Cyber literacy has become the leading global people risk as employers confront ransomware, AI-enabled fraud, technology skills gaps and fragile workforce readiness, Marsh’s 2026 People Risks survey has found. The report, based on views from 4,517 human resources and risk professionals across 26 markets and 12 industries, places inadequate cyber threat literacy at the top of the global risk list. Technology skills shortages, including cyber and artificial […]
By Nitya Chakraborty Just two weeks before the scheduled summit of U.S President Donald Trump with the Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on May 14-15, the report of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) on the status of AI related applications, has unnerved the U.S. administration as the latest Chinese supremacy in robot related […]
US President Donald Trump has urged Iran to “get smart soon” and sign a deal, sharpening pressure on Tehran as efforts to end the conflict remain stalled and Washington weighs keeping a naval blockade of Iranian ports in place for months. Trump used a Truth Social post on Wednesday to accuse Iran of failing to reach what he called a “non-nuclear deal”, saying Tehran “couldn’t get its […]
BEIJING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 April 2026 – Auto China 2026 officially opened in Beijing. Under the theme of “Commitment & Integrity,” GWM unveiled its comprehensive global localization strategy for the first time. Backed by a compelling product lineup and cutting-edge technology, the GWM booth quickly became one of the most talked-about highlights of the show.
Left — GWM ONE Platform; Center — GWM CEO Mu Feng Delivers Keynote Speechat Auto China 2026; Right — High-Performance V8
In his speech, GWM CEO Mu Feng emphasized that commitment and integrity are essential to accelerating high-quality growth. Guided by the GWM ONE (Guiyuan) philosophy, GWM continues to focus on real user needs, building solid product strength, technological excellence, and global brand value.
“Trust built on commitment and integrity is the strongest foundation in business,” Mu said. From a global perspective, he reaffirmed GWM’s commitment to deepening its roots in international markets, constructing a complete business ecosystem, and advancing what he called “ecosystem-based globalization.” Based on respect, long-term dedication, and genuine local cultivation, the company aims to forge lasting bonds of trust with users worldwide.
A Robust Portfolio Defining Elevated Product Excellence
At Auto China 2026, GWM showcased a comprehensive portfolio spanning six major lineups. From family SUVs to premium off-road vehicles, from urban commuting to long-distance motorcycle touring, the offerings are thoughtfully engineered to meet the diverse demands of today’s mainstream global consumers.
The WEY V9X is the first flagship model built on the GWM ONE S Platform. With its spacious six-seat layout, native AI agent, and Super Hi4 hybrid architecture, the V9X was developed not just for China, but as a global model for users worldwide.
The all-new TANK 700 made a strong impression with dual-flagship powertrain options: 3.0 Hi4-T and 2.0 Hi4-Z, making it the first body-on-frame model to integrate a VLA large model. The GWM P300 Hi4-T adopts the Hi4-T hardcore off-road super hybrid architecture, equipped with the Coffee OS 3 smart cockpit and high-power external discharge, delivering intelligence, reliability, and all-scenario adaptability. The P500 Hi4-T offers higher performance and greater luxury, ushering pickups into a new 4.0 era of “all-scenario, intelligent, and new energy.”
For key markets such as Australia and Thailand, where off-road culture is deeply rooted, these two models powerfully demonstrate GWM’s localized product expertise.
Designed for young users seeking individuality and a lifestyle-oriented mobility experience, the GWM ORA 5 Sport has already generated strong interest in Europe and Southeast Asia. During the auto show, overseas media also took part in in-depth test drives, allowing the product itself to prove GWM’s technological claims.
The entire SOUO Motorcycles lineup stole the spotlight with the world’s only 2,000 cc horizontally opposed eight-cylinder engine, redefining the premium long-distance motorcycle touring experience. Within GWM’s brand matrix, SOUO is the clearest expression of the brand’s “confidence in driving culture.”
Behind every compelling vehicle lies deep technological strength. The GWM technology zone drew large crowds eager to explore the company’s latest R&D advancements firsthand.
High-Performance V8: At the auto show, GWM introduced a new high-performance powertrain architecture headlined by an all-new in-house high-performance V8 engine — a major step forward in GWM’s powertrain capabilities. The company also showcased a world-class lightweight solution featuring extensive carbon fiber, as well as a newly adopted mid-engine layout designed to deliver exceptional handling performance.
GWM ONE Platform: In intelligent technology, GWM has built a formidable competitive moat across data, algorithms, and computing power. Its VLA assisted-driving large model and other intelligent technologies have received wide acclaim. The GWM ONE Platform supports five powertrain variants: PHEV, HEV, BEV, FCEV, and ICE. It enables one platform to support multiple powertrains, product categories, body styles, and global markets. Built on native AI, the platform integrates dual VLA large models and creates a native full-stack intelligent agent. It also uses AI to redefine safety logic, deeply fusing active and passive safety systems and reinforcing GWM’s commitment to safety.
GWM Hi4 has evolved into a comprehensive powertrain family tailored to different driving scenarios and user needs. The new-generation Hi4 technology continues to deliver “the performance of four-wheel drive with the energy consumption of two-wheel drive,” making advanced all-wheel-drive capability more accessible than ever. Hi4-Z is designed for general off-road scenarios, while Hi4-T is for hardcore off-road demands, each bringing distinctive strengths and further consolidating GWM’s leadership in off-road mobility.
GWM also presented its forward-looking diesel hybrid technology for demanding off-road and towing scenarios. The new powertrain is expected to cut urban fuel consumption by 15% while boosting acceleration performance by 40%.
Ecosystem-Based Globalization Builds Stronger Global Brand
At Auto China 2026, the GWM booth attracted large numbers of overseas visitors, media journalists, dealers, and investors, becoming a key platform connecting GWM with global users. The invitation of 1,500 media and dealers reflects GWM’s growing global appeal. According to some overseas media reports, Chinese automakers are reshaping industry norms through shorter R&D cycles, innovative concepts, and well-coordinated supply chains.
Amid rising complexities and tariff barriers, GWM is shifting its global strategy from simple product exports toward comprehensive local ecosystem development — an approach increasingly recognized across the industry. The future of global competition will no longer be about exporting products, but about the coordinated global expansion of technology standard-setting, supply chains, and brand value as an entire ecosystem.
At Auto China 2026, GWM showcased core technologies including the super V8, Hi4 Hybrid, and ADAS — technologies that will help the company participate in setting global industry standards and building a lasting brand moat.
Reliable products remain GWM’s promise to users. Accessible technology is its contribution to the industry. Ecosystem-based globalization is its commitment to local communities. GWM is taking root and growing in every aspect of its global operations — from technical architecture and product definition to manufacturing, after-sales service, compliance, and cultural integration. While the industry remains focused on overseas sales growth, GWM has already elevated “deep localization” as a new benchmark for global success, building a shared future with users through genuine, long-term commitment.
Hashtag: #GWM
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Modern Platform Enhances Business Travel Within Energy, Marine, Mining and Other Complex Sectors
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 April 2026 – Direct Traveltoday announced the expansion of Avenir, its global travel platform, across its specialty market divisions, including Energy, Marine and Mining. Delivered through ATPI’s specialist businesses, Avenir provides a single global platform and unified service model for executive and project-based business travel, complementing the company’s established sector specific logistics and workforce mobility solutions.
Avenir Tech HotList
With this expansion, organizations operating in complex and logistically demanding environments will benefit from a more consistent and scalable approach to business travel, bringing modern infrastructure to corporate travel while continuing to rely on proven specialist solutions for crew and workforce logistics.
A Comprehensive Approach to Specialty Travel Industries such as energy, marine and mining manage multiple types of travel simultaneously, from large scale workforce and crew movements to executive, commercial and project travel. These needs are fundamentally different and require distinct solutions.
Avenir is designed to support traditional business travel within these sectors, bringing structure and consistency to:
Executive leadership travel
Commercial and client facing teams
Project based and technical specialists
This sits alongside ATPI’s established specialist services, which continue to manage:
Crew and workforce mobility
Offshore and rotational travel
Highly customized logistics to remote and complex destinations
Together, this creates a more coordinated and complete travel framework.
Strengthening Sector Expertise with a Modern Business Travel Platform Avenir enhances ATPI’s specialist offerings by introducing a consistent global foundation for business travel, while preserving the depth and specialization of existing solutions.
“Our long-standing leadership in specialty travel is built on deep sector expertise and a strong focus on our customers, and we remain committed to strengthening how we serve these markets,” said Christal Bemont, Chief Executive Officer of Direct Travel. “As travel becomes more complex, that foundation becomes even more important. Avenir is an important step forward, giving our customers a more consistent approach to global business travel, combined with the specialized solutions they rely on to support their operations.”
Energy With decades of experience supporting global energy organizations, ATPI delivers specialized travel solutions across offshore, project and executive travel. From complex international operations to high risk environments, the focus is on operational continuity, cost control and the safety and wellbeing of traveling personnel.
Marine With a long history in maritime travel, ATPI supports global shipping and offshore organizations with highly coordinated travel services. Expertise in crew movements, vessel rotations and global logistics ensures reliable, efficient operations across ports and regions worldwide.
Mining and Other Specialty Markets In mining and similarly complex sectors, ATPI provides tailored travel management solutions designed for remote operations and workforce mobility. This includes managing fly in fly out schedules, navigating challenging destinations and supporting safe, efficient travel for workers and project teams globally.
Specialist Technology and Capabilities These sector specific services are supported by ATPI’s specialist technology and service capabilities, including Crewhub and Crewlink, which are designed to manage workforce mobility and crew travel at scale.
Improving Visibility and Consistency for Business Travel While workforce and crew travel remain highly specialized, business travel within these sectors is often managed across fragmented regional systems.
Avenir brings greater consistency by enabling:
One global platform for business travel across regions
Centralized visibility and governance for travel and finance teams
Standardized policies with controlled local flexibility
A consistent traveler experience for employees worldwide
The result is better oversight, improved efficiency and a more streamlined experience for business travelers operating within complex global organizations. Hashtag: #atpi #directravel #avenir #globaltravelplatform
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Direct Travel, Inc
Direct Travel is one of the world’s largest travel management companies, focused on delivering exceptional, innovative solutions to every client and traveler. With a long history of proven market expertise, we blend advanced technology, superior service and expert insight to drive tangible value and meaningful savings across Corporate Travel, Leisure Travel, Meetings & Events and specialty travel businesses.
Through Avenir, our next-generation platform developed with leading technology partners, we provide the industry’s broadest inventory and a modern, real-time shopping experience that empowers travelers and simplifies program management. What truly sets us apart is the human care behind the technology, delivered by an experienced, passionate team dedicated to anticipating needs and delivering exceptional service at every step.
For more information about Direct Travel, visit www.dt.com
By K Raveendran Abu Dhabi’s decision to walk away from OPEC marks more than a dispute over barrels. It signals a recalibration of Gulf power, energy strategy and security alignments at a moment when the Iran war has exposed the limits of regional consensus. For decades, the UAE operated inside a cartel system dominated by […]
Hong Kong recorded its widest visible trade deficit since comparable records began in 1952, as imports outpaced a powerful export rebound driven by demand for artificial intelligence-related electronics and high-value technology goods.
The city’s merchandise trade gap widened to HK$89.1 billion in March 2026, equal to 12.6 per cent of the value of imports. Total exports rose 35.8 per cent year on year to HK$618.4 billion, while imports jumped 41.2 per cent to HK$707.5 billion, underscoring the unusual scale of the surge in cross-border goods flows through one of Asia’s main trading hubs.
The figures point to a mixed signal for Hong Kong’s externally oriented economy. Export growth was the strongest since early 2021, reflecting robust global demand for electronic components, telecommunications equipment, semiconductors and related supply-chain goods. Yet the sharper rise in imports left the city with a deficit larger than any monthly gap recorded over more than seven decades, highlighting the pressure created by front-loaded purchases, supply-chain repositioning and higher input costs.
For the first quarter of 2026, total exports climbed 32 per cent from a year earlier, while imports increased 37 per cent. The visible trade deficit for the quarter reached HK$168.4 billion, equivalent to 9.8 per cent of imports. On a seasonally adjusted basis, exports rose 18.4 per cent from the previous quarter, while imports advanced 20 per cent.
The most striking gains came from technology-linked categories. Exports of electrical machinery, apparatus, appliances and related parts rose by HK$99.8 billion, or 47.9 per cent, in March from a year earlier. Telecommunications and sound recording equipment exports increased by HK$40.2 billion, or 94.7 per cent, while non-ferrous metals shipments rose by HK$10.2 billion, or 175.9 per cent.
Imports showed a similar pattern, but with larger absolute increases in several categories. Purchases of electrical machinery and related parts grew by HK$106.2 billion, or 49.5 per cent. Telecommunications and sound recording equipment imports rose by HK$45.3 billion, or 93 per cent. Non-ferrous metals imports surged by HK$30.4 billion, a rise of more than 400 per cent, suggesting strong demand for materials used in electronics, data-centre infrastructure and advanced manufacturing supply chains.
The widening deficit also reflects Hong Kong’s role as a re-export centre rather than a conventional manufacturing economy. Goods imported into the city often move onwards to mainland China, Southeast Asia, the United States and Europe after financing, logistics, testing, repackaging or redistribution. During periods of strong global technology demand, import values can rise faster than exports if companies build inventories, reroute shipments or accelerate procurement to avoid transport delays.
Geopolitical tensions have added another layer of volatility. The war in the Middle East has pushed up energy prices, raised shipping risks and complicated trade routes linking Asia with Europe and the Gulf. Higher freight and insurance costs can lift the recorded value of imports, while uncertainty over maritime routes may encourage companies to bring forward shipments or diversify logistics channels. Hong Kong, with its deep financial links and dense regional supply-chain networks, is exposed to those shifts even when final demand originates elsewhere.
The export destination data showed broad-based strength across Asia and beyond. Shipments to Singapore more than doubled, while exports to Malaysia, Thailand, Taiwan and mainland China recorded strong gains. Exports to the United States also rose sharply, reflecting resilient demand for electronics and technology-linked goods despite continuing trade friction and tariff risks. Shipments to the United Kingdom declined, indicating uneven demand across advanced markets.
On the import side, increases were recorded from most major suppliers. Purchases from the United Kingdom, Korea, India, Vietnam, the United States and mainland China all rose substantially, underlining the geographically diverse nature of the procurement surge. Mainland China remained central to the city’s trade flows, both as a supplier and destination, while Southeast Asian economies continued to gain prominence in electronics and component supply chains.
The data suggest that Hong Kong is benefiting from the global investment race in artificial intelligence, cloud computing and advanced electronics, but the gains come with greater exposure to external shocks. Demand for AI servers, chips, networking equipment and related components has lifted trade volumes across Asia, while higher energy prices and shipping uncertainty are adding costs and complicating timing decisions for importers.
Abu Dhabi’s decision to leave OPEC and the wider OPEC+ alliance from May 2026 is set to redraw the balance of influence inside the oil producers’ bloc, with the first market impact likely to be muted while Gulf export routes remain constrained by the war around Iran. The move removes one of OPEC’s biggest producers from a system built on coordinated supply limits, voluntary cuts and quota […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Abu Dhabi’s decision to leave OPEC and the wider OPEC+ framework from May 1, 2026 has introduced a new fault line in global oil diplomacy, raising questions over the future discipline of a producer alliance that has shaped crude supply policy for decades. The move ends nearly six decades of UAE participation in OPEC and removes one of the group’s most important Gulf […]
France has set deadlines to end the use of coal, oil and fossil gas for energy, placing itself among the first major economies to publish a full fossil-fuel exit timetable as governments debate how to turn climate pledges into enforceable national plans. The roadmap, presented at the international talks in Santa Marta, Colombia, commits France to phasing out coal by 2030, oil by 2045 and fossil gas […]
US Energy Secretary Chris Wright has said ships could resume passage through the Strait of Hormuz without every mine being removed, raising hopes of a faster reopening of one of the world’s most important energy corridors while leaving unresolved questions over risk, insurance and maritime security. Wright said a workable channel could be created for vessels moving in and out of the Gulf, rather than waiting for […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Emerging-market assets came under pressure as investors moved towards the dollar, cutting exposure to riskier currencies and equities before the Federal Reserve’s policy decision and amid rising doubts over artificial intelligence spending and stalled Middle East peace efforts. MSCI’s emerging-market currency gauge fell 0.3 per cent, with most major developing-economy currencies weakening against the greenback. The Philippine peso, the rupee and the Thai […]
Beijing’s move to sharpen penalties for unauthorised rare earth production sent shares of major producers higher, as investors assessed a tougher enforcement regime that could curb illegal supply and reinforce China’s control over a sector central to clean energy, defence and advanced manufacturing.
China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has opened public consultation on detailed penalty benchmarks under the Rare Earth Management Regulations, setting out how authorities should punish breaches involving mining, smelting, separation, product circulation and data reporting. The draft rules target companies and individuals that exceed state production quotas, operate without approval, process illicit raw materials, falsify traceability data or obstruct inspections.
The consultation runs until 28 May, adding another layer to a regulatory structure that took effect on 1 October 2024. The framework places rare earth mining, smelting and separation under a “total control” system, giving Beijing formal authority to set production limits and police flows across the supply chain. The new penalty table is designed to narrow discretion in enforcement by grading violations according to value, volume, frequency and consequences.
Rare earth-linked equities climbed in Shanghai and Shenzhen after the announcement. China Northern Rare Earth, China Rare Earth Resources and Technology, Huahong Technology and other names tied to mining, processing and permanent magnets moved sharply higher during Wednesday trading. The rare earth permanent magnet segment also advanced, helped by firmer prices for praseodymium-neodymium products and stronger first-quarter earnings from leading producers.
Investors read the draft as a supply-side signal. Stricter penalties could reduce unapproved output that has historically weighed on pricing during periods of weak demand. For larger quota-holding groups, tighter enforcement may support margins by giving compliant producers a stronger position in pricing and procurement. China Northern Rare Earth reported a first-quarter net profit of about 918 million yuan, more than double the level a year earlier, helped by higher average prices for core rare earth products. China Rare Earth Resources and Technology also posted a sharp rise in quarterly profit as prices for selected products improved.
The proposed penalties are substantial. Unauthorised smelting and separation, misuse of rare earth mineral products by recycling or comprehensive utilisation companies, and trading in illegal rare earth products can lead to confiscation of products, unlawful income and related equipment. Fines may reach five to 10 times unlawful gains, while cases with no gain or gains below defined thresholds can still attract penalties running into millions of yuan. Serious breaches can result in business licence revocation.
Traceability is a central element of the enforcement push. Companies that fail to record, upload or maintain data on product flows face fines and possible suspension if they refuse to rectify violations. The system is intended to make it harder for illegal ore, semi-processed products or recycled materials to enter formal supply chains undetected. It also strengthens the state’s ability to align domestic output with industrial policy, export controls and strategic stockpiling objectives.
Rare earths comprise 17 elements used in permanent magnets, electric vehicles, wind turbines, smartphones, robotics, missile guidance systems, radar, drones and precision equipment. China accounts for roughly 70 per cent of global rare earth mining and an even larger share of processing, refining and magnet manufacturing. That position gives Beijing significant influence over a supply chain that remains difficult and costly for other economies to replicate.
The policy shift comes against a backdrop of heightened competition over critical minerals. Export controls introduced in 2025 placed rare earth materials and related technologies at the centre of trade negotiations and industrial security planning. Licensing delays and tighter availability of high-performance magnets have already affected downstream manufacturers, particularly in automotive, electronics and defence-linked industries.
Western governments and companies are trying to build alternative supply chains, but progress remains uneven. Mining projects in the United States, Brazil, Australia, Greenland and parts of Africa have attracted capital, while magnet-making and separation capacity outside China remains limited. Processing is the central bottleneck, requiring specialised technology, environmental safeguards and long approval timelines. New ventures can take years to move from exploration to commercial output, leaving buyers exposed to Chinese policy decisions.
Environmental enforcement is also part of the equation. Illegal mining and poorly controlled processing have caused soil, water and radioactive waste concerns in several producing regions. Tougher penalties can be framed not only as an industrial strategy but also as an attempt to reduce pollution, consolidate smaller operators and push production towards state-backed or better-capitalised firms.
NEW YORK, US – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 April 2026 – Today, international travel, lifestyle, and accessories brand TUMI introduces “Mediterranean Escape,” its Spring 2026 seasonal campaign and collection inspired by the warmth, rhythm, and sensorial richness of the Mediterranean coast. Bringing expressive new colors, prints, and textures across TUMI’s most iconic silhouettes, the campaign captures a joyful, transportive vision where design meets destination.
Voyageur Just In Case Tote in Thyme and Pink Clay, 19 Degree Lite in Washed Yellow, Thyme and Pink Clay, Voyageur Celina Backpack in Pink Clay, Thyme and Washed Yellow
Directed by Piero Bressan and photographed by Dario Catellani, “Mediterranean Escape” transports viewers to Villa Fortaleza and Cala San Vicente in Mallorca, Spain. The campaign reflects a sense of ease — where travel becomes immersive, expressive, and grounded in the spirit of the destination.
At the heart of the collection is a bold new seasonal palette introduced across key TUMI collections, including the iconic 19 Degree Collection. Lush thyme greens, sun-washed terracotta, and radiant sunlit yellow reimagine sculpted silhouettes through destination-inspired hues. The palette also extends into the 19 Degree Aluminum family with the International Carry-On in Horizon Blue, a seasonal tone inspired by where the sky meets the sea that brings depth to the signature metallic silhouette.
Beyond 19 Degree, the seasonal story extends across travel essentials and lifestyle silhouettes, introducing new textures and material expressions designed to evoke Mediterranean ease. A raffia-inspired capsule brings woven warmth to the newly expanded Olas and Harrison Collections, balancing artisanal texture with modern construction. Accessories further bring the sensorial spirit of the Mediterranean to life. Olive, flower and lemon-inspired bag charms nod to open-air markets and the lemon groves and florals of the Amalfi Coast, while the Belden Sunglass Charm equips travelers for long days under the sun.
“The Mediterranean represents a slower, more intentional rhythm of travel,” said Victor Sanz, Global Creative Director at TUMI. “For Spring 2026, we embraced that sensibility, the idea of traveling while fully experiencing every moment through the senses. The sounds, smells, tastes, textures, and surroundings come together to create a lasting emotional connection long after the journey ends. We infused that sensorial richness into our most iconic collections, using color to tell a story of movement and discovery. At its core, the collection captures the emotion of escape, balanced by the precision and performance that define every TUMI piece.”
The campaign also debuts the new Mediterranean Print across pieces from Voyageur, Tegra-Lite™, Belden, and Nassau collections. Bold yet refined, the print reinforces the collection’s energy while maintaining TUMI’s focus on precision and performance.
“This campaign represents an evolution in how we tell our story, “said Jill Krizelman, Senior Vice President, Global Marketing & Ecommerce at TUMI. “The Mediterranean provided the perfect backdrop — celebrating rich color, the romance of travel, and cultural depth — while giving us the opportunity to reveal a more relaxed, playful side of TUMI, as if the brand itself were on vacation. From visual storytelling to immersive brand activations around the world, Mediterranean Escape invites our global community into the spirit of the season and celebrates travel as a form of self-expression.”
Mediterranean Escape will extend beyond the campaign through a series of immersive global experiences celebrating the spirit of the season.
The Mediterranean Escape collection is available now at TUMI.com and in TUMI stores worldwide. Follow @TUMITravel for exclusive behind-the-scenes content from the campaign. Hashtag: #TUMI
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About TUMI
Since 1975, TUMI has been creating world-class business, travel, and performance luxury essentials, designed to upgrade, uncomplicate and beautify all aspects of life on the move. Blending flawless functionality with a spirit of ingenuity, we’re committed to empowering journeys as a lifelong partner to movers and makers in pursuit of their passions. For more about TUMI, visit TUMI.com and follow on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Annual Linkflow Capital research finds SME credit conditions thawed modestly in 2025, with SME borrowing rate declining to an average of 8.18% from a high of 8.47% the preceding year. Bank disbursement times stretched to 33 days on average, against just 7 days for non-bank funders, reshaping where SMEs source credit.
SINGAPORE – Media Outreach Newswire – 29 April 2026 – Singapore’s SMEs experienced their first easing in borrowing costs in three years, with average unsecured lending rates falling to 8.18% per annum in 2025 from a multi-year high of 8.47% in 2024, according to Linkflow Capital’s latest SME Financing Accessibility Survey. Larger loan approvals above $500,000, which had disappeared entirely in 2024, also returned to form 5% of approvals in 2025.
The recovery, however, was uneven. Bank loan processing times stretched to 33 days on average, up from 22 days in 2024, while non-bank funders disbursed approved cases in just 7 days. The widening gap reshaped lender competition through the year.
Key findings from the 2025 survey:
Borrowing costs eased modestly: Average SME loan interest rate fell 29 basis points to 8.18% per annum but remain stubbornly high against the backdrop of a significant decline in benchmark 3-month SORA rate throughout 2025.
Larger loans returned: Approvals above $500K returned to 5% of approved loan dollar volume in 2025 after disappearing entirely in 2024. Loans in the $300K–$500K bracket also expanded from 3% to 7%.
Loan approval rate recovered to 74%, up from 70% in 2024 (a 5-year low).
Foreign banks extended their market share of loan origination within our platform: Foreign lenders grew their share of approved loan dollar volume to 38% in 2025, up from 26% in 2024 and 19% in 2023, while local banks fell to 46% (from 59%). Digital banks recovered modestly to 11% (from 8%).
Credit-related rejections nearly tripled: Among unsuccessful applicants, those rejected due to adverse personal credit records jumped from 3% in 2024 to 11% in 2025, signalling rising personal credit stress among SME owners.
“2025 was the year SME credit conditions began to thaw after the 2024 squeeze, but the recovery was uneven,” said Benjamin Teo, spokesperson for Linkflow Capital. “Banks gradually reopened to larger loans, yet took meaningfully longer to process applications. Some SMEs facing immediate cash flow pressure turned to non-bank funders for speed, even at higher costs.”
A new and more severe headwind for 2026
Linkflow Capital flagged the Middle East conflict which began in February 2026 as the most consequential macroeconomic event facing Singapore SMEs in the year ahead. The conflict has elevated freight, energy and shipping costs through Iran’s intermittent disruption of the Strait of Hormuz.
“Singapore SMEs entered 2026 facing a potential macro shock with the Middle East conflict,” Teo said. “The inflationary price pressures feed directly into SME operating costs through fuel, freight, and energy. We expect credit conditions to re-tighten, and the modest 2025 thaw could partially reverse if the conflict escalates.”
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Linkflow Capital
Founded in 2012, Linkflow Capital is a leading SME loan consultancy in Singapore. Through its loan comparison portal and advisory services, Linkflow Capital assists SMEs in navigating the financing landscape and securing funding solutions from an extensive network of banks and financial institutions.
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Abu Dhabi has moved to leave OPEC and OPEC+, ending nearly six decades inside the producers’ group and sending a sharp signal through an oil market already strained by geopolitical risk, supply disruption and shifting energy strategies. The decision, announced on Tuesday and set to take effect on May 1, marks one of the most consequential breaks inside the oil-exporting bloc since Qatar’s […]
Abu Dhabi Investment Authority has taken part in a capital raise by TeraHop, a Singapore- and Thailand-based supplier of high-speed optical transceivers used in data centres, strengthening its exposure to one of the most critical layers of artificial intelligence infrastructure. The investment was made through a wholly owned ADIA subsidiary. The value of the Abu Dhabi investor’s participation was not disclosed. TeraHop, a subsidiary of Zhongji Innolight, […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Abu Dhabi National Oil Company is preparing a major expansion into the United States natural gas sector, with plans that could commit tens of billions of dollars to assets spanning production, pipelines, liquefaction, export infrastructure and downstream supply. The push is being led through XRG, ADNOC’s international investment arm, which is examining 29 potential transactions as it seeks to build a vertically integrated […]
SANYA, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 April 2026 – The 6th Asian Beach Games officially opened on Tuesday evening in Sanya, south China’s Hainan Province. An opening ceremony titled “A Sky-Ocean Meeting” unfolded against a natural backdrop of ocean and sand, welcoming athletes from 45 countries and regions across Asia.
The 6th Asian Beach Games is being held from April 22 to 30 in Sanya, a coastal city in south China’s Hainan Province.
Over recent months, the host city has established a comprehensive, high-standard service system, now fully operational, to support what organizers describe as a “splendid, exceptional and outstanding” event.
The success of the Games, organizers say, begins with a smooth and welcoming arrival experience. Benefiting from policies under the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP), entry procedures have been streamlined.
Jože Zidar, a veteran Slovenian sports journalist who visited earlier this year, said he experienced “one of the most efficient border clearances” he had encountered. Such feedback has since been echoed by many participants.
High service standards extend throughout the event. The Games adopt a coastal venue layout described as a “pearls-on-a-string” coastal layout, integrating multiple sites and combining beach sports with the surrounding natural environment to create a “sports and tourism” experience.
All venues have been built or upgraded in line with green standards and are now operational. In terms of logistics, 22 designated hotels, more than 1,000 new energy vehicles, and around 4,700 volunteers have been deployed. The Main Media Center is providing one-stop services for over 1,000 registered journalists from China and abroad.
Given the nature of beach and marine events, Sanya has also established a citywide emergency medical system featuring a “30-minute response network.” A total of 71 on-site medical stations, supported by additional medical posts, 285 medical staff and 46 ambulances, form a comprehensive response system covering on-site treatment, patient transfer and specialized care.
The opening ceremony itself broke with the traditional stadium format, instead integrating performance elements into the natural beach setting of sand, sunshine and palm trees.
Artistic segments combined local Hainan culture, the vision of the Hainan FTP, and the spirit of sport.
The Games mascot “Ya Ya”, the Eld’s deer, appeared throughout the ceremony as a cultural symbol linking the city’s past and future.
Environmentally friendly technologies and virtual imaging were also incorporated to create a visual experience blending digital and real-world elements. Sanya has positioned the Games as a catalyst for urban development under the concept of “promoting construction and improving quality through sports.”
Preparations have contributed to infrastructure upgrades and environmental improvements.
At the same time, a “sports, tourism and consumption” model has been introduced.
More than 200 licensed products have been launched, while promotional campaigns linking tourism resources across the island are underway.
Supporting events, including an international diving festival and cultural exhibitions of intangible heritage, have also been organized to enhance the experience for visitors and participants.
From preparation to opening, Sanya aims to deliver on its commitment to the Asian sporting community through comprehensive services and an open, dynamic city environment.
The Games are expected to serve as a platform to promote unity, friendship and development across Asia.
Hashtag: #Sanya
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has approved a new set of Cabinet decisions aimed at strengthening the UAE’s industrial base, led by the creation of a AED1 billion National Industrial Resilience Fund to localise critical industries, secure supply chains and accelerate the use of artificial intelligence in manufacturing. The Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai reviewed the measures during a Cabinet meeting that also […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Global equities advanced and crude oil retreated from session highs after Iran offered Washington a proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and move towards ending the war, easing pressure on investors after stalled peace efforts had lifted energy prices. Asian shares rose 1.4 per cent, while the MSCI emerging markets index climbed to a record high as traders reacted to signs that […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Gulf bourses posted modest gains on Sunday even as hopes of a diplomatic breakthrough in the US-Israeli conflict with Iran weakened, leaving investors to balance fragile ceasefire expectations against higher oil prices, inflation risks and slowing global growth. Trading was cautious across the region, with market moves reflecting selective buying rather than broad confidence. Saudi Arabia’s benchmark index rose 0.1 per cent, supported […]
UAE aviation fuel supply chains are set for tighter coordination after ENOC Group and Emirates Petroleum Company, Emarat, signed an agreement to build a joint business continuity planning framework for Jet A-1 operations. The memorandum of understanding is designed to protect fuel availability at key aviation hubs during operational disruption, supply pressure or logistics constraints. It sets out a structured mechanism for cooperation between the two […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai President Donald Trump has cancelled a planned visit to Pakistan by two of his senior envoys for negotiations over the Iran conflict, leaving a fragile ceasefire under deeper strain and casting doubt on the next phase of diplomacy aimed at halting a war that has unsettled energy markets and widened security risks across West Asia. Trump told Jared Kushner, his son-in-law, and special […]
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