News related to
near

Bitcoin fell below $62,000 in Asian trading as renewed US-Iran hostilities drove oil prices higher, prompting investors to cut exposure to cryptocurrencies and other risk assets. The world’s largest digital token traded near $62,000 after touching an intraday low around $61,700, extending a pullback that spread across Ether, XRP and Solana. Ether hovered near $1,625, while several large alternative tokens lost between 1 and 3 per cent […]

Securitize’s shares have fallen about 40 per cent since the BlackRock-backed tokenisation firm completed its public listing through a Cantor Fitzgerald-linked blank-cheque vehicle, exposing a sharp gap between investor enthusiasm for blockchain-based financial infrastructure and the early trading performance of companies entering public markets through SPAC deals. The company, now trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker SECZ, slipped to about $8 after opening […]

Dubai’s plan to launch commercial air taxis has moved closer to operation after the UAE aviation regulator certified a purpose-built vertiport for electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft near Dubai International Airport. The facility, registered as VDX under the General Civil Aviation Authority’s certification process, is being positioned as the primary hub for the emirate’s first air taxi network. Skyports Infrastructure, which developed the site with Dubai’s […]

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said they fired missiles and drones at US military facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait on Wednesday, widening a confrontation that has put a fragile ceasefire under severe strain after US strikes on Iranian targets near the Strait of Hormuz. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said the operation hit sites linked to the US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain and Ali Al […]

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Du Pay has signed a strategic memorandum of understanding with GCash to enable near-instant wallet-to-wallet remittances from the UAE to the Philippines, giving overseas Filipino workers a faster route to send money home and access exclusive rewards tied to digital transfers. The partnership connects du Pay’s mobile wallet in the UAE with GCash accounts in the Philippines, allowing funds sent through the du […]

By Satyaki Chakraborty Amidst Trump-Modi bonhomie and the continuation of India-US trade talks, former Indian intelligence chief Vikram Sood said on Sunday in an interview to a British network that the present U.S. deputy secretary of state Christopher Landau told Indian officials during his visit to India in March 2026 that Washington would use tariffs, […]

The article It Is Now Official: U.S. Will Do Everything To Curb India’s Economic Growth appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Saudi Arabia has slashed the price of its flagship crude for Asian buyers by the widest margin in more than two decades, signalling a tougher fight for market share as rising supply and softer demand reshape the oil trade. Saudi Aramco cut the August official selling price of Arab Light crude by $11 a barrel, setting it at $1.50 below the Oman-Dubai average, […]

Advertisements

Over 90% Take Punitive Action Against Brand Doubt, While 61% Have Walked Away

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 July 2026 – Hong Kong consumers have very low tolerance for brands and organisations that are deemed not believable, responding with rapid and decisive backlash when corporate promises trigger doubt. According to a new study on “The Believability Economy” by Ogilvy and YouGov, local residents quickly escalate from questioning claims to complaining on social media, switching to competitors, and fully disengaging. Part of a seven-market Asia Pacific initiative, the Hong Kong SAR edition of Ogilvy’s “Believability Index: The Power of Proof” reveals how critical proof has become to maintaining brand survival.

Believability Index HK Infographics
Believability Index HK Infographics

Silent Disengagement Directly Threatens Revenue

When believability falters, consumer action is almost universal. Of the 1,032 Hong Kong residents aged 18 and over surveyed between late April and early May 2026, 94% stated that they take punitive action once they harbour doubts about a brand or organisation, leaving only 6% with their behaviours unchanged. The local backlash is only slightly below the APAC average of 96%.

This belief-triggered disengagement also inflicts immediate financial consequences: 61% of Hong Kong respondents (70% in APAC) have stopped engaging with or purchasing from a brand or organisation over the past 12 months due to a lack of belief in its claims.

More importantly, silent forms of disengagement dominate the Hong Kong market. Nine in 10 Hongkongers (89%) opt for “silent disengagement”, walking away without saying a word. This quiet exit also carries a severe commercial penalty: it includes 46% who stop purchasing altogether and 32% who migrate to a competitor.

“The research findings are a stark wake-up call for brands and organisations, and show believability makes or breaks consumer decisions in immediate and severe ways,” said Clara Shek, President, Ogilvy Public Relations Hong Kong. “The Hong Kong findings reflect a broader trend in the Asia Pacific region: disengagement often combines quiet withdrawal with more visible signals. Brands and organisations must recognise that what they see publicly is only part of the picture — the quieter, unseen behaviours are dangerous and could be the silent killers of an organisation’s success.”

Vocal punishment is common. Over half (58%) of the respondents say they would take public or semi‑public action, such as:

  • Telling friends, family or colleagues not to support the brand or organisation (30%)
  • Reporting or flagging organisational content as misleading (17%)
  • Leaving a negative review or public comment (15%)
  • Actively and publicly avoid their content (14%)
  • Contacting them directly to express concerns (12%)
  • Posting personal experiences directly on social media (10%)

Lack of Competence and Ethics Triggers Consumer Disengagement

When consumers abandon a brand or organisation due to a breakdown of belief, the top reasons that prompted them to stop engaging or stop purchasing in the past 12 months tie directly to operational execution:

  • Products and services didn’t deliver what was promised (34%)
  • The brand or organisation handled an issue or mistake poorly (29%)
  • Poor business ethics (27%)

Communication missteps also erode foundational belief. A quarter of consumers (25%) state that exaggerated or misleading communications have prompted them to disengage, and 24% disengage when a brand or organisation is unresponsive to issues they raise. In contrast, influencers and spokespeople play a smaller role in believability-driven disengagement — only 15% of respondents report that they would stop engaging with a brand or organisation because a spokesperson or influencer loses credibility.

Drivers of Believability

In Hong Kong, believability is driven far more by the credibility of the source than by the creative style of the content, and people rely primarily on their own judgement or official sources, rather than influencers or highly-polished content. Three quarters (76%) of Hong Kong residents rely on credibility-related influences (such as credible sources and multiple sources), 62% rely on personal perception (whether information aligns with existing knowledge), 59% turn to reviews, and 43% turn to peer validation.

Across all ages, the top drivers of belief are consistently rooted in familiarity and prior experience:

  1. A source they already find credible (43%)
  2. Information that aligns with their own knowledge or experience (34%)
  3. Official or institutional sources (30%)

Conversely, the signals that dominate digital and social media culture — polished and professionally produced content (8%), the amount of people engaging with or sharing the information (16%), and “authentic” creator content (12%) — sit at the bottom of the list as factors that influence whether they believe new information about a brand or organisation.

The Channel Paradox – Where Belief and Scepticism Collide

The Ogilvy Believability Index 2026 finds that mainstream media and official brand channels remain the most influential sources of increased belief in Hong Kong. Almost two-thirds (58%) of Hong Kong residents say information from mainstream media increases their belief in brands and organisations that matter to them, and half (50%) say official brand channels improve belief. Both sources were greeted with relatively minimal scepticism (7% and 8% respectively).

Influencer content and private messaging apps tell a more complex story. The study shows that 30% of Hong Kong consumers say information from social media influencers and KOLs increase their belief, but 26% express heightened scepticism. Private group chats such as WhatsApp show the same near‑equal split: 30% say these channels strengthen their belief, while 26% say they make them more doubtful. In these environments, brands and organisations aren’t generating belief alone — they’re generating belief and doubt in almost equal measure.

“Social media channels may be influential in reach and visibility for brands and organisations, but they are far less effective at strengthening belief,” Ms. Shek said. “In fact, they often create a mix of belief and doubt – a paradox that organisations need to navigate carefully. Traditional tracking tools can create a blind spot for senior leadership as organisations run the risk of over-indexing spending on the exact platforms that are triggering scepticism.”

The importance of mainstream media echoes the latest findings in South China Morning Post’s (SCMP) Intersection of Influence study released on June 24, 2026. The SCMP study shows news media commands the highest attention of any channel in Hong Kong, significantly outperforming other channels (such as social media) in terms of audience focus and staying power. Sixty-one percent (61%) say news reports stay with them long after reading, and 16% use the information to make important decisions. For believability, this shows that news environments don’t just attract attention; they generate intentional, lasting and active engagement in the content.

Negative Ripple Effect for Other Brands

When believability breaks, it spreads. A third (31% local; 36% in APAC) of consumers admit that when their belief in a brand or organisation is lost, they become more wary or suspicious, with 38% of Hong Kong consumers (29% in APAC) reporting that they will subsequently minimise their use of similar products or services from other brands and organisations.

Restoring Belief – Action is Louder Than Words in Hong Kong

On the bright side, 82% of Hong Kong residents (85% in APAC) say belief can be restored. Only 14% of Hong Kong residents (11% in APAC) say that once belief in a source is lost — whether an organisation, media outlet, or public figure — it can never be regained.

When it comes to restoring belief, Hong Kong consumers respond most positively to concrete action. Half (50%) say an organisation must “actively fix the issue” before they will believe them again – a requirement that ranks well above a “public acknowledgement” (40%). Furthermore, another 40% believe it is important to “demonstrate consistent accuracy.”

For Hongkongers, these concrete actions carry far more weight than shifts in communication style alone. Only 29% of respondents feel that being “more transparent or further evidence-based” in their communication helps restore belief, while only 13% say “endorsements from respected individuals” helps restore belief. In other words, accountability and follow‑through are the real drivers of believability.

“Consumers are open to brands and organisations that take actions to repair that credibility. The path to redemption clearly lies in tangible action – correcting problems, publicly acknowledging mistakes and demonstrating consistency. As the findings show, accountability is the ultimate currency of belief,” said Ms. Shek at Ogilvy.

“Despite the popularity of social media and digital channels, Ogilvy’s Hong Kong edition of the ‘Believability Index: The Power of Proof’ calls for a rethink on marketing and issue management approach,” Ms. Shek concluded. “To protect against silent disengagement, leaders must deliver on their core promise, tackle issues transparently, and anchor their communications in mainstream media and official channels, with mindful management of social media and influencer strategy recognising these channels’ belief-scepticism double-edged impact on consumers.”

Hashtag: #Ogilvy

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

About Ogilvy’s 2026 Believability Index: Power of Proof

The Hong Kong edition of “Believability Index: The Power of Proof” was conducted online between 22nd April – 4th May 2026. The sample comprised an online representative sample of 1,032 Hong Kong adults aged 18 years and older. Total sample size for Ogilvy’s seven-market Asia Pacific Believability Index 2026 was 7,176 adults in Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Mainland China and Hong Kong SAR (1,032). All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all respective market adults (aged 18+). Ogilvy designed the questionnaire in collaboration with YouGov.

About Ogilvy PR

Ogilvy PR and Influence is a global creative communications agency that partners with organisations to drive value and growth. We build brands, protect reputations, and earn attention and influence through creative storytelling informed by data, and fuelled by technology. Our specialist practice areas offer media relations, social and digital communications, external and internal stakeholder communications, issues and crisis management, and stakeholder engagement. We are the region’s largest and most specialised public relations and public affairs consultancy.

By Nantoo Banerjee Despite never qualifying for the FIFA (Federations of International Football Associations) World Cup, India has emerged as one of the largest global markets for the current tournament being co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with matches played across 16 official host cities. In the opening weekend alone, the tournament reached […]

The article FIFA World Cup Reaches Over 100 Million Viewers In India appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai DMCC has launched a dedicated cybersecurity vertical as part of a wider restructuring of its technology ecosystem, bringing more than 4,000 technology companies under the newly formalised DMCC Tech platform. The new unit, DMCC Cyber, is designed to support businesses working across cyber resilience, digital trust, data protection, identity management, and governance, risk and compliance. It will sit alongside the DMCC AI Centre, […]

At least one person was confirmed dead and two others were feared trapped after landslides triggered by intense monsoon rain struck Pune district on Monday, shutting key road and rail links between Mumbai and Pune and leaving commuters stranded for hours across the Western Ghats.

The fatal incident took place at Patan village in Maval taluka, near Lohagad Fort, where a house was buried under debris in the early hours. Rescue teams recovered one body from the site, while operations continued to trace two other members of the same family. Police said three landslides were reported in the remote village after sustained heavy rainfall loosened slopes in the area.

The weather disruption quickly widened into a major transport emergency. Traffic on the Pune-Mumbai Expressway and the old Pune-Mumbai Highway was suspended after landslides, flooding and structural damage made movement unsafe. Authorities advised motorists to avoid travel between the two cities and follow official traffic updates, as waterlogging and debris blocked several stretches in and around Lonavala, Khandala and Maval.

The most serious road disruption was reported on the Pune-to-Mumbai carriageway of the Khopoli-Kusgaon Missing Link, where a landslide occurred near the exit of a tunnel. Traffic had to be diverted from about 4am as a precaution. Officials said parts of the retaining structure were affected, while separate reports of a concrete pillar falling on the carriageway added to safety concerns. The Missing Link, opened two months ago, is a 13-km route through the Sahyadri range designed to cut travel distance by about 6 km and reduce travel time by 25 to 30 minutes.

By early afternoon, movement on one side of the Missing Link had begun to resume, but diversions continued on the Pune-to-Mumbai side. Traffic on the old highway was being restored in phases, though police warned that water accumulation, damaged power lines and fallen trees could slow full reopening. Several motorists reported being stuck near Lonavala since early morning, with bumper-to-bumper queues forming after vehicles were shifted away from the closed stretch.

Rail services on the Mumbai-Pune route were also hit after landslides deposited mud and debris on tracks in the Bhor Ghat section between Karjat and Lonavala. Sixteen trains were cancelled, while several others were diverted, short-terminated or short-originated. Railway teams began clearing operations near Thakurwadi and Monkey Hill Loop Cabin, with safety inspections required before regular movement could resume on affected tracks.

The disruption came after Lonavala recorded exceptionally heavy rainfall, with estimates ranging from more than 600 mm to 670 mm over 24 hours. The heavy downpour swelled streams, flooded low-lying areas and left slopes in the ghat section vulnerable to further slips. Officials said flood-like conditions were also reported in parts of Maval and Tamhini Ghat, restricting the use of alternate routes between Pune and Mumbai.

The Pune district administration declared a holiday for all schools and anganwadis on Monday after a red alert for extremely heavy rain. Residents were asked to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from waterfalls, rivers and hill slopes, and not venture into flooded stretches. Disaster response teams, police and local volunteers were deployed across vulnerable points, with the National Disaster Response Force engaged in search and rescue work at Patan village.

The wider rain spell has placed Maharashtra’s disaster management system under pressure. Mumbai, Palghar, Raigad and the ghat areas of Pune district received heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, causing tree falls, local flooding and transport breakdowns. Mumbai’s civic authorities advised work-from-home arrangements where possible, while schools and colleges in several districts were shut as a precaution.

Marking a historic milestone, the MAMA-winning icon celebrates a year of regional breakthroughs and a defining leap into the global spotlight.

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 July 2026 – This July, celebrating his birthday month, Anson Lo marks a decisive leap into the global spotlight. Defined by his philosophy of “Adventure and Limitless,” the MAMA award-winning artist over the past weekend brought his solo concert tour to Macau, delivering a highly acclaimed, two-night engagement that drew an overwhelming response. This milestone is further amplified by the highly anticipated release of his new English single “Helicopter” and his high-profile appearance in the English drama The Season. Known for his razor-sharp choreography, Lo has transcended his status as Hong Kong’s premier idol to become a defining figure of a new, international generation.

ANSON LO 盧瀚霆

The Rise of “Lo-Phenomenon”

Anson Lo’s trajectory over the last few years has been defined by a series of professional breakthroughs that have solidified his status as a regional powerhouse:

  • Cross-Cultural Collaborations: From headlining Waterbomb Singapore to a viral collaboration with Japan’s Avantgardey, Lo has proven his ability to electrify massive international crowds and bridge creative gaps across Asia.
  • A Landmark Fashion Milestone: In a historic international collaboration, Lo became the first Hong Kong artist to co-design a capsule collection with Italian luxury legend Giuseppe Zanotti. This partnership, alongside his work with luxury houses, cements his status as a definitive global fashion icon.
  • Industry Recognition: Since winning Best New Asian Artist (Mandarin) at the 2021 Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA), Lo recently marked a significant turning point by performing on South Korea’s MBC Show Champion and The Fact Music Awards (TMA) stage, bringing Cantopop to major music platforms in South Korea.
  • Global Screen Ventures: Lo expanded his international television footprint with a high-profile guest appearance in the elite ensemble English drama The Season. The series premiered worldwide on major streaming platforms like Hulu and Viu, underscoring his growing global versatility.


A New Frontier: Crafting English Hits and Lyrics

Lo’s global evolution shines through his self-penned English rap lyrics across nearly all his dance singles. Expanding his creative control, he wrote his two full English tracks, “Trippin’ Up” and the newly released “Helicopter.” “Helicopter” just dropped to an overwhelming global response, solidifying his international musical footprint.

About Anson Lo

Anson Lo (born July 7, 1995) is a multifaceted Hong Kong singer, dancer, and actor. Since his 2018 debut with the group MIRROR, he has evolved into a record-breaking soloist, headlining multiple solo concerts and releasing chart-topping hits such as “Megahit,” “Mr. Stranger,” and “Hey Hey OK!”. Today, he stands as a versatile artist working across music, fashion, and film.

Instagram @ansonlht | Facebook @ansonlht | YouTube: @AnsonLoHonTing
Hashtag: #AnsonLo #盧瀚霆 #AnsonLo盧瀚霆



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

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai The UAE has emerged as the GCC’s busiest confirmed construction market, with 700 execution-ready projects valued at $138 billion, underscoring the country’s shift from post-boom recovery to a broader phase of active development across real estate, energy, infrastructure and specialised industrial assets. Saudi Arabia ranks close behind by project count, with 628 confirmed schemes, though its pipeline is larger in value terms at […]

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai OPEC+ has approved another increase in oil output targets for August, adding 188,000 barrels per day to planned supply as Gulf exports move back through the Strait of Hormuz and crude prices ease from wartime highs. The decision, taken at a virtual meeting on Sunday, extends a sequence of monthly quota increases that began in April and continued through June and July. Saudi […]

Famous for its signature crispy fried duck, the fast-growing Indonesian food brand proves that high-quality, affordable dining is a winning formula.

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 July 2026 – Bebek Goreng Pak Ndut, the rapidly expanding restaurant brand famous for its signature crispy fried duck and authentic Indonesian-style cuisine, today announced the upcoming grand opening of its fourth Singapore outlet at Sengkang Grand Mall, officially opening its doors on Saturday, July 11, 2026. This launch represents a key milestone in the brand’s aggressive regional growth strategy, which currently includes two successful high-volume locations in Malaysia and an upcoming market entry into Bangkok.

Bebek Goreng Pak Ndut Opens 4th Singapore Outlet Amid Aggressive Regional Push

​Built on a fast-turnover, highly accessible dining model, Bebek Goreng Pak Ndut is proving that affordable, everyday meals do not have to compromise on taste or quality. The brand focuses purely on operational efficiency and delivering exceptional value to the masses, making its famous fried duck and authentic Indonesian flavors accessible to everyone without the premium price tag.

​”Our mission is simple: serve uncompromisingly authentic, high-quality food at a price that keeps customers coming back multiple times a week,” said Joni Anson, Founder of Bebek Goreng Pak Ndut. “With this new Sengkang location, our thriving outlets in Malaysia, and our upcoming expansion into Bangkok, we are showing that a great dining experience should be affordable, fast, and consistently delicious.”

​To celebrate the grand opening with the Sengkang community, the new outlet will be offering an exclusive 23% storewide discount throughout the weekend of July 11 and 12, 2026.

​For more information, to view the menu, or to find the nearest location, please visit www.bebekgorengpakndut.com.sg or follow the brand on Instagram and TikTok at @bebekgorengpakndut_sg.
Hashtag: #BebekGorengPakNdut

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

About Bebek Goreng Pak Ndut

Bebek Goreng Pak Ndut is a regional multi-outlet restaurant brand specializing in authentic, affordable Indonesian-style cuisine. Operating a high-efficiency central kitchen and multiple fast-casual outlets across Singapore and Malaysia, the brand is dedicated to delivering consistent, high-quality meals at accessible price points.

Tehran opened weeklong funeral ceremonies for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday, turning public mourning for the slain former supreme leader into a carefully staged display of endurance after months of war, political uncertainty and pressure on the Islamic Republic’s ruling establishment. The body of Khamenei, killed on 28 February during US and Israeli strikes at the start of the war, was placed at the Imam Khomeini Grand […]

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Oil prices have slipped back as a burst of supply, softer demand signals and easing disruption fears revive concern that the global market may be heading towards another glut. Brent crude has traded close to $72 a barrel, while US benchmark West Texas Intermediate has hovered below $70, pulling prices towards levels seen before the latest Middle East supply scare. The shift has […]

Mexico-focused companies are facing a sharper wave of TimbreStealer attacks as operators behind the information-stealing malware combine tax-themed phishing with cloud-hosted delivery, DLL side-loading and layered evasion designed to defeat automated analysis. The campaign marks a technical step-up for a malware family first tracked in late 2023, when attackers used fiscal and invoice lures to push an obfuscated stealer at users in Mexico. The latest activity keeps […]

Dubai’s Jumeirah coastline is set for a major hospitality expansion as The Island by Wasl moves towards a planned third-quarter 2028 opening, bringing MGM Grand, Bellagio and Aria-branded hotels to a waterfront development near Burj Al Arab. The project, led by Wasl Hospitality in partnership with MGM Resorts International, is one of Dubai’s most closely watched leisure developments because it combines Las Vegas-linked hotel brands with a […]

Global equities advanced after weaker US employment figures reduced expectations of an imminent Federal Reserve rate increase, pushing investors back into risk assets while lifting gold and easing pressure on the dollar. The rally followed the June employment report, which showed non-farm payrolls rising by 57,000, well below market expectations of roughly 110,000. The unemployment rate eased to 4.2 per cent, but the decline was clouded by […]

New Delhi and Bamako have opened a structured export forum aimed at expanding bilateral trade, drawing investment into priority sectors and giving businesses from both countries a clearer route into West African and South Asian markets.

The inaugural India–Mali Forum for the Promotion of Exports was held in Bamako under the theme “Reinforcing Trade and Strategic Partnerships”, bringing together senior officials, export agencies and about 30 business leaders from India. The two-day initiative marks an attempt to move commercial engagement beyond commodity flows and towards sector-specific projects in cotton, mining, energy, pharmaceuticals, agro-processing, health and education.

The forum was jointly organised by Mali’s Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Embassy of India in Bamako and the Malian Agency for the Promotion of Exports. It was presided over by Mali’s Transition Government Prime Minister, Major General Abdoulaye Maïga, with the delegation from India led by Amit Kumar, Joint Secretary for FT-Africa in the Department of Commerce. Dr N. Nandakumar, Ambassador of India to Mali, represented the mission through the proceedings.

Bilateral trade crossed $326.61 million in 2025–26, a 55 per cent increase over the previous financial year. Mali’s exports to India include raw cotton, finished leather, cashew, lead, gum arabic and sesame. India’s exports to Mali include pharmaceuticals, cotton fabrics, two-wheelers, three-wheelers and bicycles. Officials see the current trade base as narrow but expandable, particularly because Mali’s global exports stand at about $4 billion and its untapped export potential in the market of India is estimated at nearly $3.96 billion.

The Duty-Free Tariff Preference Scheme has been a central driver of trade growth, offering least developed countries preferential access to the market of India. For Mali, the scheme provides a policy opening at a time when Bamako is seeking to diversify export destinations and reduce dependence on raw commodity shipments. For New Delhi, the forum fits a wider push to deepen commercial links with Africa through trade facilitation, capacity building and private-sector participation.

Business-to-business, business-to-government and government-to-government meetings formed the operational core of the forum. Exhibition stands featured products from both countries, including tractors and vehicles manufactured by Sonalika, Mahindra and Tata Motors. The format was designed to connect firms with regulators, identify bankable projects and address procedural bottlenecks that often slow trade between developing markets.

Mali presented ready-made business plans to potential investors and placed emphasis on agro-industry, shea processing, mining-linked services, renewable energy and social infrastructure. The country is seeking more value addition in cotton and agricultural commodities rather than relying mainly on exports of raw or semi-processed products. Cotton remains a significant sector for Mali, while shea, sesame, cashew and gum arabic offer scope for processing, branding and direct export partnerships.

Pharmaceuticals emerged as another key area. Mali sought quicker registration of approved products from India, a move that could expand access to affordable medicines and medical supplies. Health and education infrastructure were also discussed as areas where companies and institutions could provide services, equipment and training support.

The mining dimension is more complex. Mali is one of Africa’s leading gold producers and is working to tighten oversight of its precious metals trade after identifying large gaps between declared exports and import data reported by partner countries. A new state entity has been created to centralise and regulate precious-substances flows, reflecting Bamako’s effort to capture more value from gold and reduce informal trade. Industrial mines export about 60 tonnes of gold annually, while artisanal mining employs nearly 2 million people across hundreds of sites.

Security remains a central concern for investors. Mali has faced instability and militant violence, and economic assets have been among the risks flagged by foreign governments and companies. Earlier this year, security concerns stalled participation by government-backed firms from India in a Russian-backed lithium exploration project in Mali. That episode underlined the challenge of matching mineral ambitions with investor confidence.

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is turning into a wider economic emergency, with the United Nations Development Programme warning that the crisis could cost African economies up to $3.6 billion and put about 328,000 jobs at risk if transmission spreads beyond the current hotspots. The warning has sharpened concern that a public-health crisis driven by the Bundibugyo strain, for which there is no […]

China’s cinemas are being encouraged to add AI agents, karaoke rooms, coffee bars, retail corners and cultural events as regulators seek to turn theatres into broader entertainment venues rather than spaces dependent only on film screenings. The policy direction was set out in a notice issued by the National Film Administration and the State Administration for Market Regulation, outlining 10 measures across business diversification, brand management and […]

Singapore has set out a two-decade plan to reshape Sentosa and neighbouring Brani into a larger leisure and lifestyle district, with new attractions, hotels, beaches, transport links and coastal protection works expected to open in phases from the early 2030s.

The Greater Sentosa Master Plan brings the 120-hectare Brani under Sentosa’s development framework, creating a larger tourism precinct at a time when Singapore is refreshing its visitor economy and preparing for stronger regional competition in leisure, hospitality and events. The project is being positioned as the biggest transformation of Sentosa since the island was developed as a resort destination more than five decades ago.

Sentosa drew more than 16 million visitors between April 2024 and March 2025. Once the master plan is fully delivered, the enlarged precinct is projected to attract about twice that number. The long development period reflects the scale of infrastructure works, the planned relocation of port operations from Brani to Tuas by 2027, and the need to combine commercial expansion with coastal and ecological safeguards.

A major element of the plan is Brani West, which has been earmarked as one of the largest future sites for attractions development. Authorities are engaging potential partners and concept owners, though details on investors, operators and the cost of the project have not been disclosed. The lack of a public investment figure leaves open questions on funding, phasing and commercial returns, particularly as large tourism projects face higher construction costs, labour constraints and changing traveller preferences.

The plan also includes new landmarks on Sentosa itself. Imbiah Canopy is proposed as a vantage point on Mount Imbiah, with food and beverage outlets, retail space, event areas and links to nature-based activities. A sheltered elevated forest canopy route, Imbiah Lookout Walk, is expected to connect Sensoryscape with Imbiah Lookout and nearby walking trails. Later phases are intended to expand nature and heritage routes, with the possibility of linking Sentosa’s green areas to the Southern Ridges on the mainland.

Along Siloso Beach, a new venue called Sensorium is being planned as a lifestyle and indoor attraction hub capable of hosting events and festival activity. The broader beach redevelopment will cover Siloso, Palawan and Tanjong, where coastal protection works will be paired with new leisure uses. Concepts under study include beach clubs, coastal activities, treetop dining, and a floating boardwalk linking small islets along Sentosa’s 3km beachfront.

Transport is another central feature. The proposed Island Heart Transport Hub will serve as a new arrival point connecting Sentosa and Brani, while a new people-mover system is expected to replace the Sentosa Express monorail. The new system is intended to increase capacity and provide smoother movement from the mainland through Brani and across Sentosa. Water taxis and additional waterfront links are also being examined, while the Singapore Cable Car will continue to form part of the wider mobility network.

The transformation is tied to wider planning along Singapore’s southern waterfront, a 30km belt stretching from Gardens by the Bay East to Pasir Panjang. That corridor is expected to include new residential, commercial, recreational and entertainment spaces as port activities shift westwards. Greater Sentosa is also being developed as Singapore prepares for Changi Airport Terminal 5, due around the mid-2030s, which will add about 50 million passengers a year in its first phase to the airport’s current capacity of 90 million.

The tourism strategy goes beyond building new attractions. Singapore is seeking to broaden its appeal from stopover travel and convention traffic to experience-led visits, family tourism, events, coastal leisure and premium lifestyle spending. Resorts World Sentosa is also expanding its offer, with a Waterfront Lifestyle Development scheduled for completion in 2030 and Super Nintendo World planned for Universal Studios Singapore. These additions are expected to support a shift from single-attraction visits towards longer, multi-part itineraries across the island.

Sustainability has been built into the planning narrative, reflecting the vulnerability of a low-lying city-state to sea-level rise and coastal erosion. Sentosa has about 16km of coastline, making protection works a practical requirement rather than an optional enhancement. The master plan includes ecological connectivity, shaded routes, greenery, thermal comfort measures and coastal resilience features. Sensoryscape, a 350m connector linking Resorts World Sentosa to the beaches, is being used as an early example of infrastructure that combines visitor flow, planting, accessibility and digital experiences.

VISHNU RAJA
RYO YAMADA
HITORI GOTOH
IKUYO KITA