Slovenia Times

BrokersThai Data: Local Traders Compare Gold and Crypto Side by Side as Markets Shift

Mon, 25 May 2026 03:44:22 +0200

BANGKOK, THAILAND - Media OutReach Newswire - 25 May 2026 - Thai retail investors are increasingly changing the way they manage their portfolios amid rising volatility across global financial markets. According to new market insights from BrokersThai.com, traders in Thailand are no longer focusing on a single asset class, but are instead actively researching both gold and Bitcoin as part of a broader diversification strategy.

Recent Google search trends in Thailand show continued growth in interest for both asset classes. Gold trading-related searches such as "XAUUSD today" have consistently generated between 1,000 and 10,000 monthly searches over the past year, while cryptocurrency-related keywords including "crypto" have maintained similarly strong search volumes.

The trend is also reflected in internal traffic data from BrokersThai.com. Pages related to Forex brokers for gold trading generated more than 5,000 impressions over the last year, highlighting continued interest from Thai traders seeking reliable broker comparisons and trading cost information.

The data also reveals that cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin are no longer seen as just tools for quick gambling. Instead, users search for risk management, such as how to handle price drops and volatility, spike every time the stock market experiences volatility. This proves that traders are carefully weighing crypto risks against the steady safety of gold.

Justin Grossbard, CEO of BrokersThai.com, commented: "Thai traders are now interested in trading multiple assets, especially gold and Bitcoin, while paying more attention to trading costs and broker transparency. Many traders are carefully comparing spreads and execution speeds to reduce unnecessary trading costs as much as possible."

The findings indicate that Thai retail traders are adapting to uncertain market conditions by conducting deeper research before making investment decisions. Rather than choosing between gold or Bitcoin, many traders are now using both together - relying on gold to help preserve capital while viewing Bitcoin as a long-term growth opportunity.

For broker comparisons, visit: https://www.brokersthai.com
Hashtag: #BrokersThai

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

Bernie & Bella Welcome Families to a Summer of Fun at Swiss-Belhotel International

Mon, 25 May 2026 03:04:17 +0200

JAKARTA, INDONESIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 25 May 2026 - Swiss-Belhotel International (SBI), the global hospitality management group with a growing portfolio of hotels, has announced an enhanced focus on the family travel segment with the launch of several new initiatives designed to make family stays more fun, more engaging, rewarding, and memorable across its hotels and resorts worldwide.

Timed ahead of the 2026 summer school holidays, the Group has introduced SBEC Juniors, a new loyalty programme for children and teenagers, alongside the launch of a new family mascot, Bella the Swiss Cow, who joins the much-loved Bernie the Swiss Dog to create a more immersive and welcoming experience for younger guests.

In parallel, SBI is also rolling out special family-focused school holiday offers across participating properties for stays between 10 June and 31 August 2026.

Speaking about the initiatives, Priyanka Kapoor, Group Director - Brand, Marketing & Communications of Swiss-Belhotel International, stated: "Family travel continues to evolve globally, with parents increasingly looking for meaningful, comfortable, and engaging experiences that cater to every generation. At Swiss-Belhotel International, we believe hospitality should create lasting memories not only for adults, but equally for children and teenagers. The introduction of SBEC Juniors, together with our enhanced family offerings and new mascots Bernie and Bella, reflects our commitment to making our hotels even more family-friendly and experience-driven."

Introducing SBEC Juniors
Ahead of its official launch on 10 June 2026, the newly launched SBEC Juniors programme extends the benefits of the group's Swiss-Belexecutive (SBEC) loyalty programme to younger guests up to the age of 16 years. Functioning as a supplementary membership linked to an adult SBEC member account, the initiative has been designed to create a more rewarding and personalised experience for travelling families.

SBEC Juniors members will enjoy age-based dining privileges across participating hotels: ranging from complimentary dining for younger children to a 50% discount for older kids and teens. (Note: Specific discounts apply to rate-plan meals, buffets, and kids' set menus when accompanied by a paying adult, varying by age bracket).

In addition, families travelling with SBEC Juniors members will enjoy a range of special in-room touches including dedicated children's bathroom amenities, welcome juices, cupcakes, and activity sheets, creating a warmer and more memorable arrival experience for younger guests.

Bernie & Bella Bring More Joy to Younger Guests

As part of the group's enhanced family hospitality strategy, SBI is also introducing Bella, a cheerful Swiss cow who joins the existing mascot Bernie the Swiss Dog.

While Bernie represents warmth, loyalty, comfort, and the spirit of Swiss hospitality, Bella brings an added connection to nature, family values, and the agricultural heritage of the Faull family, the family behind Swiss-Belhotel International. Inspired by Faull Farms in Taranaki, New Zealand, home to more than 1,500 cows, many of Swiss heritage, Bella reflects a legacy of nurturing, wholesome living, and family togetherness.

Together, Bernie & Bella (B&B) will become part of family experiences across participating hotels through welcome interactions, children's activities, seasonal campaigns, and family-focused experiences designed to create a more playful, engaging, and memorable environment for younger guests.

Inspired by the magic of the Swiss Alps and the wholesome spirit of Faull Farms, the mascots symbolise warm hospitality, family connection, comfort, safety, and a love for nature, values that remain central to the Swiss-Belhotel International guest experience.

School Holiday Campaign Launches Across Participating Hotels

To further support family summer travel, Swiss-Belhotel International will launch a special School Holidays campaign bookable from now for stays from 10 June until 31 August 2026.

By using the promotional code SCHOOL15 on the official website or at participating hotels, families will unlock:

Up to 20% off room rates (15% off refundable rates; 20% off non-refundable rates).
Full access to SBEC Juniors dining benefits.
Tailored family experiences and activities customized by each local property.

(Note: Promotional structures may vary at select Zest properties).

Swiss-Belhotel International currently manages a diverse portfolio of hotels, resorts, serviced residences, and boutique concepts across key international markets and continues to strengthen its positioning within the leisure and family travel sectors through guest-centric innovations and experience-led hospitality initiatives.
Hashtag: #swissbelhotelinternational #schoolholiday #sbecjuniors #bernietheswissdog #bellatheswisscow

https://www.swiss-belhotel.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/swiss-belhotel-international/
https://www.facebook.com/swissbelhotel
https://www.instagram.com/swissbelhotel/

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

About Swiss-Belhotel International

Swiss-Belhotel International operates in 20 countries, managing 165+* hotels, resorts, and projects across New Zealand, Australia, Indonesia, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe, with regional offices in Hong Kong, New Zealand, Australia, China, Indonesia, UAE, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Thailand. Committed to delivering world-class hospitality, the group also offers the Swiss-Belexecutive Card (SBEC), a loyalty program providing many benefits, discounts from 10% to 35% on rooms, dining, and other services, plus priority check-in, complimentary upgrades, and late check-out. No collecting points, no waiting for redemption, with the free-to-join Green Global tier, members can enjoy instant discounts from their first stay! Book stays and access special offers tailored for SBI guests and SBEC members through the Swiss-Belhotel International App - available in App Store and Google Play Store. Stay connected with us on Facebook, Linkedin, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and exclusive benefits. Visit swiss-belhotel.com for more information.

3E Accounting Marks 15 Years of Excellence, Accelerating Global Business Growth with AI-Powered Efficiency

Mon, 25 May 2026 03:04:15 +0200

From incorporation to compliance, the award-winning firm combines automation and practical expertise to support business growth across 110+ countries.

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 25 May 2026 - 3E Accounting marks 15 years of supporting businesses in Singapore and around the world, strengthening its position as an award-winning corporate services firm helping companies launch, operate and expand with greater speed, efficiency and confidence.

Founded in 2011, 3E Accounting has served more than 10,000 clients across startups, small and medium-sized enterprises and multinational corporations. Over the years, the firm has built an international network spanning more than 110 countries, enabling access to practical support for worldwide expansion. Businesses expanding into Southeast Asia can also access local expertise through 3E Accounting Malaysia, 3E Accounting Hong Kong, and 3E Accounting Indonesia.

Technology-Enabled Growth

3E Accounting combines AI-powered automation, technology-enabled workflows and 24/7 global support to simplify critical business processes.

From company incorporation in Singapore and statutory filings to corporate administration and regulatory compliance, the firm helps reduce manual effort, improve visibility and enable faster execution across time zones.

This gives business owners and decision-makers greater confidence, agility and control as they grow across markets.

Industry Recognition

Recognised as one of the best accounting firms, 3E Accounting is a trusted one-stop solution for 6+ core business and regulatory services. Over the years, the firm has received notable industry recognition, including the TAFEP Exemplary Employer Award, Executive of the Year (Financial Services) and Best Home-grown Global Accounting Network. These achievements reflect 3E Accounting's commitment to helping businesses start, operate and grow with confidence.

"Fifteen years is an important milestone for 3E Accounting. It reflects the trust our clients have placed in us over the years. By combining AI, automation and technology, with industry proficiency, we continue to help businesses move faster, work more efficiently and grow with confidence across borders." - Abigail Yu, Director

"Our focus is on building an ecosystem where AI strengthens operational efficiency and client experience, while ensuring that professional expertise remains at the core of every service we deliver." - Desmond Ng, Director
Hashtag: #AI-PoweredIncorporation #Award-WinningCorporateServicesLead #OnlineCompanyRegistrationSingapore #15YearsofBusinessExcellence #Home-grownGlobalAccountingFirm #AIAgent-EnabledCorporateServices #InternationalCorporateSecretarialServices

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

About 3E Accounting

Established in 2011, 3E Accounting has grown into one of Singapore's leading accounting and corporate services firms. Over the past 15 years, the firm has supported more than 10,000 clients with the team of 120+ skilled staff members across startups, SMEs and multinational companies.

Today, through the 3E International Network spanning more than 110 countries, 3E Accounting helps businesses launch, operate and expand across borders.

As a trusted one-stop partner offering 6+ core corporate services, the firm combines professional expertise with AI, automation and technology-enabled processes to deliver greater efficiency, backed by 24/7 support across time zones for global clients.

Flood-hit town looks to the future with new park

Sun, 24 May 2026 12:57:25 +0200

Prevalje, a small town in the Koroška region in north Slovenia, was badly hit by massive floods in August 2023. The community is still working to repair the damage, but thanks to a new park, it is becoming an even more inviting place to live and visit than it was before the floods.

Officially inaugurated on 22 May, Park Jezero (Lake Park) is a modern public space built on a 3.5-hectare site between the local primary school, kindergarten, church and retirement home, close to the centre of the town of 4,600 people.

It was designed around a local legend about a lake that once existed in the area: its central feature is a newly created lake surrounded by landscaped paths and green spaces. A café overlooking the water is expected to become a natural meeting point for visitors and locals alike.

The project transformed what was previously an underused area into a recreational hub. Children's playgrounds, exercise stations, a small zip line and a pétanque court are scattered throughout the grounds, while broad walking paths encourage leisurely strolls.

Designed for everyday use

Municipal officials say the park was conceived as a place that can be used throughout the day by residents and visitors alike, offering extensive green areas and facilities for recreation, relaxation and community events.

Part of the existing tree cover was preserved, while new plants have been added across the site. The park's design also leaves room for future additions and upgrades.

Mayor Matic Tasič said the municipality hopes the park will become a lively gathering place rather than merely a landscaped attraction. "We want the park to be alive. It is intended for everyone, not only the residents of Prevalje," he said during a presentation of the project.

Designed by Ljubljana-based architectural studio Jereb and Budja Architects, the park incorporates several automated systems intended to reduce maintenance work and costs.

Both lawn mowing and irrigation are automated, helping maintain the extensive green areas while reducing labour demands.

A gift to the community

The €4.2 million project is expected to qualify for a million euros in regional green infrastructure funding, but the bulk of the funds, €3 million, has come from an anonymous benefactor originally from Prevalje.

The donor has previously contributed to several major projects in the town, including a climbing centre that opened in late 2023, just months after the floods.

According to Mayor Tasič, the same individual also donated around €3 million following the devastating floods, helping finance infrastructure repairs and providing direct, no-strings-attached support to affected residents.

Tasič publicly thanked the benefactor, describing the contribution as an extraordinary act of generosity that has left a lasting mark on the community.

Paradigm shift in family hospitality

Sat, 23 May 2026 09:00:00 +0200

In eastern Slovenia, where thermal resorts have for more than a century catered to wellness seekers and couples, a new hotel is attempting something different. Opened at the end of May at Terme Olimia in Podčetrtek, Vilinia is a 146-room property conceived entirely around family rather than adapted to it.

Designed for families

The distinction is reflected throughout the building. Instead of relegating children's facilities to a playroom near reception, Vilinia incorporates play into the architecture itself. More than 1,000 square metres of indoor and outdoor play areas are distributed throughout the building, including themed playrooms for different age groups, a family cinema, spaces for organised activities and a dedicated zone for teenagers. A nine-metre climbing net rises through the lobby.

Perhaps the most unique architectural feature is the near absence of stairs. In addition to lifts, floors are connected by gently sloping ramps that allow children and guests with pushchairs to move through the building more freely.

Another defining element is a 150-metre glass panoramic corridor linking the hotel directly with Family Wellness Termalija. Elevated above ponds and landscaped water features, the enclosed walkway allows guests to reach the pools in bathrobes without stepping outdoors.

Accommodation consists primarily of rooms suitable for families that have between one and three children. Public areas include a family restaurant with a terrace and a range of communal spaces intended to encourage families to spend time together rather than retreat to their rooms.

Guests have direct access to Family Wellness Termalija, one of Slovenia's largest family-oriented thermal complexes, featuring pools, slides and water attractions. During summer, the nearby Aqualuna water park expands the offer with outdoor pools and larger water attractions.

Inspired by the forests of Kozjansko

One of the more distinctive aspects of the project is its design language. Architect Petra Šimnovec and her team drew inspiration from the surrounding Kozjansko landscape, a region of forests, meadows and rolling hills around Kozje and Podčetrtek. The building is perched against a hillside on the edge of the spa complex. The main entrance is positioned at the rear and visitors enter into views of the wider area below.

Inside, various sections of the hotel reference different layers of a forest ecosystem, from water and undergrowth to tree canopies and open sky. Animal motifs inspired by species native to the region appear throughout the interiors, while illustrated woodland characters guide younger guests through the hotel.

Natural materials, earthy colours and large glazed surfaces help maintain a connection with the surrounding landscape.

Guest segmentation

The hotel, a €30 million investment, forms part of an effort to separate the resort's offerings by guest profile. Families are concentrated around Vilinia and the adjacent Family Wellness Termalija complex. Sotelia Hotel will admit only guests over 15 from June, while Breza Hotel will continue to focus on seniors, sports teams and health tourism.

This reflects Terme Olimia's broader strategy of separating family and adult-oriented experiences rather than attempting to combine them in the same spaces, according to director Vasja Čretnik.

Veteran politician elected prime minister-designate

Fri, 22 May 2026 20:00:24 +0200

Janez Janša, a veteran politician who has dominated Slovenian politics for over three decades, has been elected prime minister-designate and is on course to leading his fourth government - and the first coalition composed entirely of parties right of the centre.

The 67-year-old received 51 votes in a secret ballot on 22 May. Apart from MPs of his Democratic Party (SDS), the Democrats and the trio of conservative parties around New Slovenia (NSi), which form the coalition, plus the populist Truth party, which will remain in the opposition but support government policies on a case-by-case basis, he is also thought to have been backed by the two MPs representing Italian and Hungarian minorities and one other MP, which pundits say may indicate a defection to his side from the new opposition.

After the outgoing left-liberal government lost its majority in the 22 March election and failed to put together a cross-partisan government, Janša will lead a minority government with 43 deputies in the 90-member legislature but can count on five Truth votes and the two minority MPs who tend to support government policies as well.

In his address to lawmakers, Janša announced a sweeping overhaul of the Slovenian society and economy. Their priorities will be economic development, prosperity, decentralisation, and the fight against red tape and corruption.

But more broadly, he pledged to "complete the process of democratisation," reflecting his long-standing argument that Slovenia never truly left behind communism and made the transition to a free and democratic country after it won independence in 1991.

"No one expected it would be easier to defend an independent country that was barely declared and barely stood on its feet from the fourth strongest army in Europe on paper, than to democratise a country and set up a democratic and legal order with a serious transition."

"It was easier to liberate Slovenia than to democratise it. If the work had been carried through to the end back then, I would not be standing here today," Janša said.

Socially conservative, economically liberal

His statement came a day after the new coalition unveiled a sweeping platform that signals a break from the consensus-driven economic gradualism and strong welfare protections of previous centre-left governments and a shift towards the kind of free-market liberalism long cherished by conservative parties the world over.

At the core of the newly signed agreement is a series of structural tax changes intended to retain high-earning corporate professionals and stimulate foreign direct investment. The economic strategy places a strong emphasis on global competitiveness.

The coalition declared that "labour is not a social, but a developmental and economic category," pledging to reconfigure the social safety net in line with the principles of workfare, a policy approach that links the receipt of social benefits to participation in work, job-seeking, training, education or community service programme, and Nordic-style flexicurity, which involves simpler hiring and firing combined with market-activation mechanisms for workers.

The parties also seek more private initiative in healthcare, anathema to the outgoing government, and plan to pursue a more assertive foreign policy focused on protecting Slovenia's national interests in collaboration with key strategic partners, "without transferring additional powers" to the EU.

This is coupled with a socially conservative agenda built around support for families. The coalition agreement states that spending on family benefits "is an investment project for the future," that immigration will be shunned in favour of policies that support higher birth rates, including family-based taxation, which tends to favour families in which only one parent works.

Post-war divisions

Slovenia's domestic political landscape has long been defined by sharp ideological differences over its 20th-century history. The platform addresses this directly, declaring that the values surrounding Slovenia's 1991 independence from Yugoslavia constitute the country's "absolute value centre" and foundational constitutional core.

While left-wing parties tend to draw their historical legitimacy from the communist-led uprising against the occupying forces in the Second World War, this coalition formally condemns all totalitarian crimes of the past century regardless of ideology and pledges to prioritize historical events that unify rather than those that spark polarization.

Janša, jailed by communist authorities in the 1980s, was defence minister during the independence war and he has spent almost his entire political career arguing that this nation-building effort should form the core of Slovenian national identity, while the national liberation struggle during WWII should be sidelined due to crimes perpetrated by the communists against Slovenian Nazi collaborators, which the right has been striving to rehabilitate, and political enemies.

Next steps

Under Slovenian law, Janša now has 15 days to submit the complete list of ministerial candidates to the National Assembly, whereupon the candidates will be subjected to committee hearings.

Once all the candidates clear the committee hurdle, a plenary vote is called and parliament votes on the entire package of ministers, with only a simple majority needed for confirmation.

When the list receives parliamentary approval, the prime minister and the confirmed ministers take an official oath before the National Assembly, and the new government officially assumes full executive powers, in this case most likely at the beginning of June.

Clash inevitable

Left-wing parties freshly deposed from government are shaping up for a fight against what they perceive as the abandonment of socially cohesive solidarity and an unprecedented power grab disguised as reforms by a right wing that holds up Hungary's former prime minister, Viktor Orban, as a role model.

With the help of trade unions, they have already initiated procedures for referendum on an omnibus bill that the incoming coalition passed before taking power and which includes sweeping tax cuts that the left find unacceptable and socially damaging.

Activists who cut their teeth in massive protests against Janša's previous government, in office during the peak of the Covid crisis in 2020-2022, have pledged to step up their vigilance as well.

The 22 May session saw them put a black cube in front of parliament, a reference to the spying scandal that defined the election campaign, with the pledge that they will fight curbs on freedom of speech, abuse of public institutions, curtailing of labour rights and destruction of public healthcare.

And Robert Golob, the outgoing prime minister, added fuel to the fire by accusing Janša of having threatened to have him arrested during a recent session of the National Security Council. "The way you perceive democracy, you think everyone who dares to say anything against you deserves the worst."

Phancy Group Announces Strong 2026 First Quarter Results

Fri, 22 May 2026 18:20:20 +0200

Revenue Up 35.4% Year-on-Year API Token Call Volume Surges Nearly 6 Times

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 22 May 2026 - Phancy Group Co., Ltd. ("Phancy" or "The Company", stock code: 6682.HK), a leading general artificial intelligence company, today announced its unaudited consolidated results for the first quarter ended 31 March 2026.

During the period, Phancy achieved revenue of approximately RMB1.458 billion, representing a 35.4% year-on-year increase. Gross profit margin remained at 35.1%. Phancy leveraged its deep expertise in full-stack AI cloud services, to capitalize on the accelerating adoption of localized computing power and strong enterprise demand for AI solutions. The Company achieved robust growth in its core businesses, accelerated product innovation, and secured several major partnerships, sustaining strong operational momentum.

2026 First Quarter Business Highlights:

Unified Enterprise AI Platform Drives Explosive Core Business Growth

Global computing resources remain constrained, while demand for both private enterprise AI deployments and API-based model calls continues to grow rapidly. Phancy's enterprise-grade AI platform is built on a unified core architecture that seamlessly supports both API calling scenarios and dedicated private deployments. This significantly boosts AI application efficiency and resource utilization. Supported by a mature computing power supply chain developed over many years, Phancy's deployable computing power resources have increased by over 200%. This enables the Company to effectively meet surging Token demand and consistently deliver stable, high-quality AI services to its customers.

In the first quarter of 2026, API Token call volume surged nearly 6 times compared to the same period in 2025, and already accounted for nearly 40% of the full-year 2025 total. Meanwhile, the Agentic AI business expanded rapidly, with deepening commercial adoption. Orders on hand grew nearly 100% compared to the end of 2025, emerging as a major growth driver for the Company.

AI Technology Iteration Accelerates, Commercialization Beats Expectations

Building on its continued push into digital employee applications and AI empowerment across business units, Phancy has significantly shortened the product development cycle from R&D to commercialization, enhancing overall operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.

As of mid-May 2026, ModelHub XC has completed adaptation and optimization for over 70,000 AI models on domestic chips, achieving more than 70% of its full-year target - well ahead of schedule.

In May, Phancy launched PhanthyMovie, a professional-grade AI video generation platform designed to enhance creativity, control, and stability in video production, enabling standardized and large-scale content creation for the industry.

Leveraging its advanced technology and proven execution capabilities, PhanthyMovie achieved rapid commercial traction. Just days after launch, the Company entered into a strategic cooperation agreement with Huanxi Media, covering approximately US$200 million in AI Token usage. The two parties will also collaborate on the development of a next-generation AI-powered film and television content production platform, further strengthening Phancy's position in the AI-driven cultural and creative sector.

Core Products Align Closely with Policy Trends, Strengthening Compute-Model Integration

Since May 2026, China's AI sector has seen a series of positive policy developments focused on computing infrastructure, data element circulation, and open-source compliance governance. Phancy's core products, including HAMi vGPU and ModelHub XC, are well-aligned with national policy directions and mainstream industry trends.

In terms of computing resource allocation, policies emphasize cross-regional collaboration and broader access to computing power. Phancy's HAMi vGPU offers unified scheduling and fine-grained resource partitioning, effectively improving utilization rates, optimizing data center energy efficiency, and supporting unified management across multiple chips to boost single-card efficiency.

In data and model governance, the government continues to promote high-quality dataset development and compliance management. ModelHub XC supports multi-model adaptation and optimization, incorporates data traceability and security certification features to help enterprises reduce compliance risks, and uses the EngineX engine for batch adaptation of domestic chips and models. This significantly improves compatibility while enhancing Token output efficiency through targeted model tuning.

Through deep integration of its computing and model layers, Phancy has built a comprehensive "Compute-Model" integrated solution. This addresses key industry needs such as efficient computing utilization, secure data supply, enterprise compliance, and domestic substitution, while strengthening its technological moat. The Company is well positioned to capture policy dividends and industry opportunities, supporting enterprises in their digital and intelligent transformation.

Hashtag: #PhancyGroup

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

About Phancy Group

Phancy Group (6682.HK) is a leading full-stack AI cloud services platform, providing comprehensive solutions for the AI 2.0 era. Our offerings include SageAIOS, HAMi vGPU and ModelHub XC, delivering efficient and scalable AI infrastructure with end-to-end capabilities. We provide a complete solution from heterogeneous compute resource management and optimization to the deployment of intelligent agent models. These solutions empower digital transformation across a wide range of industries, supporting our vision of building a large-scale and efficient "Token Factory."

Guided by the mission of "AI for Everyone" and positioned as the "Navigator of AI," Phancy Group is committed to becoming a global leader in Artificial General Intelligence.

Save the Children Hong Kong Releases "Hearing Children" - Child-led Research Report: How Family Interactions Affect Youth Mental Health

Fri, 22 May 2026 17:00:15 +0200

Over Half of Youth Feel Inferior Due to Parental Criticism: Accumulated Emotions Increase Risks of Depression

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 22 May 2026 - Save the Children Hong Kong today released its research report, "Hearing Children" - Child-led Research Report: How Family Interactions Affect Youth Mental Health (Full Report). Following the implementation of the Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Ordinance (the "Ordinance"), there has been ongoing public debate on how to enhance child wellbeing; however, unlike physical harm, psychological trauma is significantly more difficult to identify. According to the latest figures from the Social Welfare Department, a total of 1,354 child abuse cases were recorded in 2025. Of these, only 16 cases-a mere 1.2%-were classified as "psychological abuse".

New study from Save the Children Hong Kong: Parental criticism leaves half of local youth feeling inferior and increases risks of mental health issues.

The organisation believes that whilst the vast majority of parents care deeply for their children, they may inadvertently cause psychological trauma through their disciplinary methods, communication styles, and the way expectations are conveyed. Save the Children Hong Kong recommends that parents adopt "Positive Parenting" to strengthen parent-child non-violent communication, expressing their thoughts through mutual understanding and respect. Simultaneously, the Government should allocate additional resources to community and school settings to bolster mental health support for children and young people. Regarding the 25 categories of professionals specified under the Ordinance, training on identifying psychological abuse should be strengthened to support frontline practitioners in making clearer judgements on reporting thresholds and to facilitate timely intervention.

Over 80% of Youth Feel Pressure to be "Perfect": 40% Told to Improve Even When Praised

The study was designed by six youth researchers aged 14 to 17, under the guidance of Professor Gary Tang Kin Yat, Associate Professor of the Department of Social Science at The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong. It aimed to explore the psychological and emotional harm hidden behind parental "love and discipline". The study surveyed 408 children and adolescents aged 13 to 18, and found that 20.4% of respondents experience heavy pressure to "be perfect". Furthermore, 41.2% reported that even when parents praise their achievements, it is often accompanied by reminders of "how to do better next time". Over half of the respondents felt inferior to others due to parental disparagement, while more than 30% felt that no matter how hard they tried, they could never meet their parents' expectations.

Ms. Wong Shek Hung, Director of Hong Kong Programme of Save the Children Hong Kong, noted that while parents genuinely care for their children, yet when faced with their own stresses and anxieties, they may struggle to find the most appropriate way to express their care. Consequently, their love can inadvertently become a burden for the child. "This reflects the pivotal role parents play in their children's lives. Children place immense value on every word their parents say; as such, comments we may seem insignificant can directly impact how a child views themselves," she said.

The survey also explored parental behaviours that adolescents found most distressing. Respondents identified the most hurtful remarks as toxic comparisons (e.g., "Why can't you be more like them?"), invalidation of worth ("You are such a disappointment"), and dictatorial commands ("Because I said so"). The most resented behaviours included losing emotional control ("Losing their temper"), invading privacy ("Checking my phone"), and micromanagement ("Having to control everything").

Table: The True Voices of Youth - What We Want Parents to Know

Most Hurtful Remarks (Top Five)	Most Resented Behaviours (Top Five)	Most Desired Encouragement (Top Five)
" Look at other people"	"(Parents) Losing their temper"	"You did a great job"
" You are so disappointing"	"Snooping on my phone"	"I support you"
"I said no means no"	"Having to make every decision"	"I believe you can do it"
"You aren't as good as others"	"Entering my room without knocking"	"Your happiness is what matters most"
"I'm only doing this for your own good"	"Moving or touching my belongings"	"I know you've done your best"

Avoiding Adults: A Widening Gap in Mental Health Support for Children

Another alarming phenomenon is the significant gap emerging in Hong Kong's mental health safety net for children and adolescents. Unlike physical trauma, psychological distress is difficult to identify and often relies on the victims seeking help themselves. However, the study found that when children and young people feel distressed, their help-seeking behaviour tends to "avoid adults". A vast majority of respondents (86.3%) prioritise speaking to friends or venting on social media (78.7%). Conversely, the overwhelming majority "rarely or never" seek help from teachers (96.8%), social workers (97.5%), or parents (73.3%).

Nearly half of the respondents (49.6%) tend to internalise and handle their problems alone. Beyond the habit of self-reliance (47.3%), key reasons for this include a feeling that "no one truly understands or can help" (45.3%), a desire not to become a burden to others (29.9%), and a fear of being judged, misunderstood, or getting into trouble after seeking help (18.4%).

Ms. Wong Shek Hung expressed concern that current child protection systems-such as school-based social workers and helplines-may become ineffective if children actively avoid adult assistance, thereby limiting opportunities for timely intervention. She warned that if stress and emotions continue to accumulate without an outlet, the consequences could be severe.

Invisible Wounds: The Link Between Mental Stress and Psychosomatic Symptoms

Whilst psychological stress leaves no visible scars, its latent harm can be more enduring and profound. The study reveals that when adolescents are under mental pressure, their physical health is equally affected. When facing conflicts or difficulties at home, over a third of respondents (37.1%) reported "sometimes" experiencing insomnia, stomach aches, or headaches. Similarly, over a third (38.1%) indicated they "sometimes" experience acute anxiety reactions, such as nervous tension, trembling, or a racing heart.

Dr. Phyllis Chan Kwok-ling, Adviser of Save the Children Hong Kong and Psychiatrist, noted that psychological trauma is difficult to detect, which may lead to more severe cumulative consequences. "This is especially true if children and adolescents conceal their trauma or lack the self-awareness to address it. As trauma accumulates, it may become a root cause of emotional problems and increase the risk of developing conditions such as depression." Dr Chan explained. She also expressed concern that the study found neither parents nor teachers are seen as confidants. "When adolescents face difficulties, they need adults to listen and share experiences. If they turn only to social media or peers, the lack of adult guidance may amplify their distress. Furthermore, relying solely on peers carries the risk of an 'echo chamber' effect; mutual validation amongst friends may deepen their sense of hurt and intensify wariness or hostility towards parents."

Ms. Wong Shek Hung added that adolescents may not know how to articulate their inner needs, leading them to remain silent or cope in isolation. "In reality, as long as both parties are willing to take the first step towards better communication and empathy, a warm and intimate parent-child relationship can be maintained."

Strengthening Systemic Support and Empowering Children with Emotional Regulation Skills

Beyond the family unit, society bears a responsibility to provide support across schools, communities, and institutional levels. We must systematically foster emotional management skills in children and assist parents in adopting positive communication and parenting techniques. To this end, the organisation proposes the following recommendations:

Mainstream "Social and Emotional Learning" (SEL): Integrate SEL into the regular school curriculum to strengthen students' ability to manage and articulate their emotions.
Promote "Positive Parenting" through Home-School Cooperation: Implement comprehensive Positive Parenting initiatives to develop disciplinary communication skills and foster empathy within parent-child interactions.
Enhance Mandatory Reporting Training: In relation to the Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Ordinance, training for professionals should be strengthened to include content on "identifying psychological abuse", supported by real-life case studies to help frontline staff clarify reporting criteria and enable timely intervention.

(For detailed information on these recommendations, please refer to the full report.)

Ms. Wong Shek Hung emphasised that family dynamics cannot be addressed with a "one-size-fits-all" legislative framework, nor is punishing parents an ideal way to manage family relationships. "The law provides only the most basic safety net. As previously mentioned, most parents care deeply for their children; the gap lies in communication and mutual understanding, as well as in adopting positive ways of interaction. Beyond legislation, we hope to improve parent-child relationships in the long term through support services and public education."
Hashtag: #SavetheChildrenHongKong #香港救助兒童會 #positiveparenting #正向管教 #mentalhealth #精神健康

https://savethechildren.org.hk/en/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/save-the-children-hong-kong
https://www.facebook.com/savethechildrenhk
https://www.instagram.com/savethechildrenhk/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/savehk

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

Save the Children Hong Kong

Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. In Hong Kong and around the world, we do whatever it takes - every day and in times of crisis - so children can fulfil their rights to a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. With over 100 years of expertise, we are the world's first and leading independent children's organisation - transforming lives and future.

Established in 2009, Save the Children Hong Kong is part of the global movement which operates in around 100 countries. We work with children, families, schools, communities and our supporters to deliver lasting change for children in Hong Kong and around the world.

TCMA Marks National Milestone, Driving Thailand's Cement Industry toward Net Zero 2050

Fri, 22 May 2026 15:20:07 +0200

BANGKOK, THAILAND - Media OutReach Newswire - 22 May 2026 - Thai Cement Manufacturers Association (TCMA) marked a significant national milestone in advancing the decarbonization of Thailand's cement and concrete industry toward Net Zero 2050. This progress is driven by strong collaboration among government agencies, industry players, and international partners under the "Decarbonization of the Cement and Concrete Sectors in Thailand" project, while accelerating the adoption of technology, innovation, and green investment to enhance competitiveness and support long-term economic growth.

Dr. Chana Poomee, Honourary Chairman of TCMA and President of ASEAN Federation of Cement Manufacturers (AFCM), stated that today's "National Milestone" reflects the power of collaboration at both national and international levels. The initiative is led by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), in partnership with TCMA and key Thai government agencies, including the Department of Climate Change and Environment and the Department of Industrial Works, with financial support of CAD 8 million from the Government of Canada through Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), to accelerate tangible greenhouse gas reductions in the cement and concrete sector.

TCMA, as the industry representative, serves as a central platform connecting stakeholders across the entire value chain, driving the implementation of the "Thailand 2050 Net Zero Cement and Concrete Roadmap." This aligns with Thailand's NDC 3.0 targets, strengthening industrial competitiveness, attracting green investment, and fostering sustainable economic growth.

"Decarbonization is not only a pressing challenge but also a strategic opportunity to enhance national competitiveness. The progress achieved under this project spans policy development, innovation, technology deployment, standards, and capacity building-key enablers that will accelerate the industry's transition toward Net Zero", Dr. Chana said.

A key technological advancement under the project is the introduction of the Mobile Carbon Capture Unit (MCCU) from CETRI, Canada. This advanced and flexible technology is designed for real-world industrial operations and will be piloted starting in June, rotating across cement plants of TCMA members in the SARABURI SANDBOX. The pilot aims to validate performance under diverse operational conditions and pave the way for large-scale industrial application.

"The deployment of MCCU in Thailand highlights the strength of international collaboration in bringing advanced technologies into real-world application. It accelerates learning-by-doing, validates technological performance, strengthens local technical capabilities, and reduces investment risks-laying a strong foundation for future scale-up",
Dr. Chana added.

From an investment perspective, the development of technology-ready and standards-aligned projects enhances investor confidence, increases the attractiveness of green investment, and improves access to sustainable finance-key drivers in accelerating the industry's transition to Net Zero.

TCMA continues to advance the industry under a "Collaborative Mindset-Action-Value," promoting the systematic adoption of low carbon technologies, including low carbon cement innovations such as Limestone Calcined Clay Cement (LC³), Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS). These solutions not only reduce emissions but also improve efficiency, lower long-term costs, and strengthen global competitiveness.

At the regional level, TCMA is expanding its role through AFCM by fostering collaboration and advancing the AFCM Decarbonization Roadmap, which serves as a shared framework to reduce carbon emissions across ASEAN's cement industry while enhancing regional technology, standards, and competitiveness.

"As President of the AFCM, TCMA is committed to driving ASEAN toward becoming a low carbon region by leveraging collaboration as a key mechanism to accelerate technology transfer, strengthen the industry capabilities, and unlock new regional economic opportunities",
Dr. Chana said.

TCMA reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration and welcoming international support in both technology and finance to accelerate the transition toward a low carbon industry, while enhancing Thailand's competitiveness on the global stage.

Hashtag: #TCMA #CementActionToNetZero #NetZero2050 #Decarbonization

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

HKCSS "S+ Summit 2026" Navigating the Future - Tech for Good & Co-creation

Fri, 22 May 2026 10:30:44 +0200

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 22 May 2026 - Amid rapid social, economic, and environmental changes, Hong Kong faces significant challenges such as demographic shifts and economic transformation, while also encountering development opportunities through technological advancements and regional integration. Collaborative efforts across all sectors are essential to build a sustainable and livable Hong Kong with innovative ideas and solutions.

The Hon Grace CHAN Man-yee, Chief Executive of HKCSS, Mr Angus ZHU, Architect, Technology Architecture Department, Tencent Sustainable Social Value Organization (SSV), Mr HO Kai Ming, JP, Under Secretary for Labour and Welfare of HKSAR, The Revd Canon Hon Peter Douglas KOON Ho-ming, SBS, JP, Chairman of HKCSS, Mr David Spriggs, Chief Executive Officer, Infoxchange, The Hon Duncan CHIU, Legislative Council Member (Technology and Innovation) of HKSAR.

The Hong Kong Council of Social Service (HKCSS) organized "S+ Summit 2026" today. Under the theme of "Tech for Good", offering a multiple perspective towards how technological advancement is reshaping social development while examining the challenges and opportunities facing social sustainable development. Over 700 participants from technology enterprises, charitable foundations, policy research institutes, social service organizations, and social enterprises, to engage in cross-disciplinary dialogue. By fostering "Tech for Good and Co-creation", HKCSS aspire to build a robust ecosystem, accelerating digital transformation within the social service sector to collectively address the evolving needs of sustainable social development.

The Revd Canon Hon Peter Douglas KOON Ho-ming, SBS, JP, Chairperson of HKCSS, stated: "Driven by the wave of AI and data application, we understand how digital transformation creates both opportunities and challenges to social welfare sector. The annual flagship initiative "S+ Summit" is to promote technology empowerment, resource matching for the organizations, in a way to rebuild their competitive edge, enhancing service efficiency to align with China's 15th Five-Year Plan, forging a new path of social development."

Mr HO Kai Ming, JP, Under Secretary for Labour and Welfare of HKSAR, stated "The SAR Government has always attached great importance to, and actively promoted, the application of innovation and technology in social welfare services. Advanced technology should not only serve as a tool for enhancing efficiency, but can also be used to address social issues and promote the public good. Let us harness the power of technology to work together in building a harmonious, stable, caring and inclusive society."

Mr Angus ZHU, Architect, Technology Architecture Department, Tencent Sustainable Social Value Organization (SSV) and Mr David Spriggs, Chief Executive Officer, Infoxchange Australia are invited as speaker of Keynote Speech: "Tech-Driven Future: Key Dynamics for Digital Transformation in Social Service Organizations". They shared the successful cross sector collaboration case from domestic and international market, examined how social service organizations can leverage frontier technologies like Big Data and Artificial Intelligence, mastering the key dynamics and performance metrics to accelerate digital transformation. The Hon Duncan CHIU, Legislative Council Member (Technology and Innovation) of HKSAR, moderated the panel discussion to facilitate deep exchange of insights with the two speakers.

The "S+ Summit 2026", features symposium, roundtable and workshop sessions, explore the pivotal driving roles of AI and big data in digital transformation, service innovation, strategic philanthropy, and future skills training. A new addition this year, the "Tech Clinic Free consultation" feature professionals from Hong Kong, Chinese Mainland and Singapore, providing one-on-one consultation on digital strategy and transformation, and case discussion.

The successful conclusion of "S+ Summit 2026" marks a new milestone in deepening the collaboration between social welfare and technology and innovation sector. HKCSS will continue to act as a catalyst for social transformation by practicing "Tech for Good" to connect with more social resources with technical expertise, to help the sector seize technological opportunities and improve people's well-being, working together to build a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable society."

Hashtag: #HKCSS

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

About 'S+ Summit'

The "S+ Summit and Expo" is the annual initiative of the The Hong Kong Council of Social Service (HKCSS). It brings together the stakeholders from different sectors to discuss local and regional social issues under the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We hope that "S+" can promote stakeholder collaboration (Synergy), create social impact (Social Impact), and promote Hong Kong's sustainable development (Sustainability).

https://www.hkcss.org.hk/splus2026/

Yeebo Ramps Up AI Computing Expansion with Subsidiary Suanova's TaaS Rollout at Cyberport

Fri, 22 May 2026 10:30:43 +0200

Setting a New Benchmark for Domestic AI Computing Services

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 22 May 2026 - Yeebo (International Holdings) Limited ("Yeebo"; Stock Code: 00259.HK, together with its subsidiaries, the "Group") is pleased to announce that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Suanova Technology Limited ("Suanova"), has officially established a presence at Hong Kong Cyberport ("Cyberport") and launched its domestic Token-as-a-Service ("TaaS") business. This milestone marks a significant strategic step in the Group's accelerated expansion into the fast-growing AI computing services sector.

Powered by Cyberport to Build a New AI Computing Services Hub

Leveraging Cyberport's robust technological infrastructure and vibrant innovative ecosystem, Suanova is well-positioned to fully capitalize on Hong Kong's role as a strategic gateway and the unique advantages of the Greater Bay Area, accelerating the rapid growth of its TaaS business. As Hong Kong's digital technology hub and AI accelerator, Cyberport is home to a thriving community of over 2,300 companies, encompassing a diverse range of technology enterprises and industrial resources. It enables Suanova to connect seamlessly across the AI value chain and engage with a wide base of potential clients, creating a highly competitive platform for scalable business growth while further expanding its reach in the AI computing services market.

One-Stop TaaS Platform Accelerates AI Commercialization

Powered by its proprietary domestic heterogeneous computing infrastructure, Suanova has built a unified, high-efficiency API service system that delivers cost-effective, locally optimized large model solutions for enterprises. Through flexible and scalable service capabilities, Suanova empowers enterprises to rapidly develop AI applications and intelligent agents, accelerating commercialization and deployment. Its cube-router.com platform transforms AI computing resources into on-demand, ready-to-use services, ushering in a new era of "TaaS". This significantly lowers barriers to AI adoption while enabling digital and intelligent transformation at scale.

"We are pleased to see Suanova successfully establish its presence at Hong Kong Cyberport. Backed by Cyberport's solid resource foundation, supportive government policies and resources, and extensive corporate network, Suanova is well equipped to drive strong growth. Looking ahead, we will leverage Cyberport's infrastructure and ecosystem to accelerate commercialization and scale our business, strengthening our footprint in the Asia-Pacific computing services market," said Mr. Chen Da-liang, CEO of Suanova.

Sharing Industry Insights at Cyberport Forum

Today, Suanova was invited to participate in Cyberport's "Insight Exchange"「洞察交流」forum, joining the panel discussion titled "The Future of AI Chips: Why Hardware Diversity Fuels Innovation"「AI 晶片新未來：多元硬件赋能無限創新」. During the session, Mr. Gu Meng, Senior Vice President of Suanova, shared key insights and practical experience on how AI chip hardware empowers industrial innovation and engaged in discussions on emerging AI trends with industry peers. This participation further enhanced Suanova's market visibility while strengthening collaboration with Cyberport and ecosystem partners.

Shanghai Cube Drives Computing Efficiency and Expands Industry Applications

Suanova continues to advance high-performance computing infrastructure through its flagship product, Shanghai Cube - a fully domestic, high-density computing system engineered from the ground up. By decoupling the design and manufacturing within its integrated hardware-software architecture, Shanghai Cube consolidates innovations from leading domestic technology providers into a unified, scalable platform. It features comprehensive integration and optimization of key hardware and software components, including domestic high-performance GPU chips, network switching chips, liquid cooling systems, operating systems, and orchestration platforms, delivering a best-in-class, plug-and-play solution. Notably, Shanghai Cube features a high-density architecture capable of supporting up to 128 GPU modules within a single standard cabinet, significantly surpassing the typical domestic configuration of 32 GPUs. This makes it ideally suited to space-constrained environments such as Hong Kong. With utilization rates consistently exceeding 90%, it delivers outstanding operational efficiency and cost effectiveness.

Shanghai Cube exemplifies Suanova's end-to-end capabilities through its "Super Integration" model, offering a one-stop enterprise solution spanning cloud and compute services, private deployments, as well as AI model and application development. Beyond AI infrastructure, Shanghai Cube is expanding into broader industries, including healthcare and banking and finance services, with solutions already rolling out. Building on this momentum, Suanova considers leveraging Shanghai Cube's platform and ecosystem strengths to drive the next phase of TaaS growth.

"Looking ahead, we are scaling decisively in AI computing to unlock the full potential of Suanova's integrated technology and platform capabilities. As AI adoption accelerates, computing power is emerging as the key driver of the next industrial transformation. We are not just participating - we are leading. By strengthening our ecosystem, sharpening our competitive edge, and deepening strategic partnerships, we are well-positioned to seize this once-in-a-generation opportunity - establishing Yeebo and Suanova as leaders in next-generation domestic AI computing services while helping shape the future of the global digital economy," said Mr. Fang Yan Tak, Douglas, Chairman of Yeebo.

Hashtag: #Yeebo

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

About Yeebo (International Holdings) Limited

Founded in 1988, Yeebo (International Holdings) Limited is a diversified electronic component company with a well-established presence in the global market. The Company's core business spans flat panel displays, computing power and capacitors, serving a broad spectrum of industrial and consumer applications. Headquartered in Hong Kong, Yeebo operates its manufacturing operations primarily in the Guangdong and Jiangsu provinces, supporting a global sales network that ensures localized service and support for its international clientele.

In alignment with its long-term strategic vision, Yeebo is leveraging its robust operational foundation to expand into the Artificial Intelligence ("AI") compute and related sectors. This initiative reflects the Company's commitment to innovation and technological advancement, with the objective of positioning Yeebo as a leading and influential participant in the rapidly evolving AI industry across mainland China and Hong Kong.

About Suanova Technology Limited

Suanova, under Yeebo, is an innovative technology company focused on delivering independent, efficient, and accessible domestic AI computing services. Its business spans three core areas: computing power and cloud operations, computing technology development and computing industry investment. With branches in Hong Kong and Shanghai, it provides customers with better localized services. It is committed to transforming complex AI infrastructure into simple, efficient, and cost-effective services through continuous technological innovation, with the goal of becoming a leading "infrastructure operator" in the AI era.

As GCC Temperatures Soar, Carpe Diem Beach Club Phuket Beckons Middle East Luxury Travellers

Fri, 22 May 2026 10:10:42 +0200

BANGKOK, THAILAND - Media OutReach Newswire - 22 May 2026 - Carpe Diem Beach Club, the premier Mediterranean-inspired destination on Bang Tao Beach, has officially unveiled its signature beachfront lifestyle experience tailored for Middle East travelers seeking a refined seasonal escape. As soaring summer temperatures across the GCC continue to drive record demand for luxury destinations in Thailand, the venue offers an elevated sanctuary that seamlessly blends sophisticated coastal dining, stylish beachside leisure, and curated sunset-to-evening programming designed for the discerning international traveler.

Source: Carpe Diem Beach Club

The upscale Bang Tao area of Phuket island is emerging as one of South East Asia's most attractive luxury escape destinations for affluent travellers from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar. Home to the island's largest mosque and known for high-end resorts, beach clubs and premium lifestyle offerings, Bang Tao appeals to luxury travellers seeking energy, exclusivity and comfort. For premium beach destinations such as Carpe Diem Beach Club Phuket, this reflects a broader evolution in luxury travel behaviour amongst Middle East audiences.

"Over the past two decades working across luxury beach clubs internationally, one of the biggest shifts I've seen is affluent travellers seeking experiences that reflect how they want to live, socialise and travel," said Bruce Hanrahan, Co-Owner and Co-Founder of Carpe Diem Beach Club Phuket.

"Particularly amongst Middle East travellers, there is growing demand for destinations that combine atmosphere and energy with comfort and elevated service. Phuket, and especially Bang Tao, has evolved, offering a more sophisticated and lifestyle-driven experience than has traditionally been associated with the island."

Middle East travellers represent one of Thailand's highest-value tourism segments, travelling in groups or with family, staying 7-14 days or longer and spending approximately 80,000-100,000 THB per trip, according to Tourism Authority of Thailand data.

Younger affluent travellers from the region are increasingly influenced by lifestyle-driven travel behaviours, in which distinctive venues, curated hospitality experiences and social validation on digital platforms shape destination selection.

This has created demand for luxury experiences centred on beachfront dining, cabana culture, premium service and social environments that feel refined rather than party-focused.

Carpe Diem Beach Club Phuket has curated an experience around sophisticated coastal energy, elevated hospitality and all-day lifestyle experiences, an approach that has attracted guests, including global music star and White Lotus actress Lisa.

Located on Bang Tao Beach, the venue combines Mediterranean-inspired dining, premium beachfront lounging and signature social programming within a setting designed to feel polished and immersive from day to night. Rather than focusing solely on nightlife, the venue's positioning centres on experience-led hospitality within a premium environment.

"Luxury today is about intentionality," added Benny De Bellis, Co-Owner and Co-Founder of Carpe Diem Beach Club Phuket. "Guests want premium environments where they can socialise, celebrate and experience the atmosphere, but in a way that still feels comfortable, curated and personalised to them."

"The experience at Carpe Diem is designed to feel social and high-energy, whilst still comfortable and intentional," addedBenny."Guests can move seamlessly between beachfront dining, relaxed daytime lounging, sunset sessions and social gatherings, without ever feeling overcrowded or party-driven. That's the balance many luxury travellers are increasingly looking for."

As Phuket strengthens its position as a global luxury lifestyle destination, Bang Tao's blend of beachfront hospitality, upscale leisure experiences and international social culture is expected to remain attractive to Middle East audiences seeking a refined escape from the summer heat.

For all reservations and information, visit carpediemphuket.com.

Hashtag: #CarpeDiem

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

ABOUT CARPE DIEM BEACH CLUB

Founded in 2021, Carpe Diem Beach Club is a Mediterranean-inspired beachside destination located on Bangtao Beach, Phuket, Thailand. The Club combines refined coastal cuisine, a stylish beach lounge, craft cocktails, and live entertainment to create memorable all-day experiences. Signature programming includes Bespoke Bloody Mary Sundays, La Dolce Vita Sundays Brunch, signature fire shows on Wednesdays and Sundays, and more.

Nine industry leaders including Hyundai Motor Group sign landmark hydrogen MOU to drive Hong Kong's green economy (with photos)

Fri, 22 May 2026 09:50:39 +0200

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 22 May 2026 - At the International Hydrogen Development Symposium 2026 today (May 18), nine pioneering companies from Korea, the Chinese Mainland, France, and Hong Kong - including Hyundai Motor Group - signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on hydrogen ecosystem building, marking a major step toward advancing the city's green economy.

At the International Hydrogen Development Symposium 2026 today (May 18), nine pioneering companies from Korea, the Chinese Mainland, France, and Hong Kong - including Hyundai Motor Group - signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding on hydrogen ecosystem building, marking a major step toward advancing the city's green economy. Photo shows (from left) Senior Vice President (Sustainability) for Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship of Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK), Ms Olivia To; the Director-General of Investment Promotion of InvestHK, Ms Alpha Lau; Executive Vice President and Head of Energy & Hydrogen Policy Sub-Division at Hyundai Motor Group, Mr Seung Kyu-shin; Deputy Minister for Territorial and Urban Policy at Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport of the Republic of Korea, Mr Jeong Eui-kyung; the Global Head of Financial Services, Fintech & Sustainability of InvestHK, Mr King Leung; and Senior Vice President, Transport, Logistics and Industrials of InvestHK, Ms Bonnie Ho, at the symposium.

This multi-party signing was officiated by Deputy Minister for Territorial and Urban Policy at Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport of the Republic of Korea, Mr Jeong Eui-kyung; the Acting Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Miss Diane Wong; the Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services, Mr Poon Kwok-ying; and the Director-General of Investment Promotion of Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK), Ms Alpha Lau.

Spearheaded by Hyundai Motor Group, the MOU establishes a collaborative framework to build a comprehensive, self-sustaining hydrogen ecosystem in Hong Kong, targeted to be fully operational by the end of 2030. The collaboration will prioritise the development of waste-to-hydrogen technologies to convert landfill gas into clean energy, along with an immediate focus on piloting a liquefied hydrogen refuelling infrastructure. To enable full value chain integration, it also targets the deployment of customised hydrogen fuel cell commercial vehicles, including tour and airport shuttle buses.

Through facilitating public-private partnerships and inter-governmental collaboration, InvestHK is supporting Hyundai Motor Group and its partners to implement go-to-market strategies aligned with the shared vision for hydrogen ecosystem building.

This partnership will also position Hong Kong as a strategic base for Hyundai Motor Group's hydrogen business expansion across the Asia-Pacific region.

Miss Wong said, "This collaboration marks a significant milestone in developing tangible, on-the-ground hydrogen applications to accelerate the green transition towards carbon neutrality. By combining Korea's world-class technological capabilities with Hong Kong's strategic urban context, Hong Kong could serve as an exceptional international demonstration platform for showcasing green and low-carbon technologies. If these cutting-edge innovations could be applied and scaled up successfully here, it will serve as a positive model and provide highly viable options for reference by modern cities worldwide."

Ms Lau said, "Today's multi-party signing is both a landmark moment for Hong Kong's green economy and a clear signal that the city's hydrogen ecosystem is gaining real traction. Over the past three years, InvestHK has helped leading hydrogen enterprises establish themselves in Hong Kong, several of which have since listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, raising over $2.5 billion in total. For businesses with global green ambitions, Hong Kong is where business growth takes shape."

Executive Vice President and Head of Energy & Hydrogen Policy Sub-Division at Hyundai Motor Group, Mr Seung Kyu-shin, said, "This MOU was signed as Hyundai Motor Group's commitment to advancing Hong Kong's proactive hydrogen policies and driving the acceleration of its hydrogen ecosystem utilising the Group's hydrogen business capability and experience. Starting with Hong Kong, we look forward to expanding our collaboration and business opportunities across the broader Asia-Pacific hydrogen market."

At the International Hydrogen Development Symposium 2026 today (May 18), nine pioneering companies from Korea, the Chinese Mainland, France, and Hong Kong - including Hyundai Motor Group - signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding on hydrogen ecosystem building, marking a major step toward advancing the city's green economy. Photo shows Deputy Minister for Territorial and Urban Policy at Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport of the Republic of Korea, Mr Jeong Eui-kyung (back row, second right); the Acting Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Miss Diane Wong (back row, second left); the Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services, Mr Poon Kwok-ying (back row, first left); and the Director-General of Investment Promotion of Invest Hong Kong, Ms Alpha Lau (back row, first right), witnessing the signing.

Partners entering into this MOU include Hyundai Motor Company and Hyundai Engineering & Construction from Hyundai Motor Group, China Inspection Co Ltd, Chun Wo Bus Services Limited, Chun Wo Construction & Engineering Company Limited, Jiangsu Guofu Hydrogen Energy Equipment Co Ltd, JEA ENG, Templewater Limited, the Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited, and Veolia Hong Kong Holding Limited.

This multi-party, long-term collaboration is set to establish a robust, end-to-end hydrogen industry chain - spanning production, storage, transportation, refuelling and utilisation.

New energy is vital to Hong Kong's Climate Action Plan 2050 and the national dual-carbon goals. As set out in the Chief Executive's 2025 Policy Address, Hong Kong will establish public hydrogen filling facilities on Hong Kong Island and in Kowloon, press ahead with more hydrogen trial projects, and develop the GBA Hydrogen Corridor in collaboration with Guangdong Province. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is actively advancing hydrogen development through technological innovation, talent cultivation, ecosystem building, and regional co-ordination. To date, over 30 hydrogen trial projects have been greenlit, paving the way not only for decarbonisation targets, but also for unlocking new quality productive forces for green economic growth.
Hashtag: #InvestHK

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

About InvestHK

Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) is the investment promotion agency of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

Thailand Showcases Creative Industry Strength at Cannes 2026 "Thai Night Cannes 2026" Highlights Vision of "Reimagining Thailand" Positioning Thailand from Global Filming Destination to Future Creative Content Partner

Fri, 22 May 2026 09:10:35 +0200

CANNES, FRANCE - Media OutReach Newswire - 22 May 2026 - The Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), Ministry of Commerce, Thailand, successfully hosted "Thai Night Cannes 2026" during the Cannes Film Festival in France under the theme "Reimagining Thailand." The event highlighted Thailand's vision for the future of its entertainment and creative industries, while reinforcing the country's growing role not only as a world-class filming destination, but also as a rising force in original content creation and international creative collaboration.

The event was graciously attended by Her Royal Highness Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya Sirivadhana Barnavadi, who delivered a special keynote address highlighting Thailand's evolving role in the global film industry. Her Royal Highness emphasized that Thailand is not only recognized for its exceptional filming locations, but is also emerging as a nation rich in creativity and cultural expression. Through films, series, and contemporary culture, Thailand continues to share its unique identity and perspectives with international audiences, gaining growing recognition around the world.

Ms. Sunanta Kangvalkulkij, Director-General of the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), stated that Thai Night Cannes 2026 was not only an opportunity to showcase Thailand's film and entertainment industries, but also reflected the country's evolving role as a "Creative Content Partner" on the global stage.

"Thailand is evolving from a major international filming destination into a creator of original content with a distinctive identity and strong global potential. We are ready to collaborate with partners from around the world to help shape the future of the entertainment industry. Thailand offers a combination of skilled talent, creativity, internationally recognized production infrastructure, and continued government support - all of which are key factors in driving Thailand's creative economy onto the global stage," said Ms. Sunanta

The event also showcased the strength of Thailand's film and content industry through the participation of 15 Thai companies at Marché du Film 2026 under the Thailand Pavilion. A wide range of new projects and content were presented, spanning drama, action, thriller, fantasy, romantic comedy, series, and animation, highlighting the diversity and creativity of Thai storytellers while opening opportunities for international distribution, co-production, and global partnerships.

Thailand continues to attract strong interest from international film and television productions, supported by its diverse filming locations, highly skilled crews, and internationally recognized production infrastructure. Between January and March 2026, Thailand hosted 162 foreign productions, generating more than THB 1.18 billion in local production spending. In 2025 alone, the country welcomed over 546 international productions, contributing more than THB 7.7 billion to the Thai economy. A key factor behind this continued growth is Thailand's cash rebate incentive of up to 30%, which has played a significant role in attracting international investment and global content production to the country.

Another highlight of this year's Thai Night Cannes was the presentation of the upcoming Thai film Confessions of a Shaman from M Studio, which drew strong interest from international attendees and buyers. The event featured a special discussion with BamBam Kunpimook Bhuwakul, Alek Teeradetch Metawarayut, Denice Jelilcha Kapaun, and director Nuttanont Chollampi, who shared perspectives on the growing opportunities for Thai cinema in the international market and the expanding global reach of Thai content.

Ms. Sunanta further noted that this year's event carried special significance as it coincided with the 170th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and France, reflecting the longstanding partnership between the two countries across culture, trade, and the creative industries. As part of Marché du Film 2026, DITP also led 15 Thai companies to participate in business networking and international partnership meetings under the Thailand Pavilion. Participating companies included leading Thai entertainment and media firms such as GDH 559, Sahamongkolfilm International, GMM Studios International, and T&B Media Global, showcasing the strength of Thai content while expanding opportunities for international distribution, co-production, and investment.

Thai Night Cannes 2026 marked another important step in strengthening Thailand's role in the global content and entertainment industry, while reinforcing the country's creative sector as a key driver of future economic growth and international collaboration.

Hashtag: #ThaiNight

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

Museum: A Bridge Connecting the World - The 2026 International Museum Day China Main Venue Event Held in Hohhot

Fri, 22 May 2026 09:10:34 +0200

HOHHOT - Media OutReach Newswire - 22 May 2026 - From May 17 to 19, 2026, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, proudly hosted the China main venue event for International Museum Day, centered around the theme "Museum: A Bridge Connecting the World." Situated at the eastern gateway of the Grassland Silk Road and a key point along the Ancient Tea Horse Road, Hohhot has long served as a vital commercial and cultural crossroads linking the grasslands with China's Central Plains, as well as connecting China with Russia, Mongolia, and the broader Eurasian region. Historically a hub for East-West cultural exchange, Hohhot continues to play a significant role as a northern gateway in China's opening-up strategy. By hosting this prestigious national cultural event, China reaffirms its commitment to fostering intercultural dialogue through museums, enhancing the sense of shared identity among the Chinese people, and promoting mutual learning and exchange between China and the international community.

May 18, the opening ceremony of the main venue was held at the Inner Mongolia Museum, attracting a large gathering of people from all walks of life with enthusiastic responses. Photo by Zhang Zihe

The event was jointly organized by the National Cultural Heritage Administration and the People's Government of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. It brought together over 500 participants, including leaders from the museum and cultural heritage sectors, experts, scholars, and international guests, to explore innovative directions for museum development.

In recent years, Hohhot's museum sector has experienced rapid growth, marked by continuous enhancements in public cultural service capabilities. The city has established a well-planned and distinctive museum system. The Hohhot Museum has pioneered a "one main museum with six branches" model, integrating premier institutions such as the Zhaojun Museum and the General's Yamen. This approach has enabled the city to consistently present high-quality exhibitions, positioning museums as vital platforms for showcasing the cultural exchanges and integration among diverse ethnic groups, as well as promoting China's rich traditional heritage.

The opening ceremony on May 18 at the Inner Mongolia Museum highlighted China's museum achievements since the 14th Five-Year Plan, shared key cultural heritage updates, and emphasized museums' role as bridges connecting history and the present, China and the world, and the hearts of all ethnic communities.

During the event, three major exhibitions were launched simultaneously. The Heaven and Earth in Harmony: Exhibition of Ancient Chinese Music Culture, the Rivers and Mountains Shining: The Historical and Cultural Display of Hohhot, and the Radiance of Gold and Jade: Colorful China. Featuring nearly 300 exquisite bronze, gold, jade, and stone artifacts from numerous cultural institutions nationwide, these exhibitions span 8,000 years of heritage and vividly illustrate the rich diversity and unity of Chinese civilization, as well as the history of ethnic integration and coexistence.

One of the exhibits in the Radiance of Gold and Jade: Colorful China temporary exhibition hall at the Inner Mongolia Museum

Alongside the exhibitions, main and youth forums convened domestic and international experts and scholars to engage in in-depth discussions on industry development, international collaboration, and related topics, infusing fresh insights and youthful enthusiasm into the ongoing advancement of museums. On the evening of the 18th, the "Museum Night" immersive performance debuted at Dazhao Square, blending ethnic art, intangible cultural heritage skills, and light and shadow effects to vividly showcase the captivating fusion of the three major cultures of the grasslands, the Yellow River, and the Great Wall.

Building on the momentum of the main event, Hohhot also launched the 2026 "Museum Season," featuring a series of exhibitions, educational tours, and cultural tourism routes extending through the National Day holiday. This initiative fosters deeper integration between cultural heritage and the tourism industry, making cultural treasures more accessible to the public.

From its historic role as a hub on the Grassland Silk Road to its current status as a platform for civilizational dialogue, Hohhot's high-caliber cultural offerings showcase the unique qualities and openness of Chinese civilization. The city's museums truly serve as enduring bridges connecting China with the world and facilitating meaningful global exchanges.

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

TDCX named among the world's Top 50 outsourcing firms by Outsource Accelerator for the fourth consecutive year

Fri, 22 May 2026 08:50:31 +0200

Recognition reflects TDCX's evolution into a global firm helping clients navigate digital and AI transformation with a combination of human expertise, intelligent technology, and operational precision

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 22 May 2026 - TDCX, a leading global customer experience (CX) solutions firm, has been named to the Outsource Accelerator (OA) 500 2026 Index Top 50, marking its fourth consecutive year on Outsource Accelerator's global ranking of leading business process outsourcing firms. The OA500 evaluated 3,369 BPO companies worldwide across more than 20 performance metrics over a 15-month assessment period, drawing on independent data sources including Crunchbase, Glassdoor, LinkedIn, and ZoomInfo.

The recognition comes in TDCX's 30th anniversary year and seven months after the company unveiled its refreshed brand and Enable the Future positioning. The new identity reflects TDCX's evolution into a global firm helping clients navigate digital and AI transformation with a combination of human expertise, intelligent technology, and operational precision.

Mr. Laurent Junique, founder and CEO of TDCX, said: "Outsourcing is shifting from cost arbitrage to capability arbitrage. The companies that win in this market will be the ones that combine deep human expertise with intelligent technology, and bring them together with judgment. Four consecutive years in the OA500 Top 50 says TDCX is doing that in a way the market recognizes."

Mr. Derek Gallimore, founder and CEO of Outsource Accelerator, said: "TDCX's fourth consecutive year in the OA500 Top 50 reflects something rare in this industry: sustained, disciplined execution paired with real strategic evolution. They've moved decisively beyond traditional CX into digital and AI-enabled service for some of the world's most demanding brands. As outsourcing shifts from headcount to outcomes, TDCX is one of the operators best placed to lead that transition."

The OA500 Index assesses BPO firms across criteria including global delivery footprint, online presence, employee sentiment, LinkedIn engagement, third-party analyst data, and operational benchmarks. With more than 20,000 employees across 37 campuses spanning Asia, Europe, and the United States, TDCX serves clients in digital advertising and social media, e-commerce, fintech, gaming, healthtech, media, technology, and travel and hospitality.

Hashtag: #TDCX #OA500 #CX #Outsourcing #EnableTheFuture

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

About TDCX

Singapore-headquartered TDCX is a leading global customer experience solutions firm that provides customer experience (CX) solutions, sales and digital marketing services, and content moderation for clients across various industries. These include digital advertising and social media, e-commerce, fintech, gaming, healthtech, media, technology and, travel and hospitality.

With a focus on helping companies enable the future, TDCX's smart, scalable approach, driven by innovation and operational precision, positions it as a key partner for companies targeting tangible outcomes. With more than 20,000 employees across 37 campuses worldwide, TDCX provides its clients with comprehensive coverage in Asia, Europe and the Americas.

For more information, please visit www.tdcx.com.

Forest City Classic Course Rises 14 Places to No. 36 in Asia; Retains Malaysia No. 1 for Seventh Year

Fri, 22 May 2026 08:30:28 +0200

JOHOR, MALAYSIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 22 May 2026 - Forest City Golf Resort announced that the Forest City Classic Course recorded its largest year-on-year rise in rankings to date in the 2026 Asia Top 100 Golf Courses, advancing 14 positions to No. 36 in Asia and retaining its status as Malaysia's top-ranked course. Adding to the momentum, the on-site Forest City Golf Hotel was recently recognised with the 2025 Agoda Gold Circle Award. As Malaysia gears up for Visit Malaysia 2026 and Visit Johor 2026, the resort expects heightened regional interest in golf travel.

Panoramic view of Forest City Golf Resort with lush greenery, white bunkers, sunlit lakes, and the luxury hotel towers.

Strong Rankings and Asia Golfing Trend Underscore Forest City's Readiness for Increased Demand

According to Forest City Golf Resort, it hosted more than 100,000 golfers in 2025. Driven by national and state campaigns and expected rising interest in golf, 2026 is expected to see continued growth in visitor arrivals, especially among recreational and leisure-focused golfers.

Visit Malaysia 2026 and Visit Johor 2026 are complementary, government-led tourism campaigns designed to stimulate inbound and domestic travel through coordinated promotion, marquee events, and service enhancements across key gateways and destinations. With ambitious targets - Visit Malaysia 2026 aims to attract 47 million tourists and generate RM147.1 billion in tourism receipts, while Visit Johor 2026 targets 12 million visitors and an estimated RM42 billion in economic impact by year-end - these initiatives are expected to drive increased demand for hospitality, events, and leisure around Forest City SFZ throughout 2026.

Meanwhile, Asia has seen a growing interest in golf participation and travel. Urban driving ranges and family-oriented mini-golf are broadening entry points to the game, and independent data from the R&A, one of the two governing bodies globally determining the rules of golf, revealed in 2024 that Asia leads the global golf population ahead of Europe, Canada, and all other R&A affiliated regions (excluding the US and Mexico, which are affiliated with the USGA). International golf travel into Asia is also growing, with Southeast Asia in particular strengthening its position as one of the most attractive regions for golf tourism due to championship courses, quality hospitality, and diverse cultural experiences - signalling a broad-based upswing supported by participation growth, investment, and tourism.

Against this backdrop, with the Forest City Classic Course ranking No. 36 in Asia and No. 1 in Malaysia for 2026, the resort is well positioned to translate demand into stay-and-play bookings, corporate golf events, and family getaways. Forest City Golf Resort also recently won the 2025 Agoda Gold Circle Award, reinforcing its appeal as an integrated golf-and-hospitality proposition designed to support stronger occupancy, longer lengths of stay, and higher per-guest spend through 2026.

Classic and Legacy Courses Anchor Forest City Golf Resort: Seven Years, One Consistent Verdict

Forest City Golf Resort in Johor, Malaysia, offers two 18-hole championship courses: the Classic Course, designed by veteran course architect Liang Guokun, and the Legacy Course, a signature collaboration between Jack Nicklaus and Jack Nicklaus II. Both have achieved strong rankings in Asia.

Co-hosted by the Chinese and Korean editions of Golf Travel magazine since 2016, the Asia Top 100 Golf Courses ranking evaluates course design, playability, landscape aesthetics, and technical difficulty. The Classic Course first entered the list in 2018 and has maintained an unbroken presence through 2026.

In 2026, the Classic Course placed No. 36 in Asia - an improvement of 14 places. Within Malaysia, three courses were recognised; Forest City ranked No. 1 nationally, with the others at No. 55 and No. 73.

Forest City views this sustained recognition as evidence of relentless operational refinement and consistent course quality. In a competitive ranking where many venues rotate in and out, seven consecutive appearances reflect consistently high professional standards in design, conditioning, and the playing experience, as well as a deep commitment to achieving higher levels of excellence.

Course Design Philosophies: Return to Nature, Calibrated Challenge

Forest City Golf Resort's 36 holes present complementary architectural signatures at international championship standard.

The Classic Course, by veteran architect Liang Guokun, exemplifies his "Return to Nature" philosophy through multi-layered landscapes, sculpted bunker lines, and lake vistas integrated strategically across every hole. The lakes form part of the course's water management system, delivering visual drama and functional sustainability in tandem. Liang's standing is independently validated: both the Classic Course and his Holiday Island Golf Club feature in the 2026 Asia Top 100.

For golfers, the Classic Course translates design intent into experience: each shot invites thoughtful decision-making, rewarding precision and course management while immersing players in a carefully composed natural setting. The result is a round that challenges skill and strategy while offering a sense of progression through a living landscape.

The Legacy Course, a signature collaboration between Jack Nicklaus and Jack Nicklaus II, adds a distinct counterpoint. This rare father-and-son design balances calibrated challenge with aesthetic appeal, catering to players who seek a different test from the Classic Course while maintaining championship credentials.

Both the Classic and Legacy courses are GEO Certified, underscoring verified environmental stewardship rather than self-declared claims. In 2025, Forest City Golf Resort hosted several major tournaments and welcomed more than 100,000 golfers, confirming the venue's role as an active stage for diverse styles of play as well as an exceptional destination for visiting golfers.

	Classic Course	Legacy Course
Designer	Liang Guokun	Jack Nicklaus & Jack Nicklaus II
Yardage	7,138 yards	7,386 yards
Holes	18	18
Design Signature	"Return to Nature," lake integration	Challenge × aesthetics balance
GEO Certified	Yes	Yes
Asia Top 100 (2026)	No. 36 - No. 1 in Malaysia	Previously recognised (Asia-Pacific)
Design hallmark	Lakes integrated as water management + strategic challenge	Pulai River mangrove edges, elevation changes, water carries

Beyond the Courses: Forest City as a Golf Tourism Destination

Forest City Golf Resort operates as an active international competition venue as well as a premier leisure destination. Its regularly held tournaments and growing visitor numbers underscore consistent utilisation throughout the year. These metrics also complement the Asia Top 100 recognition and reflect the resort's capacity to stage events at scale while maintaining a high-quality guest experience.

Set within Forest City's wider leisure ecosystem, the resort benefits from approximately 4 km of coastline, curated mangrove boat tours, sea-fishing, and year-round food and beverage options. This natural and amenity-rich setting supports repeat visitation: close enough to Singapore for convenient access and continually evolving to reward the return visit with rich and diverse experiences and itineraries.

Beyond golf, Forest City Golf Resort has secured nearly 20 industry accolades since 2018, contributing to Forest City's portfolio of more than 40 international awards overall. For organisers, these third-party validations, combined with proven MICE infrastructure and cross-border connectivity, translate into a reliable platform for corporate golf days, incentive travel, and multi-event calendars - breathtaking for the new, heartwarming for the familiar.

Resort Overview

Location: Forest City, Johor. Approximately 2 km from Singapore at the closest point.
Access: Approximately 40 minutes' drive to Singapore's CBD via the Second Link Crossing (travel time subject to traffic).
Accommodation: Forest City Golf Hotel (five-star; recipient of 2025 Agoda Gold Circle Award) and garden villas. Golf Villa show units renovated with a "limitless space," intended for groups and families.
MICE and corporate: Conference and event facilities available for corporate golf days, incentive travel, and board-level meetings. Catering and breakout spaces available.
Visitor volumes (2025): More than 100,000 golfers visited; among Malaysia's most visited golf clubs.
Booking: Tee times, stay-and-play packages, and corporate event enquiries are available via the official site at https://fcgolfresort.com/.

Looking Ahead: Consistency as a Competitive Advantage

Sustained recognition in the Asia Top 100 reflects consistent investment in course quality, operations, and environmental management (including ongoing GEO certification) - commitments Forest City Golf Resort expects to carry forward through 2026 and beyond. As the Visit Malaysia 2026 and Visit Johor 2026 campaigns take effect, the resort anticipates stronger demand across stay-and-play bookings, corporate events, and family leisure. These conditions, combined with its proximity to Singapore and integrated amenity offering, strengthen Forest City's value proposition as a golf tourism destination and integrated resort platform for golfers, organisers, and long-term stakeholders alike.

Hashtag: #ForestCity

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

Aftersales Ecosystem Emerges as a Key Driver of VinFast's Global Growth

Fri, 22 May 2026 08:10:25 +0200

As emerging economies accelerate EV adoption, VinFast is pairing strong product portfolio with an expanding aftersales ecosystem, positioning the VF 8 as a compelling choice for Middle Eastern customers.

DUBAI, UAE - Media OutReach Newswire - 22 May 2026 - As EV adoption accelerates across emerging economies, a new generation of national EV champions is reshaping the global automotive landscape. From Türkiye's TOGG to Malaysia's Proton and Perodua, domestic electric mobility brands are gaining momentum across emerging markets as countries increasingly embrace electrification and invest in the future of local automotive industries[1]. Among the standout names is VinFast, Vietnam's rapidly expanding EV maker, which has quickly transformed from a newcomer into one of the country's most influential automotive brands.

That rise is closely tied to Vietnam's broader EV transition. According to the International Council on Clean Transportation, Vietnam achieved a 37% EV market share in 2025, nearly doubling Europe's adoption rate and making it one of the world's fastest-growing EV markets[2]. VinFast has been at the center of that momentum, benefiting from strong domestic demand as well as government-backed efforts to accelerate electrification in public transportation and daily mobility.

The company's growth has continued to accelerate in 2026, following a strong 2025 in which VinFast delivered 175,099 vehicles in Vietnam. In April this year alone, VinFast delivered 24,774 electric vehicles domestically, bringing total sales for the first four months of the year to 78,458 units. The company has now led the Vietnamese automotive market for 19 consecutive months.

One major driver behind that momentum is VinFast's long-term focus on customer ownership experience, particularly after-sales support, helping make the EV transition more seamless and reassuring for users. By the end of 2025, the company had developed nearly 400 service workshops across Vietnam while also supporting the rapid expansion of charging infrastructure through partner networks targeting up to 150,000 charging ports nationwide.

At the same time, VinFast is working to expand its global customer support capabilities. During the 2026 VinFast Global Business Conference held in Hanoi earlier this month, the company signed Memoranda of Understanding with 29 international aftersales partners across multiple markets. Under the agreements, partners will establish EV workshops that meet VinFast's global standards, supported by standardized technician training, quality control systems, and a parts supply network targeting the delivery of common spare parts within 24 hours in key markets. VinFast aims to expand its global aftersales network to more than 1,100 workshops in 2026.

The Middle East is becoming an increasingly important part of that expansion. In the UAE, VinFast previously signed an agreement with PlusX Electric to strengthen charging accessibility, roadside assistance, and digital EV support services for customers, while also partnering with the Arabian Automobile Association to provide roadside assistance coverage across six Gulf countries.

VinFast's customer-focused approach is reflected in the VinFast VF 8, an all-electric SUV designed with Pininfarina. The model offers up to 402 horsepower, all-wheel drive, and 493 km of range, alongside premium features including a 15.6-inch infotainment screen, panoramic sunroof, and advanced ADAS safety technologies.

Equally important for Middle Eastern customers is the ownership package surrounding the vehicle. VinFast backs the VF 8 with a 10-year or 200,000 km vehicle warranty, a 10-year unlimited-kilometer battery warranty, five years of free servicing, mobile service support, 24/7 roadside assistance, and access to fast charging infrastructure, reinforcing the company's ambition to compete not only on product, but also on long-term ownership confidence.

[1] https://www.chosun.com/english/industry-en/2026/05/20/OFXXFQJBNZE7XLHGP2MJLS2VFE/
[2] https://newmobility.news/en/2026/05/20/ev-adoption-emerging-markets-overtake-established-leaders/

Hashtag: #VinFast

https://me.vinfast.com/en

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

"Porcelain on the Silk Road: In Pursuit of Craft" Cultural Exploration Event Held in Tongchuan, Shaanxi

Fri, 22 May 2026 07:50:23 +0200

TONGCHUAN, CHINA - Media OutReach Newswire - 22 May 2026 - On May 18, International Museum Day, a cultural exploration event themed "Porcelain on the Silk Road: In Pursuit of Craft" was held in Tongchuan, Shaanxi. Foreign video blogger Li Cheng and Chinese culture enthusiast Karolina visited the Yaozhou Kiln Museum, aiming to trace the spirit of porcelain through its artistry and explore the millennium-old legacy of Yaozhou porcelain, while witnessing how China's intangible cultural heritage continues to thrive through generations of preservation.

https://youtu.be/B08PZnOig8c

Yaozhou porcelain, produced in Tongchuan, boasts a history of more than a thousand years. Once exported overseas along the ancient Silk Road, it has long served as a symbol of China's cultural exchange with the world. Its carved-decoration technique is especially renowned-vertical knife incisions for line work and oblique blade carving for clay trimming, which requires remarkable precision and skill. Having been lost for over 800 years, the craftsmanship was revived through a three-year endeavor by Mr. Li Guozhen, a leading authority in Chinese ceramic science, and his disciple, Mr. Meng Shufeng, a master of Chinese arts and crafts and a national-level representative inheritor of the intangible cultural heritage project of Yaozhou kiln ceramic firing techniques. Their achievement is a landmark example of the revival of famed Chinese porcelain. The beauty of Yaozhou porcelain lies in its resonant clarity, warm coloration, and olive-toned glaze. Crafted with distinctive raw materials, kilns, and firing techniques, it unites the elegance of the Tang and Song dynasties, the spirit of the Silk Road, and the devotion of master artisans. Embodying imperial elegance and the warmth of everyday life, Yaozhou porcelain carries forward a millennium of craftsmanship and Eastern aesthetics.

This year's International Museum Day centers on the theme "Museums uniting a divided world." During their visit to the Yaozhou Kiln Museum, Li Cheng and Karolina listened to the clear ring of the porcelain and learned about the kiln traditions passed down for centuries. Deeply moved by the experience, they remarked with admiration: Yaozhou porcelain is purely China. It is more than a piece of porcelain; it reflects the depth and quiet refinement of Chinese civilization.

Each piece of porcelain carries the legacy of a thousand years, fostering shared understanding across civilizations. From ancient imperial courts to distant Silk Road destinations, from the warmth of everyday life to contemporary cultural inheritance, Yaozhou porcelain continues to serve, through its understated elegance, as a cultural bridge connecting past and present and linking China with the world, and it demonstrates the enduring vitality of China's intangible cultural heritage.

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

Via Licensing Alliance Expands Voice Codec Program with New Licensee, New Licensors, Publishes Comprehensive Pool Rate Structure

Fri, 22 May 2026 05:30:12 +0200

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES - Media OutReach Newswire - 22 May 2026 - Via Licensing Alliance (Via) today announced continued momentum for its Voice Codec patent pool, including the addition of a new unnamed licensee and new licensors, NovaVoice Limited and Cordial IP, further growing the program's patent stack and market penetration from its initial five, large global licensors.

The addition of the new licensee, unnamed at this time, reflects growing industry adoption of the collaborative licensing pathway Via's Voice Codec program creates for accessing IP rights to critical voice technologies. This addition reflects a growing market uptake of advanced voice technologies, including EVS and IVAS, driven by rising demand as 5G and 5G-Advanced technologies are adopted worldwide.

Additionally, Via continues to prioritize transparency and has published its full rate structure for the Voice Codec pool, providing further clarity and predictability for implementers and to the broader market. For implementers, the full rate structure allows for complete visibility as they consider the appropriate royalty structure to choose from to meet their product level costs, evaluate future growth paths for their product lines, or plan their geographical expansion plan needs. This level of disclosure not only reduces uncertainty in licensing decisions but also enables more consistent benchmarking, reinforcing confidence in fair, market-aligned SEP licensing practices. The program's royalty rates are listed on Via's website at https://www.via-la.com/licensing-programs/voice-codec/#license-fees.

The addition of the new licensors indicates increased interest from patent holders in licensing their voice technology SEPs through highly efficient, aggregated licensing vehicles such as patent pools. Future growth in both the licensor list and the number of patents consolidated through the pool license will continue to enhance the value of the Voice Codec License for implementers. Via's Voice Codec program licensors are listed here: https://www.via-la.com/licensing-programs/voice-codec/#licensors.

Via's Voice Codec pool covers Enhanced Voice Services (EVS), which supports voice communications across more than one billion and growing active devices globally, as well as Immersive Voice and Audio Services (IVAS), which will play a central role in next-generation voice and spatial audio applications.

"We are pleased to welcome these new entrants to our pool, which signal continued growth and momentum our Voice Codec program," said Kevin Mack, President of Via Licensing Alliance. "This pool license offers strong value relative to other market options and represents the only collaborative licensing solution for EVS and IVAS technologies, making it a smart and efficient pathway for companies seeking to license critical voice capabilities."

EVS remains a foundational technology for high-quality voice communications in 5G and 5G-Advanced networks, with adoption continuing to expand as 5G, 5G-Advanced and future network iterations reach global scale. As spatial audio and advanced voice technologies expand into 6G and a broader range of non-cellular devices, the importance of IVAS technologies is expected to increase, with Via's pool offering an early and effective licensing pathway.

For more information about the Voice Codec patent pool, including information for prospective licensees, please visit https://www.via-la.com.

Hashtag: #ViaLicensingAlliance #VIA

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

About Via Licensing Alliance:

Via Licensing Alliance is the collaborative licensing leader, dedicated to accelerating global technology adoption, fostering participation, and generating return on innovation with balanced licensing solutions for innovators and manufacturers of all sizes around the globe. Via has operated dozens of licensing programs for a variety of technologies. Via is an independently managed company owned by industry-leading participants with over 25 years of intellectual property licensing leadership. For more information about Via, please visit https://www.via-la.com.

Kaleida Studio Announces DIY Jewellery Workshop in Singapore for Creative Beginners

Fri, 22 May 2026 05:30:12 +0200

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 22 May 2026 - Kaleida Studio, an arts and craft studio located in Tai Seng, has announced plans to introduce a DIY jewellery workshop, a guided crafting experience where participants can design and create their own gemstone necklace or bracelet.

The upcoming workshop is designed to give beginners a simple introduction to jewellery making within a supportive studio environment. Designed for teenagers and adults, the sessions aim to make the craft accessible to beginners by combining creative exploration with an introduction to basic jewellery-making techniques.

During the workshop, participants will work with a curated selection of gemstone beads, charms, and jewellery components to design an accessory that reflects their personal style. At the end of each session, participants will complete and take home a handcrafted necklace or bracelet that they have assembled themselves.

Helping Beginners Feel More Confident About Jewellery Making

Interest in handmade crafts and personalised accessories has grown in recent years, yet many people hesitate to try jewellery making for the first time. Uncertainty about creative ideas, along with unfamiliarity with specialised tools and techniques, can make the process feel daunting for beginners.

Kaleida Studio developed the workshop to make the craft more approachable. Through step-by-step instruction and access to the appropriate tools and materials, participants can explore jewellery making in a structured environment without prior experience.

The session introduces basic tools and techniques while allowing participants to experiment with different combinations of gemstone beads and charms. This approach gives beginners the confidence to learn the process while enjoying the experience of creating a handcrafted piece that reflects their own design choices.

A Personalised Jewellery-Making Experience

A defining feature of the DIY jewellery workshop is its emphasis on personal design. Rather than following a fixed template, participants are encouraged to create pieces that reflect their own aesthetic preferences.

The studio provides a selection of gemstone beads, charms, and jewellery-making tools, allowing participants to experiment with different colours, textures, and arrangements. Basic assembly techniques are introduced to help ensure that each piece is securely constructed.

"At Kaleida Studio, we believe creativity should be something people can explore in their own way," said Cherry, founder of Kaleida Studio. "This workshop grew from our own interest in jewellery making and our desire to share that experience with others. By walking participants through the process, we hope to show that anyone can create something meaningful and unique with their own hands."

Encouraging Creative Exploration in a Studio Setting

Kaleida Studio seeks to provide a welcoming space where individuals can explore creative expression at their own pace. In addition to the jewellery workshop, the studio offers art classes for adults, giving participants opportunities to experiment with different artistic media in a relaxed and supportive environment.

The studio also hosts group sessions, such as a corporate workshop, where teams can take part in guided crafting activities designed to encourage collaboration and creative thinking.

For those looking for a more open-ended experience, Kaleida Studio offers a setting similar to an art jam studio, where participants can spend time exploring materials, ideas, and techniques in a flexible and supportive studio environment.

Availability and Booking

The DIY jewellery workshop is scheduled to launch in mid-2026. Once available, sessions can be booked through Kaleida Studio's website. Enquiries are also welcome by email, phone, or WhatsApp.

Further details on workshop schedules and registration will be announced through Kaleida Studio's official channels, including its Instagram page.

Future Plans

Kaleida Studio plans to further develop its jewellery workshop by introducing a wider range of materials and exploring additional types of handcrafted jewellery. These future additions aim to expand the creative possibilities available to participants while continuing to support the studio's focus on encouraging artistic expression through hands-on crafting experiences.

Hashtag: #KaleidaStudio

https://kaleidasg.com/
https://www.instagram.com/kaleidasg

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

About Kaleida Studio

Kaleida Studio is a cosy arts and craft studio located in Tai Seng, Singapore. Created as a welcoming space for creative exploration, the studio encourages individuals of all skill levels to experiment with different materials and rediscover the satisfaction of making things by hand.

Through hands-on workshops, DIY kits, and a curated selection of crafting materials, Kaleida Studio provides opportunities for people to explore a variety of artistic mediums in a relaxed and supportive environment. The studio aims to inspire creativity, encourage personal expression, and make the experience of creating accessible to everyone.

For more details, visit https://kaleidasg.com/.

CPF Showcases Food Innovations at THAIFEX - Anuga Asia 2026, Bringing Thai Expertise to Consumers Worldwide

Fri, 22 May 2026 05:10:10 +0200

BANGKOK, THAILAND - Media OutReach Newswire - 22 May 2026 - Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CPF), a leading global agro-industrial and food company, is positioning Thailand as a regional food innovation hub at THAIFEX - Anuga Asia 2026, showcasing its latest food innovations developed for global consumers. The showcase highlights how Thai expertise, advanced production capabilities, consumer-centric R&D, and robust strategic partnerships are delivering high-quality, sustainable food experiences to consumers worldwide.

Food Innovation for Wellness

Under the concept "Food Innovation for Wellness," CPF is showcasing a diverse portfolio of market-driven food innovations developed to meet the evolving needs of consumers across Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Asia. The showcase highlights the company's commitment to food safety, quality, wellness, and convenience, including products inspired by its experience in developing Thai-style chicken with basil sauce to meet stringent space-grade food safety standards, as well as the newly launched CP Nippon brand.

Prasit Boondoungprasert, Chief Executive Officer of CPF, said "Consumers around the world are looking for food that is not only safe and delicious, but also convenient, nutritious, and responsibly produced. At CPF, we believe food plays an important role in people's everyday lives. We are committed to understanding consumers and business partners in every market and continuously developing innovative food solutions that deliver better experiences, support wellbeing, and meet the evolving needs of consumers worldwide."

At this year's exhibition, CPF highlights its strengths as a global food company with international operations with local market insight, powered by innovation and technology to serve partners and consumers worldwide while helping advance more sustainable food systems.

The showcase features a diverse portfolio of ready-to-eat meals, premium protein products, convenience foods, and international award-winning menu innovations from CPF's global brand portfolio, including Authentic Asia, CP Uoriki, CP Nippon, and Thai Cube. All are designed to meet growing consumer demand for safer, healthier, tastier, more convenient, and tailored to changing consumer lifestyles.

At THAIFEX - ANUGA ASIA 2026, CPF welcomes business partners, customers, and visitors from around the world to explore its latest global food innovations at booths 1-RR01 and 1-RR15 in Challenger Hall 1.

Hashtag: #THAIFEXAnugaAsia #FoodInnovation #FoodTech #FutureOfFood #SustainableFood #FoodSafety #CPFXTHAIFEX2026 #FoodInnovationForWellness #THAIFEX2026

https://www.cpfworldwide.com/en/home

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

About CPF

Charoen Pokphand Foods Plc (CPF) is a leading global agro-industrial and food company, operating in 17 countries and exporting to more than 50 markets worldwide. Guided by its "Kitchen of the World" vision, CPF focuses on delivering safe, high-quality, and nutritious food through a vertically integrated business model. The company integrates technology and innovation across its operations while advancing sustainability and working toward a low-carbon, resilient food system that supports global food security.

TECSUN SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY CO.,LTD. Partners with QingCloud Technologies Corp. to Forge New Engine for AI-Powered Livelihood Services

Fri, 22 May 2026 03:30:02 +0200

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 22 May 2026 - According to a WeChat official account release by TECSUN SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY CO.,LTD. （stock code: 002908）on May 21, the company has recently officially reached an ecological cooperation with QingCloud Technologies Corp. (stock code: 688316). Driven by the dual engines of "Artificial Intelligence Plus" and the market-oriented reform of data factors, the two sides will jointly explore a new paradigm of livelihood services featuring "AI + Cloud + Computing Power Collaboration". This cooperation will focus on livelihood sectors including healthcare, employment and government services, connecting the full chain from computing infrastructure to scenario implementation, and unlocking room for large-scale growth.

As a full-stack self-developed provider of enterprise-grade AI infrastructure (AI Infra) and solutions, QingCloud Technologies Corp. deeply understands enterprise demands and implementation scenarios, and has built end-to-end digital and intelligent solutions. With deep roots in livelihood services, TECSUN SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY CO.,LTD. boasts integrated capabilities of "Data + Algorithms + Scenarios", self-developed innovations such as government affairs large models and AI-powered employment services, as well as profound industry customer resources and operational experience. Oriented by solution collaboration, the two parties will combine TECSUN's scenario-based intelligent applications with QingCloud's private cloud, information technology application innovation cloud, intelligent computing platform and MaaS services to form solid technological synergy.

Focusing on core sectors including employment, healthcare and government services, the two sides will promote the integrated deployment of employment Agent and intelligent computing platform to achieve precise job matching and intelligent recommendation; advance the implementation of a fusion architecture of contactless medical payment systems and edge AI inference cloud; and accelerate the joint optimization of government affairs large models and intelligent guidance systems in the information technology application innovation cloud environment.

In terms of delivery, the two parties will jointly conduct compatibility tests and performance verification to ensure the compatibility and stability of the joint solutions, and jointly deliver secure, controllable and ready-to-use intelligent livelihood solutions. Meanwhile, they will actively explore the co-construction of regional intelligent computing centers in mature areas to consolidate the computing infrastructure for "AI + Livelihood Services".

Looking ahead, the two sides will take joint solutions as the anchor, jointly explore the closed-loop operation model of "Urban Livelihood AI Operation Base", connect the full chain from computing supply, model iteration to service delivery, help elevate the intelligence of urban governance, and jointly build a new engine for livelihood services.

Hashtag: #Tecsun

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NGEN expands battery storage footprint with EBRD funding

Thu, 21 May 2026 17:54:15 +0200

Slovenian energy company NGEN has secured a €70 million loan from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development to expand grid-scale electricity storage capacity across Central and Eastern Europe.

The financing will support the construction and operation of five large battery energy storage systems in Poland, Romania, Latvia and Slovenia. According to the EBRD, two of the facilities will be located in Poland, with one each in Romania, Latvia and Slovenia.

The systems will be supplied by Tesla and will together provide 302 MW of storage capacity. The bank said the projects are expected to enhance grid stability in the participating EU markets by enabling faster balancing of supply and demand.

The assets will operate under a fully commercial model, with electricity traded directly on wholesale power markets rather than being used solely for regulated grid services.

Alongside financing, the EBRD said it is providing technical cooperation to strengthen NGEN's cyber resilience. The support is aimed at improving operational reliability, reducing exposure to cyber risks and aligning the company's digital infrastructure with international best practices.

The programme also includes a gender balance component, under which NGEN has committed to raise the share of women in its workforce from 22% to 27% over the next five years.

Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Žirovnica in north Slovenia, NGEN has grown rapidly in recent years thanks to a multitude of grid-scale projects. The company generated €81.5 million in revenue in 2024, up 44% year-on-year, according to data from Slovenia's business registry.

In just the last two months, it has started construction of a 100 MWh battery for Uniper in Wilhelmshaven, Germany and a 170 MWh battery in Wagenham, Austria, one of the biggest such installations in Europe.

China, ASEAN launch business and trade information platform in South China's Nanning

Thu, 21 May 2026 16:49:17 +0200

NANNING, CHINA - Media OutReach Newswire - 21 May 2026 - The China-ASEAN Business and Trade Information Platform was officially launched in Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region on Tuesday.

A sub-forum themed international exchange and mutual learning of cyber civilization at the 2026 China Internet Civilization Conference is held in Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, May 19, 2026. (Photo: China News Service/Li Taiyuan)

The platform offers comprehensive information services and an international communication platform to support economic and trade cooperation between China and ASEAN countries.

Built and operated by China News Network, the official website of China News Service, the platform serves as ASEAN trade agencies, industry associations, overseas Chinese communities, and cross-border enterprises, providing one-stop trade information services.

China News Service will leverage its strengths to build the China-ASEAN Business and Trade Information Platform into an influential and dynamic communication channel that promotes information sharing and provides services, to facilitate trade and people-to-people exchanges between China and ASEAN countries.

Currently, a trade information network between China and ASEAN countries has been built, with key content covering policy explanations, market conditions, investment promotion, business cooperation, and industry analysis, to comprehensively support cross-border trade activities.

Prior to the platform's launch, representatives from government departments, media outlets, research institutes, and universities in China and multiple ASEAN countries participated in discussions on economic and trade information exchange between China and ASEAN countries, as well as the development of the platform.

Consular officials from ASEAN member states including Cambodia, Myanmar, and Vietnam, stationed in Nanning expressed their hopes for enhancing China-ASEAN economic and trade connectivity as well as people-to-people ties through information sharing.

Against the backdrop of the signing of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0 Upgrade Protocol, the platform serves as an information bridge for expanding cooperation, promoting trade, enhancing industrial upgrade, and achieving mutual benefits and win-win outcomes, they said.

They hope that the platform will play a greater role in trade facilitation and logistics services, empowering micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), and investment policies and regulatory measures, while helping share cooperation stories between China and ASEAN countries.

Hashtag: #Nanning

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Andamanda Phuket Water Park Unveils Premium Guest Experiences

Thu, 21 May 2026 13:49:03 +0200

Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice 2025 · Trip Best 2025 · Global Top 100 Family-Friendly Attractions

PHUKET, THAILAND - Media OutReach Newswire - 21 May 2026 - Andamanda Phuket, the island's largest water park, spanning over 100,000 square meters, is inspired by Thai mythology and the Andaman Sea. A proud recipient of the Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Award 2025 and ranked among the Trip Best Global Top 100 Family- Friendly Attractions, Andamanda delivers a world-class tropical experience for thrill-seeker families and leisure travellers alike.

Andamanda Phuket- where thrills, culture, flavours, and family memories come together for a world-class experience unlike anything back home.

25 Attractions. 36 Slides. Zero Dull Moments.
Spread across five iconic zones inspired by Thai mythology, Andamanda offers something for every kind of visitor:

36 slide lanes, from heart-pounding drops to family-friendly twists, the most in Phuket.
Southeast Asia's longest lazy river- 550 metres of pure relaxation winding through tropical scenery.
A 10,000m² wave pool- generating waves up to 3 metres high. Prepare to get knocked off your feet.
Private cabanas & water villas- with air conditioning and restrooms, for those who like their downtime in style.
Dedicated kids' zones- with lifeguards and age-appropriate splash areas, so the little ones have their own adventure.

More Than Slides - A Living Cultural Experience
Andamanda brings Thai heritage to life every single day. Daily live entertainment includes a Muay Thai showcase and "The Story of Andamanda"-a breathtaking live performance of music, dance, and Thai folklore that you will not find in any other water park in the world. The park's mythological sculptures, traditional architecture, and five legend-themed zones make every corner worth exploring and photographing.

Food for Every Taste
Andamanda's dining options are built with all guests in mind. You will find authentic Thai classics alongside international favourites, plus vegetarian, halal, and gluten-free options. Indian favourites are also well-represented: chicken and vegetable samosas, butter chicken, and fragrant biryani keep the whole family happy and energised. With multiple restaurants spread across the park, a great meal is always close by.

Tickets and Visitor Information
Tickets are available online via the official website at andamanda.com.
Advance booking is recommended to ensure availability and access to the best available rates. A full day here never feels long enough. Andamanda keeps the energy high from morning until closing.

Hashtag: #AndamandaPhuket #Phuket #Thailand #WaterPark #TravelThailand #FamilyTravel

https://www.andamandaphuket.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/andamandaphuket
https://www.facebook.com/Andamandaphuket
https://www.instagram.com/andamandaphuket/

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Vietnam's International Financial Center Launches Maritime Financial Ecosystem to Capture USD Billions Flowing Offshore

Thu, 21 May 2026 13:49:00 +0200

HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM - Media OutReach Newswire - 21 May 2026 - Vietnam International Financial Center in Ho Chi Minh City (VIFC-HCMC), in collaboration with Gemadept Corporation and the Ho Chi Minh City Institute for Development Studies, today hosted a high-level forum to officially launch the International Maritime Financial Ecosystem (IMFE) - one of the four strategic pillars of VIFC-HCMC.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Huu Huan (left), Vice Chairman of VIFC-HCMC, and Mr. Nguyen Thanh Binh, General Director of Gemadept Corporation, at the official launch ceremony of the International Maritime Financial Ecosystem (IMFE) in Ho Chi Minh City.

The forum, themed "Developing the International Maritime Financial Ecosystem within the Vietnam International Financial Center in Ho Chi Minh City," took place at the VIFC-HCMC Building, 08 Nguyen Hue Street, District 1, and drew more than 100 senior delegates. Attendees included leaders from central ministries and agencies, the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, representatives from coastal provinces (Da Nang, Khanh Hoa, Kien Giang), domestic and international financial institutions, port and logistics enterprises, and international organisations.

The day's agenda focused on three headline moments: a strategic industry report by Roland Berger, titled "Vietnam Maritime Industry: A Strategic Opportunity for Breakthrough Growth," which benchmarked leading global maritime financial hubs and mapped a roadmap to raise Vietnam's domestic value retention from the current 4-5% to 15% by 2035; the official launch ceremony of the IMFE initiative within VIFC-HCMC; and a memorandum of understanding signed between VIFC-HCMC and Gemadept Corporation, owner and operator of Gemalink International Port in Cai Mep - Thi Vai, formalising Gemadept's role as a founding lead of the initiative. The forum also saw the introduction of the first maritime financial products and initiatives to be developed within the VIFC-HCMC framework.

A seaport system of growing global weight

The ambition behind IMFE is grounded in the rapid rise of southern Vietnam's port infrastructure. Ho Chi Minh City is home to Cat Lai Port - ranked among the world's top 21, handling approximately 7.5 million TEUs annually - and Gemalink International Port in Cai Mep - Thi Vai, capable of receiving ultra-large container vessels. These existing assets are set to be joined by the Can Gio International Transshipment Port, a 571-hectare project with a projected capacity of 17 million TEUs per year, further deepening the city's integration into global logistics and trade networks.

In 2025, the Ho Chi Minh City port system handled over 24 million TEUs, ranking 8th globally according to Lloyd's List, and was associated with approximately USD 200 billion in import-export turnover, accounting for around 20% of Vietnam's total trade value. Surrounding this physical infrastructure, a broad ecosystem of supporting services has expanded significantly, spanning cargo handling, warehousing, freight forwarding, customs clearance, and supply chain management. The total annual trade transaction value flowing through the region - encompassing goods, logistics services, and related financial demand - is estimated at over USD 1 trillion.

The financial gap: billions flowing through offshore centers

However, the scale of this physical activity stands in sharp contrast to the financial value Vietnam currently retains. Despite enormous cargo volumes, most high-value maritime financial services generating the largest profit margin including trade finance, ship financing, marine insurance and reinsurance, international payments, and logistics risk management continue to flow through developed offshore maritime financial centers. Vietnam currently captures only around 4-5% of these financial transaction values domestically, leaving an estimated USD 6-8 billion in potential value accessible but unrealised. To complete the maritime value chain and retain these economic benefits onshore, Vietnam must evolve beyond purely physical cargo transshipment. The gradual development of a comprehensive maritime financial ecosystem is an essential and inevitable strategic step.

IMFE: from vision to institutional launch

Against this backdrop, the IMFE initiative took shape as a core component of VIFC-HCMC, with Gemadept Corporation serving as a founding lead. The initiative was first introduced on September 12, 2025, during the symposium "Ho Chi Minh City - A Modern, High-End, High-Value Service Hub," where Gemadept presented a strategic vision of integrating Vietnam's deep-sea port infrastructure with a dedicated maritime financial ecosystem. To materialise that vision, the corporation cooperates with the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, leading to its official designation as a Strategic Member of VIFC-HCMC on February 11, 2026, at the Center's Launching Ceremony. Today, as the operator of Gemalink - a major deep-sea gateway at Cai Mep - Thi Vai - Gemadept is focused on channeling high-value capital flows and advanced financial services directly into Ho Chi Minh City's real maritime economy.

With this foundation in place, today's forum pursues three concrete objectives: to officially launch the IMFE as a strategic platform designed to localise maritime financial capital and services, laying the groundwork for Ho Chi Minh City to emerge as one of the region's leading maritime hubs; to connect financial institutions, banks, insurance companies, shipping lines, logistics enterprises, and international organisations within an integrated ecosystem, bringing the port-to-finance model to life in Vietnam; and to introduce the first maritime financial products and initiatives, creating mechanisms for Vietnamese enterprises to access financing, insurance, and risk management tools domestically rather than through foreign intermediaries.

"Ports such as Can Gio and Cai Mep-Thi Vai are transshipment hubs for cargo flows - VIFC-HCMC must become the transshipment hub for capital flows serving Vietnam's maritime economy," said Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Huu Huan, Vice Chairman of VIFC-HCMC.

Hashtag: #VIFC

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"AI with HKPC" Smart Solutions Showcase Series Returns

Thu, 21 May 2026 13:28:58 +0200

Driving Industrial Upgrading and Widespread AI Adoption through Smart Manufacturing, Public Services and "AI for All" Training

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 21 May 2026 - The national 15th Five-Year Plan advocates deepening the "AI+" initiative, promoting the extensive integration of AI across all sectors of the economy and society. The HKSAR Government has clearly positioned AI as a core industry and is accelerating the establishment of the Committee on AI+ and Industry Development Strategy to fast-track AI adoption across sectors. Following the overwhelming success of the inaugural showcase held in February this year, the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) today once again presents the "AI with HKPC" Smart Solutions Showcase Series. Featuring nearly 50 innovative AI solutions, the showcase focuses on three major themes: AI forManufacturing, InnovatingPublic Services, and AI Training for All. The event actively responds to the Government's call to empower industries through AI and promote the transition from pilot projects to large-scale deployment. The event has received an enthusiastic response, attracting around 3,000 registrants from the Government, industry, academia and research sectors, reflecting strong market demand for AI solutions. The opening ceremony was officiated by Mr. Kevin CHOI, JP, Permanent Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government, and Mr. Mohamed BUTT, MH, Executive Director of HKPC.

Mr. Kevin CHOI, JP, Permanent Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government, said: "This year's Budget Announcement continues the Government's overall industry-oriented development approach, with innovation and technology as a key driver and financial empowerment as a central theme. It also puts forward a series of measures to promote the AI development. Over the past few years, the Government has enhanced the strategic layout for AI development, laying a solid foundation for both the industrialisation of AI and the integration of AI across industries. These efforts include establishing an AI Supercomputing Centre, launching a $3 billion AI Subsidy Scheme, and advancing AI research and development through InnoHK. Nevertheless, the most important priority remains "AI for All", ensuring the comprehensive advancement of "AI+" across the whole community. HKPC is a key partner of the Government. At the same time, close collaboration among stakeholders in innovation and technology, industry, commerce and education is essential to fully harness the potential of AI. Talent and enterprises are welcome to explore development opportunities in Hong Kong, whether by establishing a presence or expanding their operations here."

Mr. Mohamed BUTT, MH, Executive Director of HKPC, stated: " Continuously advancing the 'AI Plus' initiative is one of the key national work priorities for this year. In a guideline to implement the 'AI Plus'initiative, the State Council has also clearly specified key performance indicators for the short-term (2027), medium-term (2030) and long-term (2035) phases, with the ultimate goal of fully building an intelligent economy and an intelligent society across the country. The HKSAR Government's clear positioning of AI as a core industry has greatly encouraged the innovation and technology sector. HKPC actively aligns with the national plan and supports the HKSAR Government's initiatives, making AI a key development priority, spanning technology integration and innovation, AI governance and cyber security, as well as talent development. Through this one-stop approach, we aim to support enterprises in leveraging AI to upgrade and transform industries, while also promoting broader public awareness and adoption of AI."

Mr. BUTT added that he was delighted to see the successful return of the AI Solutions Showcase with wider industry participation. The exhibition aims to bring AI from "visibility" to "affordability, accuracy and security", enabling wider adoption across industries and increasing AI penetration. HKPC will continue working with all sectors to advance the popularisation, industrialisation and application of AI, supporting Hong Kong 's development as a leading hub for AI innovation and application.

The themed programme, "AI for Manufacturing: Redefining Productivity in the AI Era", showcases a wide range of innovative applications, demonstrating how AI reshapes manufacturing sector, comprehensively enhances productivity, product quality and operational efficiency. Key solutions include:

Magnetic Crawling Robot for corrosion inspection of pipeline: Developed by HKPC in collaboration with the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD), it leverages AI-assisted visual inspection to detect internal and external pipe corrosion, enabling predictive maintenance.
Autonomous Air-ground Cooperative Tunnel Inspector: The system was jointly developed by HKPC, the Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD), and Hyder-Meinhardt Joint Venture, integrated with AI, robotics, and millimetre-level positioning in GPS-denied environments for quality inspection and maintenance in the Trunk Road T2 and Cha Kwo Ling Tunnel project.
StationInspector: Co-developed by HKPC and MTR Corporation, it features AI-enhanced 3D visual scanning, advanced sensors and deep learning to accurately identify risks, navigate autonomously, generate reports and provide predictive maintenance recommendations, efficiently detecting safety hazards in stations.

In addition, HKPC's self-developed open AI platform "HKPC Picasso" integrates a variety of standardised core AI modules. Enterprises can quickly deploy vision inspection, large language model (LLM) and other capabilities without building infrastructure from scratch, achieving efficient and internationally compliant intelligent transformation. This helps enterprises overcome integration challenges, cost concerns, and security risks in AI adoption.

The "Innovating Public Services, Driving the AI Transformation" stream focuses on AI applications in Government processes, medical diagnostics and data analysis to enhance public service efficiency and risk management capabilities. The event invites speakers from the Digital Policy Office, Hong Kong Generative AI Research & Development Centre and Cyberport to explore how AI infrastructure empowers public services. Industry leaders including Alibaba Cloud, Huawei, Intertek and Shadow Bot also join HKPC experts to share insights on smart governance, data governance and automated approval. Key solutions cover AI-enabled digital public service platforms, AI healthcare applications, and smart systems for data security and leakage prevention, demonstrating how AI improves the quality and security of public services.

The "FutureSkills: AI Training for ALL" stream aims to cultivate AI talent and prepare the workforce for future challenges. In recent years, the HKSAR Government has actively promoted territory-wide AI training and enhanced AI literacy. In response, HKPC Academy has launched the "Future Skills with AI" Framework to support the "AI for All" initiative. Through professional training programmes and certification covering AI knowledge, technology applications, business management and growth mindset, the framework comprehensively enhances the future workplace competitiveness of working professionals, technology practitioners, business leaders, educators and families.The themed forum, "Enabling the Human + AI Workforce", explores in depth the evolving workplace ecosystem driven by human-AI collaboration, as well as strategies for organisational transformation and leadership action. A series of AI training workshops and expert sharing sessions further cover topics such as Vibe Coding for workplace empowerment, the new era of precision administration, human-machine collaboration, and AI-driven education.

Furthermore, HKPC signed Memoranda of Understanding with numerous schools and educational organisations, including the Subsidized Primary Schools Council, The Association of Hong Kong Chinese Middle Schools, Hong Kong Subsidized Secondary Schools Council, Hong Kong Aided Primary School Heads Association, Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong, The Hong Kong Association for Computer Education, and Hong Kong Federation of Education Workers TechEd Centre , to jointly promote AI education. The AI education programmes are expected to reach over 500 primary and secondary schools across Hong Kong, fostering future digital talent and strengthening the translation of industry-academia outcomes into real-world impact.

Click here to download the high-resolution photos

Mr. Kevin CHOI, JP, Permanent Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government, attends the opening ceremony of the "AI with HKPC" Smart Solutions Showcase Series, supporting the integration of AI into industries and the "AI for All" programme.
Mr. Mohamed BUTT, MH, Executive Director of the HKPC, encourages enterprises to actively adopt AI to enhance productivity, product quality and operational efficiency at the opening ceremony.
Officiating guests and industry representatives take a group photo to witness the success of the "AI with HKPC" Smart Solutions Showcase Series Returns.
The showcase features nearly 50 AI solutions and on-site demonstrations, presenting the practical application of AI across various industries and offering actionable transformation pathways for enterprises and organisations.

Hashtag: #HKPC

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

About the Hong Kong Productivity Council

The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) is a statutory body established in 1967, dedicated to enhancing the productivity and competitiveness of Hong Kong enterprises through world-class applied R&D, innovative technology services, and integrated manufacturing solutions. As a market-oriented, international R&D organisation, HKPC leverages its deep expertise and extensive industry experience in key areas such as AI, advanced manufacturing, life and health technology, green technology and new energy to drive new industrialisation and support the growth of emerging and future industries.

HKPC focuses on addressing businesses challenges and industrial technology needs, promoting the full integration between technological and industrial innovation. Through technology transfer, product innovation, intellectual property protection and commercialisation of R&D outcomes, the Council fosters collaboration with the local business community as well as top global R&D institutions, delivering added value to industries and advancing the development of new productive forces. HKPC's world-class R&D achievements have been widely recognised over the years, winning an array of local and overseas accolades, reinforcing Hong Kong's role as an international innovation and technology centre and a smart city.

To help enterprises capitalise on Hong Kong's strengths in international connectivity to expand into global markets, HKPC offers comprehensive overseas expansion services tailored to critical areas including product development, technology, manufacturing, and management, enabling businesses to successfully go global from Hong Kong.

HKPC is also committed to providing timely and practical support to SMEs and startups with timely and practical, assisting them in accessing Government funding programmes. Through its FutureSkills training initiatives, HKPC helps both industry and academia stay ahead in latest digital and STEM technologies, nurturing a future-ready talent pool for Hong Kong.

For more information, please visit HKPC's website: www.hkpc.org/en.

Hainan Economic and Trade Delegation Visits the U.S., Focusing on Trade and Investment Cooperation

Thu, 21 May 2026 12:28:53 +0200

SAN FRANCISCO, USA - Media OutReach Newswire - 21 May 2026 - From May 11 to 14, a Hainan economic and trade delegation, jointly organized by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Hainan Provincial Committee (CCPIT Hainan)and the Hainan Youth Federation, visited the United States to conduct business exchange activities aimed at accelerating bilateral trade and investment between Hainan and the U.S. The delegation, comprising over 20 members, included heads of enterprises and institutions from sectors such as international trade, port logistics, digital technology, marine environmental protection, legal services, and modern agriculture.

China (Hainan Free Trade Port)-U.S. (San Francisco) Economic and Trade Exchange Meeting

At the China (Hainan Free Trade Port)-U.S. (San Francisco) Economic and Trade Exchange Meeting, the delegation highlighted the policy advantages and innovative achievements of the Hainan Free Trade Port to American enterprises. The two sides engaged in extensive exchanges in areas such as international trade, modern services, high-tech industries, and cross-border investment.

The head of the delegation noted that since the Hainan Free Trade Port began island-wide special customs operations on December 18, 2025, policy dividends have been steadily unleashed. The customs supervision model of "freer access at the first line, regulated access at the second line" has been fully implemented. The number of zero-tariff commodity items has been expanded to 6,631. Additionally, the policy of exempting tariffs on processed goods with a value-added rate exceeding 30% has created new cost advantages for cooperation between Chinese and U.S. enterprises.

Sean Randolph, a representative of the Bay Area Council, stated that direct exchanges between companies are essential for establishing long-term cooperative relationships. He noted that the San Francisco Bay Area, as a key gateway for Pacific trade, has maintained long-standing economic ties with Asia, particularly China. As the Hainan Free Trade Port continues to develop, sectors such as services, life sciences, and tourism are creating new opportunities for collaboration with California-based businesses.

During the visit, the delegation also participated in the 2026 China-California Economic and Trade Forum and held business negotiations with U.S. companies. The CCPIT Hainan signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Sino America Business Information Center to support the establishment of a platform for bilateral economic and trade cooperation and exchanges.

In addition, the delegation visited institutions such as the American-Chinese CEO Society, the Huamei Business Information Center, the Silicon Valley Open Intelligent Culture Foundation, and Sidley Austin LLP, engaging in in-depth exchanges on cross-border investment , specialized industry development, and commercial legal matters.

In June 2020, China unveiled a master plan to build the whole of Hainan Island into a globally influential and high-level free trade port by the middle of the century. The initiative reached a major milestone in December last year with the launch of island-wide special customs operations, which marked the completion of the first key step toward that goal.

The move has turned the island into a special customs supervision zone, allowing freer trade between Hainan and areas outside China's customs borders, while enforcing standard customs controls for goods moving from Hainan to the mainland.Hashtag: #CPITHainan

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From Africa to Asia: InvestHK wraps up strategic visit to South Africa and Rwanda riding on Global South momentum (with photos)

Thu, 21 May 2026 12:08:51 +0200

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 21 May 2026 - Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion of Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) Ms Loretta Lee concluded a successful mission to South Africa and Rwanda today (May 18), reinforcing Hong Kong's position as the strategic launchpad for African and Global South enterprises seeking offshore business growth into the Chinese Mainland and the broader Asia-Pacific region.

Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion of Invest Hong Kong Ms Loretta Lee concluded a successful mission to South Africa and Rwanda today (May 18), reinforcing Hong Kong's position as the strategic launchpad for African and Global South enterprises seeking offshore business growth into the Chinese Mainland and the broader Asia-Pacific region. Photo shows Ms Lee (fourth left) and the Minister Counsellor in charge of Economic and Commercial Affairs of the Chinese Embassy in South Africa, Ms Liu Yu (fourth right), with other guests at a luncheon event in Johannesburg, South Africa, on May 11 (Johannesburg time).

During her visit to Johannesburg (May 10 to13) (Johannesburg time), Ms Lee engaged with a diverse range of leading enterprises and industry bodies. Discussions focused on how Hong Kong's robust business environment can empower African enterprises to effectively manage and scale their expanding Asian operations.

Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion of Invest Hong Kong Ms Loretta Lee concluded a successful mission to South Africa and Rwanda today (May 18), reinforcing Hong Kong's position as the strategic launchpad for African and Global South enterprises seeking offshore business growth into the Chinese Mainland and the broader Asia-Pacific region. Photo shows Ms Lee (centre) meeting with local media at the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, Rwanda, on May 15 (Kigali time).

Ms Lee also met with local chambers of commerce and government investment agencies to explore new avenues for collaboration. She highlighted that Africa is one of the InvestHK's key markets, as many African enterprises are now looking to diversify their funding sources and simplify cross-border transactions through Hong Kong's deep capital markets and unique connectivity with Chinese Mainland.

Ms Lee said, "Africa has emerged as a vital engine of growth within the Global South. Our journey of thousands of miles to Africa begins with a meaningful step. For African corporates looking for a trusted and strategic partner to expand into the Chinese Mainland and the Asia-Pacific region, the interest, relationships, and momentum are building up. Hong Kong has vast potential to play a unique role linking capital, talent, and innovation between Africa and our part of the world, while InvestHK will continue to be a driver of this interconnectivity, facilitating two-way investment through strategic market insights, extensive global access, targeted promotion, and policy facilitation. "

Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion of Invest Hong Kong Ms Loretta Lee concluded a successful mission to South Africa and Rwanda today (May 18), reinforcing Hong Kong's position as the strategic launchpad for African and Global South enterprises seeking offshore business growth into the Chinese Mainland and the broader Asia-Pacific region. Photo shows Ms Lee (fourth left) at a local marketing agency in Johannesburg, South Africa, on May 13 (Johannesburg time).

The Minister Counsellor in charge of Economic and Commercial Affairs of the Chinese Embassy in South Africa, Ms Liu Yu, said, "The synergy between South Africa and Hong Kong in the economic and trade fields is both complementary and strategically significant. Under the framework of the 15th Five-Year Plan, Hong Kong's status as a global offshore Renminbi hub and an international asset management centre provides a professional one-stop platform for enterprises to go global. We encourage South African and Chinese Mainland enterprises in South Africa to leverage Hong Kong's unique professional advantages to optimise their supply chain layouts and achieve high-quality, mutually beneficial development."

Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion of Invest Hong Kong Ms Loretta Lee concluded a successful mission to South Africa and Rwanda today (May 18), reinforcing Hong Kong's position as the strategic launchpad for African and Global South enterprises seeking offshore business growth into the Chinese Mainland and the broader Asia-Pacific region. Photo shows Ms Lee (third right) at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange on May 12 (Johannesburg time).

The President of the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI), Mr Mtho Xulu, said, "We want to see the relationship beyond our borders, where we take companies from South Africa into Hong Kong, using the city as a platform to scale into the bigger markets. Whether it's for innovation, manufacturing, or industrialisation, we want to look at how we can collaborate further and bring the two places closer together. This ecosystem is exactly what our members need to unlock high-value opportunities on the Chinese Mainland and across Asia."

The visit culminated in Kigali, Rwanda, where Ms Lee represented InvestHK at the Africa CEO Forum, engaging in high-level discussions with C-suite executives from the continent's leading multinationals on May 14 and 15 (Kigali time).

Continuing the momentum of two-way economic ties, InvestHK will host an Africa Day Reception in Hong Kong on May 26, assembling local African business communities to explore new avenues for cross-border collaboration.
Hashtag: #InvestHK

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

G.O.D Introduces Hawthorn Dark Chocolate Sticks

Thu, 21 May 2026 12:08:49 +0200

A Hong Kong-Made Nostalgic Treat with a Modern Twist

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 21 May 2026 - Dark chocolate orange sticks have taken the world by storm-now reimagined in Hong Kong style ahead of G.O.D's 30th anniversary, with an exclusive, never-before-created flavour.

G.O.D. presents Hawthorn Dark Chocolate Sticks, a uniquely local reinterpretation of the beloved dark chocolate orange stick and the cherished childhood favourite: Haw Flakes.

Made in Hong Kong by a well-established chocolate manufacturer - renowned for producing for some of the world's highest-quality brands - each stick combines smooth dark chocolate with sweet and tangy hawthorn, delivering a distinctive balance of indulgence and nostalgia.

Each box contains 110g of hawthorn-filled dark chocolate sticks, individually wrapped for convenience and freshness. The charming gift box (7.5cm diameter x 7.2cm height) pays homage to the iconic design of traditional Haw Flakes.

Availability & Details
The Hawthorn Dark Chocolate Sticks are available exclusively at G.O.D. retail stores and the official e-shop, while stocks last. Each box is priced at HK$198, making it an ideal gift or a personal indulgence.

Hashtag: #goodsofdesire #godhk #GODHK30

https://god.com.hk/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/godhk/
https://x.com/hkgoodsofdesire
https://www.facebook.com/goodsofdesire
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https://www.threads.com/@goodsofdesire

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

G.O.D. (Goods of Desire)

G.O.D. (Goods of Desire) is a homegrown Hong Kong brand celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. Rooted in design and lifestyle heritage, the brand creates products with distinctive aesthetic and character, showcasing Hong Kong's history and culture to an international audience. The name 「住好啲」means "to live better", and in Cantonese it is phonetically similar to the English abbreviation "G.O.D."

Synology Launches PAS7700 Optimized Storage System for High-Intensity Data Operation Environments

Thu, 21 May 2026 08:28:34 +0200

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 21 May 2026 - Synology today announced the general availability of PAS7700, the company's first active-active, all flash NVMe storage system. Built for mission-critical workloads, PAS7700 delivers enterprise-grade performance, uninterrupted resilience, and optimized operational efficiency.

Synology PAS7700 delivers ultra-high performance, active-active availability and sub-millisecond latency for mission-critical workloads.

As AI, data analytics, and virtualization platforms continue to reshape how Singapore enterprises operate their IT infrastructure, storage is no longer merely a place to keep data. It has become the foundation behind core operational applications. As a result, organizations are placing greater demands on access speed, service continuity, and long-term operational stability. This is also why enterprises are increasingly seeking high-performance storage platforms that can maintain reliable operations over time.

"PAS7700 reflects Synology's 25+ years of experience in storage and our close collaboration with enterprise customers to address evolving requirements for high availability, performance, and scalability," said Bie-i Chu, Executive Vice President of the Synology NAS Group. "After a year of extensive real-world validation through our enterprise proof-of-concept program, PAS7700 is field-proven to deliver high reliability and performance, while helping customers lower total cost of ownership (TCO)."

A Storage Platform for Mission-Critical Systems
PAS7700 is equipped with dual controllers and 48 NVMe SSD bays in a 4U chassis, and can scale up to 1.65 PB of raw storage capacity with up to seven expansion units. The system supports both file and block storage and offers broad protocol support, including NVMe-oF, iSCSI, Fibre Channel, SMB, and NFS.

With up to 2,048 GB of memory* and 100GbE networking, PAS7700 delivers up to 2 million IOPS, latency of under 1 millisecond and sequential throughput of up to 30 GB/s.

PAS7700 is designed for environments that require real-time data processing, such as virtualization, databases and large-scale data processing environments. It also targets performance-intensive and always-on workloads such as VDI, EDA and AI.

In addition, the solution is well suited for organizations operating data-intensive infrastructure in sectors such as data centers, manufacturing, semiconductor design, game development, and healthcare. These environments typically process large volumes of data concurrently and require systems that can sustain consistent performance and continuous service availability.

Designed to Minimize System Disruption
One of PAS7700's most notable strengths is its active-active architecture, which enables both controllers to operate simultaneously rather than relying on a traditional active-standby model. If one controller or a network component fails, the system can continue delivering services, significantly reducing the risk of business disruption.

The system is built with multiple protection layers to ensure high availability, including triple-parity RAID, mirrored write cache protection, IP failover, and automatic failover mechanisms.

PAS7700 also includes Continuous Availability Manager that enables enterprise IT teams to visually monitor the health status of each system component and detect and address issues quickly before they affect services.

Multi-Layer Data Protection for Enterprises
Synology places strong emphasis on enterprise data protection. PAS7700 supports Self-Encrypting Drives (SEDs), providing hardware-level protection without compromising system performance.

The system also supports WORM folders and immutable snapshots, allowing snapshots to remain protected from unauthorized modification or deletion after creation, thereby reducing the risk of tampering and unauthorized data interference.

In addition, PAS7700 features Snapshot Replication and Hyper Backup that enable enterprises to build multiple layers of backup and recovery between production environments and secondary systems. This helps strengthen cyber resilience and improve data recoverability in the event of incidents or cyberattacks.

Lower Cost, Greater Efficiency
Beyond performance, Synology also addresses the challenge of optimizing long-term storage investment for enterprises. As many businesses in Singapore continue expanding their data infrastructure, virtual machines and internal AI workloads, the cost of high-speed storage is exerting increasing pressure on IT environments.

PAS7700 supports both inline and offline deduplication technologies to help reduce unnecessary data usage and extend SSD lifespan. This mechanism can significantly improve storage efficiency in large-scale data environments.

In the near future, the system will also support Synology Tiering, which automatically moves infrequently accessed data to high-capacity storage systems. This helps free up high-speed NVMe resources for active applications and hot data.

The entire platform runs on DSM Enterprise, Synology's operating system developed specifically for enterprise storage, and is designed for environments that require high performance while maintaining intuitive management and operational simplicity.

PAS7700 is now available globally through Synology's network of partners and distributors.

For more product information, please visit: www.synology.com/products/PAS7700.

*Memory module is upgradable to 1,024GB per node; 2,048GB for the whole PAS7700 system.

Hashtag: #Synology, #PAS7700

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

About Synology

Founded in Taiwan in 2000, Synology is a technology company specializing in network-attached storage (NAS), data backup and recovery, video surveillance, and networking solutions for businesses and individuals worldwide. Over the past two decades, Synology has continuously expanded its ecosystem to help users manage, protect, and unlock the value of data more effectively in the era of cloud, AI, and big data.

Synology's core philosophy is to build a comprehensive hybrid-cloud ecosystem that enables businesses to protect, synchronize, and manage data through a centralized, intuitive, and easy-to-operate platform. From enterprise storage, data backup, file sharing, and collaboration to video surveillance and network infrastructure, Synology's solutions are designed to simplify IT management and accelerate digital transformation.

Alongside ongoing technology innovation, Synology also focuses strongly on long-term stability, security, and scalability for data infrastructure. More than half of Fortune 500 companies use Synology solutions, reflecting the brand's credibility and ability to support large-scale data operations worldwide.

Website: https://www.synology.com/en-sg

Spanish scientists who defeated Asian hornet win Golden Bee Award

Thu, 21 May 2026 08:10:23 +0200

Researchers from Mallorca who pulled off what many considered nearly impossible - the eradication of the invasive Asian hornet - have won this year's Golden Bee Award, an international award for pollinator protection handed out by Slovenia.

The award, presented on World Bee Day, went to Bee-etal Lab, a research group based at the University of the Balearic Islands. The team was recognised for combining ecological modelling, genetic analysis and field work to eliminate the Asian hornet from Mallorca, becoming the first group in Europe to achieve such a feat on an island scale.

The Asian hornet, an invasive predator native to Southeast Asia, has spread across large parts of Europe over the past two decades, threatening bee populations and biodiversity. The insect preys heavily on honeybees and other pollinators, alarming beekeepers and environmentalists alike.

The Agriculture Ministry said the Bee-etal Lab team stood out among 13 nominations from 10 countries. The jury praised the researchers for developing "advanced methods for invasive species management" and for closely cooperating with farmers, beekeepers and public services.

President Nataša Pirc Musar handed the award to Bee-etal Lab leader Maria del Mar Leza Salord, who stressed that the success in Mallorca was only possible through cooperation between scientists, beekeepers, local communities and public institutions.

"Only by working together can we achieve great results," she said, adding that bees "carry not only pollen, but the very life of our planet."

The Golden Bee Award was established by Slovenia in 2021 as part of the country's broader international campaign to raise awareness about the importance of bees and other pollinators.

The award is presented annually on 20 May, World Bee Day, which is the result of a Slovenian initiative adopted unanimously by the United Nations in 2017. The date marks the birthday of Anton Janša, an 18th-century Slovenian beekeeper regarded as one of the pioneers of modern apiculture.

Over the years, the Golden Bee Award has gone to researchers, conservationists and organisations from around the world, including Argentina, Australia, Serbia and, Poland.

Slovenia hopes the prize will eventually become the leading international recognition in the field of bee and pollinator protection.

Eden at Botanica CT: At the forefront of Malaysia's Shift to Independent and Active Senior Living

Thu, 21 May 2026 08:08:32 +0200

Opening in 2027, the integrated development in Penang redefines retirement with a connected and community-driven environment

PENANG, MALAYSIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 21 May 2026 - Eden at Botanica CT, the first integrated senior living resort in Penang, is set to open in 2027 in Balik Pulau. Developed by Eden at Botanica CT Sdn Bhd, a joint venture between Botanica Hills Sdn Bhd and Eden-On-The-Park Sdn Bhd, the project brings together retirement living, wellness and healthcare, lifestyle and community in one purpose-built ecosystem offering older adults a purposeful and independent way of life.

Founded by Dato' Seri Kenny Ong, Director of Eden at Botanica CT and Chairman of MTT Group, together with Victor Fong, Director of Eden at Botanica CT, the development comprises 350 purpose-built residential units within a thoughtfully designed environment that supports comfortable, secure and independent living. The residence is intended primarily for individuals aged 60 and above, while also welcoming secondary residents, including adult children below the age of 60, fostering a supportive multigenerational community.

Nestled in a self-contained, self-sustaining township in Penang's Balik Pulau known for its agricultural tourism - with durian, nutmeg, and clove products as its attractions - Eden at Botanica CT, with its low-density surroundings exudes a perfect retreat-like home setting within easy reach of the city.

Residents enjoy access to a range of integrated amenities, including a dedicated care centre and lifestyle and recreational facilities. These are complemented by services such as licensed nursing care at the care residence, medical record management, 24-hour carers on standby for emergencies, wellness and activity programmes, as well as optional on-demand services including housekeeping, dining and home nursing assistance at an additional fee.

Further enhancing the development's comprehensive care ecosystem, a medical centre located within the wider Botanica.CT township is just minutes away, providing residents with convenient access to additional healthcare services whenever needed.

Designed with retirement living in mind, the residences incorporate practical features such as wider layouts and lower switch points to enhance accessibility and ease of movement. Beyond the homes, shared spaces and recreational facilities are curated to encourage social interaction and active living, while a robust security system provides added peace of mind. Together, these elements create a balanced environment where residents can enjoy rest and rejuvenation, while remaining socially connected and supported in their day-to-day lives.

While Malaysia is steadily transitioning towards being an 'aged nation', a term referring to a country where 14% or more of its population is aged 65 and above, the demographic change is accompanied by a growing demand for active living by senior citizens - especially those in urban areas.

"Many now are looking to remain independent and continue contributing to society," says MTT Group of Companies' Group Property and Asset Director, Mr Leonard Theng, adding that the company developed Eden at Botanica CT to honour retirement as a new phase of life that connects rather than isolates, and promotes independent living rather than restriction. "It is our vision to provide discerning seniors with a home that could bring about the desired sense of peace, purpose, connection, and continued growth."

Currently, most senior living facilities offer paid stays as opposed to actually owning one's home. "Our holistic concept to housing is ideal for multigenerational families as the adult children can rest assured that their parents are well taken cared off while the latter will not feel they are burdening their offspring," continues Theng.

While most senior citizens may want their mornings to be unhurried and free from deadlines and duties, they still expect their days to be purposeful. They want to feel connected - through family, friendship, or shared routines. This simple yet profound desire to feel the vibrancy of life is achievable at Eden at Botanica CT where distinguished seniors have the space to do what truly matters to them.

The property is a shared vision by two experienced companies, Eden-On-The-Park Sdn Bhd, an award-winning fully accredited aged care provider in Malaysia and Botanica Hills Sdn Bhd. Together, they envisage an integrated senior living concept that embraces a holistic environment where residents can enjoy a quality retirement lifestyle.

When independence is respected and a sense of belonging is cultivated, one can create communities where people do not simply reside - they thrive, contribute, and most importantly, continue to evolve right from their home.

Eden at Botanica CT (EABC) is scheduled to be completed in July 2027. Visit our sales gallery for viewing of our show homes. For enquiries and registration, please visit https://www.edenatbotanicact.com.my/

For images, click here

Hashtag: #EdenAtBotanicaCT #EABC #LifeInPenang #PenangHome #RetirementLiving #SeniorLiving

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

About Eden at Botanica CT

Set within the serene surroundings of Botanica.CT in Penang, Eden at Botanica CT is a purpose-built senior living community spanning approximately 4.8 acres and comprising 350 thoughtfully designed residences set within a self-sustained township, complemented by green spaces and a commercial hub of eateries and retail, the Prince of Wales International School, Selgate Medical Centre (completion planned in 2029/2030), Care Residence, and other lifestyle facilities. Designed for independent and fulfilling later years, the development brings together private living, wellness and shared community spaces. The development is expected to be completed by 2027. Developed by Eden at Botanica CT Sdn Bhd, a joint venture between Botanica Hills Sdn Bhd and Eden-On-The-Park Sdn Bhd, Eden at Botanica CT reflects a fresh approach to retirement living in Malaysia, centred on active living, community and wellbeing. For more information, visit https://www.edenatbotanicact.com.my/

VinFast Officially Rolls Out VF MPV 7 At Subang Plant, Accelerating Localization Strategy In Indonesia

Thu, 21 May 2026 07:28:29 +0200

JAKARTA, INDONESIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 21 May 2026 - As part of the VF MPV 7 experiential event in Indonesia, VinFast officially announced the rollout of the VF MPV 7 electric vehicle from its Subang plant in West Java. This milestone marks a significant step forward in the Company's global manufacturing expansion strategy and reinforces its long-term commitment to one of Southeast Asia's most promising EV markets.

Mr. Kariyanto Hardjosoemarto, CEO of VinFast Indonesia, announced the rollout of the VF MPV 7 electric vehicle from its Subang plant in West Java.

The announcement was made during a four-day VF MPV 7 customer experience program held at Laguna, Central Park Mall, for Indonesian customers, partners, and media representatives. Through a series of test drives and hands-on activities, VinFast aims to provide consumers with the opportunity to directly experience the vehicle's smooth performance, spacious interior, and advanced smart technologies that define this strategic electric MPV model.

In particular, the first 2,000 customers purchasing the VF MPV 7 will enjoy a special cashback incentive of IDR 16 million. In addition, VinFast customers will also benefit from free charging at V-Green charging stations in Indonesia until March 31, 2029.

The VF MPV 7 is the premium version of the Limo Green lineup, comprehensively refined in terms of design, features, and technology to deliver an elevated experience for family-oriented customers. The model continues VinFast's signature design philosophy, combining modern elegance with the practicality expected from a mid-size MPV.

Mr. Kariyanto Hardjosoemarto, CEO of VinFast Indonesia, said: "The VF MPV 7 is a strategic product within VinFast's electric vehicle portfolio in Indonesia, reaffirming our long-term investment commitment and sustainable development vision for the market. The rollout of the first VF MPV 7 from the Subang plant marks an important milestone in our localization journey, enhancing competitiveness while delivering high-quality, intelligent, and accessible electric vehicles tailored to the real-world needs of modern urban families in Indonesia."

Built around the golden proportions characteristic of MPV design, the VF MPV 7 features wheels positioned toward the corners of the body to maximize cabin space. The exterior is distinguished by soft, flowing lines combined with strong body surfaces, creating a look that is both robust and sophisticated.

Measuring 4,740 x 1,872 x 1,734 mm with a wheelbase of up to 2,840 mm, the VF MPV 7 offers a spacious interior that exceeds expectations within its segment, ensuring comfort for all seven passengers on every journey.

The cockpit is designed with a modern, user-centric approach, featuring a leather-wrapped D-cut steering wheel with integrated multifunction controls, a steering column-mounted electronic gear selector, and a 10.1-inch central infotainment display supporting Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. All seats are upholstered in premium synthetic leather, complemented by an automatic air-conditioning system with PM 2.5 air filtration and dedicated air vents for all three seating rows, enhancing comfort for every passenger.

In terms of performance, the VF MPV 7 is equipped with an electric motor delivering a maximum output of 150 kW (201 hp) and peak torque of 280 Nm, providing smooth acceleration and the refined driving experience characteristic of electric vehicles. Its 60.2 kWh battery pack enables a driving range of up to 450 km on a full charge, based on NEDC standards.

Advanced fast-charging technology allows the battery to charge from 10% to 70% in approximately 30 minutes, maximizing convenience for daily use and long-distance travel.

The VF MPV 7 is also equipped with a suite of intelligent technologies, including a virtual assistant with Indonesian voice control, remote vehicle management and location services via smartphone app, and a comprehensive range of active and passive safety features. The vehicle comes with rear parking assist, a rear-view camera, cruise control, and a reinforced chassis structure, ensuring peace of mind for customers on every journey.

The VF MPV 7 is priced in Jakarta starting from IDR 420 million for the battery-included version, and from IDR 345 million for the battery subscription version. VinFast's battery subscription policy is designed with flexibility to suit different usage needs, with monthly subscription fees starting from IDR 880,000.

The rollout of the first VF MPV 7 comes just months after VinFast officially inaugurated its electric vehicle plant in Subang, West Java, in December 2025. The development marks a significant milestone in VinFast's strategy to strengthen its global manufacturing footprint.

The VinFast Subang plant is built on a 171-hectare site and will be developed in multiple phases, with total projected investment exceeding USD 1 billion. In future phases, the plant's production capacity is expected to reach up to 350,000 vehicles annually, positioning it to meet growing domestic demand while supporting exports to regional markets.

After commencing operations, the plant began producing the VF 3, VF 5, VF 6, VF 7, and VF MPV 7 models, and will continue to expand its product lineup in the near future in line with VinFast's growth strategy in Southeast Asia.

In just approximately two years of presence in Indonesia, VinFast has introduced a diverse product lineup, expanded its nationwide dealership and after-sales service network, and partnered with global charging infrastructure developer V-Green to rapidly expand charging coverage across the country. At the same time, VinFast has collaborated with leading banks and financial institutions to provide flexible financing solutions that make electric vehicles more accessible to consumers.

Through pioneering policies and a well-structured investment strategy, VinFast is steadily advancing Indonesia's green transition while reinforcing its position as one of the leading players driving the electrification revolution in Asia.

Hashtag: #VinFast

https://vinfastauto.id/

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

Domino's Malaysia Unveils the Truth Behind Viral Radio Moment

Thu, 21 May 2026 05:48:21 +0200

What seemed like an accidental glitch turns out to be a clever stunt celebrating Domino's new brand idea, "Unbox Your Cravings."

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 21 May 2026 - What seemed like an accidental on-air glitch during Era FM's Petang Era broadcast has been revealed as a cheeky stunt by Domino's Pizza Malaysia. During the live segment, the usual flow of the show came to a sudden halt, replaced by faint chatter and laughter drifting through the airwaves, leaving listeners both puzzled and curious.

"Every craving is a calling. And cravings don't wait"

It all started when Haziq mentioned his pizza craving with co-hosts Muna and Der. Then the aroma of freshly delivered pizzas drifted into the studio, and his craving got the better of him. He stepped out of the studio, while Muna and Der kept the show going, unaware that their mics were still on, leaving listeners to hear every bit of their conversation. The moment felt real, and it struck a chord with listeners nationwide.

Naturally, the internet had questions. Clips from the unexpected on-air moment quickly spread across social media, with listeners and creators reacting in real time to what many believed was an actual live radio slip-up.

"On-air can wait. Cravings can't"

Era FM eventually addressed the incident in a statement, explaining that listeners had accidentally overheard an off-air conversation between the DJs about a topic very close to their hearts and stomachs. "Our team always strives to deliver entertaining and engaging content for listeners, but sometimes the most authentic human moments naturally shine through," the station shared.

"Live radio is unpredictable, and sometimes, cravings simply get the better of you." Era FM also thanked listeners for embracing the moment in good spirit while encouraging continued support for Haziq, Muna, Der, and the entire Petang Era team.

What audiences may not have realised at the time is that the moment was part of Domino's Pizza Malaysia's introduction of its refreshed brand idea, 'Unbox Your Cravings.

A New Bold Direction Built Around Real Cravings

The 'Unbox Your Cravings' is built on a simple truth that cravings don't wait. They show up unexpectedly during work, study, gaming, or even live radio broadcasts. Domino's understands these cravings aren't tied to special occasions but to everyday, spontaneous urges when you deserve to reward yourself.

Cravings are emotional and hard to ignore, pulling you away from what you're doing and demanding your attention. Domino's encourages Malaysians to embrace these cravings and indulge in what they truly want without hesitation. By highlighting how cravings disrupt daily life, Domino's shows how treating yourself can turn an ordinary experience into something memorable.

Ringo Joannes, Region CEO of Domino's Pizza Malaysia, Singapore & Cambodia, shared, "Cravings are among the most honest signals we have. They are immediate, emotional, and impossible to ignore. With 'Unbox Your Cravings,' we wanted to reflect that truth in a way that feels real to people today. This is about recognising those small but meaningful moments when you choose to listen to what you want, instead of putting it off and being there, ready, when that decision is made."

Introducing Domino's New Thick Crunch Pizza : The first pizza to fill the whole box

As part of its brand refresh, Domino's Malaysia is introducing three exciting flavours of its latest innovation, the Thick Crunch Pizza. Inspired by Detroit-style pizzas and crafted to satisfy even the strongest cravings, this new offering features bold and indulgent options.

The New Thick Crunch Pizza is a bold new experience that is thick, airy, fluffy, and irresistibly crunchy, delivering a multi-textural bite pizza lovers have long been craving. Designed in a signature rectangular shape, it is also Domino's Malaysia's first-ever pizza to completely fill the whole box, turning every inch into pure satisfaction with no empty space left behind.

From its golden, crispy bottom to its soft, chewy, airy dough, every layer is built for maximum enjoyment. The experience is elevated further by its caramelised red cheddar edges, a standout feature that delivers a deeply satisfying crunch in every bite, making it impossible to stop at just one slice.

Aloha Salsa features Domino's signature pizza sauce layered with cheddar cheese sauce and mozzarella, topped with Aloha Chicken and finished with a tangy salsa drizzle on a thick, fluffy base. Mac & Cheese combines rich cheddar cheese sauce and creamy mac and cheese for the ultimate comfort food experience. Cheesy Pepperoni elevates a classic favorite with Domino's signature pizza sauce, cheddar cheese sauce, mozzarella, 24 generous slices of beef pepperoni and all three pizzas is complete with the irresistible crunchy red cheddar crust.

Available Nationwide

The New Thick Crunch Pizza is now available at Domino's Pizza outlets nationwide for delivery, takeaway and dine-in. Orders can be made via the Domino's website, Domino's App or in-store at any Domino's outlet. Whether shared with friends or enjoyed solo, the New Thick Crunch Pizza promises to satisfy every craving from the very first bite.

For more updates, visit www.dominos.com.my or follow @dominosmy on Facebook and Instagram.

Hashtag: #DominosPizza

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

About Domino's Malaysia

At Domino's Pizza, we take PRIDE in our commitment to enrich the lives of our customers, employees, partners, shareholders and communities. As one of the most lovable brands in Malaysia, we will go the extra mile for your smile as well as uphold our culture to 'sell more pizza, have more fun'. Embracing our company's philosophy of smart hustle, Domino's is committed to provide customers with the ultimate pizza delivery experience, with its product satisfaction guarantee,

30-minutes delivery guarantee and 15-minutes take-away guarantee. To date, there are over 270 Domino's Pizza stores in the country.

Forging ahead as an e-commerce entity, Domino's Pizza has led many firsts in its digital platforms. Domino's Pizza Malaysia has leveraged on the digital world to the best of its advantage, and this began when it was certified as the first QSR company to provide an online ordering platform by the Malaysian Book of Records with the launch of its website in 2003.

TP deepens AI data services capabilities across APAC markets - showcased live at Asia Tech x Singapore 2026

Thu, 21 May 2026 04:08:12 +0200

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 21 May 2026 - As part of its Future Forward strategy, global digital business services leader TP (ex-Teleperformance) is deepening its award-winning TP.ai Data Services capabilities across Asian markets. This is in response to rising enterprise demand for AI systems trained in local languages and compliant with evolving in-country data residency and governance requirements.

As enterprises accelerate AI deployment across Asia, success will increasingly depend on the quality, localization and governance of the underlying data powering these systems. At Asia Tech x Singapore 2026 this week, TP is present on the ground and is delivering two sessions to cover the insights of TP's Future Forward strategy of scaling AI-led services.

Assaf Tarnopolsky, TP's Chief Business Development & Customer Officer, APAC is joining the panel "The Enterprise AI Execution Challenge" to discuss the advantages of Asia-based enterprises in investing in robust data preparation before constructing AI tools. Michael Costevec, Head of Value Creation Office, TP APAC and Jonathan Phang, CTO, TP APAC are also delivering a keynote on "AI Orchestration in the World's Most Complex Markets", which covers the principles behind the shift from AI operations to AI orchestration.

TP.ai Data Services, an end-to-end AI data services solution, enables enterprises to build, train and scale AI systems that are locally relevant, operationally resilient and deployment-ready across Asia's diverse markets. With specialized AI practitioners distributed across Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, China, Japan, South Korea and Vietnam, TP delivers end-to-end AI/ML and GenAI support services, including data collection, validation, annotation, labeling, model evaluation, analytics operations and human-in-the-loop governance.

"The companies seeing real operational impact from AI in Asia are the ones investing in scalable data foundations, in-country execution and human expertise alongside the technology itself," said Dave Rizzo, APAC President, TP. TP.ai Data Services has a proven track record in supporting customer live deployment. Within three weeks, it successfully created customized warehouse video streams, annotated with detailed object labels and dimensional data, enabling physical AI model training to support a client with real-time worker-safety-risk detection.

TP has been recognized globally for helping organizations move beyond fragmented data operations and reporting toward an analytics-led operating model that improves performance, governance, and AI outcomes. The 2026 Data Breakthrough Awards named TP's data analytics services Overall Data Analytics Platform of the Year, citing measurable business results, including:

Up to 31% improvement in customer experience quality scores
Up to 30% lift in sales conversions
Up to 20% improvement in resource forecasting accuracy
Up to 15% gains in workforce efficiency

Beyond technology delivery, TP also places strong emphasis on preparing its own workforce for an AI-led operating environment. Across APAC, TP continues to invest in AI upskilling programs that equip employees with capabilities in model evaluation, synthetic data, human-in-the-loop and human-on-the-loop orchestration and AI governance. By combining advanced AI systems with locally trained human expertise, TP enables enterprises to scale AI responsibly across diverse Asian markets, ensuring that innovation remains grounded in cultural understanding, operational oversight and real-world business outcomes.

Hashtag: #TP

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

ABOUT TP IN SINGAPORE

TP in Singapore is part of the TP Group, a global leader in digital business services which consistently seeks to blend the best of advanced technology with human empathy to deliver enhanced customer care that is simpler, faster, and safer for the world's biggest brands and their customers. The Group's comprehensive, AI-powered service portfolio ranges from front office customer care to back-office functions, including high-value digital transformation services, collections and operations consulting. It also offers a range of specialized services such as interpreting and localization, visa and consular services, and recruitment process outsourcing services. The teams of multilingual, inspired, and passionate experts and advisors, spread across close to 100 countries, as well as the Group's local presence allows it to be a force of good in supporting communities, clients, and the environment.

For more information: www.tp.com.

Expereo Achieves EcoVadis Silver Rating for Sustainable Supply Chain Performance

Thu, 21 May 2026 04:08:12 +0200

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 21 May 2026 - Expereo, the world-leading Managed Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) provider, announced it has been awarded an EcoVadis Silver Rating ranking in the 92nd percentile and placing among the top 15% of its industry category this year. This reflects a 10-point improvement from its previous Bronze rating, strengthening the company's position in sustainable supply chain performance, ESG governance and responsible business practices.

The company recorded gains across all four EcoVadis assessment pillars: Environment, Labour and Human Rights, Ethics, and Sustainable Procurement. The strongest improvements came in Environment, up 10 points, and Labour and Human Rights, which rose 19 points year-on-year, with the latter independently validated by Expereo's Great Place to Work UAE Certification for 2026 and Singapore Employee Experience of the Year win at the Asian Experience Awards 2025.

Commenting on the recognition, Ben Elms CEO Expereo, said, "We are incredibly proud of this achievement. Moving from a Bronze to a Silver rating in just a year reflects the progress our teams have made in embedding sustainability across our operations, procurement, and people practices.

We have reduced material consumption, minimised waste, and rolled out initiatives such as the Cisco Refurbish Project, while strengthening risk assessments and introducing bi-annual supplier sustainability evaluations. These efforts give our customers confidence that they are working with a company aligned with their values and ethical business standards. This milestone is a testament to our collective commitment to driving meaningful and lasting impact, and we look forward to building on this momentum in the year ahead."

Looking ahead, Expereo plans to expand the use of refurbished equipment, further align cloud hosting and supplier selection with lower-carbon criteria, and deepen transparency across its value chain.

This builds on its FY25 sustainability strategy anchored around three core pillars:

Environment: building a rigorous CO₂ inventory and embedding circular economy practices across its operations,

People: investing in employee health, wellbeing and a more inclusive workplace culture across its global teams,

Green procurement policy: implementing strong sustainability criteria for Data Centre partnership focused on clean energy, prioritizing the procurement of recycled customer equipment and extending CPE lifecycle in a safe manner.

These initiatives are designed to support customer and partner expectations for more resilient, transparent and sustainable digital infrastructure. By combining supplier governance, circular economy practices and improved carbon accounting, Expereo is building a more data-driven foundation for future ESG performance and reporting.

Hashtag: #Expereo #EcoVadis

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

About Expereo

Expereo is a world-leading Managed Network as a Service provider that connects people, places, and things anywhere. Solutions include Global Internet, SD-WAN/SASE, and Enhanced Internet. With an extensive global reach, Expereo is the trusted partner of 60% of Fortune 500 companies. It powers enterprise and government sites in more than 190 countries, with the ability to connect to any location worldwide, working with over 2,300 partners to help customers improve productivity and empowering their networks and cloud services with the agility, flexibility, and value of the Internet, with optimal network performance.

Expereo was acquired in Feb 2021, by Vitruvian Partners which acquired a majority shareholding from Seven2.

For more information, visit: https://www.expereo.com/

State Street Expands Global Operating Model with New Manila Office

Thu, 21 May 2026 04:08:12 +0200

MANILA, PHILLIPINES - Media OutReach Newswire - 21 May 2026 - State Street Corporation (NYSE: STT), one of the world's leading providers of financial services to institutional investors, today announced the establishment of a new office in Manila, the Philippines.

The new Manila office, scheduled to open in the second half of 2026, will further strengthen State Street's global operating model and expand its processing capabilities, complementing the firm's existing operations across the Asia Pacific region.

"The Asia Pacific region is critical to our longterm growth strategy," said Ann Fogarty, chief operating officer for Investment Services, State Street. "The expansion into Manila is an important step in the continued evolution of our global operating model as we continue to support significant client growth in the region."

Manila offers access to a young, diverse and highly educated workforce, drawing talent from the city's wellestablished University Belt and its strong pipeline of graduates with financial services and operations expertise.

With USD54.5 trillion¹ in assets under custody and/or administration, State Street services more than 12% of the world's assets². The firm operates in more than 100 geographic markets and employs approximately 51,000 people worldwide. State Street established its presence in Asia Pacific more than 40 years ago and today operates 16 offices across the region.

¹ As of March 31, 2026

² Represents State Street AUC/A of USD$54.5T as of March 31, 2026, divided by Global Financial Assets, including Global Equity, Global Debt Securities and Global Broad Money (M3), as of December 31, 2024. Sources: SIFMA Markets Factbook, 2025; Organisation for Economic Co-Operation (OECD), World Bank.
Hashtag: #StateStreetCorporation #Manila #GlobalOperatingModel

https://www.statestreet.com

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

About State Street Corporation

State Street Corporation (NYSE: STT) is one of the world's leading providers of financial services to institutional investors including investment servicing, investment management and investment research and trading. With US$54.5 trillion in assets under custody and/or administration and US$5.6 trillion* in assets under management as of March 31, 2026, State Street operates globally in more than 100 geographic markets and employs approximately 51,000 worldwide. For more information, visit State Street's website at www.statestreet.com.

*Assets under management as of March 31, 2026 includes approximately US$184 billion of assets with respect to SPDR® products for which State Street Global Advisors Funds Distributors, LLC (SSGA FD) acts solely as the marketing agent. SSGA FD and State Street Investment Management are affiliated.

© 2026 State Street Corporation
8937957.1.1.GBL.RTL
Exp. May 31, 2027

Slovenian inventors rethink the motorcycle helmet

Wed, 20 May 2026 19:56:21 +0200

Windshield wipers have existed for more than a century, yet motorcycle helmets remained largely untouched by the idea. Now, Slovenian company Bikerguard is trying to change that with a miniature electric wiper mounted directly onto a helmet visor.

The device is controlled by a button on the handlebars and clears rainwater from the visor while the rider keeps both hands on the motorcycle.

Its purpose is simple: improving visibility in wet weather without forcing riders to briefly let go of the handlebars to wipe the visor by hand.

"That moment is when riders become significantly more vulnerable," Slovenian entrepreneur Ivo Boscarol, the majority owner and adviser to the company, said at a 20 May product showcase.

An unusual idea for now

The visor wiper may look slightly unconventional at first sight, but many now indispensable products start life this way.

Boscarol compared the initial skepticism surrounding the device to early reactions to seat belts when they were first introduced in cars. "Every innovation is always received with a certain degree of scepticism," he said.

Whether visor wipers will gain wider acceptance remains uncertain. Motorcyclists already rely on anti-rain coatings, gloves or quick head movements to clear water from their visors, and many riders value minimalist helmet designs.

To improve uptake, the company has partnered with several companies. One, the insurer Generali, for example offers more favourable insurance rates for riders who use the wiper.

Testing where it matters most

It has also reached out to institutions that have a lot of motorcyclists: police forces.

The wipers are currently being tested by the Metropolitan Police in London, and discussions are also under way with police departments in the United States and Canada.

Slovenian police are expected to begin testing them soon. "Every little thing like this can contribute to traffic safety," said Matjaž Leskovar of the Slovenian traffic police.

* This content is brought to you in collaboration with the Boscarol Group.

Ukrainian author Zhadan winner of 2026 Vilenica Prize

Wed, 20 May 2026 14:17:05 +0200

Ukrainian author Serhiy Zhadan is the recipient of the 2026 International Vilenica Prize, an accolade that recognizes outstanding achievements in literature and essay writing by Central European authors.

Announcing the prize on 20 May, the jury praised his work for a pronounced linguistic rhythm and a blending of poetry, social critique and humour.

Lives of ordinary people

Born in 1974, Zhadan is an award-winning novelist, poet, translator, musician and social activist whose works have been translated into many languages.

His oeuvre, including the 2010 novel Voroshilovgrad, focuses on the lives of ordinary people in post-Soviet Ukraine, especially in eastern industrial regions.

The Orphanage, published in 2017, tells a story about war in Donbas in 2015, about what war does to ordinary people trying to survive inside it.

It is set in eastern Ukraine, in a fictionalised industrial city that is very similar to real cities like Donetsk or Luhansk.

In his works, Zhadan creates a tense atmosphere in which he explores themes of identity, freedom, war, migration, memory and the problems of contemporary society, according to the jury.

After Russia started a war in Ukraine in 2022, he became an important voice of Ukraine's civil society and works as a humanitarian organiser on the frontline in and around Kharkiv.

Prize about literature, not politics

The jury's president Gregor Podlogar stressed that Zhadan was not picked because of politics but because of his work.

He said Zhadan's literature was the voice of Central Europe rising from the bottom up, and thus also an advocacy of the innocent. He is an author whose work encapsulates the spirit of the Vilenica Festival.

He will receive the prize in person at the 41st Vilenica International Literary Festival, which takes place between 1 and 5 September.

Zhadan has become the second Ukrainian author to win the prestigious prize since its inception 1986. In 2017, it went to Yurii Andrukhovych.

The festival, a showcase of Central and Eastern Europe's literary prowess, will focus on the fluidity of identities, a broad concept the organisers say expands the boundaries of literary creation to previously unimaginable dimensions of multiple forms of expression, not only national ones.

Medieval murals on public view after decades in obscurity

Wed, 20 May 2026 12:51:53 +0200

Fragments of medieval murals from two churches that were long thought lost and were hidden for decades in museum depots and restoration workshops have been put display at the National Gallery in Ljubljana in an exhibition that also brings to light one of the earliest conservation campaigns in the country.

The fragments include those detached from the wall paintings in the Church of St Cantianus in Vrzdenec, west of Ljubljana, about a century ago by the then chief conservator for Slovenia, France Stele, assisted by Impressionist painter and restorer Matej Sternen.

They were the first in the Slovenian lands to use this innovative technique, which enabled the preservation of the younger layers of the murals as well. The method was used somewhat less successfully again a decade later in the Church of the Annunciation in Crngrob, near Škofja Loka.

Fragments of wall paintings, created by various workshops in the 14th and 15th centuries, were originally intended for the National Museum, but were soon dispersed among several institutions. Over time, many of them came to be considered lost, or even believed never to have existed at all.

Research over the past two decades has disproved this, and almost all documented detached fragments have recently been rediscovered at the National Gallery, the Faculty of Arts of the University of Ljubljana, and the Restoration Centre of the Institute for the Protection of Cultural Heritage of Slovenia.

At the exhibition, the layers from Vrzdenec and Crngrob are placed, as far as possible, in roughly the same spatial proportions as they were in their original location.

On show are 17 fragments of wall paintings, including 15 from Crngrob and Vrzdenec. They are complemented in a meaningful way by later copies, Sternen's tracings and drawings, as well as selected documentary and visual material.

The exhibition, on show until 27 September, also presents materials and techniques used by medieval painters, as well as conservation interventions on wall paintings, from their beginnings with Stele and Sternen to the present day.

The gallery plans several guided tours and workshop to accompany the exhibition. The details, in Slovenian, are available here.

Alibaba Announces Comprehensive Full-Stack AI Upgrade for the Agentic Era

Wed, 20 May 2026 12:07:04 +0200

Qwen3.7-Max, upgraded cloud infrastructure and model services, and new T-Head chips announced at Alibaba Cloud Summit

HANGZHOU, CHINA - Media OutReach Newswire - 20 May 2025 - Alibaba today announced a comprehensive upgrade of its full AI stack-spanning cloud infrastructure and model services, AI chips and foundation models -to empower customers in building, deploying, and scaling AI agents with greater efficiency, reliability, and performance.

Unveiled at the Alibaba Cloud Summit, Qwen3.7-Max is Alibaba's latest large language model, engineered for advanced agentic coding, complex reasoning, and long-horizon task execution. Qwen3.7-Max will be available soon for developers and enterprises worldwide.

To address surging compute and AI workload demands in the agentic era, Alibaba Cloud has also upgraded its infrastructure and model services. Key launches include the Panjiu AL128 Supernode Server, designed to empower scalable agent inference and large-scale model training, and an optimization update within Alibaba's model service platform that continuously refines model performance.

Additionally, T-Head, Alibaba's semiconductor design subsidiary, introduced the Zhenwu M890, its latest AI training and inference processor, featuring high-capacity memory, robust inter-chip bandwidth, and native FP4 precision support.

Qwen 3.7-Max: A Versatile Foundation Model for the Agent Era

Designed as a robust foundation for AI agents, Qwen 3.7-Max seamlessly handles code generation and debugging, office workflow automation, and complex multi-step tasks requiring hundreds or thousands of actions.

The model delivers exceptional agent capabilities across diverse domains. As a frontier-level coding assistant, it supports coding tasks from rapid frontend prototyping to complex, multi-file software engineering. To enhance office work productivity, it reliably orchestrates multi-agent workflows to tackle sophisticated operations. Notably, Qwen 3.7-Max can autonomously execute long-horizon agentic tasks-sustaining continuous operation for up to 35 hours and managing over 1,000 tool calls without performance degradation.

Deeply optimized for leading agent frameworks including OpenClaw, Hermes Agent, Claude Code, Qwen Paw and Qoder, it serves as a reliable backbone for different agent systems. The model achieves top-tier results across major benchmarks in coding, general-purpose agents, general capabilities and multilingualism, making it competitive with leading frontier models. It will be soon accessible through Alibaba's model service platform Model Studio for global developers.

Next-Generation Intelligent Computing and Enhanced Model Services

To empower scalable AI Agent inference and large-scale model training, Alibaba Cloud has launched the Panjiu AL128 Supernode Server, powered by the Zhenwu M890 AI processor and ICN Switch 1.0 networking chip. By tightly integrating 128 AI accelerators within a single rack, the system delivers single-rack bandwidth at the petabyte-per second (PB/s) scale, dramatically improving the handling of large-scale concurrent requests from agents.

The Panjiu AL128 is now available on Model Studio for the China market (or "Bailian"), enabling Chinese enterprises to efficiently address training and inference demands across sectors.

To optimize performance, Bailian has introduced Agentic RL, a reinforcement learning mechanism powered by agent execution feedback, to drive continuous model iteration. Bailian also features built-in safety governance capabilities, ensuring that autonomously operating agents always remain within defined boundaries.

T-Head's Latest Chips and Software Stack for AI Training and Inferencing

T-Head's latest AI accelerator, the Zhenwu M890, delivers three times the performance of its predecessor Zhenwu 810E. Zhenwu M890 features 144 gigabytes (GB) of GPU memory and 800 GB per second of inter-chip bandwidth. The chip natively supports multiple data precision formats, ranging from FP32 (32-bit floating-point) down to FP4 (4-bit floating-point), supporting both high-precision model training and ultra-low-precision model inference. These capabilities make it exceptionally well-suited for complex agentic AI workloads, which demand extensive working memory for context retention, high-speed communication for multi-agent coordination, and low-precision computing to maintain rapid execution while reducing cost. The chip is built on T-Head's proprietary parallel computing architecture and utilizes its custom ICN (Inter-Chip Network) interconnect protocol.

Alongside the accelerator, T-Head unveiled the ICN Switch 1.0, a dedicated switching chip designed to create high-bandwidth, low-latency scale-up networks for compute clusters. It delivers up to 25.6 Tbps of aggregate bandwidth and achieves extreme low latencyand congestion-free communication. By pairing the Zhenwu M890 with the ICN Switch 1.0 chip, it enables full-bandwidth interconnection across 64 accelerators, significantly boosting the computational efficiency and stability of large-scale intelligent computing. T-Head also unveiled its proprietary software stack, T-Head SAIL™, to unleash the full computational potential for its chips.

T-Head has achieved widespread industrial adoption of its proprietary AI chips, with over 560,000 Zhenwu units delivered to date. More than 400 external customers across 20 industries, including leading automakers and financial services companies, have deployed the chips to power intelligent operations.

Hashtag: #Alibaba

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

About Alibaba Group

Alibaba Group is a global technology company focused on e-commerce and cloud computing. We enable merchants, brands and retailers to market, sell and engage with consumers by providing digital and logistics infrastructure, efficiency tools and vast marketing reach. We empower enterprises with our leading cloud infrastructure, services and work collaboration capabilities to facilitate their digital transformation and grow their businesses.

Green SM Partners With Korlantas Polri To Advance Driver Safety Standards In Indonesia

Wed, 20 May 2026 12:07:03 +0200

JAKARTA, INDONESIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 20 May 2026 - Green SM, Indonesia's first all-electric ride-hailing service, has partnered with the Traffic Corps of the Indonesian National Police (Korlantas Polri) to launch a large-scale driver safety and professional standards training program in Indonesia. The initiative begins with more than 300 driver partners and is expected to expand to approximately 7,000 participants nationwide this year.

Deny Tjia, Managing Director of Green SM Indonesia, with Dirkamsel Korlantas Polri Brigadier General Pol. Prianto, following the signing of a MoU at the opening of Green SM's driver safety training program at ISDC Serpong, May 18, 2026.

Held at the Indonesia Safety Driving Center (ISDC) in Serpong on May 18, 2026, the program provided participants with practical instruction in defensive driving, emergency response, professional driving ethics, and Indonesian traffic regulations. The initiative combines classroom learning with hands-on exercises conducted in a controlled training environment at one of Indonesia's leading driving safety facilities. The program reflects Green SM's long-term commitment to building a professional driver network while promoting safer mobility experiences and higher service standards for Indonesian communities.

Since its launch in Indonesia in December 2024, Green SM had already implemented regular internal training programs for driver partners, focusing on safe driving practices, real-world situation handling, customer service standards, and traffic law compliance. Through this partnership, Green SM aims to further strengthen and standardize its training initiatives while also contributing to broader road safety awareness across Indonesia.

As of April 2026, Green SM vehicles have traveled more than 109 million kilometers across Indonesia, contributing to the reduction of approximately 20.9 thousand tons of CO2 emisssions, equivalent to the annual carbon absorption capacity of more than 964 thousand trees. As the company continues to expand, Green SM remains focused on supporting driver capability development and service quality initiatives to support safer and more reliable mobility experiences. Safety remains one of Green SM's core operational priorities, spanning driver training, service standards, and the overall customer journey across every ride.

Korlantas Polri, the national authority responsible for traffic management, law enforcement, and road safety education across Indonesia, is supporting the initiative as part of broader efforts to encourage safer and more disciplined driving practices nationwide.

This program marks an important first step in the collaboration between Green SM and Korlantas Polri. Both parties expect to explore additional initiatives in the future to promote responsible driving practices and contribute positively to Indonesia's evolving transportation ecosystem.

Mr. Deny Tjia, Managing Director of Green SM Indonesia, shared: "Our driver partners represent Green SM in every journey they complete. Through this program, we aim to strengthen their practical driving skills, road safety awareness, and service professionalism, while continuing to elevate the overall customer experience across Indonesia. At Green SM, safety is not only an operational standard, but also a long-term commitment embedded in how we develop and deliver our services in Indonesia. We are honored to work with Korlantas Polri and hope this collaboration can create meaningful benefits for both our drivers and the wider community."

Head of the Traffic Corps (Kakorlantas) of the Indonesian National Police, Inspector General Agus Suryonugroho, stated, "The training is part of an effort to promote road safety, security, order, and smooth traffic flow. This collaboration in enhancing driver capabilities is important as part of efforts to improve driver professionalism, as the driver aspect plays a crucial role. We hope this initiative can serve as a benchmark."

Through this initiative, Green SM and Korlantas Polri aim to promote higher standards of responsibility and professionalism that benefit drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and the broader transportation ecosystem across Indonesia.

Hashtag: #GreenSM

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

About GSM & Green SM

GSM (Green and Smart Mobility) is a pioneering company in electric mobility, founded by Phạm Nhật Vượng. The company is building an integrated mobility ecosystem powered by VinFast electric vehicles, intelligent technology, and a professional operating network.

The GSM ecosystem currently consists of four core companies:

Green SM - GSM's all-electric ride-hailing brand.
VinDT - the professional driver training and testing company.
VinBus - the electric bus operating company.
Green Future - the company providing electric vehicle rental solutions.

Green SM is GSM's global all-electric ride-hailing brand, offering high-quality transportation services using a 100% electric fleet of cars and motorbikes. Combining smart technology with a professional driver network, Green SM delivers a mobility experience that is safe, reliable, and environmentally responsible.

Green SM currently operates in Vietnam, Laos, Indonesia, and the Philippines, advancing GSM's mission to provide safe and dependable green journeys for everyone while helping shape a more sustainable future for urban transportation worldwide.

Galaxy Macau and UFC Co-present an Action-packed Series of Interactive Events Throughout Fight Week for UFC FIGHT NIGHT Macau

Wed, 20 May 2026 11:26:54 +0200

UFC Fighter meet-and-greets, autograph sessions, official merchandise sales and Galaxy Macau rewards take the fan thrills beyond the Octagon

MACAU SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 20 May 2026 - In tandem with the highly anticipated return of UFC FIGHT NIGHT^® to Macau, Galaxy Macau - the world-class luxury resort - is set to elevate the excitement with a dynamic line-up of immersive fan experiences and curated activities throughout Fight Week. The week will culminate in three electrifying fight events at Galaxy Arena, Macau's largest, state-of-the-art indoor arena.

Fans can enjoy a series of up-close meet-and-greets, autograph sessions, and workout showcases, offering rare opportunities to connect with their favourite UFC fighters in person.

The excitement begins with the Opening Ceremony for the Fight Week 2026 at East Square, Galaxy Macau at 6:45pm on Wednesday, May 27. Right after, the Open Workouts will give fans a behind-the-scenes glimpse at how the sport's stars prepare for their fights, featuring main eventers Song Yadong and Deiveson Figueiredo; co-main eventers Zhang Mingyang and Alonzo Menifield; and superstar fighters Kai Asakura and Xiong Jingnan.

At 4pm on Friday, May 29, special guest UFC athletes will make an appearance at East Square for a meet-and-greet session with fans, showcasing UFC flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko, UFC #5 featherweight Yair Rodriguez, and fan favourite veteran "the Leech" Li Jingliang.

The experience continues at 12nn on Saturday, May 30, when East Square hosts an exclusive autograph session with UFC guest athletes Shevchenko, Rodriguez, and former two-time UFC strawweight champion Zhang Weili, creating memorable face-to-face fan moments.

Official UFC merchandise will be available at the Pearl Lobby, featuring limited-edition designs created exclusively for UFC Macau Fight Week 2026, for one action-packed week.

Throughout the week, official UFC merchandise will be available at the Pearl Lobby, Galaxy Promenade, featuring limited-edition designs created exclusively for this year's UFC FIGHT NIGHT^® Macau. Highlights include apparel emblazoned with a locally relevant golden dragon motif, commemorative items such as keychains, and collectible pins celebrating Macau.

Throughout fight week for UFC FIGHT NIGHT® Macau, guests will have the opportunity to boost their adrenaline with dopamine-filled UFC experiences at the interactive UFC FAN EXPERIENCE.

Throughout UFC Fight Week, the Pearl Lobby will be transformed into an immersive UFC FAN EXPERIENCE featuring the sport's iconic Octagon-themed installation. Guests can dive into UFC experiences, including AI-integrated activations that put fans in the spotlight on UFC posters, virtual weigh-in poses, and friend-versus-friend face-offs. Visitors can also test their athletic prowess through interactive fitness challenges such as vertical jump and reaction-time drills, bringing the intensity, adrenaline and thrill of UFC to life at Galaxy Macau.

The action in the Octagon kicks off at Galaxy Arena on Friday and Saturday, May 28 and 29, with the opening rounds of ROAD TO UFC Season 5, the chance to get a first look at the rising MMA prospects across Asia-Pacific as they compete for a coveted UFC contract. Tickets are selling fast, with limited seats remaining.

ROAD TO UFC celebrates its premiere in Macau at Galaxy Arena with the opening rounds of its 5th season on May 28 and 29, featuring Asia-Pacific's hottest MMA prospects fighting for a coveted UFC contract. Each night will feature a special main event of UFC fights. Select tickets are available at www.galaxyticketing.com. May 30 will see the sold-out UFC FIGHT NIGHT at Galaxy Arena.

The atmosphere culminates as main event star fighters Song Yadong and Deiveson Figueiredo clash in the Octagon on Saturday, May 30 - a sold-out event.

An Array of Extended Rewards at Galaxy Macau
In celebration of UFC Fight Week Macau 2026, Galaxy Macau presents a curated collection of exclusive shopping and dining privileges, inviting guests to experience a vibrant convergence of lifestyle, flavour and excitement.

In celebration of UFC Fight Week Macau 2026, Galaxy Macau presents a curated collection of exclusive shopping privileges, including rewards and special brand offers. A limited-edition UFC x Galaxy Macau Gym Sack is available for redemption upon designated spending.

From May 22 to 31, guests presenting valid event tickets can enjoy shopping rewards at Galaxy Promenade, including MOP500 vouchers with qualifying spend and a limited-edition UFC x Galaxy Macau Sports Holdall upon spending MOP2,800 or above. A selection of international brands will also offer time-limited promotions and exclusive gifts.

Galaxy Macau's award-winning dining portfolio introduces UFC inspired culinary creations, alongside up to 15% off at designated restaurants for Galaxy Ultimate members on event days.

Complementing the retail experience, Galaxy Macau's award-winning dining portfolio introduces UFC inspired culinary creations, alongside up to 15% off at designated restaurants for Galaxy Ultimate members on event days. Themed UFC Macau Fight Week 2026 dishes will also be available across a variety of dining outlets at Galaxy Macau. Highlights include the Royal Octagon Uni & Caviar Fish Burger by The Apron Oyster Bar & Grill, Knockout Beef Platter by CHA BEI, and a duo of meat platters by Bei Shan Lou - designed to reflect the standout spirit of UFC.

Together, these curated experiences underscore Galaxy Macau's commitment to delivering innovative, guest-centric moments. As Macau comes alive with UFC excitement, Galaxy Macau stands as a destination where sport, entertainment and luxury converge, creating unforgettable memories for guests and fans from around the world.

For more information about Galaxy Macau and UFC Macau Fight Week 2026, please visit www.galaxymacau.com.

Galaxy Macau and UFC Co-present an Action-packed Series of Interactive Events Throughout Fight Week for UFC FIGHT NIGHT Macau

Hashtag: #GalaxyMacau #UFC

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

ABOUT GALAXY MACAU INTEGRATED RESORT

Galaxy Macau, world-class luxury integrated resort, delivers the "Most Spectacular Entertainment and Leisure Destination in the World". Developed at an investment of HK$43 billion, the property covers 1.1 million-square-meter of unique entertainment and leisure attractions that are unlike anything else in Macau. Nine award-winning world-class luxury hotels provide close to 5,000 rooms, suites and villas. They include Banyan Tree Macau, Galaxy Hotel™, Hotel Okura Macau, JW Marriott Hotel Macau, The Ritz-Carlton, Macau, Broadway Hotel, Raffles at Galaxy Macau, Andaz Macau, and Capella at Galaxy Macau. Unique to Galaxy Macau, the 75,000-square-meter Grand Resort Deck features the world's longest Skytop Adventure Rapids at 575 metres, the largest Skytop Wave Pool with waves up to 1.5-metre high and 150-metre pristine white sand beach. Two five-star spas from Banyan Tree Spa Macau and The Ritz- Carlton Spa, Macau help guests relax and rejuvenate.

As the dining destination in Asia, Galaxy Macau offers a wide variety of gastronomic delights, exquisite experiences and ingredients of the finest quality with over 120 dining options from Michelin dining to authentic delicacies; Galaxy Promenade is the hottest shopping destination featuring the latest in fashion and curated experiences in Macau. Spanning over 100,000-square-meter, luxury flagship stores, lifestyle boutiques and our selection of labels are among the more than 200 world-renowned brands for a world-class shopping journey; Galaxy Cinemas, immersive thrills and luxurious comfort go hand in hand at Galaxy Cinemas. All 10 theatres are equipped with the latest audio-visual technology; CHINA ROUGE, one-of-a-kind deluxe lounge that evokes the glitz and glamor of Shanghai's golden era with entertainment in luxury and style; and Foot Hub presents the traditional art of reflexology to make you feel more relaxed and revitalized. For Authentic Macau Flavours & Vibrant Asian Experiences, Broadway Macau - just a 90-second walk via a bridge from Galaxy Macau, has over 35 Authentic Macau & Asian Flavours at its Broadway Food Street. The 2,500-seat Broadway Theatre plays host to world-class entertainers and a diverse array of cultural events. Meeting, incentive and banquet groups are also well looked after with a portfolio of unique venues in Galaxy Macau and a professional service staff.

Galaxy International Convention Center (GICC) is the latest addition to the Group's ever-expanding integrated resort precinct and will usher in a new era for the MICE industry in Macau. GICC is a world- class event venue featuring 40,000-square-meter of total flexible MICE, and a 16,000-seat Galaxy Arena - the largest indoor arena in Macau.

For more details, please visit www.galaxymacau.com,www.broadwaymacau.com.mo and www.galaxyicc.com.

Teen Innovators Win Top Honours with Nature-based, Low-cost Solution to Tackle River Odour in Tuen Mun

Wed, 20 May 2026 11:06:49 +0200

"River Lord" takes Senior Secondary Division Grand Award and "My Favourite Team" Award in Hang Seng x HKFYG Seek Our Ways Ideation Programme

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 20 May 2026 - Five students from S.K.H. St. Simon's Lui Ming Choi Secondary School have developed a floating ecological purification system using natural and low-cost materials to improve the Tuen Mun River's water quality and reduce odour. After 180 hours of design, research and testing, the team's project, "River Lord," won the Senior Secondary Division Grand Award in the second cohort of Hang Seng x HKFYG Seek Our Ways Ideation Programme, and also received the "My Favourite Team" Award.

Mr Clarence Leung, BBS, JP, Acting Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs; Ms Luanne Lim, Executive Director and Chief Executive of Hang Seng Bank, and Ms Hsu Siu-man, Executive Director of The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups, joined judges, guests, and students at the Award Presentation Ceremony of the second cohort of Seek Our Ways Ideation Programme. More than 240 teachers, students and parents attended to show their support.

Fully supported by Hang Seng Bank and organised by The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups (HKFYG) Leadership Institute, the second cohort of the Seek Our Ways Ideation Programme (the "Programme") brought together over 400 secondary and tertiary students to tackle pressing social challenges across three themes: Environment & Sustainable Development, Elderly & Wellness, and Arts & Culture. Over five months, participants completed nearly 14,000 hours of training, mentorship, and field exposure. Guided by more than 75 social leaders and advisors, they developed close to 90 proposals grounded in real-world insights and community needs.

From these, nine finalist teams advanced to the final pitching round held at the Penthouse of Hang Seng Bank Headquarters, presenting their ideas to a distinguished panel of judges, school representatives and fellow students. The award presentation was held on the same day and officiated by the Guest of Honour, Mr Clarence Leung, BBS, JP, Acting Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs. He was joined by Ms Luanne Lim, Executive Director and Chief Executive of Hang Seng Bank, and Ms Hsu Siu-man, Executive Director of the HKFYG. More than 240 teachers, students and parents attended to show their support.

Mr Clarence Leung, BBS, JP, Acting Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, highlighted the growing role of technology in addressing social challenges and encouraged young people to seize emerging opportunities. "We should continuously aim at improving our country's living standards," he said. Mr Leung also highlighted this alignment with the first "Hong Kong Five-Year Plan" designed to complement the national 15th Five-Year Plan, and stressed that efforts are being made "to improve community and public welfare, thereby opening up vast opportunities for youth participation."

Ms Luanne Lim, Executive Director and Chief Executive of Hang Seng Bank, said, "This is the second consecutive year Hang Seng has supported the Seek Our Ways Ideation Programme. We're pleased to see that across two cohorts, the Programme has attracted over 800 students and received more than 170 creative proposals. Starting from the community, students have turned what they learned into real action, proposing creative solutions and building prototypes to respond to community needs. Their performance is truly encouraging. We hope the Programme not only inspires young people's passion for social innovation but also encourages them to keep exploring and putting ideas into practice, bringing more positive impact to the community."

Ms Hsu Siu-man, Executive Director of HKFYG, emphasised that the programme is designed not as a one-off competition, but as a catalyst for long-term engagement. "We are encouraged to see young people drawing inspiration not from textbooks, but from curiosity and empathy," she said. "Last year's winning team 'Fruitful' has already turned its idea into a social enterprise, with members continuing to deepen their expertise. This is what the programme stands for, a launchpad for those who want to make a lasting difference."

In the Junior Secondary Division, Christian & Missionary Alliance Sun Kei Secondary School won with "Onederful," an eco-friendly packaging solution made from upcycled rice husks and coffee grounds. Developed by Tang Cheuk-wing, Law Mon-in, Har Lok-hin, Chan Ching-yan, Lee Hoi-kiu and Hung Tsz-hei, the team went through more than ten rounds of testing and hope that their biodegradable material will reduce landfill waste generated by e-commerce packaging.

The Senior Secondary Division Grand Award, which also won the "My Favourite Team" Award, went to S.K.H. St. Simon's Lui Ming Choi Secondary School for "River Lord," a nature-based water purification system designed to address long-standing odour issues in the Tuen Mun River. Team members Wang Ming-fang, Cai Yu-yin, Gao Yan-yee, Yam Wing-yu and Chan Hoi-ning devised their idea by using zeolite to support naturally occurring nitrifying bacteria. The system converts ammonia into odourless nitrate, which is then absorbed by eel grass, a native plant that also releases oxygen into the water. The team's low-cost, scalable approach offers a practical pathway to improving urban water systems, with plans for field trials underway.

The Tertiary Division Grand Award went to a cross-university team from The Chinese University of Hong Kong, The Education University of Hong Kong, and City University of Hong Kong. Team members Lam Sze-ming, Leung Pui-ying, Yeung Tsz-ting, Chan Wai-chuen, Ho Tsz-yung and Chan Pak-yee observed that many newly arrived students were unconfident in speaking Cantonese, so they designed a Cantonese card game named "CantoMore" to enable these students to "learn through play" and build their confidence. It is hoped that this initiative will be adopted by local secondary schools in the future to help more students integrate into the community.

Each winning team will receive HK$20,000 and the opportunity to participate in a career immersion experience provided by Hang Seng Bank. On the event day, the audience also voted for the "My Favourite Team" Award, with the winning team receiving HK$2,000.

Seek Our Ways Ideation Programme List of Winning Teams

Grand Award Winners by Division

Junior Secondary Division Grand Award
School and Student Names	Christian & Missionary Alliance Sun Kei Secondary School Tang Cheuk-wing, Law Mon-in, Har Lok-hin, Chan Ching-yan, Lee Hoi-kiu and Hung Tsz-hei
Theme	Upcycling rice husks and coffee grounds into eco-friendly packaging materials
Project Title	Onederful
Project Summary	Online shopping is popular among young people, but most of the packaging used in these transactions is not biodegradable, leading to environmental pollution in the long term. The group discovered that agricultural waste products such as rice husks and coffee grounds can be upcycled into packaging materials for courier services, thereby reducing excessive packaging and alleviating the problem of solid waste in landfills.

Senior Secondary Division Grand Award and "My Favourite Team" Award
School and Student Names	S.K.H. St. Simon's Lui Ming Choi Secondary School Wang Ming-fang, Cai Yu-yin, Gao Yan-yee, Yam Wing-yu and Chan Hoi-ning
Theme	A floating ecological purification system to improve the water quality and reduce odour of the Tuen Mun River
Project Title	River Lord
Project Summary	Members, from a school in Tuen Mun, have long been concerned about the water quality and odour issues in the Tuen Mun River. The proposal suggests using zeolite as a carrier to harness the river's indigenous nitrifying bacteria to convert ammonia nitrogen into odourless nitrate. This nitrate is then absorbed by the native Hong Kong plant Eel Grass, which releases oxygen in the process, thereby creating a self-sustaining micro-ecosystem that improves water quality and reduces odours at low cost.

Tertiary Division Grand Award
School and Student Names	The Chinese University of Hong Kong, The Education University of Hong Kong and City University of Hong Kong Lam Sze-ming, Leung Pui-ying, Yeung Tsz-ting, Chan Wai-chuen, Ho Tsz-yung and Chan Pak-yee
Theme	Cantonese card game named "CantoMore" to enable these students to "learn through play" and build their confidence
Project Title	CantoMore
Project Summary	Members observed that many newly arrived students were unconfident in speaking Cantonese, making it difficult for them to integrate into the local community. This card game combines physical cards with online learning, using scenes from Hong Kong films for practice, enabling newly arrived students to "learn through play," improve their conversational skills, and adapt more quickly to the local community.

Hashtag: #TheHongKongFederationofYouthGroups

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Dreame Vacuum Cleaners Shine in Melbourne, Accelerating Global Layout

Wed, 20 May 2026 09:46:43 +0200

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 20 May 2026 - On May 19-20, Dreame Technology launched its flagship XT Combo Home Cleaning Station at a Melbourne event, showcasing its cutting-edge cleaning technologies to local distributors, industry institutions and mainstream media. As a representative of China's high-end intelligent manufacturing, the brand further strengthened its layout in Australia's high-end home appliance market.

Dreame's global competitiveness lies in its self-developed core motor technology. After years of R&D, it launched the world's first 250,000-rpm levitating high-speed motor in April 2026. Developed by a 100-member team over two years, the motor adopts aerospace-grade craftsmanship and five core breakthroughs, delivering 420AW strong steady suction, outperforming mainstream industry standards.

The new XT Combo, equipped with 92 self-developed technologies, provides full-scenario smart cleaning. It supports wet and dry dual cleaning, 70°C hot air drying with a 99.99% sterilization rate, AI dirt detection and automatic suction adjustment. Its foldable design and fully automatic base station enable 100 days of maintenance-free use.

Boasting strong product strength, Dreame saw robust global growth in 2026, with its April global sales up 63% month-on-month. Its sales in Australia surged 182% year-on-year in Q1. The Melbourne launch marks a key step for its Oceania market expansion, helping Chinese smart manufacturing gain greater global influence.

Hashtag: #Dreame

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

Vinfast Officially Launches Early Booking Program for Three Battery-Swapping E-Motorcycle Models in Indonesia

Wed, 20 May 2026 09:06:40 +0200

JAKARTA, INDONESIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 20 May 2026 - VinFast has officially launched the Early Booking Program for three battery-swapping e-motorcycle models in Indonesia, including the VinFast Evo, VinFast Feliz II, and VinFast Viper. This marks the next step in VinFast's strategy to expand its comprehensive green mobility ecosystem in Indonesia, reaffirming the Company's strong commitment to one of the region's largest two-wheeler markets.

The three new models are designed to meet the diverse mobility needs of Indonesian consumers, ranging from daily urban commuting and business purposes to modern lifestyle aspirations. Accompanying the product lineup is a flexible battery ownership model, allowing customers to choose between battery subscription, battery swapping, or purchasing vehicles with batteries included, depending on their preferences and usage needs.

The Early Booking Program will run from May 20, 2026 to June 20, 2026 via the official website: Vinfastauto.id. Customers can conveniently select their preferred e-motorcycle model and area when placing the deposit, or contact the hotline at 1500083 for assistance.

VinFast has also announced pricing for the three models under the Early Booking Program. Accordingly, the VinFast Evo is priced at 18,980,000 IDR (with battery subscription) and 26,260,000 IDR (including 2 batteries). The VinFast Feliz II is priced at 20,100,000 IDR (with battery subscription) and 27,380,000 IDR (including 2 batteries). Meanwhile, the VinFast Viper is priced at 24,410,000 IDR (with battery subscription) and 31,690,000 IDR (including 2 batteries).

Customers who complete bookings during the period from May 20, 2026 to June 20, 2026 will receive a special discount valued at IDR 1.6 million. The booking fee is IDR 1 million and is non-refundable. The first deliveries to Indonesian customers are expected to begin in June 2026.

Ms. Vo Thi Cam Tu, Managing Director of VinFast E-motorcycles Overseas Market, said: "Indonesia is one of the world's largest and most dynamic two-wheeler markets, and is also entering a period of rapid transition toward green mobility. The simultaneous launch of three battery-swapping e-motorcycle models demonstrates VinFast's serious commitment and long-term strategy in building a sustainable mobility ecosystem in Indonesia. We are not only introducing high-quality, smart, and accessible products, but are also investing comprehensively in charging and battery-swapping infrastructure to accelerate and simplify the green transition for Indonesian consumers."

Among the three new models, the VinFast Viper is designed for young customers who favor sporty styling and modern technology. The vehicle is equipped with a range of smart features, including a Smart Key system with remote vehicle tracking and locating functions, as well as remote on/off control to enhance anti-theft protection.

In addition, the VinFast Viper features a TFT display, projector headlights, and dual rear shock absorbers with external reservoirs, providing enhanced stability and riding comfort across various road conditions.

Meanwhile, the VinFast Feliz II and VinFast Evo inherit the proven strengths of previous-generation models in Vietnam, while being further optimized to better meet the practical needs of Indonesian consumers.

The VinFast Viper, VinFast Feliz II, and VinFast Evo are all equipped with a maximum 5,200W BLDC in-wheel motor, delivering strong performance for urban mobility. The Viper and Feliz II support top speeds of up to 90 km/h, while the Evo reaches up to 80 km/h.

The VinFast Evo, Feliz II, and Viper are all designed with dual battery compartments positioned beneath the seat, optimizing storage space while enabling convenient battery installation and swapping. All three models use modern 2 x 1.5 kWh LFP batteries, known for their durability and high safety standards.

With two fully charged batteries, the VinFast Evo can travel up to 150 km under standard conditions, while the VinFast Viper and VinFast Feliz II offer ranges of up to 145 km. These figures stand out within the urban e-motorcycle segment, providing users with confidence for both daily commuting and longer journeys.

Customers may choose to subscribe to two batteries at a monthly fee of 84,000 IDR/month x 2, or purchase vehicles with batteries included, depending on their needs. Battery swapping fees are set at 6,000 IDR per battery per swap.

In addition to battery swapping, users can also charge batteries directly at home or at public charging stations. Through a strategic partnership with global charging infrastructure developer V-Green, VinFast is actively deploying battery-swapping and charging stations across multiple areas in Indonesia to provide customers with a convenient, fast, and optimized ownership experience.

Notably, all VinFast e-motorcycle models will enjoy free battery swapping at V-Green Battery Swap stations (BSS) for one year (up to 20 swaps per month per vehicle), together with a vehicle warranty of up to 6 years or 72,000 km (whichever comes first), helping to significantly reduce operating costs and encourage consumers to transition to green mobility solutions.

Indonesia is currently one of the world's largest two-wheeler markets. Combined with supportive clean-energy transition policies from the Indonesian government, the electric two-wheeler market is expected to hold tremendous growth potential in the coming years. With a well-structured investment strategy, a comprehensive ecosystem, and a diverse product portfolio, VinFast aims to accompany Indonesia in building a greener, more modern, and sustainable future for all.

Earlier this year, VinFast announced plans to expand its electric two-wheeler business into international markets, with the first five key markets expected to include the Philippines, Indonesia, India, Thailand, and Malaysia. These markets all possess strong growth potential, high urban mobility demand, and increasingly clear trends toward green transportation solutions.

In recent years, VinFast has established a green mobility ecosystem in the Philippines, Indonesia, India, and other markets through partnerships with reputable local companies, alongside strategic ecosystem partners such as GSM, an all-electric taxi operator, and V-Green. In addition to e-motorcycles, VinFast has also introduced a diverse lineup of e-bikes, e-buses, and electric vehicles, further expanding consumer choices in the transition toward sustainable transportation.

Hashtag: #VinFast

https://vinfastauto.id/

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

Young Campus, Big Achievements: MCKL Penang Students Secures Admission at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore

Wed, 20 May 2026 08:46:36 +0200

From lecture halls in Malaysia to one of the world's leading universities, ten students from MCKL College (Penang, Pykett Campus) have achieved a remarkable milestone by securing admissions at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 20 May 2026 - The students will be pursuing a wide range of programmes, including Mechanical Engineering, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Computer Science, Communication Studies, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, and Biological Sciences. Several students have also secured competitive scholarships, including the prestigious ASEAN Scholarship, reflecting both their academic excellence and strong leadership potential.

Among the students, Seah Ping Loon stood out with his exceptional academic achievements, having recently attained Top in Malaysia for Physics in the Outstanding Cambridge Learner's Awards 2025. He will be pursuing a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering with a second major in Data Analytics. In recognition of his outstanding academic performance and leadership potential, he was also awarded the prestigious ASEAN Scholarship. Beyond his impressive results, Ping Loon's journey reflects the dedication, perseverance, and passion for learning that MCKL strives to nurture in its students.

Another outstanding student is Cheng Xiao Thung, who received Top in the World scores for AS Level Psychology in the Top in Malaysia for Physics in the Outstanding Cambridge Learner's Awards 2025, and now pursuing Bachelor in Biological Science with Second Major in Psychology. "I chose MCKL College (Penang, Pykett Campus) because the programme has a strong reputation for producing high achieving scholars and maintaining a high academic standard. The environment felt very focused, aligning with the way I study. I believe it was one of the main reasons for my high achievement. Another key reason was my psychology lecturer who shaped my experience and deepened my passion for the subject, which made the classes both motivating and memorable."

Besides Seah, other students who achieved remarkable accomplishments include Genie Ong Xin Ling, Chew Wei Tong, Cheng Khai Liang, Khor Ly- and Khoo Shino. The students were recognised nationally in the prestigious Kuiz Kimia Kebangsaan Malaysia (K₃M) 2025, a national-level Chemistry competition, where they attained scores ranging from 50 to 68.5 marks receiving Merit Award in recognition of their strong performance. Their academic excellence and active participation in competitive platforms further strengthened their university applications, ultimately paving the way for them to secure placements at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore.

MCKL College (Penang, Pykett Campus) has been operating for less than five years, yet it has already achieved an incredible feat with multiple students securing placements at world-class universities across the globe. Since its establishment, MCKL Penang Campus has steadily built a reputation for strong academic excellence and holistic student development.

The success of these students enrolling into Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore is another significant milestone for MCKL Penang Campus, further demonstrating their exceptional ability to prepare students for opportunities at some of the world's top institutions despite being a relatively young campus.

List of students who are enrolled to Nanyang Technological University (NTU)

Name of Student	Grade	Course Enrolled	Scholarship Received	Award Received at MCKL
Seah Ping Loon	4A*	Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering with Second Major in Data Analytics	ASEAN Scholarship	1) Outstanding Scholar 2) Excellence Award 3) Subject Prize Winner: Chemistry 4) Subject Prize Winner: Physics 5) Overall Academic Excellence (Pure Science) 6) Yin Kam Yoke Award
Cheng Xiao Thung	4A*	Bachelor in Biological Science with Second Major in Psychology	Not Available	1) Outstanding Scholar 2) Excellence Award 3) Subject Prize Winner: Biology 4) Subject Prize Winner: Psychology 5) Overall Academic Excellence (Combination Arts & Science)
Cheng Khai Liang	4A*	Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering with Second Major in Data Analytics	ASEAN Scholarship	Outstanding Scholar
Chew Wei Tong	4A*	Biological Science with Second Major in Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacology	ASEAN Scholarship	1) Outstanding Scholar 2) Excellence Award
Genie Ong Xin Ling	4A*	Bachelor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering	ASEAN Scholarship	1) Outstanding Scholar 2) Excellence Award
Khor Ly-Hann	4A*	Double Degree in Accountancy and Data Science & AI	ASEAN Scholarship	1) Outstanding Scholar 2) Excellence Award
Lew Chen Jon	4A*	Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering (Technical Division)	ASEAN Scholarship	Outstanding Scholar
Ooi Yong Tzeh	4A*	Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering with Second Major in Data Analytics	Not Available	Outstanding Scholar
Ang Xin Yoon	3A*1A	Bachelor of Communication Studies	Not Available	Outstanding Scholar
Khoo Shino	3A*1A	Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering	Not Available	Outstanding Scholar

Hashtag: #mckl #methodistcollegekualalumpur #mcklpenang #pykettstudents #nanyangtech #ntu #singapore

https://mckl.edu.my/
https://www.linkedin.com/school/methodist-college-kuala-lumpur/
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The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Methodist College Kuala Lumpur (MCKL)

Founded in 1983 by the Methodist Council of Education, MCKL is built on strong Christian values, with its main campus in the heart of Kuala Lumpur and branch in Penang.

A Qualifications Scotland (QS) Accredited Centre, MCKL offers Advanced Diploma in Business and Computing Software Development, alongside globally recognised Pre-University pathways including Cambridge A-Level and AUSMAT (Western Australian Certificate of Education). MCKL also offers tertiary programmes, including American Degree Transfer Programme, and innovative Diploma programmes in Digital Business (IoT-Focused), Computer Science (Data Science Focused), Early Childhood Education, and Financial Technology.

Guided by its values, MCKL is recognised for academic excellence, strong overseas degree pathways, and nurturing students to thrive globally with purpose.

For additional information, please visit the MCKL Official Website.

Temus ramps up AI hiring, launches Foundry to support national impact in health and finance

Wed, 20 May 2026 08:46:36 +0200

Focused on production-grade AI, the Foundry will hire 50 AI professionals to deliver live enterprise projects in financial services and precision health.
Expanded partnership with AI Singapore will drive joint prototypes, multilingual models, reusable delivery frameworks and enterprise deployments.

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 20 May 2026 - Temus today launched an AI Foundry, supported by Digital Industry Singapore (DISG), to expand Singapore's AI talent base and strengthen production-grade AI delivery for enterprises.

(from Left to Right) Sng Ren Yeong, Chief Executive Officer, Temus; Kiren Kumar, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Development, Infocomm Media Development Authority; Philbert Gomez, Senior Vice President, Executive Director and Head, Digital Industry Singapore

The Foundry will hire, develop and deploy 50 Singapore-based AI professionals to build AI accelerators, governance frameworks, and delivery capabilities for enterprise AI.

Singapore's Economic Strategy Review (ESR), whose final report was published 13 May 2026, made clear that Singapore should be a place where AI generates measurable business and societal outcomes. With more than 70 AI Centres of Excellence already established across sectors, Temus' AI Foundry will build on these foundations to operationalise AI at production grade in response to that mandate - with the talent and delivery methods that translate AI ambition into live, enterprise projects.

Front: Sng Ren Yeong, Chief Executive Officer, Temus; Mark Pereira, Head, Partnerships, Strategy & Growth (AI Products), AI Singapore
Back: Sutowo Wong, Managing Director, AI & Data, Temus; Kiren Kumar, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Development, Infocomm Media Development Authority; Tomithy Too, AI Strategist, AI & Data, Temus

Initial use-cases for the AI Foundry include -

An agentic AI copilot for a leading investment company
A secure, internally hosted AI knowledge assistant for a specialised financial institution
An AI-powered lead management system for a regional telecommunications provider
A multi-agent vulnerability management solution for a leading security and integrated services company

Notably, they illustrate how the AI Foundry will support enterprises across precision health and financial services, in line with Singapore's National AI Impact Programme (NAIIP).

"Singapore's AI opportunity is entering a new phase: From experimentation to execution," said Sng Ren Yeong, Chief Executive Officer, Temus. "Across industries, firms are exploring how AI can improve the way they work. With stronger data, governance and operating foundations, they can move forward with greater confidence and scale. Our AI Foundry is designed to support this next phase of AI-enabled transformation by building Singapore-based talent, codifying proven delivery methods, and enabling enterprises to turn AI ambition into lasting business impact."

Philbert Gomez, Senior Vice President, Executive Director and Head, Digital Industry Singapore, said: "We welcome the establishment of Temus's AI Foundry. Through their work with enterprises across sectors, the Foundry will enable key companies who have chosen Singapore to undertake core transformation that will be enabled by AI. This investment will also present Singaporeans an opportunity to gain experience through participating in transformation projects from sectors such as financial services and precision health. Singapore has strong propositions as a global AI hub for AI technology and service providers, and we look forward to more companies undertaking such efforts from here."

Talent as national AI asset

The ESR's recommendations also identified AI literacy and workforce transformation as a cross-cutting imperative, that AI adoption across the economy be tied to job redesign and skills upgrading, and that the gains from AI be shared fairly. The Foundry puts this principle into practice. Its 50 new roles - spanning AI architects, data scientists, AI/ML engineers, product owners, and full-stack, DevOps and UX engineers - will be embedded directly in live client work, building production-grade delivery capability while growing Temus' local talent base.

This builds on Temus' broader workforce transformation track record: Step IT Up, supported under IMDA's TechSkills Accelerator (TeSA)^{^[1]} initiative, has hired, placed and trained close to 80 Singaporean career-switchers into technology roles at a 100 per cent placement rate.

Deepening the AISG partnership

Temus and AI Singapore (AISG) have committed to deepening a partnership that began in April 2023, when the two organisations signed their inaugural MOU to accelerate AI innovation and adoption. The first agreement focused on catalysing digital transformation, promoting AI adoption, and developing new AI technologies for Singapore-based firms, including through AISG's flagship 100 Experiments (100E) programme.

Today's expanded partnership extends the collaboration into exploring joint prototypes, reusable delivery frameworks and enterprise deployments that bring nationally developed AI capabilities into real-world operating environments. The partnership will also support multilingual AI use cases and the practical application of Singapore-developed models in enterprise settings.

Dr Leslie Teo, Senior Director, AI Products, AI Singapore, said: "Singapore's AI ambition depends on tighter links between research, engineering and deployment. Our partnership with Temus is intended to help bridge that gap - by translating locally anchored model and product capabilities into enterprise use cases that can be governed, evaluated and deployed in practice."

Sutowo Wong, Managing Director, AI and Data, Temus, said: "We are pleased to deepen our partnership with AI Singapore and explore how nationally developed AI capabilities can be deployed into live enterprise environments. A capable model is just the start. In regulated settings, you also need sovereignty over your proprietary data, domain-specific context, and the infrastructure to move from prototype to production. That is the gap we want to close together."

[1] The TeSA initiative was launched in 2016 and has placed more than 24,300 locals into tech domains such as Software and Applications, Cyber Security, Cloud Computing, AI and Analytics, 5G and upskilled more than 440,000 individuals with tech skills. TeSA is co-led by IMDA, SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG), Workforce Singapore (WSG) and the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC).

Hashtag: #Temus

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

About Temus

Temus helps public sector agencies and private enterprises transform how they work and serve citizens and customers with production-grade AI, cloud & application engineering, consulting & design, in line with Singapore's Smart Nation and National AI ambitions. Our work spans healthcare, defence, financial services, education and government.

Established by Temasek in 2021, we are ~500-strong and anchored in Singapore with a growing regional presence.

More on https://temus.com/.