HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 September 2026 – In 2024, East West Barbershop (Dong Tay Barbershop) opened its first branch in Hungary, marking a milestone in its journey to take a Vietnamese barbering brand global. For Chairman Nguyen Hoai Thanh, Europe represents a demanding test of the company’s operational capabilities, technical expertise and adaptability.
East West Barbershop initially accepted losses to establish its foothold in Europe
Europe: A demanding test for a Vietnamese barbering brand
Founded in Vietnam in 2018, East West Barbershop has grown from a local men’s barbershop into a global men’s grooming brand.
In less than a decade, the chain has expanded across Vietnam and into international markets, becoming one of Asia’s prominent men’s grooming brands.
While expansion in Vietnam has been driven by growing demand for men’s grooming, operating in Europe presents a more complex challenge.
Tax regulations, business requirements, labor laws and working-hour rules are strictly regulated, while costs for premises, personnel and operations are significantly higher.
“Europe is a demanding market, with high service expectations and stringent regulations. To integrate into the market, we did not simply replicate our Vietnamese model in Europe.
I have traveled to Europe several times to study the market, adjust our operating procedures and enhance the customer experience,” said Nguyen Hoai Thanh, Chairman of East West Barbershop Vietnam Joint Stock Company.
These efforts are beginning to yield results. Its Hungary branch has built a base of returning customers, demonstrating that a Vietnamese brand can earn trust in a demanding market by respecting local standards while leveraging its own strengths.
East West Barbershop brings Vietnamese and European barbers together to exchange expertise, share experiences and learn from one another, turning its international expansion into a two-way journey of professional growth.
This reflects the spirit behind the name “East West”: Connecting professionals from different cultures to grow together.
From a haircut to an East-West cultural exchange
Vietnamese and European barbers differ in their professional cultures. In Vietnam, barbers often build close relationships with customers through everyday conversations, personalized advice and an ability to remember individual preferences.
East West Barbershop preserves these values internationally while adapting to European expectations of professionalism, precision, personalization and service consistency.
East West Barbershop brings Vietnamese craftsmanship and identity to Europe
From popular styles such as fades, undercuts and hair tattoos to services including shampooing, facial shaving, ear cleaning and massage, the brand aims to create a personalized grooming experience.
Its stores also feature greenery, bookshelves and relaxation areas, turning a haircut into a genuine moment of leisure.
Today, East West Barbershop operates more than 130 branches globally, with over 1,000 employees.
Behind these figures remains a simple ambition: To take Vietnamese barbering further through the skill and dedication of its barbers.
East West Barbershop’s European journey is more than opening another store. It demonstrates that a Vietnamese brand can enter international markets through craftsmanship, professionalism and a distinctive identity. Hashtag: #EastWestBarbershop
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 September 2026 – The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) released its Global Innovation Index (GII) 2026 on September 8, revealing that the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou metropolitan cluster, located in Southern China, has once again secured the top position among the world’s 100 leading innovation clusters. This marks another triumph for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), solidifying its status as a global powerhouse for scientific advancement and technological entrepreneurship.
The annual GII ranking evaluates innovation activity through three core metrics: international patent filings via WIPO’s Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), scientific publications and the number of venture capital deals. For this year’s ranking, the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou cluster filed 2,259 PCT applications, published 4,060 scientific articles and had 138 venture capital deals, all per 1 million inhabitants over the past five years.
Welcoming the announcement, a spokesman for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government said the ranking reaffirms the outstanding innovative capacity and the innovation and technology (I&T)-supporting financing ecosystem of the GBA.
“Expediting I&T development has been a policy priority of this Government,” the spokesman added, highlighting the HKSAR Government’s continuous development of the original grant patent system and introduction of the patent box regime, which offers tax concessions for intellectual property income to promote innovation.
The HKSAR Government’s strategic investments are already yielding tangible results. The number of start-ups in Hong Kong has surged from over 1,500 in 2015 to more than 5,200 in 2025. The city’s two I&T flagships—Hong Kong Science Park and Cyberport—have collectively nurtured around 20 unicorns to date.
A landmark development in this trajectory is the official opening of the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone (the Loop Hong Kong Park) in December 2025. Over 100 technology enterprises and institutions have already signed leases and begun moving in. The Loop Hong Kong Park is poised to serve as an important platform for basic scientific research, commercialisation, pilot production, and international I&T collaboration within the GBA.
Furthermore, the establishment of the San Tin Technopole Company Limited in June 2026 is set to develop 210 hectares of I&T land in the San Tin Technopole, which is located in Hong Kong’s Northern Metropolis development. It will create a vital node for integrated upstream, midstream and downstream industrial development, alongside the Loop Hong Kong Park.
Hong Kong’s financial machinery remains a cornerstone of its innovation success. The city boasts a vibrant private equity market with assets under management nearing US$250 billion, ranking second in Asia after the Chinese Mainland.
Looking ahead, Hong Kong will proactively align its strategy with the National 15th Five-Year Plan to fortify its position as an international I&T centre. The city will also further deepen collaboration with GBA sister cities, and contribute to the nation’s efforts in building a modern industrial system and achieving high-level scientific and technological self-reliance and strength.
New ULTRA KYC™ capability helps law firms move beyond document collection to evidence-linked customer due diligence
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 September 2026 – Amid continued scrutiny of anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) practices across Singapore’s legal sector, iCOMPASS today launched Evidence-BackedAML/KYC, a new capability within ULTRA KYC™ designed to help law firms demonstrate not only that customer due diligence (CDD) was performed, but also the evidence supporting key customer information, risk assessments and decisions.
The launch comes amid continued regulatory attention on AML/CFT controls in the legal sector. Reviews following Singapore’s 2023 money-laundering case have highlighted shortcomings including inconsistent risk assessments and incomplete enhanced due diligence. For law firms, the challenge is increasingly not simply whether the required documents have been collected, but what was verified, what evidence was relied upon and how the resulting decision was reached.
The Evidence-Backed AML/KYC capability shifts the KYC workflow from document-first to evidence-linked. Key CDD information can be connected directly to the supporting evidence relied upon. For example, information relating to a client’s source of wealth, beneficial ownership or address can be linked to the relevant supporting documents, together with the associated review and approval record. This provides a clearer audit trail from the information verified, to the evidence relied upon, to the decision made.
“One of the practical challenges in KYC is ensuring the reasoning behind a decision remains clear when another person reviews the file later. With iCOMPASS’ KYC solution, having the underlying information and evidence connected in one place makes that review more efficient, while also creating a smoother onboarding experience for the client,” said Mr Wilson Foo, Joint Managing Director of Folich LLC.
The capability sits within ULTRA KYC™’s broader onboarding and lifecycle management workflow, which supports electronic verification for Singapore clients, digital identity verification for overseas clients, document collection, screening, risk assessment, approvals, and ongoing KYC refresh and reassessment.
“Law firms don’t need more KYC paperwork — they need better KYC evidence,” said Raymond Moh, CEO of iCOMPASS. “A strong KYC record should allow someone reviewing the file months or years later to understand what was verified, what evidence was relied upon and why the firm reached its decision. That is what we are trying to make much easier.”
Evidence-Backed AML/KYC forms part of ULTRA KYC™’s integrated 6-in-1 KYC/AML workflow, bringing onboarding and CDD, screening, risk assessment, approval, ongoing monitoring and reassessment into one connected process.
iCOMPASS will demonstrate the new capability at TechLaw.Fest 2026 on 9–10 September. The company will also speak on “The KYC File Is Not the Answer — Are Law Firms Doing KYC Backwards?” on 9 September, exploring how law firms can move towards more evidence-driven KYC and operationalise AML/CFT requirements in practice.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Company
iCOMPASS Pte. Ltd. is a Singapore-headquartered RegTech company modernising regulatory compliance through intelligent automation. SOC 2 Type II attested and ISO/IEC 27001 certified, iCOMPASS develops AI-powered solutions that help financial institutions and professional services firms manage compliance more efficiently, securely and consistently.
Its portfolio includes the ULTRA KYC™ Platform, featured in the Monetary Authority of Singapore’s PathFin.ai programme, and ULTRA™, an AI-powered compliance operating system. iCOMPASS was also named a winner at the Singapore Business Review Technology Excellence Awards 2023 in the Regulatory Technology category.
iCOMPASS is focused on advancing trusted, technology-enabled governance and helping regulated organisations navigate increasingly complex regulatory requirements.
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By Dr. Gyan Pathak Guwahati High Court’s September 3, 2026 order to bring the woman pushed into Bangladesh as infiltrator back to India and to give interim compensation of ₹2 lakh to her husband has brought the BJP’s infiltrator politics on test for accountability. The order has already made the BJP led Government of Assam […]
MACAU SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 September 2026 – Melco Resorts & Entertainment has achieved notable success at the tenth anniversary edition of the prestigious Trip.Gourmet Restaurant Rankings and Fine Dining Awards. Presented with a total of five accolades, the achievement reinforces Melco’s position as a premier global leader in hospitality and commitment to Macau’s ongoing development as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.
Jade Dragon at City of Dreams Macau was honored with the highest distinction Black Diamond recognition
The honors were presented at the award ceremony celebrations in Singapore on September 8, 2026. The five award-winning restaurants at Melco representing the pinnacle of fine dining excellence include:
Jade Dragon (City of Dreams) was honored with the highest distinction Black Diamond recognition. Creating culinary masterpieces that set the standard for gastronomic excellence in Macau and beyond, Jade Dragon is the only Chinese restaurant in the world awarded with MICHELIN three stars and Black Pearl three diamonds.
Alain Ducasse at Morpheus (City of Dreams) captured the distinguished Diamond accolade for its legendary French classics. Alain Ducasse at Morpheus is honored with MICHELIN two stars and Black Pearl one diamond.
Yí (City of Dreams) garnered the prestigious Platinum status for its innovative Chinese cuisine. The Black Pearl one-diamond restaurant distills Chinese gastronomy to its essence in a creative take on seasonal dining through its signature dishes.
Sushi Kinetsu (City of Dreams) was awarded the Platinum status for its outstanding authentic Edomae sushi craftsmanship. It holds MICHELIN one star and Black Pearl one diamond.
Pearl Dragon (Studio City) attained the Platinum status. The MICHELIN-starred restaurant fuses modern flair with timeless Cantonese tradition for an exquisite dining experience. Crafted from the finest seasonal ingredients, Pearl Dragon’s dishes are rooted in Cantonese culinary traditions and masterfully infused with Chaozhou essence.
Mr. Lawrence Ho, Chairman & CEO of Melco, said, “Achieving five major honors at the tenth anniversary of the Trip.Gourmet Awards is a great testament to our unwavering commitment to world-class hospitality. This milestone belongs entirely to our extraordinary culinary and F&B team colleagues. Their continued dedication, creativity and tireless pursuit of excellence ensure that every guest enjoys an unforgettable journey with us. I am deeply thankful to our team for their hard work and passion. We look forward to working together to continue driving forward Macau’s reputation as a global culinary destination.”
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Melco Resorts & Entertainment Limited
The Company, with its American depositary shares listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market (Nasdaq: MLCO), is a developer, owner and operator of integrated resort facilities in Asia and Europe. The Company currently operates City of Dreams (www.cityofdreamsmacau.com) and Altira Macau (www.altiramacau.com), integrated resorts located in Cotai and Taipa, Macau, respectively. Its business also includes the Mocha Clubs (www.mochaclubs.com), the only non-casino based operation of electronic gaming machines in Macau. In addition, the Company operates Studio City (www.studiocity-macau.com), a cinematically-themed integrated resort in Cotai, Macau. In the Philippines, the Company operates and manages City of Dreams Manila (www.cityofdreamsmanila.com), an integrated resort in the Entertainment City complex in Manila. In Europe, the Company operates City of Dreams Mediterranean, an integrated resort in Limassol, in the Republic of Cyprus (www.cityofdreamsmed.com.cy) and licensed satellite casinos in other cities in Cyprus (the “Cyprus Casinos”). In South Asia, the Company operates the casino and manages the Nüwa hotel at City of Dreams Sri Lanka (www.cityofdreamssrilanka.com), an integrated resort in Colombo, Sri Lanka. For more information about the Company, please visitwww.melco-resorts.com.
The Company is majority owned by Melco International Development Limited, a company listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited, which is in turn majority owned and led by Mr. Lawrence Ho, who is the Chairman, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Company.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 September 2026 – Global digital business services leader TP (ex-Teleperformance) has been named Frost & Sullivan’s 2026 Asia-Pacific Company of the Year in Customer Experience Management Services, the analyst firm’s top honor recognizing the market participant that exemplifies visionary innovation, market-leading performance and customer care. TP was recognized for combining AI orchestration, operational discipline, and measurable customer impact across Asia-Pacific.
Frost & Sullivan credited TP’s ability to move AI from experimentation into live operations, which Frost identified as one of the most urgent gaps in the industry. TP applies AI across the service delivery lifecycle to help teams become productive faster and improve service quality at scale. This starts with AI-enabled recruitment and onboarding, extends into simulation-based training that helps customer experts build proficiency before handling live interactions, and continues through workforce management and AI-assisted coaching. In quality assurance, TP now reviews every transaction rather than the small sample the industry has traditionally relied on, sharpening coaching precision, compliance visibility and operational learning.
“As AI becomes embedded into customer operations, enterprises need outcome-based models that orchestrate AI and human agents to improve productivity and deliver measurable business value,” said Dave Rizzo, President and CEO, APAC, TP. “TP designs workflows that use AI to elevate human work, while linking productivity gains to the business outcomes clients want to achieve. Being named Frost & Sullivan’s Asia-Pacific Company of the Year recognizes the progress we are making in delivering that transformation for clients across the region.”
Frost & Sullivan highlighted TP’s work with a major hospitality brand in Singapore as an example of this approach in practice. The engagement went beyond operational delivery to integrate technology across legacy and modern systems, while also implementing an AI-enabled knowledge platform that delivers trusted, context-aware answers to customer inquiries across multiple operational teams and lines of business. Together, these capabilities supported a broader redesign of the service infrastructure behind a high-touch, premium customer experience. Beyond individual client engagements, TP’s operations across Asia-Pacific play a dual role in TP’s strategy as both a delivery engine and a business development engine in a high-growth demand market. Frost & Sullivan noted that TP’s regional footprint enables it to respond to different language, regulatory, cultural, and operational requirements.
“The company’s centers of excellence in Asia-Pacific contribute to the development of solutions across AI, machine learning, natural language processing, analytics, and automation. This gives the region a role beyond labor delivery. It becomes a capability engine for global transformation,” said Krishna Baidya, Vice President, ICT Practice, Frost & Sullivan.
Frost & Sullivan also highlighted TP’s approach to reframing the traditional onshore-versus-offshore debate. Across Asia-Pacific, TP supports offshore, nearshore, onshore and hybrid delivery models, using technology and local market capabilities to balance cost efficiency, service quality, language requirements and regulatory needs. This flexibility allows TP to tailor delivery models to the realities of individual markets rather than relying on a single approach.
With operations in close to 100 countries and services spanning more than 170 markets, TP combines global scale with regional delivery depth, technology and human expertise. Across Asia-Pacific, this is translating into measurable outcomes, including an agentic triage use case that reduced referral-to-booking turnaround from approximately 24 hours to minutes while improving booking conversion. The recognition reflects how TP is evolving its digital business services for the next phase of AI-enabled transformation while keeping human oversight, empathy, judgment and relationships central to the service model.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
AboutTP in SINGAPORE
TP in Singapore is part of the TP Group, a global leader in digital business services which consistently seeks to blend the best of advanced technology with human empathy to deliver enhanced customer care that is simpler, faster, and safer for the world’s biggest brands and their customers. The Group’s comprehensive, AI-powered service portfolio ranges from front office customer care to back-office functions, including high-value digital transformation services, collections and operations consulting. It also offers a range of specialized services such as interpreting and localization, visa and consular services, and recruitment process outsourcing services. The teams of multilingual, inspired, and passionate experts and advisors, spread in close to 100 countries, as well as the Group’s local presence allows it to be a force of good in supporting communities, clients, and the environment.
Unveils Cross-Sector Rewards with Up to HK$2,600 Early Bird Savings on Designated Handset
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 September 2026 – Ping An Digital Bank (International) Limited (“Ping An Digital Bank”) marks its 6th anniversary through a cross-sector collaboration alongside 3 Hong Kong and 3SUPREME, mobile brands of Hutchison Telecommunications (Hong Kong) Limited (“HTHK”). The joint initiative debuts an exclusive dual promotion designed to elevate customers’ smart digital financial and mobile communications experiences, adding further excitement to Ping An Digital Bank’s suite of 6th-anniversary celebrations!
Mr. Ronald Iu, Chief Executive of Ping An Digital Bank, said, “As Ping An Digital Bank celebrates its 6th anniversary, our retail banking segment continues to experience rapid growth, a testament to the long-standing trust and support of our customers. On this special occasion, we remain dedicated to thinking ahead and going the extra mile for our customers. Collaborating with 3 Hong Kong and 3SUPREME allows us to combine the strengths of both parties, empowering customers to upgrade to the latest digital products while enjoying seamless and high-quality retail banking services.”
New Handset Rewards: HK$400 Upon Account Opening, Mobile Plan Subscription and Handset Purchase Up to HK$2,600 in Early Bird Savings
From now until 30 November 2026, eligible customers1 who successfully open a Ping An Digital Bank personal savings account using the designated promotion code [3HKPA] will receive a HK$400 cash rebate2 from Ping An Digital Bank.
To reward first movers, an exclusive early bird offer is available from now until 17 September 2026. Eligible customers1 will enjoy a waiver of the HK$500 prepayment amount3 from 3 Hong Kong and 3SUPREME, alongside handset discounts of up to HK$2,2003. Combined with the HK$400 cash rebate2 from Ping An Digital Bank, customers can unlock total savings of up to HK$2,600.
Additionally, new Ping An Digital Bank customers4 who open a Ping An Digital Bank personal savings account on or before 30 September 2026, and successfully place a 1-month HKD time deposit can enjoy an attractive annual interest rate of 16%5,6 on their first HK$100,000 deposit. This enables customers to effortlessly lock in privileged high-yield returns while upgrading to the new handset.
Looking ahead, Ping An Digital Bank will continue to uphold its vision of “Always with You, Always Ahead.” Dedicated to thinking ahead and going the extra mile, the Bank will actively explore cross-industry synergies and continuously enhance its diversified suite of financial products and services to deliver superior digital financial experiences for customers.
1 Eligible Customers refer to customers who have never held any account with Ping An Digital Bank, successfully open a savings account with promotion code “3HKPA” during the Promotion Period, subscribe to, renew or upgrade to a designated 3 Hong Kong / 3SUPREME service plan with a minimum contract period of 24 months and hold a valid Hong Kong Identity Card or Exit-Entry Permit for Travelling to and from Hong Kong and Macau at the time of such subscription, renewal or upgrade during the Promotion Period (from 7 September 2026 to 30 November 2026) , and successfully purchase a designated handset on or before 31 March 2027.
2 HK$ 400 cash rebate is available only to Eligible Customers who satisfy all relevant requirements. Each Eligible Customer can enjoy the HK$ 400 Cash Rebate and other offers once only. The Cash Rebate and other offers are non-transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash or other gifts. Cash Rebate will be credited to the savings account of eligible customer on or before 31 May 2027.
3The waiver of HK$ 500 prepayment amount, up to HK$2,200 discount upon purchase of a designated 3HK handset model, designated service plans, designated handset models, and other designated 3HK offers are provided and managed by 3 Hong Kong / 3SUPREME, and are subject to relevant terms and conditions.
4 New Ping An Digital Bank customers refer to customers who have never held any account with the Bank and successfully open a savings account during the 1 September 2026 to 30 September 2026 using a promotion code obtained through any channels.
5 The 16% p.a. HK$ Time Deposit rate offer will be displayed on the Time Deposit page in the Ping An Digital Bank’s personal mobile banking app within 3 working days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays) after successful account opening.
6 HKD Time Deposit interest rate is calculated daily on the basis of a 365-day year and is subject to the Bank’s decision from time to time.
Ping An Digital Bank is not the supplier of any products or services provided by 3 Hong Kong / 3SUPREME and shall not be liable for any matters relating to the quality, supply, use, payment, refund, handset collection, warranty or after-sales services of 3 Hong Kong / 3SUPREME’s products or services. Offers subject to the relevant terms and conditions. For details, please refer to the “Ping An Digital Bank x 3 Hong Kong / 3SUPREME New Customer Exclusive HK$400 Cash Rebate Promotion Terms and Conditions” and “New Customer Time Deposit High Interest Offer Programme Terms and Conditions”
Hashtag: #平安數字銀行 #PingAnDB #3HK #3Supreme
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Ping An Digital Bank
Ping An Digital Bank (International) Limited (“Ping An Digital Bank,” “PingAnDB”) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lufax Holding Ltd (“Lufax”) (SEHK: 6623; NYSE: LU) and a member of Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd. (“Ping An”) (SEHK: 2318; SSE: 601318). Ping An Digital Bank was granted a banking licence by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority in May 2019 to offer retail banking and business banking services. Backed by Ping An’s advanced technology, Ping An Digital Bank is elevating banking experience, serving customer in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area, establishing itself as Ping An Group’s comprehensive financial platform in Hong Kong.
Hutchison Telecommunications (Hong Kong) Limited
Hutchison Telecommunications (Hong Kong) Limited (“HTHK”), a leading mobile operator in Hong Kong, offers diverse and advanced mobile telecoms services under the 3 Hong Kong, 3SUPREME, SoSIM and MO+ brands, addressing different needs of the consumer market. HTHK is also dedicated to developing business and enterprise solutions under the 3Business brand in the corporate market spanning mobile commerce, information technology, smart city, the Internet of Things and big data. HTHK channels the latest technologies into innovations that set market trends and steer industry development.
Malaysia is considering Huawei’s Ascend 910C processors for a RM2 billion sovereign artificial intelligence project, potentially placing Chinese hardware at the centre of infrastructure designed to keep sensitive national data under domestic control.
The government is seriously evaluating Huawei’s AI accelerators for the initiative, although no final procurement decision has been announced and the number of chips under consideration remains unclear. The project would be operated by state-linked Telekom Malaysia, which was selected through a public tender and already works with Huawei on cloud infrastructure.
The deliberations put Malaysia at the centre of a widening contest between Washington and Beijing over the technology underpinning artificial intelligence. US officials have warned that use of Huawei’s Ascend 910C could violate American export-control rules, while Malaysia has maintained that technology decisions should serve its national interests and comply with applicable laws.
Huawei’s 910C is the company’s flagship AI accelerator currently available at scale. Malaysia is considering that product rather than the newer Ascend 950 series, which remains in limited production. Huawei has sought to expand sales of its AI systems beyond China as US restrictions continue to limit its access to advanced foreign semiconductor manufacturing technology.
Telekom Malaysia’s existing AI computing service uses Nvidia processors, highlighting the competing technology options facing Kuala Lumpur. The government is also discussing another tender process that could give Nvidia and other US suppliers a more direct opportunity to compete for the sovereign AI contract.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has repeatedly argued that Malaysia should build domestic technological capability rather than remain solely a consumer of systems developed overseas. His government formally established AI Malaysia Berhad under the Digital Ministry in July to lead its ambition of becoming an “AI Nation” by 2030 and to strengthen national AI development, governance and deployment.
Sovereign AI has become particularly important to the government because the proposed infrastructure is intended to process information that could include sensitive government, military and intelligence material. Kuala Lumpur wants such data to remain within Malaysia, reducing dependence on foreign-controlled computing environments and giving national institutions greater authority over storage and access.
Anwar has also questioned the implications of the US Cloud Act, which allows American courts in specified circumstances to compel US technology companies to provide electronic data even when it is stored abroad. Speaking to university students in April, he described the law as unreasonable while acknowledging the difficulty of challenging Washington on the issue.
US officials have raised separate security concerns about Huawei equipment being used to handle intelligence-related material, including information supplied by foreign governments. A State Department spokesperson said secure technology was essential to economic prosperity and warned that suppliers susceptible to government manipulation could pose risks to critical infrastructure, privacy, intellectual property and national security. The statement did not name China or Huawei.
Malaysia’s National Security Council officials are expected to visit Washington later this month for discussions that will include the technology issue. The talks come as the United States promotes American AI hardware, software and applications across developing markets and considers government-backed financing packages to strengthen the international position of US suppliers.
The current evaluation follows an earlier controversy in May 2025, when a deputy communications minister said a Malaysian AI initiative would deploy 3,000 Huawei Ascend chips. Her remarks were withdrawn shortly afterwards, and the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry clarified that the project concerned was privately driven, not endorsed or coordinated by the government.
At the time, the ministry said any government AI infrastructure programme would require legal, operational and reputational due diligence. It also reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to applicable export-control laws while asserting the country’s sovereign right to formulate policy according to national interests.
Malaysia’s National AI Action Plan for 2026-2030 calls for responsible adoption, stronger domestic capabilities and globally competitive locally developed solutions. The programme links AI deployment to economic productivity, public-sector transformation and governance, placing infrastructure choices within a strategy.
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Global research explores how newer wealth, continued business ownership, and family stewardship influence philanthropic practices among Asia’s wealthiest families
Roughly 94 percent of Asia‘s wealthiest families are first- or second-generation wealth holders
Approximately 95 percent of Asia’s wealthiest families retain control of the businesses that generated their wealth
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 September 2026 – As private wealth continues to expand globally and an estimated US$74 trillion is expected to transfer between generations over the next 20 to 25 years, understanding how wealthy families approach philanthropy is becoming increasingly important. New research from The Bridgespan Group, based on analysis of 186 of the wealthiest individuals and families across 20 economies spanning Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas, sheds light on how the world’s wealthiest families give, what they fund, how they organise their philanthropy, and how they seek to create change.
“This research comes at a pivotal moment for family philanthropy, especially as private wealth continues to grow,” said Xueling Lee, co-author and partner at Bridgespan. “Our research helps fill a knowledge gap on how the world’s wealthiest families organise their philanthropy and pursue impact, and finds distinguishing characteristics in Asia.”
In Asia, where founders and second-generation leaders often remain closely involved in the businesses that generated their wealth, philanthropy is frequently connected to broader questions of stewardship, business ownership, succession, and community engagement. The research finds that these differences are shaped by factors including the relative newness of wealth, continued business ownership, and the close connection between family, business, and philanthropy. Bridgespan’s research on corporate giving highlights this dynamic: founder- or family-linked companies account for 11 of Asia’s 20 largest corporate funders, compared with four among the world’s 20 largest corporate funders.
“Beyond the scale of their giving, many families bring a long-term perspective, deep personal commitment, and relationships across sectors built over decades,” said Brian San, secretary-general of the Institute of Philanthropy. “These qualities are particularly relevant in Asia, where family-owned businesses remain a powerful force and philanthropy is often closely connected to family stewardship, business leadership, and community engagement. The report highlights how these characteristics can help families catalyse collaboration, support innovation, and contribute to meaningful impact over time.”
“This research confirms what we have seen firsthand: family philanthropy has driven some of today’s boldest solutions and most pioneering research. These funders are uniquely positioned to take risks and build coalitions that can solve big, complex problems at their root,” said Deepali Khanna, senior vice president and head of Asia (division) at The Rockefeller Foundation. “Some of the work we are proudest of, like the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet, started because family philanthropies were willing to commit early and jointly at a time when no single institution could have carried it alone.”
While the report finds that wealthy families around the world share many common philanthropic behaviours, it also identifies several characteristics that distinguish family philanthropy in Asia.
Asia’s wealth is newer: Approximately 94 percent of wealth held by Asia’s wealthiest families sits with first- or second-generation wealth holders, compared with roughly 85 percent in high-income economies outside Asia. The relative newness of wealth influences how wealth is held, the degree of family involvement in operating businesses, the availability of liquid assets, and the form philanthropy takes.
Asian families retain tighter control of their businesses: Approximately 95 percent of Asian families maintain control of the businesses that generated their wealth, compared with roughly 68 percent outside Asia. Where wealth remains closely tied to an operating business, philanthropic decisions often sit alongside broader considerations such as government relationships, succession planning, and reputation.
Families fund remarkably similar issues across regions: Education, health, and support for marginalised and vulnerable populations are among the top issues supported by wealthy families. In Asia, families are more likely to support elderly care, religion, and sports, while families from other regions more frequently fund science and technology initiatives, including those related to artificial intelligence.
Few families publicly report outcomes from their giving: More than 80 percent of families in Asia publicly report outputs from their giving, such as schools built or teachers trained, compared with just 45 percent of high-income families outside Asia. However, outcome reporting, such as learning gains or graduation rates, remains uncommon across all groups.
Beyond examining how families give, the companion report How the World’s Wealthiest Families Give explores approaches that help families translate their resources and influence into meaningful and sustained impact:
Taking risks others cannot or will not: Families often have the autonomy to move from decision to deployment more readily than institutional or corporate funders. In Singapore, for example, the Lien Foundation made a decade-long push into early childhood development, a sector that few had championed when it began. Its sustained work alongside government and other stakeholders contributed to broader sector development over time.
Facilitating collective action: Families with trusted relationships across sectors can bring together stakeholders who might not otherwise gather, helping fragmented efforts to evolve into coordinated action. In 2024, the Jollibee Group Foundation, led by Tony and Grace Tan Caktiong, partnered with the Provincial Government of Basilan, the Zuellig Family Foundation, and the League of Corporate Foundations to expand its school feeding programme. Together, the partnership supports the delivery of nutritious meals to nearly 25,000 children in 250 schools.
Mobilising multiple types of capital: A family with authority across philanthropic and investment decisions may be able to move capital across different instruments with fewer external negotiations, board approvals, or fiduciary obligations to outside investors.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About The Bridgespan Group
The Bridgespan Group (www.bridgespan.org) is a global nonprofit that collaborates with social change organisations, philanthropists, and impact investors to make the world more equitable and just. Bridgespan’s services include strategy consulting and advising, sourcing and diligence, and leadership team support. We take what we learn from this work and build on it with original research, identifying best practices and innovative ideas to share with the social sector. We work from locations in Boston, Delhi, Johannesburg, Mumbai, New York, San Francisco, Singapore, and Washington, DC.
IDScan. net is facing a growing wave of proposed class action lawsuits in Louisiana over allegations that its identity-verification systems were connected to a massive exposure of driver’s licence and other government-issued identification records. At least eight federal complaints had been filed against the New Orleans-based company by September 4 in the US District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, court dockets show. Plaintiffs include Marc […]
Alibaba Cloud has launched its first cloud region in Brazil, bringing two data centres in São Paulo into operation and extending its infrastructure network into South America. The new region gives businesses, start-ups, developers and public institutions access to Alibaba Cloud services hosted inside Brazil, including computing, storage, containers, networking, security, databases, big-data and cloud-native products. The company said the local infrastructure was designed for workloads requiring […]
More than 25 years after its founding, AlarmSystemStore.com continues to earn industry recognition, receiving Alarm.com’s Silver Premier Partner designation for the third consecutive year.
INDIANA, US – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 September 2026 – AlarmSystemStore.com, a security solutions provider founded in Columbus, Indiana, in 1997, has been recognized as an Alarm.com Silver Premier Partner for 2025, marking the third consecutive year the company has earned the distinction. The recognition reflects performance during the previous calendar year and highlights the company’s continued commitment to helping homeowners and businesses adopt smarter, more reliable security solutions.
A Nearly Three-Decade Success Story When AlarmSystemStore.com was founded in 1997, the security industry looked very different. Traditional alarm systems relied heavily on landline communication, remote access was virtually nonexistent, and smart home technology had yet to enter the mainstream.
Over the past 28 years, the company has evolved alongside the industry—embracing alarm monitoring, cloud-based security, video surveillance, smart automation, and connected property management solutions. As an authorized dealer for DSC, Qolsys, Alarm.com, Honeywell, Resideo, Alula, Uplink Security, and a supporter of most other major brands, including 2Gig and GE Security, for its monitoring and interactive services, the company has built its reputation on selection, expertise, and value.
A Different Model: DIY and B2B, Without the Markup Unlike traditional alarm companies, AlarmSystemStore.com caters to the do-it-yourself, direct-to-consumer, and direct business-to-business markets as a discount provider of professional-grade equipment and services.
Customers typically save more than 50% off the same equipment and services offered by traditional alarm companies. The company backs every sale with free technical support and offers a pre-programming and setup option for customers who prefer a more plug-and-play experience.
Three Consecutive Years of Recognition The latest award marks a significant milestone for the company:
2023 Alarm.com Silver Premier Partner
2024 Alarm.com Silver Premier Partner
2025 Alarm.com Silver Premier Partner
Because each designation reflects the prior year’s performance, the three-year streak points to sustained engagement and consistent growth within the Alarm.com partner network.
“Alarm.com has quickly become our top recommended service for customers, surpassing all others. It’s truly a top-notch service, which is apparent from both their tremendous growth and our growth with them as a dealer. We are proud to be affiliated with them,” said Andy Bowman, President at AlarmSystemStore.com.
About Alarm.com and the Premier Partner Program Alarm.com began offering cloud-based interactive security services and integrations with security hardware in 2002 and went public in 2015 — the same year AlarmSystemStore.com Store became an authorized dealer. Today, the platform offers a range of cloud-based services, including alarm system command and control, smart home automation, and video and access control, and currently serves more than 6 million active residential and commercial subscribers globally.
Alarm.com services are available only through authorized dealers such as AlarmSystemStore.com, who provide activation and ongoing service support for the end user. The Premier Partner Program recognizes dealers that demonstrate strong performance, customer engagement, and commitment to delivering exceptional experiences on the platform — placing AlarmSystemStore.com among a select group of recognized partners.
Looking Ahead As security technology continues to evolve through artificial intelligence, video analytics, and connected devices, AlarmSystemStore.com remains focused on helping customers adopt solutions that are both effective and easy to manage — at a price that undercuts the traditional alarm model. The same principle that guided the company in 1997 still applies today: trusted guidance, professional-grade equipment, and long-term support, without the premium price tag.
Hashtag: #AlarmSystemStore.com
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About AlarmSystemStore.com
Founded in 1997 and headquartered in Columbus, Indiana, AlarmSystemStore.com provides professional-grade security systems, smart home automation solutions, video surveillance products, and technical support for homeowners and businesses throughout the United States. The company specializes in helping customers design, install, and manage security solutions powered by industry-leading technology.
By Dr. Gyan Pathak The truthfulness of the BBC documentary “The Modi Question” was never put on trial and now the plaintiff NGO from Gujarat, Justice on Trial, withdrew its ₹10,000 crore defamation lawsuit against BBC on September 3, 2026, with liberty to file a fresh suit on the same cause of action. BBC was […]
GUANGZHOU, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 September 2026 – On September 7, Huawei officially unveiled the latest addition to its tri-fold lineup, the HUAWEI Mate XT 2 | ULTIMATE DESIGN. As the first smartphone to feature the LogicFolding Tau (τ) Chip, HUAWEI Mate XT 2 | ULTIMATE DESIGN marks the chip’s official entry into mass commercialization.
Ultimate Design: A Wing-Like Form for Intuitive Control
The phone debuts with a wing-like tri-fold design, continuously pushing the boundaries of ultimate aesthetics, craftsmanship, and innovation. It is the first device powered by the Kirin 9050 Pro chip and introduces several industry-first features and experiences, including the Xuanwu Ultra-Durable Tri-Fold Architecture, Smart Shield Privacy Screen, True-to-Color Camera 3.0, and the HarmonyOS 7 large-screen experience. As the pioneer of tri-fold phones, this new generation once again redefines the extraordinary.
The new HUAWEI Mate XT 2 | ULTIMATE DESIGN features a wing-like tri-fold design that opens from both sides, offering a more intuitive unfolding experience. The design philosophy draws on Chinese aesthetics, with a cloud pattern on the back panel created using Brocade Cloud craftsmanship. It is available in three colors: Purple, White, and Black. The camera ring inherits the iconic Star Diamond Glow design, crafted from Yttrium Crystal and fired at 1,800°C. Combining gemstone design and cutting techniques, it undergoes eight steps of fine polishing to form 33 star diamond facets, delivering a dazzling gemstone-like luster.
The device features the Xuanwu Ultra-Durable Tri-Fold Architecture, which re-engineers the hinge and screen technology for layered protection from the inside out. It is the first tri-fold phone to support IP58/59 dust and water resistance. The cover screen, made of Xuanwu Kunlun Glass, resists daily scratches and impacts with ease. It also features anti-glare technology, ensuring clear visibility even under direct sunlight. The main screen uses a multi-layer composite ultra-tough structure, including a large UTG glass layer, aerospace-grade ultra-thin high-strength steel, and a carbon fiber support layer, providing robust impact resistance. The Advanced Precision Hinge System 2.0 employs a 5 curved arm structure and a synchronized linkage mechanism for even force distribution and reliable pressure resistance.
Ultimate Performance: Kirin Chipset, a Leap in Power
The HUAWEI Mate XT 2 | ULTIMATE DESIGN is the first to feature the Kirin 9050 Pro chip, delivering a dual leap in performance and energy efficiency. Through deep collaboration between hardware, software, chips, and cloud, overall device performance is improved by 42% compared to the previous generation. The LinxiCore CPU, combined with the Ultra-smooth HUAWEI Ark Engine, enables faster loading of large files and superior performance when running multiple apps or multitasking. The Maleoon GPU features doubled computing units and cache, significantly enhancing rendering performance. In gaming scenarios, it supports 50 MRPS hardware-level real-time ray tracing, delivering a more immersive and realistic experience. The HUAWEI Da Vinci Architecture NPU brings a leap in on-device AI computing power, supporting large models of various sizes. For the first time in the industry, it natively supports the Pangu 30B-A2B MoE LLM, enabling smart experiences such as on-device AI album management with Celia.
The innovative heat dissipation architecture distributes heat sources across three frames, working with ultra-large vapor chambers and highly thermally conductive graphene materials to efficiently conduct heat across axes. Intelligent collaboration of multiple communication systems and 32 distributed antennas ensures faster 5A connectivity. It supports Tiantong satellite communication and Beidou satellite messaging, ensuring connectivity anywhere in the world. The Mobile Security Processor, combined with an independent security chip, enables post-quantum cryptography algorithm detection and has passed EAL5+ CCRC security certification, providing dual protection for personal data and assets.
Ultimate Technology: A Masterpiece of Innovation for Peace of Mind
The industry’s first foldable Smart Shield Privacy Screen is now available, marking the first time hardware-level privacy protection is achieved on a foldable device. It features an independent dual-pixel design, ensuring consistent screen resolution before and after activating Privacy mode, maintaining a clear front-facing view. With intelligent sensing capabilities, it provides smart reminders when entering airports or train stations. It also supports elegant activation of Privacy mode through methods such as double-tapping the cover screen or the Smart controls button.
The HUAWEI Mate XT 2 | ULTIMATE DESIGN is equipped with ECG analysis software and has obtained the NMPA Class II Medical Device Registration Certificate. Users can initiate an ECG measurement by holding the unfolded large screen with both hands. Celia intelligently interprets and analyzes the report, providing thoughtful care.
Ultimate Photography: True-to-Color Camera 3.0, Capturing Every Moment
The HUAWEI Mate XT 2 | ULTIMATE DESIGN undergoes a comprehensive upgrade from optical hardware to computing power. It is the first to feature the True-to-Color Camera 3.0, which effectively filters out infrared light interference, improving color reproduction by 95% compared to the previous generation. It also features an ultra-HDR main camera, ultra-wide aperture periscope telephoto camera, and Ultra-wide angle camera, delivering true-to-life colors, realistic portraits, and clear night shots, with excellent performance at both close and long distances. Video recording supports an ultra-high dynamic range of 18 EV, ensuring outstanding image quality in every frame.
XMAGE SmartCapture has been upgraded to intelligently recognize people, scenery, and food scenes, and supports AIGC real-time previews for clear composition and lighting recommendations. Its unique tri-fold form enables Desk-calendar mode shooting, making it easy to capture warm moments, whether for selfies or group photos.
Ultimate Experience: A Superior Large-Screen Experience
HUAWEI Mate XT 2 | ULTIMATE DESIGN is powered by the new HarmonyOS 7, redefining the large-screen interaction experience. The Live-Multitask capability supports three windows displayed in parallel, with adjustable window sizes and independent volume control. This large-screen experience covers core scenarios such as financial management, social entertainment, smart office, shopping comparison, and travel guides. Furthermore, it has been deeply adapted to leading industry apps, continuously driving innovation in the tri-fold large-screen ecosystem.
HUAWEI Mate XT 2 | ULTIMATE DESIGN starts at RMB 19,999 and will be available for purchase along with a stylus set, with official sales beginning at 10:08 on September 12th.
Hashtag: #Huawei
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Student Flag-guard Team debuts new signature uniforms, embodying vigour and a sense of mission
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 September 2026 – The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) today (7 September) commenced the 2026/27 academic year with a solemn Flag-raising Ceremony this morning, with the CUHK Flag-guard Team, clad in student-designed new uniforms, conducting the ceremony – demonstrating vigour and a sense of mission. The national flag, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region flag and the CUHK flag were solemnly raised to the national anthem, marking the start of the new academic year.
It was followed by the Inauguration Ceremony for Undergraduates 2026. The events come at a landmark moment for the University, following its recent rise to 18th place in the QS World University Rankings and the official launch of its new strategic plan, CUHK 2026–2030: Leaping to Greatness.
The Flag-raising and Flag-guard Team Recognition Ceremonies
The Flag-raising Ceremony was attended by more than 130 guests, including the Hon Alice Mak Mei-kuen, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs of the HKSAR Government, Ms Wan Ning, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Education and Youth Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR, Professor Hon Jasper Tsang Yok-sing, Honorary Professor in CUHK’s Faculty of Social Science, Dr Norman Chan Tak-lam, Vice-Chairman of the CUHK Council, Professor Dennis Lo Yuk-ming, CUHK Vice-Chancellor and President, alongside Legislative Council members, members of the University Council, senior management, representatives of Colleges and Faculties, staff, students and alumni.
CUHK Flag-guard Team with guests
Following the Flag-raising Ceremony, the University held the Recognition Ceremony for the CUHK Flag-guard Team. Miss Mak, Dr Chan and Professor Lo presented 18 Appointment Certificates and 5 Certificates of Appreciation respectively. In addition, a student received the “Best CUHK Flag-guard Team Member Award 2025-2026” in recognition of her outstanding performance and dedication to the team.
Three awards for the Flag-guard Team Uniform Design Competition were also presented. The final design of the new uniforms was developed from the winning concepts of the champion students and further refined with valuable input from Professor Lo. Featuring CUHK’s signature purple and gold – representing devotion and loyalty, and perseverance and resolution, respectively. The new uniforms reflect the team’s professionalism and vibrant spirit, while embodying the youth’s loyalty and commitment to the nation, Hong Kong and the University, as well as their steadfast dedication to promoting patriotic values.
Navigating the AI era through virtue and ethics
CUHK holds the Inauguration Ceremony for Undergraduates 2026
At the Inauguration Ceremony for Undergraduates 2026 held at Sir Run Run Shaw Hall, Professor Lo welcomed the incoming cohort, encouraging them to regard CUHK as their second home for intellectual and personal growth.
Addressing how students could navigate the artificial intelligence (AI) era, Professor Lo emphasised the importance of developing both technical capabilities and sound moral judgement. He encouraged students to use AI responsibly, with honesty, independent judgement and respect for others. He noted that, as routine tasks became increasingly automated, human strengths such as empathy, critical reasoning and moral judgement would become even more important, highlighting why the University motto, “Through Learning and Temperance to Virtue”, was more relevant today than ever.
Professor Lo added that a journey at CUHK would open up opportunities for students to become responsible global citizens, “Social responsibility begins with an awareness that our actions and attitudes can make a difference. As an ancient Chinese saying goes, ‘A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step’ (「千里之行，始於足下」). The idea of changing the world may seem daunting. Yet social responsibility often starts with small, everyday actions on campus and in the local community: volunteering, supporting community initiatives, embracing sustainability or extending kindness to those around us. Meaningful change is built one step at a time: start locally while thinking globally, using knowledge and talent to contribute to the common good.”
Professor Lo invited students to actively participate in the journey of shaping CUHK’s future trajectory, adding that their curiosity, integrity, fresh ideas and willingness to contribute would play a vital role in the University’s development.
With 30 Years of Industry Dedication, A-Share Listed Enterprise Huali Shares Achieves Over 50% Growth Against Market Trends
HUAFULI Makes Its First Foray into Hong Kong with the Grand Opening of the 2,800 sq. ft. “HUAFULI Hong Kong Home Art Gallery”
Executive President Xie Zhikun Reveals Deep Ties with Hong Kong; Hong Kong Regional Manager Ken So Addresses Industry Pain Points and Sets HK$100 Million Sales Target
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 September 2026 – HUAFULI, a high-end decorative panel brand under the Shanghai Stock Exchange main board listed company “Dongguan Huali Industries Co., Ltd.” (Stock Code: 603038.SH), has leveraged its 30 years of brand heritage and formidable R&D and supply chain strength to achieve a rapid growth of over 50% against recent market downturns! Backed by a robust brand history, HUAFULI served as a supporting furniture materials supplier for top-tier international events, including the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games, and the 2011 Shenzhen Summer Universiade, earning national-level recognition for its quality.
(From left) Mr. Wang Tangxin, Co-founder of Dongguan Huali Industries Co., Ltd.; Mr. Xie Zhikun, CEO and Co-founder of Dongguan Huali Industries Co., Ltd.; Mr. Wayne Lai Yiu Cheung, Brand Spokesperson of HUAFULI; Mr. Jacky Tan Xujie, Vice Chairman of Dongguan Huali Industries Co., Ltd.; Mr. Ji Juntao, Vice President of Dongguan Huali Industries Co., Ltd.; and Mr. Lu Xuqiu, Co-founder of Dongguan Huali Industries Co., Ltd. jointly officiate the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the opening of the new showroom.
HUAFULI today officially announced its full-scale entry into the Hong Kong market, establishing its presence in the heart of Lockhart Road, Wan Chai—renowned as “Hong Kong’s Building Materials Street.” A grand opening ceremony was held for its brand-new 2,800 sq. ft. flagship exhibition hall, the “HUAFULI Hong Kong Home Art Gallery”. The brand offers an Integrated Door-Wall-Cabinet solution and localized services, using Hong Kong as a strategic pivot to expand into the global market!
The ceremony, themed “Huafuli: A New Chapter in Hong Kong”, was officiated by management representatives, including Mr. Jacky Tan Xujie, Vice Chairman of Dongguan Huali Industries Co., Ltd., Mr. Xie Zhikun, CEO and Co-founder of Dongguan Huali Industries Co., Ltd., Mr. Lu Xuqiu, Co-founder of Dongguan Huali Industries Co., Ltd., Mr. Wang Tangxin, Co-founder of Dongguan Huali Industries Co., Ltd., Mr. Ji Juntao, Vice President of Dongguan Huali Industries Co., Ltd., and Mr. Ken So, Sales Manager of the Hong Kong Region, Huafuli. The event also featured a heavyweight guest, three-time TV King, renowned artist, and Brand Spokesperson Mr. Wayne Lai, who attended the ribbon-cutting and conducted a live contract signing ceremony, witnessing this significant milestone in HUAFULI’s development in Hong Kong.
30 Years of Dedication: From Single-Product Champion to System Service Provider; Executive President Xie Zhikun Reveals Deep “Hong Kong Ties”
Founded in 1995, Huali Shares was listed on the SSE main board in 2017. In its early years, the brand took the lead in breaking foreign technological monopolies, spearheading the formulation of China’s furniture edge banding industry standards, and achieving the highest national sales for ten consecutive years. Over 30 years of development, the brand has successfully upgraded from an edge banding sales champion to a whole-house system service provider encompassing decorative panels, edge banding, and home hardware. Amid the transformative challenges faced by the home building materials industry in recent years, HUAFULI has defied market trends with a robust growth of over 50%, demonstrating remarkable business resilience and market leadership.
During his opening speech, Mr. Xie Zhikun, CEO and Co-founder of Dongguan Huali Industries Co., Ltd., shared emotionally: “Thirty years ago, we started with a single edge banding strip, proactively formulating the industry standards for furniture edge banding in China and maintaining the number one sales position nationwide for thirty consecutive years. With this dedication, we successfully upgraded from a ‘single-product champion’ to a complete system covering decorative panels, edge banding, and home hardware. Even when the industry faced challenges recently, HUAFULI still achieved a 50% growth against the trend. In fact, our connection with Hong Kong began back in 2008 when we established a subsidiary here. Hong Kong people are extremely particular about home quality, placing special emphasis on eco-friendliness, moisture resistance, and health, which are precisely HUAFULI’s strengths. The ‘HUAFULI Hong Kong Home Art Gallery’ unveiled today is not just an ordinary showroom, but a home art gallery that offers peace of mind and lifestyle aesthetics. In the future, we will collaborate with all sectors in Hong Kong using solid products, a professional team, and localized services, opening a new chapter where quality and craftsmanship parallel each other—basing ourselves in Hong Kong, connecting with the Mainland, and radiating globally!”
Mr. Ken So, Sales Manager of the Hong Kong Region, Huafuli, Addresses Three Industry Pain Points, Eliminates Northbound Travel Hassles, and Sets a HK$100 Million Sales Target
In an exclusive media interview, Mr. Ken So, Sales Manager of the Hong Kong Region, Huafuli, deeply analyzed the business logic and localized strategy behind the brand’s entry into Hong Kong:
Eliminating Cross-border Travel Fatigue to Significantly Boost Deal Success Rates: Mr. So pointed out that local interior designers and homeowners were often limited to brochure samples or had to endure tiring trips to Mainland factories to view actual materials. “We established ourselves directly in the core area of Lockhart Road, Wan Chai, building a 2,800 sq. ft. high-spec exhibition hall. Designers can now bring clients at any time to view 1:1 physical large panels and finished door-wall-cabinet displays. The art gallery does not retail directly to homeowners but serves as a shared design base for Hong Kong designers and contractors, addressing eco-concerns on the spot and significantly improving local designers’ deal success rates.”
Insisting on a 100% Direct-Sale Model with Unified National Pricing—”Not a Cent Added”: Differentiating from traditional building material brands that rely on multi-tiered agents, Mr. So emphasized HUAFULI’s commitment to a direct-sale system: “Whether in the Mainland or Hong Kong, HUAFULI is directly operated by the group, ensuring high consistency in product quality, after-sales service, and pricing. Although we have set up a top-tier showroom in the prime location of Wan Chai and hired a star spokesperson, the panel prices remain unified nationally with the Mainland—’not a cent added’—truly yielding benefits to local partners with sincerity.”
Eco-friendly Panels Replacing Traditional Laminates; Setting a HK$100 Million Sales Target: Mr. So analyzed that eco-friendly decorative panels are in a golden growth period in Hong Kong, gradually replacing traditional fireproof laminates and veneers. “We see massive market potential, and HUAFULI has set a target of achieving HK$100 million in sales in Hong Kong within 3 to 5 years! The Hong Kong market is strict and aligned with international standards. We are using Hong Kong as a touchstone and strategic hub for adapting to global standards, and will further expand into more overseas markets in the future.”
Strong Supply Chain Backing to Achieve “Zero Minimum Order, Next-Day Delivery” Express Fulfillment: Relying on six major production bases in the Mainland (totaling 600,000 square meters) and a network of 14 branch warehouses, HUAFULI breaks the traditional months-long waiting period for imported building materials. It provides the local industry with a localized, one-stop delivery service characterized by “zero minimum order, zero inventory requirements, same-day response, and next-day delivery,” greatly alleviating the financial and warehousing pressures on local partners.
Global Debut of German-Japanese Nano-Microcrystalline EBH Technology; Dual Ultimate Eco-certifications Lead New Trends in HK Building Materials
With Hong Kong’s increasingly stringent requirements for green buildings, indoor air quality, and ESG standards, HUAFULI brings a high-specification product system suitable for the Hong Kong environment:
Hong Kong Debut of the German-Japanese EBH Series: Combining German plasma spraying and Japanese precision light-curing technologies, this series boasts top-tier performance across six dimensions: anti-fingerprint (90% reduction), scratch resistance (2H+ hardness), anti-mildew and antibacterial (99.5%+), and yellowing resistance. Its surface presents an advanced, luxurious 5° matte gloss, perfectly adapting to Hong Kong’s humid climate.
Dual Highest Eco-certifications: “ENF Grade + JIS JAS F4-star”: Showcasing top-tier eco-friendly panels (including Particle Board, Multi-layer Plywood, and Oriented Strand Board, etc.) that have comprehensively passed the dual certifications of the national highest environmental standard “ENF Grade” (formaldehyde emission ≤0.025 mg/m³) and Japan’s highest environmental standard “F☆☆☆☆ (F4-Star).”
Recognized by the “Hong Kong ECO Mark”: The products have obtained the Hong Kong Green Label Scheme certification, achieving extremely low TVOC and formaldehyde emissions from the source. This directly addresses the pain points of Hong Kong’s indoor air quality and aligns with the high standards for ESG inspection by developers.
Patented Laser Edge Banding 2.0 and colour matched door-wall-cabinet system: The entire series comes standard with the original factory’s seamless laser edge banding technology, achieving panel edge banding in-one. HUAFULI particularly advocates the “Integrated Door-Wall-Cabinet” concept, where interior doors, wall panels, and custom cabinets are all made from the same original factory batch of substrates with identical colors and textures. This achieves zero color difference and a highly unified whole-house aesthetics with perfectly extended textures, providing unparalleled one-stop quality solutions when paired with original factory moldings and hardware components.
Star Spokesperson Mr. Wayne Lai Yiu Cheung Attends the Event, Heavily Endorses Dual Ultimate Eco-friendliness at Contract Signing
The atmosphere at the grand opening ceremony was vibrant, with traditional auspicious lion eye-dotting and lion dance performances kicking off the splendid prologue for the “HUAFULI Hong Kong Home Art Gallery.” Brand Spokesperson Mr. Wayne Lai Yiu Cheung conducted a grand contract signing ceremony on site and joined management guests for a celebratory group toast and photo.
Hashtag: #HUAFULI
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About HUAFULI
Founded in 1995, Huali Shares was listed on the main board of the Shanghai Stock Exchange in 2017 (Stock Code: 603038.SH). Starting from the field of decorative composite materials, the company has adhered to integrity and innovation, inherited the spirit of craftsmanship, and over the past 30 years, has developed into a comprehensive holding enterprise encompassing home building materials, smart water affairs, membrane filtration materials, and industrial digital intelligence businesses. It is committed to leading industry progress through high-level R&D, satisfying people’s aspirations for a better life through technological innovation, and empowering industrial upgrades through digital and intelligent technologies. Its home building materials business primarily focuses on edge banding, decorative panels, and home hardware, mainly used in panel furniture, interior decoration, and commercial space construction. It is the first domestic home materials manufacturing enterprise to break the German technological monopoly and possess independent intellectual property rights, and is the leading formulator of important industry standards for edge banding in China.
A Gyr Pure Ultra White falcon sold for AED2.1 million at the final auction of ADIHEX 2026 in Abu Dhabi, setting what organisers said was the highest price ever paid for a falcon at auction. The United States-origin bird drew competitive bidding at the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition, where its rare white plumage, pure lineage and appearance made it one of the most sought-after […]
Deputy Prime Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas outlined an investment-led blueprint anchored by an upgraded Joint Public Private Committee (JPCC), private-sector syndication, and World Bank alignment ahead of the 2026 Annual Meetings and 2028 ASEAN Chairmanship.
BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 September 2026 – Thailand is ready to cross into “new horizons” — achieving high-income status and driving a more resilient ASEAN, declared Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Dr. Ekniti Nitithanprapas as he delivered the closing address at the Bangkok Business Summit 2026 today,
Public and private sector leaders at the closing of the Bangkok Business Summit 2026, Queen Sirikit National Convention Center.
Detailing the strategic “why, how, and design” of the national transition, Dr. Ekniti stated that entering new horizons is an unavoidable global imperative. While ASEAN is uniquely positioned to capture emerging opportunities, the region must guard against severe geopolitical, technological, and climate risks with proactive, unified action.
Dr. Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, at the closing panel of the Bangkok Business Summit 2026.
“The goals must be clear, and we are completely on the same page: Thailand must achieve high-income status,” said Dr. Ekniti.
“The recipe provided by the World Bank aligns directly with what our business leaders have outlined. An investment-led growth policy, private-sector-centred endeavours, and persistent implementation are what the government and business community are now executing together. Think of the seven new growth engines as our forwards on the pitch. The government acts as both coach and midfielder — spearheading investment, driving trade, empowering SMEs, unlocking regulatory friction, and cultivating human capital. Meanwhile, fiscal and financial stability serves as our steadfast defensive backline.”
Dr. Ekniti affirmed that the Joint Public and Private Committee (JPPC) will no longer function as a purely advisory body, but will operate as an executive economic steering council mandated to enact structural reforms and track execution against the World Bank’s recommendations.
“We will not be the same old Thailand. We will be driving the global agenda. Thailand will enter new horizons, empower people, and build resilience,” Dr. Ekniti emphasised. “In the next two years, Thailand will assume the Chairmanship of ASEAN. We will establish a long-term, multi-year agenda for a stronger, more resilient ASEAN. If this new model of public-private partnership carries on, we will decisively reinvent Thailand.”
Key leaders representing the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry, and Banking (JSCCIB) delivered strategic sector priorities to anchor the transition.
Representatives of the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) share Thailand’s strategic economic direction.
Payong Srivanich, Chairman of the JSCCIB and the Thai Bankers’ Association, underscored that reinventing the economy requires modernising legacy industries while creating space for future engines.
“From three core challenges – structural, competitiveness, and public-sector efficiency – came the White Paper outlining the seven industries of the future,” stated Mr. Payong. “This time, the government has presented a credible policy framework based on collaborative public-private partnership. Thailand must address fundamental security—whether in food, energy, or low-carbon growth. We are declaring to the world that we are done with planning and on the same page. Now we are geared up for execution.”
Dr. Poj Aramwattananont, Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and Board of Trade of Thailand, stressed that amid geopolitical friction, geoeconomics, and regional conflict, growth must be anchored in ASEAN’s 600-plus million people which serve as both supply and demand networks.
Adapting to international trading rules is inseparable from Thailand’s targeted accession to the OECD by 2028. The accession process acts as the structural catalyst to modernise domestic legislation, corporate governance, transparency, and fair market competition to premier global standards—lowering compliance costs and solidifying investor confidence.
Pimjai Leeissaranukul, Chairwoman of the Federation of Thai Industries, insisted that Thailand must build its own brand; it can no longer afford to be just the world’s OEM. She called for a decisive departure from labor-cost competition toward high productivity, automation, AI, and green sustainability. She advocated expanding target sectors—such as next-generation electric vehicles, smart electronics, automation, and wellness—while enforcing enhanced public procurement.
Carlos Felipe Jaramillo, Vice President for East Asia and Pacific at the World Bank, observed that the eyes of the financial world will be on Bangkok next month as it hosts the 2026 IMF–World Bank Group Annual Meetings, providing Thailand with a premier global stage to show that it is advancing on a credible pathway to attain high-income status by 2037.
“The World Bank has presented a series of structural reforms that Thailand can pursue to reach high-income status, creating more and better-paying jobs for young Thais in the future,” Mr. Jaramillo stated. “The plan deliberately puts the private sector at the center, because experience has taught us that the private sector is the primary engine of employment. This reform agenda is multifaceted, requiring coordinated national effort, and, more importantly, relentless persistence in implementation.”
The Bangkok Business Summit 2026 concluded with a clear consensus: today’s closing discussions mark the formal launch of sustained, institutionalised execution across the public sector, private enterprise, and multilateral institutions to ensure Thailand stands as a resilient economic anchor for the wider ASEAN region.
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Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Iran plans to declare a new exclusion zone near the Strait of Hormuz after its forces targeted three oil tankers and three US-linked vessels in retaliation for American strikes on Iranian shipping, raising risks to commercial traffic through the Gulf. Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said the proposed zone would extend from what Tehran describes as the US naval […]
Dubai Land Department has introduced its AI-powered Initial Registration platform, combining project registration, property transaction registration and escrow account management in a single digital journey for developers. The platform, launched on September 3, is designed to cut repetitive data entry and document submissions while improving coordination between developers, the Dubai Land Department, or DLD, and banks responsible for managing project escrow accounts. It also gives developers a […]
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