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UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan welcomed Modi on arrival, underscoring the personal diplomacy that has become a defining feature of ties between the two leaders. The visit opened the first leg of Modi’s five-nation tour, which is scheduled to include the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Italy between May 15 and 20.

The Abu Dhabi stop carries immediate strategic weight for New Delhi as energy markets remain exposed to geopolitical pressure and supply uncertainty. Discussions between the two sides were centred on long-term energy arrangements, petroleum reserves, liquefied petroleum gas supply and a wider defence framework, reflecting the broadening scope of a relationship once driven largely by trade, remittances and crude oil.

Agreements signed during the visit covered defence cooperation, petroleum reserve collaboration and LPG supply. The defence pact points to a gradual shift in the partnership towards security coordination, technology exchange and maritime stability, particularly as both countries seek to protect trade routes and energy flows across the Arabian Sea, the Gulf and the wider West Asia region.

Energy remains the strongest pillar of the relationship. The UAE is among India’s key suppliers of crude oil and gas, while Abu Dhabi’s state-linked energy companies have already taken part in India’s strategic petroleum reserve programme. New Delhi has been seeking to expand reserve capacity as part of a long-term effort to cushion the economy from global supply shocks, currency pressure and price spikes.

For Abu Dhabi, the visit fits a broader strategy of deepening ties with major Asian economies while positioning the UAE as an energy, finance, logistics and technology hub. The UAE’s investment push into ports, renewable energy, infrastructure, food corridors and financial services has increasingly aligned with India’s priorities in manufacturing, digital infrastructure and supply-chain diversification.

Bilateral trade has grown strongly since the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement came into force in 2022. The pact reduced tariffs on a wide range of goods and helped accelerate commerce in gems and jewellery, petroleum products, food, metals, machinery and services. Both sides have set ambitious targets to lift non-oil trade, while businesses have expanded their use of rupee-dirham settlement mechanisms and cross-border payment links.

The partnership has also moved deeper into technology. Artificial intelligence, digital public infrastructure, data centres, financial technology and advanced computing have emerged as major areas of cooperation, especially after high-level exchanges earlier this year involving Sheikh Mohamed and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The proposed deployment of advanced computing infrastructure in India, with UAE-linked institutions and companies involved, has reinforced the technology dimension of the relationship.

People-to-people ties remain central to the diplomatic equation. The UAE hosts one of the largest overseas communities from India, with millions working across construction, services, health care, finance, aviation, education and technology. Their remittances and social links have long shaped the political warmth between the two countries, while improved consular services, labour welfare frameworks and easier travel arrangements remain important issues in bilateral engagement.

Modi’s Abu Dhabi visit also follows a sequence of symbolic gestures that have strengthened the public profile of the relationship. Sheikh Mohamed visited India in January this year, while senior members of Abu Dhabi and Dubai’s ruling families have taken part in major diplomatic and technology engagements. Modi’s 2024 visit to the UAE included the inauguration of the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, a project presented by both sides as a marker of tolerance and cultural connection.

The premier music festival will play host to 16 K-pop, regional and Malaysian stars including, in performance order: Day 1 – NexT1DE, Aina Abdul, Belle Sisoski, Win Metawin, NMIXX, WINNER, DAESUNG, KUN. Day 2 – Uriah See, Firdhaus, Butterbear, 82MAJOR, STAYC, CRAVITY, TWS, CxM

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 May 2026 – Your next major K-pop experience is just a savings goal away as HL Bank Singapore (“HLB Singapore”) bridges the gap between financial wellness and the front row. In an exclusive collaboration designed for the ultimate music enthusiast, the bank is offering fans the chance to secure a pair of sought-after AsiaTop Music Festival 2026 tickets, valued at up to RM1,098 (approx. S$355), simply by growing their wealth.

This unique initiative stems from the regional synergy between Hong Leong Bank (“HLB”) and Tencent Music Entertainment Group (JOOX and QQ Music). By aligning with Visit Malaysia Year and Visit Selangor Year 2026, HLB is transforming the traditional banking experience into a gateway for premium entertainment. Scheduled for 30 and 31 May 2026 at the iconic Sepang International Circuit, the festival promises a high-octane weekend featuring an elite lineup of Asian superstars, including the largest K-pop showcase in the ASEAN region.

Securing a spot at the heart of the action has been streamlined through the iSavings Reward Campaign, running from 9 May 2026 to 18 May 2026. To participate, fans first decide on their preferred festival experience, selecting either a pair of Standard Passes with a S$5,000 deposit or the high-energy, nearer-to-the-stars Rockzone Passes with a S$8,282 deposit for their chosen day.

Once a tier is selected, customers can register by depositing the qualifying funds into an iSavings account via FAST or Links transfer. To validate their entry, customers must include the specific Comment Code, such as PALLIR1 for Day 1 Rockzone, within the funds transfer description. The qualifying balance must be maintained within the account for a six-month (182 days) earmarked period.

With only 88 pairs of tickets available for this exclusive campaign, the stakes are high. Allocation is limited to 22 pairs per day for each ticket category and will be awarded strictly on a first-come, first-served basis. Fans are encouraged to act quickly to ensure their savings work as hard as they do while securing a premier seat at the musical event of the year.

For full terms & conditions, and further details, please visit: www.hlbank.com.sg/AsiaTop2026

Hashtag: #HLBankSingapore

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

HL Bank Singapore

HL Bank Singapore is the Singapore branch of Hong Leong Bank Berhad, a leading digital-centric Malaysia-based financial services institution with a rooted heritage in the country spanning over 120 years. Operating under a Full Bank Licence in Singapore, HL Bank offers a comprehensive range of financial services to our business, retail and high networth customers through our 4 core business segments – Business & Corporate Banking, Personal Financial Services, Private Wealth Management and Global Markets.

The proposal, pushed by the Reserve Bank of India and under examination by the finance ministry, would lower the tax burden on overseas investors earning returns from government and corporate debt. The measure is being considered as policymakers seek to align India’s bond taxation framework more closely with other emerging markets and strengthen the appeal of rupee assets at a time of volatile global capital flows.

Foreign investors currently face tax on coupon income of around 20 per cent, alongside capital gains obligations that vary depending on treaty arrangements and holding periods. A concessional 5 per cent tax rate on interest income had earlier helped attract participation, but that dispensation ended in 2023. Market participants have since argued that the higher tax cost has limited the impact of India’s inclusion in major global bond indices.

The government securities market is valued at about $1.3 trillion, but foreign ownership remains near 3 per cent, far below levels seen in several comparable emerging markets. The gap has persisted despite the phased inclusion of government bonds in widely tracked indices run by JPMorgan and FTSE Russell, and despite the country’s relatively high real yields compared with several Asian peers.

Bond investors have welcomed the direction of policy discussions, though the scale and timing of any tax change remain uncertain. A reduction could improve net returns for overseas funds, especially passive investors whose allocations are guided by benchmark weights. It could also encourage more active managers to increase positions in rupee debt, provided currency risks and settlement procedures remain manageable.

The rupee has been under pressure as foreign investors trimmed exposure to local equities and as global dollar strength affected emerging-market currencies. A deeper foreign bid for bonds could help stabilise capital flows, support reserves management and reduce the cost of government borrowing over time. The benchmark 10-year yield has already reacted to expectations of a friendlier tax regime, moving lower as traders priced in the possibility of stronger inflows.

The debate forms part of a broader effort to make the domestic debt market more accessible. The Reserve Bank has retained foreign portfolio investment limits for the 2026-27 financial year, keeping the cap at 6 per cent for central government securities, 2 per cent for state development loans and 15 per cent for corporate bonds. Available headroom under these limits remains underused, suggesting that tax treatment, liquidity conditions and operational procedures matter as much as formal access.

Policy planners are also focused on the corporate bond market, where deeper foreign participation could help fund infrastructure, green energy, housing finance and private-sector expansion. The country’s corporate debt market remains smaller than its banking system and equity market, leaving companies heavily dependent on bank lending. A more attractive tax framework could draw long-term investors such as pension funds, insurers and sovereign wealth funds, although credit depth and transparency would still need improvement.

Foreign investors have long cited India’s source-based taxation, documentation rules and compliance requirements as barriers to larger allocations. Tax treaties reduce the burden for investors from some jurisdictions, but the framework remains uneven. A clearer and lower withholding structure could reduce uncertainty and help India compete more effectively with Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico and South Africa, where foreign bond investors often face lighter tax treatment.

The policy choice is not without trade-offs. Lower taxes would reduce immediate revenue from foreign bond income, and a larger foreign presence could make the debt market more sensitive to shifts in global interest rates and risk appetite. Sudden outflows during periods of stress could amplify pressure on the rupee and complicate monetary policy. Authorities are therefore likely to balance market deepening with safeguards designed to prevent destabilising flows.

The fiscal backdrop will also shape the decision. The Centre continues to manage a large borrowing programme while trying to lower the fiscal deficit gradually. A broader foreign investor base could help absorb government debt and keep yields contained, but officials are unlikely to move without assessing revenue costs, treaty implications and the impact on domestic financial institutions.

Cape Town to host continent’s largest energy gathering as focus shifts from aspiration to execution

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Apartment prices in the capital rose 0.28 per cent in the week through May 11, up from 0.15 per cent a week earlier, marking the steepest gain since late January. The increase extended Seoul’s run of weekly advances to 67 weeks, while nationwide apartment prices rose 0.06 per cent, underscoring a widening gap between the capital and the rest of the country. All 25 districts in Seoul posted gains, with Gangnam returning to positive territory after a 12-week decline and jeonse prices also climbing 0.28 per cent.

The renewed strength has added pressure on policymakers before the Bank of Korea’s May 28 rate-setting meeting, the first under Governor Shin Hyun-song. The central bank held its base rate at 2.50 per cent in April, citing rising inflation pressures, weaker growth risks and financial-market volatility linked to the Middle East conflict. Shin has signalled that policy will remain cautious and flexible, with price stability and financial stability both central to the bank’s calculations.

Housing is becoming a harder constraint for monetary policy because Seoul’s property market has moved in the opposite direction from the broader economy. Growth has been facing pressure from external demand uncertainty, higher energy costs and weaker household spending, yet the capital’s housing market continues to draw buyers who expect limited supply and further rental increases. That combination reduces the room for rate cuts, as easier financial conditions could feed more leverage into an already expensive market.

Consumer inflation reached 2.6 per cent in April, the highest reading since July 2024, after rising from 2.2 per cent in March. Transport costs, housing and utilities were among the categories adding pressure, while oil-linked effects from the Middle East conflict have complicated the central bank’s effort to bring inflation back towards its 2 per cent target. A departing board member, previously seen as dovish, warned this week that inflation control should remain the bank’s priority even at the cost of weaker growth.

The property upturn is also being reinforced by South Korea’s jeonse system, under which tenants provide large lump-sum deposits instead of monthly rent. Tight supply of rental homes and rising jeonse costs have encouraged some households to shift towards buying, particularly in Seoul districts where demand remains resilient despite lending controls. Housing rental prices have been moving higher since early 2024, and rent carries significant weight within services inflation, making it a sensitive issue for both the central bank and fiscal authorities.

Government measures have so far produced uneven results. Authorities tightened trading rules in wealthy Seoul districts last year, including Gangnam, Seocho, Songpa and Yongsan, after speculation returned quickly when permit requirements were eased. They also moved to fast-track housing supply in the capital region, where limited available land and slow redevelopment approvals have kept pressure on prices. Apartment prices in Seoul climbed nearly 9 per cent in 2025 despite those interventions, leaving policymakers wary that demand-side restrictions alone may not be enough.

The latest move comes after a brief moderation linked partly to tax policy expectations. Earlier this year, the central bank said price increases in Seoul and surrounding areas had slowed under the government’s plan to end the temporary suspension of higher capital gains taxes on multiple-home owners. The rebound in May suggests buyers may be adapting to policy changes rather than retreating, particularly in areas where expectations of long-term scarcity remain strong.

Financial stability concerns remain central because household debt is closely tied to housing prices. South Korea’s mortgage market has long made the property cycle a major channel for monetary policy, and a renewed rise in Seoul apartments could encourage more borrowing at a time when real incomes remain under pressure. A stronger won and improved equity sentiment linked to semiconductor demand may ease some external strains, but they also add complexity by supporting domestic confidence.

Fiscal policy is moving in a more expansionary direction, supported by strong tax revenue from the artificial intelligence and semiconductor cycle. Fitch has said South Korea has room for active spending because chip-sector strength has improved the revenue outlook, while monetary policy may need to stay restrictive because of inflation risks. That divergence places greater responsibility on the central bank to prevent housing and price pressures from becoming embedded.

Vietnam’s First Mixed-Use Landmark Destination

Set opposite Ben Thanh Market, One Central Saigon is a landmark mixed-use destination where luxury living, hospitality, retail and business converge at the centre of Ho Chi Minh City. The project also marks The Ritz-Carlton hotel brand’s debut in Vietnam, alongside The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Saigon, Grade A+ offices, curated retail, services and fine dining.

HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 May 2026 – Masterise Homes, a member of Masterise Group, has officially launched One Central Saigon, Vietnam’s first mixed-use landmark destination, marking the arrival of a new address where international standards of living, hospitality, retail, business and services come together in Ho Chi Minh City.

The launch event was attended by representatives of Ho Chi Minh City government authorities, senior leaders from Masterise Group, Masterise Homes and Marriott International, as well as leading experts in real estate, economics and tourism.

Over the past decade, the centre of gravity of the global economy has shifted decisively towards Asia, with Vietnam emerging as one of the region’s most compelling growth stories. Ho Chi Minh City, the country’s economic engine, is entering a new phase of development as a dynamic, deeply connected metropolis.

Around the world, certain developments have helped shape how cities are recognised internationally, from Hong Kong’s IFC and Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands to Kuala Lumpur’s Petronas Twin Towers and Dubai’s Burj Khalifa. These projects did more than create striking skylines. They helped shape how the world sees their cities and countries. One Central Saigon is positioned within this tradition of city-shaping developments, with a vision that combines international standards, Vietnamese identity and long-term urban value.

“We believe Vietnam has reached the moment where it is ready for a development of the calibre of One Central Saigon,” said Ms Nguyen Thi Minh Phuong, Managing Director, Southern Region, Masterise Group. “The project has been present in Ho Chi Minh City for some time and has passed through several phases of development. Today, it is being introduced with a clearer vision. With a sense of responsibility to contribute to the nation’s development journey in a new era, Masterise Group aspires to continue building an iconic landmark where the world’s highest experiential standards converge with the identity, energy and ambition of the city. This is also how we contribute to projecting the image of a modern, confident and culturally rich Vietnam onto the international stage.”

A rare address in the city’s historic core
For more than a century, Ben Thanh Market has been one of Ho Chi Minh City’s great urban constants: a place of trade, arrival and encounter, and one of the few landmarks instantly recognised across Vietnam and beyond.

Its clock tower, market halls and surrounding streets are woven into the city’s daily rhythm and public memory, giving the area a significance that extends far beyond location. Set directly opposite the market, with four rare frontages along Pham Ngu Lao, Calmette, Le Thi Hong Gam and Pho Duc Chinh streets in the former District 1, One Central Saigon holds one of the city’s most strategic locations and shares a unique connection with Ho Chi Minh City’s historic urban core.

One Central Saigon will rise as two towers above a retail and commercial podium on an 8,537 sqm site, with 19,990 sqm of commercial space across seven above-ground levels and six basement floors. The retail centre is envisioned as a destination for luxury retail, curated services and fine dining, with brands and experiences selected for both international appeal and the evolving needs of Vietnamese customers. Its basement levels will connect directly to Ben Thanh Metro Station via an underground link, integrating the project with the city’s public transit network.

Together with Grade A+ offices, The Ritz-Carlton, Saigon and The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Saigon, the development forms a seamless mixed-use ecosystem for luxury living, hospitality, retail, business, services and lifestyle experiences at the centre of Ho Chi Minh City.

Song Long Ngậm Ngọc: Vietnamese symbolism, global expertise
The architecture of One Central Saigon is inspired by Song Long Ngậm Ngọc, or Twin Dragons Playing with a Pearl, a Vietnamese cultural motif associated with strength, prosperity and wisdom. The two towers rise and converge around a central point, creating a contemporary architectural expression of Vietnamese identity within the Ben Thanh district.

Among the tallest twin towers in Vietnam and the region, One Central Saigon is a structurally complex undertaking that requires significant investment, precision, and attention at every stage of execution. The project brings together an international design and construction team, including Arquitectonica as design architect, HBA for interior design, B+H, a member of Surbana Jurong Group, as executive architect, and Turner for project management.

International operational standards add another defining layer of value to One Central Saigon. With more than a century of heritage in luxury hospitality, The Ritz-Carlton brings refinement, attention to detail, privacy and highly personalised service to the project’s ultra-luxury positioning.

The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Saigon opens a new chapter in ultra-luxury living, while The Ritz-Carlton, Saigon marks the hotel brand’s debut in Vietnam, reflecting Ho Chi Minh City’s growing appeal to international travellers, investors, entrepreneurs and high-net-worth individuals.

The Grade A+ office component is designed for global corporations and forward-thinking business leaders seeking a workplace within a 5-star international ecosystem.

Vietnam’s luxury momentum accelerates
The launch comes as Vietnam continues to attract global capital, international brands and a rising generation of high-net-worth consumers. Official data showed real GDP growth of 8.02% in 2025, up from 7.09%, while foreign direct investment reached a record US$27.62 billion.

Tourism is adding further momentum. Vietnam welcomed nearly 21.2 million international visitors in 2025, its strongest year for inbound tourism, while Ho Chi Minh City received nearly 8.6 million international visitors, up 40.3% year on year.

Branded residences are following the same trajectory. Savills reports that branded residences in Asia Pacific increased by 55% over the past five years, while C9 Hotelworks’ Asia Branded Residences Market Review 2025 points to Vietnam as one of the region’s most important future supply markets.

For Masterise Group, One Central Saigon extends an international branded real estate portfolio that includes Grand Marina, Saigon, featuring Marriott and JW Marriott-branded residences, and The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Hanoi at The Grand. It also gives Vietnam’s ultra-luxury real estate growth story tangible form beside one of Ho Chi Minh City’s most prized historical sites.

As the city enters a new phase of development, expanding in both scale and quality, thoughtfully planned and professionally operated integrated developments such as One Central Saigon are expected to enrich the city’s tourism, services and urban experience ecosystem. The project is positioned to create lasting value for the community and elevate the standing of Ho Chi Minh City and Vietnam on the international stage.
Hashtag: #MasteriseGroup

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

About Masterise Group

Masterise Group is an international real estate development group, pioneering a comprehensive ecosystem spanning residential and hospitality developments, as well as urban infrastructure and logistics. Founded in 2007 as Thao Dien Investment and officially rebranded as Masterise Group in 2019, Masterise Group sees real estate as more than buildings; it is the foundation for a nation’s future, providing infrastructure for connection, momentum for progress, elevated living and generational legacy. With a long-term vision, Masterise Group continuously pushes boundaries, creates sustainable value, elevates quality of life and contributes to strengthening Vietnam’s new era of growth and global ambition.

Masterise Homes is a member of Masterise Group and manages and develops all of the group’s residential real estate brands. As Vietnam’s pioneer in branded real estate development, Masterise Homes’ mission goes beyond delivering architectural landmarks with refined design and integrated amenities. Masterise Homes strives to craft comprehensive living spaces where residents experience a standard of living that goes beyond the basic function of a home.

More info: https://masterisegroup.com/en.
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