US-based Patel Family Office and Dammam-headquartered Abdel Hadi A. Al-Qahtani & Sons have signed a $1 billion agreement to build 50 business hotels across Saudi Arabia by 2029, betting that the Kingdom’s fast-growing corporate travel market now needs more standardised mid-market accommodation than luxury-led supply can offer. The partners said the platform, branded AYARA, was signed at the FII PRIORITY Summit in Miami and is expected to […]
Alibaba has launched Qwen3.6-Plus, the latest entry in its Qwen model family, positioning it as a tool built to help companies move from chat-based assistants to AI systems that can execute multi-step work across coding, reasoning and visual tasks. The release lands as the group deepens its push into agentic AI for both enterprise clients and consumer applications, with the model set to power Alibaba Cloud’s Model […]
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 April 2026 – ShopBack, the leading shopping and Cashback platform in Asia-Pacific, is pleased to announce that ShopBack Play is rapidly breaking the barriers between online shopping and gaming, making earning rewards effortless and fun for everyone.By seamlessly bridging mobile games with cash prizes, ShopBack has evolved from a simple shopping tool into a high-engagement “Play-to-Earn” ecosystem. To date, the platform has already given back over HK$5 million in Cashback to users through its gamified features.
As the city welcomes the festive break, ShopBack is set to catalyze this momentum with the launch of its 2026 Easter Egg Hunt. From April 3 to April 7, the campaign will welcome Gen Z and Millennial cohorts to download the official ShopBack App and discover a world of surprises — where every discovery is a chance to win, turning leisure into leverage and proving that in the modern retail landscape, entertainment is the “new currency”.
ShopBack launches the 2026 Easter Egg Hunt from April 3 to April 7, start hunting for capital—where gaming meets gaining.
The Quantifiable Rise of Gamified Earning
The shift from shopping to active “gaining” is backed by record-breaking engagement metrics within the ShopBack app: Over 1,200 curated game titles have been integrated and downloaded on ShopBack Play. Building on a track record of over HK$5 million in rewards already delivered to our community, the platform has cultivated a new class of “Super Earners.” The top-performing user has successfully extracted over HK$30,000 in Cashback rewards simply by mastering game milestones—positioning ShopBack Play as a sophisticated Cashback tool for avid gamers.
2026 Easter Egg Hunt: A Multi-Dimensional Reward Matrix
While traditional holiday campaigns focus on consumption, ShopBack’s Easter Egg Hunt focuses on Community and Catch-up. The 5-day campaign (April 3-7) introduces two flagship challenges designed to maximize player “yield”:
“Easter Egg Everyday” – The Blind Box Thrill: During dedicated daily Happy Hours, users who reach specific milestones in the app’s “Red Zone” will unlock surprise loot “Easter egg” boxes. These eggs contain instant Cashback rewards of up to HK$100, adding an element of high-stakes discovery to the daily routine.
“United to Unlock” – The Power of Solidarity: In a bold move toward social gamification, ShopBack introduces a collaborative community challenge. If collective participation reaches the 40,000 opt-in benchmark, a massive HK$20,000 prize pool will be unlocked, and every participant stands a chance to win.
A New Paradigm: Beyond the Transaction
“We are witnessing a transformation in retail, where shopping goes beyond a simple task or pastime. ShopBack Play redefines the experience as an engaging ‘treasure hunt’, enabling users to enjoy shopping while earning real rewards effortlessly,” says Mr. Arthur Wan, General Manager of East Asia Cluster at ShopBack. “With ShopBack Play, we have evolved past a simple Cashback upgrade into the next level of ‘Play-to-Earn’. This Easter, we aren’t just offering discounts; we are presenting an immersive hunt where the stakes are real, and the rewards are tangible. We are moving Hong Kong from Gaming to Gaining.”
This Easter, swap the chocolates for real rewards. Dive into ShopBack Play to earn real cash—making the holiday not just a treat, but a “treasure-filled” retreat.
Hashtag: #ShopBack
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About ShopBack
Founded in 2014 in Singapore, ShopBack Group is the leading shopping, Cashback, and payments ecosystem in the Asia-Pacific, serving over 60 million users across 13 vibrant markets. Driven by a mission to make every shopping journey rewarding, the platform seamlessly integrates commerce with entertainment, pioneering the “Play-to-Earn” movement through its innovative ShopBack Play feature. Beyond consumer empowerment, ShopBack serves as a strategic growth engine for thousands of merchants and brands, providing sophisticated, performance-based marketing solutions that drive measurable outreach and high-intent engagement. With the expansion into ShopBack Pay, the Group continues to redefine the future of retail finance, offering a frictionless payment infrastructure that bridges the gap between digital rewards and real-world spending.
For further details and to start earning Cashback today, visit:
Britain has sharpened its language on security, raised its military ambitions and promised a larger defence budget, but the test now lies in whether those commitments produce forces that can respond quickly and credibly to a widening arc of threats from Europe to the Middle East. The question has come into sharper focus after London moved a nuclear-powered submarine into the Arabian Sea about a month into […]
Google has moved to reassure developers and users that Android will remain open even as it rolls out a new verification regime for app makers, but the effort has opened a wider argument over whether the company is strengthening security or extending its control far beyond the Play Store. The dispute sharpened after Google published fresh details in March on how users will still be able to […]
HONG KONG, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 April 2026 – Lee Kum Kee Sauce (“Lee Kum Kee”), a global leader in sauces and condiments, proudly served as the Official Sauce and Condiment Partner for the prestigious Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 awards ceremony in Hong Kong, China. The event marked the first time the celebrated culinary award had taken place in Hong Kong, making the occasion especially significant for the city and the wider Asian dining community.
Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants Awards Ceremony 2026. Photo credit: Asia’s 50 Best Restaurant
From 23-25 March, Lee Kum Kee brought together top chefs, diverse cultures and industry communities through a range of thoughtfully curated experiences, bringing authentic Asian flavours to the global stage. As well as reaffirming the brand’s Asian roots and international perspective, its involvement reflected an enduring commitment to preserving culinary heritage and driving gastronomic innovation.
“Asian Flavour Duet“: A Culinary Journey Through Heritage and Innovation
Helping to build momentums for this year’s awards, Lee Kum Kee collaborated with Vicky Cheng, the acclaimed Executive Chef and owner of WING, to co-create the “Asian Flavour Duet”, a Hong Kong-style late-night supper party on 24 March. Hosted at two Hong Kong culinary landmarks, the experience unfolded in two chapters – “Paying Tribute to Heritage” and “Innovative Fusion” – and invited guests to explore the limitless possibilities of Asian flavour.
The evening began at the century-old Lin Heung Lau teahouse, a space filled with nostalgia and memories for generations of Hong Kongers. Chef Vicky reinterpreted classic Hong Kong late-night dishes using signature Lee Kum Kee sauces, while guests were immersed in the warmth of the historic venue.
(Left) Chef Vicky presents classic Hong Kong late-night dishes at Lin Heung Lau; (Right) Guests enjoying the nostalgic flavours.
The celebration then moved to Medora, Chef Vicky’s Western dining space, where an “Innovative Fusion” was revealed. He showcased his modern culinary philosophy by incorporating Lee Kum Kee sauces with contemporary techniques to create bold, unexpected dishes. Guests also enjoyed specially crafted cocktails infused with Lee Kum Kee sauces, alongside a delightful yet refined sauce-inspired gelato, demonstrating a harmonious interweaving of savoury, umami, sweetness and spice.
The multisensory journey seamlessly blended tradition with innovation, exploring the future of cuisine while highlighting Lee Kum Kee’s role as a global gateway to Asian culinary culture.
At the event, Dodie Hung, Executive Vice President – Corporate Affairs at Lee Kum Kee, commented, “Tonight, we are honoured to celebrate Hong Kong’s late‑night food culture with Chef Vicky and the global culinary community. From the legacy of Lin Heung Lau to the forward‑looking spirit of Medora, we are proud to be part of the creative journey and help showcase the depth of Asian flavours on the world stage.”
Celebrating a Gastronomic Brilliance with the Highest Climber Award Sponsored by Lee Kum Kee
During the awards ceremony on 25 March, Lee Kum Kee’s booth showcased a range of the brand’s acclaimed classic sauces and innovative products. Guests sampled specially crafted bites featuring Lee Kum Kee sauces, engaging directly with the flavours and techniques that have made the brand a trusted partner in both home and professional kitchens worldwide.
Guests taste creative canapes: beef cheek guabao and shrimp dumpling with egg white; and exchange culinary insights at the Lee Kum Kee booth.
As part of the evening’s celebration of the region’s most exceptional culinary talents, the Highest Climber Award sponsored by Lee Kum Kee was presented to Lamdre in Beijing by Chef Park from Atomix (No.1 in North America’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025). Lambre was applauded for its pioneering plant-based dining space that promotes healthy, sustainable living while honouring Chinese biodiversity in its menus.
Lamdre claims the Highest Climber Award sponsored by Lee Kum Kee. Photo credit: Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants
In addition, WING, led by Chef Vicky, achieved an impressive second place in 2026 Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list. The restaurant had also previously ranked No. 11 on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list in 2025, underscoring its continued international acclaim.
Building the Future Together: Deepening Global Partnerships
With the success of this prestigious awards ceremony in Hong Kong, China, Lee Kum Kee looks forward to deepening its collaboration with leading talents in the global culinary community. By continuing to champion Asian flavours and foster meaningful dialogue and exchange, the brand will continue to bring the spirit of Asian cuisine to kitchens and dining tables around the world. Hashtag: #LeeKumKee #LKK
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Lee Kum Kee
Lee Kum Kee is the global gateway to Asian culinary culture, dedicated to promoting Chinese culinary culture worldwide. Since 1888, it has brought people together over joyful reunions, shared traditions and memorable meals. Beloved by consumers and chefs alike, Lee Kum Kee’s range of more than 300 sauces and condiments sparks creativity in kitchens everywhere, inspiring professional and home chefs to experiment, create and delight. Headquartered in Hong Kong, China and serving over 100 countries and regions, Lee Kum Kee’s rich heritage, unwavering commitment to quality, sustainable practices and “Constant Entrepreneurship” combine to enable superior experiences through Asian cuisine for people worldwide. For more information, please visit www.LKK.com.
About Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants
Launched in 2013, Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants aims to showcase the outstanding achievements and diverse culinary landscape of the region. The list is determined by the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants Academy, a panel of over 350 culinary experts from across Asia who vote independently based on their specialised knowledge of the local dining scene. The Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants series includes the awards ceremony and list announcement, creating a premier networking platform for restaurateurs, media, seasoned travelers and culinary connoisseurs to celebrate the exceptional service, passion and talent in the dining industry.
Rec Room, the social VR platform that once stood among the most closely watched bets on the so-called metaverse economy, will shut down on June 1, 2026, ending a decade-long run that drew more than 150 million players but failed to produce a sustainable business. The Seattle-based company said the service will go offline at noon Pacific time after years of trying to turn broad user engagement […]
Ondo Finance drew fresh attention after Stockcoin. ai said its beta platform had gone live with AI-powered access to tokenised US stocks and stock-linked futures, a launch that placed Ondo’s on-chain equities infrastructure at the centre of another push to merge traditional markets with crypto rails. Social posts cited by search results from Ondo Finance described Stockcoin. ai as live for beta testing and positioned the service […]
Drift, one of Solana’s larger decentralised finance trading platforms, said it was facing an “active attack” on April 1 and moved to suspend deposits and withdrawals as hundreds of millions of dollars appeared to leave the protocol, deepening concern over operational security risks in crypto markets. The platform told users not to deposit funds and said it was working with security firms, bridges and exchanges to contain […]
Dubai Taxi Company and Baidu’s Apollo Go have begun fully driverless commercial ride-hailing in Dubai, opening public bookings through the Apollo Go app in what Baidu said is the platform’s first international app deployment. The launch adds a new commercial channel for autonomous transport in the emirate and gives Dubai one of the clearest live tests yet of how driverless taxis can move from controlled trials into […]
North Korea is sharpening its nuclear posture after the military battering of Iran reinforced Kim Jong-un’s long-held argument that smaller states without an ultimate deterrent risk coercion, attack and political humiliation. In a speech to the Supreme People’s Assembly on March 23, Kim declared the country’s nuclear status “irreversible”, said Pyongyang would permanently strengthen its “self-defensive nuclear deterrent”, and framed the global order as one in which […]
A compromise of the widely used Axios software package has triggered fresh concern over open-source security after attackers used a hijacked maintainer account to publish poisoned versions carrying remote access trojan malware for Windows, macOS and Linux systems. Security researchers said the malicious releases were pushed to npm on March 31 and removed within hours, but warned that any machine or build pipeline that installed them during […]
Binance has moved into energy-linked crypto derivatives, launching perpetual futures tied to WTI crude, Brent crude and natural gas in a step that broadens its product range beyond digital assets and into commodity price exposure. The exchange said Binance Futures would roll out USDⓈ-margined CLUSDT, BZUSDT and NATGASUSDT perpetual contracts on 1 April, with the contracts linked to benchmark oil and gas markets and designed for […]
KKR is preparing to take Taiyo Holdings private in a deal that values the Japanese electronics materials and pharmaceuticals group at about ¥528.56 billion, marking one of the bigger private equity transactions in Japan this year and signalling renewed appetite for take-private deals built around manufacturing, healthcare and semiconductor-linked supply chains. Taiyo’s board has backed the move, while major shareholders including DIC, Kowa and Oasis Management have agreed to participate in the transaction or related steps, giving KKR support tied to roughly 42.2% of the company’s outstanding shares.
The proposed tender offer price is ¥4,750 a share. That figure carries an unusual wrinkle: Reuters reported it stood 4.7% below Taiyo’s last closing price, reflecting how market speculation had already lifted the stock, while the joint company release framed the offer as carrying a steep premium to unaffected average prices before the bidding process became public and before activist-related filings stirred the shares. The contrast underlines how Japan’s take-private deals are increasingly playing out in markets already primed by rumour, activism and expectations of strategic change.
Taiyo is not a household consumer name, but it sits in businesses that have become more visible to global investors. The group is a leading producer of solder resist and other materials used in printed circuit boards and semiconductor packaging substrates, while also operating a medical and pharmaceutical arm that makes prescription drugs and provides contract development and manufacturing services. In its own long-term planning, Taiyo has pointed to growth opportunities from generative AI, data centres and communications infrastructure on the electronics side, alongside structural reform and expansion in contract manufacturing for pharmaceuticals.
That mix helps explain why KKR sees room for a private-market strategy. Taiyo said privatisation would allow it to pursue long-term investments and quicker decision-making with less pressure from the public market. The company’s “Beyond Imagination 2030” plan targets a rise in net sales to ¥180 billion by fiscal 2031 from ¥119 billion in fiscal 2025, while operating income is targeted to more than double to ¥47 billion from ¥22 billion. Management has also been trying to improve capital efficiency after sustained dialogue with shareholders, including a focus on profitability in the medical and pharmaceuticals unit and a review of portfolio positioning across the group.
For KKR, the Taiyo bid fits a broader pattern in Japan. The firm said it has been investing in the country for two decades and manages more than $20 billion there. Its existing investments span semiconductor equipment, pharmaceuticals, information technology and logistics, sectors where global funds have been seeking companies with specialised technology, export potential or scope for operational overhaul. Taiyo gives KKR exposure to electronics materials tied to advanced manufacturing as well as a pharmaceuticals platform that could benefit from demand for contract manufacturing and stable domestic drug supply.
The shareholder line-up behind the offer is also notable. DIC, Taiyo’s largest shareholder, and Kowa, which is affiliated with the founding family, have agreed to sell through a share consolidation and buyback process after the tender offer is completed. The founding family plans to reinvest in the KKR-managed vehicle that will own Taiyo after privatisation. Oasis Management, long known for active positions in Japan, has separately agreed to tender shares representing about 15.62% of the company. That combination reduces execution risk and suggests the deal has been designed to balance continuity with outside capital and governance pressure.
Still, the transaction comes with questions that investors and analysts will watch closely. A take-private at a headline valuation above ¥500 billion will invite scrutiny over whether minority holders are being offered enough upside after the stock’s sharp re-rating. The tender offer has yet to begin formally and remains subject to customary conditions, including regulatory approvals. Any delays or shifts in market conditions could test sentiment, especially at a time when deal financing and foreign buyouts in Japan are being judged against a higher bar on governance, transparency and shareholder treatment.
Taiyo’s business profile gives the story wider significance than a conventional chemicals buyout. Its electronics arm remains the core earnings driver, but the medical and pharmaceuticals business has been gaining attention as order volumes rise in contract manufacturing and as the group tries to lift margins. Taiyo’s own targets show electronics sales climbing to ¥128 billion by fiscal 2031 and medical and pharmaceuticals sales to ¥43 billion, with the latter expected to deliver a marked improvement in profitability. That combination of steady industrial demand and a healthcare growth angle is the sort of hybrid case private equity firms have been seeking across Japan’s listed mid-cap sector.
Google’s YouTube is facing mounting pressure from child development experts and advocacy groups to stop artificial intelligence-generated videos from being shown or recommended to young children, opening a fresh front in the debate over how large platforms police automated content aimed at minors. A coalition led by Fairplay has urged YouTube chief executive Neal Mohan and Alphabet chief executive Sundar Pichai to keep such material off YouTube […]
Responding to Hong Kong’s aging trend Extending “retirement planning” into “health capital management”
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 April 2026 – As one of the world‘s longest-living regions, Hong Kong is increasingly focused on how to plan for the second half of life and improve the quality of life for older adults. As artificial intelligence rapidly enters healthcare and elderly care, preventive medicine is becoming the next key issue for Hong Kong‘s aging society. LIVE4WELL will debut Hong Kong‘s most comprehensive AI health management experience zone at the “Smart Retirement Expo” (Booth: Hall 1E C01-2, 05-08), combining multiple clinical-grade technologies and generating personalized health reports in real time, allowing the public to experience first-hand how AI is reshaping “health capital management.”
The exhibition will be held grandly from 3 to 5 April 2026 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Hall 1E, and is expected to attract more than 100,000 visitors, offering the public one-stop retirement planning and healthy living solutions.
Medical-grade, non-invasive smart health checks Professional consultants will explain reports on site
During the expo, LIVE4WELL will offer the most comprehensive AI health assessment experience in Hong Kong. Visitors may choose two free tests, each taking about 5 to 10 minutes:
AI fondus analysis: Uses retinal imaging to analyze microvascular and nerve changes to predict cardiovascular and metabolic disease risk.
3D posture structure assessment: No wearable device required; AI motion-capture technology evaluates postural imbalance, muscle coordination, and pain triggers.
Body composition analysis: Analyzes skeletal muscle mass, body fat percentage, and tendency toward sarcopenia.
New: Medical-grade body measurement: Uses inflammation indicators to analyze bodily function and chronic risk status in depth.
New: Electrical impedance tomography (special trial price): Assesses the risk index for chronic liver and kidney diseases.
After the tests, professional health consultants will explain the personalized health report on site, transforming complex medical data into simple, practical lifestyle advice, helping the public truly practice “prevention is better than cure.” LIVE4WELL recommends regular testing every three months to monitor health status; if any concerns arise, users can seek solutions from a professional medical team and receive treatment early. In addition, LIVE4WELL‘s partners include Chubb Life Hong Kong, Trinity Medical Centre, E-SENSE Innovative Technology Company, Clarity Eye Centre, KAM HearingHealth HK, and LINK2CARE‘s smart watch combining “Chinese prevention” and “Western treatment.” During the expo, they will offer limited-time discounts on products and services that support health protection.
Venue: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai, Hall 1E LIVE4WELL Booth: C01-2, 05-08 (54 sq. m.) LIVE4WELL Seminar:AI Reveals Health Risks: 20 Minutes to Understand the Truth Behind Risk Hall 1E Leisure Zone
3 April (Fri), 1:10–1:30 p.m. Ms. Miranda Wong, Co-Founder
Media invitation LIVE4WELL warmly invites media friends to visit the booth during the exhibition for coverage. Arrangements can include:
Interviews with the founding team and technical experts
Filming demonstrations of the AI testing process
On-site interviews with members of the public experiencing the service
Feature sharing on preventive medicine and senior health
Hashtag: #LIVE4WELL
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About LIVE4WELL
LIVE4WELL is a health management platform driving a new era of preventive medicine for all through artificial intelligence. Using clinical-grade testing devices from multiple countries, AI data analysis, and a mobile app, it creates a complete health loop of “testing, understanding, action, tracking, reward.” LIVE4WELL‘s goal is not merely to build a health app, but to establish a technology-driven, people-centered, practical preventive healthcare ecosystem that creates a better future for public health.
01 | Three improvement solutions from smart diagnosis to action
Based on users‘ test results, risk assessment, and lifestyle, the platform provides practical improvement plans, including:
Dietary adjustments: personalized meal suggestions adapted to local food culture
Nutritional supplementation: data-driven guidance to avoid blind use of health supplements
Exercise prescriptions: from walking and stretching to functional training, emphasizing safety and sustainability
02 | Data-driven intelligent interpretation as a “personalized health manual”
LIVE4WELL creates a customized, user-centered health report for each participant, integrating multi-source test results and presenting them visually with risk grading and plain-language explanations, becoming a truly actionable “personalized health manual.” The platform integrates large language models across multiple medical specialties, combining clinical literature and preventive medicine research, with professional input from medical experts and university scholars.
03 | Eight training systems and an all-day digital ecosystem
LIVE4WELL has uniquely developed eight training systems, covering: cardiorespiratory endurance | muscular strength and endurance | balance and stability | flexibility and joint mobility | posture and spine health | metabolism and weight management | stress and sleep regulation | functional daily living training.
The mobile app turns offline testing into a 24-hour online nutritionist and fitness coach, integrating meal tracking, calorie tracking, step monitoring, and personalized tasks.
04 | Sweat Point™ rewards and social ecosystem
The platform features a Sweat Point™ wallet rewards system and the WELLShop™ healthy consumption platform. After completing health tasks, reaching step goals, or joining community activities, users can earn “exercise miles” to redeem health products. Social features also encourage families and friends to join challenges together, making health management a shared and encouraging social activity.
05 | Digital infrastructure for public policy
LIVE4WELL‘s vision is to become the next-generation digital infrastructure deeply integrated with public healthcare policy. Through anonymized health data, it can help decision-makers:
Improve health education and public exercise policy
Allocate medical resources more precisely
Open new employee health management models for corporations and insurers
This makes “just move a little every day” not just a slogan, but a lifestyle path everyone can practice. When everyone takes responsibility for their own health, overall social well-being, productivity, and future competitiveness will also rise.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 April 2026 -Tim Ho Wan, the dim sum brand hailing from Hong Kong under the Jollibee Group, continues to be recognized in the Michelin Guide Hong Kong & Macau, with its Sham Shui Po store receiving the Bib Gourmand distinction in the 2026 edition. The Bib Gourmand distinction is awarded to restaurants that offer high-quality food at excellent value for money, reinforcing Tim Ho Wan’s long-standing positioning.
Carrying forward a legacy of excellence. Tim Ho Wan’s culinary team upholds the brand’s signature Cantonese craftsmanship, sustaining the consistency and quality behind its 17 consecutive years of Michelin recognition— its most recent earned under the Jollibee Group.
The recognition marks the 17th consecutive year the same store has been included in the Michelin Guide—a milestone achieved during Tim Ho Wan’s first full year under the Jollibee Group following its acquisition in January 2025. Over the past year, the brand has focused on strengthening systems, chef training, and food quality, reinforcing the consistency that has long defined Tim Ho Wan in its home market.
“Tim Ho Wan’s recognition in the Michelin Guide is a reflection of the care and discipline behind the brand,” said Ernesto Tanmantiong, Jollibee Group Global President and CEO. “At the Jollibee Group, we are committed to growing brands like this in a way that stays true to their roots while allowing more people around the world to experience what makes them special.”
Founded in Hong Kong in 2009 by chefs Mak Kwai Pui and Leung Fai Keung, Tim Ho Wan quickly rose to prominence after earning a Michelin star within its first year. Its Sham Shui Po branch, opened in 2010, has since remained a consistent presence in the Michelin Guide, underscoring the brand’s enduring culinary standards.
Scaling a Heritage Brand Through Operational Discipline
Under the Jollibee Group, Tim Ho Wan has strengthened its operating model to support consistent execution and long-term growth across markets.
Ongoing investments in kitchen systems, chef training, menu development, and store operations have enhanced consistency across locations while preserving the craftsmanship rooted in its Hong Kong origins. The continued recognition in Hong Kong reinforces the market’s role as the brand’s culinary and operational benchmark.
“These capabilities allow us to stay true to what makes Tim Ho Wan special, while ensuring we can deliver that same experience consistently as we grow,” said Sheng Lee, Chief Executive Officer of Tim Ho Wan.
“This recognition reflects the discipline of our teams in delivering consistent quality day in and day out. We remain focused on elevating our craft through rigorous training, responsible sourcing, and thoughtful service so that high-quality meals remain welcoming to guests around the world,” Lee added.
A Distinct Concept for Global Expansion
Tim Ho Wan’s combination of quality and value positions it as a distinctive concept in the global restaurant landscape.
Supported by strengthened systems and operating discipline, the brand offers a compelling platform for growth across international markets—anchored on consistency in its home market and enabled by replicable operating standards.
A Global Brand Rooted in Hong Kong
From a 20-seat dim sum shop in Hong Kong to a globally recognized brand, Tim Ho Wan continues to demonstrate how culinary heritage and operational discipline can come together to create a strong and scalable business.
The latest Bib Gourmand recognition reinforces Tim Ho Wan’s position as a globally relevant dim sum brand—rooted in Hong Kong and supported by the Jollibee Group’s platform for sustained and disciplined growth.
Disciplined Growth Backed by the Jollibee Group
The continued recognition also reflects the Jollibee Group’s approach to scaling heritage brands through operational excellence and long-term stewardship.
“Tim Ho Wan’s sustained recognition reflects the strength of its heritage and the discipline behind its execution,” said Richard Shin, CEO of JFC International and Global Chief Financial and Risk Officer of the Jollibee Group. “At the Jollibee Group, we focus on strengthening the systems and platforms that allow brands like Tim Ho Wan to grow while preserving the authenticity and craftsmanship that made them successful.”
System-wide sales (SWS) expanded significantly from Php1.3 billion in 2024 to Php8.1 billion in 2025, highlighting the brand’s accelerating scale and growing contribution to the Group’s global operations.
In its home market, Tim Ho Wan has strengthened its core Hong Kong footprint, doubling its store network to 10 locations within approximately one year. Recent store openings have delivered attractive payback periods (circa 1.5 years) and profitability, reinforcing confidence in the brand’s unit economics and disciplined growth approach.
Growth has been broad-based across both company-operated and franchise markets. Sales performance strengthened across markets such as Hong Kong, Singapore, and China, while franchise markets, including the Philippines, Vietnam, and Japan, continue to build momentum, further validating the brand’s strong international resonance and scalability.
The brand also reached an important milestone in its global expansion with the opening of its first company-operated North America store in Irvine, California, marking a significant step in establishing a direct presence in one of the world’s largest consumer markets. This re-entry into North America reflects the transportability of the brand’s operating model and positions Tim How Wan for a new phase of long-term growth and further global brand development.
Hashtag: #JollibeeGroup
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Jollibee Group
Jollibee Foods Corporation (PSE: JFC) (the “Company”) is one of the world’s fastest-growing restaurant companies, driven by its purpose of spreading joy through superior taste. It manages and operates a portfolio that includes 19 brands (the “Jollibee Group”) with over 10,000 stores and cafés across 33 countries.
The Jollibee Group’s portfolio includes nine (9) wholly-owned brands (Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, Red Ribbon, Mang Inasal, Yonghe King, Hong Zhuang Yuan, Smashburger and Tim Ho Wan), five (5) franchised brands (Burger King, Panda Express, Yoshinoya, Common Man Coffee Roasters, and Tiong Bahru Bakery in the Philippines), and ownership stakes in other key brands like The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf (80%), Compose Coffee (70%), SuperFoods Group that operates Highlands Coffee (60%), and bubble tea brand Milksha (51%). The Company also has membership interests in Tortazo, LLC, along with Chef Rick Bayless, for Tortazo in the U.S. and in Botrista, a leader in beverage technology.
The Jollibee Group’s global sustainability agenda, Joy for Tomorrow, underscores its commitment to sustainable business practices across food safety, employee welfare, community support, good governance, and environmental responsibility, among others. These focus areas are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).
The Company has been recognized as the Philippines’ Most Admired Company by the Asian Wall Street Journal, named one of Asia’s Fab 50 Companies, and listed among Forbes’ World’s Best Employers and Top Female-Friendly Companies. The Company is also a four-time Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award recipient and featured in TIME’s World’s Best Companies and Fortune’s Southeast Asia 500 List.
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Voltify has raised $30 million in seed funding to push an ambitious plan to electrify freight rail without the cost and disruption of stringing overhead wires across vast rail networks, positioning the startup at the intersection of climate technology, industrial infrastructure and freight logistics. The company said the round was co-led by venture capital firm Aleph and Fortescue, with backing from Menomadin, J-Impact, The Dock and other […]
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Mistral has raised $830 million in debt financing to build a large AI computing hub near Paris, a move that places the French start-up at the heart of Europe’s effort to develop home-grown artificial intelligence infrastructure and rely less on overseas cloud providers. The funding, the company’s first debt raise, will be used to buy 13,800 Nvidia chips for a data centre at Bruyères-le-Châtel, south of the […]