CodeDev has launched The Performance Guys, a specialist division focused on resolving the frame-rate, memory and stability problems that can delay video games or undermine their performance at launch. The UK co-development company, also known as The Unreal Guys, has assembled a team made up entirely of performance engineers and technical artists. The unit will work across Unreal Engine, Unity and proprietary game technology, embedding its specialists […]
Launched market-first Door-to-Door Luggage Repair Service for Travel Insurance customers
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 July 2026 – MSIG Insurance (Hong Kong) Limited (“MSIG”) today published its 2025 Claims Report, highlighting a fifth consecutive annual rise in its claims settlement ratio since 2020, strong performance across key classes, and new customer-focused travel innovations.
In 2025, MSIG honoured HK$359 million in claims in Hong Kong and Macau and achieved a 94.7% claims settlement ratio, up from 91.1% in 2020, reflecting the insurer’s sustained commitment to extraordinary claims service and role as a trusted partner. Employees’ Compensation Hong Kong recorded a 99.87% settlement ratio, followed closely by Helper (97.57%) and Travel (96.27%).
This year’s report shows significant progress in its customer-first approach – with an over 11% year-on-year increase in compliments received from customers, as well as 100% of the insurer’s 2025 Google reviewsbeing 5-star rated.
Philip Kent, Chief Executive Officer of MSIG Hong Kong, said: “In a year of rapid change, our teams have stayed close to our customers and continued to put forward products and services that have truly helped when it mattered most. That’s what a customer-first mindset is all about and the results are clear from this year’s claims report. From innovative travel protection to extraordinary claims servicing, we continue to invest in bringing unique-to-market product features to our customers as their trusted partner, and are fully committed to further enhancing our service experience to deliver the assurance they need at every stage of their life journey.”
MSIG’s innovations in Travel Insurance also earned notable industry recognition in 2025 and 2026, reinforcing the strength of the offerings and the value they are delivering to customers:
Won the Travel Insurance category at the 10Life 5-Star Insurance Awards 2026
Top 3 Finalists in “Most Innovative Product/Service Award (General Insurance)” at the Hong Kong Insurance Awards 2025
New Travel Insurance services
In April 2025, MSIG launched two travel services designed to make support faster and more seamless. The market-first Door-to-Door Luggage Repair Service completed 135 luggage repair requests from April to December 2025, equal to 16% of all luggage damage claims, while Overseas Medical Teleconsultation simplifies access to care while travelling abroad. These new services reflect innovation in an area where customers value convenience, speed and reassurance.
MSIG built on that momentum in October 2025 with upgraded Travel Insurance products that added new benefits, including Cancellation of Journey for Any Reason. The enhancement gives travellers greater flexibility and strengthens MSIG’s position in a critical category where expectations are rising around responsive, real-world protection.
Beyond travel, the report highlights a wide range of cases of MSIG’s broader focus on customer-centred claims service across personal and commercial lines – demonstrating a commitment not only to efficient claims handling, but also to helping customers navigate disruption and move forward.
Hashtag: #MSIG
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About MSIG Insurance (Hong Kong) Limited (“MSIG”)
MSIG is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Co Ltd and a member of the MS&AD Insurance Group, Asia’s leading general insurance brand with presence in 50 countries and regions globally. The Group is amongst the world’s top 10 insurance groups based on gross revenue and one of Japan’s leading insurers with A+ Stable credit rating. With over 40,000 employees world-wide, MSIG is represented in all ASEAN markets as well as in Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Mainland China, Korea, India and Taiwan.
MSIG has been providing general insurance solutions to customers in Hong Kong for more than 170 years, dating as far back as 1855. We offer a wide range of solutions and services through an extensive distribution network including agents, brokers, and strategic partnerships with leading banks as well as growing collaborations with digital and consumer platforms.
Ship traffic through the Bab el-Mandeb strait has fallen to its lowest daily level in months after Houthi attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure heightened fears that another major Middle East energy corridor could become unsafe for commercial vessels. Only 11 commodity-carrying ships crossed the narrow waterway on Sunday, vessel-tracking data showed. The passage links the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and serves as a vital […]
The round brings HiDream.ai’s total financing over the past three months to more than RMB 2.1 billion and marks its entry into unicorn status
BEIJING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 July 2026 – HiDream.ai, a global large-model AI technology company, has announced the completion of a RMB 1.5 billion Series C financing round. The round was co-led by the National Social Security Fund Sichuan Revitalization Sci-Tech Innovation Fund, ICBC Capital, Hongyi Asset Management and Dunhong Capital.
The screenshot of this leaderboard was taken on June 22, 2026.
New investors including Xiamen ITG Capital, Shanghai Film New Vision Fund, Hubei Yangtze River Industry Investment Group, Huace Film & TV, Hangyuan Capital, Chuangyunhai Capital, Huafu Investment, Yuhang Financial Holding, Bank of Communications Capital and Wakamatsu Fund also participated. Existing shareholders including Hefei Industrial Investment, Fortune Capital, Kingpo Investment, Jinhua Capital, Zhongzhe Capital and Caixin Capital continued to back the company.
The round brings together national-level long-term capital, regional government-backed investment platforms, industry investors and venture capital firms. HiDream.ai said the funding will support its development of native omni-modal world models and the expansion of its product and commercial ecosystem.
The Series C follows two earlier rounds completed within the past three months, bringing HiDream.ai’s total financing during the period to more than RMB 2.1 billion. With the latest round, the company has entered unicorn status.
“Forward-looking judgment on AI technology and continued innovation in large-model architecture have always been core to HiDream.ai’s growth,” said Mei Tao, founder and CEO of HiDream.ai. “We believe the evolution from multimodal AI to native omni-modal world models is an essential path toward AGI. With this funding, we will continue building the foundation for native omni-modal world models and work with global developers and partners to expand the boundaries of intelligence.”
Long-term Capital Backs HiDream.ai’s AI Roadmap
The round includes national-level long-term capital, technology-focused financial investors and multiple regional government-backed investment platforms.
The participation of the National Social Security Fund Sichuan Revitalization Sci-Tech Innovation Fund as a co-lead investor reflects growing institutional support for foundational AI technologies and critical AI infrastructure.
Regional investment platforms including Hefei Industrial Investment, Xiamen ITG Capital, Yuhang Financial Holding and Hubei Yangtze River Industry Investment Group also participated or increased their exposure, providing support across capital, industrial resources and application scenarios.
Existing shareholder Hefei Industrial Investment has backed HiDream.ai across three consecutive rounds, underscoring long-term confidence in the company and its alignment with Hefei’s strategy to develop a hard-tech and AI innovation hub.
HiDream.ai said support from long-term institutional capital and regional government-backed investors will help provide full-cycle backing for model research, product development and industrial deployment.
Industry Investors Deepen Content and Entertainment Partnerships
The Series C round also introduced leading film and entertainment industry investors, including Shanghai Film New Vision Fund and Huace Film & TV.
HiDream.ai said these partnerships will expand its access to film and entertainment resources, production scenarios and high-quality content data, supporting innovation in AI-native content production.
The company has been working with Shanghai Film Co., Ltd. on next-generation content production, cinema scenario upgrades, AI-powered cross-screen marketing, and AI-enabled large-screen production standards and workflows.
HiDream.ai also plans to collaborate with Huace Film & TV on AI agent-assisted content creation, corpus co-development, premium content co-production and full-chain IP development.
Together with earlier cooperation with Hubei Yangtze River Film Group, the addition of Shanghai Film New Vision Fund and Huace Film & TV further expands HiDream.ai’s role in China’s film and entertainment ecosystem and provides richer data and application scenarios for its video models.
From Native Omni-modal Models to World Models
HiDream.ai is among China’s earliest companies focused on multimodal generative AI. Built on its self-developed HiDream model family, the company has developed a portfolio of AI products and a global commercial network across content creation, marketing, and film and entertainment production.
Earlier this year, HiDream.ai’s native omni-modal HiDream-O1 model series, based on its original UiT, or Unified Transformer, architecture, achieved leading results on the text-to-image leaderboard of Artificial Analysis, a global independent AI model evaluation and analytics platform. The open-source version ranked first globally, while the closed-source version ranked among the global top three, positioning HiDream.ai among the leading players in visual generative AI.
At the product and commercialization level, HiDream.ai is pursuing a dual-engine strategy combining foundation models and AI agents. Built on the HiDream-O1 model series, its “1+1+3” framework includes one foundation model, one Token Hub platform for standardized model capability output, and three application areas: commercial marketing, film and entertainment production, and content creation.
At WAIC 2026, HiDream.ai introduced vivago R1, a multimodal creative agent with long-form video generation and editing capabilities. The “R” in R1 stands for long-horizon reasoning, reflecting a shift in AI-assisted creative production from generating isolated assets to planning, orchestrating and executing longer creative workflows.
HiDream.ai’s products currently serve users in more than 100 countries and regions, including over 50 million professional users and more than 40,000 enterprise customers. The company said these commercial deployments validate the practical application of its native omni-modal architecture and provide a foundation for future scale.
HiDream.ai said its long-term vision is to move from multimodal AI to omni-modal AI and ultimately world models — systems capable of understanding, reasoning about and constructing dynamic environments. The company will continue advancing both large-model technology and AI agent products, accelerating the shift of AI from a tool to an intelligent partner.
Hashtag: #HiDreamAI
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About HiDream.ai
HiDream.ai is a large-model AI technology company focused on native omni-modal intelligence and world-model development. Built on its self-developed HiDream model family, the company develops foundation models, AI agent products and AI applications across commercial marketing, film and entertainment production, and content creation.HiDream.ai’s products serve users in more than 100 countries and regions, including over 50 million professional users and more than 40,000 enterprise customers.
Abu Dhabi will host Power Slap 25 on 23 October, extending the capital’s association with the slap fighting promotion for a third consecutive year and strengthening its position as a destination for international combat sports events. The Monster Energy-backed show will bring leading competitors from Power Slap’s global roster to the UAE capital, with the full fight card, ticket details and broadcast arrangements expected to be announced […]
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s falling public support is sharpening investor concern that her government may respond with tax cuts and heavier spending, adding pressure on the yen and Japan’s government bond market.
A July poll showed approval for Takaichi’s Cabinet dropping to 57% from 69% in June, as households grew more dissatisfied with rising living costs. Other surveys have also pointed to weakening support, though the level varies considerably among polling organisations.
The decline has placed greater scrutiny on the government’s economic strategy. Takaichi has defended an expansionary programme built around public and private investment in strategic industries, arguing that stronger productivity and economic growth will ultimately restore confidence in the currency.
Market strategists see a growing risk that weaker ratings could push the administration towards measures offering faster political relief. These could include reductions in consumption taxes, expanded subsidies or additional spending aimed at cushioning households from food and energy inflation.
Such steps may prove popular with voters but could unsettle investors unless the government provides a credible funding plan. Japan already carries one of the world’s largest public debt burdens, exceeding twice the size of its economy, while higher interest rates are raising the cost of servicing that debt.
The yen has been trading near 160 to the dollar, increasing the price of imported fuel, food and industrial materials. Its weakness has become a political problem because the benefits to exporters and tourism are being offset by pressure on household purchasing power.
Takaichi has rejected the argument that government policy alone determines exchange rates. She has said stronger investment, competitiveness and economic expansion are essential to rebuilding market trust, while acknowledging that currency movements reflect a range of domestic and international factors.
Investors remain sensitive to any indication that the government could pursue fiscal expansion while discouraging tighter monetary policy. The Bank of Japan raised its benchmark rate to 1% in June, the highest level in more than three decades, and economists expect another increase before the end of 2026 if inflation or yen weakness intensifies.
The central bank is expected to keep rates unchanged at its next policy meeting while signalling that further tightening remains possible. Its challenge is to contain import-driven inflation without weakening an economy facing demographic pressures, soft consumption and a heavy public debt load.
More than four-fifths of economists surveyed this month expect the policy rate to reach 1.25% by December. A rise could support the yen by narrowing the interest-rate gap with the United States, but it would also put upward pressure on government borrowing costs.
Long-dated government bond yields have already climbed to levels not seen for decades. Traders are demanding higher returns as the central bank reduces its dominance of the bond market and investors reassess the sustainability of fiscal policy in an inflationary environment.
Takaichi’s growth blueprint envisages about ¥370 trillion in public and private investment through 2040 across 17 strategic sectors. Artificial intelligence, semiconductors, defence, energy security and advanced manufacturing are among the areas targeted for support.
The government says the programme will raise productivity, reduce vulnerabilities in critical supply chains and lift Japan’s underlying growth rate. Critics argue that its scale and financing remain insufficiently defined, increasing the possibility of additional bond issuance or pressure for higher taxes later.
A proposed temporary suspension of the consumption tax on food has emerged as a particularly sensitive issue. The measure could ease household costs but would also reduce government revenue unless accompanied by spending cuts or alternative funding.
Political pressure is building inside the ruling Liberal Democratic Party as lawmakers consider how to reverse the erosion in public confidence. Speculation about a Cabinet reshuffle has increased, although Takaichi has given no indication that she plans to retreat from her investment-led strategy.
Her political position remains stronger than the approval figures alone suggest. The Liberal Democratic Party secured a commanding majority in the February election, giving the government substantial room to pass legislation. However, falling popularity could make lawmakers less willing to support policies seen as worsening inflation or market instability.
Foreign-exchange traders are watching whether the government steps up verbal warnings or direct intervention to support the yen. Previous interventions have produced only temporary gains when they were not backed by a sustained change in interest-rate expectations or fiscal policy.
Japan’s large pool of domestic savings and the substantial holdings of government debt by local institutions continue to provide stability. The country also possesses sizeable foreign reserves and remains a major external creditor.
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai DP World has completed the main dredging programme at Senegal’s Port of Ndayane 13 months ahead of schedule, clearing the way for accelerated construction of quays and other maritime infrastructure at the $1.2 billion deep-water development. The completed works include a five-kilometre access channel dredged to a depth of 20 metres, a 600-metre turning basin and an 875-metre berth pocket. The marine infrastructure […]
The team behind the Official Trump meme coin has transferred about $16.9 million of TRUMP tokens to three custody addresses linked to Fireblocks, drawing fresh attention to the asset’s concentrated ownership and prolonged price decline. Blockchain records indicate that roughly 10.8 million tokens were moved on July 25, based on the market price at the time. The receiving addresses have handled TRUMP before, with some holdings later […]
Get ready for juju’s Great Fluffy Summer at Pacific Place this July
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 July 2026 – Pacific Place is delighted to announce juju world, a summer collaboration with internationally acclaimed Australian artist CJ Hendry, running from 23 July to 16 August 2026. Conceived and produced in partnership with creative house Pen & Paper, the event marks Hong Kong’s first large-scale juju experience, transforming the shopping destination into an immersive world inspired by Hendry’s collectible character. The event will feature a Hong Kong exclusive merchandise collection, a wide range of interactive experiences, and seasonal shopping rewards. Pacific Place is set to be the city’s most talked-about cultural and retail destination this summer.
Pacific Place x CJ Hendry Unveil Hong Kong’s First Large-Scale juju Experience This Summer
Who is juju?
Created by CJ Hendry, juju is a collectible character recognised for its floppy ears, flower eye and playful personality. Occupying a unique space in contemporary collectible culture, juju is both an objet d’art and an emotional companion. This summer, juju arrives in Hong Kong in a spectacular new form.
A Planet Has Landed at Pacific Place
At the heart of this whimsical universe is the juju Planet, a vibrant centrepiece surrounded by a colourful wonderland of oversized trees and fluffy clouds of pom-poms, with larger-than-life juju characters welcoming you with open arms. Touch, explore and trigger surprises — every interaction transforms juju world into an unforgettable, multi-sensory adventure for dreamers of all ages.
juju world
Dates: 23 July – 16 August 2026 Time: 10am – 10pm Location: Garden Court, Level LG1 Entry: No registration required
Step into the Magic
juju Planet
Perched atop the planet is a gigantic juju, gently welcoming visitors into this surreal landscape.
Experience Pure Joy The Dreamy Swing
Embrace your inner child by sitting on the swing with juju. Snap a photo with the tall, colourful trees — their joyful appearance is sure to bring back lots of happy memories.
The Fluffy Hideaway
juju Room
Step inside an immersive circular chamber where over 400 juju plushies line the walls, surrounding visitors in a sea of fluff.
The Mirror of Dreams
juju Infinity Mirror
Inspired by juju’s signature flower eye, this mirrored installation creates endless reflections of the playful world around it.
Gentle Giant Meet the Giant juju
Standing an impressive two metres tall, the Giant juju welcomes visitors for an unforgettable up-close experience. Whether posing beside it, hugging it or capturing the perfect keepsake photo, this larger-than-life installation brings the beloved character to life.
CJ Hendry Unveils Hong Kong-Exclusive juju Collectibles
Created exclusively for Pacific Place, the shimmering collection introduces iridescent juju inspired by the city’s vibrant energy. On top of the nine standard versions, five additional secret versions will be added to the collection as a delightful surprise. Available in limited-edition blind boxes, each is housed in a specially designed shiny collectible tin, turning the act of unboxing into a unique experience. The fun continues as visitors unlock surprise accessories at the Capsule Toy Station and customise their juju with interchangeable flower eyes, outfits and more.
juju world Merchandise Store
juju world Merchandise Store & Capsule Toy Station
Dates: 23 July – 16 August 2026 Time: 11am – 9pm Location: Level L1, near Lane Crawford Entry: Through member entry booking or on-site queue tickets (see details below)
The Collector’s Dream
juju world Merchandise Store
This is the only place in the world to find the rarest new jujus — the Hong Kong-exclusive limited collection, including both the standard and secret versions, alongside loveable 12″ juju plushies dip-dyed in rainbow ombré, and many more limited-edition summer essentials. Quantities are limited, so come early and ready to collect!
Visitors are required to register as above members to receive an On-site Queue ticket, distributed daily from 10am. Existing above blue, above gold, above platinum and above black members may also reserve entry in advance via the Pacific Place Mobile App.
Availability is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis while stocks last.
Purchase a token, spin the capsule machine, and unlock a playful selection of accessories to style your juju exactly as you wish. Choose from clothing, hair ties, and earrings, alongside interchangeable flower eyes making their Hong Kong debut. Your juju will truly be like no other!
Stocks are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
A Summer Full of Rewards
juju world is the centrepiece of a summer season at Pacific Place designed to delight at every turn. From 23 July to 16 August, shopping at Pacific Place and Starstreet Precinct also unlocks the ‘Dreamlike Summer’ rewards programme, offering exclusive Pacific Place shopping e-Vouchers with designated same-day electronic spending, with eligible UnionPay cardholders enjoying additional rewards on top.
Accumulated Same-day Electronic Spending
General Rewards*
UnionPay Users Extra Rewards#
HK$5,000 – HK$34,999
HK$100 Pacific Place Shopping e-Voucher
HK$50 Pacific Place Shopping e-Voucher
HK$35,000 – HK$64,999
HK$600 Pacific Place Shopping e-Voucher
HK$600 Pacific Place Shopping e-Voucher
HK$65,000 – HK$119,999
HK$1,300 Pacific Place Shopping e-Voucher
HK$1,300 Pacific Place Shopping e-Voucher
HK$120,000 or above
HK$2,400 Pacific Place Shopping e-Voucher
HK$2,400 Pacific Place Shopping e-Voucher
*General shoppers and eligible UnionPay users are required to join the Pacific Place Loyalty Programme – above and meet the accumulated same-day spending requirement by electronic payment during the Promotion Period in order to be entitled to redeem General Rewards and UnionPay Users Extra Rewards.
#To redeem the UnionPay Users Extra Rewards, shoppers must settle the relevant transaction(s) with UnionPay Credit and ATM Cards with the UnionPay logo, UnionPay Mobile Payment (including but not limited to Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, Huawei Pay) or UnionPay QR Code (including UnionPay App or other App supporting UnionPay QR Code Payment), except the RMB cards issued by specific Hong Kong and Macau card issuing institutions. The qualified transaction(s) must be settled via the UnionPay network in full. WeChat Pay, Alipay and AlipayHK are not eligible for this Promotion. During the Promotion Period, UnionPay users are entitled to redeem the UnionPay Users Extra Rewards up to 5 times. UnionPay users must settle their payment by UnionPay when using the Shopping e-Vouchers from the Extra Rewards. Each shopper is entitled to a maximum of ONE redemption of Rewards per day. The Rewards are limited in quantity and are available on a first-come, first-served basis while stocks last.
Terms and Conditions apply.
Dates: 23 July – 16 August 2026 Time: 11am – 10pm Location: Gift Redemption Counter on Level L2 (near Joyce)
This summer, Pacific Place becomes something more than a destination. It becomes a world. And juju can’t wait to welcome you in.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About CJ Hendry
CJ Hendry is an Australian, New York-based contemporary artist renowned for her hyper-realistic drawings and large-scale immersive installations. Known for creating ambitious, experiential exhibitions that invite public participation, Hendry has developed a distinctive practice that combines fine art, spectacle, and play. Her projects often explore themes of materiality, consumer culture, value, and perception, turning galleries into fully realized environments that challenge traditional ways of viewing art.
Hendry’s work has been exhibited internationally and collected worldwide, attracting a global audience through her unique ability to merge technical mastery with humour, accessibility, and immersive storytelling.
About Pacific Place
Located in the heart of Admiralty, Pacific Place is the destination for exceptional service and unique experiences. As a pioneer of innovative retail concepts in Hong Kong, Pacific Place continues to transform the retail scene by delighting visitors with an array of curated experiences through diversified offerings. Since its inception in 1988, Pacific Place has established itself as Hong Kong’s premier lifestyle hub, a mixed-use development that continues to evolve and grow as the ultimate destination to shop, dine, work, stay, relax and play. It houses one of Hong Kong’s largest collections of luxury brands and diverse dining offerings, making every visit a memorable one. In addition to being a prime transportation hub, Pacific Place is home to five Grade-A office towers, 268 serviced apartments, and four five-star hotels: The Conrad, Island Shangri-La, JW Marriott and Upper House Hong Kong.
Customer enquiry hotline: (852) 2844 8988
Website: www.pacificplace.com.hk
Facebook: @Pacific Place Hong Kong
Instagram: @pacificplacehk
WeChat: @PacificPlaceHK
XiaoHongShu: @Pacific Place HK
About Pen & Paper
Pen & Paper is an established Hong Kong–based creative agency. As the creative and production partner for juju world at Pacific Place, Pen & Paper is bringing artist CJ Hendry’s whimsical universe to Hong Kong, continuing her creative journey in Asia Pacific.
Ryan Gosling will join the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Ghost Rider, leading a standalone film planned for 2028 under director Shawn Levy. Marvel Studios unveiled the project during its presentation at San Diego Comic-Con, confirming months of speculation linking Gosling to the supernatural anti-hero. The announcement places one of Hollywood’s most prominent actors at the centre of Marvel’s attempt to expand beyond its established Avengers, Wakanda and […]
Astronomers have detected a four-carbon sugar in a cloud near the centre of the Milky Way, establishing that biologically useful carbohydrates can form in space before stars and planets emerge. The molecule, erythrulose, was identified within G+0.693−0.027, a vast cloud of gas and dust in the Sagittarius B2 region, about 26,000 light-years from Earth. The finding is the first confirmed detection of a true sugar in the […]
Chou Tien-chen became the oldest player to win a BWF World Tour Super 1000 title after overcoming France’s Toma Junior Popov in a demanding three-game China Open final in Changzhou.
The 36-year-old from Taiwan secured the men’s singles championship 21-15, 7-21, 21-13 on Sunday, combining controlled aggression with the stamina that has sustained his career among badminton’s leading players for more than a decade.
Chou recovered from a one-sided second game to regain command in the decider. He slowed Popov’s attacking rhythm, defended with greater precision and forced the Frenchman into difficult exchanges from the back of the court. The victory completed an outstanding campaign that included a major upset against world No. 1 and defending champion Shi Yuqi.
The sixth seed had defeated Shi 21-14, 12-21, 21-15 in the quarter-finals, ending a nine-match losing sequence against the leading Chinese player. Chou then beat fellow Taiwan player Lin Chun-yi 21-18, 21-18 in the semi-finals to reach the championship match.
His title carried added significance because of the physical demands associated with a Super 1000 tournament. The category sits at the highest regular level of the BWF World Tour and brings together most of the world’s top-ranked players. Chou’s ability to win several high-intensity matches at 36 underlined the value of conditioning, disciplined court movement and tactical experience in extending elite careers.
Popov, ranked 16th, responded strongly after losing the opening game. The 27-year-old dominated the second with steep attacks and early interceptions, restricting Chou to seven points. The momentum shifted again in the final game as Chou reduced his errors, absorbed pressure and opened decisive gaps with accurate placement.
The result denied Popov his first Super 1000 title but strengthened his position among Europe’s leading singles players. His run also reflected France’s growing influence in a discipline traditionally led by players from Asia and Denmark. Popov and his brother Christo have helped broaden the country’s presence on the international circuit ahead of another demanding phase of World Tour events.
Akane Yamaguchi claimed the women’s singles title with a 21-18, 21-16 victory over home favourite Chen Yufei. The Japanese world champion produced a composed display built on speed, retrieval and sharp changes of direction.
Yamaguchi maintained pressure through long rallies and repeatedly turned defence into attack. Chen remained competitive in both games but struggled to establish sustained control against an opponent who covered the court efficiently and made few unforced errors.
The championship was another major success for Yamaguchi following her third world title in 2025. Her victory also represented a strong response after she lost the Japan Open final to PV Sindhu a week earlier.
Yamaguchi had reached the China Open final by defeating defending champion Wang Zhiyi 21-10, 6-21, 21-16 in a fluctuating semi-final. She recovered after a difficult second game and regained her consistency in the decider.
China collected two titles through its doubles combinations. Liu Shengshu and Tan Ning retained the women’s doubles crown by defeating Japan’s Yuki Fukushima and Mayu Matsumoto 21-14, 21-19.
The home pair controlled the opening game and resisted a stronger challenge in the second. Their victory gave them a third Super 1000 championship from four tournaments at that level during the season, reinforcing their position among the strongest partnerships in women’s doubles.
Guo Xinwa and Chen Fanghui won the mixed doubles title after an 87-minute contest against top seeds and defending champions Feng Yanzhe and Huang Dongping. Guo and Chen prevailed 25-23, 20-22, 21-15 in an all-China final.
They missed several opportunities to close the match in the second game but recovered in the decider, applying greater pressure at the net and limiting their opponents’ attacking options. It was their second Super 1000 title following their All England success in 2025.
Indonesia’s Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Shohibul Fikri took the men’s doubles championship with a 16-21, 21-19, 21-19 comeback victory over South Korea’s Kim Won-ho and Seo Seung-jae.
Europe’s tougher digital-asset rules are creating conditions for a new wave of mergers and acquisitions as crypto companies seek licences, compliance expertise, customers and stronger links with established banks. The European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets regulation, known as MiCA, entered a decisive phase on July 1, when the final transitional arrangements expired across the bloc. Crypto exchanges, custodians and other service providers can no longer rely on […]
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Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first X post after Dharmendra Pradhan resigned as Union education minister celebrated Sarnath’s entry on the UNESCO World Heritage List, leaving the biggest political concession of his third term unaddressed. The message appeared about two hours after Pradhan announced his exit, and Modi had made no public comment on the resignation by at least 6.15 pm on Saturday. Modi […]
China has imposed penalties totalling 5.18 billion yuan on Trip. com Group after finding that the country’s largest online travel platform abused its market dominance and restricted competition among hotel-booking services. The State Administration for Market Regulation said Trip. com had used exclusive arrangements, preferential traffic allocation and price-control requirements to strengthen its position in the online accommodation market. The practices affected hotels operating on rival platforms […]
Matein Khalid As Centcom continues its nightly blitz on Iran, the so-called 60-day ceasefire has effectively ended. In truth, the fire never ceased. If Count Tolstoy lived in 2026, his magnum opus might well be renamed… War or Peace? Again. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) generals will not reopen the Strait of Hormuz while sanctions relief on Kharg Island oil sales remains a big ask. They know US […]
Ransomware attacks on universities rose during the first half of 2026 as a fast-expanding cybercrime operation called The Gentlemen intensified its focus on higher education institutions across several continents. Higher education attacks increased by more than 8% compared with the second half of 2025, even as ransomware incidents across the broader education sector fell by 13%. Researchers recorded 104 attacks on schools, colleges and universities worldwide between […]
NEW YORK, US – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 July 2026 – On July 15 (EDT, GMT-4), the second semi-final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup took place in Atlanta. Meanwhile, outside New York New Jersey Stadium, the host venue for this year’s World Cup Final, Mengniu, as an Official Sponsor of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, unveiled a 400-square-meter Chinese Culture Pavilion created in collaboration with multiple partners. Using football as its bridge, the brand as its platform, and Chinese culture as its heart, the immersive pavilion seamlessly blended the passion of the beautiful game with the elegance of traditional Chinese aesthetics, presenting China’s stories to a global audience on one of the world’s greatest sporting stages.
Mengniu Traditional Chinese-style Cultural Pavilion
Mengniu’s Chinese Culture Pavilion Debuts at the FIFA World Cup, Showcasing Chinese Culture to the World
On the pitch, a single football captures the attention of billions. Beyond the stadium, civilizations come together through cultural exchange.
The Mengniu Chinese Culture Pavilion marks the first comprehensive international presentation of Beijing Central Axis since its inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and debuts at one of the world’s premier sporting events. Inspired by the architectural aesthetics of traditional Chinese architecture and the spatial order of Beijing Central Axis, the pavilion follows a symmetrical layout centered on a principal axis. At its entrance stands the monumental painting Magnificent Central Axis, offering a panoramic bird’s-eye view of Beijing’s historic Central Axis while conveying, through artistic expression, the Eastern philosophy and cultural values it embodies. As visitors explore the pavilion, football fans from around the world pause to experience its interactive exhibits, immersing themselves in the richness of Chinese traditional culture. Standing outside New York New Jersey Stadium, the pavilion continues to tell vivid, contemporary stories of China to a global audience.
Beyond Football: Mengniu Elevates Cultural Exchange on the World Cup Stage
For Mengniu, building a Chinese Culture Pavilion at this FIFA World Cup reflects a deeper understanding of the powerful connection between sport and cultural exchange. Mengniu believes that the FIFA World Cup is not only the pinnacle of football competition but also a global platform where diverse civilizations meet, connect, and learn from one another. As an Official Sponsor of the 2026 FIFA World Cup from China, Mengniu sees it as both an opportunity and a responsibility to share China’s stories and showcase the richness of Chinese civilization with audiences worldwide. This commitment extends beyond football. During the Paris Summer Olympic Games and the Milan Winter Olympic Games, Mengniu, as a Worldwide Olympic Partner (TOP), continuously hosted its signature “China Night” events, integrating Chinese culture into the narrative of the world’s most prestigious sporting competitions.
Mengniu Traditional Chinese-style Cultural Pavilion
Beyond a Pavilion: Mengniu’s Multi-Dimensional Presence at the FIFA World Cup
As an Official Sponsor of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Mengniu’s presence extends far beyond traditional brand visibility. Its participation represents a comprehensive global strategy that integrates products, brand values, and corporate social responsibility.
On the product front, Mengniu Ice Cream has officially become the Official Ice Cream of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Mengniu Ice Cream is available at all tournament venues and has simultaneously expanded into 11 major U.S. cities, including Los Angeles and New York. By bringing world-class-quality products to international consumers, Mengniu continues to strengthen the commercial foundation for its global growth.
At the brand level, together with global brand ambassadors Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, and Lamine Yamal, Mengniu brings its corporate spirit, “Born for Greatness,” to life on football’s biggest stage. The company has also partnered with Hisense to launch a series of coordinated Chinese-character pitch-side advertising campaigns during the tournament. Moving beyond individual brand promotion, the two companies present a united expression of Chinese brands, confidently demonstrating the growing global influence of Chinese enterprises.
In terms of corporate social responsibility, Mengniu not only brings Chinese culture to the international stage but also demonstrates the commitment of a responsible Chinese enterprise through meaningful public initiatives. At the opening match of this year’s FIFA World Cup, six teenage footballers from Inner Mongolia were selected by Mengniu to escort the FIFA flag onto the field, creating an inspiring example of how businesses can promote youth football development while fulfilling their social responsibilities.
From a glass of milk on store shelves to a cultural journey within the pavilion, Mengniu’s World Cup presence reflects the remarkable evolution of Chinese enterprises on the global stage. Looking ahead, Mengniu will continue to leverage the world’s premier sporting events to advance health, boost brand power, strengthen global presence, and fulfill social responsibilities, contributing the strength of China’s dairy industry to sharing China’s stories and showcasing the enduring appeal of Chinese civilization with the world.
Hashtag: #Mengniu
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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With a combined footprint of over 9,000 hectares, the twin developments, Vinhomes Green Paradise in the south and Vinhomes Global Gate Ha Long in the north, position Vietnam’s real estate sector at the forefront of next-generation ESG++ urbanism, where nature regeneration, smart governance and human-centric design converge at unprecedented scale.
HO CHI MINH CITY / QUANG NINH, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 July 2026 – Vinhomes, Vietnam’s leading residential developer, is advancing a new generation of sustainable urban development with two landmark mega-projects located at the country’s northern and southern gateways.
As Vietnam emerges as a global investment destination, Vinhomes is pioneering a new generation of ESG++ cities designed for people, nature and the future.
Spanning a combined area exceeding 9,000 hectares, Vinhomes Green Paradise (2,870 hectares) in Can Gio, Ho Chi Minh City, and Vinhomes Global Gate Ha Long (6,200 hectares) in Quang Ninh province embody the company’s ESG++ philosophy, an approach that extends beyond conventional sustainability to actively regenerate nature while integrating smart urban governance and human-centered design.
A New Generation of Cities Where Growth and Nature Advance Together
As Vietnam strengthens its position as one of Asia’s fastest-growing investment destinations, attracting record levels of foreign direct investment and a new generation of international professionals, Vinhomes is pioneering an urban development model that positions nature restoration as the foundation of long-term economic resilience and social prosperity.
According to the World Economic Forum, resilient, nature-positive cities are becoming essential to long-term economic competitiveness as climate resilience, public health and quality of life increasingly influence investment decisions. The Urban Land Institute’s Emerging Trends in Real Estate reports consistently identify sustainability, wellness and resilient mixed-use communities as among the strongest drivers of real estate value creation worldwide.
Recognizing this shift, Vinhomes has embraced a philosophy that extends beyond conventional ESG implementation. The company believes sustainable prosperity requires continuously regenerating nature rather than simply preserving what already exists, a vision that has evolved into what it calls an ESG++ approach, combining environmental restoration, smart urban governance and human-centered development at an unprecedented scale.
Vinhomes Green Paradise: A Coastal Urban Wonder in the South
Situated beside the UNESCO-recognised 75,000-hectare Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve, Vinhomes Green Paradise became the first Official Participant recognised by New7Wonders for the global campaign “7 Wonders of Future Cities.” The 2,870-hectare development maintains an exceptionally low construction density of just 16%, allowing the majority of the masterplan to remain dedicated to greenery and water.
An 800-hectare natural seawater lagoon forms the ecological heart of the development, while its 121-kilometre shoreline creates one of the world’s most distinctive coastal urban landscapes. IoT, artificial intelligence and big data are embedded throughout governance, environmental monitoring and city operations to optimise sustainability and improve everyday urban management. The project integrates internationally benchmarked healthcare, education, senior living, culture, sports and entertainment into a comprehensive ecosystem designed to support every stage of life.
Vinhomes Global Gate Ha Long: A Waterfront Megacity in the North
Hundreds of kilometres to the north, Vinhomes is advancing the same philosophy at an even larger scale. Officially breaking ground in April 2026, Vinhomes Global Gate Ha Long spans more than 6,200 hectares, making it one of the largest coastal urban developments in Asia. Positioned directly alongside UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ha Long Bay, the project occupies one of the most extraordinary waterfront locations anywhere in the world.
Rather than maximising built density, the masterplan emphasises ecological regeneration. More than 2,500 hectares are dedicated to forests, wetlands and water landscapes, including 680 hectares of naturally filtered sea, 200 kilometres of white-sand coastline, and over 660 hectares of Globe Ha Long Forest Park, creating a vast regenerative ecosystem that complements the surrounding World Heritage environment.
The development is also envisioned to pursue the newly introduced ISO 37125 standard for sustainable urban development, reflecting an ambition to align with an emerging international benchmark for future ESG cities.
The project features a comprehensive “all-in-one” urban ecosystem: six residential districts, including exclusive island communities surrounded entirely by the sea, are complemented by seven globally benchmarked ecosystem clusters spanning culture, hospitality, retail, healthcare, education, sports and financial services.
Large-scale amenities include a 60,000-seat waterfront performance arena, the Wonder Theatre, an international convention centre, extensive hospitality facilities, international-standard golf courses, a world-class marina, an integrated shopping mall, professional sports facilities, Vinmec healthcare services, international education institutions, and a new central business district designed to attract global talent and investment.
The same integrated philosophy underpins Vinhomes Green Paradise, where ecological preservation, advanced technology and community wellbeing are designed to reinforce one another within a highly resilient coastal environment.
Collectively, these two mega-projects demonstrate how ESG can evolve beyond regulatory compliance to become a comprehensive framework for urban development, one capable of strengthening Vietnam’s international competitiveness not only as one of Asia’s fastest-growing economies but also as a destination for sustainable living and long-term investment. Instead of viewing environmental protection as a constraint on growth, Vinhomes positions nature restoration as the foundation of long-term economic resilience, social prosperity and global appeal.
Hashtag: #Vinhomes
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Vinhomes
Vinhomes is Vietnam’s largest residential real estate and integrated township developer. The company pioneers the development of synchronized, modern large-scale townships, delivering premium living standards and unlocking sustainable investment opportunities for domestic and international clients.
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