Slovenia Times

Leader of anti-establishment party elected parliament's speaker

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 19:59:44 +0200

The new parliamentary term has begun and Zoran Stevanović, leader of the anti-establishment Truth party, has emerged as the new National Assembly president in a secret ballot. His election may indicate the formation of a centre-right government coalition.

The National Assembly confirmed the mandates of all 90 MPs elected in the 22 March general election in a 62:0 vote on 10 April, formally establishing the country's tenth parliament.

The names of potential candidates for the post of speaker were unknown prior to the start of the inaugural session, but there were speculations about Stevanović and Janez Cigler Kralj, a senior member of New Slovenia (NSi).

A candidacy of Stevanović was then put forward as the only bid, supported by signatures of his party, the NSi and the Democratic Party (SDS), which all said he could "bridge different political orientations". His election was carried by 48 votes in favour, two more votes than needed, to 29 against.

The 48 "aye" votes correspond to the combined votes of Truth, the SDS, the NSi and Anže Logar's Democrats, and may be a sign of a centre-right coalition alliance taking shape, a development that was indicated by the centre-left. The next steps toward forming a new government will now begin, with potential candidates for prime minister being floated.

All centre-left parties said in the preceding debate that they would not vote for Stevanović, and 21 MPs did not even pick up their ballots. Two ballots were invalid.

In his first message to the chamber, Stevanović, who is known for his Trumpian approach to politics, said he was taking the office with the awareness that "power in this country does not belong to us, it is incumbent on the people".

"We're here because they have put their trust in us. If we wish to restore trust in politics, we have to return to the basics. The path we have to take is the path of transparency and respect," he said as he called for overcoming local divisions to face global geopolitical uncertainties.

Rise to prominence on the back of anti-vax movement

Holding an MA in management from the University of Primorska, the 44-year-old former police officer and local councillor in Kranj entered politics in 2014, when he ran for the local mayoral post. He did it again in 2018 and 2022, and was never elected. For a relatively brief period he was a member of the National Party (SNS), known for its anti-migrant rhetoric and Euroscepticism.

During the 2026 election campaign Stevanović insisted he had never been convicted, but it turned out he was convicted in two separate cases in the 2000s - of endangering safety by making threats and attempting to defraud an insurance company - however his record was eventually wiped clean because in both cases he was sentenced to pay a fine alone.

What is more, while serving as a police officer, he was allegedly sanctioned for misconduct, which he denies.

The new National Assembly president rose to national prominence during the Covid pandemic, when he spearheaded a movement that started out as an anti-vaccination group but evolved into a protest against the Covid restrictions imposed by the then government, which was led by SDS leader Janez Janša. Stevanović founded Truth in late 2020.

Before the last election, Truth had been saying it would not cooperate with the SDS, but that sentiment appears to be changing now. However, after taking over as speaker, Stevanović reiterated his party did not see itself either in the Robert Golob government or the one led by Janša.

The election winner, Golob's Freedom Movement said that Stevanović's election was an example of "political corruption" showing how to get someone on your side to achieve your goals. The former ruling party basically suggested that the SDS promised him the job in order to get enough votes to form another government.

National Assembly presidents have usually come from the largest or second largest party in a government coalition, but this time around the second most senior post in the country will be held by the head of a newcomer party which got 5.49% in the election and ranked last out of the seven parties that have made it to parliament.

Truth also contested the 2022 election, but it fell well below the 4% threshold to enter parliament, winning 2.86% of the vote back then.

During the last election campaign they pushed for a referendum on NATO membership. The party is seen as quite pro-Russian, but Stevanović has denied speculations that Truth has ties with Russia.

Claiming election irregularities, Janša's party to turn to top court

The SDS meanwhile continues to allege several irregularities in the 22 March election even though the National Electoral Commission dismissed its formal complaints. The election runner-up decided not to contest any individual MP mandates, but it will file a complaint with the Constitutional Court.

Because of these claims all SDS MPs also abstained during the vote confirming the mandates of the new MPs.

Janša attended an anti-corruption protest, held in front of the Parliament House during the maiden session of the National Assembly, and urged all generations to join the fight against corruption. The protest was organised by conservative activist Aleš Primc, and according to the organisers it drew a crowd of 5,000.

Contemporary dance looking to brighter future

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 15:06:03 +0200

Contemporary dance has long been overshadowed by other arts forms in Slovenia, and its development has not been as sustainable as it could have been. After decades-long efforts to establish a public organisation to steer this development, the country will now finally get a contemporary dance institute.

The Culture Ministry and the cities of Celje and Nova Gorica recently signed an umbrella agreement as the co-founders of a new Public Institute for the Development of Contemporary Dance Art.

The bulk of funding will be provided by the government, with €560,000 allocated annually from the national budget and another €4 million from EU cohesion funds until 2029.

However, in order to get the EU cohesion funds, the contemporary dance institute must be up and running by the end of this year, which is the founders' goal.

The organisation will be headquartered in Celje in a move that promotes decentralisation efforts. Home to a number of dance studios, the city in eastern Slovenia is known for its vibrant dance scene.

Meanwhile, Nova Gorica spearheaded the push for contemporary dance popularisation during last year's European Capital of Culture, a project it co-hosted together with Italy's Gorizia. It had a thriving dance scene at the time, with MN Dance Company staging several high-profile productions featuring dancers from around the globe.

Nova Gorica will now support the new institute by providing a rehearsal venue at the local EPIC Centre, which opened during the European Capital of Culture stint.

One of the few art forms in Slovenia without holistic institutional support, contemporary dance has lacked a strategic vision, and Culture Minister Asta Vrečko has described the institute as a major step forward not just for this art form but for Slovenian culture as a whole.

The work of many NGOs, dancers, teachers, choreographers and "those who document the history of contemporary dance" will now become more formalised, she said.

All of them have been calling for the establishment of such a public organisation for more than 30 years. A Centre for Contemporary Dance Arts was founded in 2011, but it was abolished in 2012 as a centre-right government took over during the financial crisis.

The current government gave the green light for the establishment of the new institute last November, followed by the city councils of both participating municipalities in January.

Hopes of long-term development

Despite the absence of systematic support so far, there have been driving forces of the development of contemporary dance such as the Dance Theatre Ljubljana and the Contemporary Dance Association.

There is also a number of acclaimed contemporary dancers and choreographers in the country, but their projects are often a labour of love or completely dependent on funding calls. Undertaking precarious work, they also frequently lack job security.

The head of the Contemporary Dance Association, Teja Reba, expects that contemporary dance will now become an equal partner to other art forms in Slovenia. She is also hopeful that the institute could grow into a major hub in Southeastern Europe.

Supporting ASEAN's creative economy through UK partnership and research

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 10:05:29 +0200

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 10 April 2026 - The success and impact of the ASEAN-UK Advancing Creative Economy programme was on show at the recent 2^nd ASEAN-UK Creative Economy Symposium 2026 in Manila. The Symposium showcased how research, capacity building, and regional collaboration are shaping the future of the creative economy across Southeast Asia, further advancing the goals of the ASEAN Creative Economy Sustainability Framework, adopted at the 46^th ASEAN Summit. The Symposium also celebrated the 5^th anniversary of the ASEAN-UK Dialogue Partnership, focused on deepening cooperation and connection.

The Department of Trade and Industry of the Philippines, together with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the British Council and the ASEAN Secretariat, convened over 270 leaders, policymakers, creatives, and investors from ASEAN and the United Kingdom in Manila for the ASEAN-UK Creative Economy Symposium 2026, reinforcing the region's push to harness the creative economy as a key driver of growth, innovation, and cultural identity.

Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), Satvinder Singh, said:
"ASEAN is well-positioned to harness the full potential of the creative economy. Six out of eleven ASEAN Member States now rank among the top 70 globally in the WIPO Global Innovation Index's creative outputs dimension. ASEAN recognises that intangible assets, such as intellectual property, brands, and design as the currencies of modern creative economy. The ideas, expressions, and innovations our creators produce must be protected, valued, and commercialised."

UK Ambassador to ASEAN, Helen Fazey, said:
"The UK and ASEAN are advancing together through trust, cooperation, and shared priorities. This partnership reflects a strong and growing relationship built on mutual respect and a shared ambition to support sustainable economic growth, innovation, and opportunity across the region. Through initiatives like the ASEAN-UK Advancing Creative Economy programme, we are deepening collaboration, strengthening people-to-people links, and supporting the development of vibrant and resilient creative sectors."

ASEAN-focused research highlights pathways for growth in the creative economy
New research under the ASEAN-UK Advancing Creative Economy initiative is providing critical insights into the evolution and economic potential of cultural industries across the region.

Arts and Technologies in ASEAN: Interconnected Parts, commissioned by the British Council, examines the fast-growing creative technology landscape across ASEAN. Drawing on more than 60 interviews and case studies, the report explores how artists are using digital tools-from AI to immersive media-while also analysing the regulatory environments shaping innovation. It highlights both the dynamism of the sector and the need for stronger support systems to sustain growth.

Complementing this, the Regional Perception Poll on the ASEAN Creative Economy offers a comprehensive view of how the sector is understood across the region. Based on insights from over 4,000 respondents, including both producers and audiences, the study highlights the interconnected nature of creative ecosystems and the relationships between artists, industries, policymakers, and communities. Its findings underscore the need for tailored, context-specific strategies and stronger regional collaboration to unlock further growth.

Together, these research outputs provide valuable evidence to inform policy, guide investment, and strengthen UK-ASEAN partnerships.Building on this work, a new ASEAN festival research and mapping initiative is underway, expanding earlier studies to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the region's diverse festival landscape and identify opportunities for future collaboration.

Country Director Indonesia and Director South East Asia, Summer Xia, said:
"Through the ASEAN-UK Advancing Creative Economy initiative, we are investing in the research, skills, and partnerships needed to support long-term growth in the creative sector. The symposium in Manila was an important opportunity to share these resources and ensure they are shaped by and for the region. By working closely with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the ASEAN Secretariat, we are helping to build a stronger, more connected creative economy across ASEAN countries."

Underscoring the broader vision of the initiative, Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) San Lwin has reaffirmed, in separate engagements, that the ASEAN-UK Advancing Creative Economy programme maximises the region's creative potential to fuel socio-economic growth and cultural exchange. He reiterated the shared commitment to leveraging innovation and creativity as key connectors to drive prosperity, deepen cultural unity, advance social equity, and promote sustainable, inclusive development in order to forge an "ASEAN Community of Opportunities for All."

Learn more at: ASEAN Creative Economy Initiative
Hashtag: #BritishCouncil

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About the British Council

The British Council is the UK's international culture and education organisation. We support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. We do this through our work in arts and culture, education and the English language. We work with people in over 200 countries and territories. In 2024-25, we reached 600 million people.
www.britishcouncil.org

Bangkok Unveils "KUDTHAI" Cultural Showcase in Emerging Songwat District During Songkran

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 09:45:26 +0200

BANGKOK , THAILAND - Media OutReach Newswire - 10 April 2026 - A new chapter in Thailand's cultural and retail landscape is set to debut this April, as The Mall Group introduces "KUDTHAI 2026," a curated showcase of Thai creativity, launching its first-ever pop-up in Bangkok's rapidly emerging Songwat district during Songkran.

Presented in collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the initiative reflects a growing effort to spotlight Thailand's cultural identity through contemporary retail and experiential tourism.

"KUDTHAI" - derived from the Thai word "Kud," meaning "to carefully select" - brings together a refined selection of Thai brands, artisans, and culinary talents, highlighting craftsmanship, local wisdom, and modern design for both local and international audiences.

The inaugural "Song Wat KUDTHAI 2026," taking place from April 9-12 at Lost in Songwat, marks the first time The Mall Group extends its retail experience beyond its flagship developments into one of Bangkok's most talked-about neighborhoods. Once a historic trading hub along the Chao Phraya River, Songwat is now re-emerging as a vibrant cultural enclave attracting a new generation of creatives and global travelers.

Extending this experience into the city's premier retail destinations, "KUDTHAI 2026" will also be held from April 8-19, 2026 across the EM District - Emporium, EmQuartier, and Emsphere - creating a connected journey between Bangkok's emerging cultural quarters and its established lifestyle hubs.

This multi-location approach reflects a broader shift in how visitors experience Bangkok - moving fluidly between heritage neighborhoods and contemporary retail environments.

While Songkran remains one of Thailand's most globally recognized celebrations, "KUDTHAI 2026" offers an alternative lens - focusing on curated cultural discovery through design, gastronomy, and local creativity.

At the EM District, the "EM District Thai Hansa Maha Songkran: A Summer of Thai Celebration" from April 10-15, 2026 further enhances the experience with immersive installations, signature water attractions, and themed markets including THAI-POP MARKET at Emporium, THAI LOCAL MARKET at EmQuartier, and THAI-TAINMENT MARKET at Emsphere.

A highlight includes "Little Song Wat," bringing culinary names from the historic Songwat community into the heart of the city, reinforcing the connection between Bangkok's evolving cultural districts and its modern retail landscape.

Together, these activations position Bangkok as more than a festive destination during Songkran - but also as a city redefining how tradition is experienced through innovation, culture, and commerce.
Hashtag: #KudThai2026 #SongwatKudThai #FriendsOfSongwat #bangkoksongkarn #Bangkokshopping #TheMall #EMDISTRICT

http://www.emdistrict.com/

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Lau Yee-Wa Wins First Chommanard International Literary Award

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 09:25:21 +0200

BANGKOK, THAILAND - Media OutReach Newswire - 10 April 2026 - At Elite+ magazine's 12th anniversary gala dinner on Friday, 3 April 2025, held at the Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok, Lau Yee-Wa of Hong Kong was named the inaugural Chommanard International Literary Award grand prize winner for Lau Yee-Wa's debut novel, Tongueless. The selection was made after almost a year from the call for submissions by female authors from ASEAN member states and East Asian region, including China, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Nearly 70 books from 47 publishers representing 10 countries were submitted for this competition. But, for the past 15 years, Praphansarn Publishing, with the sponsorship of Bangkok Bank, has been organising the Chommanard Book Prize, which is given annually for the best book written by a Thai female writer, the winner receiving a cash prize of 100,000 baht and the publication of her book translated into English.

Mr Arthorn Techatada, the Award Program Director, explained, "After holding the Chommanard Book Prize for 15 years, it now seemed this was the right time to expand our programme to include ASEAN and China Region female writers as it is very important to promote outstanding female literary talent throughout the region and the world beyond as Asian female writers don't get the deserved recognition, and fortunately, Bangkok Bank agreed."

Mr Arthorn then with the assistance of Associate Professor Dr Trisilpa Boonkhachorn of the Faculty of Arts, Chulalongkorn University, invited and formed a panel of judges from Thailand, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Malaysia, the Philippines, France and Germany. All were given the arduous task of reading every submission, followed by deciding on a longlist and then shortlist and country winners from which the grand prize winner would be selected.

The shortlist winners included Li Zi Shu, an award-winning Chinese language writer from Malaysia, for her book, The Age of Goodbyes; Thuận, a Vietnamese author based in Paris who writes in both Vietnamese and French, for her novel, Chinatown. She was also recognised by The New Yorker Best Books 2023. Next are the acclaimed Thai writer Veeraporn Nitiprapha, a two-time winner of the SEA Write Award for her novel, Memories of the Memories of the Black Rose Cat; Isna Marita, an Indonesian author and Environmentalist for her first novel, Mountain More Ancient; Dr Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai of Viet Nam, who has written 13 books in Vietnamese and English, for her book, The Mountains Sing; Leila S Chudori, an award-winning journalist and novelist, for her novel, The Sea Speaks His Name; Yáng Shuāng-zǐ, a writer of fiction, essays, manga and video game scripts, for her novel, Taiwan Travelogue, and Lau Yee-Wa of Hong Kong, who studied Chinese literature and philosophy, for her debut novel, Tongueless.

The two country winners, who along with the shortlisted authors, attended over a week of activities centred around the Bangkok International Book Fair organised by PUBAT (Publishers and Booksellers Association of Thailand) and visits to important media organisations. They include Jemimah Wei of Singapore for her debut novel, The Original Daughter, which was a Good Morning America Book Club selection and New York Times Editors' pick, and Marga Ortigas, an award-winning journalist from the Philippines, for her novel, The House on Calle Sombria.

When Associate Professor Dr Trisilpa Boonkhachorn, jury chairperson, announced Lau Yee-Wa as the grand prize winner, the audience and especially the shortlisted and country winners erupted in loud cheers and applause. Then, after receiving a 500,000 baht prize presented by Mr Chartsiri Sophonphanich, President of Bangkok Bank, Ms Lau Yee-Wa gave the keynote speech for the gala celebration on the topic, "Deschooling Society for Global Peace".

Ms Lau Yee-Wa began, "I never expected to receive such an award or to have my novel translated into so many languages, including Thai. I thought the story, written in Cantonese, was too colloquial and based on such a local Hong Kong context, it would be difficult to understand."

Later, the winning author went on, "Then, I realized I was not writing fiction. I was documenting a quiet, invisible form of violence that happened every day in the classroom, workplace and even daily life in the whole world. This violence is called deschooling, which the philosopher Ivan Illich warned us about more than 50 years ago."

Ms Lau Yee-Wa closed by saying, "I believe that Tongueless is my own small, stubborn act of deschooling. I refused to wrap the story in comforting, official language. I let the pain, the vanity, the quiet rebellion, and the flnal demand for choice speak in their rawest form. In doing so, I rediscovered my own voice-and I hope every reader who finishes the book begins to hear theirs again."

The guidelines for submissions for the Chommanard Book Prize for Thai writers writing in Thai and the Chommanard International Women's Literary Award for writers from ASEAN member and China region countries will be announced in the coming months. You can find additional information by visiting the Chommanard International Women's Literary Award website @ https://virf.io/chommanard/home or by contacting virf@elitecreative.co.th.

Hashtag: #Elite+ #ChommanardInternationalLiteraryAward

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XTransfer Reinforces Commitment to Africa's SME Trade

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 09:05:13 +0200

Joins Solar & Storage Live Africa 2026

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - Media OutReach Newswire - 10 April 2026 - XTransfer, the World's Leading B2B Cross-Border Trade Payment Platform, reinforced its commitment to serving SMEs across Africa through its participation in major regional events. Following the Inclusive FinTech Forum 2026 in Rwanda, XTransfer joined the Solar & Storage Live Africa 2026 in Johannesburg. These engagements reflect XTransfer's growing focus on enabling legitimate, secure cross-border trade that supports real-economy supply chains across the continent.

XTransfer joins the Solar & Storage Live Africa 2026.

As Africa's premier energy event, "Solar & Storage Live Africa 2026" convened more than 650 local and international exhibitors showcasing products, technologies and solutions. XTransfer's participation comes as it continues to expand in Africa, helping SMEs engaged in international trade access a more unified payment experience. In many markets, SMEs still face friction when making and receiving trade payments, including complex processes and delays that can strain cash flow and disrupt supply chains. Where reliable options are limited, some businesses may feel pressured to rely on informal channels, creating avoidable compliance and transparency risks for the wider ecosystem.

To address these challenges, XTransfer works with international and local banks and financial institutions to strengthen payment infrastructure and facilitate compliant trade payments. In Africa, XTransfer partners with Flutterwave, Africa's leading payments technology company, to support importers in Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa to pay for goods conveniently in local currency, while helping Asian exporters receive reliable settlement, supporting smoother trade flows across key Africa-Asia corridors.

By continuing to invest in partnerships and local market capabilities, XTransfer aims to help more African SMEs participate confidently in borderless trading and to support the supply chains, accelerating the continent's energy transition.
Hashtag: #XTransfer #Crossborder #Payment #SMEs #Africa #SouthAfrica

https://www.xtransfer.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtransfer.cn
https://x.com/xtransferglobal
https://www.facebook.com/XTransferGlobal/

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Transformation From Thailand's Premier Tourist Hub to a Global 'Heaven City' and World-Class Living, With Dusit Ajara Hua Hin

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 08:45:07 +0200

HUA HIN, THAILAND - Media OutReach Newswire - 10 April 2026 - Hua Hin is undergoing a historic transformation. Long recognized as Thailand's elite seaside retreat, this coastal gem is now ranked among the world's top real estate growth markets, offering world-class Branded Residences that deliver yields of 7-9%, outperforming non-branded counterparts by 50-80%, according to CBRE Thailand. Ideally positioned around three hours from Bangkok, the capital city, Hua Hin is being elevated into a "Heaven City" and a premier global destination for high-end living and strategic real estate investment. Driven by massive infrastructure development and a shift toward world-class well-being, it has become the top choice for High-Net-Worth Individuals seeking pristine nature, tranquility, and modern luxury within reach of major international metropolises.

The "Heaven City" vision is underpinned by a clear state roadmap, including an operational double-track railway by 2026, the M8 Motorway, and Hua Hin Airport's international expansion by 2027. Strategically bridging Bangkok and the Southern Economic Corridor, Hua Hin is emerging as a Global Wellness Tourism Hub and a Safe Haven for HNWIs and discerning investors.

Beyond infrastructure, Hua Hin delivers a lifestyle ecosystem, from a world-class Medical Hub with multilingual healthcare and Elite International Education, to a Golfer's Paradise with championship courses, a world-class vineyard estate, vibrant art scenes, and creative night markets. Anchored by luxury malls and international water parks, it is a sanctuary for every generation, making Branded Residences in Hua Hin increasingly coveted assets among both local and international buyers.

The pinnacle of this evolution is Dusit Ajara Hua Hin. Developed by Dusit Estate, under Dusit International, a globally recognized hospitality brand, this ultra-luxury branded residence builds on Dusit's vision of redefining luxury living through integrated, hospitality-led experiences, as reflected in its mixed-use flagship development in Bangkok, Dusit Central Park. It sits on a prime nearly 8-acre site, featuring 96 exclusive residences with privileged beach access, nestled within the grounds of Dusit Thani Hua Hin. Designed for multi-generational living, it stands as the first low-rise residential project in Asia developed under the Fitwel: Low Rise Residential standard, a leading evidence-based global certification focused on enhancing health and well-being through optimized indoor environments. With its low-density approach, the project champions sustainable well-being. Its signature "Bridging Oasis" concept delivers over 60% green space, seamlessly connecting seven buildings through lush landscaping. Residents enjoy a full suite of amenities, including a five-zone aquatic experience, clubhouse, wellness studio, kids' world, and entertainment spaces.

Dusit Ajara Hua Hin's true distinction lies in its Gracious Hospitality. Backed by Dusit's 77-year legacy, professional property management ensures long-term value, translating into high asset liquidity and a reliable Lifestyle Dividend, supported by a dedicated rental management team.

Dusit Ajara Hua Hin is more than a residence. It is a "Limited Edition Collection" - a low-risk, high-growth asset offering timeless luxury living and sustainable long-term value for a limited collection of families.

Please visit https://www.dusitajara.com/landingpage

Hua Hin: +66(0) 88 899 8355
Bangkok: +66(0) 88 822 7882

Hashtag: #DusitAjara #DusitAjaraHuaHin #HuaHin

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Largest maintenance hangar in the country opens at Ljubljana Airport

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 08:00:00 +0200

Slovenian aviation services firm Solinair has inaugurated a new maintenance hangar at Ljubljana Airport in a move that will increase capacity and create new jobs. The company's clients include major airlines such as Lufthansa and Finnair, and the investment is seen as a significant step forward in the development of the local aviation industry.

Owned by Turkish investors, Solinair can currently service three to four aircraft at the same time. The new facility, considered the largest maintenance hangar in the country, will allow it to service three additional aircraft simultaneously and expand its work to narrow-body aircraft such as Airbus A320.

The expansion will also lead to new hiring, with Solinair planning to add between 50 and 60 employees in the coming years.

Chief executive Matej Tomšič said at the inauguration ceremony on 8 April that the hangar marked a milestone for the company, which has seen rising demand for base aircraft maintenance. He described the new addition as a tool that facilitates the next step in Solinair's development.

He noted that aviation is a global industry sensitive to geopolitical shifts. "The current situation in the Middle East contributes to greater uncertainty about the future, affects fuel prices and increases the risk of new inflationary pressures. In such an environment, companies must be even more careful, adaptable and resilient," he said.

Slovenian company Solinair opens new aircraft maintenance hangar at Ljubljana Airport. Photo: Tinkara Zupan/STA

Attending the event, President Nataša Pirc Musar described the company as a success story and said the investment reflected the broader development of Slovenia's aviation sector, knowledge and entrepreneurial drive.

Founded at Portorož Airport in 1991 and relocated to Ljubljana Airport in 2004, Solinair operates across four aviation segments: cargo flight operations, aircraft maintenance, continuing airworthiness management, and technical staff training.

It generated €30 million in revenue and €2.8 million in profit in 2024, the last year for which official data are publicly available. The company had 120 employees at the end of that year.

So far Solinair has been servicing 50-60 aircraft per year, but now the number is expected to rise to 85. Among its regular maintenance clients are airlines such as Lufthansa, Helvetic Airways and Finnair, as well as Nigerian carriers Ibom Air and ValueJet.

VinFast's Record Day Shows How EV Adoption Turns Practical

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 06:04:46 +0200

Vietnam's growing supporting infrastructure is turning EV interest into actual volume, with implications for emerging markets and the Middle East

DUBAI, UAE - Media OutReach Newswire - 9 April 2026 - There was a point in time when electric vehicles weren't just a relative novelty, but were actually a preferred choice, at least in the U.S., where they first gained traction. Even back in the 1990s, people were already aware of the benefits of EVs, being quieter, easier to operate, and well-suited for city trips.

Then they vanished. Crude oil discoveries made fuel cheap. Gas stations multiplied across highways and rural roads. Electricity, meanwhile, barely reached beyond urban centers. Without places to charge, EVs became impractical curiosities, and the internal combustion engine took over for the next hundred years.

The lesson is clear: EVs didn't lose because they were inferior, but because of the lack of a supporting ecosystem. Some brands today are determined not to make the same mistake that doomed early EVs.

In Vietnam, currently among the world's fastest-growing EV markets, if you go back a few years, you might not have seen any EVs at all. Ask around, and you would have found that the biggest concern then was range anxiety and charging access. Charging at home was the only real option, but this was mostly limited to affluent households, not those living in older apartment buildings or homes tucked deep inside alleyways.

Fast forward to last Saturday, and the picture looks very different. VinFast, the country's first and only domestic EV manufacturer, set a new record with more than 3,520 orders completed in a single day. This figure is equivalent to the monthly sales of some internal combustion engine automakers in the country and translates to an average of 146 orders per hour, or approximately 2.4 orders per minute.

The product hadn't changed dramatically. What changed was how usable it became in everyday conditions. VinFast customers can now access charging stations every 3.5 kilometers within cities, a density that exceeds many urban charging targets globally. On highways, stations appear every 65 kilometers, tighter than the U.S. federal guideline of one every 80 kilometers. Its app routes trips around charging stops in much the same way navigation apps route around traffic.

The company is also developing its own infrastructure for its customers in every market where it operates, including in the Middle East. In February, VinFast signed an agreement with PlusX Electric, a UAE-certified charging and mobility provider, to build out a comparable support layer for its Gulf customers. The deal covers portable charging pods for on-the-go use, mobile emergency charging for drivers caught short, and roadside assistance.

"VinFast is committed to building a long-term and comprehensive EV ecosystem in the UAE, one that gives customers confidence not only in the quality and performance of our electric vehicles, but also in the reliability and accessibility of the supporting infrastructure," a VinFast Middle East executive said in a press release.

VinFast's effort aligns with broader green initiatives across several Gulf countries. Saudi Arabia has been rolling out fast chargers along major corridors. The UAE has made EV infrastructure mandatory in new developments. The sequence mirrors what Vietnam has already gone through, but at a faster pace. The Middle East is now laying the groundwork to skip the slower early phase, and VinFast, having already moved through both stages of that transition, seems to know exactly what that groundwork needs to look like.

Hashtag: #Vinfast

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Asia Pacific dominates top rankings in Kearney's 2026 FDI Confidence Index® amid global geopolitical tension and industrial policy expansion

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 06:04:43 +0200

Asia Pacific holds the largest share of ranked markets on the Index for the first time in more than a decade, claiming 10 out of 25 spots.
Japan, China, Singapore, South Korea and India see leaps in ranking as Thailand and Malaysia re-enter the top 25.
Technological and innovation capabilities emerges as the most important factor shaping investment decisions.
Industrial policy is now critical in investment decisions, with 84 percent of investors citing it as extremely or very important.

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 10 April 2026 - Kearney's Global Business Policy Council today released the 2026 Foreign Direct Investment Confidence Index (FDICI), an annual survey of global business executives that ranks markets most likely to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) over the next three years. The 2026 Index sees Asia Pacific (APAC) claiming the largest share of the ranked markets (10 out of 25) for the first time in more than a decade, amid a global investment environment shaped by intensifying geopolitical tensions, expanding industrial policy, and accelerating technological competition.

The survey, conducted in January 2026 among more than 500 senior executives from leading corporations worldwide, shows that companies remain committed to international investment despite mounting uncertainty. Eighty-eight percent of respondents say they plan to increase foreign direct investment over the next three years, signaling sustained confidence in long-term global opportunities.

The United States and Canada retain their first and second positions on the Index. Japan rises to third, and China (including Hong Kong) climbs to fourth. Singapore (8^th), South Korea (11^th) and India (22^nd) post gains as Thailand (20^th) and Malaysia (21^st) re-enter the top 25 list after three and 12 years respectively- reflecting a strong showing from APAC.

"The APAC region emerges as a winner as investors recalibrate how they make decisions in a more turbulent operating environment," said Shigeru Sekinada, Region Chair, Asia Pacific at Kearney. "The technological capability, economic growth potential, and geopolitical relevance offered by the top-ranking APAC markets make them choice FDI destinations among a business community that is both actively pursuing emerging opportunities and attentive to mounting complexities and risks."

Middle powers and emerging markets attract renewed investor interest

Most APAC markets in the top 25 list saw improvements in rankings, but none as remarkable as Singapore, which rose from 15^th to 8^th place. This leap can be attributed to the city-state's reputation as a hub for R&D and innovation, supported by tax incentives, research grants, and partnerships. One third (34 percent) of investors in the survey cite Singapore's technological innovation as the strongest reason to invest there, followed by its economic performance (30 percent), driven by expansions in biomedical manufacturing and electronics, and sustained AI-driven semiconductor and server related growth.

Singapore's significant gain in this year's Index, alongside those of markets like Saudi Arabia, reflects the rise of "middle powers"-markets that are neither great powers nor small states but still exercise meaningful influence in international politics and generally abide by global rules and norms.

Meanwhile, emerging markets remain dynamic and increasingly interconnected with global investment flows. China ranks as the top market on the Emerging Markets Index for the third consecutive year. Thailand and Malaysia (6^th and 7^th on the Emerging Markets Index) post some of the largest gains in the rankings while Vietnam (16^th) rises three spots.Investor sentiment toward emerging markets has improved modestly year over year, suggesting that companies are increasingly looking beyond traditional investment hubs as they expand supply chains and pursue growth opportunities across a broader set of emerging markets.

Innovation drives investment decisions

Technological and innovation capabilities rank as the most important factor influencing where companies choose to invest, surpassing traditional considerations such as regulatory efficiency and domestic economic performance. As investment in artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, and data-driven technologies accelerates worldwide, markets with strong innovation ecosystems are increasingly viewed as the most attractive destinations for long-term investment.

Investors cite technological innovation as the strongest or tied strongest reason to invest in 10 of the 25 markets on the Index, including Japan, China, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan (China).

Geopolitical risk and industrial policy reshape the investment landscape

Executives remain alert to rising global risks even as investment intentions remain strong. Geopolitical tensions rank as the most likely development over the next year (36 percent), followed by commodity price increases and political instability in developed markets (30 percent).

"Geopolitical instability and rising commodity prices have proven to be major factors impacting global business this year, as reflected in the current Middle East conflict. Supply chain resilience, diversification of energy sources and government policies will be crucial for markets to maintain their attractiveness in the eyes of investors in the medium term," said Sekinada.

At the same time, industrial policy is playing an increasingly central role in shaping investment decisions. According to the survey, 84 percent of investors globally say industrial policy is extremely or very important in determining where they invest, and 57 percent believe it has a positive impact on their company's business performance. APAC investors show strong support for infrastructure development and subsidies as the most effective industrial policy tools, with 88 percent of investors in the region viewing infrastructure-focused industrial policy as favorable, and 80 percent saying the same for subsidies.

About the 2026 Kearney FDI Confidence Index®

The 2026 Kearney FDI Confidence Index^® is constructed using primary data from a proprietary survey of 507 senior executives of the world's leading corporations. The survey was conducted in January 2026. Respondents include C-level executives and regional and business leaders. All participating companies have annual revenues of $500 million or more. The companies are headquartered in 30 countries and span all sectors.

The Index is calculated as a weighted average of the number of high, medium, and low responses to questions on the likelihood of making a direct investment in a select market over the next three years.

Index values are based on responses only from companies headquartered in foreign markets. For example, the Index value for the United States was calculated without responses from US-headquartered investors. Higher Index values indicate more attractive investment targets.

All economic growth figures presented in the report are the latest estimates and forecasts available from Oxford Economics unless otherwise noted. Other secondary sources include investment promotion agencies, central banks, ministries of finance and trade, relevant news media, and other major data sources.
Hashtag: #Kearney

https://www.kearney.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/kearney/

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

About Kearney

For 100 years, Kearney has been a leading management consulting firm and trusted partner to three-quarters of the Fortune Global 500 and governments around the world. With a presence across more than 40 countries, our people make us who we are. We work impact first, tackling your toughest challenges with original thinking and a commitment to making change happen together. By your side, we deliver-value, results, impact.

For past editions of the FDI Confidence Index, please go to:

www.kearney.com/foreign-direct-investment-confidence-index.

For more information, contact the Global Business Policy Council (gbpc@kearney.com).

Artist Wallace Woo Redefines Contemporary Abstraction: The Global Launch of "Geological Abstractionism" and the "Stalactite Aesthetics" Manifesto

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 06:04:42 +0200

HONG KONG SAR & NEW YORK, UNITED STATES - Media OutReach Newswire - 10 April 2026 - Wallace Woo Studio is proud to announce a seismic shift in the landscape of contemporary art with the formal introduction of Geological Abstractionism. This global launch is anchored by two definitive academic volumes: the new manifesto The Dimension of Sedimentation (ISBN: 978-988-71890-2-2) and the foundational philosophical art book Stalactite - The Clamorous Stillness (ISBN: 978-988-71890-0-8).

Wallace Woo Geological Abstractionism Artwork STA36

A Synthesis of Time and Matter

Refining a lifetime of meditative practice and artistic devotion, Wallace Woo presents a theoretical framework that transcends traditional abstract expressionism. While mid-century Western abstraction often focused on the "spontaneity of the moment," Woo's Geological Abstractionism shifts the focus to the "accumulation of eternity." At the heart of this movement is Stalactite Aesthetics - a sophisticated visual language where gravity serves as the secondary artist. "In my studio, time does not flow away; it sediments," says Wallace Woo. "Each layer of pigment represents a crystallized moment of consciousness."

The Documentation of an Evolution

The global launch is supported by two landmark publications, both of which are part of the Hong Kong Public Libraries permanent collection, ensuring their status as protected intellectual property:

The Dimension of Sedimentation: The current manifesto defining the shift from "capturing a moment" to "accumulating time."
Stalactite - The Clamorous Stillness: A visual-philosophical record documenting the transition from the fluid exploration of Zenflow to the established principles of Geological Abstractionism. This volume invites viewers into "Cave Time," showcasing the artist's signature "Acrylic with Ink Spirit" technique through two movements: Slow Living and Wild Growth.

Quick Fact Sheet: The Evolution of Abstraction

To position this new movement within art history, the following comparison highlights the breakthrough of Geological Abstractionism:

Movement	Driving Force	Geological Abstractionism's Breakthrough
Action Painting (Pollock)	Physical Action	From human energy to Natural Gravity
Color Field (Rothko)	Spiritual Space	From visual rendering to Physical Sedimentation
Geological Abstraction (Woo)	Gravitational Flow	The first "Collaboration between spirit and Earth's laws."

The Philosophy: Internal Geomorphology

Woo defines his process as "Inner Geology" - the study of how spiritual stillness can manifest as physical texture. By utilizing the inherent weight of fluid media and allowing it to settle through verticality, he captures what he calls the "Clamorous Stillness".

Looking Toward Paris: June 2026

This global announcement serves as a strategic prelude to Woo's solo exhibition in Paris this coming June at the Espace Temple Gallery, where the physical manifestations of these theories-the "solidified proof of evolution"-will be unveiled to the European art community.

Hashtag: #WallaceWoo #StalactiteAesthetics #GeologicalAbstractionism #innerGeology #ContemporaryArt #AbstractExpressionism #ISBN9789887189022

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

About Wallace Woo

Wallace Woo is a Hong Kong-born, Paris-based contemporary artist whose work bridges Eastern Zen philosophy with Western abstraction. His lifelong exploration of 'Inner Geology' has resulted in a unique visual lexicon recognized globally for its profound depth and temporal complexity.

iHerb Launches "Heatwave Essentials" Campaign for Singapore Consumers (22% off sitewide)

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 04:03:46 +0200

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 10 April 2026 - With warmer conditions expected in the coming weeks, Singapore's heat and humidity could contribute to increased fatigue and reduced mental clarity among urbanites balancing long commutes and high-pressure work.

Despite the sweltering weather, Singaporeans' passion for an active lifestyle remains strong-from post-work gym sessions to weekend outdoor runs. To help Singaporeans maintain their peak performance, iHerb has curated a "Heatwave Essentials" guide focused on hydration, fatigue resistance, and recovery.

As part of this initiative, iHerb is offering a 22% discount sitewide from April 10 to April 24, with consumers able to apply the promo code "78IHERB" at checkout.

Essentials for Hydration and Recovery

In Singapore's climate, sweating is constant-but many don't realise that perspiration depletes both water and essential electrolytes, which is why plain water alone may not be enough to prevent fatigue.

For Instant Hydration: Nuun Sport Electrolyte Tablets are a top choice for active commuters, offering a balanced blend of sodium, potassium, and magnesium.
For Natural Purity: Wilderness Poets Evaporated Coconut Water Powder provides a refreshing, sugar-free alternative rich in natural potassium.
For Long-term Balance: Nutricost Potassium + Magnesium capsules offer high-efficiency support to maintain neuromuscular balance and prevent heat-induced weakness.

Expanded Heatwave Essentials for Daily Wellness and Recovery

As part of its "Heatwave Essentials" guide, iHerb features a curated selection of products that supports broader daily wellness needs during warmer conditions. This includes supplements commonly incorporated into routines for general nutritional support, post-activity recovery, and day-to-day maintenance:

Swanson Albion Magnesium Glycinate is a popular choice for supporting relaxation and overall daily wellness.
California Gold Nutrition Brain Health vegetarian capsules provide multi-nutrient support for those requiring prolonged focus.
Nutricost HMB Capsules have become a favorite among the local fitness community for supporting physical endurance and recovery under high-temperature conditions.
Doctor's Best Natural Vision Enhancers - formulated with lutein, zeaxanthin, and omega-3 (DHA/EPA), and included within iHerb's broader wellness offering.

Shop Smarter, Live Cooler

To support the growing demand for daily health management, iHerb is offering a 22% discount sitewide from April 10 until April 24. Simply enter the promo code "78IHERB" at checkout to access savings across a wide range of health and wellness products, including those featured in the "Heatwave Essentials" selection.

Free Delivery: Enjoy free shipping on orders over S$60.
Fast Shipping: Products typically arrive in Singapore within approximately 4 days.

Hashtag: #iHerb

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

Phuc Yen Industrial Park a catalyst for investment in Phu Tho

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 02:03:32 +0200

PHU THO, VIETNAM - Media OutReach Newswire - 10 April 2026 - Approved by the Phu Tho People's Committee, a joint venture between Vinh Phuc International Services and Industrial Zone Joint Stock Company (VISIZ) and SHINEC joint Stock Company officially broke ground on the Phuc Yen Industrial Park (Phuc Yen IP) infrastructure project on April 9.

A view of the Phuc Yen Industrial Park in Phuc Yen Ward in Phu Tho Province. - Photo courtesy of the firm

Phuc Yen IP covers 111.3 hectares in Phuc Yen Ward in the northern province of Phú Thọ, with a total investment of approximately VNĐ1.98 trillion and a 50-year operating licence.

Regarded as a key project in the province's economic development strategy, Phuc Yen IP is expected to become a magnet for high-quality investment, particularly from enterprises in technology and electronics, precision engineering, supporting industries and logistics.

Strategic location and world-class infrastructure

Phuc Yen IP enjoys outstanding connectivity, with direct access to the Noi Bai - Lao Cai Expressway, a location approximately 10 minutes from Noi Bai International Airport and strong links to major economic hubs in Hà Nội, Phú Thọ and neighbouring provinces.

All technical infrastructure is built to international standards, including internal roads, high-capacity power supply, water supply and drainage systems, a centralised wastewater treatment plant and urban landscaping - enabling businesses to begin operations immediately upon land handover.

Development timeline

Phase 1 (Q1/2024 - Q1/2026): Legal procedures, site clearance, construction commencement
Phase 2 (Q2/2026 - Q1/2027): Full infrastructure construction - site levelling, internal roads, power and water system, wastewater treatment - culminating in project completion and handover

VISIZ General Director Nguyen Hai Tung said on behalf of the investor consortium: "We are fully committed to mobilising all available resources to deliver this project on schedule, ensuring synchronised, high-quality and modern construction standards.

"Phuc Yen IP is more than a production facility - it is a sustainable industrial ecosystem where investors can build and grow their operations with confidence over the long term."

Socio-economic impact

At full capacity, Phuc Yen IP is expected to attract dozens of domestic and international investors, generate thousands of stable employment opportunities, and contribute meaningfully to annual State budget revenues. The park will serve as a catalyst for commercial services, urban development and industrial real estate growth across Phuc Yen Ward and surrounding areas.

Media Contact:

Hotline: (+84) 333 699 996

Email: phucyen@visiz.com.vn

Website: www.visiz.com.vn

Hashtag: #VISIZ #SHINEC

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

Slovenian football legend returning to sport as UEFA observer

Thu, 9 Apr 2026 16:36:38 +0200

One of the greatest Slovenian football players of all time, Zlatko Zahović is returning to the sport after a six-year hiatus. The 55-year-old has accepted an offer from UEFA, Europe's governing body of football, to work as an observer.

The former superstar of the Slovenia men's national football team, who hung up his boots two decades ago, confirmed the news for the web portal 24ur, saying UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin, a fellow Slovenian, persuaded him to take up the job.

"We can be glad that the UEFA president is one of our citizens. He was the one who called me and did a bit of coaxing, and I was happy to accept the job. He is a general, and we, the soldiers, respond to his call," he told the portal.

In his new role Zahović is expected to hand in game feedback reports and help pick the recipients of the UEFA Player of the Match awards, relying on his extensive knowledge of football. "What you observe during a match, you write it down," and then experts analyse it, he summed up the job.

Zahović, who had 80 caps for the national team to score a record 35 goals, also had a successful club career, playing for Greece's Olympiacos, Spain's Valencia, and Portugal's Porto and Benfica.

He was the first Slovenian to appear in the Champions League, Europe's top-tier club association football competition, where he scored eleven goals in total. Primarily a midfielder, he was known for his dribbling and goal-scoring abilities.

What particularly endeared him to the Slovenian public was that he was one of the main co-authors of Slovenia's success story which saw the national team qualify for a Euro and a World Cup in the early 2000s.

Having ended his professional career as a player, he accepted the position of director of sport at Maribor, a club from his native city, in 2007. He held down the job for almost 13 years, during which the club won a handful of trophies and also played in European competitions, including the Champions League. Since his departure, Maribor have not been playing at the same level.

Two other former national team members, Miran Pavlin and Milenko Ačimović, had worked as UEFA observers, and Zahović welcomes their advice as he looks forward to assume his new role next week.

Botanica Luxury Villas Rides Phuket's Rise as Global Luxury Property Hub with HYTHE by Botanica

Thu, 9 Apr 2026 12:02:08 +0200

Vertical villa-style condominium positioned to capture surging investor demand

PHUKET, THAILAND - Media OutReach Newswire - 9 April 2026 - Phuket, a world-class tourist destination, is emerging as one of Southeast Asia's hottest residential and real estate investment hubs. In 2025, over 10 million international tourists visited Phuket, generating nearly 546 billion baht in tourism revenue.

The condominium market has seen significant growth. Colliers Thailand reports that in 2025, 23 new condominium projects launched in Phuket, totaling over 8,372 units worth more than 47.349 billion baht. A key driver keeping Phuket's rental market buoyant is the attractive yield of 7-11% per year in prime locations.

Botanica Luxury Villas, a leader in Phuket's luxury property market with over two decades of experience, has grown its portfolio to meet shifting demand, entering the condominium market for the first time with HYTHE by Botanica. Drawing on its pool villa expertise, Botanica has developed the project under the Vertical Villa concept-combining the privacy and generous space of a villa with the convenience of condo living. Prices start at 10.8 million baht*. The project occupies a prime position in the heart of Laguna Phuket, one of the most sought-after areas among investors, just 6 minutes from Layan Beach and 20 minutes from Phuket International Airport.

Mr. Attasit Intarachooti, Chief Executive Officer of Botanica Luxury Phuket Co., Ltd., said: "HYTHE by Botanica is built to meet the growing demand in Phuket as a global destination for long-term living and investment. The Vertical Villa concept delivers a living and investment experience unlike anything currently on the market. We project rental yield of 5-7%* per year in a location with consistent capital appreciation."

HYTHE by Botanica comprises four six-story residential buildings with 276 units in total, plus a clubhouse, set across over 21 rai of lush greenery. Units start from 57 sq.m., with options ranging from one to three bedrooms, duplexes with pool access, and penthouses. HYTHE by Botanica is part of Botanica Grand Avenue, a mega project offering a full suite of on-site amenities.

For investors, the project comes with comprehensive after-sales support, including Botanica's service and maintenance programs. Show units are now open for viewing at the sales gallery, Botanica Grand Avenue, Phuket. For more information, visit botanicaluxuryvilla.com, Facebook: BOTANICA Luxury Villa, or call +66 81 324 2999 and +66 94 636 2836.

Hashtag: #BotanicaLuxuryVillas

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

Top court strikes down parts of law restricting doctors' strikes

Thu, 9 Apr 2026 10:22:31 +0200

The Constitutional Court has ruled that some of the restrictions imposed on doctors during a strike disproportionately interfered with their right to strike. What could be seen as a partial victory by a doctors' trade union that challenged the limitations was followed by a minor setback for them - the country's top court has thrown out their constitutional challenge of several articles of another law.

Some of the provisions of the Medical Services Act that define the range of services doctors must provide during a strike have been struck down because they broadened doctors' work obligations during strikes beyond what is necessary to protect patients' health.

The Constitutional Court has given parliament a year to amend the law.

The obligations in question were expanded under April 2024 changes to the law, which were put in place to effectively stymie a strike that began in January 2024. The strike is formally still ongoing but it is not felt in practice precisely because of the rules added at the time.

The legislation was challenged by FIDES, the trade union of doctors and dentists, which argued that the changes had undermined the effectiveness of their strike activities.

Slovenia's constitution guarantees the right to strike, but in cases where the public interest prevails it allows it only to a limited extent. According to the court, such limits may be easier to justify in sectors providing essential services such as healthcare, but they must still meet strict proportionality tests.

The two main restrictions the court struck down determine that doctors must perform health services necessary for the enforcement of rights from health and other social insurance, and health services related to the right to treatment abroad.

For example, one of the services that doctors should no longer be required to perform during a strike is issuing a fit note.

At the same time, the court upheld the requirements that basically make sure emergency and other highly necessary health services are provided during a strike.

FIDES welcomed the ruling as an "important victory for the rule of law", while the Health Ministry argued that the provisions struck down primarily involved administrative tasks. It also pledged to amend the legislation in accordance with the ruling.

Doctors' request for constitutional review of work restrictions dismissed

On the other hand, the Constitutional Court has thrown out a request by FIDES for a constitutional review of several provisions of a law demarcating public and private healthcare. The legislation was passed a year ago.

This comes after the court declared changes under the same law that banned doctors in public institutions from also working in private practice unconstitutional, arguing they infringed upon the freedom to choose one's employment. That case was brought by the Medical Chamber, the Association of Private Doctors and Dentists, and several private health providers.

FIDES meanwhile contested the parts of the law determining doctors' obligations and conditions under which they can conclude contracts with employers, including restrictions on work for other employers. It also presented other alleged cases of interfering with the rights of employees.

The court has found that workers' rights are not jeopardised in this case, so it dismissed the trade union's challenge. FIDES claims that mostly happened because the key part of its request was already addressed when the court found the ban unconstitutional late last year.

Engineering an Icon, Vinhomes Can Gio is Redefining The Master-Planned Revolution

Thu, 9 Apr 2026 10:01:53 +0200

HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM - Media OutReach Newswire - 9 April 2026 - Within the context of a new global growth cycle, Vietnam is cementing its position as a strategic hub for global institutional capital. At the 'Inbound Capital Flows' forum, analysts underscored that Vinhomes is making a significant contribution to shaping the next generation of urban development and also addressing critical mass challenges in the Asian property sector. Through 'urban marvels' like Vinhomes Green Paradise, Vietnam is effectively repositioning itself as a leader in large-scale, infrastructure-led real estate on the world map.

Experts at the 'Inbound Capital Flows' forum discuss Vietnam's growing resilience and its strategic role as a hub for global institutional capital, underpinned by political stability, legal reforms, and massive infrastructure investment.

Vietnam's Macroeconomic Resilience Amid Global Volatility

Amid global volatility, geopolitical fragmentation, and monetary tightening cycles, Vietnam has distinguished itself as a rare convergence of macroeconomic stability and long-term growth potential. International analysts now recognize the country as a strategic hub for institutional capital.

Political consistency is the bedrock of Vietnam's appeal. The country's high-growth trajectory is underpinned by strong governance coherence, with a unified government that minimizes execution risk. Over the past five years, a series of legal reforms have strengthened land valuation transparency, financial discipline, and environmental compliance. These regulatory improvements systematically align Vietnam's real estate market with international institutional standards.

Infrastructure investment serves as another structural catalyst. With public investment reaching approximately 7% of GDP, Vietnam is undertaking one of the region's most aggressive infrastructure expansion programs. Flagship projects such as Long Thanh International Airport, Cai Mep deep-sea port, and metropolitan ring roads are not merely improving connectivity, they are fundamentally reshaping spatial economics and unlocking new real estate frontiers.

Urbanization further amplifies this trajectory. Unlike many regional peers that have reached saturation, Vietnam remains in an early-to-mid stage of urban transformation, creating a sustained demand pipeline for residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments. From a capital markets perspective, Vietnam demonstrates stronger growth across key indicators compared to neighboring countries, with robust FDI inflows and a favorable demographic profile positioning it as a top-tier emerging market in Asia's real estate investment landscape.

Vinhomes Green Paradise (Can Gio): A New Urban Wonder of Asia

As global investor preferences shift from fragmented, single-asset developments toward integrated urban ecosystems, Vinhomes has emerged as a master developer capable of delivering internationally competitive megaprojects. At the center of this evolution is Vinhomes Green Paradise in Can Gio, a coastal development that international experts describe as unmatched in Asia.

Infrastructure plays a catalytic role in unlocking such projects. The transformation driven by Long Thanh Airport and Cai Mep Port significantly improves accessibility to Can Gio, redefining peripheral land into high-value development corridors. Vietnam's coastal real estate, long overlooked, now offers a unique opportunity to develop globally competitive destinations, provided they are master-planned and executed at scale.

The defining factor is achieving critical mass. A large-scale integrated development that combines education, healthcare, entertainment, and residential zones within a single master plan is what truly differentiates a project. This philosophy is embedded from inception in Vinhomes' development model. From an international vantage point, investors are increasingly looking for "urban wonders", destinations that act as economic engines and catalysts for regional development. Vinhomes Green Paradise is regarded as truly a wonder, featuring world-class infrastructure and amenities.

Stephen Higgins, representing Cushman & Wakefield, emphasized the project's unique positioning: "There is currently nowhere else in Asia delivering a project like Vinhomes Green Paradise in Can Gio, located adjacent to an existing major city."

When benchmarked against global icons such as Marina Bay Sands and Palm Jumeirah, the project signals Vietnam's emergence as a new frontier for landmark urban developments. In this paradigm, Vinhomes transcends the role of a conventional developer, positioning itself as a place-maker that engineers destination ecosystems, an increasingly critical concept in global real estate investment strategy.

Competitive Advantages of Scale, Pricing, and a Strategic Entry Point

A defining characteristic of Vietnam's real estate market is the rare combination of high growth potential and relatively attractive pricing at scale. With a population of 100 million and a median age of 32, ideal within the region, Vietnam benefits from a demographic dividend that underpins long-term housing demand, absorption rates, and market liquidity.

Vietnam's strategic geographic positioning near major economic hubs such as China, Singapore, and Hong Kong enhances its role within regional supply chains and capital flows. Importantly, the country can deliver world-class developments at a much more competitive price point. This pricing arbitrage creates significant upside potential as the market continues to mature and converge toward regional benchmarks.

Scale is another decisive factor. Mega-scale developments exceeding 1,000 hectares provide a rare opportunity to design entirely new urban environments. Globally, such large contiguous land parcels are increasingly scarce, making Vietnam one of the few markets capable of delivering next-generation master-planned cities. Within this landscape, Vingroup stands out as a dominant force, with Vinhomes at the forefront of executing these large-scale visions. By integrating residential, commercial, and smart-city infrastructure within a unified master plan, Vinhomes is not merely supplying real estate, it is institutionalizing a new asset class for global investors.

Highlighting the requirements for market competitiveness, Troy Griffiths from Savills stated: "Vietnam must compete through pricing, quality, and the value delivered within a master-planned estate." When these three pillars converge, real estate evolves from a transactional asset into a long-term value platform.

With global capital increasingly reallocating toward markets with structural growth and scalable opportunities, Vietnam is transitioning from an emerging destination to a strategic investment hub.

As a central figure in this transition, Vinhomes is playing a significant role in evolving Vietnam's urban landscape and elevating the nation's standing within the global real estate sector.

Hashtag: #Vinhomes

https://vinhomes.vn/en

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

ISCA Academy Launches Hands-On AI Programme Across ASEAN to Close Finance Skills Gap

Thu, 9 Apr 2026 09:01:43 +0200

New initiative equips finance, audit and accounting professionals with immediately applicable AI skill from Excel automation to AI agents as demand for practical AI capability accelerates across the region

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 9 April 2026 - As artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly shifts from experimentation to everyday business use, the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) Academy has launched a hands-on AI training programme across ASEAN to address the region's growing skills gap in finance and accounting.

Designed for immediate workplace application, the new programme equips finance, audit, and accounting professionals with practical AI capabilities, from automating Excel workflows and extracting data from documents to building dashboards, generating presentations, and deploying AI agents to support complex processes.

Developed in partnership with Singapore-based AI training specialist Skybots, the programme focuses on real-world tasks using widely accessible tools such as Microsoft Copilot, enabling participants to deliver tangible productivity gains from day one.

Leveraging ISCA's network of overseas offices, the initiative will be rolled out across key ASEAN markets including Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines, with an initial target to train 2,500 finance professionals in the first phase, positioning Singapore as a regional hub for applied AI capability in finance.

Ms Cyndi Pei, Chairperson of ISCA Academy, said the programme represents a strategic response to a rapidly evolving profession: "The window for treating AI as a theoretical topic is closing. Finance professionals across ASEAN are now expected to apply AI in their daily work - safely, effectively, and immediately. ISCA Academy is stepping up to lead this transformation regionally, ensuring professionals across Southeast Asia have access to practical training that delivers real outcomes, not just awareness."

Immediate Impact in the Workplace

Unlike traditional AI programmes that focus on concepts, ISCA Academy's approach is fully task-based. Participants work on real scenarios such as financial analysis, document review, reporting, and workflow automation, producing outputs they can directly replicate in their roles. Across pilot sessions, participants have reported completing tasks in minutes that previously took hours, a shift that compounds quickly across teams and reporting cycles.

A key differentiator is its emphasis on responsible AI use, embedding considerations of confidentiality, ethics, compliance, and governance into every module, which are critical for regulated professions.

Early pilot sessions have demonstrated measurable impact. Dr Jenny Tan, Head of Group Internal Audit at CapitaLand, noted: "What stood out about the Practical AI programme was how hands-on and relevant it was. Rather than focusing on theory, our staff came away with techniques they could use from day one and we have observed a real shift in how our team approaches their daily work."

Built for Mainstream Professionals

The programme is designed for broad accessibility, requiring no coding knowledge or significant technology investment. Participants learn to leverage free and low-cost AI tools to enhance productivity and output quality.

Mr Daryl Aw, Founder and Director of Skybots, who brings a unique background as both a Chartered Accountant and three-time UiPath Most Valuable Professional (MVP), said the programme demystifies AI for finance professionals: "There is a common misconception that AI requires technical expertise or large budgets. In reality, the tools are already available. What professionals need is the confidence and practical know-how to apply them effectively and responsibly. This programme is built to deliver exactly that."

Regional Rollout and Expansion

The first phase of the programme launches in mid-April, focusing on audit, accounting and finance professionals across the private sector, public sector and charities. A second phase in the third quarter will expand coverage to additional sectors including tax, corporate secretarial, human resources, banking and finance, and legal.

Through its regional network, ISCA Academy aims to train finance professionals across ASEAN and support broader efforts to accelerate digital upskilling and strengthen workforce competitiveness.

A Broader Shift Across Industries

The initiative reflects a wider transformation across ASEAN, where AI adoption is expanding beyond technology teams into core business functions. Finance, public sector, and corporate professionals are increasingly using AI for practical applications such as extracting insights from unstructured data, streamlining compliance workflows including KYC and AML checks, and automating reporting processes.

The message from ISCA Academy and Skybots is consistent: meaningful AI adoption does not require large budgets or deep technical expertise. With the right training, professionals across ASEAN can begin generating real value from AI from day one.

Hashtag: #ISCA #DifferenceMakers #Accounting #Accountancy #CharteredAccountants #ChooseAccountancy #AI #ArtificialIntelligence

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

Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) Academy

The Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) is the national accountancy body of Singapore. Established in 1963, ISCA administers the Singapore Chartered Accountant Qualification programme and is the designated entity by the Singapore Ministry of Finance to confer the Chartered Accountant of Singapore [CA (Singapore)] designation.

ISCA supports over 43,000 members across industries in Singapore and globally, with members in more than 40 countries. With a growing international presence, ISCA has 12 overseas chapters, 7 offices across 10 countries and a network of over 150 strategic partners, strengthening professional connections and opportunities across borders. ISCA is also a member of Chartered Accountants Worldwide, a global network representing more than 1.8 million Chartered Accountants and students across over 190 countries.

ISCA advances professional development and lifelong learning through ISCA Academy, its training arm and drives community impact through ISCA Cares, its charity arm.

ISCA Academy, the leading business school of ISCA, delivers immersive, industry-informed learning across accountancy, finance, technology, governance, and leadership. We equip learners to reskill, reconnect, and reinvent - empowering them to stay relevant and ahead by choice.

For more information, visit www.iscacademy.sg.

Skybots Pte Ltd

Skybots is a Singapore-based specialist in practical AI training and automation solutions, serving organisations across the public and private sectors. The firm has a particularly strong presence in the finance and accounting community, working closely with finance, accounting, audit, tax and corporate secretarial professionals to apply AI to real workplace tasks. Founded by Daryl Aw, a Chartered Accountant (CA) under ISCA and three-time UiPath Most Valuable Professional (MVP), Skybots designs and delivers hands-on programmes that equip professionals with immediately applicable skills - without requiring technical backgrounds or large technology budgets.

Skybots serves clients across Singapore and internationally, with training delivered in Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Bhutan. It is a recognised training partner of ISCA and sits on ISCA's AI Solutions Sub-Committee.

For more information, visit www.skybotssg.com.

Chinese Mainland's Largest Conference on Chest Pain Centres Goes Global in Hong Kong

Thu, 9 Apr 2026 07:41:33 +0200

With robust lineup of medical conventions in 2026

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 9 April 2026 - Marking yet another milestone as the World's Meeting Place, Hong Kong became the first city outside Chinese Mainland to host the nation's largest conference on chest pain centres - the 15^th China Chest Pain Centers Congress (CCPCC 2026), thanks to the effort of Hong Kong Convention Ambassador (HKCA) appointed by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB).

Together with two other high-profile and hugely successful medical congresses - the 41^st Asia Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology Congress in February and the 17^th Asian Congress of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery in March, Hong Kong's medical science events space was off to a strong start in 2026.

Ms Marilyn Tham, General Manager of Mega Events, MICE & Cruise of the HKTB said, "Hong Kong's leading edge in medical sciences coupled with the city's world-class venues and destination appeal have enabled notable success for internationally significant medical events. CCPCC 2026 is one of the large-scale medical conventions confirmed for 2026. Such robust lineup reflects event organisers' confidence in Hong Kong as a premier hub for advancing global exchanges on medical sciences."

Over 10 medical conventions have secured a spot in Hong Kong this year, spanning diverse disciplines, from cytology to oncology, antimicrobial resistance and more (see full list below). The breadth and depth of the events reflects Hong Kong's growing appeal as the premier convention hub where global medical minds meet.

Globalising Chest Pain Leadership from Hong Kong

Held on 3-4 April 2026 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre with a concurrent venue in Shenzhen, CCPCC 2026 converged 3,000 healthcare leaders, physicians, nurses, researchers, policymakers and industry experts from Hong Kong, Chinese Mainland, the Belt and Road countries and beyond. The rich topics explored across two days encompassed cutting-edge healthcare innovations, AI-assisted clinical decision-making, intelligent emergency response systems and international accreditation standards.

Co-organised by Hospital Authority (HA) of Hong Kong, the National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, the Guangdong Chest Pain Centers Association, the Chinese Cardiovascular Association (CCA) and Oriental Huaxia Cardiovascular Health Research Institute (OHCHRI), Suzhou Industrial Park, CCPCC 2026 showcased conducive partnership.

Mr. Wenming Zeng, Secretary-General of OHCHRI, remarked, "The global influence of CCPCC has been growing over the years. Thanks to Hong Kong's strategic location, leading medical standing and its unique role bridging Chinese Mainland and the world, this year's congress has drawn even wider global participation, giving the event greater international significance. Hong Kong has helped showcase our event to the world, taking cardiovascular emergency intervention to a new height globally."

A Launchpad for Mainland-spearheaded International Standards

Capitalising on Hong Kong's strengths as a super-connector for fostering globalisation, CCPCC 2026 released for the first time the "International Standards on Chest Pain Center Construction and Accreditation", marking Mainland's global leadership in cutting-edge cardiovascular emergency intervention. Leveraging Hong Kong's internationalisation, the efforts to foster global policy support and implementation of the standards will contribute to fair, accessible and timely intervention for cardiovascular emergencies around the world.

Another Significant Win for HKCA Programme on its 5^th Anniversary

As a HKTB-appointed HKCA, Prof Lu Shi-Juan, who is a Member of Hainan Medical Association Cardiovascular Professional Committee, played an instrumental role in bringing CCPCC 2026 to Hong Kong. This marked the latest success story of the HKCA programme, as HKTB celebrated the programme's milestone 5^th anniversary with a HKCA Networking Cocktail Event on 31 March, 2026.

Prof Lu noted, "As a Hong Kong International Convention Ambassador, I have worked closely with the HKTB to bring CCPCC to Hong Kong, which is a gateway to the global stage. Hosting the conference here showcases how Hong Kong can elevate Mainland conferences internationally, foster cross-border knowledge exchange and help shape the future development of the broader medical and professional community."

The HKCA programme bands together over 170 local and mainland sector leaders of 13 industries and academics to champion Hong Kong as the World's Meeting Place. Their initiative and connections have helped Hong Kong secure 50 convention wins that have brought in nearly 100,000 high-value overnight MICE visitors.

Strong Medical Events Lineup in 2026

Over 10 medical conventions will be held in 2026 across various disciplines, including ophthalmology, oncology, antimicrobial resistance and cytology.

Event (*first-ever in Hong Kong)	Date / Venue	Highlights
The 41st Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology Congress 2026	5-8 Feb, HKCEC	The largest and most authoritative ophthalmology congress in APAC, returning to HK for the fifth time, with record-breakingattendance of 11,000+ participants from 111 countries and regions.
The 17th Asian Congress on Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 2026	27-29 Mar, HKCEC	Held in Hong Kong for the second time, bringing together internationally acclaimed speakers, globally renowned experts and young surgeons to foster academic exchange and professional development.
The 15th China Chest Pain Centers Congress	3-4 Apr, HKCEC	Chinese Mainland's largest conference on chest pain centres, hosted for the first time outside Chinese Mainland.
*Asian Federation of Cytology Societies Conference 2026	8-10 May, Postgraduate Education Centre, Prince of Wales Hospital	First edition in Hong Kong, bringing together regional and international cytology experts for academic exchange and collaboration.
International Symposium on Antimicrobial Agents and Resistance 2026	12-14 Jun, HKCEC	A key international platform for academic exchange on infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance.
European Society of Medical Oncology Targeted Anticancer Therapies Asia 2026	12-14 Jun, Kerry Hotel	A key Asia-Pacific platform for showcasing the latest advances in early-phase oncology drug development, targeted therapies and precision oncology.
Federation of Asian and Oceanian Biochemists and Molecular Biologists Conference 2026	10-13 Aug, Cheung Kung Hai Conference Centre, The University of Hong Kong	A major regional scientific meeting in biochemistry and molecular biology, bringing together researchers, educators and professionals from across Asia and Oceania for academic exchange and collaboration.
* 2026 World Cancer Congress	24-26 Sep, HKCEC	A leading global forum advancing cancer control and research.
2026 Asia-Pacific Longevity Medicine International Summit	1-4 Oct, TBC	A leading international platform and regional collaborative hub dedicated to longevity medicine and innovation, attracting top longevity scientists, medical experts, cross-industry entrepreneurs and investors from over 50 countries.
10th Asia Cornea Society Scientific Meeting 2026	11-13 Dec, TBC	A key regional forum for cornea specialists to exchange the latest clinical insights, diagnostics and treatments, and to strengthen collaboration across the Asia-Pacific ophthalmology community.
Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) Global Health Conference 2026	7-9 Dec, Henry Cheng International Conference Centre, CUHK	Third time in Hong Kong, convening leading academics, policymakers and practitioners to address critical global health challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation.

Hashtag: #HongKongTourismBoard #MEHK #MeetingsandExhibitionsHongKong #HongKong #MICE #Medical #Convention #Conference #Event

https://www.mehongkong.com/eng/home.html
https://www.linkedin.com/company/meetings-exhibitions-hong-kong/

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

Kenanga Investors Awarded at LSEG Lipper Fund Awards 2026

Thu, 9 Apr 2026 05:40:56 +0200

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 9 April 2026 - Kenanga Investors Berhad ("Kenanga Investors") has swept four accolades at the LSEG Lipper Fund Awards 2026 ("the Awards").

Xav Feng, Asia Pacific Research director, LSEG Lipper, Christopher Kok, Head of Equities, Kenanga Investors Berhad, Lee Sook Yee, Chief Investment Officer, Mohd Faiz Hamsidi, Fixed Income Fund Manager, and Kuek Ser Kwang Zhe, Wealth editor, The Edge Malaysia.

The firm was recognised across various categories, a testament to its continued outperformance:

Kenanga Growth Fund ("KGF") - Best Equity Malaysia - Malaysia Provident Funds over 5 Years
Kenanga Growth Fund Series 2 MYR Class ("KGFS2") - Best Equity Malaysia Diversified - Malaysia Provident Funds over 3 Years
Kenanga Malaysian Inc Fund ("KMIF") - Best Equity Malaysia Diversified - Malaysia Provident Funds over 10 Years
Kenanga Managed Growth Fund ("KMGF") - Best Mixed Asset MYR Balanced Malaysia - Malaysia Provident Funds over 10 Years

Datuk Wira Ismitz Matthew De Alwis, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director said, "We are honoured to be recognised by LSEG Lipper for our consistent performance in 2025 against a backdrop of volatility, underpinned by heightened trade wars. During the year, geopolitical risks and trade tensions caused sudden swings in sentiment, which affected small- and mid-cap stocks. We steered clear of headlines and focused on sustainable earnings. This allowed us to selectively position ourselves for when valuations turned compelling while reducing exposure when risks escalated which proved effective and underscores our expertise in Malaysian equities".

Since the launch of KGF in 2000 and KGFS2 in 2018, both funds have demonstrated consistent performance. As of December 2025, each has surpassed RM1 billion in assets under management¹, underscoring Kenanga Investors' disciplined investment approach and commitment to long term value creation. This year's Awards also mark KGF's sixth Lipper title while KGFS2 celebrates its inaugural win.

Lee Sook Yee, Chief Investment Officer, elaborated on the firm's approach, "We maintained a disciplined bottom-up stock-picking strategy anchored in company fundamentals, giving us the conviction to stay invested in high quality businesses with strong balance sheets and structural growth drivers. This was supported by a strict risk management framework focused on sector diversification, prudent buffers, and incremental rebalancing. In 2026, we will emphasise themes such as artificial intelligence and data centre expansion, infrastructure, utilities, and selective REITs, while remaining true to our investment philosophy".

Over the five-year period ended 31 December 2025, KGF delivered a total return of 48.82%, significantly outperforming its benchmark² of 3.25%. Similarly, KGFS2 achieved a robust 49.92% return compared to its benchmark's³ 46.93%. KMIF also recorded solid results with a 32.67% return against a benchmark⁴of 5.26%, while KMGF posted a commendable 25.88% return, exceeding its benchmark's⁵ 11.32%.

The firm also recently introduced the Kenanga Growth Fund Series 3 ("KGFS3"), the third fund within its flagship conventional fund series. The KGFS3 utilises the firm's proven investment philosophy and is managed with an active investment strategy depending on the market conditions and outlook, combining a top-down asset and sector allocation process with a bottom-up stock selection methodology.

The LSEG Lipper Fund Awards, granted annually, highlight funds and fund companies that have excelled in delivering consistently strong risk-adjusted performance relative to their peers. The Awards are based on the Lipper Leader for Consistent Return rating, which is a risk-adjusted performance measure calculated over 36, 60 and 120 months. This year's achievements will serve to strengthen Kenanga Investors' market leadership and drive its focus on creating enduring value for its investors.

For more information about Kenanga Investors, please visit kenangainvestors.com.my.

¹ Source: Lipper, 31 December 2025

² Benchmark: FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI CR

³ Benchmark: 8% p.a.

⁴ Benchmark: FTSE Bursa Malaysia Top 100 CR

⁵ Benchmark: FTSE Bursa Malaysia Top 100 Index (50%) & All MGS Index by RAM Quant Shop (50%)

Hashtag: #Kenanga

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

Kenanga Investors Berhad 199501024358 (353563-P)

We provide investment solutions ranging from collective investment schemes, portfolio management services, alternative investments, as well as wills and trusts for retail, corporate, institutional, and high net worth clients via a multi-distribution network.

The LSEG Lipper Fund Awards 2026 recognised four funds under the Malaysia Provident Funds category; Kenanga Growth Fund was named Equity Malaysia (5 Years), Kenanga Growth Fund Series 2 was awarded Equity Malaysia Diversified (3 Years), Kenanga Malaysian Inc Fund was awarded Equity Malaysia Diversified (10 Years) while Kenanga Managed Growth Fund was recognised with the title Mixed Asset MYR Balanced - Malaysia (10 Years).

The Hong Kong-based Asia Asset Management's ("AAM") 2026 Best of the Best Awards awarded Kenanga Investors under the following categories, Malaysia Best Impact Investing Manager, Best Impact Investing Manager in ASEAN, Malaysia Best Equity Manager, Malaysia CEO of the Year (Co-Winner), Malaysia CIO of the Year, Malaysia Best House for Alternatives and Malaysia Best ESG Engagement Initiative.

At the AAM ETF Awards 2026, Kenanga Investors received an accolade under the category Malaysia Leverage and Inverse ETF of the Year for the Kenanga KLCI Daily 1x Inverse ETF. The IFN Investor Awards 2025 awarded the Kenanga Islamic Balanced Fund under the categories of "IFN Investor Best Balanced Mixed Assets Fund in Malaysia - MYR 2025", "IFN Investor Best Balanced Mixed Assets Fund in Asia Pacific 2025", and "IFN Investor Best Global Balanced Mixed Assets Fund 2025".

The FPAM Financial Planning Leadership Award 2025 presented Kenanga Investors with the Platinum Award under the Charter Member Category, highlighting our dedication to shaping the future of financial planning. The FSMOne Recommended Unit Trusts Awards 2025/2026 has awarded the Kenanga Growth Fund Series 2 with the "Sector Equity - Malaysia Focused" award for the fourth consecutive year since 2022. For the ninth consecutive year, we were affirmed an investment manager rating of IMR-2 by Malaysian Rating Corporation Berhad, since first rated in 2017. The IMR rating on reflects the fund management company's well-established investment processes and sound risk management practices.

This Press Release was issued by Kenanga Group's Marketing, Communications & Sustainability department.

Toyota Group Key Supplier JTEKT Commissions 2,500 MWh Solar Carport in Kagawa Under 20-Year PPA with Peak Energy

Thu, 9 Apr 2026 05:00:47 +0200

Commissioning reflects Japan manufacturers' shift to site-level renewables under long-term PPAs amid tighter group decarbonisation expectations and unstable energy costs.

TOKYO, JAPAN - Media OutReach Newswire - 9 April 2026 - JTEKT Corporation, global manufacturer of automotive and industrial components and core member of the Toyota Group, today announced the commissioning of a 2 megawatt-peak (MWp) solar carport at a facility in Kagawa Prefecture, Japan, delivered under a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with Peak Energy. JTEKT expects to save nearly 40% on electricity costs through power generated by the solar systems, compared with grid power.

The 2MW solar carport was installed in Kagawa - JTEKT key producing site

Under the long-term PPA, Peak Energy designed, financed and installed the system and will provide full operations and maintenance (O&M) over the contract term. Electricity generated by the solar carport will be consumed on-site, supporting JTEKT's objectives on energy cost visibility and decarbonisation.

The carport installation, which covers 640 parking spaces was completed in just 5 months. It is expected to generate approximately 2,500 megawatt-hours (MWh) of electricity annually, helping to avoid around 1,090 tons of CO₂ emissions each year, equivalent to removing 230 cars from the road annually.

The commissioning comes as Japan's export-facing manufacturers increasingly look for renewable energy solutions that can be deployed within tight operational and land constraints.

Carport projects built over existing parking areas allow companies to add on-site generation without additional land take, while also improving day-to-day site usability through shading and weather protection.

Unlike conventional solar installations, carport projects represent a leap in complexity, similar to major infrastructure upgrades than solar add-ons. These projects demand meticulous structural engineering, safety management, and tightly managed installation sequencing around an active industrial site. This project reflects experience built across industrial deployments in the region, build with delivery discipline.

A commissioning ceremony was held on Monday 6th of April, 2026

"JTEKT set a company-wide target to reduce CO₂ emissions by 60% by fiscal year 2030 compared to fiscal year 2013. As part of this effort, the Kagawa Plant has been promoting a 'CO₂ Zero Challenge!' initiative. In this context, we have implemented a wide range of energy-saving measures on the production floor, including introducing inverter controls for hydraulic pumps and compressors to optimize power supply." Mr. Yoshioka, Plant Manager of JTEKT's Kagawa Plant, commented.

"In addition, as part of our energy creation efforts, we have installed solar panels on factory rooftops across the site when possible. Building on these initiatives, we are grateful for the collaboration with Peak Energy, which has enabled us to install a state-of-the-art solar carport, utilizing our employee parking area. JTEKT will continue to advance its efforts toward achieving carbon neutrality" he added.

"JTEKT's confidence in Peak Energy demonstrates that today's industrial leaders are choosing partners with proven records of delivering results, technical expertise, and unwavering reliability," said Gavin Adda, CEO of Peak Energy.

"Carport installations are promising projects, requiring rigorous safety standards and precise engineering, with no room for disruption or incidents. JTEKT sought a partner capable of executing high-performance, precision solar projects. This commissioning marks not only the start of a promising collaboration in Japan but also a significant milestone in Peak Energy's ongoing commitment to the country and its industrial sector."Hashtag: #PeakEnergy #JTEKT

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

About JTEKT Corporation

JTEKT manufactures and sells bearings, machine tools and systems, and automotive components at locations in Japan and around the world. In addition to enhancing the value of its existing products, the company is pursuing new business initiatives through co-creation with a wide range of stakeholders, aiming to transform into a solutions provider that addresses social challenges by connecting and integrating technologies.

Under the slogan "All for One Earth," the JTEKT Group positions the reduction of environmental impact-including the achievement of carbon neutrality-as a key priority and is advancing these efforts on a group-wide basis. To realize carbon neutrality through the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, the Group is working to reduce CO₂ emissions across Scope 1, 2, and 3. In particular, it aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2035 for Scope 1 and 2 emissions associated with its own production activities.

About Peak Energy

Headquartered in Singapore, Peak Energy develops, owns, and operates renewable assets across Asia Pacific (APAC). With over 300 MW of operating assets and 1 GW worth of projects in development, our portfolio spans Japan, Korea, Australia, Taiwan, the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia. With activities encompassing the full range of renewable energy business models - including utility-scale development, off-site PPAs, onsite PPAs, and energy storage applications - Peak Energy is a one-stop partner for corporates seeking to decarbonize their operations in APAC. We believe in establishing long-term partnerships with our corporate customers, to accompany them in their decarbonization journey, through cleaner, cheaper energy.

An experienced team handles the complete life cycle of our energy assets from origination and development through to operations and decommissioning, employing state-of-the art technology and the industry best practices, respectful of the environment and following world-class HSE standards.

Our business practices, technological and HSE standards are standardized across APAC, but we are implemented and operate locally, with teams in seven countries, and lasting partnerships with local customers, EPCs, vendors, channel partners.

Peak Energy is wholly owned by Stonepeak, a leading alternative investment firm specializing in infrastructure and real assets with approximatively USD 84 billion of assets undermanagement. Our financial and technical strength coupled with our relationships in local markets allows us to optimize our capital deployment in high quality assets.

For more information, please visit https://www.peakenergy.asia.

La Mirabelle Achieves Sales of HK$4.6 Billion in Two Weeks, Records 522 Unit Sales as of 7 April 2026

Thu, 9 Apr 2026 04:40:41 +0200

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 9 April 2026 - La Mirabelle, the final waterfront phase of the LOHAS Park residential development in Tseung Kwan O, Hong Kong, has generated HK$4.6 billion in sales for the whole project over the first two weeks of its launch, with 522 units sold as of 7 April. Buoyed by strong end-user demand alongside keen interest from overseas buyers, this performance reflects sustained confidence in Hong Kong's residential property market.

La Mirabelle at LOHAS Park has generated HK$4.6 billion in sales in two weeks.

Jointly developed by Sino Land Company Limited (Stock Code: 0083.HK), Kerry Properties, K. Wah International, China Merchants Land, and MTR Corporation, La Mirabelle recorded sales of 522 units as of 7 April. Mr Victor Tin, Executive Director of Sino Land Company Limited, noted that buyers hailed from diverse markets, including the United Kingdom, Korea, India, and the Chinese Mainland. Approximately 80% were end users and 20% investors-evidence of robust ongoing demand.

Mr Daryl Ng, Chairman of Sino Land Company Limited, commented, 'We are encouraged by the enthusiastic market response to La Mirabelle at LOHAS Park, a premier residential community in Tseung Kwan O, which has delivered HK$4.6 billion in sales in two weeks. Strong end-user participation, coupled with interest from international buyers, signals continued confidence in Hong Kong's residential market. We believe this momentum underscores Hong Kong's enduring appeal as a global city for living, working, and investment, bolstered by its world-class connectivity and established business ecosystem.'

Market observers anticipate sustained capital inflows into Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong. Renowned for its robust legal system, deep financial markets, and stable US dollar peg, Hong Kong remains a preferred destination for property investment. La Mirabelle's strong sales performance signals enduring appeal among both local and international buyers.

As a long-term investor and developer in Hong Kong, Sino Land is committed to sustainable development and responsible business practices as part of its long-term approach to delivering quality homes and communities. The Company maintains strong ESG performance and has been ranked among the Global Top 5% in the Real Estate Management & Development industry in the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook 2026. Among more than 9,200 companies assessed worldwide, Sino Land is the only developer from Hong Kong to receive this recognition. This marks the company's fourth consecutive inclusion in the Yearbook and its first ranking in the Global Top 5%. The Company has also been recognised through CDP Climate Change A List inclusion, GRESB five-star ratings in both the Development and Standing Investment Benchmarks, and an AAA rating from MSCI.

Hashtag: #SinoLand

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

ESR Secures US$850 Million to Accelerate Long-term Growth

Thu, 9 Apr 2026 04:20:26 +0200

Additional equity support from existing shareholders underscores confidence in ESR's strategy and execution momentum
Capital to fund growth initiatives across ESR's logistics real estate and data centres platforms in APAC
Builds on US$2 billion of net proceeds from portfolio simplification and capital recycling

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 9 April 2026 - ESR, an Asia-Pacific ("APAC") focused real asset owner and manager, today announced that it has secured US$850 million in additional equity capital, further strengthening its balance sheet and accelerating execution of its long-term growth strategy across logistics real estate and data centres.

The new investment was committed by existing shareholders, backed by leading global investors, reinforcing conviction in ESR's strategy, platform, and growth momentum.

The capital will be deployed to fund growth initiatives across ESR's logistics real estate and data centres platforms. This builds on the significant progress achieved following ESR's privatisation in July 2025, as the Group advances its strategic transformation into a more focused business positioned for long-term growth.

In line with this strategy, since January 2025, ESR has realised more than US$2 billion in net proceeds through the divestment of non-core holdings and recapitalisation of balance sheet assets, simplifying the portfolio and recycling capital into core growth sectors.

Together, these developments have strengthened ESR's ability to scale its fund management and development platforms, while capitalising on long-term structural tailwinds including e-commerce growth, supply chain reconfiguration, and accelerating digitalisation.

Phil Pearce, President of ESR, said, "ESR has entered its next phase of growth with a stronger capital base and a more focused platform. As global capital continues to shift toward APAC, investors are increasingly seeking managers with local depth, strategic clarity, and a proven ability to execute in an evolving market environment.

We are pleased to be deepening our partnership with leading global investors, who are not only shareholders, but also long-term capital partners across our platform. With a sharpened focus on logistics real estate and data centres, we are accelerating development and fundraising while driving sustained growth in leasing and capital deployment. Looking ahead, we remain focused on scaling our core business with discipline and delivering long-term value for our capital partners and customers."

ESR's growth strategy is centred on priority markets in Australia, Japan, and South Korea, while expanding opportunities across Greater China, India, and Southeast Asia. Reflecting the strength of its institutional relationships, ESR partners with 12 of the world's top 20 real estate Limited Partners and has raised an average of US$3.8 billion annually across its key sector mandates over the past five years.

In logistics real estate, demand continues to concentrate on modern, large-scale, and well-located logistics assets near consumption hubs and major population centres. Serving over 1,500 customers, ESR is advancing an approximately US$9 billion development pipeline to meet evolving customer needs while creating investment opportunities for capital partners.

Leveraging the scale and depth of its APAC platform, ESR's data centres business is differentiated by its ability to secure land and power early in the development cycle, supporting a pipeline of over 3 GW of capacity for phased development in key growth markets.Hashtag: #ESR

https://www.esr.com/

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

ESR

ESR is a leading Asia-Pacific real asset owner and manager focused on logistics real estate, data centres, and energy infrastructure that power the digital economy and supply chain for investors, customers, and communities. Through our fully integrated real asset fund management and development platform, we strive to create value and growth opportunities for our global portfolio of investors. We offer our customers modern space solutions to realise their ambitions across Australia and New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Greater China, Southeast Asia, and India, including a presence in Europe. Our purpose, Space and Investment Solutions for a Sustainable Future, drives us to manage sustainably and impactfully for the communities we serve to thrive for generations to come. Visit www.esr.com for more information.

Jardine Matheson Holdings publishes Sustainability Report 2025, supporting TSR through long-term resilience and sustainability improvements

Thu, 9 Apr 2026 03:00:17 +0200

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 9 April 2026 - Jardine Matheson Holdings Limited (Jardines) has released its 2025 Sustainability Report, which outlines the Group's approach to sustainability, progress towards its objectives and 2025 performance. The report can be found at sustainability.jardines.com/2025/.

Jardines embeds sustainability within its value creation strategy and applies a rigorous lens to investment and capital allocation decisions. There are clear sustainability expectations for our diverse portfolio of market-leading businesses with the aim to build resilience and mitigate emerging risks.

Earlier, Jardines announced its strategic repositioning from owner-operator to an investment company with a focus on sustainable, top-quartile Total Shareholder Return. Jardines is also committed to active portfolio value creation, talent development, world-class governance and sustainability improvements across its portfolio.

In 2025, Jardine Matheson delivered strong progress on its 'Building Towards 2030' sustainability strategy:

Climate action - Decarbonisation remains top priority. 8% decline in scope 1 and 2 emissions from companies on the Decarbonisation and Transition pathway
Responsible consumption - Improvements in waste reduction, resource efficiency and circularity initiatives. 29% decrease in total waste generated and 95% total waste diverted from landfill
Social inclusion - Ongoing investments in education, health and livelihoods. US$59m in community investments made
Governance and transparency - Enhanced sustainability governance and disclosure as Jardines maintains portfolio oversight of sustainability across its portfolio. ESG ratings improvement reflect positive response on sustainability performance _{(S&P: 82nd percentile, ISS ESG: Prime)}

Ben Keswick, Executive Chairman of Jardine Matheson said , "Sustainability is foundational to how we protect and enhance economic value and build long-term resilience across Jardine Matheson - it is an essential value that every business in our portfolio must commit to and that guides the investment decisions we make. We will continue to embed sustainability in our strategy and portfolio management decisions, with a clear focus on decarbonisation, by setting clear commitments, measuring progress against our roadmaps, and applying disciplined governance across our portfolio."

Decarbonisation is top priority
Contributing to a sustainable, low-carbon future is a strategic priority for Jardines. In 2025, the Group delivered an 8% reduction in total scope 1 and 2 emissions, reflecting steady progress across its diversified portfolio. This was supported by a continued shift away from fossil-fuel energy, with renewable energy accounting for 45% of total energy consumption, alongside an overall reduction in energy use.

Jardines' decarbonisation approach is structured around two pathways: a Decarbonisation Pathway, and a Transition Pathway for mining and energy businesses.

In 2025, Jardines' portfolio companies began formal reporting on climate risks and opportunities to their audit committees, following the integration of climate risks into existing ERM processes the prior year. Alongside, Jardines is also integrating sustainability factors into investment due diligence and decision-making, ensuring material sustainability-related aspects of an investment are considered as Jardines continues to unlock value creation for its stakeholders.

Looking forward
Looking ahead, Jardines will continue to embed sustainability as a core value driver across its portfolio by setting clear commitments and prioritising decarbonisation. The Group will continue to strengthen governance and incentives to drive accountability and deliver on scope 1 and 2 emissions reduction pathways.

To access the Sustainability Report 2025, please visit sustainability.jardines.com/2025/ or click here to download the PDF.
Hashtag: #JardineMatheson

https://www.jardines.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/jardine-matheson/

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

Jardine Matheson

Jardine Matheson (Jardines) is a diversified, Asia-focused investment company. Founded in China in 1832, Jardines creates value for our stakeholders by building lasting, scalable businesses in Asia that produce sustainable returns and market leading services and products.

We ensure highly-qualified boards and leadership teams are in place across the Group, with incentives aligned to driving shareholder value. At the holding company level, we aim for decisive portfolio management built on disciplined capital allocation and strong investment expertise.

At Jardines, we value integrity and long-term partnerships. We ensure global best practice in risk management and governance is embedded across our portfolio, and coupled a strong balance sheet with excellent access to low-cost funding from banks and the capital markets.

Since our founding, Jardines has benefitted from the role of family shareholders who act as long term stewards of our values and commitments - which includes embedding sustainability across our portfolio companies and doing right by our communities for the long term. We are proud to build value for shareholders while also making a positive contribution to the communities we serve.

Jardine Matheson holds interests in Hongkong Land (54.7%), DFI Retail Group (77.5%), Mandarin Oriental (100%), Jardine Pacific (100%), Jardine Cycle & Carriage (JC&C) (85.7%), and Zhongsheng (21.4%). JC&C in turn has a 50.1% shareholding in Astra.

Jardine Matheson Holdings Limited is a listed company with a primary listing on the London Stock Exchange and a secondary listing in Singapore.

www.jardines.com

WeryAI Launches an Integrated Multi-Model AI Content Creation Platform: A One-Stop Workflow for Image, Video, and Advertising Production

Wed, 8 Apr 2026 17:31:23 +0200

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 8 April 2026 - By bringing together leading AI engines and editing capabilities, WeryAI centers on "complete creative production on a single platform," helping creators, designers, and marketing teams eliminate tool switching and improve the efficiency of visual content production.

Following the official launch of the platform, WeryAI (https://www.weryai.com/) has grown to nearly 3 million users. Serving creators, designers, marketers, and cross-border business teams, it provides an end-to-end creative solution covering image generation, video production, post-production editing, music generation, and character creation. To address common pain points in AI content production-such as fragmented tools, disconnected workflows, and rising costs-the platform integrates multiple high-performance AI models and editing tools, moving visual content production away from the traditional patchwork of multiple tools toward a more efficient closed-loop workflow on a single platform.

At the core of the platform is its signature "multi-model mode," which allows users to enter a single prompt and simultaneously generate outputs using multiple image-generation models, including Wery 2.0, Nano Banana Pro, Seedream, Dreamina, and Wan 2.6. This makes it easy to compare the style and quality of different engines and quickly identify the best option for a project. On the video side, the platform integrates industry-leading engines such as Google Veo 3.1 Fast, Kling, Runway, Hailuo, and Pika, supporting synchronized audio-video generation. In just seconds, users can turn static images into dynamic advertising clips with smooth camera movement and synced sound effects.

The platform also offers a range of built-in editing tools for tasks such as 4K upscaling, background replacement, object removal, lip-syncing, and subtitle translation. All editing can be done in one interface, without exporting files across platforms. Its "prompt reverse engineering" feature lets users upload a reference image and automatically generate accurate prompts based on elements such as lighting, composition, and mood, reducing the time spent refining prompts.

WeryAI supports a wide range of use cases, including content creation for video producers, end-to-end design workflows, asset production for e-commerce marketing teams, and multilingual content localization for multinational companies. New users receive a daily free quota, while flexible subscription plans are available for both individual creators and professional teams. Users can visit the official website to explore a one-stop workflow from concept to finished advertising content.

Hashtag: #WeryAI

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

Stories of immigrants to US brought to light in new book

Wed, 8 Apr 2026 16:10:09 +0200

Family stories may fade within several generations if not repeated, and putting pen to paper is an even more effective way of preserving them. A new book aims to do just that by memorialising the stories of descendants of Slovenian emigrants who moved from the northeastern region Prekmurje to Bethlehem, US in the early 20th century.

The publication Sledi Prekmurja čez Ocean (Traces of Prekmurje Across the Ocean) features 13 stories. Its author Klaudija Sedar told the Slovenian Press Agency she got the idea for the book when she visited Bethlehem last year.

A researcher dedicated to the cultural heritage of those who immigrated from Prekmurje to the US, Sedar was part of efforts to digitise the community's vital records during the visit.

"These are people from our region, so we wanted to give their descendants the opportunity to explore their roots and the life stories of their ancestors," she said.

Two of the 13 people that participated in the project are almost 100 years old. "I was curious to know how they remembered the time when their grandparents came to America, how they lived, worked, and preserved their bonds."

Most of the Slovenian emigrants left their homeland in search of a better life. Home to one of the world's largest steel producers at the time, Bethlehem provided job opportunities and a way to dig themselves out of poverty. "The area also resembled their home region, which made it easier for people to adapt," Sedar said.

It is worth noting though that life was often hard in the US, too. The stories reveal the immigrants worked long hours to eventually be able to buy a house where several generations lived. They maintained close ties with their compatriots, spoke their mother tongue and bonded also through the church and social activities.

Most of the interviewees no longer speak Prekmurje dialect

An important aspect of the book is language. Most of the interviews were conducted in English and two in the Prekmurje dialect.

"The people told me that as children they understood the Prekmurje dialect and could speak it a little, but through the generations this knowledge was lost because parents wanted the children to fit into the US society as much as possible," Sedar said. In some cases, the knowledge of the dialect was preserved because children had close ties with their grandparents.

Several of the interviewees have also visited Prekmurje at least once.

The immigrants whose life stories are presented in the book mostly came to the US from Goričko and other parts of Prekmurje as well as from Hungary's Porabje, known as the Raba River region in English. They often settled close to each other in Bethlehem, a city in eastern Pennsylvania. Initially, they lived close to the local steel mill, but eventually they began moving to the outskirts of the city.

The book was published by Zavod Primoža Trubarja, an organisation run by Sedar herself and based in Murska Sobota, the capital of Prekmurje and Bethlehem's sister city. A total of 150 copies were issued as part of a project backed by the Government Office for Slovenians Abroad. "There's a lot of interest in the book, as it provides a precious insight into the lives of immigrants and preserves the memories that could otherwise be forgotten," the author said.

The book is in Slovenian, but it may be published in English as well to expand reach, the Slovenia Times has learned.

Diesel prices reach record levels right before Middle East de-escalation

Wed, 8 Apr 2026 10:59:19 +0200

Regulated fuel prices at Slovenian service stations outside motorways and expressways have once more increased due to the conflict in the Middle East. The price of diesel rose by 8.7 cents per litre to a record €1.894 amid fears of global supply shortages. Those concerns have since been slightly assuaged due to the US-Iran provisional ceasefire.

This is the highest regulated price of a litre of diesel ever recorded in Slovenia. For 50 litres of diesel customers now have to pay €94.70.

The regulated prices of regular petrol and heating oil have also increased. A litre of petrol now costs €1.653, up by 3.7 cents, with the price tag of 50 litres being €82.65, and the price of a litre of heating oil is 9.9 cents higher at €1.555.

The government has been striving to cushion the impact of the price hikes, but lowering excise duties on diesel and heating oil is no longer an option because those are already at their lowest possible level. The environmental levy remains suspended though and retailers' margins are capped.

The new prices will remain in effect through 13 April, as the regulated prices are now adjusted weekly instead of every two weeks due to the current energy crisis.

Meanwhile, prices at service stations along the motorways have been fully liberalised since 20 March, a move the government made to address rising demand and put an end to "fuel tourism", which had flourished as the result of Slovenia's having lower prices than its neighbouring countries.

Iran's selective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's major energy transit routes, has sparked fears of fuel shortages, and just a few days ago there were speculations diesel pumps in Europe might soon run dry.

However, the US and Iran agreed to a two-week conditional ceasefire on 7 April. The Strait of Hormuz is now expected to fully reopen. Oil prices have dived as hopes of transit flows resuming have grown, but experts had warned earlier that the reopening of the crucial corridor would not bring an immediate relief to the crisis.

More funds for EV purchase subsidies amid crisis-driven push for electrification

The EU has been calling on member states to introduce measures to mitigate the energy crisis such as lowering motorway speed limits and promoting the use of public transport and carpooling.

The same sentiment has been shared by Slovenia's Climate Council, an independent scientific advisory body to the government, which recently came up with several climate-friendly proposals, including additional subsidies for small and affordable EVs and a limited-period measure of free public transport.

The Ministry of the Environment, Climate and Energy has since announced that it has updated its call for subsidies for new and used EVs, increasing the funds available by €3.2 million to some €19 million due to increased interest.

Given the oil market developments in recent weeks, it is likely that people will continue relying more and more on EVs and hybrids. The latest data by the Chamber of Commerce shows that sales of battery-powered cars surged by 142% in March year-on-year.

SC Unveils Bold Rebrand, Shifts "Beyond Residential" to Three-Engine Growth Model

Wed, 8 Apr 2026 10:24:58 +0200

Targets Over 30% Profit from Non-Residential Businesses by 2030
Strong Backlog Supports 2026 Revenue Target of THB 25.5 Billion

BANGKOK, THAILAND - Media OutReach Newswire - 8 April 2026 - SC has announced its first major rebrand in 20 years, repositioning the brand as "Beyond Residential". The company is moving forward with the strategy "Reform to Perform" to rebalance its business portfolio through three business engines, diversifying revenue sources, increasing recurring income, and building new S-curves for future growth. SC has set a total revenue target of THB 25.5 billion for 2026 and aims to achieve a new profit high by 2030.

Mr. Nuttaphong Kunakornwong, Chief Executive Officer of SC Asset Corporation Public Company Limited or SC, said that the fragile global economic environment has prompted the company to proactively adapt over the past two to three years. These efforts include organizational restructuring, financial discipline, expanding joint investment partnerships, and initiating new businesses in line with its risk diversification strategy. The company has gradually reshaped its business structure into a portfolio built around three business engines. These include Engine 1 Residential Property, Engine 2 Recurring Income Property, and Engine 3 New Businesses for a Better Future.

SC is also targeting to increase the profit contribution from Engine 2 and Engine 3 to more than 30 percent in order to drive the company's overall profit to reach a new high again by 2030, while ensuring that all businesses continue to create value for people and the planet.

In 2026, the company will implement a comprehensive rebrand, including a new logo and refreshed corporate identity, marking its first such transformation in 20 years. The move reinforces SC's position as "Beyond Residential," supported by a more flexible and diversified portfolio, enabling the company to engage more effectively with customers, employees, partners, investors, and stakeholders.

2026 Business Targets and Plans

SC targets total revenue of THB 25.5 billion in 2026, representing 21% growth year-on-year, with a capital expenditure budget of THB 8 billion to drive all three business engines. The Interest-Bearing Debt to Equity ratio (IBD/E) is expected to decline to below 1.2 times.

Engine 1: Residential Property, targeting sales of THB 27 billion, up approximately 33% from 2025, and transfers of THB 23 billion, with backlog of more than THB 18.5 billion as of end-2025, of which around 40% is expected to be recognized in 2026.

- Low-rise housing: Revitalizing of eight single-detached home series across 17 projects under a concept focused on deeply understanding life needs.
- Condominium: Launch of a new ultra-luxury branded residence and a new riverside project, with a combined value of THB 25.5 billion across two projects.

- Introduction of "GenSCription" (Living Subscription Program by SC), responding to the growing shift toward renting instead of homeownership among younger generations, increasing accessibility and flexibility in housing.

Engine 2: Recurring Income Property, covering operations across hotels, warehouses, office buildings, and rental apartments in the U.S. The business targets revenue growth of around 70 percent to THB 2 billion.

- Expansion of hospitality portfolio by 450 rooms in key seaside destinations such as Pattaya and Phuket.
- Development of an additional 170,000 square meters of warehouse space in the Bangna-EEC zone.
- Investment in alternative energy businesses to support data center growth under SCX 360.

Engine 3: New Businesses for a Better Future, covering after-sales services, digital platforms, and health related businesses. The company targets revenue of THB 400 million this year, representing growth of around 60 percent from 2025.

- After-sales services will expand from 150 projects to 260 projects, alongside the launch of LINTON, a concierge service designed for ultra luxury residents.
- SC has allocated an investment budget of THB 1 billion over the next three years to support the growth of this business segment.

SC also introduced "SC Green Mark," a green building development standard encompassing environmental performance and residents' quality of life. The standard will be applied across all engines and projects to ensure sustainable growth aligned with long-term environmental responsibility.

Sustainable business operations

- The company continues to operate in accordance with international sustainability assessment standards of FTSE Russell.
- SC is advancing its greenhouse gas reduction efforts in line with its five-year target of reducing 100,000 tons of carbon emissions from 2025 to 2030.
- The company is also introducing SC Green Mark, a green building development standard covering environmental performance and residents' quality of life, which will be applied across all engines and projects.

"Brands are like living things. They survive through evolution, and brands that fail to adapt will eventually become extinct. SC therefore continues to evolve. Rebranding and organizational reform are part of that evolution. A more flexible and diversified business portfolio will enable SC not only to survive but to grow sustainably in the highly volatile and challenging real estate industry, while creating greater value for people more broadly," Nuttaphong said.
Hashtag: #SC #SCisQuality #SCBusinessDirection2026 #ReformtoPerform

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

China Mobile Hosts the 2026 Cooperative Conference on Digital and Intelligent Empowerment for Chinese Enterprises Going Global

Wed, 8 Apr 2026 10:24:56 +0200

BEIJING, CHINA - Media OutReach Newswire - 8 April 2026 - On March 31, 2026, China Mobile hosted the 2026 China Mobile Digital Empowerment Cooperation Conference for Chinese Enterprises Going Global in Beijing. The conference focused on the needs for digital and intelligent development of Chinese enterprises going global, jointly exploring new trends in digital and intelligent empowerment for the global development of Chinese enterprises, and it was broadcast live simultaneously around the world. Zhang Feng, Secretary of the CPC Chinese Institute of Electronics Committee, and Guo Hao, President of the China Association of Communications Enterprises, attended the event, among others. Li Huidi, Executive Vice President of China Mobile attended the conference and delivered a speech.

Li Huidi pointed out that artificial intelligence is currently reshaping the ways of production and life with unprecedented speed and breadth, deeply restructuring the competitive landscape of global industries. AI is already the core engine driving the leap in social productivity and leading the transformation of the global industrial system. The overseas development of Chinese enterprises is undergoing a comprehensive upgrade from the traditional export of products and production capacity to the synergistic development of digital capabilities and industrial chains driven by AI.

Li Huidi stated that, in the face of a new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation, China Mobile is accelerating the transition from a "telecommunications operator" to a "technology services enterprise." With the vision of building a world-class technology services enterprise, it comprehensively promotes the integrated innovation of communication technologies, information technologies, and AI technologies, in order to strengthen, optimize, and expand the three major businesses of "communications services, computing services, and AI services." China Mobile will deeply integrate its AI capabilities into the entire chain of its three core businesses, paving a digital and intelligent highway for globalization, featuring the integration of networks and intelligence, safety and reliability, and universal access across all domains for Chinese enterprises going global:

First, China Mobile will strengthen communications services and empower "AI connectivity", weaving a dense network of global intelligent interconnection. The scale of China Mobile's international information infrastructure continues to grow. China Mobile have expanded the capacity of submarine and terrestrial cables, bringing total international transmission bandwidth to 406T and Points of Presence (PoPs) to 446. Notably, the eastern section of 2Africa, the largest submarine cable system in the world circling Africa, has been activated. The sections are expected to be completed and put into operation in the first half of this year. Spanning a total length of approximately 45,000 kilometers, this submarine cable is laid along the coastline of the African continent. It connects 33 countries and regions across the Middle East, Asia, and Europe, providing high-quality, low-latency international communication services for a population of roughly 3 billion along its route. This major information artery, which connects six continents and four oceans, provides safe and reliable guarantees for end-to-end connections. It supports the scheduling of transnational AI applications and the integration of global business for enterprises going global. Global roaming is now available in 268 destinations, and the total number of users for the JegoTrip app has exceeded 90 million. China Mobile's international ecological cooperation continues to expand, and the "Hand-in-Hand Program" covers over 3 billion users worldwide. China Mobile have consecutively hosted events such as the Southeast Asia Cooperation Conference and the China Mobile Digital Empowerment Cooperation Conferences for Chinese Enterprises Going Global. These events have been widely praised and have strengthened China Mobile's influence within the global ecosystem. In recent years, China Mobile's revenue from international business has consistently maintained a trend of high-speed, double-digit growth.

Second, China Mobile will optimize computing services and drive "AI Computing", building a globally integrated computing network across the world.As a builder of computing infrastructure, China Mobile will comprehensively increase its investment in Artificial Intelligence Data Centers (AIDC), accelerate the supply of computing, and enhance its operational capabilities for Tokens. China Mobile's 100-megawatt-level Global Intelligent Center (GIC) in Hong Kong has officially opened, and China Mobile will deploy more nodes for AI computing along the "Belt and Road" initiative in the future. China Mobile have already established a cluster for AI computing with a capacity of 92.5 EFLOPS in China. By linking this with over 1,300 resources from self-owned and cooperative data centers overseas, China Mobile are constructing a global network for computing. China Mobile will promote Mobile Cloud to integrate high-quality global models and streamline the service chain where "Agents use Tokens, Tokens drive Computing, and Computing consumes Electricity." This will forge a solid foundation of computing for Chinese enterprises going global.

Third, China Mobile will expand AI services and reshape digital services, stimulating new momentum across all domains for enterprises going global.As a promoter of applications for artificial intelligence, China Mobile continuously iterates the capabilities of its "Jiutian" large model. China Mobile have accumulated industrial data exceeding 20 trillion Tokens and independently developed more than 50 industrial large models. This promotes the deep integration of AI agents into the entire process of production and operations for enterprises. Overseas, China Mobile translate its leading domestic AI capabilities into a "smart engine" for Chinese enterprises expanding abroad. Targeting the pain points of enterprises going global, China Mobile have tailored a "1+8" system of products and solutions for all scenarios, which has already served tens of thousands of Chinese enterprises in their global layout. By combining the advantages of Chinese manufacturing and 5G solutions, China Mobile achieve deep integration with local ecosystems overseas. In regions including Europe, Latin America, and the Asia-Pacific, and have successfully established over a thousand benchmark cases of "AI+" digital and intelligent transformation, such as smart factories, smart ports, and smart IoV. This makes the fruits of China's innovation in AI benefit the global market.

Looking toward the vast blue ocean of the AI era, Li Huidi proposed four initiatives: First, China Mobile will jointly build AI infrastructure to forge a solid "new foundation" for AI+ global development. China Mobile will join hands with global industry partners to accelerate the construction of global communication networks, computing networks, and intelligent networks. China Mobile will jointly optimize the layout of global submarine and terrestrial cables as well as hubs for computing, achieving mutually beneficial cooperation along the "Belt and Road" initiative and around the world. By building more high-standard Artificial Intelligence Data Centers, China Mobile will provide low-latency, highly reliable, high-performance, and widely covered infrastructure of computing networks for Chinese enterprises marching into the world. Second, China Mobile will jointly establish AI standards to build a "new consensus" on intelligence within the industry. China Mobile will continue to promote China's full-stack AI technologies and standards to the world, covering the entire chain of computing foundations, large models, and industrial applications. This will contribute Chinese wisdom, Chinese solutions, and Chinese standards to the construction of an open, inclusive, and interoperable system of global rules for AI technology. Third, China Mobile will jointly expand AI scenarios to release "new quality productive forces" across thousands of industries. China Mobile will continuously open up China Mobile's technological foundation and experience in various scenarios, collaborating with enterprises going global to unearth high-value industrial scenarios. By providing exclusive resources for AI computing and support for Tokens, China Mobile will empower the accelerated release of new quality productive forces through AI innovation. In key regions along the "Belt and Road" initiative, China Mobile will create more replicable and promotable benchmark projects of "AI+" digital and intelligent transformation for overseas development. Fourth, China Mobile will jointly cultivate a win-win AI ecosystem to expand the "new circle of friends" for global cooperation. China Mobile will continuously upgrade the cooperative ecological system of the "iSTAR Program. Relying on the three core pillars of "AI+ applications, cloud and AI computing, and connectivity," China Mobile will unite the strengths of global industries, academia, research, and application. This will help build a more open, inclusive, and mutually beneficial globalized digital and intelligent ecosystem. China Mobile will jointly incubate "AI+" solutions for overseas development across more than 150 scenarios, providing intelligent escorts across the entire chain and full life cycle for Chinese enterprises going global.

At the conference, using full-stack digital and intelligent capabilities to escort Chinese enterprises going global, China Mobile released a series of "AI+" full-stack digital and intelligent infrastructure, products, and services. Together with its ecological partners, China Mobile jointly released the "White Paper on the Digital and Intelligent Ecosystem of the China Mobile International 'iSTAR Program' for Chinese Enterprises Going-Global," collaboratively building a new ecosystem for AI services.

Hashtag: #ChinaMobile

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

Fresh Laundry Ranked #37 Among the Fastest Growing Companies in Singapore by The Straits Times 2026

Wed, 8 Apr 2026 09:04:43 +0200

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 8 April 2026 - Fresh Laundry has been recognised as one of the fastest-growing companies in Singapore, securing the #37 position in The Straits Times Singapore's Fastest Growing Companies 2026 list. The ranking highlights businesses that have demonstrated exceptional revenue growth over recent years and reflects the company's rapid expansion within Singapore's self-service laundry industry.

Fresh Laundry Ranked #37 Among the Fastest Growing Companies in Singapore by The Straits Times 2026

Compiled by The Straits Times and global research firm Statista, the annual Singapore business growth ranking evaluates companies based on revenue growth performance across a defined assessment period. Fresh Laundry's placement among the high-growth companies in Singapore underscores its strong performance and growing influence in the laundromat sector.

Recognition in The Straits Times Singapore's Fastest Growing Companies 2026

The Straits Times ranking identifies businesses that have achieved significant growth while demonstrating resilience and adaptability in Singapore's competitive business environment. Companies included in the list represent diverse industries ranging from technology and logistics to consumer services.

Fresh Laundry's position within this business growth ranking reflects its consistent expansion and operational development within the laundromat sector in Singapore. The company's growth trajectory highlights increasing demand for modern, convenient laundry services as lifestyles evolve and urban living spaces prioritise efficiency and accessibility.

Being recognised as one of the fastest-growing companies in Singapore also signals the increasing relevance of service-driven businesses that address everyday needs through scalable models and operational innovation.

Growth of the Laundromat Industry in Singapore

The rise of the coin-operated laundry sector in Singapore has been shaped by changing urban lifestyles and the growing demand for convenient household services. Many households today value time-saving solutions that allow them to complete daily tasks efficiently.

Self-service laundry outlets provide a practical option for individuals and families seeking accessible washing and drying facilities without the need for large household appliances. This has contributed to steady growth in the sector, positioning laundromats as an essential service in densely populated cities.

Fresh Laundry's inclusion among high-growth companies reflects how the industry continues to evolve to meet modern consumer expectations. By combining reliable machines, accessible locations, and streamlined operations, laundromats have become a key part of the neighbourhood service ecosystem.

Fresh Laundry's Growth Journey

Fresh Laundry's expansion over the years reflects a strategic focus on building a scalable and sustainable business model. From establishing reliable laundromat outlets to strengthening operational efficiency, the company has steadily developed its footprint across Singapore.

The brand's progress within the urban self-service laundry segment in Singapore has been supported by careful planning, operational consistency, and an understanding of changing consumer needs. As demand for convenient laundry solutions continues to grow, Fresh Laundry has focused on maintaining quality while expanding its presence.

Being recognised as one of the fastest growing company in Singapore highlights the scalability of service-based businesses like Fresh Laundry, especially when driven by strong operational discipline, a focus on customer convenience, and carefully planned strategic expansion.

A Growing Interest in the Coin Laundry Industry

The growing popularity of laundromats has also sparked increasing interest in entrepreneurship within the sector. Many aspiring business owners are exploring opportunities in the coin laundry industry, recognising its potential as a service-oriented venture that caters to everyday needs.

As more individuals research starting a laundromat, industry visibility continues to grow. The sector's accessibility and practical service offering have made it an attractive option for entrepreneurs looking to enter a stable consumer services market.

Fresh Laundry's presence among fast-expanding companies demonstrates how the laundromat sector has matured into a recognised segment of the local service economy.

Looking Ahead

Fresh Laundry's inclusion in The Straits Times Singapore's Fastest Growing Companies 2026 marks an important milestone in the company's journey. As a recognised fastest-growing company in Singapore, the brand continues to strengthen its position within the laundromat sector in Singapore while supporting the broader development of the industry.

The recognition highlights not only Fresh Laundry's growth, but also the continued evolution of neighbourhood services that support modern lifestyles. As the industry progresses, laundromats remain a vital part of urban living by providing accessible, convenient solutions for everyday needs.

For individuals interested in the sector, understanding the fundamentals of the coin laundry business and the considerations involved in getting started can provide valuable insights into how this everyday service has developed into a scalable and growing industry.

Hashtag: #freshlaundry #washingmachine #fastestgrowingcompanysingapore

https://freshlaundry.com.sg/
https://www.facebook.com/freshlaundrysg

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

About Fresh Laundry

Fresh Laundry is a Singapore-based laundromat operator focused on providing modern, convenient self-service laundry solutions for local communities. Operating within the growing laundromat sector, the company has built a network of coin-operated laundry outlets designed to support busy urban lifestyles with accessible washing and drying facilities.

Through a scalable and service-driven model, Fresh Laundry continues to expand its presence across neighbourhoods, supporting the increasing demand for reliable laundry services. The company also shares industry insights for individuals exploring opportunities in the coin laundry business or considering entering the laundromat market, reflecting its broader involvement in Singapore's evolving self-service laundry ecosystem.

Fresh Laundry's recent recognition in The Straits Times Singapore's Fastest Growing Companies 2026 further highlights its progress as a fastest-growing company in Singapore, reinforcing its role within the country's developing laundry services sector.

New Documentary Building Icons: The Global One From Discovery To Debut On April 10 In Southeast Asia

Wed, 8 Apr 2026 08:44:37 +0200

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 8 April 2026 - A new documentary Building Icons: The Global One explores the complexities of architecture and engineering, with the team behind The Global One - showcasing how one of Taiwan's most earthquake-resistant residential complexes came to life. The documentary is set to premiere in Southeast Asia on the Discovery Channel on Friday, April 10 2026 at 7:10 PM SGT and on Discovery Asia on Sunday, April 12 at 9:00 PM SGT.

Set in the Nangang district in Taipei, the new documentary features a residential development designed to withstand major earthquakes, typhoons and extreme weather conditions. The project faced extraordinary engineering challenges due to its location on soft ground and vulnerability to earthquakes, conditions rarely encountered in urban environments.

The Global One is the realization of the vision of Nankang Rubber Tire Corporation's late Chairman, Lin Hsueh-Pu, and redefines the standards of safety in residential developments, with a goal to last a century and provide peace of mind to its residents. The documentary follows teams on the ground as they combine advanced engineering and rigorous testing, to enhance the building's safety specifications, beyond other critical buildings in Taiwan.

Audiences will get insight into engineering practices and hear how The Global One is built for extreme disaster resilience and long-term durability, with a structure that incorporates special shock absorbers into the walls to dampen the violent tremors, as well as specific electrical wiring and pipes, which were carefully selected to reduce fire risk and function during emergencies.

Catch Building Icons: The Global One in Southeast Asia on Discovery Channel, Friday, April 10 2026 at 7:10 PM SGT and on Discovery Asia on Sunday, April 12 at 9:00 PM SGT.

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

About Discovery Channel

Across every platform, Discovery Channel is dedicated to connecting audiences who have a passion for adventure and crave a connection to the world around them. Popular series including Deadliest Catch, Expedition Unknown and Gold Rush, along with Shark Week, the annual tentpole programming event, serve as trusted portals that transport viewers directly into thrilling, real, high stakes moments. Through smart, authentic characters whose stories inform and inspire, Discovery celebrates the men and women who will stop at nothing to explore new spaces and achieve their dreams. For more information, please visit www.discovery.com.

Early family and cultural adaptation support central to international assignment success - AXA Global Healthcare

Wed, 8 Apr 2026 07:04:26 +0200

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - Media OutReach Newswire - 8 April 2026 - New research from AXA Global Healthcare across ten international markets highlights family wellbeing, cultural adaptation and social integration as three of the strongest predictors of successful global assignments.

Building on eight years of research, AXA's latest study draws on insights from 689 HR decision-makers and 641 non-native assignees, offering a detailed view of the factors shaping international assignment outcomes.

The research found that family concerns (49%) cultural adjustment (47%) and social isolation (47%) are the three most common drivers for employees ending assignments early.

With the average cost of an international assignment rising by over 50% since 2017 to $79,636 per year above base salary, the case for preparing against these common drivers is made clear to HR leaders.

The importance of family, health and home

The research findings suggest a greater demand for early support beyond the logistics and legalities of moving abroad than that which is currently provided.

When asked, just 1 in 5 (20%) said their family received help with relocation services for their current assignment, yet one in three (33%) say they would expect this type of support from their employer for future placements.

Expectations outweigh provision on health-related assurances too. Whilst current support matches expectation for local health insurance, there is a seven-point gap between the global health insurance currently provided (32%) and the expectation for future assignments (39%). This demand falls in line with broader mobility trends - 73% of HR decision-makers expect more digital nomadism in their workforce over the next five years - global health cover caters to just that.

For organisations, this means reassessing what preparation involves.

"When we think about mobility strategies, the focus should not only be on business outcomes but on how well we prepare people, and their loved ones, for change." says Ellen Hughes, Chief People Officer, AXA Health Business.

Assignment success requires adaptive support

Of assignments that end early, one in three do so because of difficulty adapting to local culture - and this has been a top three reason for early returns for the last eight years.

Demand for cultural preparation has also increased by 24% since AXA Global Healthcare's last report in 2020, suggesting that assignees are becoming more aware of the importance of forward planning - and the latest research findings suggest wellbeing provision needs to meet expectations.

Language training support was found to be 12.5% short of expectation, while cultural adaptation support fell further behind, at nearly 20%. The nature of this support - whether it be learning a language or getting to grips with an entirely new culture - suggests that the key is in preparation well in advance of placement to give assignees a better shot at success.

Social isolation: creating the conditions for connection

Over half (54%) of assignees feel their mental health being challenged within the first three months of their assignment. At this point, the environment feels most unfamiliar and assignees that are not adequately equipped are most likely to struggle.

Isolation can be prevented in a variety of ways. The findings suggest expat forums (27%) and support groups (23%) are two valued support mechanisms for assignees. Opening up conversations about psychological preparation for the lifestyle change and providing connections through the workplace with buddy and mentoring systems can also be effective for establishing a social baseline for employees on placement.

Assignees themselves must also take responsibility. Excitement about a new posting can distract from thorough preparation for potential social challenges.

Sean Dubberke, intercultural specialist and Chief Learning Officer at professional training firm RW3 highlights: "Employees can often misunderstand relocation because of simple excitement. This adventurous enthusiasm can delay preparation for the practical and psychological realities of living in a new cultural environment."

Personal preparation means thinking ahead - maintaining home connections, identifying how to build new ones, and understanding how daily social life will change.

Closing the awareness gap

Across all three areas, employers are providing more support than assignees recognise. Just 19% of assignees cited access to language preparation, against 36% of HR leaders who say they provide it. Similarly, 17% of assignees cited cultural preparation support, compared with 34% of HR leaders. Gaps are consistent for mentoring and buddy systems (28% vs 46%) and expatriate support groups (24% vs 45%).

This is not a problem with resourcing, but communication. Support covering exactly the family, cultural, and social challenges that can drive early returns exists, but isn't reaching the people who need it. Closing this gap requires clearer communication from employers and active engagement from assignees.

The evolution of global mobility

Short-term placements are predicted to increase by 69% in the next five years and are predicted to shorten further with the rise of digital nomadism. As assignment models evolve, the risks of cultural disconnection, family strain, and social isolation won't disappear - they'll become more acute as the window for preparation gets shorter.

For HR decision-makers, two preparation priorities stand out: keep family, cultural, and social support central as these factors become more strongly linked to successful outcomes; and close the awareness gap through consistent communication and shared accountability.

"AXA Global Healthcare's research demonstrates that in order for preparation to deliver the best outcomes, businesses should design mobility strategies which recognise the full experience of relocation, and individuals must actively engage with the support available to them. Only then can the value and investment at this stage of an assignment be realised.

By strengthening preparation at every level, we can create the conditions for mobility to deliver on its promise: growth for our organisations and meaningful opportunities and experiences for our people." says Hughes.

Hashtag: #Insurance #AXAGlobalHealthcare

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

AXA Health International (AXA Global Healthcare)

AXA Health International is part of the AXA Health business and specialises in international health and wellbeing solutions. AXA Global Healthcare operates as one of the commercial entities functioning within AXA Health International, providing premium international health insurance to individuals and businesses worldwide and has been protecting the healthcare needs of globally mobile citizens for more than 60 years. Customers are supported in more than 200 countries through a global virtual doctor service, second medical opinion, personal case management, and evacuation and repatriation assistance, with access to AXA's global medical network of over 2 million healthcare providers. For more information visit axaglobalhealthcare.com.

VinFast Introduces Green Vehicle Rental Program In Indonesia And The Philippines, Supporting Greener Transport Services

Wed, 8 Apr 2026 07:04:25 +0200

JAKARTA/MANILA - Media OutReach Newswire - 8 April 2026 - VinFast has announced the expansion of its electric vehicle access model for ride-hailing and transport service drivers in Indonesia and the Philippines, adding a rental option with a range of incentives. The program is designed to make it easier for drivers to switch to electric vehicles, support the shift toward greener transport, and reinforce VinFast's commitment to reducing emissions across Southeast Asia.

VinFast offers both purchase and rental options for its Green product lineup, including models such as Herio Green and Limo Green, enabling drivers and businesses to flexibly choose based on their needs and financial capacity.

Under the new program, customers can now rent from VinFast's Green lineup through its authorized dealership network in the Philippines and Indonesia, alongside the traditional purchase route.

Launched amid ongoing global fuel price volatility, the initiative enables service drivers to access cost-effective and reliable electric vehicles with low upfront costs, allowing them to begin earning quickly without the burden of full vehicle ownership. Under the rental model, drivers can start earning quickly with a low upfront deposit, long-term contracts, and competitive fixed daily rates starting from just IDR 312,500 in Indonesia and PHP 1,000 in the Philippines.

For drivers choosing the traditional ownership route, VinFast offers financing solutions tailored for commercial use, structured to minimize initial payments while aligning repayment schedules with drivers' income streams, thereby supporting improved cash flow and shorter payback periods.

VinFast's new rental option, together with the traditional ownership route, is designed to provide greater flexibility, allowing drivers and transport operators to select an access model aligned with their financial capacity and operational needs.

The program is centered on VinFast's Green vehicle lineup, purpose-built for high-frequency transport services. The lineup includes Herio Green and Limo Green, designed to serve a range of use cases from individual driving to high-capacity passenger transport. These models are engineered for durability, energy efficiency, and optimized total cost of ownership, while maintaining comfort for daily operations.

The rollout of the program will begin in key metropolitan areas, including Greater Jakarta (Indonesia) and Metro Manila (Philippines), and is expected to expand gradually across both markets.

In addition, commercial customers also benefit from VinFast's broader EV ecosystem in Southeast Asia, including support such as free charging at V-Green stations through March 2029, helping lower operating costs and improve overall efficiency.

Ms. Duong Thi Thu Trang, Deputy CEO of Global Automotive Sales at VinFast said: "Expanding access to electric vehicles in Indonesia and the Philippines represents VinFast's next logical step in advancing the green transition of the commercial transport sector, which plays a critical role in achieving sustainable development goals. This initiative not only provides drivers with a stable source of income, but also contributes to improved quality of life and lower emissions. It underscores VinFast's commitment to supporting driver communities as they transition toward more sustainable livelihoods."

VinFast is rapidly building a comprehensive electric vehicle ecosystem in key Southeast Asian markets such as Indonesia and the Philippines, with a diverse product lineup for both individual customers and transport services, alongside a continuously expanding network of dealerships, aftersales services, and charging infrastructure.

At the same time, Vingroup, VinFast's parent company, is rolling out a range of initiatives to support the green transition in Indonesia and the Philippines, including its Trade Gas for Electric program in these markets, which offers an additional incentive of up to 3% of vehicle value on top of existing promotions, as well as a 10% discount on Green SM electric ride fares in Indonesia through April 30, 2026. Through these coordinated efforts, VinFast is steadily advancing the shift toward greener mobility while delivering tangible economic benefits to customers and communities across the region./.

Hashtag: #VinFast

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

Hang Lung Ignites Spring with the Second Phase of "66 and beyond" Anniversary Celebration

Wed, 8 Apr 2026 07:04:24 +0200

Portfolio-wide Signature Experiences Connect Communities with Localized Creativity

HONG KONG SAR and SHANGHAI, CHINA - Media OutReach Newswire - 8 April 2026 - Hang Lung Properties Limited (SEHK Stock Code: 00101) ("Hang Lung" or the "Company") today announced the second phase of its year-long "66 and beyond" anniversary celebrations, unveiling a series of nationwide campaigns across its Chinese Mainland retail portfolio, designed to connect communities and capture the vibrant spirit of spring.

Hang Lung ignites Spring with the second phase of "66 and beyond" anniversary celebration

The centerpiece of this phase is the "Taste of 66" (怦然春動) national campaign, featuring a curated collection of limited-edition bespoke ice lollipops. Drawing inspiration from the local cultural identity and architectural essence of each of Hang Lung's iconic "66" malls, the campaign creates tangible, exclusive moments that customers can emotionally connect with this milestone anniversary.

66th Anniversary City-Exclusive Series: Taste of 66 (Artist's impression)

The celebratory momentum will continue with experiences that reflect the cultural connections by each property, to highlight a few, Riverside 66 in Tianjin is hosting the "Sweet Encounters" campaign along the historic pedestrian street with dessert-themed art installations and interactive experiences, complemented by a dessert market. In Shenyang, Forum 66 will champion community wellness by transforming its public spaces into a vibrant hub for sports activities, including a 3v3 basketball tournament and pickleball discovery sessions. Meanwhile, Center 66 in Wuxi is captivating visitors with its "Wonderlost in Spring" theme, transforming the mall into a fantastical world of spring adventure, featuring specially designed installations, performances and a series of interactive games.

Plaza 66, Shanghai: Echo Variation (Artist's impression)

Mr. Derek Pang, Senior Director - Mainland Business Operation of Hang Lung Properties, said, "The '66 and beyond' theme is a powerful expression of our evolution. We are moving beyond the traditional role of a landlord to become a dynamic platform for community engagement and cultural expression. Our focus is on creating curated experiences that resonate deeply with the unique character of each city. By transforming our properties into vibrant hubs of culture and connection, we create lasting value and enrich the lives of the communities we serve."

Grand Gateway 66, Shanghai: MINISO x JENNIE Pop-up

These vibrant retail activations are part of a holistic celebration that further embodies the "66 and beyond" spirit across Hang Lung's entire ecosystem. The initiatives complement the year-round hotel offers, which invite guests to celebrate the milestone with thoughtfully curated stay, dining, and wellness experiences at Conrad Shenyang and Grand Hyatt Kunming. As the anniversary year unfolds, the Company will continue to redefine the urban landscape, with further highlights to be announced in the coming months.

Appendix: Key Highlights of Hang Lung's Celebration Campaigns in the Mainland Portfolio

Mall / City	Key Initiative	Dates
All Mainland Malls	66th Anniversary City-Exclusive Series: Taste of 66	April 11, 12, 18, 19
Center 66, Wuxi	Xu Beihong (徐悲鴻) Printmaking Art Exhibition at Center Residences: In collaboration with the Xu Beihong Art Museum, the master's limited-edition horse prints return to his hometown for the first showing in 2026	March 8 - June 7
Center 66, Wuxi	Wonderlost In Spring: A magical spring adventure journey	March 27 - May 5
Grand Gateway 66, Shanghai	MINISO x JENNIE Pop-up: Nationwide debut of the exclusive collaboration	March 20 - April 19
Riverside 66, Tianjin	"Sweet Encounters": A month-long celebration of desserts	March 28 - May 5
Plaza 66, Shanghai	Echo Variation: Celebrating the 25^th anniversary	April 10 - May 5
Olympia 66, Dalian	Wuzhen Theatre Festival Parade: The acclaimed cultural parade	April 11, 12, 18
Palace 66, Shenyang	Multi-Sport Wellness Series: Zumba, comprehensive fitness challenge, and fencing	April 11, 12, 18, 19
Forum 66, Shenyang	3v3 Basketball League & Pro Pickleball Tournament: Major urban sporting events	April 13 - 19 and 25 - 26
Spring City 66, Kunming	Bafé Wondering: Partnership with "Bread Wander": A unique collaboration with a popular food IP	April 17 - 19
Parc 66, Jinan	Sweet Sips Market: A festival of delightful sweet beverages	April 30 - May 5
Heartland 66, Wuhan	Theatre Carnival: High-caliber theatrical performances	May 1 - 3
Heartland 66, Wuhan	Basketball Series: Including an influencer-led challenge and a youth basketball tournament	May 30, 31

Center 66, Wuxi: Wonderlost in Spring

Center Residences, Wuxi: Xu Beihong (徐悲鴻) Printmaking Art Exhibition

Forum 66, Shenyang: 3v3 Basketball League

Riverside 66, Tianjin: Sweet Encounters

Hashtag: #HangLungProperties

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

About Hang Lung Properties

Hang Lung Properties Limited (SEHK stock code: 00101) creates compelling spaces that enrich lives. Headquartered in Hong Kong and Shanghai, the Company manages a portfolio of over 3.5 million square meters of retail, office, residential, and hotel properties across Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland.

The Company's diverse portfolio in Hong Kong includes office towers and malls in prime districts, as well as luxury residential developments in prestigious areas. In the Chinese Mainland, under the signature "66" brand, the Company's mixed-use and retail developments are regarded as premium landmarks, strategically located in the hearts of key cities of Shanghai, Shenyang, Jinan, Wuxi, Tianjin, Dalian, Kunming, Wuhan, and Hangzhou.

The Company is recognized for pioneering sustainability in the real estate industry, with an MSCI ESG rating of AA and inclusion on CDP "A List" for Climate Change. The Company powers 90% of its operating properties in the Chinese Mainland with renewable energy, with a net-zero commitment by 2050.

At Hang Lung Properties - We Do It Well.

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

Robust Demand Ahead: 75% of Consumers Plan Jewellery Purchases, with Natural Diamonds Leading

Wed, 8 Apr 2026 04:03:45 +0200

Self-reward joins birthdays as a key driver of Hong Kong's natural diamond market, new consumer survey reveals

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 8 April 2026 - Coinciding with World Diamond Day on April 8, NielsenIQ released its latest jewellery gifting study. The study offers a practical guide for those who are looking for meaningful gifts for significant gifting occasions such as the forthcoming Mother's Day. The study reveals that despite an increasingly complex macroeconomic environment, Hong Kong's natural diamond jewellery market continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience, consumer intent remains strong, with 75% of consumers planning to buy jewellery in the next 12 months and 76% of them specifically considering natural diamonds.

The study also highlights a growing cultural shift towards self-purchase and the celebration of life's most personal moments, reaffirming that the impulse to give-to oneself as well as to loved ones-continues to underpin demand.

At the same time, shoppers are placing greater emphasis on assurance and transparency, with traceability and value-added services becoming increasingly influential in shaping both where-and what-they choose to buy. Together, these shifts highlight a market in which trust, service excellence and authenticity are emerging as powerful drivers of differentiation.

Key insights to understand consumer preferences and behaviour:

The Rise of the "Self-Reward": Rewarding oneself has emerged as a key driver of jewellery buying, with 57% of consumers planning to buy for themselves. The primary reason for these self-purchases is to reward oneself (55%), followed by celebrating special occasions (33%) and personal enjoyment or collection (32%). This trend sits alongside traditional romantic gifting for spouse/partner (42%), signaling a broader shift towards personal empowerment and self-celebration.
Celebratory Moments Top the Gifting Calendar: The most frequent jewellery-gifting occasions are the annual milestones of everyday life. Birthdays (51%) and anniversaries (42%) remain the primary drivers for both giving and receiving jewellery, while engagements and weddings (31%) as well as Valentine's Day (31%), continue to hold significant importance.
Marking Special Occasions Matters Most: When purchasing for others, marking a meaningful occasion is the primary gifting driver (50%), followed by expressing love or care (36%) and the desire to surprise or delight someone (33%).
The Informed Consumer: Traceability and Added-value Services Take Centre Stage: Price remains a key consideration (55%) when selecting natural diamonds, but consumers weigh this against the 4Cs (38%), design (37%), and certification (36%). Traceability matters to 70% of natural diamond intenders, while 80% say value-added services significantly boost their purchasing confidence.

Intrinsic and Emotional Values

The research reveals that natural diamonds are increasingly woven into the fabric of daily life and personal achievement. Consumers strongly associate natural diamonds with intrinsic, lasting qualities: 75% believe they hold their value better due to their rarity and finite supply, and 73% view each stone as one of a kind. Beyond the investment, however, lies a deep emotional connection. Nearly three-quarters of respondents (72%) expressed that natural diamonds bring them joy to wear and can be worn every day to match their outfits.

These emotional and symbolic associations are reflected in consumers' natural diamond jewellery purchasing habits: rings (55%), necklaces (49%), earrings (42%), and bracelets (41%) emerge as the most popular categories. Mid-sized stones (68%), ranging from approximately 0.5 to 1.49 carats, are the preferred choice. Spending tends to concentrate in the mid-range, particularly between HK$10,000 and HK$20,000 (31%), followed by the HK$20,000 to HK$30,000 range (22%). Most consumers (46%) prefer to choose jewellery based on design rather than a fixed style, with 18K white gold the primary material choice (34%), followed by 18K rose gold (18%).

Online Discovery Meets In-Store Trust

Despite the digital age, the desire for a tangible experience endures. A commanding 75% of consumers prefer to purchase in-store, with 35% insisting on completing their entire transaction offline. Transparency bridges the two worlds-70% of natural diamond intenders cite traceability as important, underscoring the growing expectation for credible and accessible product information that reinforces the confidence of physical retail.

Strong Receiving Intentions Signal Continued Momentum

Looking ahead, consumer expectations for receiving diamond jewellery remain exceptionally high. 74% of respondents anticipate receiving jewellery in the next 12 months, and among them, an overwhelming 85% hope to receive natural diamonds. Special occasions (47%) are the most anticipated reason for receiving, with birthdays (54%), anniversaries (44%), Valentine's Day (40%) and engagements and weddings (35%) leading the calendar. These figures underscore a confident outlook for the natural diamonds industry.

The consumer survey, conducted by NIQ from 27 January to 11 February 2026, involved a total of 572 participants aged 18-54 through various online channels. Among the respondents, 24% were male and 76% were female, with the majority (77%) being married, engaged, or in a relationship. Commissioned by De Beers Group, NIQ managed the design and data analysis of the survey.

Notes to Editors

A selection of the asset is available to download here.

Hong Kong Jewellery Gifting Survey Report 2026 is available to download here.

Hashtag: #DeBeersGroup #adiamondisforever #naturaldiamonds #diamonds #ConsumerSurvey

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

About De Beers Group

Established in 1888, De Beers Group is the world's leading diamond company with expertise in the exploration, mining, marketing and retailing of diamonds. Together with its joint venture partners, De Beers Group employs more than 20,000 people across the diamond pipeline and is the world's largest diamond producer by value, with diamond mining operations in Botswana, Canada, Namibia and South Africa. Innovation sits at the heart of De Beers Group's strategy as it develops a portfolio of offers that span the diamond value chain, including its jewellery houses, De Beers Jewellers and Forevermark, and other pioneering solutions such as diamond sourcing and traceability initiatives Tracr and GemFair. De Beers Group also provides leading services and technology to the diamond industry in the form of education and laboratory services via De Beers Institute of Diamonds and a wide range of diamond sorting, detection and classification technology systems via De Beers Group Ignite. De Beers Group is committed to 'Building Forever,' a holistic and integrated approach for creating a better future - where safety, human rights and ethical integrity continue to be paramount; where communities thrive and the environment is protected; and where there are equal opportunities for all. De Beers Group is a member of the Anglo American PLC group. For further information, visit www.debeersgroup.com.

Bhutan's Young Culinary Talent Sharpens Skills in Hong Kong Culinary Exchange Sponsored by Lee Kum Kee

Wed, 8 Apr 2026 04:03:43 +0200

HONG KONG, CHINA - Media OutReach Newswire - 8 April 2026 - Lee Kum Kee Sauce ("Lee Kum Kee"), the global leader in Asian sauces and condiments, organised a three-week culinary programme for eight young Bhutanese chefs from the De-suung Skilling Programme (DSP) from 1-19 March 2026. Supported by the Chinese Culinary Institute (CCI) in Hong Kong, the programme empowers youth career development through vocational training and international exposure.

Dasho Tashi Wangyal, an Eminent Member of the National Council of Bhutan and a member of the De-suung Skilling Programme (DSP) Steering Committee (front row, sixth from left), Dasho Zimpon Wom Sonam Thinley, Deputy Chamberlain to His Majesty the King, the Executive Director, Skilling Programme, DSP and a member of the DSP Steering Committee (front row, seventh from left), James HP Yap, Principal of Hotel and Tourism Institute, Chinese Culinary Institute, and International Culinary Institute (front row, eighth from left), and Dodie Hung, Executive Vice President - Corporate Affairs of Lee Kum Kee Sauce (front row, fifth from left), celebrate with the young Bhutanese chefs upon completion of their culinary exchange

The cohort of eight Desuup chefs, currently working in hotels and DSP initiatives, participated in an intensive, hands-on upskilling programme. Participants completed 10 days of professional training at CCI, with focused modules on the Eight Major Cuisines of China, selected Western cooking techniques, and signature Cantonese dishes. Additional sessions covered Hong Kong local specialties and pastry techniques as well as food presentation and plating - all led by instructors from CCI, International Culinary Institute (ICI), Star Chef Management School and Lee Kum Kee.

Beyond classroom learning and cooking, the young chefs explored Hong Kong's food culture and heritage. Activities included visits to local eateries such as a traditional Cha Chaan Teng, and guided culinary tours across the city. The group also travelled to Xinhui and Zhuhai in mainland China to learn more about sauce production and Guangdong's culinary culture. The experiences further inspired their culinary perspectives and creativity.

The young chefs also showcased their skills at an exclusive VIP lunch and the Bhutan Flavour Fair, attended by DSP officials and Lee Kum Kee Sauce representatives.

Young chefs are inspired through systematic hands-on learning and exploration, discovering local delicacies, and experiencing Hong Kong's heritage and contemporary landscape

Young chefs showcase their skills at an exclusive VIP lunch and a Bhutan Flavour Fair

Dasho Tashi Wangyal , an Eminent Member of the National Council of Bhutan and a member of the DSP Steering Committee, said, "Our young chefs are receiving valuable exposure at the Chinese Culinary Institute through immersion in professional Asian cuisine, modern culinary techniques and global kitchen standards. I would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to Lee Kum Kee for the vision, partnership and commitment to nurturing the next generation of culinary professionals."

Dasho Zimpon Wom Sonam Thinley, Deputy Chamberlain to His Majesty the King, the Executive Director, Skilling Programme, DSP and a member of the DSP Steering Committee, said, "I'm proud of the Desuup chefs' aspirations, and I hope they will build on the prestige of Lee Kum Kee and the Chinese Culinary Institute - their mentors - to further develop their careers in the culinary world."

James HP Yap, Principal of Hotel and Tourism Institute, Chinese Culinary Institute, and International Culinary Institute, said, "Hong Kong is a vital platform that brings together global culinary cultures. Through this exchange, I'm confident the young Bhutanese chefs have not only deepened their understanding of the essence of Chinese and Western culinary flavours, but also have acquired valuable cooking techniques, plating skills, as well as developed a deeper appreciation of the richness of Chinese culinary culture."

Dodie Hung, Executive Vice President - Corporate Affairs of Lee Kum Kee Sauce, said, "At Lee Kum Kee, we believe in the power of culinary culture to connect people and create lasting opportunities. It has been a joy to see the passion and growth of these chefs throughout this programme. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with CCI and DSP to nurture the next generation of culinary talent and strengthen the ties between our communities through the art of food."

Since 2025, Lee Kum Kee has engaged in a strategic partnership with DSP to support culinary training in Bhutan, bringing international standards, signature flavours and professional expertise into DSP's training programmes.

Lee Kum Kee is dedicated to promoting Chinese culinary culture worldwide. Through its Global Youth Culinary Immersion initiative, the company has provided culinary education, scholarships and exchange opportunities for aspiring young chefs in China, Malaysia, South Korea, Vietnam, UK, Canada and USA.

Hashtag: #LeeKumKee #LKK

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

About Lee Kum Kee

Lee Kum Kee is the global gateway to Asian culinary culture, dedicated to promoting Chinese culinary culture worldwide. Since 1888, it has brought people together over joyful reunions, shared traditions and memorable meals. Beloved by consumers and chefs alike, Lee Kum Kee's range of more than 300 sauces and condiments sparks creativity in kitchens everywhere, inspiring professional and home chefs to experiment, create and delight. Headquartered in Hong Kong, China and serving over 100 countries and regions, Lee Kum Kee's rich heritage, unwavering commitment to quality, sustainable practices and "Constant Entrepreneurship" combine to enable superior experiences through Asian cuisine for people worldwide. For more information, please visit www.LKK.com.

About De-suung Skilling Programme

The De-suung Skilling Programme (DSP) is a Royal Project initiated by His Majesty The King of Bhutan in 2021. As envisioned by His Majesty, DSP imparts a series of short-term high-quality trainings to unemployed Bhutanese youths who have mostly completed high school and are in their early or mid-20s. These youths have all undergone the De-suung training, which is a valued-based personal development programme intended to encourage active citizenry in the process of nation-building. DSP provides short-term training in various fields to Bhutanese youths entering the job market with varying degrees of educational qualification. For more information, please visit www.dsp.org.bt.

About Chinese Culinary Institute

The Chinese Culinary Institute (CCI) is one of the 14 member institutions of Vocational Training Council (VTC). It was established in 2000 as one of the Millennium Projects of the HKSAR Government. CCI endeavours to provide systematic training in Chinese cuisine for beginners and practicing chefs who wish to obtain or upgrade their professional qualifications. It also aims to elevate the professional standard and status of Chinese Chefs in order to strengthen Hong Kong's reputation as the "Culinary Capital of Asia". Furthermore, CCI strives to establish Hong Kong as a regional training and accreditation centre in Chinese cuisine by introducing "One Trade Test Two Certificates" system. To promote the deep-rooted heritage of the Chinese culinary art, CCI offers culinary interest courses for locals and tourists alike. For more information, please visit cci.edu.hk/en.

Hanoi Office at ANDPAD VIETNAM Relocated

Wed, 8 Apr 2026 03:03:30 +0200

TOKYO, JAPAN - Media OutReach Newswire - 8 April 2026 - ANDPAD (Headquarters: Minato City, Tokyo; Representative Director: Takeo Inada; ), which operates a cloud-based construction project management service, hereby announces that it has relocated the Hanoi Office at ANDPAD VIETNAM COMPANY LIMITED (Headquarters: Ho Chi Minh City, Republic of Vietnam; President: Yusuke Noda), This move is aimed at accommodating organizational expansion and strengthening the promotion of digital transformation (DX) in the Southeast Asian construction sector.

The ANDPAD service, which was launched in 2016, has grown into a platform for the construction Industry currently used by over 265,000 organizations and 690,000 individual users. In December 2025, ANDPAD initiated "ANDPAD Stellarc," an AI project dedicated to construction businesses. With data and operational insight as the foundation, the company is also tackling AI development aimed at problem-solving in the construction industry.

Since opening in May 2025, the Hanoi Office at ANDPAD VIETNAM has promoted the enhancement of its development organization and DX in construction in Southeast Asia. This decision to relocate the office, which will be accompanied with an expansion, was made based on the rapid growth of the office's organization and the expansion of demand for DX in construction in Southeast Asia.

Hanoi Office: Overview

TAISEI SQUARE HANOI

TAISEI SQUARE HANOI is a large-scale office designed and constructed entirely by TAISEI CORPORATION. The first office independently developed in Hanoi by a Japanese company, TAISEI SQUARE HANOI is positioned as a flagship location under ANDPAD's international operations.

7F, Taisei Square Hanoi Building. No.289 Khuat Duy Tien Street, Dai Mo Ward, Ha Noi City

■ Recruitment

Andpad Vietnam is looking for new team members. Please see below for details.

Details：https://andpad.vn/#hotjobs

LinkedIn：https://vn.linkedin.com/company/andpad-vietnam

■ About the ANDPAD Service
The cloud-based construction project management service with the top share of the market in Japan*, ANDPAD makes the central management of everything from enhancing onsite efficiency to improving management possible. Since provision of the service started in 2016, through associated development efforts that emphasize intuitiveness and ease of use and thorough support for implementation and utilization, the service has reached over 265,000 corporate users and 690,000 individual users.

ANDPAD was selected as a "2024 Recommended Technology" under the NETIS (New Technology Information System) by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

Details (Japanese language only): https://andpad.jp/

*"Trends and Vendor Share in the Construction Business Management Cloud Service Market" (December 2024 MIC IT Report)" (According to research by the Deloitte Tohmatsu MIC Economic Research Institute)

Hashtag: #ANDPAD

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

ANDPAD VietNam Overview

Name ：ANDPAD VietNam Co., Ltd

Location ：3rd Floor, Dong Nhan Building, 90 Nguyen Dinh Chieu St, Tan Dinh Ward, HCMC
Representative ：Yusuke Noda
Business Activities：Development of "ANDPAD" cloud-based construction project management service
URL ：https://andpad.vn/

■Company Overview

Name : ANDPAD Inc.

Location : Sumitomo Fudosan Tokyo Mita Garden Tower 37F, 5-19 Mita 3 Chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Representative : Takeo Inada, CEO

Business Activities : Development, sales and operation of "ANDPAD" cloud-based construction project management service

Company Website (Japanese language only)：https://andpad.co.jp/

Election results now official, new parliament about to convene

Tue, 7 Apr 2026 19:25:42 +0200

The final results of the 22 March general election are now official as the National Electoral Commission (DVK) has certified them after dismissing yet another complaint filed by the opposition Democratic Party (SDS). The inaugural session of the new parliament, an occasion where the potential new coalition may begin taking shape, has been called for 10 April.

The certification of the results came after all of the ballots from abroad were counted a week ago. Those votes did not change the distribution of seats in parliament but they did increase the gap between the two leading parties slightly. Final turnout was 70.25%, which is quite high and just below the 2022 figure of 70.97%.

The centre-left Freedom Movement, which has been the ruling party in the 2022-2026 term, secured the most mandates in the 90-member National Assembly, taking 29 seats, closely followed by the SDS with 28.

Further down the ballot, the three-party centre-right alliance of New Slovenia (NSi), the Slovenian People's Party (SLS), and Focus won nine seats. The Social Democrats (SD) and the Democrats, led by former SDS member Anže Logar, took six each, while the joint Left and Vesna list, and the anti-establishment party Truth each secured five.

First outlines of potential coalition agreement shaping up

The chances of a hung parliament are looming over the ongoing coalition-building talks, with Freedom Movement leader Robert Golob calling for a "cross-partisan government of national unity" while adamantly rejecting the possibility of working together with the SDS.

His party has come up with first outlines for a possible coalition agreement, a draft of a draft basically which is now up for debate. They also drafted an initial proposal for the new government composition.

Of the 16 ministerial posts, the Freedom Movement would hold seven, the NSi-led trio three, the SD and Anže Logar's Democrats two each, and the Left and Vesna also two. Truth was offered separate cooperation on selected policy priorities rather than a formal role in the cabinet, since the party had announced it would not enter this potential government of national unity.

Complaints alleging election irregularities dismissed

Prior to signing off on the official record of the results, the DVK and electoral units' commissions reviewed and rejected several appeals lodged by the SDS. What has been the largest opposition party during the latest term had put into question the integrity of the electoral process, citing alleged irregularities.

It claimed that procedural breaches had occurred during the voting process for expats in Buenos Aires, as well as in the allocation of early voting stations, some of which it said were illegal. It moreover said irregularities had occurred in the appointment of deputy chairs to district electoral commissions, and expressed concern over the secure storage of ballot papers during the advance polling period.

Regarding the Argentinian ballots, which were the subject of the SDS's latest complaint, the DVK noted that election forms had successfully reached Argentina, as evidenced by the return of numerous postal ballots.

While acknowledging that some individual voters may not have received their post in time, it pointed out that such logistical delays are a standard occurrence in any election. Furthermore, affected individuals retained the option to cast their ballots in person at local diplomatic and consular missions.

The DVK also highlighted a lack of specifics in the election runner-up's appeal, noting that the SDS failed to quantify the number of voters whose electoral rights had allegedly been infringed. Finally, it firmly dismissed allegations that postal voting envelopes had been opened or tampered with in transit.

However, this chapter of vote-rigging allegations may not be over yet, as SDS leader Janez Janša does not rule out further legal challenges. Criticising the DVK for effectively investigating itself, he said: "I do not yet know what the legal avenues are. If they exist, we will use them."

Maiden session of newly formed parliament

The final election results being official, President Nataša Pirc Musar has now convened the inaugural session of the newly elected National Assembly for 10 April. This will be the tenth National Assembly since Slovenia gained independence in 1991.

Seven parties or joint lists have passed the parliamentary threshold of 4%. The biggest number so far was recorded in 1992 and 2018, when nine parties made it, while the smallest number, five, was seen after the 2022 election.

There have been 15 National Assembly presidents so far, of whom only one was a woman. Urška Klakočar Zupančič, a Freedom Movement MP, served in this position during the last term. After she failed to get re-elected in March, she announced her departure from politics.

The post is the second most senior in the country, right behind the president, and as such it has been often seen as a possible leverage in coalition-building talks.

The centre-left parties that have been elected to parliament have said that they are not eyeing the post of National Assembly president because they want to avert a potential stalemate by endorsing someone who is acceptable to a broad range of new MPs.

There have been media reports that the likeliest candidate for the position is NSi MP Janez Cigler Kralj, a former labour minister who served as chair of his party's deputy group in the 2022-26 term and currently maintains this position in the interim period before the inaugural session.

Some believe this may herald the formation of a centre-right government led by the SDS, while others speculate the Freedom Movement's potential endorsement of Cigler Kralj may be a sign of the NSi joining forces with the election winner.

The NSi has been so far refusing to take part in Golob's coalition talks though, and just today they said cooperation in a joint government with current Prime Minister Golob's party was not possible.

The National Assembly president needs at least 46 votes to get elected in a secret ballot, which is why the vote may serve as an indicator of a new coalition.

Given that neither the right nor the left bloc has a clear path to an outright majority, it is widely expected that an interim president might be elected. All of the presidents so far have been elected during the maiden sessions.

From Old Channel to New Garden: How Chaoyang's "Sakura River" is Dazzling Spring

Tue, 7 Apr 2026 16:27:01 +0200

BEIJING, CHINA - Media OutReach Newswire - 7 April 2026 - As the spring breeze sweeps across the banks of the Beixiao River in Chaoyang District, a spectacle that has captured the heart of the entire city is unfolding. This is Beijing's first-ever "Sakura River."

Spanning a 4.2-kilometer waterfront, nearly 6,000 cherry blossom trees of 68 varieties are blooming in succession from late March to late April. A continuous tide of flowers-ranging from powdery white and soft pink to crimson and pale yellow-green-has transformed the spring season into a poetic garden inviting exploration.

On April 3rd, the Beixiao River Spring Boat Tour set sail. Sculling boats carve out an oriental charm on the water, car-shaped boats glide steadily between flower-lined banks, and sightseeing boats brim with urban vitality. As these three types of vessels glide along the waterway, the poetic line "boats gliding among flowers, people wandering through a painting" is no longer just a verse-it is a tangible spring experience.

Additionally, five themed stationary flower-viewing boats are moored on the river. Decorated with tulips, hydrangeas, and bougainvillea, they are docked artistically along the banks, offering picture-perfect photo opportunities at every turn.

If you had seen the Beixiao River in its former life, you would appreciate the preciousness of this beauty even more.

Once an ordinary urban flood channel with rigid banks, fragmented spaces, and disconnected paths, the river underwent a comprehensive renovation in 2024. Chaoyang District removed fences and constructed 8.4 kilometers of high-quality greenways. Seventeen new access points now connect 14 riverside communities directly to the water, with the nearest residential compound just 50 meters away. For approximately 80,000 residents, the vision of "stepping out onto a greenway and walking into a park" has become a reality.

This "cosmetic" transformation has turned an inner-city river into a "Waterfront Reception Hall" that integrates ecology, commerce, and leisure. The Beixiao River has achieved a seamless fusion of water and parkland. Visitors can stroll along the banks to admire the blossoms or step directly from the greenway into Beixiaohe Park, Dawangjing Park, and Wanghe Park to continue their search for spring blooms.

Connecting the Wangjing and Donghu districts and linking five major business hubs, the river has turned flower viewing from a short trip into a vibrant part of daily urban life. Whether jogging, cycling, walking the kids, or simply sitting idly, cherry blossoms are now right outside your window, by the roadside, and along the riverbank-offering healing snapshots and moments of joy anytime, anywhere.

New York has the Hudson River Park, reshaping dilapidated industrial banks into a world-class waterfront green corridor; London's Thames riverbanks see spring flower seas contrasting beautifully with classical architecture. Now, Beijing has its own Sakura River-the Beixiao River. It is not a copycat, but a story of a megacity "grooming" a forgotten waterway to give it back to its citizens and to spring.

This spring, come to Chaoyang, Beijing. Take a boat and glide through a 4.2-kilometer sea of pink blossoms to experience the ultimate oriental romance.Hashtag: #Chaoyang #SakuraRiver

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

Malaysia's Leading Luxury Watch & Jewellery Retailer Honoured with Prestigious Royal Warrant

Tue, 7 Apr 2026 16:06:53 +0200

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 5 April 2026 - Swiss Watch, Malaysia's premier luxury timepiece and jewellery curator, has been appointed as the Purveyor of Fine Watches and Jewellery to His Royal Highness, the Sultan of Selangor. This prestigious seal of approval from the Royal family marks a truly historic milestone for Swiss Watch.

Proudly Malaysian, Swiss Watch has grown to become a cornerstone of the luxury watch and jewellery community in the region, collaborating closely with the world's most esteemed maisons. This Royal Warrant is a testament to this journey, reflecting Swiss Watch's unwavering dedication, its shared pursuit of excellence, and the sincere commitment of its network of Watch Experts.

"Our team has been instrumental in shaping Swiss Watch into a leading watch retailer in the region - we would not have come this far without their continuous contributions. This recognition is a momentous milestone in our ongoing journey in Celebrating Fine Watchmaking, and Swiss Watch is more committed than ever to continue creating exceptional experiences that celebrate the legacy of fine watchmaking," said Ashvin Valiram, Executive Director of Valiram.

The recognition validates Swiss Watch's position as a leader in luxury watch and jewellery retail, operating 10 Swiss Watch boutiques and more than 30 specialist boutiques across Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, and Thailand. Each boutique serves as a curated destination where discerning collectors can discover the world's most renowned watch and jewellery maisons.

Established in 2001 by leading luxury and lifestyle retail specialist Valiram, Swiss Watch has built a distinguished heritage rooted in local excellence while maintaining global standards of luxury. The company's journey began with its first boutique at Penang International Airport, featuring an extensive selection of 16 watch brands at that time, earning the company a spot as one of the most prestigious watch emporiums.

This recognition reinforces Swiss Watch's philosophy of discretion, expertise, and service excellence - values that remain central to its identity as it continues to honour the art of horology for future generations.

Hashtag: #SwissWatch

https://www.swisswatchglobal.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/swisswatchglobalmy/
https://www.facebook.com/swisswatchglobal
https://www.instagram.com/swisswatchglobal/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0SdmRaRe9aRu5bxo99xbDw

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

About Swiss Watch

Swiss Watch began as a multi-brand emporium of luxury watches established by luxury and lifestyle retail specialist Valiram. The business has grown remarkably since its inception in 2001 and today comprises ten Swiss Watch boutiques, and more than 30 specialist watch and jewellery boutiques representing the world's best-loved brands and a sizable portfolio of almost 40 brands across Malaysia, Singapore, Australia and Thailand. Swiss Watch has become synonymous with horology destinations that cater for watch enthusiasts and collectors as much as it does for the first-time watch buyer, offering a compelling shopper experience through elegantly appointed boutiques enriched by exceptional service. Discover more at swisswatchglobal.com.

Galaxy Macau Celebrates Yamazato's Debut in 2026 Black Pearl Restaurant Guide with Refined Kaiseki Experience

Tue, 7 Apr 2026 12:07:06 +0200

Complementing an orchard-themed dreamy tea set by two master pâtissiers, a series of fascinating delicacies is presented by Galaxy Macau in April

MACAU SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 7 April 2026 -In celebration of its ascent to One Diamond status in China's prestigious Black Pearl Restaurant Guide, Galaxy Macau's Japanese fine-dining destination Yamazato proudly unveils the Black Pearl Tasting Kaiseki - a refined and contemplative culinary expression that honours seasonality, precision and the quiet elegance intrinsic to Japanese haute cuisine. Framed by sweeping panoramic views across Galaxy Macau landscape, the experience captures the fleeting beauty of nature through an artful and disciplined gastronomic lens.

Yamazato celebrates its Black Pearl One Diamond distinction with a contemplative kaiseki by Executive Chef Hideaki Hayashi, where seasonal purity, meticulous craftsmanship, and serene vistas converge to distil the quiet poetry of Japanese haute cuisine.

At the helm, Executive Chef Hideaki Hayashi and his culinary team invite guests on a pristine gastronomic journey shaped by meticulous craftsmanship and profound reverence for ingredients. Each kaiseki course is composed with thoughtful intentions, drawing upon the season's finest offerings, be it produce from the sky, the sea and the land. Every detail - subtle aroma, layered texture, nuanced flavours, and elegant presentation - is harmoniously orchestrated to awaken the senses and express the restrained poetry at the heart of Japanese culinary artistry.

The Black Pearl Tasting Kaiseki is priced at MOP 1,980+ per guest and is available Tuesday to Sunday, from 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm.

Floral Tea Set in the Orchard Setting of CHA BEI

This spring and summer, Galaxy Macau unveils an enchanting new afternoon tea experience at CHA BEI, co-created by Executive Pastry Chef Yam Lok Hin and internationally revered Meilleur Ouvrier de France Pâtissier 2023 Pierre-Henri Roullard. Inspired by a radiant garden in full bloom, the Orchard in Bloom afternoon tea invites guests on a refined journey through delicately balanced savoury and sweet creations, infused with flowers, fruits and tea leaves. Within the serene surroundings of CHA BEI, the brilliance of the spring and summer season is reimagined as a tranquil, storybook orchard, where flavour and artistry flourish in harmony.

Galaxy Macau's Orchard in Bloom at CHA BEI is a poetic afternoon tea by Lok Hin Yam and Pierre-Henri Roullard, where florals, fruits and tea leaves coalesce in refined seasonal harmony.

The experience opens with Lavender Breeze, a graceful floral welcome that sets the tone for a series of garden-inspired delights, where seasonal ingredients are transformed into elegant edible jewels. Bright citrus notes, sun-ripened fruits and fragrant botanicals come together across exquisite pastries and artfully crafted savouries, each reflecting meticulous craftsmanship and creative imagination. Available throughout spring and summer, this inspired collaboration blossoms as a celebration of colour, texture and taste - where two distinct pastry visions unite in a symphony of refined indulgence.

Priced at MOP598+ for two, "Orchard in Bloom" afternoon tea will be available between 2:30pm and 5:30pm every day, from now until August 31.

Alongside these sumptuous delicacies, Galaxy Macau has prepared a series of fascinating dining promotions this April and beyond:

• April 9

Blossom Palaces -

"Huaiyang Spring Feast: A Symphony of Two Masters" Four-hands Gala

The refined artistry of Huaiyang cuisine takes centre stage as Blossom Palaces Founder Bobby Lo and Macau Chef de Cuisine Ricky Wu unite for an elegant spring dinner. From tea-infused starters to signature wood-fired Peking duck, the evening is elevated by a live tea-frying performance celebrating tradition, aroma and seasonal finesse.

Time: 6pm - 9pm

Price: MOP1,088/person

Huaiyang cuisine takes the spotlight as Blossom Palaces Founder Bobby Lo joins Macau Chef de Cuisine Ricky Wu for a refined spring dinner, featuring tea-infused starters, signature wood-fired Peking duck and a live tea-frying performance celebrating tradition and seasonal grace.

• April 10 & 11

Saffron -

"A Royal Symphony of Thai Cuisine"

Saffron marks Songkran Festival with an elegant celebration of Thai New Year, featuring a rare collaboration between Executive Chef Jan Ruangnukulkit and Chef Chumpol Jangpra, the brain behind Bangkok's two-Michelin-starred R-HAAN. The immersive experience blends ceremonial rituals, cultural performances and a masterfully curated tasting menu honouring tradition, artistry and renewal.

Price: MOP1,688/person (additional MOP300 for wine pairing)

Saffron marks Songkran Festival with an elegant celebration that seamlessly blends ceremonial rituals, cultural performances and a masterfully curated tasting menu - honouring Thai tradition, culinary artistry and the spirit of renewal.

• April 18 & 19

8½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA -

The Grand Bombana Feast

In celebration of Italian cuisine's recognition as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, Chef Umberto Bombana unites his protégés from Michelin-starred kitchens across Asia for an unprecedented gastronomic gathering. Each chef presents a personal interpretation shaped by heritage and mentorship, creating an elegant dialogue between timeless Italian tradition and contemporary global expression-an exceptional feast and a living culinary legacy.

Date: April 18, 2026 (dinner)│ April 19, 2026 (lunch and dinner)

Price:
Lunch Tasting Menu MOP1,680/person (additional MOP980 for wine pairing)

Dinner Tasting Menu MOP3,280/person (wine-pairing for an additional MOP1,880)

• April 25 & 26

Andaz Kitchen -

Chinese-Portuguese Master Chefs Four-Hands Dinner Series · Chapter 2

Andaz Macau's Executive Chef André Lai joins hands with Chef Larry Liu of Shenzhen's Black Pearl One-Diamond restaurant, CHINA LODGE, for a refined culinary exchange celebrating the dialogue between Chinese tradition and Portuguese heritage. Guided by the Cantonese principles of seasonality and purity of flavours, Chef Liu brings his thoughtful craftsmanship and contemporary interpretation of Cantonese cuisine - deeply rooted in respect for ingredients and culinary legacy - resulting in an inspired collaboration that bridges cultures through taste.

Price: MOP1,088/person (wine pairing included)

• Daily

Kyo Watami -

Triple Don Indulgence

Kyo Watami's seafood don trio invites diners to savour three bowls of Japanese favourites, each layered with seasonal seafood over steamed rice. From luxurious sea urchin and tuna, to salmon roe with sashimi, and sweet soy-glazed grilled eel with omelette, the set is completed with a light salad and comforting soup.

Price: MOP128/set

Date: Daily during lunch hours

A Month of Global Mixology Encounters at Galaxy Macau

International symphonies of mixology continue at Galaxy Macau's three acclaimed venues - Pony & Plume, Long Bar and Ritz-Carlton Bar & Lounge.

On April 9, Capella at Galaxy Macau's Pony & Plume will welcome star mixologist KT Lam for the second chapter of "The Finest Pour" series. Leader of the bars at Rosewood Bangkok and having led DarkSide at Rosewood Hong Kong to No. 9 on Asia's 50 Best Bars in 2023, KT will present four cocktails at Macau's newest must-visit bar-each a distillation of his decade-long journey in mixology, inspired by the cities that have shaped him, capturing their energy, harmony, and contrasts.

On April 9, Capella at Galaxy Macau's Pony & Plume will welcome star mixologist KT Lam who will shine with the distillation of his decade-long journey in mixology.

On April 11, the Ritz-Carlton Bar and Lounge at The Ritz-Carlton, Macau anticipates guests to savour an evening of "The Alchemist Flair: A Global Mixology Experience with Chase White", as founder of Bar Blanc in Shanghai, and botanical spirits label OFBT, mixologist Chase White instils his passion and adventurous spirit into his creations, which champion a philosophy of "restrained creativity" and celebrate balance, quality, and simplicity-without sacrificing intrigue.

Long Bar at Raffles at Galaxy Macau welcomes Jo Lo and Birstacla Wong, co-owners of Hong Kong's acclaimed cocktail bar Bar Mind, for the April edition of Adventures in the Cavern. The award-winning mixology duo-both past recipients of Diageo World Class Hong Kong & Macau Bartender of the Year-will present an evening of innovative cocktails that blend heritage flavours with contemporary techniques. The guest shift takes place on April 25, offering guests an inspired journey into modern mixology.

For more information about Galaxy Macau, please visit www.galaxymacau.com.

Hashtag: #GalaxyMacau

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

ABOUT GALAXY MACAU INTEGRATED RESORT

Galaxy Macau, The 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-meters, the largest Skytop Wave Pool with waves up to 1.5-meters high and 150-meters 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.

Embark on a delightful and rewarding journey at Galaxy Promenade, the one-stop shopping destination boasting some of the world's most iconic luxury brands. Be the first to get the latest limited-edition items; explore fascinating pop-ups by coveted labels and revel in fabulous shopping rewards and privileges. Our VIPs are entitled to a highly-curated experience with dedicated personal shoppers at guests' service, and be invited to exclusive luxury brand events. A different caliber of privileges and rewards also await. Discover the joys of fashion and stand at the forefront of style and sophistication-Galaxy Promenade has everything guests need to stay ahead of the style game.

Galaxy Cinemas takes immersive movie experiences to the next level with the latest audio-visual technology, ultra-luxurious facilities and bespoke services; CHINA ROUGE, one-of-a-kind cabaret lounge that evokes the glamor of Shanghai's golden era with stylish entertainment and customizable surrounds; and Foot Hub, which presents the traditional art of reflexology for authentic relaxation and revitalization. For Authentic Macau Flavours and Vibrant Asian Experiences, Broadway Macau - just a 90-second walk via a bridge from Galaxy Macau, has over 35 Authentic Macau & Asian Flavours at 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 catered to with a portfolio of unique venues in Galaxy Macau and an expert service team. 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-meters of total flexible MICE, and the 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.

Thailand's OR Shifts Beyond Fuel as Southeast Asia's EV Transition Gains Pace, Rolls Out 5-Year Investment Strategy

Tue, 7 Apr 2026 09:06:41 +0200

Strong earnings, expanding EV infrastructure and a growing digital user base reflect OR's ongoing transformation from traditional fuel retail to integrated mobility and lifestyle services - with OR positioning itself as a scalable platform for regional partnership across Asia.

BANGKOK, THAILAND - Media OutReach Newswire - 7 April 2026 - PTT Oil and Retail Business Public Company Limited (OR), Thailand's largest energy and lifestyle retail operator, reported 2025 EBITDA of 20,357million baht (approximately USD 645 million), a 15.2% increase year-on-year, as net profit rose 47.8% to 11,304 million baht (approximately USD 357 million) despite a 9.0% decline in total revenue. The results reflect stronger cost management and a continued shift in the company's growth strategy toward ecosystem-led expansion across mobility, retail and digital services.

To support that expansion, OR has committed 58,000 million baht (approximately USD 1.84 billion) under a five-year investment plan running from 2026 to 2030. The plan prioritizes mobility infrastructure development, lifestyle platform enhancement, EV charging network expansion, and innovation investment - with the aim of consolidating OR's position as an integrated mobility and consumer ecosystem operator across the region.

OR's existing infrastructure provides a significant base from which to execute that strategy. The company's nationwide service station network currently serves 3.9 million users per day, one of the consumer touchpoint frequencies in Thailand, with a target to reach 5 million daily users by 2030. The network integrates fuel retail, EV charging under the EV Station PluZ brand, food and beverage, health and wellness, and lifestyle services. Café Amazon, OR's coffee chain, operates more than 4,600 outlets in Thailand and international markets, contributing to sustained consumer traffic across the network. Most recently, OR announced a joint venture with Centara to develop budget hotels at PTT Stations, targeting 70 to 80 rooms per site alongside existing amenities - a move that extends the network's role from daily convenience into overnight hospitality.

OR is expanding EV Station PluZ further in step with its existing fuel network as electric vehicle uptake accelerates across Southeast Asia. The move reflects both the region's shifting policy landscape and growing infrastructure demand, with OR positioning the mobility transition as a long-term growth opportunity and a gateway for partnership-driven market entry across the region.

OR's digital platform reinforces the physical network's reach. The blueplus+ loyalty application has accumulated 9.3 million registered members, with a target of 14 million by 2030. Beyond driving repeat visits, the platform gives OR granular visibility into consumer behavior across its entire ecosystem - enabling personalized engagement, cross-selling across business lines, and new revenue streams that a purely physical network could not unlock. With membership scale still growing, OR sees the model as a strong foundation for data-led consumer engagement as it pursues regional expansion across Asia.

OR is also in discussions regarding cross-border expansion models that would allow regional dealers, investors and operators to access its ecosystem infrastructure. OR is positioning itself to potential partners not as a conventional energy retailer but as an integrated lifestyle and mobility platform with the operational scale and digital capabilities to support localized deployment across diverse Asian markets.

"Our strategy is simple: to integrate and create synergy through a scalable and sizable model. We've built a profitable digital-physical ecosystem and are now seeking strategic partners to unlock growth in Asia's fast-moving mobility and consumer sectors.," said M.L. Peekthong Thongyai, Chief Executive Officer of PTT Oil and Retail Business Public Company Limited.

Hashtag: #OR

www.pttor.com

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

About OR

PTT Oil and Retail Business Public Company Limited (OR) is a leading Thai energy and retail company with operations across 10 countries. OR operates through four core business groups: Mobility Business, providing energy solutions via PTT Station, PTT Lubricants, PTT LPG, and EV Station PluZ; Lifestyle Business, featuring Café Amazon, one of Asia's largest coffee chains, along with convenience stores and space management; Global Business, driving international growth with over 400 PTT Stations and over 300 Café Amazon outlets; and OR Innovation Business, developing new ventures and sustainable solutions through technology and innovation.

New Research from ACES Institute Examines the True Cost of "Doing the Right Thing" in Business

Tue, 7 Apr 2026 05:46:17 +0200

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 7 April 2026 - The ACES Institute has officially released its latest comprehensive research publication titled "Doing Things Right, Doing the Right Things: The Scramble for the Soul of an Organisation." The study provides a rigorous analysis of the modern corporate dilemma between operational efficiency and ethical conviction, introducing a leadership framework designed to help global organizations navigate increasingly fragmented stakeholder expectations.

Ren Li, Founder and CEO of Letright Industrial Corp., Ltd., whose commitment to 'doing the right things' led the company's pivotal shift toward sustainable materials long before it became an industry standard.

The research, authored by Research Strategist Ager Freddy, Senior Researcher Timothy Benson, and ACES Institute President Dr. Shanggari Balakrishnan, argues that the phrase "doing the right thing" is frequently invoked in business discourse as a universal moral ideal, yet it is rarely examined through the lens of operational cost and strategic trade-offs. The study identifies that what is considered "right" varies significantly depending on the stakeholder ranging from regulatory compliance for governments and governance standards for investors to fair wages for employees and responsible resource use for environmental advocates.

The 4Cs Framework and Institutional Resilience

Central to the publication is the introduction of the 4Cs leadership framework: Creativity, Conscientiousness, Constancy, and Collaboration. According to the ACES Institute, these four pillars are essential for embedding ethical considerations directly into an organization's product design, engineering processes, and corporate culture. The researchers suggest that by moving beyond surface-level corporate social responsibility and toward an institutionalized philosophy, companies can build a foundation for long-term differentiation and resilience.

The study acknowledges that this values-driven approach often necessitates difficult decisions that may carry significant short-term costs. Organizations pursuing deep sustainability or ethical strategies may face higher production expenses, skepticism from traditional market analysts, and resistance from consumers who express support for sustainability in theory but remain sensitive to price in practice. Furthermore, the research explores how global economic and political dynamics, such as shifting regulations and differing sustainability standards across international markets, complicate the efforts of leaders to maintain a consistent ethical stance.

Case Study Analysis: Letright Industrial Corp., Ltd.

To provide empirical evidence for these findings, the report examines the multi-decade journey of Letright Industrial Corp., Ltd., a manufacturer of premium outdoor living products. Under the leadership of founder and CEO Ren Li, the company made a pivotal decision in the early 2000s to abandon wood then the dominant material in the industry in favor of recyclable materials such as aluminum. This decision was driven by personal conviction regarding environmental impact rather than immediate market demand or regulatory requirements.

The case study illustrates the "Constancy" pillar of the ACES framework, noting that the move initially triggered significant resistance. During this period, customers continued to prefer traditional materials, employees questioned the strategic shift, and management warned of the financial consequences of declining orders. However, the research highlights that by persisting through this uncertainty, Letright successfully transitioned from an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) to an original design manufacturer (ODM). This shift allowed the company to build its own intellectual property, eventually leading to the development of the Ombra solar smart pergola, which integrates photovoltaic technology for renewable energy generation.

Executive Perspective on Global Leadership

"Organisations today operate in a landscape where expectations rarely align," stated the authors of the study. "What appears responsible to one group may be viewed as inadequate or even harmful by another. Ultimately, ethical leadership does not mean achieving universal approval or avoiding difficult decisions. Instead, it requires organisations to define their own principles and align strategy, operations, and innovation around those values."

The publication concludes that while "doing the right things" does not guarantee universal agreement, organizations that clearly define their values and consistently act on them are statistically more likely to build lasting relevance and resilience in an increasingly complex business environment. This research forms a key part of the ACES Institute's ongoing mission to examine the intersection of leadership, sustainability, and responsible corporate transformation across global industries.
Hashtag: #ACESInstitute #LetrightIndustrial

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

About ACES Institute

ACES Institute is a Kuala Lumpur-based research and thought leadership organisation focused on responsible leadership, sustainability, and organisational transformation. Through industry research, case studies, and strategic insights, the institute works with global companies and experts to explore how organisations can create long-term value while addressing complex economic, social, and environmental challenges.

About Letright Industrial Corp., Ltd. | Ombra Brand

Letright Industrial Corp., Ltd. is a global manufacturer of premium outdoor living solutions, specialising in innovative pergolas, outdoor furniture, and lifestyle products. Headquartered in Hangzhou, China, the company combines design innovation, advanced engineering, and environmentally responsible materials to deliver sustainable outdoor experiences for residential and commercial markets worldwide.

Aon Appoints Winnie Loh as Real Estate and Data Centre Leader for Southeast Asia

Tue, 7 Apr 2026 05:06:08 +0200

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 7 April 2026 - Aon plc (NYSE: AON), a leading global professional services firm, today announced the appointment of Winnie Loh as real estate and data centre leader for Southeast Asia, effective immediately. The appointment underscores the firm's continued investment in data centres and digital infrastructure as a critical and fast-growing asset class across the region.

Based in Singapore, Loh will lead the strategic direction and client delivery of Aon's real estate and data centre capability across Southeast Asia, while continuing in her role as director within Aon's Commercial Risk team. Loh joined Aon in 2021 and has more than 20 years of experience in the insurance industry.

The appointment comes as data centre investment across Southeast Asia accelerates and risk profiles grow more complex across development, financing and long-term operations. As digitalisation, cloud adoption, artificial intelligence and resilience expectations reshape the sector, Loh will support investors, developers and operators with insight-led advice to help them assess risk, build resilience and make more informed decisions across the full asset lifecycle.

"Winnie's appointment reflects both the pace of growth we're seeing in the region and the increasing sophistication of the challenges our clients are navigating," said Jon Pipe, head of Commercial Risk in Asia for Aon. "Her deep sector expertise and leadership will be critical as we help clients bring greater clarity to complex risk environments and align capital decisions with long-term performance."

By more closely aligning data centre expertise with real estate and Aon's broader construction and infrastructure capabilities, Aon is strengthening its ability to support clients from early-stage development and capital structuring through to operational risk management, resilience planning and long-term performance.

Andrew Minnitt, CEO, Singapore and head of Southeast Asia for Aon, added: "As data centre investment continues to accelerate across the region, clients are looking for advisers who understand how data centres intersect with real estate, construction and broader infrastructure risks. Winnie's appointment strengthens our regional leadership and supports our focus on delivering more integrated, lifecycle-led solutions for clients across Southeast Asia."

Learn more about how Aon supports clients across the data centre lifecycle here.

Hashtag: #Aon

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

About Aon

Aon plc (NYSE: AON) exists to shape decisions for the better - to protect and enrich the lives of people around the world. Through actionable analytic insight, globally integrated Risk Capital and Human Capital expertise, and locally relevant solutions, our colleagues provide clients in over 120 countries with the clarity and confidence to make better risk and people decisions that help protect and grow their businesses.

Follow Aon on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram. Stay up-to-date by visiting Aon's newsroom and sign up for news alerts here.

CPA Australia: Malaysian Small Businesses Urged To Adopt Productivity-enhancing Technologies For Sustained Growth

Tue, 7 Apr 2026 00:05:38 +0200

Young business owners drive small businesses in Malaysia
Technology adoption remains concentrated in front-end activities
Improved access to finance needed for deeper digital transformation

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 7 April 2026 - Innovation, technology and young entrepreneurs continue to power growth among Malaysian small business, but this has yet to translate into sustained improvements in business performance, according to CPA Australia's Asia-Pacific Small Business Survey findings.

While half of Malaysian small businesses report improved profitability from their technology investments over the past two years, the proportion generating more than 10 per cent of revenue from online sales declined from 74 per cent in 2024 to 62 per cent in 2025.

Digital payment usage has also declined in 2025 with 74 per cent of small businesses receiving more than 10 per cent of their sales through digital payment platforms such as GrabPay, Touch 'n Go and Boost, compared to 78 per cent in 2024.

Priya Terumalay, CPA Australia's Regional Head for Southeast Asia, said while government initiatives have helped support technology adoption, these efforts have yet to drive significant uptake of deeper productivity-enhancing technologies, such as artificial intelligence, process automation, data analytics and systems integration.

"Technology investment remains concentrated in computer hardware and customer-facing functions like mobile apps and payments, while structural constraints continue to limit more transformative approaches," Priya said.

"With cost pressures remaining a persistent challenge compressing margins, policy priorities should focus on addressing structural constraints such as re-orienting digital support towards automation, systems integration, and data use along with support for productivity-enhancing responses rather than short-term relief."

Businesses making technology investments must include adequate protection measures to minimise cyber risk exposure as 35 per cent of small businesses lost time or money due to a cyber-attack in 2025.

Only 39 per cent reviewed their cybersecurity protections over a six-month period, the second lowest result among the 11 markets surveyed.

Despite the challenges, business sentiment on the Malaysian economy remains positive with 75 percent of small businesses expecting the economy to grow in 2026.

A strong 77 per cent also anticipate business growth this year, although improved access to effective finance, especially for investment will be important to enable deeper digital transformation and build resilience.

"This is particularly crucial for outward-oriented small businesses navigating global supply chain pressures and trade policy uncertainty that could weigh on growth, especially firms integrated into regional supply chains." Priya said.

About the survey

CPA Australia's 17th annual Asia-Pacific Small Business Survey was conducted among small business owners/senior managers during November and December 2025 to identify the characteristics of successful small businesses across the region. The findings for the survey come from 4,166 small businesses in 11 markets. From the commencement of the survey in 2009, we have surveyed over 50,000 small businesses across the region. These include Australia, Mainland China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan and Vietnam.
Hashtag: #SmallBusiness #CPAAustralia #MalaysiaBusinesses

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About CPA Australia

CPA Australia is one of the world's largest professional accounting bodies, with more than 175,000 members in over 100 countries and regions, including more than 21,000 members in Southeast Asia. As we mark our 140th anniversary, we also celebrate 70 years of presence in Malaysia. With offices in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Vietnam, we are the largest Australian accounting body in the region providing education, training, technical support and advocacy. CPA Australia provides thought leadership on issues affecting the accounting profession and the public interest. We engage with governments, regulators and industries to advocate policies that stimulate sustainable economic growth and have positive business and public outcomes. A CPA is a Certified Practising Accountant. More at cpaaustralia.com.au

Launch of the Asian Hackathon for Green Future 2026 with a Total Prize Pool of USD 24,000

Mon, 6 Apr 2026 12:44:34 +0200

HANOI, VIETNAM - Media OutReach Newswire - 6 April 2026 - On April 6, 2026, three Vingroup member organizations-the "For Green Future" Foundation, VinUniversity, and VinTechTalent (Vingroup Young Technology Talent Club) - officially launched the Asian Hackathon for Green Future, a competition dedicated to developing technology-driven solutions for a sustainable future. Open to undergraduate and master's students from universities across Asia, the competition offers a total prize pool of USD 24,000.

The Asian Hackathon for Green Future officially opened for registration on April 6, 2026, marking the start of the competition, with a total prize pool of USD 24,000. Photo courtesy of the "For Green Future" Foundation.

This marks the first time an Asia-wide environmental hackathon exclusively for undergraduate and master's students is held in Vietnam. The competition aims to identify and develop technology-driven solutions to pressing environmental challenges, while fostering innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration among the younger generation.

Participants will advance through three main stages: Registration & Preliminary (April 6 - May 17, 2026); Online Training Phase (June 2 - June 28, 2026); and Final Round & Hackathon at VinUniversity (July 2 - July 5, 2026, tentative).

During the Registration & Preliminary Round, participants register online in teams of up to four members. Eligible applicants must be current undergraduate or master's students at universities across Asia.

Application materials include an idea proposal and an introductory video. Based on evaluation by the Technical Board, the Top 30 teams will be selected to advance to the next stage.

The competition encourages interdisciplinary ideas that integrate multiple fields-including technology, environmental sciences, economics, and social sciences-with the aim of creating solutions that are innovative, feasible, and socially impactful.

Proposed ideas should address one of three key challenge areas: Renewable Energy and Low-Carbon Mobility; Urban Air Quality and Climate Resilience; Water Resources and Climate-Resilient Agriculture.

During the Online Training Round, the Top 30 teams will participate in a series of intensive training sessions and expert consultations with multidisciplinary specialists. These sessions are designed to equip teams with deeper domain knowledge and up-to-date insights on sustainability trends and relevant technologies, enabling them to further refine and expand their proposed solutions.

During the Final Round and Award Ceremony, all travel and accommodation expenses for the Top 30 teams will be fully covered. The teams will take part in a 24-hour hackathon at VinUniversity (Hanoi), where they will further develop and refine their technology-driven solutions before presenting them to the Judging Panel. Based on this evaluation, the Top 9 teams will be selected to advance to the final assessment round, from which the winning team will be determined.

The Chair of the Judging Panel is Prof. Duong Nguyen Vu, Vice Provost of Graduate Education at VinUniversity and Chief Scientific Officer at the Center for AI Research. He had been a Professor of Aerospace Engineering at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore until July 2025, where he served as Scientific Director at the Air Traffic Management Research Institute (ATMRI). Under his leadership-as Executive Director until 2025-the institute has emerged as a global leader in air traffic management research, thanks in large part to the scientific foundation he helped establish. Before joining NTU, Prof. Vu was the founding Director of the John von Neumann Institute at Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, spearheading university-industry collaborations and championing innovation and entrepreneurship in education.

Prior to returning to Vietnam in 2010, he was Head of Innovative Research and Senior Scientific Advisor at the European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation (EUROCONTROL). He also advised Vietnam's Minister of Planning and Investment on innovation strategy, contributing to the establishment of the National Innovation Center.

The competition offers a total prize pool of USD 24,000, comprising one First Prize of USD 8,000, one Second Prize of USD 5,000, two Third Prizes of USD 3,000 each, and five Consolation Prizes of USD 1,000 each. Beyond the awards, participating teams will gain valuable opportunities to engage with leading experts from across the region, expand their professional networks, and strengthen their access to the broader innovation ecosystem.

Dr. Le Thai Ha, Managing Director of the "For Green Future" Foundation and Head of the Organizing Committee, shared: "We believe that ideas with the power to shape the future do not always emerge from large laboratories or well-established institutions; they often arise from the insight, initiative, and determination of young people to make a difference. Through the Asian Hackathon for Green Future, we seek to create a platform where students across the region can transform their environmental awareness into tangible, innovative solutions that deliver meaningful impact for communities and the future."

The Asian Hackathon for Green Future is expected to foster innovation aligned with sustainable development, while contributing to the development of a new generation of young talents capable of cross-border collaboration to create solutions with lasting, positive impact across the region.

Interested candidates may register for the competition via: https://forms.gle/o3L5BVLExUYKQtGJA

For any inquiries, please contact the Organizing Committee at hackathon@foundationforgreenfuture.com for further assistance.
Hashtag: #ForGreenFutureFund

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

MyRepublic Launches MyRepublic Email Guard to Protect Singapore's SMEs From Rising Email-Borne Cyber Threats

Mon, 6 Apr 2026 08:04:04 +0200

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 6 April 2026 - MyRepublic today announced the launch of MyRepublic Email Guard, a managed email security solution purpose-built to protect Singapore's small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) against phishing, malware, business email compromise, and other email-borne cyber threats. The launch is part of MyRepublic's broader mission to ensure that Singapore's SME community, the backbone of the local economy, is not left behind in an increasingly hostile cyber landscape.

MyRepublic Email Guard brings enterprise-grade email security to SMEs in Singapore.

Singapore's SMEs account for 99% of all enterprises and employ nearly 70% of the local workforce, yet many remain chronically underserved in enterprise-grade cybersecurity. Email continues to be one of the most exploited attack vectors, with threat actors increasingly targeting resource-constrained businesses that lack the dedicated IT security teams of larger organisations. MyRepublic Email Guard is designed to close this protection gap, delivering a simple, effective, and locally supported solution that levels the playing field for SMEs without adding operational complexity.

Powered by Check Point, advanced email threat protection technology, MyRepublic Email Guard helps businesses detect and block malicious emails before they reach users' inboxes. The solution is designed to support businesses using popular email platforms such as Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace, giving customers an additional layer of protection against modern threats.

"Singapore's SMEs are the heartbeat of our economy, and protecting them from cyber threats is not just a business imperative. It is a national one," said Lawrence Chan, Managing Director & Chief AI Officer, MyRepublic. "Far too many local businesses remain exposed simply because they cannot access or afford the cybersecurity tools available to larger enterprises. With MyRepublic Email Guard, we are changing that. We bring enterprise-grade protection to businesses that have long been underserved, backed by the local expertise and support they deserve."

MyRepublic Email Guard combines advanced security technology with managed service support, allowing businesses to benefit from a more streamlined approach to email protection. The service is positioned as an all-in-one offering that includes deployment, ongoing management, and local support, helping customers reduce the burden on internal teams while improving cyber resilience.

"Enterprise-grade cybersecurity has been out of reach for the SMEs that need it most. That has to change," said Imran Nazi, Head of ICT, MyRepublic. "MyRepublic Email Guard is built specifically for Singapore's SMEs, where it is designed to be affordable, easy to adopt, and supported by a team that understands the local business environment. We want every SME in Singapore to have access to the same level of protection that large enterprises take for granted, because a safer SME ecosystem means a stronger Singapore."

The launch of MyRepublic Email Guard marks a significant step in MyRepublic's commitment to building a more cyber-resilient Singapore. Aligned with national efforts to strengthen digital security across all business segments, MyRepublic is focused on ensuring that SMEs, often the most targeted yet least protected segment, are equipped to defend themselves. By combining world-class technology from Check Point with localised managed service delivery, MyRepublic is bridging the cybersecurity gap for businesses that have historically been underserved.

MyRepublic Email Guard is now available for businesses in Singapore.

Hashtag: #MyRepublic #EmailSecurity #CyberSecurity #SMEs #DigitalSecurity #ManagedServices #EmailGuard

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MyRepublic Broadband Pte Ltd

MyRepublic is a telecommunications and ICT services provider committed to delivering innovative digital solutions for consumers and businesses. In addition to connectivity services, MyRepublic supports businesses with a growing portfolio of ICT solutions, including cloud, cybersecurity, managed services, and digital enablement offerings.

SPEED Secures Three Industry Awards For Digital Procurement Solutions

Mon, 6 Apr 2026 07:23:59 +0200

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 6 April 2026 - SPEED (Sistem Perolehan Elektronik Dinamik), developed and operated by CDC International Sdn Bhd (CDCi), has won three industry awards in recognition of its contribution to digital procurement and enterprise software. The platform received two honours at the Malaysia National Business Awards 2026 and one at the Malaysia Technology Excellence Awards 2026, all presented by Asian Business Review. The awards were for Excellence Award - Computer Software, Initiative Award - Digital Transformation Consulting and Enterprise Software - Government Organisation.

The awards reflect SPEED's growing role in helping government and institutional organisations modernise procurement through more structured and transparent digital systems, in line with the MADANI agenda's emphasis on integrity, accountability and good governance. Its adoption by organisations such as FAMA, RISDA, MARA and PERKESO further underscores the platform's growing relevance across diverse public sector and institutional settings.

SPEED is a digital procurement ecosystem comprising SPEED Procurement, SPEED eWorks and integrated Supplier Management capabilities. Designed to support end-to-end procurement processes within a structured and auditable environment, the platform helps strengthen oversight, supports audit readiness and addresses longstanding procurement challenges such as fragmented systems, manual workflows and limited visibility across supplier engagement.

Through a centralised approach, SPEED enables organisations to manage sourcing, evaluation, contract administration and reporting in a more systematic manner. Its implementation across agencies and institutional bodies has contributed to stronger compliance, improved process efficiency and more consistent governance through standardised workflows and consolidated data management.

The ecosystem further supports wider supplier participation through structured onboarding and profiling, helping to create a fairer and more transparent procurement environment.

Chief Executive Officer of CDC International, Putri Nurul Ida Yahya, said the recognition reflected the growing importance of digital procurement in strengthening governance across organisations.

"SPEED was built to help organisations manage procurement with greater clarity, discipline and accountability. As procurement requirements continue to evolve, our priority is to ensure the platform remains practical, consistent and responsive to those needs," she said.

She added that CDCi would continue strengthening the platform to meet a wider range of institutional procurement requirements.

These recognitions mark another milestone for SPEED as CDCi continues expanding its role in digital procurement across institutional and public sector environments.

For more information, please visit speed2u.my or contact helpdesk@speed2u.my or +603 7885 4111.
Hashtag: #SPEED

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About SPEED

SPEED (Sistem Perolehan Elektronik Dinamik) is a governance-driven digital procurement platform designed to support the full procurement lifecycle within a secure and scalable environment. Deployed across statutory bodies and institutional organisations in Malaysia, it enables structured procurement execution, policy compliance and audit readiness, while connecting procuring entities to a nationwide supplier ecosystem. SPEED is developed, implemented and operated by CDC International Sdn Bhd, a Malaysian enterprise solutions provider specialising in system-led procurement governance.

Wycombe Abbey Expands to Thailand, Supporting Bangkok's Emergence as an Asian Education Hub

Mon, 6 Apr 2026 07:03:49 +0200

BANGKOK, THAILAND - Media OutReach Newswire - 6 April 2026 - Bangkok is set to strengthen its position as an emerging international education hub in Asia, as Wycombe Abbey, one of the United Kingdom's most established academic institutions, prepares to launch Wycombe Abbey International School Bangkok, scheduled to open in August 2026.

(From left) Chotchawal Leetrairong, Fiona Angel, and William Vanbergen at the announcement of Wycombe Abbey International School Bangkok, reinforcing Bangkok's growing role as a regional education hub.

The project is a collaboration between Wycombe Abbey, BE Education, and Rabbit Holdings, a subsidiary of BTS Group Holdings Public Company Limited, reflecting the continued expansion of global education networks into Asia and Thailand's growing relevance as a destination for international schooling.

Founded in 1896 in Buckinghamshire, Wycombe Abbey is widely recognised for its academic excellence and long-standing reputation for combining rigorous British curricula, including IGCSEs and A Levels, with a holistic approach to student development. The model emphasises intellectual curiosity, leadership, and a global perspective.

Wycombe Abbey also represents a rare example of a historic global institution that has successfully maintained its academic standards while expanding internationally. Its schools in Hong Kong and major cities across China have demonstrated the ability to uphold the same quality of education, driven by close collaboration and strict academic oversight from Wycombe Abbey UK. This approach ensures consistency in teaching standards, student outcomes, and the overall educational experience across its international network.

The school's entry into Thailand comes amid sustained growth in the country's international education sector. Thailand currently hosts more than 250 international schools serving approximately 70,000 to 80,000 students. The market is valued at over 80 billion baht and continues to expand at an annual rate of around 10%, driven by rising demand from both Thai and expatriate families seeking globally recognised education pathways.

Bangkok's appeal as an education destination is supported by its quality of life, safety, regional connectivity, and relatively competitive cost of living, positioning the city as a potential regional hub for international families.

Wycombe Abbey's international network already spans Hong Kong and multiple cities in China, including Changzhou, Hangzhou, and Nanjing. Bangkok will serve as one of its newest strategic locations, with further expansion planned in Singapore and South Korea, strengthening cross-border academic connections and student mobility within Asia.

William Vanbergen, Founder and Chairman of BE Education and Chairman of the Wycombe Abbey International Advisory Board, said the expansion represents more than a geographic extension.

"Wycombe Abbey isn't just expanding. It is bringing one of the UK's most respected educational traditions into Asia, while creating a multi-campus network that connects students across locations through shared experiences and collaboration," he said.

Chotchawal Leetrairong, representing BTS Group Holdings and serving as financial advisor, said the investment aligns with a broader vision of urban development.

"World-class education is a fundamental component of a global city. Our investment reflects a long-term commitment to strengthening Bangkok's position by supporting international education, talent attraction, and economic development," he said.

Fiona Angel, Founding Executive Headteacher of Wycombe Abbey International School Bangkok, said the school will focus on developing well-rounded students equipped for a rapidly evolving global environment.

The school will offer a continuous 15-year education pathway from Nursery to Year 13 (ages 2-18), with both day and boarding options. Boarding will remain a central element of the educational model, designed to foster independence, responsibility, and leadership within a structured learning community.

Located near Thana City on Bangna-Trad Road, the campus will span over 66 acres, positioning it among the largest international school campuses in Bangkok. Facilities will include an Olympic-standard swimming pool, FIFA-standard football field, tennis and golf facilities, basketball courts, a full athletics track, and a 1,000-seat stadium, supporting both academic and co-curricular development.

The combination of Wycombe Abbey's academic reputation and the school's strategic location is expected to further strengthen Bangkok's position as an emerging Asian education hub. Situated just 10 minutes from Suvarnabhumi Airport, the campus offers convenient regional access for international families, while its high-quality boarding facilities are designed to meet the needs of students and parents across Asia. This positioning is expected to attract a growing number of families seeking world-class education within the region.

Wycombe Abbey has consistently delivered strong academic outcomes. Over the past decade, 28% of its graduates have secured places at Oxford and Cambridge, with many progressing to leading universities worldwide. Across its international network, 38% of students in its Hong Kong and China campuses have been admitted to QS Top 10 universities, while 74% have gained entry to QS Top 50 institutions globally.

With its established academic track record, international network, and large-scale campus, Wycombe Abbey International School Bangkok aims to position itself as a leading provider of British-curriculum education in Southeast Asia, while contributing to Bangkok's long-term development as a global education destination.

For more information, please visit https://wycombeabbeyinternational.com/schools/bangkok/

Hashtag: #WycombeAbbey

https://wycombeabbeyinternational.com/schools/bangkok/

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

TrustPal Unveils AI Paraplanner Whitepaper: Redefining Trust and Scalability in Financial & Legacy Planning

Mon, 6 Apr 2026 06:43:42 +0200

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 6 April 2026 - TrustPal, a leading innovator in advisory fintech, announced the release of its latest whitepaper detailing the architecture of its proprietary AI Paraplanner. The comprehensive report addresses the critical "infrastructure gap" facing the financial advisory sector as Asia braces for an unprecedented $5.8 trillion intergenerational wealth transfer by 2030.

While High-Net-Worth Individuals have long relied on family offices, the rapidly growing mass-affluent market remains critically underserved due to manual, fragmented, and prohibitive legacy planning processes. Financial advisors-the primary relationship holders-often lack the modern tools required to execute legacy plans, leading to fragmented advice where investment and insurance strategies are disconnected.

The newly released whitepaper outlines how TrustPal bridges this gap through a secure, end-to-end platform that transforms AI from a disruptive threat into a powerful digital co-pilot.

The AI Paraplanner: A Workflow-Bound Digital Co-Pilot

Unlike autonomous "robo-advisors," TrustPal's AI Paraplanner operates as a strictly regulated assistive layer" It is built to instantly ingest complex client data sets, cross-reference current assets against future objectives, and identify critical legacy gaps.

By processing these heavy analytical workloads instantly, the AI Paraplanner drafts tailored recommendation narratives, allowing financial advisors to shift their focus from administrative data-crunching to what truly matters: relationship building and strategic counsel.

Regulated-by-Design: The Human-in-the-Loop Safeguard

"With the AI Paraplanner, we are proving that efficiency and compliance can coexist. Our technology does the heavy analytical lifting, but the Licensed Advisor remains the sole decision-maker. We are scaling the advisor's impact, not automating away their empathy" said Lee Tuck Wai, Managing Director of TrustPal.

To guarantee absolute security, the AI Paraplanner is built with strict safety boundaries. The system is explicitly blocked from executing any actions on its own. Furthermore, it never invents or guesses solutions; it can only recommend strategies that exist within TrustPal's approved logic library. Every insight is generated purely in a draft state , requiring mandatory review and approval by the advisor through a strict human gate before it can be presented to the client.

TrustPal's "Human-in-the-Loop" architecture. The AI Paraplanner streamlines the advisory workflow, but mandatory advisor approval is required before any case submission.

Empowering the Future of Advisory

TrustPal's whitepaper serves as a vital blueprint for financial institutions, SME owners, and independent advisors seeking to navigate the future of legacy planning. The report provides an exclusive, in-depth look at the internal mechanics of the AI Paraplanner, including its 5-step validation gate and data ingestion engine.

Curious about how the AI Paraplanner accelerates financial analysis without crossing the line into automated advice? Discover the exact mechanisms, including the 5-step validation gate and data ingestion engine.

Read the Executive Summary and download the full whitepaper here: https://www.trustpal.co/whitepaper
Hashtag: #TrustPal #AIParaplanner #AdvisoryTech #LegacyPlanning #FinancialPlanning

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

About Simplyfi TrustPal

Simplyfi TrustPal is a pioneering FinTech OS provider dedicated to transforming the landscape of financial and legacy management. Our core mission is to provide financial advisory firms and professional consultants with cutting-edge, automated solutions for Estate Planning and Trust setup. By seamlessly automating complex workflows, TrustPal enables partners to achieve unprecedented levels of efficiency, scale their service offerings, and deliver a superior, reliable customer experience in the sensitive area of intergenerational financial transfer.

If you'd like to explore how TrustPal can support your firm's roadmap or experience a closer walkthrough, you can book a 1-to-1 demo here: Book a Demo.

Let's connect with us for updates and collaboration:
https://www.trustpal.co/

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