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

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

Forest City, Johor
Forest City, Johor

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

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

Investment pipeline builds across the JS-SEZ

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

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

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

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

Forest City builds financial-services proposition

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

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

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

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

Cross-border measures support the dual-market model

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

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

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

Execution and conversion remain the next test

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

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

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

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

Key figures

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

Hashtag: #ForestCity

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

About Forest City Special Financial Zone

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

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

By Satyaki Chakraborty The U.S.-China high tech battle for supremacy has reached a new peak after the China manufactured Supercomputer LineShine was adjudged the best among the Top 500 supercomputers made by various nations including the USA, at the International Supercomputing Conference in Hamburg, Germany held on June 23.China got this top slot recognition after […]

The article China-US Tech War Reaches Its Peak As Chinese Supercomputer Gets Top Slot In 2026 appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

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

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

Luc Bernard - Natixis
Luc Bernard – Natixis

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

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

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

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

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

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

Natixis Corporate & Investment Banking

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

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

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

About Natixis Services in India

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

BitAuto Malaysia Automotive Forum 2026 has ended in Kuala Lumpur with automakers, dealers, digital platforms and content creators positioning online engagement, localisation and electrification as the next drivers of Malaysia’s automotive growth.

The forum, held on June 30 at Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur, marked BitAuto Malaysia’s first large-scale industry showcase. Hosted by BitAuto Tengyi Malaysia Sdn Bhd, the event brought together GWM Malaysia, Chery Corporate Malaysia, Proton New Energy, SGMW, JoyStar Dealer Group, TQ Wuling Manufacturing, Beritarian and representatives from Zeekr, Leapmotor, BMW, Toyota and 212 Motors.

The central theme, integration and symbiosis, reflected a market in transition. Malaysia’s automotive sector is moving from a phase led largely by model launches and pricing competition towards a broader contest over digital visibility, dealer conversion, charging access, after-sales confidence and community-led trust.

Li Wei, vice-president of Tengyi Technology and director of BitAuto Malaysia, said the company had chosen Malaysia as its flagship overseas hub because of the country’s steady vehicle demand, faster electrification, low but expanding EV penetration and policy support. BitAuto has built a 26-year presence in China’s automotive internet market through vertical auto media, mobility advertising, new media operations and AI technology.

BitAuto Malaysia is promoting Bitauto. my as a full-funnel automotive platform covering awareness, content nurturing and conversion. The platform lists more than 85 marques, 550 vehicle models and 1,300 variants, offering high-definition galleries, 360-degree VR viewing, multi-model comparison tools, pricing information and promotional data from authorised dealers.

The company is also building a trilingual content operation in Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin and English, supported by more than 30 creators across automotive, technology, lifestyle and travel segments. Its dealer tools include membership services, livestream customer acquisition, WhatsApp lead distribution, merchant back-end management and performance advertising workflows.

The forum’s commercial importance is underscored by Malaysia’s shifting vehicle market. Total industry volume reached a record 820,752 units in 2025, the second straight year above 800,000 units, but 2026 sales are expected to soften to around 790,000 units as affordability pressures, higher operating costs and the end of tax exemptions for fully imported EVs weigh on demand.

Electrification remains the clearest growth pocket. Battery electric vehicle registrations more than doubled to 30,848 units in 2025, while combined EV and hybrid sales rose to 69,363 units. Fully imported EVs have been subject to import duty, excise duty and sales tax from January 2026, though locally assembled EV incentives remain in place until the end of 2027.

Proton’s EV assembly plant in Perak has added weight to Malaysia’s ambitions as a regional electric mobility hub. The facility has an initial annual capacity of 20,000 cars, with scope to rise to 45,000 units. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has urged Geely to use the auto hub not only for vehicle production but also as a centre for training and education.

Chinese automakers are also deepening their regional strategies. Xpeng has been in negotiations with EP Manufacturing Bhd to begin EV production in Malaysia in 2026, while BYD has announced plans for an assembly plant in Perak and Leapmotor is preparing local assembly at Stellantis’ plant in Gurun, Kedah. These moves point to Malaysia’s growing role in right-hand-drive markets across ASEAN.

Panel discussions at the forum focused heavily on localisation. Michael Chew of Chery Malaysia said long-term market presence required a full local ecosystem covering manufacturing, supply chains and talent, rather than a reliance on imported vehicles. Oscar Wang of JoyStar Dealer Group described Malaysia as a mature replacement market where trade-in buyers increasingly seek differentiated driving experiences.

Fuel subsidy changes and concerns over petrol costs were cited as factors lifting interest in plug-in hybrids and hybrids. Speakers also said charging infrastructure remained a “chicken-and-egg” issue requiring coordination among automakers, dealers and public authorities.

The second major discussion turned to content and community. Speakers said buyers were responding less to technical claims alone and more to authenticity, ownership experience and creator credibility. Short videos were described as useful for initial discovery, while long-form reviews and offline car communities were seen as stronger tools for building brand loyalty.

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

Textile exporters have emerged as some of the strongest performers on Dalal Street this year, as investors price in improved access to the US and UK markets for suppliers of garments, towels, bed linen and home furnishings to global retailers including Walmart, Gap and JCPenney.

The rally has been led by export-heavy names such as Gokaldas Exports, KPR Mill, Welspun Living, Trident, Indo Count Industries and Pearl Global Industries, whose earnings prospects have brightened after tariff relief in key overseas markets. The sector has drawn renewed attention at a time when broader equities have faced bouts of volatility linked to global rates, trade uncertainty and uneven consumption trends.

The immediate trigger has been a series of trade developments that have altered expectations for the industry. A trade understanding with the US reduced tariffs on a range of goods, easing pressure on apparel exporters that had been absorbing costs to protect long-standing customer relationships. The India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, due to take effect on July 15, is expected to remove tariffs of up to 12 per cent on textiles and clothing shipped to Britain.

That change is significant for companies competing against Bangladesh, Vietnam, Cambodia and China in price-sensitive categories. Apparel and home textile exports operate on thin margins, and even a modest tariff difference can influence sourcing decisions by large retailers. Zero-duty access to the UK strengthens the case for shifting more orders to factories with scale, compliance records and established relationships with global buyers.

Gokaldas Exports has become a focal point for the trade. The Bengaluru-based apparel exporter manufactures about 90 million garments a year and earns a large share of revenue from the US, while also serving markets such as Canada, the UK and France. Its customer base includes major retailers, making it one of the more direct beneficiaries of improved tariff conditions. The company’s fiscal 2025 revenue stood at about ₹38.64 billion, and management has indicated scope for margins to move into double digits as the benefit of lower duties flows through.

Welspun Living, one of the world’s largest home textile manufacturers, is another major beneficiary of the shift. Its presence in towels, sheets, rugs and other home products gives it exposure to large-format retail demand in North America and Europe. The company has also invested in traceability, sustainable cotton sourcing and branded offerings, areas increasingly monitored by overseas buyers under stricter compliance and environmental standards.

KPR Mill, with its integrated operations across yarn, fabric, garments and sugar, has attracted investor interest because of its operating scale and relatively strong balance sheet. Pearl Global Industries and Indo Count Industries have also gained attention as investors look beyond the most visible exporters to companies with capacity expansion plans, customer diversification and scope to improve utilisation.

The rally has not been confined to a single trade event. Textile counters moved sharply in February after the US tariff relief, again after clarity on the UK agreement, and then attracted further institutional interest as brokerages initiated coverage on several sector names. Some reports have projected potential upside of more than 40 per cent in select stocks, though the bullish view is not uniform. More conservative calls on parts of the sector reflect concerns over valuations, cotton prices, wage inflation and execution risks.

The optimism also comes after a difficult period. Higher US tariffs had squeezed exporters, forcing some companies to absorb costs or offer discounts. Global retailers delayed shipments in parts of fiscal 2025 as tariff uncertainty disrupted ordering cycles. Demand in discretionary categories such as home textiles has been uneven, especially in the US, where retailers worked through excess inventory after the pandemic-era surge.

That makes the latest rally a test of whether tariff gains can translate into sustained earnings growth. Investors are looking for evidence of higher order books, improved realisations and better plant utilisation over the next two to four quarters. Margin expansion will depend not only on lower duties but also on raw material prices, currency movement, freight costs and the ability of exporters to negotiate better terms with buyers.

The rupee’s movement will also be important. A weaker rupee generally supports exporters, but higher imported input costs can dilute the advantage. Cotton price volatility remains another risk, particularly for companies that cannot pass on cost increases quickly. Compliance spending, labour availability and delivery timelines will influence whether larger buyers shift orders at scale.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai SolitAir has launched its first flight to Sofia, Bulgaria, opening the Dubai-based cargo carrier’s first operational route into Europe and extending its network beyond the Global South as it seeks a larger role in time-sensitive regional freight. The service marks a new phase for the airport-to-airport cargo airline, which is based at Dubai World Central and has built its early network around underserved […]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About JustCo Holdings Limited

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

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

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

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

For more information, visit: justcoglobal.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hashtag: #LUXMyWill ##BuryMeInThis

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

About LUX

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

About VML

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hashtag: #CrossStraitSunYatSenForum #Zhongshan #Guangdong

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Investors heading into the second half of 2026 face an uncomfortable reality: the global economy is changing faster than many portfolios are adapting to it. The forces reshaping markets today are structural. AI is triggering one of the largest capital investment booms in modern history. Digital assets have crossed into mainstream finance. Meanwhile, geopolitical conflict, sovereign debt and valuation risk continue to create significant uncertainty. As the […]

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Dubai’s property boom is giving way to a more measured investment cycle as buyers shift attention from quick capital gains to developer strength, delivery quality and long-term asset performance. A new investor confidence survey points to a market that remains broadly optimistic about Dubai’s prospects but less willing to chase rapid price appreciation after a long rally. The findings suggest that investors are […]

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

HANGZHOU, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 June 2026 – The inaugural AI+OPC Innovation and Development Conference was held from June 29 to 30 in Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, capital city of east China’s Zhejiang Province. Centered on one-person company (OPC), a new form of smart economy in the AI era, the conference program comprised one opening ceremony and two parallel breakout sessions.

Live from the 1st "AI+OPC" Innovation & Development Conference in Hangzhou
Live from the 1st “AI+OPC” Innovation & Development Conference in Hangzhou

It gathered around 400 delegates from government departments, industry associations, financial institutions, AI enterprises and OPC startup operators across the country. Participants exchanged insights on AI innovation pathways and cross-industry integration strategies, injecting strong impetus into Hangzhou’s ambition to develop a national benchmark hub for AI+OPC entrepreneurship.

A series of key launches and milestone ceremonies took place during the opening segment. Official releases included the 2026 national OPC development observation report, Hangzhou’s 2026–2028 action plan and supporting policies to build a national AI+OPC entrepreneurship hub, and a catalog of actionable AI+OPC application scenarios. Attendees also received an in-depth interpretation of the specifications for AI-enabled OPC community services and evaluation.

The ceremony featured multiple landmark initiatives: plaque awarding for Hangzhou’s priority AI+OPC incubation communities and dedicated observation sites, the official launch of the AI+OPC Community Alliance initiative, and a kickoff marking the official construction of the national AI+OPC entrepreneurship hub.

The open forum session featured keynote speeches from distinguished industry and academic leaders. Speakers included Pan Yunhe, former executive vice president of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and professor at Zhejiang University; Liang Gui, former executive vice governor of Jiangxi Province and ex-director of the Torch High Technology Industry Development Center under the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology; and Zou Ling, head of Hong Hub, Shangcheng District’s single-member unicorn startup acceleration community, who shared cutting-edge insights from varied perspectives.

A panel dialogue followed, bringing together representatives from Moshu OPC Community (Beijing E-Town), the School of Future Science and Engineering at Soochow University, Qingju Hub · Future Digital Intelligence Port (Shangcheng District), and Puhua Capital for in-depth industry exchanges.

Complementary concurrent events held throughout the conference included an OPC capital-industry matchmaking salon, a symposium on industry-education integration for AI-powered OPC sectors, and a national exchange forum for AI+OPC community practitioners.

OPC has emerged as a vibrant new engine driving economic vitality and underpinning high-quality development. Against the backdrop of a new development era, the inaugural Hangzhou AI+OPC Innovation and Development Conference unites OPC innovators nationwide.

Drawing on the creative energy of millions of independent super-individual operators, the event delivers sustained digital momentum to fuel Hangzhou’s super-individual economy, while rolling out replicable local practices and actionable Hangzhou solutions to advance high-quality growth of smart economies nationwide.

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World Cup Fever Returns: Learning Emotional Management on the Pitch

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 June 2026 – The four-yearly World Cup is in full swing, and the football fever once again sweeps the globe. The pitch has long been known as a “proving ground” for heroes; even for world-class players with years of experience, the joy of scoring a goal is often balanced by the sight of others in tears, frustrated by a defeat. The prowess of these players will be etched into the hearts of countless children, inspiring a lifelong love for the sport.

In the Play to Thrive programme, winning or losing isn't what matters; what's more important is building children's resilience.

Save the Children Hong Kong firmly believes that the football pitch is more than just a venue for competition—it is an ideal classroom for Social-emotional Learning. For eight-year-old Kai-long, the setbacks and failures experienced on the pitch have proven far more vital to his personal growth than mastering technical skills or perfecting “step-overs”.

The Play to Thrive programme empowers children to master emotional management and communication skills while staying active in sports. Compared to a “Zidane turn”, these are the skills that will truly serve them for a lifetime.

On the training ground, eight-year-old Kai-long’s skills are clearly “a cut above the rest”. From the way he carries the ball to the power of his strikes, he already carries himself like a mini professional. During internal matches, he frequently finds the back of the net, scoring multiple goals for his side.

However, the moments that truly bring a smile of approval to the coaches and teachers are not Kai-long’s technical displays, but his small yet heart-warming gestures. For instance, he is seen helping teammates by steadying the inflatable goalposts during shooting drills. Even when knocked down during a match, if the coach does not blow for a foul, Kai-long doesn’t complain; he simply brushes it off with a smile and gets straight back to chasing the ball.

When Excellence Becomes a Burden: Children Trapped by the Need to Win

“He has a personality that tends to be quite fixated on winning and losing. Because of his own performance, or because his classmates’ performance didn’t meet his expectations, he would sometimes experience emotional ups and downs,” explains Mr. Lui, the PE teacher. He admits that while Kai-long’s football skills are outstanding, his stubborn nature previously caused friction with teammates and classmates. Mr. Lui noted that since Kai-long was already a member of the school’s reserve team, he recommended him for the Play to Thrive programme not to “learn football”, but in the hope that he would learn how to get along with others.

Consequently, what moved Mr. Lui the most was not Kai-long’s “goal-scoring show”, but his reaction during a match when other students deliberately moved the inflatable goalposts. Instead of complaining or losing his temper as he might have done in the past, Kai-long continued to play with a smile on his face. “Previously, he might have called it unfair or had an emotional outburst, but today he didn’t complain; he even found it quite funny. He is no longer fixated on winning or losing.”

In the eyes of his father, Chung, Kai-long has been a child with extremely high expectations of himself and a drive for perfection since he was young. “Whether it is schoolwork or his behaviour, he hopes to be a good role model and be very well-behaved.” However, Chung also mentioned that this perfectionist streak serves as a source of pressure for Kai-long.

Interpersonal Skills Are More Important Than Footballing Ability

Chung admits that Kai-long used to be very fixated on winning and losing: “In the past, if he lost a game of football against his elder brother, he would be resentful; when he was younger, he even tried to hit him.” While it is natural to crave goals and seek victory on the pitch, Chung also believes that how one treats others and interacts with peers is a vital part of growing up, which is why he enrolled Kai-long in Play to Thrive.

“Football is a natural educational tool,” says Ms. Wong Shek Hung, Director of Hong Kong Programmes at Save the Children Hong Kong. She explains that experiencing victory, defeat, and frustration is inevitable in sports, providing the perfect opportunity for children to learn emotional management. She adds that Play to Thrive originated from a community football programme developed by Save the Children UK for children in Jordan and Indonesia.

The core of the programme lies in integrating Social-emotional Learning into football training to help children build five core competencies: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. Furthermore, the programme is open to all children regardless of gender, ethnicity, or background, allowing them to master self-awareness, emotional regulation, and team communication skills within a diverse and inclusive environment.

No Ordinary Football Training

As this is unlike conventional football training, every coach is required to undergo professional training covering “Child Safeguarding” and emotional support knowledge. Ms. Wong Shek Hung notes that during the “debriefing” session at the end of each practice, coaches guide the children to reflect on their experiences on the pitch, attempting to translate these moments into emotional literacy. The ultimate goal is “to let children learn how to become ‘masters of their own emotions’.”

Demonstrating Personal Growth and Cultivating Leadership Skills

Mr. Lui noticed that after joining the programme, Kai-long not only showed progress in his personal emotional management but also learned how to consider things from others’ perspectives. During PE lessons, Kai-long has become more willing to take the initiative to help his classmates and has learned to accept teammates with different abilities, even proactively coaching others. “He gets along with his classmates much more harmoniously now; the barriers that existed before have disappeared,” Mr. Lui remarked. He further revealed that Kai-long’s form teacher, having observed this growth, officially appointed him as a class monitor for the second term.

His father, Chung, observed that since joining the programme, Kai-long has demonstrated a level of resilience rarely seen before. He recalled a match where Kai-long served as both captain and goalkeeper; even when facing conceded goals and falling behind, “his first instinct wasn’t to feel discouraged, but rather to keep encouraging his teammates from the back to keep running and keep attacking.”

Ms. Wong Shek Hung reaffirmed that this is precisely the philosophy of Play to Thrive: “We emphasise ‘Football Second, Growth First’, ensuring that even if children lose a match, they learn to handle their emotions, communicate, and cooperate throughout the process.”

Building Resilience: Transforming Lives Through Football

Ms. Kalina Tsang, CEO of Save the Children Hong Kong, stated that she has always believed football is a powerful tool for building resilience in children: “We have always been concerned about children’s physical and mental well-being. Football is more than just a sport; beyond honing technical skills, it can be used to build a child’s resilience. By combining football training with Social-emotional Learning, and under the guidance of professionally trained coaches, Play to Thrive ensures that the sweat shed by children on the pitch is transformed into self-awareness and emotional management skills.” Ms. Tsang also noted that Kai-long’s growth perfectly embodies the programme’s success. She said, “We are deeply gratified to see Kai-long progress from initial emotional fluctuations to confidently cooperating with teammates and facing victory or defeat positively—improving both on a personal level and in his interactions with peers.”

As for Kai-long himself, it is difficult for an eight-year-old to describe his transformation in detail. But when asked what was different about him, he said with an innocent smile, “I used to blame my teammates for not passing the ball, but now I’ve learned not to. I tell them: ‘It’s okay, pass it again next time. We’ll win the ball back together.'”

Launched in Hong Kong in 2023, the Play to Thrive programme is a service that integrates Social-emotional Learning with football training. It aims to create a safe and supportive space for schoolchildren, promoting their physical, social, and mental health through sport. The programme currently operates across various districts in Hong Kong, including community teams in areas such as Sham Shui Po and Tin Shui Wai. The school-based project collaborates with over 30 primary schools across the territory, integrating football training into school life to help students recognise and manage their emotions, build healthy interpersonal relationships, and enhance their confidence and resilience. In response to the current situation where up to 39% of primary and secondary students in Hong Kong face mental health challenges, the programme places special emphasis on SEL to help children master effective communication and emotional management both on and off the pitch.

In 2025 alone, the community and school projects of Play to Thrive held a total of 744 training sessions, with total service hours exceeding 1,000 hours. The programme reached 1,120 children and their families across Hong Kong, establishing close partnerships with 32 schools and 4 non-profit organisations. In terms of impact assessment, participant satisfaction was high, with satisfaction rates for the community and school projects reaching 80% and 75%, respectively.

Interview Video: https://savethechildren.click/PTT-KaiLong-Video-2026
Hashtag: #SavetheChildrenHongKong #香港救助兒童會 #mentalhealth #精神健康 #football #足球 #WorldCup #世界盃





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

Save the Children Hong Kong

Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. In Hong Kong and around the world, we do whatever it takes – every day and in times of crisis – so children can fulfil their rights to a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. With over 100 years of expertise, we are the world’s first and leading independent children’s organisation – transforming lives and future.

Established in 2009, Save the Children Hong Kong is part of the global movement which operates in around 100 countries. We work with children, families, schools, communities and our supporters to deliver lasting change for children in Hong Kong and around the world.

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

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

Some key findings:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hashtag: #PRHK

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About PRHK

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

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

Greenlogue/AP Masdar has broken ground on a 1GW wind farm in Kazakhstan’s Zhambyl region, marking its first renewable energy development in the country and a major step in Abu Dhabi’s push to build round-the-clock clean power platforms across Central Asia. The $1.4 billion project combines utility-scale wind generation with a 600MWh battery energy storage system designed to support grid stability in southern Kazakhstan. The development is being […]

Alibaba Cloud has been named a Leader in Omdia’s Market Radar for Agentic AI Cloud Titans in Asia & Oceania, 2026, strengthening its position in a fast-expanding field where cloud providers are racing to turn generative AI into autonomous enterprise systems.

The ranking places Alibaba Cloud among the region’s most advanced providers of agentic AI infrastructure and development platforms. The company achieved the highest scores across six of nine evaluation dimensions, with its full-stack agentic AI approach highlighted as a key differentiator. That framework spans infrastructure, foundation models, model services, enterprise development tools and deployment systems designed to help companies build AI agents capable of planning, reasoning and executing tasks across business workflows.

The recognition comes as agentic AI shifts from experimental pilots to enterprise adoption. The Asia and Oceania market for agentic AI software is projected to grow from $782 million in 2025 to $11.2 billion by 2030, implying a compound annual growth rate of about 94 per cent. The surge reflects demand from banks, retailers, logistics companies, manufacturers and public-sector organisations seeking systems that can automate multi-step work rather than merely generate text, code or images.

Alibaba Cloud’s pitch rests on a vertically integrated stack. Its Qwen foundation models underpin a growing range of cloud services, while Model Studio gives developers access to Qwen-Max, Qwen-Plus, Qwen-Turbo, Qwen-VL, Wan and other model families. The company has also been expanding Platform for AI, Lingjun infrastructure and agent-building toolkits intended to make AI deployment easier for enterprises that lack large in-house research teams.

The company’s Singapore push has become central to its international AI strategy. At its first international Qwen Conference in Singapore in May, Alibaba Cloud introduced Qwen3.7-Max through Model Studio in the Singapore region, unveiled Qwen Cloud as an AI-native platform, and launched agent products aimed at helping companies build and manage autonomous systems. The Skills portal converts capabilities across more than 60 cloud products into agent-callable functions, allowing AI agents to interact with databases, security tools, big-data services and operations systems.

Alibaba Cloud’s commercial momentum has also improved. Cloud Intelligence Group revenue rose 38 per cent year on year to RMB41.63 billion in the January-March quarter, while external cloud revenue grew 40 per cent. AI-related products accounted for about 30 per cent of external cloud revenue and delivered triple-digit growth for the eleventh consecutive quarter. Annualised AI-related product revenue surpassed RMB35.8 billion, indicating that enterprise demand has moved beyond proof-of-concept budgets.

The company is investing heavily to defend that position. Alibaba has indicated that spending on AI and cloud infrastructure will exceed its earlier three-year plan of up to RMB380 billion, as executives prioritise market share and capacity expansion over near-term margins. That strategy carries risks. The group’s earnings have been pressured by high capital expenditure, competition in commerce and infrastructure costs linked to advanced computing demand.

The broader market remains intensely contested. Regional and global cloud providers are building agentic AI platforms that combine foundation models, orchestration layers, retrieval systems, governance tools and specialised compute. Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, Huawei Cloud, Tencent Cloud and Baidu AI Cloud are all competing for enterprise workloads tied to automation, coding agents, customer-service agents and industry-specific decision systems.

Alibaba Cloud’s advantage in Asia rests partly on its ability to link AI models with commerce, logistics, finance, cloud and developer ecosystems. Its Qwen family has gained traction among developers because of open-source releases and multilingual capabilities, while its enterprise services are being positioned for customers that need lower latency, data-residency options and region-specific compliance controls. The company also benefits from its leadership in Asia-Pacific infrastructure-as-a-service revenue, where it held a 22.5 per cent regional share in 2025.

The agentic AI market, however, faces unresolved issues around reliability, accountability and security. Autonomous agents can call tools, access corporate data and act across software systems, raising concerns over permission controls, audit trails, hallucinated actions and exposure of sensitive information. Enterprise buyers are increasingly looking for guardrails, monitoring, role-based access and human approval mechanisms before allowing agents to handle financial, legal or operational decisions.

BINZHOU, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 June 2026 – Recently, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and the Ministry of Finance jointly released the list of China’s third batch of pilot cities for the new technological transformation of the manufacturing sector. Binzhou City in Shandong Province has successfully been selected and is eligible for up to 300 million yuan in national fiscal incentives.

Wind Power Industry
Wind Power Industry

Along the banks of the Yellow River, Binzhou in Shandong Province is witnessing a surge in industrial development. In the smart workshops of Weiqiao Pioneering Group, robotic arms move with precision and agility; at the command center of Chambroad Holdings, data from pipelines spanning thousands of miles updates in real time; at the port terminals, high-end aluminum products and fine chemical goods are continuously loaded onto vessels, setting sail for global markets.

This industrial hub boasts 37 out of the country’s 41 industrial categories, forming six trillion-yuan-level industrial clusters, including high-end aluminum, fine chemicals, and smart textiles. A total of 82 products rank among the top in China or hold leading global market shares. Binzhou has been listed among China’s Top 100 Advanced Manufacturing Cities for four consecutive years.

Weiqiao Textile Green Smart Manufacturing Plant
Weiqiao Textile Green Smart Manufacturing Plant

In 2025, the industrial enterprises above designated size in Binzhou achieved operating revenue exceeding RMB 1.06 trillion, crossing the trillion threshold for the second consecutive year. Total profits reached RMB 77.73 billion, with a profit margin of 7.3%, both ranking first in Shandong Province. Value-added industrial output above designated size accounted for 38.9% of the city’s GDP growth, cementing industry as a key pillar of economic development.

Binzhou’s transformation has been driven by extending technological upgrading from individual enterprises to entire industrial chains. From 2023 to 2025, three clusters, i.e., lightweight aluminum new materials, intelligent textiles, and functional nutritional products, were successively selected as provincial-level advanced manufacturing clusters. The proportion of R&D investment in GDP has remained the highest in Shandong for five consecutive years. Six national-level excellent smart factories, 32 provincial-level advanced smart factories, and 66 green factories above the provincial level have taken root here, turning intelligent manufacturing and green transformation from blueprints into reality.

From an industrial city to an intelligent manufacturing powerhouse, Binzhou is steadily advancing on the path of new industrialization with practical actions, writing a new chapter of high-quality development.

Hashtag: #BinzhouInformationOffice

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

By Nantoo Banerjee West Bengal’s first ever Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government’s resolve to rebuild the state to its “old glory” sounds good though reversing decades of economic stagnation and industrial decline remains an incredibly difficult challenge. Economically, West Bengal’s rank among Indian states has dropped from No.1 till the mid-1960s to below 10 now. […]

The article Bid To Rebuild Bengal To Its Old Glory Is Welcome, Though Difficult appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 June 2026 – Bracell congratulates Fernando Branco, the company’s Treasury Manager, on his appointment as President of the Board of Directors of the Bahia Association of Forestry-Based Companies (ABAF) for the 2026 – 2028 term. The appointment reflects Bracell’s longstanding commitment to advancing the sustainable development of Brazil’s planted-forestry sector through collaboration, innovation, responsible governance and stakeholder engagement.

With more than two decades of experience in the pulp and paper industry and a decade of service on ABAF’s Fiscal Council, Branco brings extensive expertise in governance, finance and institutional engagement to the role. Under his leadership, ABAF will continue promoting dialogue among industry, government, communities and civil society to support the sustainable growth of Bahia’s forestry sector.

“The forestry sector plays a critical role in generating employment, supporting regional development, fostering innovation and contributing to environmental conservation,” said Fernando. “Through constructive dialogue, transparency, legal certainty and shared governance, we can strengthen the sector’s positive contribution to Bahia’s economy and sustainable development,” he added.

As one of the world’s leading producers of dissolving pulp and specialty cellulose, Bracell believes that sustainable forestry is fundamental to addressing global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity conservation and the transition to a low-carbon economy. The company has consistently invested in sustainable forest management practices, research and development, biodiversity protection, carbon monitoring initiatives and partnerships that promote responsible land use and environmental stewardship.

Bracell’s forestry operations are guided by a long-term sustainability strategy that combines productive eucalyptus plantations with the conservation of native vegetation, protection of water resources and preservation of biodiversity. Through its 1-for-1 commitment, the company has expanded its conservation efforts and strengthened its contribution to climate and nature-positive outcomes.

The company also recognises that the sustainable development of the forestry sector extends beyond environmental stewardship. Bracell, a member of the RGE group of companies founded by Sukanto Tanoto, works closely with local communities through initiatives focused on education, income generation, environmental awareness and social development, helping create lasting value in the regions where it operates. In Bahia alone, tens of thousands of people have benefitted from the company’s social programmes.

Branco’s appointment comes at a time when the forestry sector is increasingly called upon to contribute solutions for sustainable economic growth and climate resilience. Fernando’s leadership at ABAF represents an important opportunity to further strengthen collaboration across the sector and advance shared sustainability goals for Bahia and Brazil, the company said.

Through ABAF, Bracell will continue supporting initiatives that strengthen the competitiveness, transparency and sustainability of Bahia’s forestry value chain while contributing to a sector that generates renewable products, supports local economies and helps build a more sustainable future.

Hashtag: #RGE #Bracell #Sustainability #SustainableDevelopment #Conservation #Forestry #Brazil #Bahia #ABAF

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About Bracell

Bracell is a global leader in the production of dissolving pulp and specialty cellulose with two main mill operations in Brazil in Bahia and São Paulo. In addition to its operations in Brazil, Bracell has a management office in Singapore and sales offices in Asia, Europe and the U.S.

Please visit Bracell’s for more information.

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