introduced VF MPV 7 all contributed meaningfully to second-quarter volumes, suggesting demand is spread across both personal mobility and commercial transportation segments.

Just as significant is where those vehicles are going.

In July, VinFast exported more than 5,000 electric vehicles aboard two dedicated vessels. One shipment, consisting of approximately 1,500 VF 6 SUVs, was designated for partner Green SM’s planned expansion in Europe, while another transported more than 3,500 vehicles to the Philippines and Indonesia. The voyages marked VinFast’s 37th and 38th international export shipments in fewer than four years, underscoring the increasing operational scale behind its global expansion.

VinFast’s effort in international market, including in the Middle East, shows that as growth becomes more geographically diversified, automakers can no longer rely on a handful of mature markets to drive expansion. Instead, success will increasingly depend on building products, distribution networks and operations that can compete across a wide range of emerging economies.

For the global EV industry, the center of gravity is not disappearing from established markets. It is becoming far more distributed. VinFast’s recent momentum suggests that companies positioned across multiple high-growth regions may be among the best placed to benefit from that shift.

Hashtag: #VinFast

https://me.vinfast.com/en

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