Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Saudi Arabia has slashed the price of its flagship crude for Asian buyers by the widest margin in more than two decades, signalling a tougher fight for market share as rising supply and softer demand reshape the oil trade. Saudi Aramco cut the August official selling price of Arab Light crude by $11 a barrel, setting it at $1.50 below the Oman-Dubai average, […]
SHANGHAI, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 July 2026 – On June 30, 2026, New York time, the launch ceremony and New York Forum for OUR WATER Season 3 were successfully held at Bloomberg Headquarters in New York. This event, themed “Rivers of Opportunities“, focused on the shared certainties of Shanghai and NYC, anchoring growth through open cooperation and reshaping the future through innovation and resilience.
Co-hosted by Bloomberg L.P., the Forum was attended by Michael R. Bloomberg, Founder of Bloomberg L.P. and Bloomberg Philanthropies; Tang Zhiwen, Minister, Embassy of the People’s Republic in the United States of America; Ma Xiaoxiao, Deputy Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in New York; Chen Yiqun, Director-General of Information Office of Shanghai Municipality, and Hu Minghua, President of Shanghai United Media Group and over 200 guests from the political, business, finance and cultural sectors of China and the United States. The forum is dedicated to exploring the openness and similarities between Shanghai and New York to identify a shared framework of certainties among global hub cities.
Caption:OUR WATER III held in New York. Photo: Shuran HUANG
The two cities share distinct advantages in sectors such as finance and trade, while also facing common challenges in urban renewal, low-carbon development, and digital transformation. Candid and open dialogue is essential for mutual learning, and it will also inject stability into China-U.S. relations.
On the topic of how global capital understands the Chinese market, a panel titled “Investing in China, Winning the Future” featured Chinese and international guests discussing how the appeal of Chinese assets is shifting from traditional growth narratives to AI, high-end manufacturing, financial opening-up, and institutional market development. As a hub for financial opening-up, an asset allocation center, and a cluster for innovative enterprises, Shanghai has become a crucial gateway linking international capital with opportunities in China.
Consumption is one of the most dynamic topics between China and the U.S. At the second panel of “Opportunies in emerging Consumer Markets“, moderated by Bloomberg Television host David Westin, panelists observed that the consumer vitality of Shanghai and New York stems not only from market size but also from their ongoing ability to create experiences, understand people, and activate urban spaces.
Besides the forum, the New York series of events for OUR WATER Season 3 also includes: West Meets East·Shanghai & New York 2026 – A Polaroid 20×24 Special Exhibition; Chinese Opera: A Century of Dreams – An Exhibition of Art Design and Technology; An Exhibition themed Shanghai’s “One River, One Creek” and Jing’an CAZ China-U.S. Business Leaders Dialogue in New York.
These events shape a tangible and immersive waterfront narrative, allowing Shanghai and New York—two super metropolises that have thrived on water—to resonate in harmony through dialogue. As Minister Tang Zhiwen stated in his address, Shanghai and New York, are expected to become benchmarks for subnational cooperation between China and the United States, and to make new contributions to fostering a “constructive China-U.S. relationship of strategic stability.”
Hashtag: #ShanghaiEye
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 July 2026 – AEON Bank (M) Berhad, Malaysia’s first digital Islamic bank, has expanded its business banking financing facilities with the introduction of Term Financing-i and Working Capital Financing-i, anchored by its Business Banking vertical, AEON Bank Biz.
Introducing the Term Financing-i and Working Capital Financing-i by AEON Bank Biz
Designed to provide timely and flexible capital, these two business financing facilities were developed to enable Shariah-compliant businesses in navigating shifting market demands. Both products are aligned with the Shariah finance principle of Murabahah via Tawarruq concept, delivering transparent, ethical banking solutions to the Malaysian market.
Term Financing-i: Business Growth and Strategic Expansion
Engineered to fund medium to long term growth projects, asset purchases and infrastructure expansion while maintaining a healthy cash flow. AEON Bank Biz’s Term Financing-i offers this flexibility:
Zero collateral required
No hidden charges on financing application or utilisation
Flexible repayment tenure of up to 60 months
Approved fund disbursed directly into customer’s AEON Bank Biz Business Current Account-i
*Terms and conditions apply
Working Capital Financing-i: Empowering Business with Liquidity Agility
This financing facility provides a flexible credit line for short term cash flow needs, designed to bridge operational budget gaps and manage financial cycles. With AEON Bank Biz’s Working Capital Financing-i, customers can gain access to the following:
High value liquidity and multiple disbursement options, within approved financing facility limit up to 3-year tenure
Flexibility to pay your principal and refresh approved limit, without the hassle of repeated financing applications
Up to 12-months disbursement period
Disbursement managed fully online, deposited straight into customer’s AEON Bank Biz Business Current Account-i
*Terms and conditions apply
A Dynamic Business Banking Experience
Beyond credit line disbursement, AEON Bank Biz serves as a holistic 360-degree, Shariah compliant banking partner for business owners across Malaysia. It enables businesses to manage assets, liabilities, operational financial needs and merchant operations, through a simplified banking process.
At the core of it all is the Business Current Account-i with a dynamic business banking functionality to support businesses to thrive :
Integrated cash management capabilities for payments and collections: Seamless processing for DuitNow and RENTAS, as well as instant settlement and notification for DuitNow QR
Smart cash management: Maximize idle capital yield via Biz Term Deposit-i, offering competitive profit optimization rates up to 3.20% p.a. on customizable tenures as short as 1 day, with an entry baseline of just RM500
Governance controls: Multi-user level access authorizations and structured approval workflows engineered to mirror corporate governance standards safely
*Terms and conditions apply
Empowering Businesses to Scale Sustainably
This latest rollout by a digital bank in Malaysia aligns directly with the national goal to supercharge SME contributions to the domestic Gross Domestic Product (GDP) up to 50% by 2030. In order to achieve that, access to financing, including digital banking solutions remains a key enabler for business growth. In fact, this is where banking institutions and fintech catalysts such as AEON Bank play an important role in achieving that target.
Click on the links to find out more about AEON Bank Biz and discover a #BetterBusinessBanking experience to scale your growth. Hashtag: #AEONBank #digitalbank #islamicbank #digitalislamicbank #AEONBankBiz #BusinessBanking #TermFinancing #WorkingCapitalFinancing
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
ABOUT AEON BANK (M) BERHAD
AEON Bank (M) Berhad is Malaysia’s first digital Islamic bank, licensed and regulated by Bank Negara Malaysia and the Ministry of Finance. Officially launched on 26 May 2024, we currently offer a suite of Shariah-compliant products and services for the Personal Banking and Business Banking (AEON Bank Biz) customers.
Our Personal Banking offerings are 100% accessible online via the AEON Bank app, where customers can activate and access the deposit Savings Account-i, AEON Bank x Visa Debit Card-i, Personal Financing-i, Term Deposit-i, Savings Pot, DuitNow QR, Zakat, Takaful, JomPay, utility bill payments, as well as a range of digital payment services with strategic partners and merchants. Moreover, AEON Bank has developed the Neko Missions, Malaysia’s first gamified digital banking interactive rewards programme and ‘Neko Sensei’, the AI-powered personal financial coach.
On 8 August 2025, AEON Bank (M) Berhad officially introduced AEON Bank Biz with the integrated cash management capabilities anchored by the Business Current Account-i, alongside Biz Term Deposit-i, Biz QR, Term Financing-i and Working Capital Financing-i. AEON Bank Biz focuses on streamlined processes for account onboarding, credit assessments and financial services, utilising AI-driven fintech solutions to enable simplified procedures, faster approvals, and an enhanced digital banking experience for businesses in Malaysia.
For eligible deposit-based products under AEON Bank and AEON Bank Biz, such as the Savings Account-i, Savings Pot, Term Deposit-i, Business Current Account-i and Biz Term Deposit-i, the deposits are protected up to RM250,000 per depositor. AEON Bank is a member of Perbadanan Insurans Deposit Malaysia (PIDM) and the deposit protection is automatic and free.
Being part of the AEON Group conglomerate, AEON Bank (M) Berhad is equally held by AEON Financial Service Co. Ltd. (AFS Japan) and AEON Credit Service (M) Berhad (ACSM). AFS Japan is responsible for the AEON Group’s financial services businesses, with strong roots in the retail sector which operates in Japan and 10 countries across Asia. AEON Group is Japan’s largest retail group and it is a pure holding company that comprises eight core businesses.
AEON Group Malaysia consists of several entities, namely, AEON Co. (M) Bhd, AEON Credit Service (M) Berhad, AEON Bank (M) Berhad, AEON BiG (M) Sdn Bhd, AEON Fantasy (M) Sdn Bhd, AEON Delight (M) Sdn Bhd, AEON Global Supply Chain Sdn Bhd and Malaysian AEON Foundation (MAF). AEON Group has been a recognisable household brand with more than 200 years of history and evolution in Japan since the Edo era, along with 4 decades of growth in Malaysia, providing consumers with daily financial solutions and diversified retail convenience.
Our cloud native agility and AI optimisation, combined with the strength of our Shariah finance DNA, Malaysian tenacity and Japanese roots are our distinguishing factors, while the integration across the AEON ecosystem gives us a competitive advantage of being the only bank in Malaysia with its own nationwide retail network. On top of that, AEON Points loyalty programme offers customers value-added benefits and meaningful rewards for their online shopping and in-store purchases.
AEON Bank (M) Berhad is committed to empowering the community in pursuing their financial aspirations and achieve economic independence, while cultivating a more inclusive financial future for all. We will continue to contribute towards positioning Malaysia as the Islamic banking hub in the region and fostering the growth of the nation’s digital economy.
Over 90% Take Punitive Action Against Brand Doubt, While 61% Have Walked Away
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 July 2026 – Hong Kong consumers have very low tolerance for brands and organisations that are deemed not believable, responding with rapid and decisive backlash when corporate promises trigger doubt. According to a new study on “The Believability Economy” by Ogilvy and YouGov, local residents quickly escalate from questioning claims to complaining on social media, switching to competitors, and fully disengaging. Part of a seven-market Asia Pacific initiative, the Hong Kong SAR edition of Ogilvy’s “Believability Index: The Power of Proof” reveals how critical proof has become to maintaining brand survival.
Believability Index HK Infographics
Silent Disengagement Directly Threatens Revenue
When believability falters, consumer action is almost universal. Of the 1,032 Hong Kong residents aged 18 and over surveyed between late April and early May 2026, 94% stated that they take punitive action once they harbour doubts about a brand or organisation, leaving only 6% with their behaviours unchanged. The local backlash is only slightly below the APAC average of 96%.
This belief-triggered disengagement also inflicts immediate financial consequences: 61% of Hong Kong respondents (70% in APAC) have stopped engaging with or purchasing from a brand or organisation over the past 12 months due to a lack of belief in its claims.
More importantly, silent forms of disengagement dominate the Hong Kong market. Nine in 10 Hongkongers (89%) opt for “silent disengagement”, walking away without saying a word. This quiet exit also carries a severe commercial penalty: it includes 46% who stop purchasing altogether and 32% who migrate to a competitor.
“The research findings are a stark wake-up call for brands and organisations, and show believability makes or breaks consumer decisions in immediate and severe ways,” said Clara Shek, President, Ogilvy Public Relations Hong Kong. “The Hong Kong findings reflect a broader trend in the Asia Pacific region: disengagement often combines quiet withdrawal with more visible signals. Brands and organisations must recognise that what they see publicly is only part of the picture — the quieter, unseen behaviours are dangerous and could be the silent killers of an organisation’s success.”
Vocal punishment is common. Over half (58%) of the respondents say they would take public or semi‑public action, such as:
Telling friends, family or colleagues not to support the brand or organisation (30%)
Reporting or flagging organisational content as misleading (17%)
Leaving a negative review or public comment (15%)
Actively and publicly avoid their content (14%)
Contacting them directly to express concerns (12%)
Posting personal experiences directly on social media (10%)
Lack of Competence and Ethics Triggers Consumer Disengagement
When consumers abandon a brand or organisation due to a breakdown of belief, the top reasons that prompted them to stop engaging or stop purchasing in the past 12 months tie directly to operational execution:
Products and services didn’t deliver what was promised (34%)
The brand or organisation handled an issue or mistake poorly (29%)
Poor business ethics (27%)
Communication missteps also erode foundational belief. A quarter of consumers (25%) state that exaggerated or misleading communications have prompted them to disengage, and 24% disengage when a brand or organisation is unresponsive to issues they raise. In contrast, influencers and spokespeople play a smaller role in believability-driven disengagement — only 15% of respondents report that they would stop engaging with a brand or organisation because a spokesperson or influencer loses credibility.
Drivers of Believability
In Hong Kong, believability is driven far more by the credibility of the source than by the creative style of the content, and people rely primarily on their own judgement or official sources, rather than influencers or highly-polished content. Three quarters (76%) of Hong Kong residents rely on credibility-related influences (such as credible sources and multiple sources), 62% rely on personal perception (whether information aligns with existing knowledge), 59% turn to reviews, and 43% turn to peer validation.
Across all ages, the top drivers of belief are consistently rooted in familiarity and prior experience:
A source they already find credible (43%)
Information that aligns with their own knowledge or experience (34%)
Official or institutional sources (30%)
Conversely, the signals that dominate digital and social media culture — polished and professionally produced content (8%), the amount of people engaging with or sharing the information (16%), and “authentic” creator content (12%) — sit at the bottom of the list as factors that influence whether they believe new information about a brand or organisation.
The Channel Paradox – Where Belief and Scepticism Collide
The Ogilvy Believability Index 2026 finds that mainstream media and official brand channels remain the most influential sources of increased belief in Hong Kong. Almost two-thirds (58%) of Hong Kong residents say information from mainstream media increases their belief in brands and organisations that matter to them, and half (50%) say official brand channels improve belief. Both sources were greeted with relatively minimal scepticism (7% and 8% respectively).
Influencer content and private messaging apps tell a more complex story. The study shows that 30% of Hong Kong consumers say information from social media influencers and KOLs increase their belief, but 26% express heightened scepticism. Private group chats such as WhatsApp show the same near‑equal split: 30% say these channels strengthen their belief, while 26% say they make them more doubtful. In these environments, brands and organisations aren’t generating belief alone — they’re generating belief and doubt in almost equal measure.
“Social media channels may be influential in reach and visibility for brands and organisations, but they are far less effective at strengthening belief,” Ms. Shek said. “In fact, they often create a mix of belief and doubt – a paradox that organisations need to navigate carefully. Traditional tracking tools can create a blind spot for senior leadership as organisations run the risk of over-indexing spending on the exact platforms that are triggering scepticism.”
The importance of mainstream media echoes the latest findings in South China Morning Post’s (SCMP) Intersection of Influence study released on June 24, 2026. The SCMP study shows news media commands the highest attention of any channel in Hong Kong, significantly outperforming other channels (such as social media) in terms of audience focus and staying power. Sixty-one percent (61%) say news reports stay with them long after reading, and 16% use the information to make important decisions. For believability, this shows that news environments don’t just attract attention; they generate intentional, lasting and active engagement in the content.
Negative Ripple Effect for Other Brands
When believability breaks, it spreads. A third (31% local; 36% in APAC) of consumers admit that when their belief in a brand or organisation is lost, they become more wary or suspicious, with 38% of Hong Kong consumers (29% in APAC) reporting that they will subsequently minimise their use of similar products or services from other brands and organisations.
Restoring Belief – Action is Louder Than Words in Hong Kong
On the bright side, 82% of Hong Kong residents (85% in APAC) say belief can be restored. Only 14% of Hong Kong residents (11% in APAC) say that once belief in a source is lost — whether an organisation, media outlet, or public figure — it can never be regained.
When it comes to restoring belief, Hong Kong consumers respond most positively to concrete action. Half (50%) say an organisation must “actively fix the issue” before they will believe them again – a requirement that ranks well above a “public acknowledgement” (40%). Furthermore, another 40% believe it is important to “demonstrate consistent accuracy.”
For Hongkongers, these concrete actions carry far more weight than shifts in communication style alone. Only 29% of respondents feel that being “more transparent or further evidence-based” in their communication helps restore belief, while only 13% say “endorsements from respected individuals” helps restore belief. In other words, accountability and follow‑through are the real drivers of believability.
“Consumers are open to brands and organisations that take actions to repair that credibility. The path to redemption clearly lies in tangible action – correcting problems, publicly acknowledging mistakes and demonstrating consistency. As the findings show, accountability is the ultimate currency of belief,” said Ms. Shek at Ogilvy.
“Despite the popularity of social media and digital channels, Ogilvy’s Hong Kong edition of the ‘Believability Index: The Power of Proof’ calls for a rethink on marketing and issue management approach,” Ms. Shek concluded. “To protect against silent disengagement, leaders must deliver on their core promise, tackle issues transparently, and anchor their communications in mainstream media and official channels, with mindful management of social media and influencer strategy recognising these channels’ belief-scepticism double-edged impact on consumers.”
Hashtag: #Ogilvy
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Ogilvy’s 2026 Believability Index: Power of Proof
The Hong Kong edition of “Believability Index: The Power of Proof” was conducted online between 22nd April – 4th May 2026. The sample comprised an online representative sample of 1,032 Hong Kong adults aged 18 years and older. Total sample size for Ogilvy’s seven-market Asia Pacific Believability Index 2026 was 7,176 adults in Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Mainland China and Hong Kong SAR (1,032). All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all respective market adults (aged 18+). Ogilvy designed the questionnaire in collaboration with YouGov.
About Ogilvy PR
Ogilvy PR and Influence is a global creative communications agency that partners with organisations to drive value and growth. We build brands, protect reputations, and earn attention and influence through creative storytelling informed by data, and fuelled by technology. Our specialist practice areas offer media relations, social and digital communications, external and internal stakeholder communications, issues and crisis management, and stakeholder engagement. We are the region’s largest and most specialised public relations and public affairs consultancy.
A UAE-based company has moved to bring Korean manufacturing into Abu Dhabi through a proposed industrial zone that could host more than 25 factories in its first phase and attract investments exceeding $1 billion.
AG Company signed a strategic partnership with Akbar Investment Company of the Republic of Korea to study the establishment of a zone dedicated to Korean industries, with Al Ain identified as the proposed location. The initiative comes as the UAE and Korea deepen economic ties under a bilateral trade framework that entered into force on May 1, 2026, after being signed in Seoul on May 29, 2024.
The announcement coincided with the visit of a high-level Korean delegation to Abu Dhabi, led by Jung Min Kim, a member of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea and member of its Committee on Trade, Industry, Energy, SMEs and Startups. The delegation included representatives from government and semi-government entities, investors and industrial companies.
The agreement was accompanied by the signing of 15 memoranda of understanding with Korean companies and manufacturers across industrial sectors. The proposed zone is expected to focus on advanced manufacturing, technology-led production, artificial intelligence applications, healthcare technologies and related industries, although the final sector mix will depend on feasibility studies, regulatory approvals and investor commitments.
The project aligns with Abu Dhabi’s wider industrial strategy, which seeks to more than double the emirate’s manufacturing sector to AED172 billion by 2031, expand non-oil exports and create thousands of skilled jobs. Abu Dhabi has been positioning industrial growth as a pillar of diversification, combining ports, free zones, logistics networks and investment incentives to attract manufacturers serving the Middle East, Africa and South Asia.
During the visit, the Korean delegation held meetings with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office and Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi to review the emirate’s investment environment, infrastructure and industrial services. The delegation also met business leaders and investors and carried out field visits to assess operational readiness, logistics capacity and production facilities.
Jung Min Kim said the UAE, and Abu Dhabi in particular, had established itself as one of the world’s most attractive and trusted investment destinations due to its economic vision, legislative environment and infrastructure. He said those advantages, along with stability and the capacity to attract quality investment, made the country an appropriate partner for expanding the presence of Korean industries across the region.
Dr Ahmed Abdullah, chief executive of AG Company, said the project reflected the UAE’s direction towards a more diversified and competitive economy based on knowledge, innovation and autonomous artificial intelligence capable of self-operation and execution. He said attracting Korean industries represented not only an economic investment but also an opportunity to transfer expertise, develop national competencies and strengthen the UAE’s position as a hub for industry and innovation.
The UAE–Korea trade agreement is expected to eliminate or reduce duties on more than 90 per cent of tariff lines over a period of up to 10 years. It also covers trade in goods and services, investment, customs procedures, digital trade, intellectual property, government procurement and cooperation in sectors including energy, healthcare and advanced industries.
The industrial zone proposal gives private-sector form to those commitments. Korean companies have strong global positions in electronics, automotive components, batteries, robotics, shipbuilding, healthcare equipment and advanced materials. Abu Dhabi offers access to capital, energy, transport infrastructure and regional markets, while Korean manufacturers bring production systems, export networks and technology capabilities.
The location of Al Ain carries added significance. The city has been seeking a larger role in Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification beyond its established strengths in agriculture, education, culture and tourism. A manufacturing cluster there could broaden industrial activity outside the coastal logistics corridor, although investors will assess connectivity, labour requirements, utilities, supply chains and access to ports before committing to factory sites.
Safwan Bals, board adviser at AG Company, said nominating Al Ain reflected a vision of expanding economic development and diversifying production hubs. He said the project could support the city’s economic and social development by attracting investments and creating direct and indirect employment opportunities.
By Nantoo Banerjee Despite never qualifying for the FIFA (Federations of International Football Associations) World Cup, India has emerged as one of the largest global markets for the current tournament being co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with matches played across 16 official host cities. In the opening weekend alone, the tournament reached […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai DMCC has launched a dedicated cybersecurity vertical as part of a wider restructuring of its technology ecosystem, bringing more than 4,000 technology companies under the newly formalised DMCC Tech platform. The new unit, DMCC Cyber, is designed to support businesses working across cyber resilience, digital trust, data protection, identity management, and governance, risk and compliance. It will sit alongside the DMCC AI Centre, […]
Ripple has secured full authorisation under the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets framework, clearing the San Francisco-based blockchain payments company to expand regulated crypto services across the European Economic Area. The approval, granted through Luxembourg’s financial regulator to Ripple Payments Europe S. A., gives the company a Crypto Asset Service Provider licence and allows it to passport services across 30 EEA markets. It follows a preliminary clearance […]
Marking a historic milestone, the MAMA-winning icon celebrates a year of regional breakthroughs and a defining leap into the global spotlight.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 July 2026 – This July, celebrating his birthday month, Anson Lo marks a decisive leap into the global spotlight. Defined by his philosophy of “Adventure and Limitless,” the MAMA award-winning artist over the past weekend brought his solo concert tour to Macau, delivering a highly acclaimed, two-night engagement that drew an overwhelming response. This milestone is further amplified by the highly anticipated release of his new English single “Helicopter” and his high-profile appearance in the English drama The Season. Known for his razor-sharp choreography, Lo has transcended his status as Hong Kong’s premier idol to become a defining figure of a new, international generation.
The Rise of “Lo-Phenomenon”
Anson Lo’s trajectory over the last few years has been defined by a series of professional breakthroughs that have solidified his status as a regional powerhouse:
Cross-Cultural Collaborations: From headlining Waterbomb Singapore to a viral collaboration with Japan’s Avantgardey, Lo has proven his ability to electrify massive international crowds and bridge creative gaps across Asia.
A Landmark Fashion Milestone: In a historic international collaboration, Lo became the first Hong Kong artist to co-design a capsule collection with Italian luxury legend Giuseppe Zanotti. This partnership, alongside his work with luxury houses, cements his status as a definitive global fashion icon.
Industry Recognition: Since winning Best New Asian Artist (Mandarin) at the 2021 Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA), Lo recently marked a significant turning point by performing on South Korea’s MBC Show Champion and The Fact Music Awards (TMA) stage, bringing Cantopop to major music platforms in South Korea.
Global Screen Ventures: Lo expanded his international television footprint with a high-profile guest appearance in the elite ensemble English drama The Season. The series premiered worldwide on major streaming platforms like Hulu and Viu, underscoring his growing global versatility.
A New Frontier: Crafting English Hits and Lyrics
Lo’s global evolution shines through his self-penned English rap lyrics across nearly all his dance singles. Expanding his creative control, he wrote his two full English tracks, “Trippin’ Up” and the newly released “Helicopter.” “Helicopter” just dropped to an overwhelming global response, solidifying his international musical footprint.
About Anson Lo
Anson Lo (born July 7, 1995) is a multifaceted Hong Kong singer, dancer, and actor. Since his 2018 debut with the group MIRROR, he has evolved into a record-breaking soloist, headlining multiple solo concerts and releasing chart-topping hits such as “Megahit,” “Mr. Stranger,” and “Hey Hey OK!”. Today, he stands as a versatile artist working across music, fashion, and film.
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai OPEC+ has approved another increase in oil output targets for August, adding 188,000 barrels per day to planned supply as Gulf exports move back through the Strait of Hormuz and crude prices ease from wartime highs. The decision, taken at a virtual meeting on Sunday, extends a sequence of monthly quota increases that began in April and continued through June and July. Saudi […]
ANNECY, FRANCE – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 July 2026 – XPPen, a global leading brand in digital art innovation, continues its support for the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in 2026 through its partnership with the Annecy Festival Residency, while showcasing its latest product lineup at MIFA 2026. Together, these initiatives reflect XPPen’s long-term commitment to empowering animation creators, from nurturing emerging talent to equipping professionals with tools for evolving production workflows.
Image credit: Emmanuel Nguyen
Supporting the Next Generation of Animation Storytellers
Building on its support for emerging animation talent through the inaugural XPPen Award for Graduation Films at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in 2025, XPPen deepens its commitment to the animation community through the 2026 Annecy Festival Residency. The initiative provides selected animation feature film projects with studio space, tailor-made professional mentorship and opportunities to engage with the global animation community.
This year’s residency selected three animation projects from 52 submissions across 29 countries: All the Heaven’s Doors, Condenaditos, and Todo viene del agua. These projects boldly reflect on social issues, refuse fatalism, and revisit fragments of life and history with exceptional artistic courage and creative vision. As the residency’s official partner, XPPen provides its flagship Artist Pro 27 (Gen 2) drawing displays to support artists throughout the creative development process, from concept sketching and storyboarding to visual refinement.
“We contribute more than hardware, but also our deep respect for artistic souls who refuse to follow the crowd—those committed to using animation to probe the depths of human nature,” said Brian Huang, Marketing Director at XPPen. “We admire creators who challenge the world through storytelling, and we’re honored to walk alongside such creative spirits with tools they can trust throughout their journey.”
Featuring professional-grade color performance, a 27-inch 4K 120Hz display, and X-Touch technology, the Artist Pro 27 (Gen 2) enables artists to remain fully immersed in art creation. By seamlessly supporting technical demands, the tool fades into the background and becomes an extension of the creator, freeing artists to focus on what matters most: telling compelling stories.
Showcasing Professional Innovation at MIFA 2026
At MIFA 2026, the world’s leading animation industry marketplace held alongside the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, XPPen presented its latest creative product lineup, demonstrating how its expanding ecosystem supports creators at every stage of their creative journey.
The lineup spans entry-level standalone tablets for aspiring artists, the Magic Drawing Pad for everyday digital creation, the Artist 16 3rd portable pen display for professional creators, the flagship Artist Pro 27 (Gen 2) for high-end creative production, and the newly launched Pilot Pro, a productivity-focused editing console designed to streamline editing workflows, marking XPPen’s first foray into the professional editing console category.
Image credit: Quentin Le Page
Beyond product demonstrations, XPPen invited artists to share their creative process on site. Illustrator and animator Julie Roulet demonstrated how professional pen displays can support efficient animation workflows, while 2D/3D artist Benjamin Cerbai explored hybrid digital creation using the Magic Drawing Pad, giving visitors first-hand insight into how the device supports diverse creative scenarios.
By continuing its presence at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival and MIFA, XPPen reaffirms its long-term commitment to supporting creators through both technological innovation and meaningful engagement with the animation industry. Guided by its belief in empowering bold self-expression, XPPen is dedicated to developing tools that enable creators to turn ideas into reality. The company continues to build a creative ecosystem that supports artists at every stage of their journey, growing alongside them from their first ideas to professional creative production.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Oil prices have slipped back as a burst of supply, softer demand signals and easing disruption fears revive concern that the global market may be heading towards another glut. Brent crude has traded close to $72 a barrel, while US benchmark West Texas Intermediate has hovered below $70, pulling prices towards levels seen before the latest Middle East supply scare. The shift has […]
Bitcoin, Ether and other large crypto tokens are moving in unusually tight formation as a market worth more than $2.2 trillion tries to recover from a bruising correction, raising fresh questions over whether investors are gaining diversification or merely holding different versions of the same risk trade. Live market data showed Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, BNB, Solana, Dogecoin, Tron and Hyperliquid’s HYPE controlling roughly $1.74 trillion in combined […]
Scammers are using fake Google Play Store pages and paid social media adverts to push gambling-linked Progressive Web Apps, exploiting consumer trust in well-known retail, banking and streaming brands. The campaign uses polished advertisements on platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Threads and TikTok, with some creatives carrying simple “Brand Slots” labels and others mimicking official product launches. The adverts borrow logos, colour schemes, app-style layouts and fabricated testimonials […]
Dubai’s Jumeirah coastline is set for a major hospitality expansion as The Island by Wasl moves towards a planned third-quarter 2028 opening, bringing MGM Grand, Bellagio and Aria-branded hotels to a waterfront development near Burj Al Arab. The project, led by Wasl Hospitality in partnership with MGM Resorts International, is one of Dubai’s most closely watched leisure developments because it combines Las Vegas-linked hotel brands with a […]
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 July 2026 – At the Asian Excellence Awards 2026 ceremony held in Hong Kong, VinFast was recognized with three prestigious awards, including Best Investor Relations Company and two individual honors. The achievement underscores VinFast’s growing stature and capabilities as a global electric vehicle company listed on Nasdaq.
The Asian Excellence Awards is one of Asia’s most prestigious accolades in the fields of corporate governance, ESG, and investor relations. Organized annually by Corporate Governance Asia since 2011, the awards are recognized for their rigorous evaluation standards and stringent selection criteria.
This year, VinFast received recognition in three major categories: Best Investor Relations Company, Asia’s Best CFO awarded to Ms. Nguyen Thi Lan Anh, and Best Investor Relations Professional awarded to Ms. Amandae Baey.
VinFast was the only Vietnamese company recognized at the 2026 awards. Other recipients this year were leading corporations from several key Asian markets, including Hong Kong, Mainland China, Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
In the Best Investor Relations Company category, VinFast was highly regarded for its transparency in information disclosure, its ability to maintain regular engagement with investors and analysts, and the effectiveness of its communication and outreach initiatives with financial communities.
For the Asia’s Best CFO award, the organizers recognized the critical role of corporate finance leaders in maintaining strong financial foundations, developing effective capital-raising strategies, and navigating market volatility. The award honors CFOs who demonstrate exceptional leadership in guiding their companies toward stable and sustainable growth across varying economic conditions.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Lan Anh, Chief Financial Officer of VinFast, said: “This series of recognitions at the Asian Excellence Awards 2026 is a meaningful acknowledgment of VinFast’s journey in building a global enterprise founded on advanced and sustainable governance standards. VinFast will continue to strengthen governance capabilities, enhance transparency, and foster open dialogue with stakeholders to build long-term trust in international markets.”
Ms. Nguyen Thi Lan Anh has served as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of VinFast Auto Ltd since 2024. Having joined Vingroup in 2020, she brings extensive knowledge of the Company’s operations through her leadership experience across multiple functions, including finance, manufacturing, and supply chain management. She is a Fellow Chartered Certified Accountant (FCCA) and a Certified Practising Accountant of CPA Australia.
Ms. Amandae Baey has served as Vice President of Investor Relations at VinFast since 2024, where she leads the Company’s global investor engagement, analyst relations, and capital markets positioning. She is a CFA charterholder.
The awards highlight VinFast’s increasing integration into global capital markets and reaffirm its commitment to adopting international governance standards, enhancing disclosure quality, and strengthening engagement with shareholders and investors through a professional, proactive, and sustainable approach.
Over the past year alone, VinFast has received dozens of prestigious international awards spanning investment and finance, corporate communications, electric mobility, technology, design, and sustainability. Notable recognitions include the “Outstanding Innovation in Sustainable Electric Mobility” and “Remarkable Contribution to Energy Independence” awards at the CNN Indonesia Awards; the “Best Value Car of the Year” award at the Autocar India Awards 2026; ranking 101st in TIME magazine’s “Asia-Pacific’s Best Companies of 2025” list; and six awards at the APAC Effie Awards.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Corporate Governance Asia
Corporate Governance Asia is Asia’s leading publication covering corporate governance, ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance), investor relations, and sustainability. Since its launch in 2002, it has become a trusted source of insights and analysis for corporate leaders, investors, regulators, and financial professionals across the region.
The Asian Excellence Awards, organized annually by Corporate Governance Asia since 2011, recognize outstanding companies and business leaders across Asia for excellence in corporate governance, ESG practices, and investor relations.
Global equities advanced after weaker US employment figures reduced expectations of an imminent Federal Reserve rate increase, pushing investors back into risk assets while lifting gold and easing pressure on the dollar. The rally followed the June employment report, which showed non-farm payrolls rising by 57,000, well below market expectations of roughly 110,000. The unemployment rate eased to 4.2 per cent, but the decline was clouded by […]
New Delhi and Bamako have opened a structured export forum aimed at expanding bilateral trade, drawing investment into priority sectors and giving businesses from both countries a clearer route into West African and South Asian markets.
The inaugural India–Mali Forum for the Promotion of Exports was held in Bamako under the theme “Reinforcing Trade and Strategic Partnerships”, bringing together senior officials, export agencies and about 30 business leaders from India. The two-day initiative marks an attempt to move commercial engagement beyond commodity flows and towards sector-specific projects in cotton, mining, energy, pharmaceuticals, agro-processing, health and education.
The forum was jointly organised by Mali’s Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Embassy of India in Bamako and the Malian Agency for the Promotion of Exports. It was presided over by Mali’s Transition Government Prime Minister, Major General Abdoulaye Maïga, with the delegation from India led by Amit Kumar, Joint Secretary for FT-Africa in the Department of Commerce. Dr N. Nandakumar, Ambassador of India to Mali, represented the mission through the proceedings.
Bilateral trade crossed $326.61 million in 2025–26, a 55 per cent increase over the previous financial year. Mali’s exports to India include raw cotton, finished leather, cashew, lead, gum arabic and sesame. India’s exports to Mali include pharmaceuticals, cotton fabrics, two-wheelers, three-wheelers and bicycles. Officials see the current trade base as narrow but expandable, particularly because Mali’s global exports stand at about $4 billion and its untapped export potential in the market of India is estimated at nearly $3.96 billion.
The Duty-Free Tariff Preference Scheme has been a central driver of trade growth, offering least developed countries preferential access to the market of India. For Mali, the scheme provides a policy opening at a time when Bamako is seeking to diversify export destinations and reduce dependence on raw commodity shipments. For New Delhi, the forum fits a wider push to deepen commercial links with Africa through trade facilitation, capacity building and private-sector participation.
Business-to-business, business-to-government and government-to-government meetings formed the operational core of the forum. Exhibition stands featured products from both countries, including tractors and vehicles manufactured by Sonalika, Mahindra and Tata Motors. The format was designed to connect firms with regulators, identify bankable projects and address procedural bottlenecks that often slow trade between developing markets.
Mali presented ready-made business plans to potential investors and placed emphasis on agro-industry, shea processing, mining-linked services, renewable energy and social infrastructure. The country is seeking more value addition in cotton and agricultural commodities rather than relying mainly on exports of raw or semi-processed products. Cotton remains a significant sector for Mali, while shea, sesame, cashew and gum arabic offer scope for processing, branding and direct export partnerships.
Pharmaceuticals emerged as another key area. Mali sought quicker registration of approved products from India, a move that could expand access to affordable medicines and medical supplies. Health and education infrastructure were also discussed as areas where companies and institutions could provide services, equipment and training support.
The mining dimension is more complex. Mali is one of Africa’s leading gold producers and is working to tighten oversight of its precious metals trade after identifying large gaps between declared exports and import data reported by partner countries. A new state entity has been created to centralise and regulate precious-substances flows, reflecting Bamako’s effort to capture more value from gold and reduce informal trade. Industrial mines export about 60 tonnes of gold annually, while artisanal mining employs nearly 2 million people across hundreds of sites.
Security remains a central concern for investors. Mali has faced instability and militant violence, and economic assets have been among the risks flagged by foreign governments and companies. Earlier this year, security concerns stalled participation by government-backed firms from India in a Russian-backed lithium exploration project in Mali. That episode underlined the challenge of matching mineral ambitions with investor confidence.
Abu Dhabi has unveiled two collaborations with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to strengthen cancer research, artificial intelligence-enabled oncology and faster translation of laboratory discoveries into patient care. The initiatives, announced during BIO International Convention 2026 in San Diego, bring together the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, Future Health – A Global Initiative by Abu Dhabi, and MIT’s Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research. The move […]
Over Ten Thousand International Delegates Gather in Hong Kong Confirming City’s Status as World’s Meeting Place
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 July 2026 – The Hong Kong Tourism Board is proud to support the 108th Lions International Convention 2026 in Hong Kong. Having previously hosted the convention in 1992 and 2005, Hong Kong has once again been chosen by Lions Clubs International as the venue for its flagship event, attracting around 17,000 delegates from across the globe. Hong Kong has thus become one of the very few cities among more than 200 Lions member countries and regions worldwide to have secured hosting rights three times. This underscores Hong Kong’s status and appeal as the Events Capital of Asia and the World’s Meeting Place.
The opening ceremony was attended by more than 10,000 representatives from Lions Clubs worldwide.
Hosting Same High-Profile Event for the Third Time Cements Hong Kong’s Title as Asia’s World City
HKTB Chairman Dr Peter Lam said, “HKTB is delighted to partner with the Lions Clubs International District 303 Hong Kong and Macao, China, to bring this Convention to Hong Kong for the third time. Its return affirms Hong Kong’s position as the World’s Meeting Place and a top-of-mind destination for MICE tourism. It also showcases Hong Kong’s integrated strengths in world-class MICE infrastructure, global aviation connectivity, diverse and distinctive tourism offerings, and quality hospitality services. These are the key factors in attracting international MICE events and encouraging business travellers to return time and again. We extend our warmest welcome to Lions from around the world and, together with our industry partners, have curated exclusive itineraries and experiences to encourage delegates to stay longer and discover the unique appeal that can be found only in Hong Kong.”
HKTB Chairman Dr Peter Lam delivered the opening remarks at the 108th Lions International Convention, held at AsiaWorld-Expo.
Lions Clubs International is one of the world’s largest service organisations, with more than 1.4 million members and around 50,000 district clubs across over 200 countries and regions. Since 1917, the organisation has supported communities worldwide through a wide range of social service and community aid initiatives.
Lions International Convention 2026 Honorary Chairman and Past International President Dr Tam Wing-kun said, “Hong Kong is an international metropolis where Eastern and Western cultures converge. With its well-developed professional services and comprehensive MICE infrastructure, Hong Kong is an ideal host for this international mega event. I am delighted that the Convention has returned to Hong Kong. This year’s edition will provide Lions from all corners of the world with a broad and diverse platform to explore the future development of international services. Delegates will also be able to experience first-hand Hong Kong’s world-class cuisine and rich cultural appeal. I am confident they will be the best ambassadors possible when they return home, telling the good stories of Hong Kong to the world.”
Lions Attempt Tai Chai World Record in Hong Kong The 108th Lions International Convention is being held for five consecutive days from 3 to 7 July at AsiaWorld-Expo. To celebrate its return to Hong Kong and promote traditional Chinese culture, the organiser will attempt to set a world record with thousands of international Lions practising Tai Chi simultaneously. The activity aims to promote exercise for all and deepen participants’ understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals, creating a meaningful finale to the convention.
HKTB Teams Up with the Trade to Offer Unforgettable Cultural Tourism Experiences
As a supporting organisation of the 108th Lions International Convention, HKTB has teamed up with the local travel trade and major attractions to curate a series of exclusive tourism itineraries and offerings for convention delegates. These include transport offers, attraction tickets and shopping mall discounts, gift redemptions, and theme park deals to encourage delegates to stay in Hong Kong after the convention and explore more of the city’s diverse culture, cuisine, and unique tourism appeal.
HKTB will continue to bring more influential large-scale international MICE events to Hong Kong, further strengthening the city’s competitiveness and appeal as world-class, top-of-mind destination for both business and leisure tourism.
Adani Enterprises has expanded its qualified institutional placement to ₹150 billion after demand from large investors exceeded the original ₹100 billion target, giving Gautam Adani’s flagship company a sizeable pool of equity capital for its next phase of infrastructure and industrial expansion.
The share sale, opened to institutional investors this week, drew bids of about ₹380 billion, or roughly 3.8 times the base offer. The indicative price was set at ₹2,883 a share, below the regulatory floor price of ₹3,034.68 and at a discount to the stock’s previous close, reflecting the typical pricing structure used to secure large-block institutional participation.
The enlarged issue marks one of Adani Enterprises’ biggest equity-raising exercises since the group was hit by a market rout in 2023 following allegations by US short-seller Hindenburg Research. The conglomerate denied wrongdoing, and group companies have since rebuilt access to capital through a mix of equity, debt, asset recycling and strategic partnerships.
The strong response to the placement signals that institutional investors are again willing to back the group’s growth strategy, even as they continue to price in governance, leverage and execution risks. The investor book included global funds and domestic asset managers, with demand high enough for the company to lift the deal size by 50 per cent.
Adani Enterprises is the incubator of the group’s newer businesses. Its portfolio spans airports, roads, data centres, green hydrogen, mining services, defence, solar manufacturing and other infrastructure-linked ventures. The company has been central to the group’s plan to build large operating platforms before eventually listing or separating mature units.
The latest fundraising comes as the group accelerates capital spending across transport, energy transition and materials. Its airports business operates eight airports and is preparing for the opening of Navi Mumbai International Airport, a project expected to strengthen the group’s presence in aviation infrastructure. Data centres and green hydrogen remain capital-intensive bets that require long gestation funding and steady access to institutional capital.
The timing also follows Adani Enterprises’ rights issue of about ₹250 billion completed in late 2025, which was oversubscribed. That offer was used to support capital expenditure, debt repayment and shareholder loan obligations. The new placement gives the company additional flexibility at a time when infrastructure companies are competing for long-duration capital amid rising demand for logistics, power, digital infrastructure and manufacturing capacity.
The share sale is also significant because it reduces reliance on borrowings for the next leg of expansion. Equity funding can ease pressure on balance sheets and improve investor perception of leverage, particularly for companies pursuing several projects at once. At the same time, the discounted pricing means some dilution for existing shareholders, a common trade-off in large institutional placements.
Market reaction was measured. Adani Enterprises shares initially faced pressure after pricing details emerged but later stabilised, suggesting investors had largely anticipated a discount. The stock has recovered substantially from its 2023 lows, though it remains closely watched because of the group’s debt profile, promoter holdings and regulatory scrutiny around past allegations.
The company’s investment cycle has broadened further with plans linked to a major aluminium project in Odisha in partnership with Abu Dhabi’s International Holding Company. The proposed project, valued at about $11.5 billion, is expected to include bauxite mining, alumina refining, aluminium smelting and downstream capacity. The partnership underscores the group’s continuing effort to deepen industrial manufacturing alongside infrastructure.
IHC has been a notable backer of the group through periods of market volatility. Its involvement provides strategic weight to Adani’s expansion into metals, a sector that requires heavy upfront investment, access to raw materials, power security and strong execution discipline. Aluminium demand is being driven by transport, packaging, power transmission, construction and renewable energy infrastructure.
Adani Enterprises’ fundraising also fits a broader trend across the equity market, where companies have used qualified institutional placements to raise growth capital while valuations remain supportive. QIPs allow listed companies to place shares with large investors without the longer timelines associated with some other public offerings. For issuers, the format is faster; for institutions, it provides access to sizeable allocations in liquid companies.
Abu Dhabi Investment Authority has joined a large group of cornerstone investors in Luxshare Precision Industry’s Hong Kong share sale, giving the Apple supplier stronger institutional backing as it seeks to raise up to $3.1 billion in what could become the city’s biggest listing of 2026. The Shenzhen-listed manufacturer is offering 383.5 million H-shares at a maximum price of HK$63.28 each, with trading expected to begin on […]
BlueFive Capital has co-led a near $3 billion funding round for Kling AI, marking one of the largest capital injections into a generative video company and giving the Abu Dhabi-based investment platform a prominent position in China’s fast-growing artificial intelligence race. The financing values Kling AI at about $18 billion after investment and brings together a heavyweight group of backers including CPE, Guofang Investment, Tencent and CITIC […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai The UAE’s non-oil private sector came close to stalling in June as the impact of the Iran conflict, softer tourism activity and cost pressures hit client demand, leaving firms with the weakest improvement in business conditions since February 2021. The seasonally adjusted S&P Global UAE Purchasing Managers’ Index fell to 50.8 in June from 52.6 in May, staying only slightly above the 50 […]