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The Ascott Limited introduces a vibrant integrated stay, events and lifestyle hotel within Sunshine Central, Ayer Itam.

PENANG, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 July 2026 – HARRIS Hotel & Conventions Sunshine Penang officially opens its doors today, marking the debut of the HARRIS brand in Malaysia and introducing a vibrant new hospitality, meetings and lifestyle destination in the heart of Ayer Itam.

Located just 30 minutes from the Penang International Airport and within Sunshine Central in Ayer Itam, the hotel offers a strategic Penang address that brings together modern accommodation, meetings and events facilities, direct mall connectivity, and access to retail, dining and lifestyle conveniences, as well as some of Penang’s best-known local attractions. Designed for domestic and international leisure travellers, families, business travellers, groups and event planners, the hotel offers a practical and well-rounded hospitality experience in one of the island’s established local neighbourhoods.

Marking HARRIS’ First Presence in Malaysia

The opening of HARRIS Hotel & Conventions Sunshine Penang reflects the growing appeal of Penang as a destination where leisure, food, culture, healthcare, retail and business events meet. With its location near Penang Hill, Kek Lok Si Temple, traditional markets and local hawker food, the hotel provides a convenient base for travellers seeking to experience Penang beyond the usual city-centre stay.

At the same time, its position within Sunshine Central strengthens its relevance for corporate travellers, meeting planners, event organisers and business groups. The hotel is connected to retail and lifestyle facilities, supported by extensive parking within the development, and offers direct access to event spaces suited for corporate meetings, conferences, seminars, weddings, annual dinners and social celebrations.

“The debut of HARRIS in Malaysia is an important milestone for Ascott as we continue to expand our brand portfolio across the country,” said Mondi Mecja, Country General Manager, Ascott Malaysia. “Penang’s strong position as a tourism, healthcare and business events destination makes it an ideal location for the brand’s first Malaysian property. Together with our partners at Sunshine Central, we are excited to introduce a hotel that caters to today’s leisure travellers, families, corporate guests and event organisers in one integrated destination.”

A Stay Designed for Leisure, Business and Group Travel

The hotel features 284 rooms and suites, comprising HARRIS Rooms, HARRIS Suites and HARRIS Family Suites. Its accommodation is designed to support both short stays and group travel, with room options suited for individual travellers, couples, families and guests attending meetings or events. Facilities include Harris Bistro, the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, F&B lounge, swimming pool, children’s wading pool, children’s playground, gymnasium and high-speed Wi-Fi, reflecting HARRIS’ energetic and friendly approach to practical hospitality.

Discovering Ayer Itam and Penang’s Local Attractions

For families and leisure travellers, HARRIS Hotel & Conventions Sunshine Penang offers an accessible stay option within reach of Ayer Itam’s popular food, retail and cultural experiences. Its proximity to Penang Hill and Kek Lok Si Temple also creates opportunities for weekend stays, family holidays, group itineraries and pre- or post-event leisure visits.

A New Venue for Meetings, Weddings and Events

As one of the newest large-scale event venues in Penang, the pillarless Grand Ballroom, which can host up to 1,000 guests for banquet-style events, making it suitable for weddings, gala dinners, annual dinners and large-scale corporate functions.

The event spaces are designed for flexibility, with adaptable seating layouts, moveable partitions and modern AV capabilities, including integrated LED screens, high-speed Wi-Fi, professional sound and microphone systems, and dedicated AV control support.

With local weddings, company events, meetings and regional business events expected to be key demand drivers, the hotel is positioned as a practical new choice for planners who require accommodation, event space, retail convenience and ample parking access in one connected destination.

Convenience for Medical Travellers and Visiting Families

HARRIS Hotel & Conventions Sunshine Penang is also well placed for guests visiting Penang for healthcare-related travel, with access to established hospitals and private medical facilities on the island. Together with its family-friendly accommodation, mall connectivity, dining options, the hotel provides a convenient base for medical travellers and accompanying family members.

Opening Offer

To celebrate its opening, HARRIS Hotel & Conventions Sunshine Penang is offering HARRIS Rooms from RM308+ per room per night. Book from now till 31 October 2026, and stay period from 3 July to 31 October 2026. Website for bookings: Reservations and Bookings

Guests may also follow HARRIS Hotel & Conventions Sunshine Penang on Facebook at facebook.com/harrissunshinepenang and Instagram at @harris_sunshinepenang for the latest updates and opening highlights.

For images, please click here.

Hashtag: #HARRISHotels #HARRISHotel&ConventionsSunshinePenang #TheAscottLimited



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

About The Ascott Limited

The Ascott Limited (Ascott) is driven by a vision to be the preferred hospitality company, enriching global living with heartfelt experiences. With a portfolio of more than 1,000 properties spanning over 230 cities across more than 40 countries, Ascott’s presence spans Asia Pacific, Central Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the USA. Its diverse collection of award-winning brands includes,,,,,,,,,,,, and.

Ascott specialises in managing and franchising a wide range of lodging options, including serviced residences, hotels, resorts, social living properties and branded residences, catering to the varying needs and preferences of global travellers. Through the loyalty programme, members enjoy exclusive privileges and curated experiences, enhancing every aspect of their travel journey.

As a wholly owned business unit of, Ascott generates fee-related revenue by leveraging its expertise in both lodging management and investment management. It also drives the expansion of funds under management by growing its sponsored and private funds.

For more information on Ascott and its sustainability programme, please visit. Alternatively, connect with Ascott on,, and.

Transaction Valued at $122.5M Establishes 20,000-Liter US Biologics Drug Substance Manufacturing Platform, Covering Development through Commercial Supply

TAIPEI, TAIWAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 July 2026 – Bora Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. (“Bora” or “Bora Group”; TWSE: 6472; OTCQX: BORAY) today announced the completion of its acquisition of the GMP manufacturing operations of MacroGenics, Inc. (NASDAQ: MGNX) including its biologics drug substance facility in Rockville, Maryland and an associated warehousing center in Frederick, Maryland, for total consideration of US $122.5 million through its wholly owned subsidiary Bora Biologics USA, LLC.. Upon closing, Bora signed a long-term CDMO Service Agreement with MacroGenics.

With the close of the transaction, Bora Group’s biologics CDMO franchise, Bora Biologics, now operates 20,000 liters of single-use bioreactor (SUB) drug substance manufacturing capacity across two active US sites: Rockville, Maryland and San Diego, California, and one development facility in Zhubei, Taiwan.

“This acquisition establishes a US biologics manufacturing platform that sponsors can depend on, from development through licensed commercial supply,” said Bobby Sheng, Chairman and CEO of Bora Group. “As regulatory and supply chain dynamics continue to evolve, we expect biotech and pharmaceutical companies to increasingly seek manufacturing partners with US-based, inspection-proven infrastructure. Bora Biologics is designed to meet that need, offering a fully integrated, end-to-end biologics platform spanning drug substance and drug product capabilities.”

With the addition of the Rockville facility, Bora Biologics supports more than 4 active commercial programs, with more than 120 completed GMP batches and supply into multiple global markets including the US, EU, Japan, Canada and the UK with fully integrated QC and analytical capabilities.

Across its US network, Bora Biologics has completed five FDA inspections, including two at Rockville and one PMDA review in 2025, with clean results at both sites. The combined platform has supported more than 33 biologics and 15 biosimilars, establishing a manufacturing base for biotech and pharmaceutical companies with reduced offshore dependency and domestically anchored infrastructure.

Bora Group intends to integrate its US drug substance (DS) capabilities with its existing sterile drug product (DP) capabilities over the next 12 to 18 months, offering a seamless, fully integrated development-through-commercial biologics solution.

Hashtag: #BoraPharmaceuticals

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

About Bora

Founded in 2007, Bora Pharmaceuticals (“Bora” or “the Company”, 6472.TW and BORAY.OTCQX) is a leading pharmaceutical services company with a vision and goal of “Contributing to Better Health All Over the World”. Operating under a “Dual Engine” model that integrates CDMO and commercial expertise, we empower pharmaceutical and biotech partners to optimize product development, accelerate launches, and scale supply to meet global patient needs. At the same time, we actively broaden R&D and sales infrastructure, focusing on niche and rare disease markets to improve patients’ quality of life.

By investing in talent, infrastructure, and biologics expansion, Bora continues to transform operations and achieve sustainable growth. Committed to making success “certain,” Bora sets new standards in the pharmaceutical and CDMO industries.

For more, please visit:

Disclaimer:
This document and the accompanying information may contain forward-looking statements. All statements regarding the company’s future business operations, potential events, and prospects (including but not limited to forecasts, targets, estimates, and operational plans) are considered forward-looking statements unless they refer to factual occurrences. Forward-looking statements are subject to various factors and uncertainties that may cause significant differences from actual results, including but not limited to price fluctuations, actual demand, exchange rate variations, market share, competitive conditions, changes in the legal, financial, and regulatory framework, international economic and financial market conditions, political risks, cost estimates, and other risks and variables beyond the company’s control. These forward-looking statements are based on current predictions and assessments, and the company disclaims any responsibility for future updates.

Singapore-based companies have committed more than S$5.5 billion in Johor since the JS-SEZ memorandum of understanding, while IMFC-J reported 1,000 enquiries linked to RM73 billion in potential investment in March 2026.

JOHOR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 July 2026 – Forest City Special Financial Zone (Forest City SFZ) today issued a progress update on the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), pointing to early implementation milestones in investment facilitation, financial-services incentives and cross-border connectivity.

Forest City, Johor
Forest City, Johor

The JS-SEZ agreement, signed on 7 January 2025, covers approximately 3,588 square kilometres across southern Johor. It comprises nine flagship areas and targets investment in 11 sectors, including manufacturing, logistics, financial services, the digital economy, tourism, education, healthcare and the green economy. Forest City is the designated financial-services flagship within the framework.

“The JS-SEZ has moved beyond framework design and into early-stage execution. Forest City has a defined role in financial services and family-office activity, while the wider zone is building a pipeline across multiple industries,” a Forest City SFZ spokesperson said.

Investment pipeline builds across the JS-SEZ

Singapore’s Ministry of Trade and Industry said Singapore-based companies had committed more than S$5.5 billion in investments into Johor since the JS-SEZ memorandum of understanding was signed in January 2024. The figure was highlighted at the second JS-SEZ Joint Investment Forum in Singapore in October 2025.

On the Malaysian side, the Invest Malaysia Facilitation Centre Johor (IMFC-J) reported in March 2026 that it had received 1,000 investor enquiries and was facilitating RM73 billion in potential investment.

IMFC-J is a joint federal-state one-stop centre led by the Iskandar Regional Development Authority, Invest Johor and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority.

The figures represent investment commitments and potential project value rather than fully realised capital expenditure, but provide an early measure of the commercial pipeline forming around the economic corridor.

Forest City builds financial-services proposition

Malaysia announced the Forest City SFZ incentive package in September 2024, followed by the gazettement of the Single Family Office (SFO) tax rules in October 2025. Under the scheme, a qualifying SFO vehicle may receive a 0% tax rate on eligible investment income for an initial 10-year period, with a possible extension for a further 10 years, subject to asset, local investment, staffing and operating-expenditure requirements.

The initial phase requires at least RM30 million in assets under management. The wider Forest City incentive framework also includes a 5% corporate tax rate for qualifying global-services and selected relocation activities, while eligible knowledge workers in the JS-SEZ may qualify for a 15% personal income tax rate, subject to prevailing rules and approvals.

According to Forest City data, nine family offices had received approvals under the scheme by June 2026. The Securities Commission Malaysia had previously reported more than 30 expressions of interest and has set a target of RM2 billion in SFO assets under management by the end of 2026.

Separately, Forest City said 593 applicants were approved for the SFZ category of the Malaysia My Second Home programme between 1 October 2024 and 31 March 2026, indicating demand from investors, professionals and long-stay residents alongside the financial-services push.

Cross-border measures support the dual-market model

The JS-SEZ framework is intended to combine Johor’s land, industrial capacity and cost base with Singapore’s capital, connectivity and business ecosystem. Measures under the bilateral framework include investor facilitation, automated immigration channels, paperless goods clearance and improved transport links.

Singapore has rolled out QR-code immigration clearance across travel modes at the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints. Travellers should continue to carry their passports, which may still be required for verification and for clearance at the Malaysian border.

The Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System Link is targeted to begin passenger service by the end of 2026. The four-kilometre line will connect Bukit Chagar and Woodlands North in about five minutes and is designed to carry up to 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction during peak periods.

Execution and conversion remain the next test

The World Bank projects Malaysia’s economy to expand by 4.4% in 2026, supported by domestic demand, while warning that trade restrictions, global policy uncertainty and weaker external demand remain downside risks.

For the JS-SEZ, the next phase will be measured by the conversion of enquiries and commitments into approved projects, realised investment, skilled employment and operating businesses. Delivery of transport, utilities, talent development and regulatory coordination will also determine the pace at which companies adopt a cross-border operating model.

“The early indicators are encouraging, but the economic impact should be assessed over a multi-year horizon. The priority now is to convert the pipeline into sustainable business activity, jobs and a deeper professional-services ecosystem,” the spokesperson said.

Forest City SFZ said it will continue working with public agencies, financial institutions and professional-service providers to support family offices, international investors and companies evaluating Johor as part of their regional growth strategy.

Key figures

Indicator Latest stated figure
JS-SEZ coverage Approximately 3,588 km²; nine flagship areas; 11 priority sectors
Singapore-linked commitments More than S$5.5 billion committed into Johor since January 2024
IMFC-J pipeline 1,000 enquiries; RM73 billion in potential investment as at March 2026
SFO incentive 0% on eligible investment income for 10 years, with a possible further 10 years
RTS Link Targeted passenger service by end-2026; up to 10,000 passengers per hour per direction
Malaysia 2026 GDP outlook 4.4% growth forecast by the World Bank

Hashtag: #ForestCity

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

About Forest City Special Financial Zone

Located in Iskandar Puteri, Johor, Forest City Special Financial Zone (FCSFZ) is Malaysia’s pioneering special financial zone and the financial-services flagship within the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone. It is positioned to attract financial institutions, multinational corporations, high-net-worth individuals and businesses operating in wealth management, financial technology and global business services.

Its incentive framework includes a 0% income tax rate for qualifying Single Family Office Vehicles for up to 20 years, a preferential 5% corporate tax rate for approved qualifying activities, and a special 15% personal income tax rate for eligible knowledge workers, subject to the applicable conditions, regulatory approvals and prevailing legislation. Forest City also holds duty-free island status, further strengthening its appeal as a regional investment, business and wealth-management destination near Singapore.

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 July 2026 – Natixis Corporate & Investment Banking (Natixis CIB) is pleased to announce the appointment of Luc Bernard as Chief Executive Officer, Natixis Services in India.

Luc reports to Cécile de Sousa, Chief Operating Officer, Asia Pacific & Middle East, Natixis CIB and Etienne Huret, Head of Portugal and India Hubs, Natixis.

Luc Bernard - Natixis
Luc Bernard – Natixis

He brings to the role nearly two decades of experience in Global Capability Center management and offshoring strategies, entrepreneurship, delivery, software engineering, financial markets, architecture, data, digital transformation and innovation.

Luc was instrumental in establishing Natixis Services in India, Natixis CIB’s technology and innovation hub in Bangalore. He previously held the position of Executive Director and Head of CIB Operations and IT and served on the Board of Directors at Natixis Services in India from 2021 until 2025. He then transitioned to Natixis Investment Managers in Paris, where he has been serving as Head of IT Production until his current appointment. Prior to joining the IT team at Natixis CIB in 2014, Luc gained experience as a Software Developer at Société Générale and Partners Advisers SA. He holds a Master’s degree in Electronic Engineering from Ecole Nationale d’Ingénieurs de Brest and an Executive MBA from HEC Paris.

In his new role as Chief Executive Officer, Luc will support the growth of Natixis Services in India and strengthen its integration within Natixis’s global processes.

Cécile de Sousa said, “It is with great pleasure that we welcome Luc back to Bangalore to lead our India center of expertise as it celebrates its five-year anniversary. He has been pivotal in setting up this crucial operation, and spearheading technology-driven transformation and process optimization. Luc’s extensive knowledge of our internal processes, coupled with his proven track record in India, positions him perfectly to assume the leadership responsibilities of Natixis Services in India.”

Etienne Huret said, “Luc’s appointment is a key milestone in our commitment to further developing Bangalore as a critical hub for the Groupe BPCE and Natixis businesses. I look forward to working with him closely as we continue to grow synergies between our Portugal and India hubs and collaborate closely with the Group on strategic initiatives.”

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

Natixis Corporate & Investment Banking

Natixis Corporate & Investment Banking is a leading global financial institution that provides advisory, investment banking, financing, corporate banking and capital markets services to corporations, financial institutions, financial sponsors and sovereign and supranational organizations worldwide.

Our teams of experts in close to 30 countries advise clients on their strategic development, helping them to grow and transform their businesses, and maximize their positive impact. Natixis CIB is committed to aligning its financing portfolio with a carbon neutrality path by 2050 while helping its clients reduce the environmental impact of their business.

As part of Groupe BPCE, the second largest banking group in France through the Banque Populaire and Caisse d’Epargne retail networks, Natixis CIB benefits from the Group’s financial strength and solid financial ratings (Standard & Poor’s: A+, Moody’s: A2, Fitch Ratings: A+, R&I: A+).

About Natixis Services in India

Natixis Services in India is a Center of Expertise for Groupe BPCE, a banking group of French origin, and its subsidiary, Natixis. Natixis Services in India delivers operational excellence and agile solutions by leveraging advanced technologies to address challenges in the banking industry. Natixis Services in India’s focus is on enhancing the client experience, mitigating risks, and strengthening competitive positioning. The team is committed to enriching career development opportunities within an inclusive and dynamic work environment.

Metaplanet has added 2,823 Bitcoin to its corporate treasury, taking its total holdings to 43,000 BTC and deepening its position among the world’s largest listed corporate holders of the digital asset. The Tokyo-listed company’s latest acquisition is valued at about $170 million at current market prices, while its total Bitcoin reserve is worth roughly $2.58 billion. The purchase extends a rapid accumulation strategy that has transformed the […]

Dubai’s top-end apartment market has moved from a narrow niche into a major source of residential sales value, as buyers increasingly pay more than Dhs10m for branded, waterfront and high-positioned flats. Transaction data for flat sales from 2016 to 24 June 2026 shows the scale of the shift. Sales of Dhs10m-plus apartments rose from 71 deals worth Dhs1.22bn in 2016 to 2,003 deals worth Dhs44.04bn in 2025. […]

Bengaluru-based Mohalla Tech is preparing to raise as much as $400 million through an initial public offering next year, putting the operator of ShareChat, Moj and QuickTV on course for one of the most closely watched consumer internet listings after years of heavy losses, restructuring and valuation pressure.

The company, led by co-founder and chief executive Ankush Sachdeva, is expected to seek public market capital after tightening costs, narrowing operating losses and pushing harder into advertising, live-streaming and subscription-driven entertainment. The proposed listing would test investor appetite for a local-language social media business that has repositioned itself from a high-burn growth platform into a more disciplined digital entertainment group.

Mohalla Tech’s IPO plans come at a point when technology companies are being judged less on user growth alone and more on cash flow, margins and the durability of revenue. ShareChat was valued at about $5 billion during the venture funding boom of 2022, when large investors including Google, Temasek, Lightspeed and Times Group backed the company. Its valuation came under pressure as the start-up funding environment tightened, forcing the firm to raise convertible debt and cut costs.

ShareChat operates as a social network focused on users in non-English language markets, while Moj competes in the short-video segment. QuickTV, a subscription-led micro-drama app, is part of the company’s attempt to build paid entertainment formats alongside advertising-led services. The group is seeking to show that a platform built around regional content can generate more predictable income from a mix of brands, creators and paying users.

The company’s turnaround has been built around a sharp reduction in losses. Its adjusted Ebitda loss for FY25 fell to about ₹219 crore from ₹793 crore a year earlier, helped by lower marketing spend, headcount reductions and tighter control over creator and technology costs. Revenue is expected to rise further in FY26, with management targeting stronger contributions from advertising, live services and short-form drama subscriptions.

Mohalla Tech’s challenge is that scale has not yet translated into the kind of profitability public investors typically demand. Social media and short-video businesses need sustained spending on content moderation, creator incentives, product development and cloud infrastructure. Advertising demand can also shift quickly, especially when large platforms such as Meta, Google and YouTube continue to dominate brand budgets.

The company has sought to distinguish itself by focusing on language diversity and community-led engagement. ShareChat is available across more than 15 languages and has built a large audience outside the metro-focused English internet market. Its Google Play listing shows more than 500 million downloads for the ShareChat app, while Moj has emerged as a major short-video platform after the 2020 ban on TikTok created room for local alternatives.

That opportunity also brought intense competition. Moj, Josh, YouTube Shorts and Instagram Reels all chased the same creator and viewer base, triggering high spending on influencers, content discovery and user acquisition. Mohalla Tech expanded through acquisition, including the purchase of MX TakaTak, but later shifted to consolidation as the funding environment changed and investors pressed for cleaner unit economics.

The company’s management has already gone through a period of transition. Sachdeva remains the public face of the business, while co-founders Bhanu Pratap Singh and Farid Ahsan stepped back from operating roles in 2023. The firm also implemented multiple rounds of layoffs, including deep reductions in 2023, as it moved away from expansion at any cost.

An IPO would give early backers a potential path to liquidity, though the final size, timing and valuation will depend on market conditions, revenue momentum and profitability milestones. A $400 million issue would be significant for a consumer internet company whose fortunes have mirrored the wider cycle in start-up funding: rapid capital inflows, aggressive expansion, a valuation reset and a pivot towards financial discipline.

The listing plan also comes as equity markets have shown selective support for digital businesses that can demonstrate clear paths to profit. Investors have rewarded companies that cut burn and improved governance, while punishing firms with weak disclosure, unclear revenue models or stretched valuations. Mohalla Tech will have to convince public shareholders that its audience base can support sustainable revenue without a return to heavy promotional spending.

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Private foreign investment in Saudi Arabia’s private markets reached SR20 billion in 2025, making overseas capital a dominant force in the Kingdom’s fast-expanding private investment landscape as reforms, larger deal pipelines and stronger exit prospects draw more global fund managers to Riyadh. The Saudi Venture Capital Company said foreign inflows accounted for about 60 per cent of total private investments last year, putting the overall market near […]

Aflac Life Insurance Japan has disclosed a major cyber incident affecting about 4.38 million customers, with personal, policy and some banking information exposed after unauthorised access to its customer portal and related systems. The breach, announced on June 30 and updated on July 1, involved systems including Aflac Yorisou Net, a policyholder website used for checking contract details and carrying out account changes. The company said the […]

A fileless malware framework is abusing Google’s Blogspot platform to deliver PureLog Stealer directly into computer memory, sharpening concerns that trusted web services are being turned into staging grounds for credential theft. The campaign, tracked as Veil#Drop, begins with a JavaScript file disguised as a document, such as “transcript. pdf. js”. Once opened on a Windows system, the file runs through Windows Script Host and launches PowerShell […]

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 July 2026 – JustCo Holdings Limited (“JustCo“), a Singapore-grown flexible workspace operator with an extensive Asia Pacific network, announced pay-per-use access via the JustCo App, allowing professionals to find, book, and access hot desks and meeting rooms on demand across its network, without membership or upfront commitment.

JUSTCO APP ENABLES ON-DEMAND BOOKING OF WORKSPACES – NO MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP REQUIRED
JUSTCO APP ENABLES ON-DEMAND BOOKING OF WORKSPACES – NO MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP REQUIRED

Professionals increasingly need reliable workspaces that can be accessed as needed, whether for a few hours, a day, or specific meetings. JustCo App’s pay-per-use access caters to the demand for increased flexibility and short-term access.

New users can simply download the app, create an account, and immediately browse available JustCo workspaces. There are no upfront membership fees, making it ideal for freelancers, business travellers, remote workers, and visiting team members to access JustCo locations when and where they need it.

Users can purchase Hot Desk (Day) passes or make Meeting Room bookings directly in the app. Multiple passes can be purchased and shared with colleagues or partners. This supports common scenarios such as hosting meetings, working between locations, or enabling visiting teammates to use a workspace immediately.

Pay-per-use features are currently available in Australia, Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia, and will subsequently roll out across other locations.

This builds on JustCo’s broader strategy to integrate workspace discovery, access, and usage into a unified digital platform across markets. The JustCo Store, available on web and powering the app, provides real-time visibility of workspace availability across locations.

Concurrently, since the start of the year, JustCo has successfully opened new locations across Bengaluru, Gurugram, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Singapore and Taipei, reflecting a steady pipeline growth. Additional openings have also been confirmed across Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Mumbai, Seoul, Tokyo and Yokohama, providing clear visibility for the second half of the year.

Together, these openings underscore JustCo’s commitment to executing the expansion strategy presented to investors at the time of its IPO and further strengthening its footprint across Asia Pacific’s leading commercial hubs.

Visit the JustCo Store at www.justcoglobal.com to browse available offices and membership plans, with selected spaces available for move-in as early as the next business day. Or download the JustCo App on iOS and Android.
Hashtag: #JUSTCO

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

About JustCo Holdings Limited

JustCo is a platform building the future of work across Asia Pacific. Our vision is to be the global benchmark for flexible workspace by creating connected ecosystems where people, businesses and communities can thrive.

Through our portfolio of brands, including The Collective, JustCo and the boring office, we support organisations of all sizes, from startups and SMEs to multinational corporations, with flexible workspace solutions across multiple cities and markets.

Beyond workspace, JustCo helps businesses scale faster through flexibility, operational simplicity and access to a regional network. For landlords, we transform buildings into vibrant business destinations that attract demand, enhance asset performance and create long-term value.

Together with our members, partners and landlords, we are building an ecosystem that connects work, business, learning, wellness and community, enabling people and organisations to grow and succeed.

For more information, visit: justcoglobal.com

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 July 2026 – Global beauty brand LUX, in collaboration with VML Singapore, has launched #LUXMyWill — an initiative that transforms one of social media’s most talked-about beauty trends into a formal, lasting declaration of personal style.

#LUXMyWill: Beauty Brand LUX Turns "#BuryMeInThis" From Social Media Trend Into Legal Declaration

Over the past year, women across TikTok and Instagram have embraced hashtags such as #BuryMeInThis – a viral expression of ultimate obsession, where users name the look they would want to be remembered in. What began as playful, dramatic content quickly evolved into a cultural signal: a new generation of women declaring that they are not dressing for occasions – they are the occasion.

LUX recognised the deeper meaning behind the trend and partnered with legal experts to give it permanence. #LUXMyWill enables women to turn a fleeting social post into a formally recognised personal style wish – one that can be witnessed, documented and preserved.

The initiative invites women to declare their chosen look on camera and tag someone they trust to honour it. Legal specialists worked alongside the brand to define what gives such a declaration standing, and to create simple, accessible content explaining the process. Selected participants also received a LUX My Will box, designed to preserve their chosen outfit alongside their recorded declaration.

“Beauty has always been a powerful form of self-expression. Today, women are taking that further – not waiting for occasions, but becoming them,” said Judy Zu, Global Brand Director, LUX. “This trend showed us that when a woman chooses how she wants to be remembered, it’s not frivolous – it’s a statement of identity. We wanted to give that statement the recognition it deserves.”

The movement built organically. Creators who had previously posted under #BuryMeInThis revisited their content to make it official, tagging friends who, in turn, created declarations of their own. Each tag became a new participant. Each declaration, a witnessed moment. Each video, a permanent expression of personal style.

Through this chain of participation, #LUXMyWill expanded rapidly – creator by creator, tag by tag – turning individual expressions of glamour into a collective cultural movement.

At its core, #LUXMyWill reinforces LUX’s enduring belief: beauty is not just something you wear for a moment. It is something you embody, define, and leave behind – because you are the occasion.

Hashtag: #LUXMyWill ##BuryMeInThis

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

About LUX

LUX has been celebrating beauty and femininity since 1925. We stand for beauty that does not blend in: bold, sassy and maximalist. We will continue to support efforts that help women express their Main Character Beauty.

About VML

VML is a leading creative company that combines brand experience, customer experience, and commerce, to create connected brands that drive growth. The agency is a leading global marketing and systems integration partner, specializing in creating innovative solutions for business transformation. VML is celebrated for its award-winning work with blue chip client partners including AstraZeneca, Colgate-Palmolive, Dell, Ford, Intel, Microsoft, Nestlé, The Coca-Cola Company, and Wendy’s. The agency is recognized by the Forrester Wave™ Reports, which name WPP a “Leader” in Commerce Services, Global Digital Experience Services, Global Marketing Services and, most recently, Marketing Measurement & Optimization. VML’s global network is powered by 28,000 talented people across 60-plus markets, with principal offices in Kansas City, New York, Detroit, London, São Paulo, Shanghai, Singapore, and Sydney.

ZHONGSHAN, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 July 2026 – As 2026 marks the 160th anniversary of the birth of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the 6th Cross-Strait Sun Yat-sen Forum was held in Zhongshan, Guangdong Province—the hometown of the great pioneer—from June 27 to 29 under the theme “Carrying Forward Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s Spirit of Endeavor and Working Together for the Great Rejuvenation of the Chinese Nation”. This year’s forum was the largest in its history, attracting the broadest participation from Taiwan compatriots and the highest proportion of young participants to date. Around 2,000 representatives from across the Chinese mainland, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macao attended the event. Centered on cultural heritage and driven by economic and trade cooperation, the forum established a multi-level platform for cross-strait exchanges and collaboration while fostering broader consensus on integrated cross-strait development.

At the 6th Cross-Strait Sun Yat-sen Forum open ceremony
At the 6th Cross-Strait Sun Yat-sen Forum open ceremony

Distinguished guests from both sides of the Taiwan Strait attended the opening ceremony and noted in their remarks that Dr. Sun Yat-sen is a revered national pioneer shared by compatriots on both sides of the Strait. His vision of rejuvenating China remains a common spiritual legacy, and people across the Strait should carry forward his ideals and work hand in hand toward national rejuvenation. During the opening ceremony, Zhongshan Municipal People’s Government and the Association of Taiwan Investment Enterprises on the Mainland signed the Strategic Framework Agreement on Deepening Zhongshan–Taiwan Economic and Trade Cooperation to Promote Integrated Development, laying a solid institutional foundation for long-term industrial cooperation across the Strait.

A series of cultural exchange activities also took place throughout the forum. Participants enjoyed an evening tour of the century-old Sunwen West Road Arcade Pedestrian Street, immersing themselves in Zhongshan’s rich historical heritage and the vibrant cultural and tourism scene of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. They also visited the Museum of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, where they studied revolutionary historical archives, bowed before Dr. Sun’s bronze statue to pay homage, and gained a deeper appreciation of his enduring ideals of “All Under Heaven Belong to the People” and “Revitalize China”. Many participants remarked that these activities provided an excellent platform for sustained exchanges among young people across the Strait and that their shared cultural roots and common heritage form a solid foundation for advancing cross-strait spiritual integration.

To further strengthen cross-strait economic cooperation and advance industrial integration between Shenzhen and Zhongshan, the forum also featured the “Taiwan Businesses Gather in Zhongshan, Industries Glow in the Greater Bay Area” 2026 Guangdong-Taiwan Economic and Trade Exchange Conference and Investment Promotion Event Celebrating the Second Anniversary of the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link. A total of 19 industrial projects were signed during the event. The first group comprised seven Taiwan-invested projects spanning semiconductor supporting industries, electronic components, smart home products, high-end fitness equipment, and medical devices. The second and third groups included 12 Shenzhen-Zhongshan collaborative projects covering new energy vehicle components, industrial robotics, memory chip packaging, advanced specialty materials, and integrated cultural, tourism, and commercial developments.

During the investment promotion event, Taiwan business representatives spoke highly of Zhongshan’s business environment. Zhang Congyuan, Chairman of Huali Industrial Group, which has operated in Zhongshan for more than two decades, praised the city’s enterprise service philosophy of “staying out of businesses’ way when everything runs smoothly while providing prompt support whenever needed”. He noted that this business-friendly environment has helped the company grow into one of the world’s leading manufacturers of athletic footwear.

Guo Wenhai, secretary of the CPC Zhongshan Municipal Committee, extended a sincere invitation to Taiwan businesses and entrepreneurs to invest and establish operations in Zhongshan. He emphasized that the city offers not only strong industrial infrastructure but also high-quality government services. Zhongshan will continue to provide proactive, efficient, and dedicated support for businesses while continuously improving both its hard and soft investment environment. Leveraging the opportunities created by the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link, the city aims to create broader prospects for cooperation and shared growth for enterprises from both sides of the Taiwan Strait.

Participants and Taiwan business representatives agreed that, taking the 160th anniversary of Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s birth as an important milestone, this year’s forum created new channels for both cultural exchanges and industrial cooperation across the Strait. Looking ahead, Zhongshan will continue to organize regular initiatives, including entrepreneurship support programs for young people from Taiwan, youth exchange activities, and Guangdong-Taiwan industrial matchmaking events. By carrying forward Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s spirit, embracing the opportunities of the Greater Bay Area, and strengthening both economic cooperation and people-to-people ties, the city will continue to contribute to a new chapter of integrated cross-strait development.

Hashtag: #CrossStraitSunYatSenForum #Zhongshan #Guangdong

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

By K Raveendran The arithmetic of India’s fuel market has long been sold as market-driven, but the latest price movements expose a more selective discipline. When crude oil rises, the pass-through to consumers and businesses is quick, stern and explained as unavoidable. When the same crude oil retreats, the adjustment becomes cautious, partial and wrapped […]

The article Retail Petroleum Prices Fall Only On Paper As Consumers Wait In Anticipation appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

ZURICH, SWITZERLAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 July 2026 – An iconic Swiss chocolate brand meets one of the world’s most celebrated names in crystal artistry to bring ‘Never Square’ to life. Creating something unexpected, something beautiful, and something that gives back: Toblerone today announces The Ultimate Gift.

The Making of - Toblerone Crystal Bar crafted by Swarovski
The Making of – Toblerone Crystal Bar crafted by Swarovski


The centrepiece is the Toblerone Crystal Bar crafted by Swarovski: an exceptionally rare series of hand-made crystal replicas of the original Toblerone chocolate bar – the gift many associate with travel. Familiar in form. Remarkable in execution. Individually numbered, certified, and utterly one-of-a-kind.
The Ultimate Gift: A Global Auction for Good

From 1st July to 31st July 2026, travellers passing through some of the world’s most iconic airports (Athens, Delhi, Doha, Dubai, Frankfurt, Madrid, New York JFK, Singapore and Zurich) will encounter a mesmerising pop-up experience celebrating both brands and, above all, will have the chance to bid in person on the Toblerone Crystal Bar crafted by Swarovski.

Toblerone Crystal Bar crafted by Swarovski
Toblerone Crystal Bar crafted by Swarovski

Each auction is linked to the airport’s own established charity partner – organisations already embedded in their local communities and chosen by the airports themselves. 100% of winning bids will be donated to the designated charity at each location.
However, the auction is open to everyone globally. No need to be travelling to take part. Bidding is available online (terms and conditions apply), click here to visit the auction site and here for more information on the charities.

Toblerone Crystal Bar crafted by Swarovski unveiled in the Crystal Dome at Swarovski Kristallwelten
Toblerone Crystal Bar crafted by Swarovski unveiled in the Crystal Dome at Swarovski Kristallwelten

The Story Behind the Crystal Bar

Toblerone was born in Switzerland in 1908. Its triangular shape has made it one of the most recognised silhouettes in the world. For generations of travellers, it has been the gift you bring home: a small but indulgent, reliable piece of Switzerland.
To bring the Toblerone Crystal Bar to life, Toblerone turned to Swarovski. Swarovski delivers a diverse portfolio of unmatched quality, craftsmanship, and creativity. Founded in 1895 in Austria, the company designs, manufactures and markets high-quality crystals and created stones as well as finished products such as jewelry.
The two share more than Alpine geography. They share a belief that quality is not a detail but it is the point. That the things worth making are worth making properly. And that some of the most enduring objects in the world are the ones that manage to be both beautiful and, somehow, completely unpretentious about it.

The result is the Toblerone Crystal Bar crafted by Swarovski: Toblerone’s unmistakable triangular form, unapologetically rich on the inside, reimagined as a luxury artefact through Swarovski’s crystal craftsmanship.
Iain Livingston, President Toblerone & World Travel Retail, says: “Toblerone has always been more than a chocolate bar. It’s a ritual, a symbol of travel, and one of the world’s most recognised gifts. Creating the Toblerone Crystal Bar crafted by Swarovski feels like a natural expression of who we are: a brand that takes quality seriously but never takes itself too seriously. The Ultimate Gift is exactly that and will raise funds to support brilliant causes that help make the world a better place.”
The Craft Behind the Crystal

Each Toblerone Crystal Bar crafted by Swarovski is exclusively designed and developed using Swarovski’s rich savoir-faire:
  • Modelled on the original Toblerone chocolate bar & manufactured in Austria
  • Each weighs 851g and measures 305mm in length
  • 546 individually cut facets per bar
  • 140 hours of development and 65 hours of production – 100% handmade
  • Crafted with high-precision cutting technology, characterised by unmatched brilliance

The Ultimate Gift Box: Available to All

For those who prefer to take something home immediately, Toblerone is also launching a limited-edition Ultimate Gift Box adorned with Swarovski crystals, available exclusively in World Travel Retail throughout the campaign period across airports globally.
Inside: a Milk Toblerone bar.

Crystals on the outside. Unapologetically rich on the inside. The answer, as ever, to the question every traveller eventually asks themselves at the airport: “Where is my Toblerone?”

Hashtag: #Toblerone #Neversquare #CrystalBar #UltimateGift #SwarovskiCrystals

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

About Toblerone

In 1908, Theodor Tobler and Emil Baumann invented a unique chocolate: Toblerone. “Toblerone” is a portmanteau of “Tobler” and “Torrone,” the Italian term for honey-almond nougat. Its distinctive triangular shape has been recognised around the world ever since. Today, production remains based in Bern Brünnen, where employees work with great passion every day — producing up to 4 million Toblerone products daily, with around 90 percent of all Toblerone sold worldwide manufactured right there in Bern.

Toblerone has never been square. Not in shape. Not in spirit. And not in ambition. Never Square is the belief that the best things in life refuse to conform — and that the most interesting gifts are rarely the obvious ones.

About Swarovski

Masters of Light Since 1895.

Swarovski creates beautiful products of impeccable quality and craftsmanship, celebrating joyful extravagance and self-expression.

Founded in 1895 in Austria by Daniel Swarovski, Swarovski creates the world’s finest crystals, Swarovski Created Diamonds, Swarovski Crystal Pearls and Swarovski Zirconia, jewelry, and accessories, as well as home décor and crystals for the automotive industry.

Swarovski Crystal Business operates in more than 140 countries worldwide, with 2,200 boutiques complemented by a network of selected multibrand partners and employs approximately 18,300 people globally. Together with its sister companies, Swarovski Optik and Tyrolit, it forms the Swarovski Group. Rooted in the company’s heritage, Swarovski strives to make a positive impact on people, society, and the planet. Today, sustainability measures are implemented throughout the value chain, with a focus on circular innovation, championing diversity and inclusion, and encouraging self-expression. This includes the philanthropic work of the Swarovski Foundation, which supports charitable organizations bringing positive environmental and social impact.

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Donald Trump reported at least $1.4 billion in 2025 earnings from cryptocurrency and memecoin-linked ventures, a federal filing shows, putting digital assets at the centre of the president’s personal finances during his second term. The 927-page annual financial disclosure, released by the US Office of Government Ethics, details a sharp expansion of income from family-linked crypto businesses, licensing deals, token sales and related partnerships. The scale of […]

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The MoU appoints DOE-licensed MNA Metal Resources as preferred collector for used automotive batteries, strengthening traceability across BateriHub and Global Energy Battery’s nationwide battery ecosystem.

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 July 2026 – BateriHub, operated by Battery4U Sdn. Bhd., together with Global Energy Battery Sdn. Bhd., has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with MNA Metal Resources to strengthen the responsible collection, documentation and recycling of used automotive batteries in Malaysia.

Under the MoU, MNA Metal Resources will serve as the preferred used battery collector, either directly or through transporters appointed by MNA, for scrap batteries collected through BateriHub and Global Energy Battery’s operations. The arrangement is designed to ensure that used batteries are channelled through proper, licensed and documented collection and recycling processes.

“This MoU matters because every battery replacement has an afterlife,” said Stanly Ng, General Manager of BateriHub. “When a customer replaces a car battery with us, the old battery should not disappear into an unknown chain. It should be collected, recorded and handled by the right people. For customers, the promise is simple: when you choose BateriHub, we take care of the replacement quickly, and we take care of the used battery responsibly.”

The partnership comes as Malaysia’s automotive sector continues to expand. According to the Malaysian Automotive Association, Malaysia recorded 820,752 new vehicle sales in 2025, its second consecutive record year. While this MoU focuses on used lead-acid automotive batteries, it also comes amid wider national attention on battery waste management, with The Star reporting growing attention on regulated recycling, safe disposal pathways and battery traceability as Malaysia’s vehicle ecosystem evolves.

As Malaysia’s largest direct-owned automotive battery retailer, BateriHub plays a critical role at the point of replacement, where old batteries are handed over by customers at branches or during on-demand battery delivery services. Global Energy Battery, which focuses on battery wholesale, supply and distribution, contributes additional collection volume through its wider business network.

Together, BateriHub and Global Energy Battery have channelled approximately 280,000 used batteries, equivalent to around 4,200 tonnes, through formal disposal and recycling channels over the past three years. MNA Metal Resources is a licensed lead-acid battery recycler and smelter under the Department of Environment, with operations covering the collection, movement and processing of scheduled waste.

“As a company involved in the supply and distribution of batteries, we recognise that responsibility does not end at the point of sale,” said Sandy Yap, Chief Operating Officer of Global Energy Battery. “A sustainable battery industry requires proper collection, proper documentation and proper recycling. This partnership allows us to support that responsibility across our business network.”

“We are pleased to partner with BateriHub and Global Energy Battery to support a more transparent and responsible battery recycling ecosystem in Malaysia,” said Genly Villa Olaguer, Fleet Manager of MNA Metal Resources. “Proper handling of used batteries is essential to protect the environment and ensure that valuable materials can be recovered safely through licensed facilities.”

Used lead-acid batteries require proper handling because they contain materials such as lead and sulfuric acid, which can harm soil, waterways and communities if leaked, dumped or processed irresponsibly. Through this partnership, the companies aim to improve accountability in the movement of scrap batteries from retail and supply channels to licensed recycling facilities.

BateriHub said the MoU reflects its broader effort to make responsible waste management part of its core retail promise, not just a back-end operational process.
Hashtag: #BateriHub

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

About BateriHub

BateriHub is Malaysia’s largest direct-owned car battery retailer, operating a nationwide network of 200 branches supported by centralised training, service standards, and technician operations. Since 2011, the company has served over 1.0 million customers, received over 70,000 positive reviews across Google, Facebook, and e-commerce platforms, employs more than 5000 staff, and covers 500+ service areas across 11 states. Learn more at

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 July 2026 – The “Taiwan International Plant-Based Festival” officially launched in Singapore. Led by Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) Deputy Minister Hu Jong-I, the delegation introduced Taiwan’s premium produce and elite Phalaenopsis orchids into Singapore’s luxury dining and international sectors. The initiative leverages high-end restaurant marketing and immersive thematic exhibitions to showcase the quality, safety, and sustainability of Taiwanese agriculture, actively expanding its reach into premium consumer and international procurement markets.

Photo 1

The culinary campaign features a high-profile partnership between “Yang Ming Spring”—a prominent Taiwanese pure vegan culinary group honored with the Michelin Green Star—and Si Chuan Dou Hua Restaurant at PARKROYAL on Beach Road under the Pan Pacific Hotels Group. From July 1 to September 30, this exclusive plant-based menu highlights premium fresh ingredients sourced directly from Taiwan, including water snowflake, green bamboo shoots, cabbage, tea leaves, and the rising export star, the “Mango Pineapple,” elevating Taiwanese produce onto international five-star tables.

Photo 2

The launch was attended by MOA Deputy Minister Hu Jong-I, Ministry counselor Wu Wen-ling, Pan Pacific Hotels Group Executive Director Ms. Wee Wei Ling, and Yang Ming Spring Founder Mr. Chen Chien-Hung. Deputy Minister Hu noted that this festival marks a critical milestone for Taiwanese agriculture as it integrates with green gastronomy globally. The MOA aims to connect Singaporean consumers with Taiwan’s top-tier produce, establishing a premium brand image rooted in food safety and trust to unlock future export channels.

The launch elegantly incorporated Taiwan’s Phalaenopsis orchid floral aesthetics to create a “five-sensory feast” that harmonized taste, vision, and cultural narrative, solidifying Taiwan’s premium brand image. The event successfully drew over 80 distinguished guests, including mainstream Singaporean media, food critics, business chamber representatives, and executive chefs.

Concurrently, the official residence of the Taipei Representative Office in Singapore hosted the festival’s thematic opening reception, serving as a premier venue for cultural diplomacy and showcasing the narrative of Taiwan’s agricultural excellence. The exhibition focused on three themes: Taiwanese orchid aesthetics, Mango Pineapple innovation, and sustainable agriculture tourism. This space demonstrated Taiwan’s agricultural evolution from precision R&D to green sustainability, highlighting its export potential to foreign diplomats and Singaporean trade buyers.

The MOA emphasized that the initiative’s core strategy is to “drive tangible procurement through engaging and immersive experiences in our target markets.” By bridging high-end dining with diplomatic prestige, the three-month campaign will maximize the visibility of Taiwanese agri-products across Southeast Asian markets. Aligning with global net-zero sustainability trends, the festival establishes a safe, premium brand image, paving the way for Taiwanese agriculture to integrate into global high-end supply chains and broader Asia-Pacific channels.

Hashtag: #YMSpring

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

by Alexandra Govorukha Between 70% and 95% of digital transformation efforts fail. That’s not a technology problem. Boston Consulting Group research reveals roughly 70% of challenges in AI projects stem from people and process issues, not technical ones. Yet most organisations continue to treat transformation as a deployment challenge, not a communications one. My Executive Master’s in Digital Transformation and Innovation Leadership from IE Business School gave me […]

A broad group of payment, banking, technology and crypto firms has joined Open Standard to introduce Open USD, a US dollar-backed stablecoin designed for large-scale business payments and digital settlement. The initiative brings together more than 140 companies, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, BlackRock, Coinbase, Stripe, BNY, Standard Chartered, Google, Shopify, Coinbase, Ripple, Fireblocks, Gemini, MetaMask, Emirates NBD and Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank. Open USD, trading under […]

The Image-Makers Look in the Mirror, and Like What They See (Mostly)

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 June 2026 – The Hong Kong public relations industry has a renewed sense of optimism, driven by the revival of the IPO market and expanding opportunities in technology and travel, according to the results of the 2026 PRHK Benchmark Survey. While agency leaders rated the 2025 business environment as a muted 2.50 out of 5, sentiment for 2026 climbed significantly to 3.08 out of 5.

Some key findings:

  • The “GBA Paradox”: While there is a lot of talk about the Greater Bay Area’s promise, an overwhelming 73.3% of Hong Kong PR agencies currently generate no revenue at all from the GBA. The Hong Kong government’s recent launch of the GoGlobal connect platform, which can also connect agencies to Chinese companies, is one example of an opportunity to redress the situation.
  • AI Adoption Gap: The PR sector has moved quickly to adopt AI: 81.3% of agencies now use ChatGPT, but 75% of agency leaders still flag AI as a top industry issue, struggling to bridge the gap between experimenting with tools and building disciplined, enterprise-wide operational workflows.
  • Culture Trumps Cash: Defying the “revolving door” stereotype of agency life, the industry boasts a remarkably healthy median retention rate of 84.5%. When asked what keeps talent from leaving, 87.5% of leaders cited company culture as their number-one retention driver, completely eclipsing base compensation (43.8%).

Produced by Public Relations Hong Kong (PRHK) in collaboration with the Centre for Communication and Public Opinion Survey at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, the report captures an industry successfully navigating structural challenges while keeping a firm eye on renewed growth.

Financial Services, Tech, and Tourism Lead Growth
When forecasting growth for the next 12 months, 75.0% of agency leaders identified financial services, specifically banking, insurance, and fintech, as the sector with the most potential. This optimism is largely fueled by the anticipated revival of Hong Kong’s IPO market, which is expected to generate significant communications mandates. Technology and travel/tourism tied for second, each cited by 56.3% of respondents as key growth drivers for the year ahead.

Penn Leung, Chairperson of PRHK, noted: “The Hong Kong PR industry is demonstrating remarkable resilience. While budget pressures and talent challenges remain, our agencies are adapting and showing a renewed sense of cautious optimism for 2026. The expected return of financial market activity and the structural expansion of tech and tourism prove that strategic communications counsel is more relevant than ever.”

Budget Pressures and the Threat of Fee Discounting
Pricing and client budgets remain the industry’s most pressing vulnerabilities. An overwhelming 81.3% of agency leaders cited shrinking client budgets as their number-one challenge for the coming year. Consequently, 68.8% of Hong Kong PR agencies admitted to discounting their professional fees in the last financial year to win assignments. The report warns that discounting at this scale carries compounding consequences, pushing down market fees and threatening the perceived value of strategic PR as a premium service.

David Ketchum, Research Chair of PRHK, commented: “The data reveals critical insights that agency leaders must address head-on. The disparity between ambitions in the Greater Bay Area and actual revenue generation is stark. Furthermore, the prevalence of fee discounting poses a structural threat to our industry. Agencies that will thrive in 2026 are those that firmly defend their value and operationalize new technologies to enhance their consulting-led strategies.”

Download the full 2026 PRHK Benchmark Report HERE
Download the Summary Infographic HERE

Infographic Benchmark Survey page 1
Infographic Benchmark Survey page 2
Infographic Benchmark Survey page 3
Infographic Benchmark Survey page 4

Hashtag: #PRHK

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

About PRHK

Public Relations Hong Kong (PRHK) is the city’s premier network for PR and communications professionals, dedicated to driving industry standards and representing the voice of the local market.

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority has opened the prequalification stage for contractors and consortiums seeking to build the Dubai Metro Gold Line, moving the Dh34 billion project from planning into the procurement phase. The authority has issued requests for qualification for the fully underground line, with interested contractors required to submit qualification documents by 17 August. The process follows an expression-of-interest stage launched […]

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