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During the event, Dato’ Liew Bin, President of the Malaysia Retail Chain Association (MRCA), visited the NINGJI booth. The two parties exchanged views on NINGJI’s brand development, product offerings and expansion plans in the Malaysian market.

Backed by a proven store model and a comprehensive overseas support system, NINGJI attracted strong interest from high-quality investors throughout the event. Over the three-day exhibition, the brand successfully signed agreements for 20 new stores, bringing its total number of contracted stores in Malaysia to 82. Potential partners across multiple regions also expressed interest in establishing strategic partnerships with the brand, demonstrating NINGJI’s growing appeal in international markets.

Through product tastings and immersive interactive experiences, NINGJI also strengthened its connection with local consumers. The event generated several thousand new member registrations, building a valuable base of first-party customer data for future localized marketing initiatives.

As one of China’s leading new-style tea brands, NINGJI began its global expansion at the end of 2024. To date, the brand has signed agreements for more than 150 overseas stores across Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, Cambodia and other markets.

In Malaysia, NINGJI currently operates nine stores, with more than ten additional locations in development. Its network is steadily expanding across key commercial districts, while the brand continues to strengthen its influence throughout Southeast Asia.

Five Localization Strategies for Malaysia, Ningji’s Anchor Overseas Market

With its young and diverse population, well-established food and beverage sector, and year-round tropical climate, Malaysia provides highly favourable conditions for refreshing fresh fruit and lemon tea beverages.

Against this backdrop, NINGJI has identified Malaysia as one of its core overseas markets and is systematically advancing its localization strategy across five key areas: store network development, supply chain infrastructure, product portfolio, organizational capabilities and brand marketing.

Expanding Across Key Commercial Districts and Empowering Every Store Through Digital Intelligence

NINGJI will use Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru as two strategic hubs, drawing on its proven store operating experience to establish a more refined system for site evaluation, store development and project management.

The brand has built strong digital capabilities, including an end-to-end digital system covering site selection and daily operations, as well as four AI-powered agents that provide franchise partners with integrated, data-driven support.

While steadily expanding its store network and market coverage, NINGJI remains equally focused on store-level operating quality and long-term profitability. The brand aims to build a high-quality retail network that reaches a diverse range of commercial districts and serves a broad customer base.

Strengthening the Local Supply Chain with a Forward Warehouse in Malaysia

Supply chain capability is the lifeline of any new-style tea brand. In China, NINGJI operates seven warehousing centres, manages more than 2,000 mu of lemon orchards. These capabilities have laid a solid foundation for the brand’s continued expansion.

NINGJI believes that genuine localization means combining the capabilities of its headquarters with local market resources. The brand plans to establish a forward warehouse in Malaysia by the end of the year.

Once operational, the facility will enable efficient “T+1” delivery across Malaysia’s key regions, helping stores reduce the risk of stock shortages while significantly lowering the amount of capital franchise partners need to commit to inventory. It will also provide strong logistical support for the continued expansion of NINGJI’s store network.

Balancing Classics and Innovation to Create Products for Local Tastes

NINGJI’s menu centres on fresh fruit lemon beverages paired with whole-leaf tea. Its use of fresh ingredients and made-to-order hand-shaken preparation gives the brand strong cross-cultural appeal and makes its products naturally suited to international markets.

In Malaysia, NINGJI has chosen not to simply replicate its existing menu. Instead, the brand has adopted a “signature products for customer acquisition plus localized innovation” strategy.

On the one hand, proven bestsellers led by Superior Taste Award-winning YaShiXiang Lemon Tea have launched in Malaysian, on the other hand, NINGJI continues to refine its ingredient transportation and storage solutions while developing products tailored to local flavour preferences and market conditions.

In addition to its consistently popular core products, NINGJI has already launched its new pineapple series in Malaysia. The well-received Lemon Milk Series is scheduled to make its official debut in October.

Moving forward, the brand will maintain a quarterly product launch cycle and continue using localized flavours and product innovation to energize the market.

Establishing a Regional Headquarters and Building a Professional Local Team

Local talent is essential for any brand seeking to establish deep and lasting roots in an overseas market.

NINGJI has already assembled a professional team in Malaysia covering local site selection, store development and operational management, and the team continues to grow. This will further enhance the brand’s responsiveness throughout the entire store development journey, from preliminary site selection and opening preparations to daily operations.

NINGJI also plans to establish a regional headquarters in Malaysia and further strengthen its partner support system across staff training, marketing and operational management.

By working alongside local franchise partners who share its commitment to long-term growth, NINGJI aims to expand the market and create greater opportunities together.

Communicating Across Cultures Through Localized Design and Marketing

NINGJI aims to become part of the everyday lives of Malaysian consumers.

In terms of visual presentation, the brand retains its signature yellow and green colour palette while incorporating local aesthetic preferences. Through its “one store, one design” approach, NINGJI creates open and comfortable social spaces tailored to different locations and communities.

From a marketing perspective, the brand will continue to engage with local festivals and cultural trends while collaborating with Malaysian KOLs and KOCs. By connecting social media content with offline experiences, NINGJI seeks to build an emotional relationship with consumers that goes beyond the products themselves and genuinely become part of the local lifestyle.

During its Kuala Lumpur market launch, for example, NINGJI invited Elyn Leong, a Malaysian member of the girl group Gen1es, to serve as “Store Manager for a Day.” Supported by extensive social media promotion, the “Lemon Tea for the Whole City” campaign generated more than one million views and tens of thousands of user-generated interactions across Xiaohongshu, Instagram and Facebook.

Committed to Long-Term Growth, NINGJI Creates Multidimensional Cultural Dialogue Through Localization

NINGJI believes that true globalization is not about simply replicating an existing model. It is a process of deep integration, continuous learning and ongoing refinement.

The brand continues to adapt its products, operations and communications to the consumer characteristics of each market, moving beyond simply “going global” towards becoming genuinely embedded in local communities.

A representative of NINGJI’s overseas business division said:

“Malaysia has a young, diverse and dynamic consumer market and is an important part of NINGJI’s international growth strategy. In the second half of 2026, while steadily expanding our store network, we will further advance the localization of our products, operations and brand communications. We will also continue strengthening our local team and supply chain infrastructure while building long-term relationships with more partners who understand the Malaysian market.”

Looking ahead, NINGJI will continue to build on its product strength and in-store experience while exploring diverse forms of collaboration with local business organizations, content creators and industry partners.

Starting with a cup of fresh fruit lemon tea, NINGJI aims not only to become part of Malaysian consumers’ everyday lives, but also to work alongside local partners to unlock new growth opportunities in the freshly prepared beverage market.

Hashtag: #NINGJI

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

About NINGJI

NINGJI, a leading new-style tea brand featuring fresh-fruit lemon and original-leaf tea, dedicated to multi-category beverage R&D, digitalized management and operations.

NINGJI opened its first store in Changsha, China, on 8 February 2021. July 2021, the company completed a Series A financing round worth tens of millions of RMB, with investment from ByteDance and Shunwei Capital.

January 2022, NINGJI completed a Series A+ financing round worth hundreds of millions of RMB, led by Tencent, with existing investors also oversubscribing.

Through its distinctive contemporary design and refreshing tea beverages, NINGJI communicates a youthful, flavourful and playful brand philosophy, as well as a more creative and trend-driven approach to everyday life. This positioning has earned recognition and support from consumers across different age groups.

NINGJI began its global expansion at the end of 2024. To date, the brand has signed agreements for more than 150 overseas stores across Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, Cambodia and other markets.

China Foreign Trade Industry Annual Mega-Event “XTransfer Summit 26” Concludes Successfully

SHENZHEN, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 August 2026 – XTransfer, the World’s Leading B2B Cross-border Trade Payment Platform, successfully hosted China’s premier annual foreign trade event, XTransfer Summit 26, in Shenzhen. The summit gathered over 4,500 foreign trade enterprises, more than 50 top-tier banks and financial institutions, and numerous industry experts for in-depth discussions on global trade opportunities, business growth strategies, and digital intelligence in cross-border finance.

The summit explored how SME foreign traders can navigate global uncertainties. According to an XTransfer client survey, SME export performance remains optimistic this year. Despite geopolitical tensions and shipping disruptions, SMEs are reporting healthier payment collections and stronger bargaining power in international markets.

Serving Over 1 Million Enterprise Clients: Protecting Every Foreign Trader’s Global Dream with Fintech

Bill Deng, Founder and CEO of XTransfer, said, “SMEs are stabilisers of globalisation. Facing de-globalisation, geopolitical risks, and logistics volatility, they continue to show remarkable resilience. SMEs are more agile in adjusting market strategies while steadily improving pricing power and operational quality.”

Deng emphasised, “SMEs are the most capable force in global trade, and every foreign trader’s global dream deserves to be protected.” He added, “Through years of dedicated focus on SME cross-border payment pain points, XTransfer delivers secure, compliant, and efficient solutions to help more businesses go global. Since our founding, we have served over 1 million enterprise clients and continue to expand our local collection and settlement capabilities globally, optimising collection experiences and working capital efficiency.”

XTransfer’s pioneering Local Account service now covers nearly 60 countries and regions across Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, Europe, the Americas, Australia, and New Zealand, enabling buyers to pay sellers in local currencies and significantly boosting capital turnover.

AI and Global Risk Control Enhance Compliance Efficiency: TradePilot Drives Audit Automation

To address SMEs’ core needs for security, compliance, efficiency, and cost optimisation, XTransfer has ramped up fintech investments, scaling AI applications in risk control and business processes.

XTransfer has also built a unified global B2B cross-border trade settlement and risk management system to safeguard SME transactions. According to CIC, TradePilot is the world’s first and most advanced AI model for B2B cross-border trade payments. With 72 AI agents embedded in TradePilot’s review workflow, covering KYC onboarding, transaction authenticity verification, and ongoing AML monitoring, TradePilot delivers industry-leading performance in risk control accuracy and user experience.

Hashtag: #XTransfer #XTransferSummit #Crossborder #Payment #SMEs

https://www.xtransfer.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtransfer.cn
https://www.instagram.com/xtransfer.global

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

XTransfer

XTransfer is the world’s largest B2B cross-border trade payment platform with over US$60 billion TPV in 2025, according to CIC. Founded in 2017 as one of the first payment platforms worldwide dedicated to B2B cross-border trade, we serve the largest customer base of over 1,000,000 registered SMEs globally.

We connect top-tier financial institutions directly to SMEs, the backbone of global trade, giving businesses of every size access to the same secure, compliant and seamless payment infrastructure once reserved for multinationals. As of March 31, 2026, we provide payment services across more than 200 countries and regions through partnerships with financial institutions, including some of the most established international banks around the world.

XTransfer has obtained required licenses in major hubs, including the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong SAR, the United Kingdom, the United States, Singapore, the Netherlands, Australia and Canada.

For more information, please visit: https://www.xtransfer.com

As a leading overseas payment service provider (PSP), PayerMax has integrated Rakuten Pay to enable international merchants to adopt this payment method in Japan. This integration marks a significant milestone in the technical collaboration, successfully supporting merchants in leveraging Rakuten Pay for their local operations.

The milestone not only enhances the localized payment experience for Last War players in Japan, but also demonstrates how international game publishers can leverage trusted local payment partnerships to accelerate market entry, strengthen localization and better engage Japanese consumers.

Connecting with Japanese Players Starts with Local Payments

As more global game publishers expand into Japan, localized payment experiences have become an increasingly important part of player acquisition, monetization and long-term growth.

As one of the flagship payment services within the Rakuten Ecosystem, Rakuten Pay plays a central role in Japan’s digital commerce landscape. The Rakuten Ecosystem connects more than 100 million registered members across e-commerce, financial services, travel, mobile and offline retail, and Rakuten Pay has become one of Japan’s most widely adopted local payment methods.

For international game publishers, integrating Rakuten Pay is about more than offering another payment option. It provides access to one of Japan’s most established consumer ecosystems, allowing games to deliver payment experiences aligned with local player preferences while building stronger engagement in one of the world’s most competitive gaming markets.

Supporting Last War Highlights PayerMax’s Local Payment Expertise in Japan

As one of the fastest-growing strategy games worldwide, Last War continues to expand its global footprint, with Japan representing one of its key strategic markets. As expectations for localized payment experiences continue to rise, enabling familiar and trusted local payment methods has become an important part of enhancing player experience and supporting sustainable growth.

With support from PayerMax, Last War successfully integrated Rakuten Pay, becoming a leading overseas game to support the payment method and offering Japanese players a more localized and seamless payment experience.

Designed to support international businesses entering Japan, PayerMax provides a unified payment solution that bridges the gap between global merchants and the local ecosystem. By leveraging PayerMax’s integration with Rakuten Pay, PayerMax serves as a gateway for international businesses to establish a strong presence in the Japanese market.

Faster Market Entry

Through PayerMax’s system integration with Rakuten Payment, eligible merchants benefit from a standardized integration pathway that shortens implementation timelines and accelerates go-to-market execution in Japan.

Reliable Compliance and Fund Management Enablement

Leveraging the established business relationships between PayerMax and Rakuten Pay, merchants are empowered to integrate Rakuten Pay through a streamlined, standardized pathway which is aligned with Japan’s local regulatory and operational requirements, thereby delivering a payment experience that resonates with the everyday spending habits of Japanese players. Furthermore, within this collaborative framework, PayerMax and Rakuten Pay facilitate the unified orchestration of critical processes including KYC, anti‑money laundering (AML) and fund management, effectively alleviating the operational complexities and associated costs of local payment execution. This enables merchants to refocus their resources on sustainable business growth and enriched player engagement.

Access to Japan’s Consumer Ecosystem

Through PayerMax, businesses can better engage local consumers, strengthen brand presence and build sustainable long-term growth in Japan.

The successful integration for Last War not only demonstrates the commercial value of the partnership between PayerMax and Rakuten Payment, but also provides a proven reference for more global game publishers and digital content companies expanding into Japan.

Executive Quotes

Hiroki Sogawa, Executive Officer, Rakuten Payment, said:

“We are pleased to partner with PayerMax and to see Last War, a leading title, successfully integrate Rakuten Pay as a payment option. Through this collaboration, we look forward to supporting more international businesses and digital content providers in delivering trusted, localized payment experiences for Japanese consumers.”

Will, APAC General Manager of PayerMax, said:

“Integrating with Rakuten Pay marks an important milestone in PayerMax’s expansion of local payment capabilities in Japan. The successful launch of Last War reflects the strength of our partnership and demonstrates our ability to help global game publishers and international businesses localize faster through trusted local payment infrastructure. Looking ahead, we will continue working with leading local payment partners worldwide to deliver secure, compliant and scalable payment solutions for global merchants.”

Strengthening Local Payment Infrastructure for Global Growth

The partnership with Rakuten Payment represents another important milestone in PayerMax’s strategy to strengthen local payment infrastructure across key global markets and further expand its local payment capabilities in Japan.

Today, PayerMax supports businesses across more than 150 markets and offers access to over 600 payment methods worldwide, backed by an extensive network of local payment partners spanning Japan, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Latin America and other high-growth regions.

Rather than simply aggregating payment methods, PayerMax focuses on connecting businesses with the local payment ecosystems that shape consumer behavior in each market. By combining enterprise-grade payment technology with trusted local partnerships, PayerMax enables international businesses to localize faster, operate more efficiently and achieve sustainable global growth.

Hashtag: #PayerMax #RakutenPay

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

Vinpearl has officially been named the strongest hotel brand globally in 2026 by Brand Finance, the world’s leading brand valuation consultancy, with its brand value surging 86% to US$381 million. This marks the first time a Vietnamese brand has claimed the No. 1 position in global hotel brand strength and entered the Top 50 Most Valuable Hotel Brands in the World. Vinpearl’s remarkable breakthrough not only elevates the stature of the company, but also helps establish a new position for Vietnamese tourism on the international stage.

With a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 95.4/100 and an AAA+ rating, Vinpearl has surpassed a host of renowned hospitality names to rank No. 1 globally in hotel brand strength.

The Brand Strength Index (BSI) score reflects a brand’s overall strength, encompassing investment performance, customer and partner consideration, and its ability to generate business value.

The AAA+ rating is the highest level in Brand Finance’s brand strength rating system.

Alongside its No. 1 ranking, Vinpearl’s brand value also recorded a record increase of 86% to US$381 million year on year, enabling the company to enter the Top 50 Most Valuable Hotel Brands in the World for the first time.

Vinpearl’s position in brand strength has been driven by accelerated growth across all areas of its operations.

Specifically, in terms of financial strength, in 2026, VPL shares were included in the VN30 Index. Vinpearl also successfully raised US$255 million from SeaTown Holdings, Oman Investment Authority and Vietnam Oman Investment.

In terms of market development, Vinpearl has continued to expand its global connectivity in 2026, signing strategic cooperation agreements with leading international and regional partners, including Agoda, AirAsia MOVE, BeMyGuest, GlobalTix, Klook, CAITO, Thomas Cook India, SOTC Travel, MakeMyTrip, IHG Hotels & Resorts and Marriott International, among others. These partnerships aim to increase international visitor flows and enhance service quality across Vinpearl’s system.

In terms of products and services, Vinpearl has continued to expand its multi-segment tourism, hospitality and entertainment ecosystem in 2026. Key initiatives include the launch of Vinpearl Legendlux, a six-star ultra-luxury hotel brand; the introduction of VinFun, a new-generation hotel brand designed to cater to a broader range of guests; the development of Vin New Horizon, a wellness and senior living offering; the premiere of the spectacular stage production “The Grand Epic of Vietnam”; and the launch of The Vietnam Grand WeddX 2026, a new-generation platform for exhibitions and industry connections in Vietnam’s wedding sector.

The collective efforts of the entire ecosystem in 2026 have driven Vinpearl’s remarkable rise in rankings, from being the leading hotel brand in Southeast Asia to becoming the strongest hotel brand globally .

Beyond Brand Finance, the strength of the Vinpearl ecosystem has also been continuously recognized by leading global tourism organizations and platforms. In 2026, VinWonders Nha Trang became the only representative from Vietnam to be included in the Top 100 Global Best Family-Friendly Attractions; Vinpearl Resort & Golf Nam Hoi An received the ASEAN Green Hotel Award 2026; while Vinpearl’s hotels and resorts and VinWonders properties have continued to receive recognition from Booking.com, Agoda and Trip.com, among others, through rankings and awards.

Recognition from the world’s leading tourism rating organizations serves as an important source of motivation for Vinpearl to further elevate its ecosystem, bringing destinations and experiences imbued with Vietnamese identity closer to domestic and international travelers. The company is moving toward its goal of becoming a leading global tourism and hospitality brand, while contributing to elevating Vietnam’s position on the world tourism map.

Hashtag: #Vinpearl

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

About Brand Finance

Brand Finance Plc is the world’s leading brand valuation consultancy, founded in 1996 in London, United Kingdom. It is the only company with a brand valuation methodology that complies with the ISO 10668 international standard for brand valuation, with a presence in more than 20 countries worldwide. Brand Finance reports are used by numerous countries, governments and leading global corporations.

Every year, Brand Finance conducts valuations of more than 70,000 brands worldwide. This marks the 10th year that Vietnam has been included among the countries whose brands are valued by Brand Finance, with Brand Finance Asia-Pacific, headquartered in Singapore, responsible for publishing the rankings.

About Vinpearl

Established in 2003, Vinpearl is Vietnam’s leading brand in tourism, hospitality, entertainment and experiential travel. After more than two decades of development, Vinpearl currently operates 62 properties across 20 provinces and cities.

Its ecosystem comprises 35 five-star hotels and resorts with more than 17,500 rooms; 15 VinWonders theme parks featuring a diverse range of attractions suitable for guests of all ages; six world-class golf courses; and four international-standard VinPalace convention centers and theaters.

The ecosystem also includes two semi-wildlife animal conservation and care parks and one equestrian academy, among other offerings. Particularly notable are Vinpearl’s impressive and distinctive “million-dollar” live shows, staged at destinations including Nha Trang and Phu Quoc, which attract millions of visitors each year.

The yuan has gained about 3.6 per cent against the dollar this year, making it one of Asia’s strongest-performing currencies. The advance has persisted despite falling Chinese government bond yields and a widening yield disadvantage against US Treasuries, conditions that would normally encourage capital to favour the dollar. Strong export receipts and increased conversion of dollar earnings by exporters have instead provided sustained support for the currency.

Pressure intensified after the US and Japan intervened to strengthen the yen at the end of July. The operation marked the first coordinated action by Washington and Tokyo to support the Japanese currency since 1998, following a slide that took the yen to four-decade lows. US authorities had also alerted major banks to be prepared for possible intervention through the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, highlighting Washington’s concern about excessive currency volatility.

The yen subsequently surrendered roughly half of its initial gains, but the intervention had broader consequences across Asian foreign-exchange markets. South Korea’s won, the Singapore dollar and the Taiwan dollar have shown relatively high correlations with yen movements, while several other regional currencies have been less sensitive. The spillover has reinforced a wider trend towards appreciation in currencies exposed to North Asian trade and investment flows.

For Beijing, the stronger yuan presents a complicated policy trade-off. Appreciation reduces the local-currency cost of imported commodities and can provide some insulation against inflation generated by energy prices. It can also create more room for monetary easing because policymakers need to worry less about triggering capital outflows or destabilising depreciation.

The cost is greater pressure on exporters at a time when foreign demand has become an increasingly important support for economic activity. China’s export machine has remained resilient while household consumption, property investment and parts of the private economy have struggled to regain momentum. A rising yuan makes Chinese products more expensive abroad and reduces the value of exporters’ overseas earnings when converted back into local currency.

The People’s Bank of China has appeared increasingly willing to moderate the currency’s advance. Daily yuan reference rates have been set weaker than market expectations at times, signalling a preference for slowing appreciation rather than allowing the currency to rise unchecked. China operates a managed exchange-rate system in which the central bank establishes a daily midpoint and permits the onshore yuan to trade within a defined band around that fixing.

The yuan traded around 6.75 per dollar on Wednesday after strengthening through the 6.80 level earlier this year. Exporters have continued selling dollars when the US currency rises, while central-bank guidance has kept the appreciation gradual. Market forecasts generally point towards further controlled yuan strength rather than a rapid revaluation.

The currency’s resilience highlights an unusual divergence inside China’s economy. Long-term sovereign yields have declined as investors price weak domestic demand and subdued inflation, while the yuan has strengthened because of trade surpluses and exporter dollar conversions. China’s current-account surplus has expanded significantly as manufacturing exports have outpaced imports and domestic spending.

That divergence could influence the timing of the next monetary-policy move. One scenario would see the central bank reducing its benchmark policy rate by 10 basis points to 1.3 per cent before the end of the year, using currency strength as protection against depreciation pressure. Expectations remain divided, however, with many economists anticipating unchanged rates through 2026 as policymakers assess inflation, financial stability and the effectiveness of previous easing measures.

July inflation data strengthened the case for additional support. Consumer-price growth slowed to its weakest pace in six months, while producer-price pressures eased, renewing concerns that deflationary forces could return if domestic demand remains subdued. Higher energy costs had previously reduced expectations for further easing.

Currency policy is also becoming more closely tied to trade tensions. China’s expanding manufacturing surplus has generated demands among trading partners for a stronger yuan, particularly as exports of vehicles, machinery, electronics and clean-energy equipment increase. A materially stronger exchange rate would weaken some of that competitive advantage but could also reduce political pressure surrounding trade imbalances.

The December 2026 launch was announced by Nintendo executive officer Juro Takeuchi at a business conference in Jakarta. Distribution will be handled by PT Nusantara Interactive Niaga, part of the Salim Group, with Nintendo’s Singapore operation involved in the market rollout. Prices and a precise sales date have yet to be disclosed.

Nintendo’s move formalises a market that has for years relied heavily on imported consoles and third-party retailers. Switch systems and games have long been available in Indonesia through unofficial distribution channels, but an authorised presence should improve access to locally supported products, warranties and retail partnerships.

The expansion arrives more than a year after Nintendo launched the Switch 2 in its major markets. The successor to the original Switch has become a substantial part of the company’s hardware business, with cumulative shipments reaching 23.68 million units by the end of June. Nintendo shipped another 3.82 million Switch 2 consoles during the April-June quarter, while lifetime shipments of the original Switch exceeded 156 million units.

Indonesia offers Nintendo considerable scale. Estimates of the country’s gaming population vary considerably depending on methodology, platform and definition of an active player. Government-linked figures have previously placed the number above 174 million, while officials this year have cited more than 200 million active gamers. The market is valued at roughly $2 billion annually, although mobile gaming accounts for a large proportion of participation.

That mobile-heavy profile makes Nintendo’s challenge different from simply putting consoles into more shops. Smartphone games have built enormous audiences through free-to-play models, localised payment systems and low barriers to entry. Nintendo must persuade consumers to spend substantially more on dedicated hardware and premium software, while competing for attention with mobile titles, personal computers and rival console ecosystems.

One potential obstacle is the absence of a dedicated Indonesian Nintendo eShop when the hardware goes on sale. Buyers seeking digital games will not initially receive a local storefront alongside the official console launch. Players have commonly used Nintendo Accounts registered in supported territories to gain access to digital purchases, but that workaround is less convenient than a domestic store with local pricing and payment options. Nintendo has not given a timetable for introducing an Indonesian eShop.

The omission is commercially significant because digital distribution has become central to Nintendo’s software business. Digital sales reached 132.7 billion yen in the quarter ended June, up 90% from a year earlier, and represented 61.5% of dedicated video-game platform software revenue. That category includes downloadable packaged titles, download-only software, add-on content and Nintendo Switch Online.

Nintendo nevertheless has an advantage in Indonesia through established brand recognition. Franchises including Mario, Pokémon, The Legend of Zelda and Animal Crossing have maintained large followings even without a formal local hardware operation. Official distribution could also make it easier for major retailers to carry consoles, accessories and physical games with more predictable supplies and after-sales arrangements.

The timing gives Nintendo a new market as Switch 2 enters its second full year. The company is supporting the platform with a widening catalogue of first-party and third-party games while maintaining compatibility with much of the original Switch software library. Nintendo has said regular software releases are important to expanding the installed base, particularly as consumers decide whether to move from the original system.

Indonesia could also provide a test for Nintendo’s broader Southeast Asian strategy. The company already operates official services in markets including Singapore and Malaysia, but the region remains fragmented by differences in income, digital payments, retail infrastructure and consumer preferences. Indonesia’s size makes it attractive, while its dependence on mobile gaming and sensitivity to hardware pricing create a more demanding commercial environment.

Chief Sales Officer Visits Hong Kong, Partners with VSC Building Products Company Limited to Mark a New Chapter

Championing Design Excellence, Innovation and Sustainable Water Technologies

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 August 2026 – Hansgrohe Group, one of the world’s leading premium bathroom and kitchen brands, celebrates its 125th anniversary with an official visit to Hong Kong by Christophe Gourlan, Member of the Executive Board and Chief Sales Officer of Hansgrohe Group. As a key stop in the Group’s Asia anniversary programme, the visit reaffirms Hansgrohe’s long-term commitment to the Hong Kong market and formally introduces VSC Building Products Company Limited as the brand’s newly authorised distributor in Hong Kong, marking the beginning of a new phase of growth and collaboration.

The anniversary celebrations in Hong Kong also mark a significant milestone for the premium hansgrohe brand locally — the grand opening of a dedicated hansgrohe display at the VSC A&D Centre, located at 1/F, East Town Building, 41 Lockhart Road, Wanchai. The newly unveiled showroom showcases multiple award-winning collections and the latest innovations, offering architects, designers, developers and consumers an immersive experience of the brand philosophy: “Life is Waterful.”

125 Years of Heritage: Where Design Meets Innovation

Founded in 1901 in Schiltach, Germany, in the Black Forest, Hansgrohe has evolved from a small workshop into a globally renowned premium brand with a presence in over 150 countries. For 125 years, the company has been synonymous with German engineering excellence, technological innovation and award-winning design, earning prestigious international accolades including the iF Design Award, Red Dot Design Award and German Design Award.

Among its most iconic and celebrated product innovations are:

Raindance series, including the new Raindance Alive, redefining showering with distinctive spray technology and elegant aesthetics;
Rainfinity, offering a new dimension of immersive showering with ultra-soft PowderRain spray and avant-garde design;
Pulsify, a compact shower solution ideal for urban living, featuring water-saving PowderRain technology;
Finoris faucet collection, equipped with a pull-out spray and dual spray modes, combining flexibility with contemporary design;
Kitchen innovations such as Talis M54 and Metris M71, enhancing kitchen functionality with precision engineering and premium materials.

Hansgrohe’s pioneering technologies include Select technology, enabling intuitive control of water flow at the touch of a button, alongside sustainability-driven innovations such as EcoSmart, AirPower and CoolStart, significantly reducing water and energy consumption without compromising comfort.

Under its ambitious “ECO 2030” initiative, Hansgrohe aims to equip all products with water-saving technologies by 2030, embedding sustainability at the core of product development.

Today, approximately 200 employees worldwide are dedicated to research, development and innovation management. The Group operates innovation centres in the Black Forest and, since 2023, in Shanghai, strengthening localisation and responsiveness to the China and Asia-Pacific markets. Products launched within the past three years account for approximately 30% of the Group’s total revenue — a testament to its dynamic innovation pipeline and market competitiveness.

Deepening Presence in Hong Kong: A New Milestone with VSC

Looking ahead, the collaboration between Hansgrohe and VSC will focus on enhancing customer touchpoints and brand visibility across Hong Kong. Key initiatives include strengthening point-of-sale presentation, elevating experiential showroom displays, and supporting trade partners through comprehensive product training, marketing activations and after-sales excellence.

VSC has also outlined a strategic development plan encompassing showroom enhancements, PR and digital marketing campaigns, product portfolio alignment and sales team training, reinforcing the brand’s position in Hong Kong’s high-end residential and commercial project segments.

Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Christophe Gourlan, Member of the Executive Board and Chief Sales Officer of Hansgrohe Group, said:

“Hong Kong remains an important market for Hansgrohe, and our 125th anniversary is a meaningful moment to reaffirm our long-term commitment to the region. With VSC as our new authorised distributor for the hansgrohe brand, we are strengthening our ability to bring premium German quality, innovation and sustainable water experiences closer to customers, designers and trade professionals. We also deeply appreciate the continued support of our long-term partners, including H2O, as we build the next chapter of Hansgrohe’s growth in Hong Kong together.”

Hashtag: #HansgroheGroup

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

About Hansgrohe

Founded in 1901 in the Black Forest, Germany, Hansgrohe stands for holistic bathroom and kitchen experiences that combine water- and energy-saving technologies, intelligent functionality and long-lasting quality. With timeless design and innovative premium products, the brand supports sustainable lifestyles and transforms everyday water routines into extraordinary experiences.

About VSC Building Products Company Limited

Established in 1997, VSC Building Products Company Limited specialises in supplying sanitary ware, fittings and kitchen cabinet solutions for commercial buildings, shopping malls, hotels, hospitals, residential developments and airports. The company provides free consultation and design services, logistics coordination, technical support and kitchen installation.

In April 2013, VSC opened its first Architectural & Design Centre in Hong Kong. The company has also recently introduced integrated Smart Toilet IoT solutions, enhancing both user experience and property management efficiency.

Enquiries:
VSC A&D Centre
1/F, East Town Building, 41 Lockhart Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong
Tel: (852) 2238 2628
Fax: (852) 2169 2980
Email: [email protected]

VinFast has signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with 10 reputable partners across Indonesia, including PT Lampung Auto Mandiri, PT Karoto Seiko Indonesia, CV Agus Lio Ban, CV Family Auto Motor, PT Motoreko Mobilindo, PT Green Mobilitas Indonesia, PT Global Mobil Indonesia, PT Layanan Prima Sejahtera, CV Karya Indah Motor, and PT Prayoga Tangguh Perkasa.

Under the agreements, the partners will join VinFast’s Authorized Service Outlet network to provide vehicle maintenance, general repair, and body repair services in accordance with VinFast’s global standards. They will also distribute genuine VinFast parts and accessories throughout Indonesia.

Pursuant to the agreements, the Authorized Service Outlets will meet VinFast’s stringent requirements for technical capability, facilities, and service quality, while committing to uphold the Company’s core values and brand standards.

The continued expansion of VinFast’s Authorized Service Outlet network enables customers across Indonesia to access genuine aftersales services more conveniently, wherever they are. Supported by VinFast-certified technicians and a reliable supply of genuine parts and accessories, customers can be confident that their vehicles will receive consistent, high-quality care, ensuring safety, reliability, and optimal performance throughout the ownership experience.

To date, VinFast has established a network of more than 100 Authorized Service Outlets across Indonesia. The network extends beyond Greater Jakarta (Jabodetabek) to major cities nationwide, meeting the growing aftersales needs of both individual customers and commercial fleet operators.

Mr. Antonio Zara, Chief Executive Officer of VinFast Southeast Asia, said: “For electric vehicles, a reliable aftersales network is essential to giving customers confidence throughout their ownership journey. The continued expansion of our Authorized Service Outlet network demonstrates VinFast’s long-term commitment to customers in Indonesia. By partnering with experienced and trusted automotive service providers, we aim to deliver international-standard aftersales services that are convenient, efficient, and dependable, giving consumers greater confidence in choosing VinFast electric vehicles.”

The expansion of the Authorized Service Outlet network is a key pillar of VinFast’s strategy to build a comprehensive EV ecosystem in Indonesia. Together with an increasingly diverse product portfolio, a rapidly expanding charging infrastructure, and the continued development of a broader green mobility ecosystem, the nationwide aftersales network will further strengthen VinFast’s ability to provide Indonesian consumers with a convenient, reliable, and sustainable EV ownership experience.

VinFast has also introduced a range of customer-focused initiatives to make EV ownership more accessible and convenient, including its battery subscription program, guaranteed buyback program, and free charging at V-GREEN charging stations through March 31, 2029. Together with its partners across vehicle distribution, financing, charging infrastructure, and aftersales services, VinFast continues to strengthen its integrated EV ecosystem, reaffirming its long-term commitment to accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles in Indonesia.
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