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ONYX Hospitality Group oversees renowned brands including Amari, OZO, Shama, and Oriental Residence across key destinations in the Asia–Pacific region. This agreement marks another significant milestone in strengthening ONYX’s presence in the Chinese market. Scheduled to open in Q4 2026, the hotel supports ONYX’s long-term growth strategy as it works toward its target of managing more than 75 properties by 2030.

Mr Yuthachai Charanachitta, Chief Executive Officer of ONYX Hospitality Group, commented: “This collaboration reflects the strong confidence Yee Fung Group has in ONYX, following our successful partnership in managing Y Hotel Hong Kong. It represents a significant step forward in building on that success and further expanding ONYX’s presence in the Greater China market. At the same time, this partnership reinforces ONYX’s position as a distinctive ‘Regional Player’, well-positioned for stable and sustainable growth across the region.”

Y Hotel Nanshan Shenzhen featuring 82 thoughtfully designed guest rooms and suites, located within YEE FUNG PLACE on a strategically significant site surrounded by key national infrastructure. The area is supported by five major national sea and land ports, including Shekou, Chiwan and Mawan, servicing more than 150 shipping routes. It is also situated at the heart of one of China’s leading innovation and industrial hubs, home to sectors such as integrated circuits, artificial intelligence, biomedicine and the marine economy, alongside more than 50 specialised industrial parks.

Y Hotel Nanshan Shenzhen is ideally suited for leisure travellers, offering convenient accessibility just 35 minutes from Shenzhen Baoan International Airport and 31 minutes from Shenzhen North Railway Station, and only 650 metres from Lilin Subway Station. The surrounding area features vibrant food markets and nightlife destinations such as Nanyi Fang, Shekou Sea World, Green World and Houhai, as well as cultural and recreational attractions including Shenzhen Poly Theatre, Shenzhen Talent Park, Nanshan Museum, Nanshan Park and Shenzhen Bay Park. Guests will also find leading shopping centres nearby, including Walmart, Xinhe Shopping Plaza, Garden City, Haiya Mega Mall, Coastal City and Shenzhen Bay MixC.

Furthermore, the hotel is located close to the headquarters of major national technology companies such as ZTE, Tencent, Huawei, Alibaba, Han’s Laser and Mindray, as well as Shenzhen University, positioning it as both a relaxing retreat and a strategic hub for business travellers seeking comfort alongside a distinctive lifestyle experience.Hashtag: #ONYXHospitalityGroup #YeeFungGroup #YHotel #HospitalityManagement #HotelManagement #LifestyleHotel

https://www.linkedin.com/company/onyx-hospitality-group/
https://www.facebook.com/ONYXHospitalityGroup
https://www.instagram.com/onyxhospitalitygroup/

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

About ONYX Hospitality Group:

ONYX Hospitality Group, a reputable force in Southeast Asia’s hospitality industry, operates a collection of comprehensive yet complementary brands – Amari, OZO, Shama and Oriental Residence – catering to the distinctive needs of discerning business and leisure travellers in Southeast Asia where their expertise lies. In addition to its brand portfolio, ONYX Hospitality Group also operates additional hospitality services across spa and food and beverage. With over five decades of management experience, the company extends its innovative solutions throughout the region, upholding internationally recognised standards and ensuring optimal operational manoeuvrability. By fostering enduring relationships with like-minded business partners, ONYX Hospitality Group delivers unparalleled experiences in a dynamic and competitive market, meeting the ever-evolving demands of travellers.

More information: www.onyx-hospitality.com

Accelerated overseas strategy as an integral part of brand transformation

HONG KONG/BANGKOK – EQS Newswire – 16 January 2026 – Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Limited (“Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group”, the “Group” or the “Company”; SEHK stock code: 1929), the global Chinese luxury group built on a nearly-century old legacy of trust and innovation, announces the opening of a key strategic store in Bangkok, Thailand, within the iconic Siam Paragon, as well as the appointment of acclaimed Chinese actor Yang Yang as its Global Brand Ambassador. These initiatives mark significant milestones in the Group’s brand transformation journey as it redefines global luxury through Chinese craftmanship and artistry.

The Group, which operates over 5,000 stores globally with a market capitalisation of approximately HK$122 billion, equivalent to US$16 billion, (as of 31 December 2025), is strengthening its presence in luxury destinations across international markets as part of its brand transformation. The new store at a Southeast Asian luxury retail landmark showcases Chow Tai Fook Jewellery’s blend of modern sophistication with the richness imbued by cultural heritage.

In addition, the appointment of Global Brand Ambassador Yang Yang reflects the commitment to engaging new audiences and deepening emotional resonance with overseas consumers. Yang Yang, a renowned globally recognised Chinese actor, is set to strengthen the brand’s presence in key international markets, positioning it as a modern, elegant embodiment of Chinese luxury on the world stage.

A New Expression of Heritage and Modern Luxury

The new Siam Paragon store features the brand’s iconic “Chow Tai Fook Timeless Red” throughout. The space celebrates the beauty of Chinese craftsmanship and artistry with the use of refined materials and thoughtful lighting that create a warm, gallery-like ambience. To build connections and emotional resonance, the Group is introducing a selection of Thai-exclusive pieces that honour local culture.

“As we advance our dynamic brand transformation journey, curating exceptional retail experiences in international markets is pivotal in Chow Tai Fook Jewellery’s overseas expansion strategy. This expansion is part of our ambition to establish Chow Tai Fook Jewellery as a leading force in global luxury, while reinforcing our legacy of innovation, excellence, and cultural resonance,” said Ms Sonia Cheng, Vice-chairman of Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group.

She further remarked: “Another key aspect of our strategic vision is the appointment of Yang Yang as our Global Brand Ambassador. Through this alliance, we will cultivate a refined and contemporary identity for a Chinese luxury brand on the world stage.”

Accelerating Global Reach to Redefine Luxury Across Borders

Chow Tai Fook Jewellery’s international business expansion is guided by a two-pronged approach: revitalising key existing markets and expanding into high-potential new territories for sustainable growth. With around 60 points of sales across international markets in 1HFY2026 (April to September 2025), the Group’s retail sales in Other Markets segment (including China duty-free) grew nearly 17% year-on-year.

The opening of the Siam Paragon store follows the debut of the Group’s first newly designed store in Southeast Asia, which opened at Singapore Changi Airport in November 2025. Building on this momentum, Chow Tai Fook Jewellery is set to further expand its international retail network, with plans to open its first store in Australia and an additional store in Canada by the end of June 2026. The Group also intends to expand into the Middle East market within two years.

Redefining Global Luxury Through Chinese Artistry

In celebration of its 95^th anniversary, the Group embarked on a brand transformation journey in 2024 to redefine global luxury. By blending heritage with contemporary iconic designs, the Group showcases the beauty of China to the world through exquisite jewellery that honours tradition while embracing modern elegance. ​

Chow Tai Fook Jewellery is the first Chinese jewellery brand to appoint a Creative Director with international perspectives and exposure, underscoring its commitment to innovative design and narrative-driven branding. Led by Creative Director of High Jewellery, Nicholas Lieou, the Group introduced its signature collections, including the CTF Rouge and CTF Joie Collections.

Hashtag: #ChowTaiFook

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

Dr. Krithpaka Boonfueng, Executive Director of NIA, said that rapid advances in artificial intelligence, escalating geopolitical tensions across multiple regions, trade decoupling and reciprocal tariff measures that create uncertainty in the global economy and value chains, as well as environmental issues and natural disasters, were major forces shaping change in 2025. ‘Innovation’ remains a critical tool for coping with these disruptions and uncertainties.

Looking ahead to 2026, Thai entrepreneurs will need to continue closely monitoring and adapting to change. Key innovation trends present both opportunities and challenges, starting with technology trends that help reduce costs and build long-term competitiveness. Notable technologies include Agentic AI, which can autonomously perform tasks such as customer chat responses, sales closure, order management, queue booking, price comparison, and automated purchasing; Hyper-Automation, which integrates bots and systems to reduce repetitive tasks, improve efficiency and accuracy, and enable real-time data-driven decision-making; and Carbon Accounting, which is becoming essential for SMEs involved in exports or global supply chains. Businesses are increasingly required to measure carbon footprints across energy use, production, logistics, and waste, in response to stricter global regulations such as the EU’s CBAM and Thailand’s forthcoming Climate Change Act.

Business trends highlight growth opportunities across several sectors. These include Health and Wellness, covering not only treatment but also prevention and therapy, particularly for working-age populations facing stress, office syndrome, and sleep disorders. Opportunities span physical therapy clinics, aromatherapy and sleep-aid products, herbal supplements, wellness tourism, yoga, and meditation. Another fast-growing area is the Pet Economy, as the Thai pet market continues to expand despite economic headwinds. This sector now includes holistic and organic pet food, fresh pet meals, fashion apparel, multifunctional pet furniture, and premium services such as pet spas, hotels, and condominiums. Additionally, Green and Circular Businesses are gaining traction, with upcycling and recycling ventures transforming waste and local materials into higher-value products. Although costs may be higher, sustainability-driven products can command premium prices, creating opportunities for community-based SMEs through innovative design aligned with environmental and fashion trends.

Consumer trends reveal a shift toward value-for-money and self-care. Hyper-Personalization is increasingly important, as consumers seek products tailored to individual needs, supported by advanced data analytics—such as supplements based on blood test results or skincare customized to personal skin conditions. Silver Solutions address the needs of Thailand’s aging society, with services focused on convenience, safety, and quality of life, including home modifications, slow-life travel programs, and assisted healthcare services. Meanwhile, Muketing or the Magic Economy reflects the enduring role of belief, spirituality, and cultural traditions in Thai society, creating economic value through religious tourism, spiritually inspired products, and design-driven items that blend art with faith.

Dr. Krithpaka added that NIA’s long-term mission is to transform Thailand into an innovation-driven economy, with startups and innovation-based entrepreneurs at its core. This requires the creation of new industries to drive growth and position Thailand as an “Innovation Nation” through three key objectives: developing innovations based on advanced and deep technologies that are difficult to replicate; creating high-value products and services rooted in creativity and cultural capital; and preparing a highly skilled workforce capable of keeping pace with rapid technological change and evolving demographic and labor market structures. NIA works closely with domestic and international partners in its role as a Focal Conductor of Innovation, supporting innovative businesses through the 4G framework: Groom (incubation and capability building), Grant (funding support), Growth (market expansion and access to capital), and Global (international market entry). In 2026, NIA will drive Thailand’s economy and society through four key innovation policy pillars.

The first focuses on promoting investment in innovative businesses, offering a range of financial mechanisms including grants for early-stage ventures and co-investment schemes for growth-stage firms, such as corporate co-funding, public venture mechanisms (NIA Venture), global investment link programs, and capital gains tax exemptions to support startup fundraising. The second pillar emphasizes innovation linkages, strengthening collaboration between academia and industry to translate research into real-world applications through acceleration programs, innovation hubs, ecosystem platforms, tax incentives, and future mechanisms such as intellectual property financing. The third pillar supports regional innovation development, enhancing local economies and quality of life through Social Innovation Driving units (SID), Open Innovation programs, City and Community Challenge, Social Innovation Villages, and Ninmungkornth The Reality, which inspires new or small entrepreneurs to become local economic champions. The final pillar aims to enhance national innovation competencies, cultivating innovation mindsets, technological and business skills, entrepreneurial thinking, and global readiness across youth, startups, SMEs, and organizations. Key initiatives include STEAM4INNOVATOR, Startup Thailand League, NIA Academy training programs, and productivity-focused projects such as INNOProductivity for SMEs, aligned with international innovation management standards like ISO 56001.

Through these integrated efforts, NIA seeks to strengthen Thailand’s innovation ecosystem and ensure that innovative businesses can grow resiliently and compete on the global stage.

Hashtag: #NIA #NationalInnovationAgency

https://www.nia.or.th/

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

By Ashok Nilakantan Ayers When India’s finance minister Ms Nirmala Sitharaman rises to present the 7th Union Budget on February 1, a record of sorts, the moment will carry an uncommon weight. This is no routine fiscal exercise, no mere balancing of columns and commas. Instead, the budget is being cast — by industry leaders, […]

The article 2026-27 Budget Offers Modi Govt A Great Opportunity To Reshape Strategy appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

Organised by MP Singapore, and presented by the Franchising & Licensing Association (Singapore), FLAsia 2026 marks a new chapter for the long-running industry event as it enters its 21st edition under a new organiser partnership. The appointment of MP Singapore brings expanded regional reach, deeper industry engagement and a strengthened focus on business outcomes for exhibitors and visitors across Asia.

FLAsia 2026 is expected to welcome more than 7,000 trade visitors and over 250 exhibiting brands from franchising, licensing, character IP, retail concepts and emerging business models. The event will continue to serve as a central marketplace for brand owners, franchisors, licensors, investors and entrepreneurs to connect, explore partnerships and identify expansion opportunities across regional and international markets.

Building on the momentum from previous edition, the Brand Licensing Village will return in 2026. The dedicated zone will spotlight locally developed intellectual property that has already been successfully commercialised, offering visitors a focused platform to discover market-ready IP, connect with licensing experts and explore collaboration opportunities across categories. The Licensing Village reinforces FLAsia’s role in supporting IP growth and brand extension within the region’s licensing ecosystem.

On the franchising front, the Chinese Franchise Conference will make a return, reflecting continued interest from Chinese brands and investors seeking expansion opportunities across Southeast Asia and beyond. Curated in collaboration with key industry stakeholders, the conference will provide targeted insights, market perspectives and networking opportunities for Chinese franchise brands and regional partners.

FLAsia 2026 will also feature international pavilions and brand participation from key markets, with brands from Korea, Thailand and other regional economies expected to be present, further strengthening the show’s international profile. Alongside the exhibition showcase, the event will include curated business sessions, industry sharing, talent and career touchpoints, and dedicated zones highlighting innovation, IP development and brand growth, reinforcing FLAsia’s position as a leading gateway for franchising and licensing opportunities in Asia.

“Partnering with MP Singapore marks a dynamic leap forward for FLAsia. Together, we’re amplifying the event’s influence and reach, ensuring the franchising and licensing community thrives as the industry surges across Asia.” Mr Gan Shee Wen, President, Franchising & Licensing Association (Singapore).

“FLAsia is a well-established platform with strong industry trust, and we are pleased to be organising the event for the first time. By leveraging on MP’s global network, we will connect brands, partners and stakeholders in a way that will foster an environment that encourages collaboration, supports quality participation and drives tangible outcomes for both exhibitors and visitors. We are excited to grow FLAsia alongside the industry in the years ahead.” Jason Ng, Managing Director of MP Group.

Franchising & Licensing Asia has, over the years, established itself as a key business platform for brands seeking growth, market entry and partnership opportunities in Asia. With Singapore as its springboard, the event continues to attract regional and international participation, reinforcing its role as a gateway to Asian markets.

More information about FLAsia 2026 can be found at www.franchiselicenseasia.com.

Hashtag: #FLAsia2026 #Franchising #Licensing #BrandExpansion #TradeShowAsia #BusinessNetworking

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

About FLAsia

Franchising & Licensing Asia (FLAsia) – 21st Edition – Asia’s leading marketplace for franchising and licensing, FLAsia brings together reputable brand owners, business leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs to create a dynamic platform for accelerating business growth, expanding professional networks, and increasing brand visibility across the vibrant Asian market.​ ​FLAsia provides the chance for exhibitors to showcase unique business concepts, engage in face-to-face meetings with high quality visitors and create meaningful business connections.​ ​Visitors get to connect directly with brand owners, franchisors, licensors, industry experts, and like-minded leaders, attend insightful conferences, and access high quality business opportunities.​

About Franchising and Licensing Association (Singapore)

Franchising and Licensing Association (FLA Singapore), one of the founding members of the World Franchise Council, was established in 1993 with the mission to nurture and develop Singapore’s franchising industry. An essential component of Singapore’s knowledge-based economy, FLA Singapore promotes and facilitates the use of franchising, licensing and branding as a growth strategy for Singapore enterprises, thus contributing to turning Singapore into a regional franchise and license hub.

Through its partnership with Singapore government agencies and international franchise and license bodies, FLA Singapore also assists its members in their international development programmes. With an active growing membership of close to 150 companies, representing more than 250 strong brands, FLA (Singapore) is led and managed by a dedicated team of advisors, committee members and a full-time secretariat with the goal of supporting Singapore companies to expand internationally.

About MP Singapore

The MP Singapore (MP) is a global full-service agency that specialises in connecting and building eco-systems, industry engagement, events management and marketing. Established since 1987, MP embodies more than a quarter century of event building, marketing and management experience in both Eastern and Western cultures, practices, and business philosophies. We bring world-class talent, industry expertise, and incredible enthusiasm into the design and management of extraordinary online-to-offline experiences for your organisation.

MP is part of Pico Group, a global group of agencies specialising in engaging people, creating experiences and activating brands for businesses, institutions and governments. As part of the Pico group, MP has unlimited access to a wide network of industry contacts and resources. Pico Far East Holdings has been listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange since 1992.

This is the fifth edition of the Hong Kong Economic Policy Green Paper, released by HKU Business School, with the aim of providing recommendations on how Hong Kong can effectively tackle these challenges.

HKU Business School today unveils the Hong Kong Economic Policy Green Paper 2026. From left: Prof. Huiyin Ouyang, Associate Professor in Innovation and Information Management of HKU Business School, Prof. Dragon Tang, Professor in Finance in HKU Business School, Professor Hongbin CAI, Dean and Chair of Economics of HKU Business School, Prof. Richard Wong, Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor of The University of Hong Kong and Director, Hong Kong Institute of Economics and Business Strategy, Prof. Heiwai Tang, Associate Vice-President of The University of Hong Kong and Associate Dean of HKU Business School, and Dr. Tingting Fan, Principal Lecturer in Marketing of HKU Business School.

Prof. Richard Wong, Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor of The University of Hong Kong and Director, Hong Kong Institute of Economics and Business Strategy said, “This Green Paper was released after months of rigorous research by the scholars from HKU Business School. Grounded in an academic perspective and guided by a pragmatic, problem-solving approach, we have conducted objective analyses and in-depth investigations into core issues and real-world challenges currently facing Hong Kong’s development in political and economic operations, people’s livelihood, and industrial upgrading. Our aim is to provide the Government and relevant authorities with valuable insights and actionable policy recommendations.”

Professor Hongbin Cai, Dean and Chair of Economics of HKU Business School, said, “As a ‘super-connector’ bridging China and the world, Hong Kong’s unique role remains indispensable. Looking ahead, Hong Kong must deeply integrate into China’s national development plans, and also take a more prominent role on the international stage, with an in-depth understanding of the global market and active engagement with its international collaborators.

With campuses in Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen, and an expanding presence in Vietnam and Europe, HKU Business School embodies our unique proposition: deeply rooted in Hong Kong, fully engaged with the Chinese Mainland, and truly international. This year’s Green Paper reflects our dedication to inspiring solutions based on rigorous research. As a world-class institute of higher education, we are committed to enabling Hong Kong to further unleash its core values and usher in a new era of high-quality development.”

Prof. Heiwai Tang, Associate Vice-President of The University of Hong Kong and Associate Dean of HKU Business School, added, “This Green Paper features research papers from ten teams of scholars with diverse backgrounds and varied expertise. Based on profound insights into Hong Kong’s development, they offer unique and targeted policy recommendations, building a rich and multifaceted framework of issues for the Green Paper. At the same time, behind these research achievements lies the scholars’ deep affection for and sense of responsibility toward Hong Kong.”

Regarding how digital technology can boost Hong Kong’s trade finance, he emphasised: “Both data and industry feedback clearly demonstrate the core value of trade finance. However, we need more synergy in the trade finance ecosystem and to catch up in digitisation. To address this, we must strengthen the governance and standard promotion of digital trade platforms and tools, deepen the cross-border interoperability of trade data, expand the functions of the Hong Kong Export Credit Insurance Corporation, focus on high-value-added trade enterprises, extend the coverage of Free Trade and Double Taxation Avoidance agreements, and promote responsible stablecoin adoption and Renminbi internationalisation.”

Prof. Dragon Tang, Professor in Finance at HKU Business School, stated, “Hong Kong is uniquely positioned to lead in the integration of blockchain technology within green finance, exemplified by our pioneering issuance of the world’s first tokenised green bonds, totalling HKD 6 billion in February 2024. With green finance representing a critical avenue for sustainable development, the global market is projected to grow significantly, emphasising the importance of transparency and trust. To capitalise on this opportunity, we must enhance our blockchain infrastructure, establish clear regulatory standards, and promote cross-border integration with initiatives like Core Climate. By leveraging blockchain’s capabilities, we can significantly reduce costs, improve transparency, and engage a broader investor base, ultimately driving our transition to a sustainable finance future.”

Prof. Huiyin Ouyang, Associate Professor in Innovation and Information Management, HKU Business School, commented on her study, saying, “Two weeks post-implementation of the hospital fee reform, the media reported no significant change in emergency department crowding, which aligns with what our analysis predicted. Overcrowding isn’t simply about patient behaviour – it’s a structural issue. Demographics are shifting, capacity is constrained, and alternative treatment options remain limited. What we now need is a careful, systematic evaluation of the fee changes. Where are vulnerable patients going for care? Are some patients delaying treatment? What unintended effects are emerging? Effective reform requires pairing fee adjustments with expanded primary care access. We can’t solve a capacity problem with pricing alone.”

Dr. Tingting Fan, Principal Lecturer in Marketing at HKU Business School, presented as well, spoke on her study and asked, “Why did Pop Mart go public in Hong Kong but register IP in Singapore? Or why was Molly ‘born’ in Hong Kong but did not go viral from Hong Kong? Why have local companies not managed to turn these homegrown IPs into major business triumphs? Learning from the past and looking forward, Hong Kong can leverage its financial market, legal system, as well as talents to build a comprehensive IP industry infrastructure and become an IP hub.”

The Green Paper includes ten articles; the key points are as follows:

Empowering Merchandise Trade Finance with Digital Technology in Hong Kong
Author: Prof. Heiwai Tang, Associate Vice-President (Global), The University of Hong Kong; Associate Dean (External Relations), HKU Business School; Associate Director, Hong Kong Institute of Economics and Business Strategy; Victor and William Fung Professor in Economics

• Trade is an essential lifeline for Hong Kong; its total merchandise trade was three times the city’s HKD3.2 trillion GDP in 2024. Trade finance is thus equally important, yet research shows that the total loans extended for trade finance have been declining.
• As geopolitical and technological shifts reshape trade, Hong Kong must upgrade its trade finance services. With consumer-goods trade shifting to smaller, more frequent orders and shorter cycles, financial institutions need to streamline approvals and develop flexible products for e-commerce and logistics-driven cash cycles. Banks also need to digitise core processes in fund settlement. The article cautions that platforms directly connecting mainland manufacturers with overseas buyers disintermediate Hong Kong’s traditional hub-and-spoke role.
• To address this, the article suggests the government leverage digital technologies to elevate the adoption of Hong Kong’s digital trade platforms through unifying core digital trade functions. Moreover, speeding up interoperability of trade data platforms with the Chinese Mainland and other economies will enable seamless data exchange.

Rebuilding Hong Kong as the Catalyst to the Greater Bay Area (GBA) Startup Ecosystem
Prof. Alberto Moel, Professor of Practice in Finance, HKU Business School
Prof. Joseph Chan, Associate Professor of Practice in Management and Strategy, HKU Business School; Associate Director, Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

• Offering a quantitative analysis of the evolution of Hong Kong’s startup landscape, the article found that post-2019 activity has slowed, mirroring global venture capital trends, with most failing to grow beyond 50 employees due to scarce late-stage capital despite early-stage availability. While fintech and logistics dominate and AI/blockchain grow quickly, deep tech lags—authors view this as temporary and highlight Hong Kong’s alignment in financial innovation, regtech, and GBA supply chains to attract investment and support corporate transformation.
• To strengthen Hong Kong as the GBA’s premier startup hub and international financial centre, the article recommends nine policies—including fixing funding gaps, closing academia-market divides through industry-focused research for tech transfer, attracting/retaining talent, integrating Northern Metropolis with GBA supply chains, pivoting to high-value services, and drawing large tech platforms to incubate local startups.

The Applications of Blockchain in Green Finance: Hong Kong’s Experience and Opportunities
Author: Prof. Dragon Tang, Professor in Finance, HKU Business School; Associate Director, Centre for Financial Innovation and Development

• The green finance market has entered an important new phase. Hong Kong became the world’s first issuer of sovereign tokenised green bond when it priced an HKD800 million one-year note in February 2023. Despite this, Hong Kong faces several challenges in the practical implementation of using blockchain to advance green finance. This is due to the limited interoperability between blockchain platforms and existing financial infrastructure, which hinders cross-market transactions. Real-time settlement for tokenised assets is also difficult because of scalability constraints.
• The article argues that the future success of blockchain development in green finance will depend on progress in three areas: standardisation, scalability, and security. Clear regulatory frameworks and common technical protocols are needed to provide legal certainty and interoperability across platforms. While collaboration among regulators, technology providers, and energy-market participants can align rules for tokenisation. Blockchain can also connect Hong Kong’s Core Climate platform with overseas counterparts, as cross-border integration is crucial to the inherently international nature of climate finance.

Can Hong Kong be an IP hub for Future Labubu? An Overview of Hong Kong’s IP Industry
Dr. Tingting Fan, Principal Lecturer in Marketing, HKU Business School
Prof. Heiwai Tang, Associate Vice-President (Global), The University of Hong Kong; Associate Dean (External Relations), HKU Business School; Associate Director, Hong Kong Institute of Economics and Business Strategy; Victor and William Fung Professor in Economics

• As Labubu’s success turns the spotlight on the growing importance of the IP industry, the authors propose that this can inspire more creators and businesses to invest in branding, licensing, and cross-border collaborations. This can also attract policymakers’ attention to the emerging IP sector as a key driver of innovation and economic growth.
• To position Hong Kong as a leading regional IP trading centre, the authors recommend that stakeholders—including IP developers, entrepreneurs, and government agencies—coordinate efforts across key areas. These include building a robust IP financing ecosystem, such as through government-issued IP bonds replicating the green finance model; enhancing infrastructure and platforms to support IP development; developing specialised talent and professional services in the IP sector; promoting IP initiatives throughout the Greater Bay Area; and strengthening IP protection alongside a solid legal framework.

Thematic Research: Maximisation of Social Value and Shareholder Value – Insights from Hong Kong-listed Companies Across Sectors
Author: Prof. Sean Chang, Associate Professor of Practice in Finance, HKU Business School

• Through a triangulation research approach, the article examines how social policies, international frameworks, and corporate social responsibility influence a company’s valuation and capital budgeting decisions. Using insights from major Hong Kong-listed companies across nine sectors—spanning transport, utilities, financials, banking, conglomerates, technology, real estate, consumer, and hotel servicing—the research highlights CSR’s role in enhancing long-term firm performance.
• Key findings show that corporate risk assessment, company valuation, and stock performance are significantly influenced by CSR-linked socially responsible investing (SRI) factors. Hong Kong-specific social values, such as equality and sustainability, shape investor preferences, guiding finance managers to tailor solutions and adapt regulatory standards. While conventional metrics remain dominant, incorporating social value boosts long-term firm value by building shareholder trust and mitigating risks; companies can pursue CSR projects financed via SRI bonds to create dual economic and societal benefits.
• The study recommends embedding core values like equality and sustainability into corporate strategies, aligning budgeting processes with social objectives to pinpoint investments yielding both returns and positive impacts, and urging Hong Kong-listed firms to sustain capital budgeting aligned with enduring societal values.

Housing Affordability and Homeownership in Hong Kong, 1985-2023
Mr. Allen W. Huang, Student Researcher, Hong Kong Future Economy Institute
Mr. Alex Ngau, Research Associate, Hong Kong Future Economy Institute
Prof. Michael B. Wong, Assistant Professor in Economics, Management and Strategy, HKU Business School

• Hong Kong’s housing market has grown increasingly unaffordable, hindering upward mobility for younger generations. Main findings from the research reveal that since the 2002 suspension of the Home Ownership Scheme (HOS), homeownership has declined sharply, rendering private housing “impossibly unaffordable” for median-income households. A wide public-private rent gap drives young people to accept lower-paying or part-time jobs to qualify for public rental housing (PRH), distorting labour supply, stifling human capital investment, and fuelling a surge in adult co-living with parents; younger cohorts (born 1980-1999) face far lower access to public housing and ownership than prior generations at the same age.
• Taking Hong Kong Island as an example, between 2003 and 2024, the rent-to-income ratio for a typical 400-sq-ft private unit jumped from 35% to 60% of median household income, peaking at 65% in 2015 and 2019—far exceeding the UN-Habitat and World Bank’s 30% affordability threshold. Public housing rents stayed dramatically lower at just 7%–11% of median household income from 1985 to 2024. For home purchases, it now takes 18.2 years of median income to buy a 500-sq-ft private unit (up from 7.4 years in 2003), placing it in the “impossibly unaffordable” zone per the Demographia International Housing Affordability report, where ≤3.0 years is considered affordable and 9.0+ years is impossibly unaffordable. After the 2002 Home Ownership Scheme suspension, even subsidised HOS units now require 15.8 years of income on Hong Kong Island (up from 7.4 years in 2007), shifting them from moderately unaffordable to severely or impossibly unaffordable in urban cores.
• To reverse these trends, the authors recommend ramping up production of high-quality ownership units, easing resale and leasing restrictions on existing subsidised sale flats to boost residential mobility and enable “trading up” the housing ladder, setting housing price and affordability targets over mere supply goals, and adopting responsive mechanisms to balance demand and supply.

Beyond Crisis Management: Structural Reform for the Overcrowding in Hong Kong’s Emergency Departments
Prof. Huiyin Ouyang, Associate Professor in Innovation and Information Management, HKU Business School
Ms. Yiran Zhang, PhD student, HKU Business School

• Hong Kong’s public emergency departments (EDs) handle over 2.14 million annual attendances. This crisis, exacerbated by an ageing population, results from a structural mismatch: the majority of the attendances are for non-emergency conditions, leading to staff burnout and compromised care.
• The article proposes three comprehensive structural reforms. First, improving operational efficiency with accurate wait time information systems is crucial. Second, increasing the ED fee (categories III–V) aims to divert non-critical patients. Success for this hinges on assumptions about patient responses, particularly how varied population segments will react to the price signal. International evidence raises concerns, showing that higher ED fees can reduce overall utilisation, but with the decrease primarily occurring among price-sensitive groups who may risk delays in receiving serious care. Therefore, for this reform to succeed, the public must have genuine access to alternative care pathways that can accommodate acute but non-emergency needs outside regular business hours, with pricing acceptable to price-sensitive populations. Third, AI can augment the workforce and manage demand (e.g., through telemedicine).
• Ultimately, sustainable reform demands robust evaluation, political courage, and a commitment to address root causes, not just symptoms.

Initial Efforts to Empirically Measure AI Activity and Its Impacts on Hong Kong’s Labour Market
Prof. Alan Kwan, Associate Professor in Finance, HKU Business School
Prof. Mingzhu Tai, Associate Professor in Finance, HKU Business School; Associate Director, Institute of Behavioural and Decision Science
Mr. Zihan Wang, Master student, HKU Business School

• In an effort to empirically measure the impact of AI on Hong Kong’s labour force, the researchers observe that firms with a higher adoption of AI experience lower headcount growth. However, the scale of impact appears small in the city, which could be due to several potential reasons. One of these is the different composition of Hong Kong’s labour force compared with other countries. For instance, Hong Kong has a high proportion of finance or managerial talent, which is harder to displace; the city also features older or more elite workers. On the other hand, much of the impact of AI, particularly generative AI, is on the less elite and younger populations.
• As such, the authors recommend policymakers produce more labour market statistics that track the impact of AI, particularly by occupation. On the rate of AI adoption in Hong Kong through innovation, the authors find that the city is heavily skewed towards research, but not commercialisation. This means that the quality and quantity of academic research is not translating to commercial use. To address this decoupling, the authors propose that the government tweak its existing early-stage startup funding platforms to encourage streamlining and higher utilisation of existing government resources.

The Impact of Generative Artificial Intelligence on Cybersecurity in Hong Kong
Author: Prof. Michael Chau, Professor in Innovation and Information Management, HKU Business School

• As GenAI can produce human-like text, code, images, and audio, cybersecurity crimes have become easier and faster to perpetrate. Not only have data leaks and hacks into security systems led to significant financial losses in Hong Kong, but they also hurt confidence in the city’s digital infrastructure.
• The article recommends using AI to fortify Hong Kong’s cyber defence, such as using biometric verification and deepfake detection technologies, especially in areas involving critical infrastructure and high financial stakes. It is also important to prevent data leakage and other threats in using GenAI.

Hong Kong’s Next Growth: Pioneering the Web 3.0 Ecosystem
Prof. Yulin Fang, Professor in Innovation and Information Management, HKU Business School; Director, Institute of Digital Economy and Innovation
Mr. Yangchen Mou, PhD student, HKU Business School

• Given the inherent risks in Web 3.0 operational models—most notably within Decentralised Finance (DeFi) systems—striking a balance between fostering the development of the Web 3.0 ecosystem and implementing appropriate regulation to maintain financial stability is and should be a key priority for Hong Kong authorities. To support this, the article categorises the industry into three distinct systems—Centralised Finance (CeFi), the integration of Traditional Finance and Centralised Finance (TradFi-CeFi), and Decentralised Finance (DeFi)—and put forward targeted policy recommendations for each.
• For the CeFi system, the authors recommend creating a more conducive environment for development by refining specialised auditing frameworks, promoting a local Web 3.0 talent certification system, and introducing global leading CeFi institutions to the local market. For the TradFi-CeFi system, they suggest upgrading audit standards for traditional firms holding digital assets and upskilling traditional finance professionals with Web 3.0 expertise. In contrast, for the DeFi system, which carries higher inherent risks and poses greater regulatory challenges, the authors advise authorities to adopt a prudent stance while keeping monitoring its latest technological developments.

The full version of the Green Paper can be accessed here. Hi-res photos are available here.

Hashtag: #HKUBS

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About HKU Business School

Established in 2001, HKU Business School is one of the youngest and most dynamic members of The University of Hong Kong (HKU). The School strives to nurture first-class business leaders and foster academic and relevant research that serves the needs of Hong Kong, China and the rest of the world in the new Asia-led economy. As a top international business school, the School has established its place as a globally impactful institution that leads the way through timely thought leadership, pioneering research, and educational excellence. Deeply rooted in Hong Kong and fully engaged with China, the School’s world-class faculty equip students with global knowledge and perspectives.

HKU Business School offers business education across a full range of disciplines, while achieving remarkable growth in faculty strength and research capabilities. The School ranks Asia’s No.1 in Financial Times’ Aggregated Research Ranking for two consecutive years, 2024 and 2025, while the University of Hong Kong ranked 11^th in the world and No. 1 in Asia according to the QS World University Rankings 2026. The School has strategic partnerships with world-renowned universities and corporate partners, providing market-oriented content, superior learning, and instrumental resources.

To better serve our students and alumni in various cities and regions, and to facilitate collaboration opportunities with business communities around the globe, HKU Business School has established a unique international network that extends to Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Ho Chi Minh City.

HKU Business School is fully accredited by the European Quality Improvement Systems (EQUIS) and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

Visit us at https://www.hkubs.hku.hk/

Based in Singapore, Singh will leverage his extensive experience across some of Asia’s most dynamic markets to deliver innovative approaches to Risk Capital and Human Capital for Aon’s enterprise and large multinational clients in Asia. Reporting to Craig Torgius, chief client officer and head of enterprise clients, Asia Pacific, Singh will focus on building strategic partnerships and unlocking new opportunities supporting clients to achieve their growth ambitions.

“Kulshaan brings a rare blend of strategic acumen with strong execution ability, global insight and local expertise to our Asia Pacific team,” said Torgius. “His ability to lead transformation, foster collaboration and deliver results across diverse industries will be invaluable in helping clients navigate an increasingly complex risk landscape.”

With over two decades of experience in consulting and executive leadership, Singh held prominent roles including managing director for talent solutions for southeast Asia at Aon, CEO Mercer Singapore and chief people officer at Charoen Pokphand Group. Most recently, as the global group chief people officer at Thai Union Group, he spearheaded large-scale transformation initiatives including organisation design, succession and leadership alignment.

Reflecting on his new role, Singh said, “I feel privileged and excited to be back at Aon and look forward to working closely with Aon’s global and local teams to deliver solutions that help clients navigate complexity and interconnected challenges.”

Read more about Aon’s capabilities in Asia Pacific here.

Hashtag: #Aon

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About Aon

Aon plc (NYSE:AON) exists to shape decisions for the better — to protect and enrich the lives of people around the world. Through actionable analytic insight, globally integrated Risk Capital and Human Capital expertise and locally relevant solutions, our colleagues provide clients in over 120 countries with the clarity and confidence to make better risk and people decisions that help protect and grow their businesses.

Follow Aon on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram. Stay up-to-date by visiting Aon’s newsroom and sign up for news alerts here.

Disclaimer
The information contained in this document is solely for information purposes, for general guidance only and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although Aon endeavours to provide accurate and timely information and uses sources that it considers reliable, the firm does not warrant, represent or guarantee the accuracy, adequacy, completeness or fitness for any purpose of any content of this document and can accept no liability for any loss incurred in any way by any person who may rely on it. There can be no guarantee that the information contained in this document will remain accurate as on the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No individual or entity should make decisions or act based solely on the information contained herein without appropriate professional advice and targeted research.

Founded in Singapore in 2003, the Group has grown to encompass five specialised brands operating more than twenty outlets across Singapore and the region.

• SL Aesthetic Clinic offers doctor-led skin, face and body treatments, and is one of Singapore’s longest-running medical aesthetics clinic.

• SkinLab The Medical Spa, a dermatology-focused medical spa, specialises in medical-grade facials and skincare products for sensitive skin.

• TrichoLab, a dedicated hair and scalp health brand specialising in medical hair loss solutions.

• PROLOGUE brings together Prologue The Lifestyle Medical Clinic and Prologue Centre for Women’s Wellness as a unified lifestyle and preventive medicine brand, addressing chronic health concerns and promoting women’s wellness across life stages.

• Euphie (Malaysia) is the Group’s Malaysia-based extension comprising Euphie Skin Solutions and Euphie Clinic, delivering medically supervised aesthetic care.

The Group has served more than 100,000 patients, with care provided by a team of 12 doctors and more than 100 trained specialists.

Over the past two decades, the concept of beauty and wellness has broadened into a more holistic approach to personal care—one that goes beyond aesthetics to support overall wellbeing. People are placing greater emphasis on long-term health, from their mental health and nutrition to their physical appearance. This shift has driven growing demand for preventive, medically supervised services that integrate aesthetics with broader health concerns.

In response to these changing needs, SL Aesthetic Group has expanded its medical services beyond skin and hair treatments, introducing more than 40 new offerings across its five specialised brand portfolios, including women’s health services.

Dr Kelvin Chua, Founder and Senior Medical Director of SL Aesthetic Group, said: “Reaching 22 years reflects the continuity of care we have built over time. As patient expectations change, our focus remains on delivering medically supervised services that support long-term health and well-being.”

As part of this expansion, the Group launched Prologue The Lifestyle Medical Clinic and Prologue Centre for Women’s Wellness in 2025. Prologue The Lifestyle Medical Clinic focuses on preventive care for chronic conditions, supported by artificial intelligence–enabled health screenings for early detection of conditions such as dementia and cancer. Meanwhile, Prologue Centre for Women’s Wellness addresses women’s health needs across different life stages, including perimenopause, menopause, and postpartum recovery.

Within Singapore, the group strengthened its physical presence with the opening of its tenth SL Aesthetic Clinic and SkinLab The Medical Spa outlet at iMall in Marine Parade, as a response to strong and sustained demand from patients in the eastern region.

Regionally, SL Aesthetic Group marked a milestone as its Malaysia-based brand, Euphie — comprising Euphie Skin Solutions and Euphie Clinic — celebrated its first anniversary. Building on this foundation, the Group plans to open an additional outlet in Malaysia, extending its medically supervised services to a wider patient base.

Looking ahead, SL Aesthetic Group plans to continue expanding its clinical footprint while maintaining regulatory compliance, clinical standards, and patient safety.

For more information, visit: https://slaestheticgroup.com/
Hashtag: #SLAesthetic

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

About SL Aesthetic Group

SL Aesthetic Group is one of Singapore’s longest-established medical aesthetic groups, with a presence in Singapore and Malaysia. The Group houses a diverse portfolio of brands, including SL Aesthetic Clinic, SkinLab The Medical Spa, TrichoLab, PROLOGUE, and Euphie (Malaysia).

Founded in the 2000s, SL Aesthetic Group specialises in skin and hair health, women’s wellness, and holistic medicine. Across its clinics and outlets, the Group offers a comprehensive range of FDA-approved aesthetic and medical treatments, all supervised by trained and certified healthcare professionals holding Certificates of Competency (COC) recognised by the Singapore Medical Council’s Aesthetic Practice Oversight Committee (APOC).

By K Raveendran Oil prices have jumped roughly six percent in the span of a week, pushing benchmarks to around $63 a barrel and jolting a market that had grown accustomed to softer expectations closer to $50. The move has been swift enough to prompt talk of an over-reaction, not least because traders have already […]

The article Oil Displays An Uneasy Calm Amid Trump’s Brinkmanship On Iran appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

Chinese media reports highlight Malaysia as Xtep’s springboard for expansion into Southeast Asia, emphasizing that this business model transformation is crucial for implementing the “Chinese Root, World-Class Running Shoes” strategy proposed in 2022. Bonia’s sales network spans Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, and other Southeast Asian markets. The company maintains strong, stable relationships with major shopping centers in these countries, possesses deep insights into local consumer needs, and has solid cross-border retail operation capabilities.

The first store under Xtep’s partnership with Bonia opened in Mid Valley Megamall, Kuala Lumpur. According to Xtep, this3,262-square-foot professional running flagship store displays performance running products by function and features services such as a trial running zone and foot shape and gait analysis, allowing runners to experience world-class running technology. This store also showcases stories of local runners and photos from local running events to enhance runners’ sense of belonging.

Running culture in Malaysia is maturing. Data from the World Bank and Euromonitor International shows that Malaysia has the largest sportswear and footwear market in Southeast Asia. The Malaysian Sports Culture Index 2023 survey revealed that 63% of respondents cited jogging as their favorite sport. In terms of road racing popularity, the 2024 Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon attracted over 40,000 participants.

Xtep entered the Malaysian market in 2024 and has consistently employed an operational strategy of “Professional-to-mass influence” coupled with a cultural strategy of “adapting to local conditions”. The brand has connected with local consumers through events and running communities. During its partnership with VGO, Xtep organized several large-scale running events in Malaysia, including the “10KM Time Challenge” held in Penang in August 2024, which attracted top athletes from Indonesia, Singapore, Uganda and Kenya. With Malaysia emerging as a strategic hub for international growth, Xtep envisions the country as both a blueprint for overseas expansion and a dynamic showcase of its running heritage.

Hashtag: #Xtep

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From Hidden Cornerstones to Transformation Pioneers — Painting the Resilient Foundation of China’s Economy

In his keynote address, Ge Jun outlined a vivid panorama of “Era Pioneers.” The picture encompassed technology trailblazers riding the crest of the AI wave, transformation leaders revitalizing traditional industries, and countless unsung yet indispensable cornerstone entrepreneurs. Together, these diverse figures revealed an essential truth: regardless of scale or spotlight, true pioneers are those who continuously create value in their fields.

“If these stories from across the country are not shared more widely, it would be unfair to the entrepreneurial community—and irresponsible to our times.” Ge remarked with conviction. Over the past six years, he has traveled across the country, engaging with countless SME founders. In his view, it is precisely these resilient, often unsung enterprises that underpin the most authentic strength and enduring warmth of China’s economy.

A New Generation Takes the Stage — Writing New Answers with New Tools

Midway through the address, Ge shifted focus to the rising generation of entrepreneurs. He depicted their multifaceted profiles, and emphasized that the new generation is redefining what it means to be an era pioneer. With new perspectives, new tools and new value systems, they inject fresh momentum into the future.

Addressing the critical issue of generational succession in the private economy, Ge highlighted developments ranging from the revival of legacy brands to IP-driven transformation, and revolutionary changes in manufacturing and communications. True succession, as he emphasized, is never a simple replication of experience. It is the continuation of a courageous, innovative spirit, paired with comprehensive renewal of tools, methodologies and connection models.

The Future Is Now — Finding the “Boarding Pass” and “Charging Station” in the AI Era

Standing at the threshold of a new technological revolution, Ge raised a profound question: “As AI redefines the core of productivity, how can enterprises and individuals ensure they are not left behind?”

In response, he laid out three crucial action pillars, forming a clear strategic framework for enterprises to navigate transformation and unlock new growth:

All Things Reborn — Every industry can be renewed with new technologies and new ways of thinking. New value always emerges from the reshaping and integration of traditional business models.

Local-Driven Prosperity — By deeply cultivating local markets, leveraging regional advantages and policy dividends, and building competitiveness within the dual-circulation framework, enterprises can realize “globalization at their doorstep.”

Purposeful Recharging — In an age of accelerating technological changes, emotional connection and the shared pursuit of meaning are becoming the ultimate “charging stations,” something AI can never replace.

According to relevant reports, this New Year Eve’s Talk marks an important milestone in Ge Jun’s ongoing commitment to empowering the entrepreneurial community. In this year’s Grain Rain season, he will continue to provide forward-looking perspectives and long-term growth companionship for entrepreneurs navigating an increasingly complex era.

Hashtag: #TOJOY

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MoU signing and Malaysia Book of Records recognition underscore sustained consumer trust for ELDON, at a time when Malaysians are paying closer attention to sleep, stress and lifestyle balance

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 January 2026 – Malaysian media personality Chan Fong and singer-actor Henley Hii have been appointed brand ambassadors for Malaysian health and wellness brand Eldon Healthcare, also known as ELDON, reflecting the brand’s mission to provide relatable, real-life health advocacy for modern Malaysians.

The appointment comes at a meaningful milestone for ELDON, a consumer health and wellness brand of the Pharm-D Health Science group, following Malaysia Book of Records’ recognition for one of its flagship products, ELDON DX MAGELAX, as the most magnesium glycinate capsules sold in Malaysia.

Introduced to the Malaysian market in 2020, ELDON DX MAGELAX was among the earliest magnesium glycinate supplements registered with the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA). At a time when awareness of magnesium was still limited, ELDON played an early role in familiarising consumers with magnesium glycinate, now widely recognised for its absorption profile and gentle tolerability, and and known for supporting muscle relaxation, migraines and sleep-related concerns such as insomnia. This Malaysia Book of Records recognition reflects not only strong sales performance, but also growing accessibility and consumer trust.

According to Wong Chin Cheang, Group Managing Director of Pharm-D Health Science, the appointment of the brand ambassadors, alongside the Malaysia Book of Records recognition for ELDON DX Magelax, reflects a broader milestone in the group’s long-term journey.

“ELDON’s growth reflects what we stand for as a group: building Malaysian health brands that are grounded in science, scaled responsibly, and trusted by the public over time,” he said. “Achievements like these are not only about the scale or numbers alone, but also consistency, credibility, and serving real needs in the community.”

Brand Ambassadors grounded in the real Malaysian health and lifestyle

Malaysian media personalities Chan Fong and Henley Hii are well-known Malaysian public figures with strong audience connections across lifestyle and entertainment circles. Grounded, busy and active in ways many Malaysians relate to, they were chosen for their strong alignment with ELDON’s brand philosophy, which inspires practical wellness habits, including prioritising better rest, sleep quality and a balanced lifestyle.

This partnership taps into post-COVID trends where three in four Malaysians prioritise holistic health, as national conversations continue to encourage prevention and healthier routines.

“This partnership feels personal because it is based on real routines,” said Chan Fong. “Whether you are working late, juggling responsibilities, or simply trying to keep up with life, your daily habits matter. I appreciate that ELDON’s approach is practical and grounded.”

Henley Hii added, “A lot of people think wellness has to look perfect, but most of us are just trying to be consistent. I am excited that this is a long-term partnership because real habits take time, and it is about showing up repeatedly.”

ELDON: a Malaysian consumer health brand shaped by purpose and scale

Fully homegrown in Malaysia, Eldon Healthcare is a wholly owned subsidiary of Pharm-D Health Science, an integrated Malaysian pharmaceutical and consumer health group of companies committed to advancing evidence-based health solutions across different life stages. ELDON represents the group’s consumer health pillar, which focuses on translating scientific expertise into accessible, everyday health and wellness solutions.

For ELDON, the focus has always been on building credibility steadily through quality formulation, transparent sourcing, and wide accessibility through pharmacies, clinics, and healthcare partners across Malaysia and Singapore.

“ELDON was never built to chase hype,” said Kenn Siaw, Chief Executive Officer of Eldon Healthcare. “Our responsibility is to create sustainable health solutions that people can rely on. The Malaysia Book of Records recognition is meaningful to ELDON because it reflects a strong trust from consumers, pharmacists, and healthcare partners.”

He added that the appointment of Chan Fong and Henley Hii represents the next phase of the brand’s journey: “They represent the realities of modern Malaysian life, demanding schedules, family responsibilities, and the need to stay healthy without overcomplicating things. That’s exactly who ELDON exists for.”

Looking ahead

With its growing footprint and renewed focus on public engagement, ELDON aims to continue supporting Malaysians who see health not as a luxury but as an essential foundation for everyday living.

Together, the appointment of brand ambassadors and Malaysia Book of Records recognition mark not just a celebration but a stronger commitment from both the company and the brand to continue delivering consistent, trustworthy health solutions.

This milestone adds to Pharm-D Health Science’s growing track record of national recognitions, as its probiotic brand Lang Bragman, was recently also being recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records as the Largest Range of Homegrown Probiotic Products in Malaysia.
Hashtag: #EldonHealthcare #Eldon #EldonMagelax #MalaysiaBookofRecord #MostMagnesiumGlycinateCapsulesSoldInMalaysia #MagnesiumGlycinate #Migrane #Insomia #magnesium #albion #BetterRest #BetterSleepQuality #glycinate #activelifestyle #Ambassador #ChanFong #HenleyHii #PharmDHealthScience

https://eldon.com.my/
https://www.facebook.com/EldonHealthcareMalaysia
https://www.instagram.com/eldonhealthcare/

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About ELDON

ELDON is a Pharm-D Health Science consumer health and wellness brand offering a wide range of science-based health solutions across nutritional supplements, functional food, skincare, personal care, and medical-adjacent products.

With partnerships and distribution spanning 2,000+ retail pharmacies and 100+ clinics across Malaysia and Singapore including digital health platform Pharm-Dx, ELDON is committed to quality, relevance, and accessible care for everyday health and wellness needs.

Learn about ELDON here: https://eldon.com.my/

About Pharm-D Health Science

Founded in 2001, Pharm-D Health Science (PDHS) is an integrated Malaysian pharmaceutical and consumer health group of companies specialising in pharmaceuticals and consumer health products. Its portfolio includes trusted, high-quality brands such as ELDON, VALENS, CMD, Lang Bragman, Reflux-G, Retane, and more.

Guided by its mission to make health and wellbeing accessible through science, the Group operates across research, development, manufacturing, and commercialisation to deliver science-based health solutions spanning across rare diseases, pharmaceuticals, medical nutrition, nutraceuticals, skincare and microbiome research.

Learn more about Pharm-D Health Science here: https://pharmdhs.com/

Beyond Balance: The Next Regime

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 January 2026 – Today, KGI has released its 2026 Global Market Outlook, covering markets in the US, Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Singapore.

After a turbulent year of trade disruptions and policy uncertainty under President Trump, investors face new questions. China has unveiled its 15th Five-Year Plan, as policymakers aim to support domestic growth amid global challenges. The market outlook for 2026 is shaped by interest rate decisions, economic resilience, and shifting international dynamics.

Under this backdrop, we propose the “LEAD” strategy for 2026:

1. Liquidity Shift
2. Earnings Focused
3. Adding Credit
4. Diversified Assets

Cusson Leung, Chief Investment Officer at KGI, says: “Looking ahead to 2026, investors can adopt a LEAD strategy: L ​​stands for Liquidity Shift, benefiting from a weakening US dollar and interest rate cuts, with funds expected to flow to non-US dollar and Asian currencies; E stands for Earnings Focused, focusing on earnings growth to support valuations and allocating to US, European, and Japanese stocks; A stands for Adding Credit, locking in the credit of leading companies and increasing holdings of A-rated investment grade bonds; and D stands for Diversified Assets, responding to the upward trend in both stocks and bonds by including alternative assets to optimize asset allocation.”

Macro & US Markets
The US economy will experience a more pronounced downturn in 4Q25, which will extend into 1H26, and this will have a negative impact on consumption, slowing investment activity. Nevertheless, AI-driven productivity gains should provide some support, with US GDP growth in 2026 forecast at 2.2%. The eurozone will see moderate growth, with Germany benefiting significantly from fiscal expansion and economic improvement. Japan’s economy will strengthen on domestic demand, aided by additional fiscal stimulus. China has demonstrated resilience under trade protectionism in 2025. With inflation risks easing and labor market risks rising, the US Fed cut the interest rates in September 2025, with a total reduction of 75 bps in 2025, followed by an additional 50-75 bps in 2026.

Regarding US stocks, AI-driven productivity gains and cost reductions should sustain solid profitability, with S&P 500 earnings projected to grow by 13.55% year-on-year (YoY) in 2026. However, higher risk premiums may cap valuation upside, leading us to project a year-end target of 7,650 points. Market performance will reflect risk-driven declines in 1Q26, stabilize and recover in 2Q26, and rally significantly around the midterm elections in 4Q26. By sector, among AI-related themes we favor technology, semiconductors, utilities (on higher power demand), machinery for advanced manufacturing, and industrial REITs. Non-AI beneficiaries include aerospace and defense (on higher military spending), pharmaceuticals (on tariff benefits), and capital market segments (supported by active investment banking). As for fixed income, US economic weakness and Fed rate cuts will drive Treasury yields lower, with 10-year yields expected to fall to 3.5-3.7% by 2Q26. We recommend allocating to US Treasuries or high-rated investment-grade corporate bonds in 1H26, then rotating into high-yield bonds in 2H26 as policy rates and economic conditions reach a bottom.

James Chu, Chairman at KGI Securities Investment Advisory, says: “AI is triggering a new productivity revolution, supporting economic growth and strengthening corporate earnings. While the US economy is expected to slow, a recession remains unlikely, and the short-term impact of tariff policies should gradually fade by the first quarter of 2026. Although the Fed may shift from cutting rates at every meeting to cutting at alternating meetings, the overall environment remains a rate-cutting cycle. In a non-recession backdrop, lower interest rates should continue to support equity market performance.”

Mainland China and Hong Kong Markets
In terms of the macroeconomy, with the conclusion of trade agreements among many countries, risks have subsided. However, due to external drag, China’s GDP growth is expected to slow slightly to 4.6% in 2026. In 2026, investors should focus on four key areas for Hong Kong and mainland China markets: (1) In the consumption sector, domestic demand continued to be the core growth driver, contributing more than half of GDP. As the “trade-in” effect diminishes, the central government is expected to implement the “15th Five-Year Plan” and economic conference plans, launching a new round of subsidies covering culture, entertainment, and sports to continuously boost consumer spending. (2) In the financial market, risk appetite has increased. Given the narrowing spread between bond yields and fixed deposit rates, large amounts of savings are flowing into the capital market seeking returns. The fundamentals of the banking and insurance industries have bottomed out, and the credit structure is accelerating its shift from real estate to supporting the real economy. (3) Regarding the issue of “anti-involution,” the PPI remains weak, and capacity reduction has become a focus. Compared to 2015, this round involves more downstream private enterprises and needs to consider employment, presenting greater challenges. While industry consolidation is expected to be lengthy, the impact is controllable and beneficial for long-term healthy development. (4) Regarding new quality productive forces, this will replace real estate and infrastructure as the main investment focus. Digital infrastructure supports AI and embodied intelligence, and humanoid robots are expected to see commercialization in 2026, “iPhone moment.” Leading companies with core technological autonomy in innovative drugs will enjoy higher valuation premiums.

Overall, we are optimistic on Hang Seng Index. We expect the Federal Reserve’s interest rate cuts to drive fund inflows to the Hong Kong and mainland stock markets. Based on an upward revision of the forward PE ratio to 13.5x and 8% earnings growth, we set a target of 30,000 points for the Hang Seng Index by the end of 2026, representing a potential upside of approximately 14%. As confidence recovers, the investment style is expected to shift from defensive to growth stocks. Recommended 12 stocks: XPeng Motors (9868), UBTECH (9880), Tencent Holdings (700), Alibaba (9988), China Hongqiao (1378), AIA Group (1299), Ping An Insurance (2318), China Merchants Bank (3968), Akeso Biopharma (9926), Pop Mart (9992), Tencent Music (1698), and Sino Land (83).

Cusson Leung, Chief Investment Officer at KGI, says: “2026 marks a crucial turning point for the Chinese economy. While the market anticipates GDP growth to slow to 4.6%, “new quality productive forces,” resembling humanoid robots, is taking over as a new growth engine. The most critical signal in the market is the “awakening” of idle cash—massive savings are flowing from low-interest fixed deposits to the capital market seeking returns. With risk appetite returning and policy support intensifying, now is the time to shift investment strategies from “defensive” to “growth.” Driven by both valuation repair and earnings growth, we are optimistic that the Hang Seng Index will reach 30,000 points, and the allocation value of Hong Kong and mainland China stocks has reappeared.”

Taiwan Market
Compared to the dot-com era bull run, which lasted almost five years, the current AI frenzy has been around for about three years, suggesting that the uptrend is still in its middle phase and could extend through 2026.

AI plays are trading at high PEs, such valuations are backed by strong fundamentals. In fact, the PEG ratio of Taiwan’s AI supply chain has yet to surpass 1x. We estimate that aggregate earnings of AI plays will grow by 21% YoY in 2026, following impressive upticks of 35% in 2024 and 43% in 2025. AI stocks now account for more than 60% of TAIEX earnings, and with the ongoing AI arms race, overall TAIEX earnings growth is projected to accelerate from 14% in 2025F to 20% in 2026.

Although the AI frenzy should keep the bull market intact, volatility will rise in tandem due to: (1) substantial cumulative gains, and the fact that valuations are approaching historic highs; (2) policy and political uncertainty surrounding the US midterm elections; and (3) potential changes in the US Fed’s rate-cut pace. We expect the TAIEX to repeat a “smile-curve” pattern, featuring continued strength in 1Q26, followed by healthy corrections in 2Q-3Q26 before closing the year with a renewed upswing.

We think investors need to pay attention to two major themes. The first is a broad-based product spec upgrade trend across the AI supply chain, which will drive the industry into a new growth phase, with beneficiaries including foundries, GPU and ASIC designers, advanced packaging (such as CoWoS), and ODMs, as well as testing interfaces, memory, thermal solutions, CCL, ABF substrates, PCBs, switches, and power component suppliers amid strong AI computing demand and ongoing GPU platform upgrades. The second is diversification and defensive asset allocation. Innovations in consumer electronics, such as foldable iPhones and smart wearables, will provide growth opportunities, while companies with resilient domestic demand and stable high dividend yields offer a balanced strategy combining growth and income. Overall, investors should strike a balance between growth and resilience against volatility in their portfolios, in the face of market fluctuations.

James Chu, Chairman at KGI Securities Investment Advisory, says: “The solid earnings growth driven by AI and still reasonable valuations form a strong foundation for the ongoing bull market in Taiwanese equities. With AI adoption accelerating across enterprises and consumers, demand for computing power is rising rapidly. Yet supply remains constrained by chip and power bottlenecks, meaning hardware suppliers are likely to face continued shortages through 2026. Taiwan’s AI supply chain is set to remain a key beneficiary, particularly those tied to next-generation specification upgrades.”

Singapore Market
In 9M25, the overall performance of Singapore’s economy was better than expected as the global trade tensions eased after the US pivoted on its reciprocal tariffs and reached deals with its major trading partners. The manufacturing, wholesale trade and finance & insurance sectors remained the growth pillars of the Singapore economy, and each sector delivered decent growth. In particular, manufacturing’s growth has been robust, driven by the electronics, transport engineering and biomedical manufacturing clusters. The full year outlook is upbeat, as the growth momentum shall continue till the end of the year.

Looking ahead, the global economic outlook for 2026 suggests slower GDP growth for most of Singapore’s key trading partners, including China and the Eurozone, largely due to the impact of US tariffs, which will temper demand for Southeast Asian exports, though US growth is expected to remain resilient from AI investment. Consequently, Singapore’s outward-oriented sectors, particularly manufacturing and trade-related services, are projected to expand at a slower pace than in 2025, although the electronics and related sectors will benefit from AI demand, while some precision engineering and biomedical output may moderate domestically, the construction sector is set to grow, but consumer-facing sectors are likely to remain subdued. However, the relatively low interest rates and continuous government support shall buffer the impact of the slowdown, and the capital market will still benefit from the upward re-rating catalysts.

Chen Guangzhi, Head of Research at KGI Singapore, says: “Thanks to trade de-escalation and the AI wave, Singapore experienced significant economic expansion in 2025. Proactive government initiatives turbo-charged the equity bull run, and this strong momentum is expected to deliver an optimistic economic outlook for 2026.”
Hashtag: #KGI #MarketOutlook

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KGI

KGI* has been a leading financial institution in Asia since 1997. Our scope of business encompasses wealth management, brokerage, fixed income, and asset management. We are committed to offering a comprehensive range of financial products and services to corporate, institutional, and individual clients throughout Asia. Backed by KGI Financial Group, we have a robust footprint in Asia, covering Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand^.

*KGI refers to KGI Asia Limited and its affiliates.
^an investee enterprise of KGI Securities, not a subsidiary.

Scheduled to open within the next 12 months, The Gama by Swiss-Belhotel, is strategically located in Kilimani, one of Nairobi’s most dynamic and sought-after districts. It features 155 well-appointed guest rooms, complemented by an extensive range of lifestyle and business facilities, including two food and beverage outlets, a fully equipped gym, a rooftop swimming pool, a dedicated ladies’ sauna, and expansive ballroom and meeting facilities.

Dr. Sheikh Mohamed Shakul, CEO of Albushra Real Estate Limited, said: “The Gama by Swiss-Belhotel represents a bold and future-focused development for Nairobi. Our vision was to create a modern hospitality and lifestyle destination that reflects the energy of the city while meeting the evolving expectations of today’s traveller. Partnering with Swiss-Belhotel International, with its global expertise and strong operational standards, ensures that this project will set a new benchmark in the market.”

Mr. Gavin M. Faull, Chairman and President of Swiss-Belhotel International, added: “The launch of The Gama by Swiss-Belhotel marks a significant milestone for our group as we introduce a new brand to our global portfolio. Africa continues to be a key focus market for Swiss-Belhotel International, and Nairobi, in particular, offers tremendous potential. This signing reflects our confidence in the city’s long-term growth and our commitment to delivering brands that are relevant, contemporary, and market-driven.”

Highlighting the strategic importance of the project, Mr. Laurent A. Voivenel, SVP – Operations & Development, EMEA and India, Swiss-Belhotel International, stated: “The Gama by Swiss-Belhotel has been carefully conceptualised to resonate with the next generation of travellers – those seeking authenticity, smart design, and social connectivity without compromising on comfort or service quality. This signing not only strengthens our footprint in Kenya but also underscores our broader expansion strategy across Africa and emerging markets.”

Hashtag: #swissbelhotel #swissbelhotelinternational #thegamabyswiss-belhotel #hotelkenya #hotelnairobi #kenya #nairobi

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The announcement was made at “The USD100 Million Green Bond Issuance Disclosure Ceremony” recently held between HDBank and its green bond investors including FMO, BII and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) – a member of the World Bank Group in the presence of the Deputy Consul General of the Netherlands and representatives from the British Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City.

The bonds included $30 million privately issued to FMO and $20 million to BII. The first tranche was issued to IFC, which facilitated the participation of FMO and BII in the second tranche.

The bonds have a three-year term, are non-convertible and unsecured and issued without warrants.

Nguyen Huu Dang, HDBank’s CEO, said: “Sustainable development goals lie at the heart of HDBank’s strategy, which is centred on delivering the best value for customers, partners and the community. This international green bond initiative marks an important stepping stone on our journey towards achieving those goals.”

The issuance help diversify HDBank’s funding sources, support its sustainable growth strategy and create a foundation for it to continue attracting additional international capital for green finance, sustainable development and inclusive finance initiatives in Vietnam.

This, in turn, helps customers access capital to deploy solar energy projects, electric vehicles, green buildings, and other energy-saving solutions.

Projects financed by the green bond proceeds must undergo rigorous screening, meet environmental and social risk management requirements, and comply with eligibility criteria under the Bank’s Sustainable Finance Framework. These projects are expected to reduce approximately 102,000 tons of CO₂ over 10 years, improve environmental quality and contribute to Vietnam’s Net Zero 2050 commitment.

Weichuan Xu, IFC’s lead for the Financial Institutions Group in Vietnam, Cambodia and Lao PDR, said the issuance marked a significant step in expanding HDBank’s climate finance portfolio and advancing Vietnam’s economic and social progress.

“The funds raised will support projects that foster sustainable industries, generate jobs and strengthen communities,” he added.

Representatives from FMO and BII also highlighted the transaction as a strong signal of the growing readiness and potential of Vietnam’s sustainable finance ecosystem, helping attract more capital for climate-responsible projects.

With this milestone, HDBank reinforces its commitment to sustainable finance and the long-term prosperity of its customers, partners and the community, while expanding its presence on the global financial map.

Hashtag: #HDBank

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