Slovenia Times

HKUST Announces the Appointment of Prof. King Li as the Founding Dean of Medicine

Mon, 1 Jun 2026 17:16:06 +0200

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 1 June 2026 - The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) today announced the appointment of internationally renowned physician-scientist Prof. LI King-Chuen as the Founding Dean of its School of Medicine, effective June 1, 2026.

HKUST announced the appointment of internationally renowned physician-scientist Prof. LI King-Chuen as the Founding Dean of its School of Medicine. Prof. Nancy IP, President of HKUST (second left); Ms. Edith SHIH, Vice-Chairperson of the University Council and Chair of the Search Committee (second right); Prof. Li King-Chuen (center); Prof. Hong-Kam LO, Dean of Engineering (first right); and Prof. Yung-Hou WONG, Dean of Science (first left) met with the media.

Following a rigorous global search, Prof. Li was selected for his exceptional track record in academic leadership, medical education, and biomedical innovation, as well as his unique experience in founding a new medical school.

Prof. Li previously served as Founding Dean of the Carle Illinois College of Medicine at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) from 2016 to 2021-one of the world's pioneering engineering-based medical schools. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in developing a technology-oriented curriculum, recruiting founding faculty, and building academic-clinical partnerships. Under his leadership, the College's early graduating cohorts achieved a 100% pass rate in licensing examinations, reflecting the outstanding quality and rigorous standards of the programme.

An internationally distinguished physician-scientist and biomedical innovator, Prof. Li currently holds the titles of Dean Emeritus and Professor Emeritus at the Carle Illinois College of Medicine, as well as Adjunct Professor of Radiology at Stanford University School of Medicine. His career spans leading institutions including Stanford University, the U.S. National Institutes of Health, Weill Cornell Medical College, Wake Forest School of Medicine, and UIUC. He holds a Doctor of Medicine (with Honours) from the University of Toronto and an MBA from San José State University.

Prof. Li's appointment comes at a pivotal moment as HKUST advances its plans to establish a new School of Medicine. The School will offer a four-year graduate-entry MBBS programme, with its inaugural cohort expected to commence in the 2028/29 academic year.

His experience aligns closely with HKUST's vision to develop a future-ready medical school that integrates clinical excellence with engineering, data science, and emerging technologies. His proven approach to training physician-innovators-combining strong clinical foundations with interdisciplinary expertise-will provide a robust foundation for the School's development, while being adapted to HKUST's unique strengths in science and technology.

Known for his commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, Prof. Li has consistently bridged fields such as radiology, bioengineering, computer science, and nanotechnology-an approach that will be instrumental in shaping HKUST's innovative model of medical education.

Beyond medical education, Prof. Li is a highly accomplished innovator. He is a Fellow of the US National Academy of Inventors and has received the Gold Medal of the Association of University Radiologists. He is also a Fellow of several leading professional bodies, including the American College of Radiology, the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering, and the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. He holds 20 issued patents across the United States, Australia, and Europe, and has founded a company based on his translational research.

Prof. Harry SHUM, Chairman of HKUST Council, said, "I would like to extend my warmest welcome to Prof. Li on his appointment as our Founding Dean of the School of Medicine. His proven expertise and experience are invaluable to the University as we plan to develop a distinctive model of medical education for the future. We have full confidence in his exceptional leadership in spearheading our medical school, which is one of the most significant undertakings in HKUST's 35-year history. The Council is committed to giving its support to ensure the success of the School."

Prof. Nancy IP, President of HKUST, said, "Prof. Li brings a rare combination of founding dean experience, academic excellence, and a forward-looking vision for technology-driven medical education. His leadership will be central to building a medical school that is globally competitive, locally relevant, and impactful for Hong Kong and the wider region. We warmly welcome Prof. Li to the University and look forward to his leadership in the establishment of the HKUST School of Medicine, as well as in shaping a new generation of medical professionals and advancing innovation in healthcare. I also extend our sincere appreciation to the Search Committee, chaired by Ms. Edith SHIH (Vice-Chairperson of the Council), and its members including Prof. FOK Tai-Fai and Prof. Raymond LIANG for their dedication and diligence in completing this important international recruitment process."

Prof. King Li, Founding Dean of the School of Medicine, said,"I am deeply honoured to be appointed as the Founding Dean of HKUST's new School of Medicine. Returning to Hong Kong-where my roots are-to take on this role at HKUST and having the chance to give back through the place I grew up, is deeply meaningful to me. HKUST has a remarkable track record of turning bold visions into reality, and I am excited to build a medical school that reimagines physician training through the integration of engineering, data science, and biomedical innovation. Drawing on my experience and working closely with our partners in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area, I look forward to nurturing a new generation of physician-innovators who will transform healthcare for the benefit of patients and society."

Born and raised in Hong Kong, Prof. Li brings with him a strong personal commitment to advancing Hong Kong as an international hub for medical education and innovation. He has long-standing ties with the local academic and medical communities.

The University community is expected to provide its full support to Prof. Li as he expands partnerships with teaching hospitals, the government, industry, and the global medical community, and further strengthens connections with the Greater Bay Area and other regions.
Hashtag: #HKUST

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

About The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) (https://hkust.edu.hk/) is a world-class university known for its innovative education, research excellence, and impactful knowledge transfer. With a holistic and interdisciplinary pedagogy approach, HKUST was ranked 6th in the QS Asia University Rankings 2026, 3rd in the Times Higher Education's Young University Rankings 2024, and 19th globally and 1st in Hong Kong in the Times Higher Education's Impact Rankings 2025. Eleven HKUST subjects were ranked among the world's top 50 in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026. In addition, in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2026, HKUST's Computer Science discipline which encompasses areas such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, has been ranked No. 1 in Hong Kong for ten consecutive years. Our graduates are highly competitive, consistently ranking among the world's top 30 most sought-after employees. In terms of research and entrepreneurship, over 80% of our work was rated "internationally excellent" or "world leading" in the Research Assessment Exercise 2020 of the Hong Kong's University Grants Committee. As of May 2026, HKUST members have founded over 1,900 active start-ups, including 11 Unicorns and 22 exits (IPO or M&A).

VinDynamics Debuts Its First Humanoid Robot At Two Of The World's Leading Technology Events

Mon, 1 Jun 2026 14:55:55 +0200

HANOI, VIETNAM - Media OutReach Newswire - 1 June 2026 - VinDynamics, a technology company under Vingroup, has officially unveiled its first humanoid robot, Dyno, at two of the world's premier technology and robotics events: the IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA 2026), taking place from June 1 to 5 in Vienna, and Computex Taipei 2026, held from June 2 to 5 in Taipei. The debut marks a significant milestone in VinDynamics' journey toward mastering humanoid robotics technology while demonstrating the research and development capabilities of Vietnamese engineers on the global technology stage.

At the center of VinDynamics' showcases is Dyno, an intelligent humanoid robot designed to serve as a versatile assistant for modern living environments.

At the center of VinDynamics' showcases is Dyno, an intelligent humanoid robot designed to serve as a versatile assistant for modern living environments. Equipped with an advanced AI platform and a highly responsive environmental sensing system, Dyno is optimized for security and surveillance applications across urban areas, campuses, and integrated service complexes. The robot is also being developed as a household assistant capable of supporting a wide range of everyday tasks through its flexible arm span and dexterous object manipulation capabilities.

A key highlight at both ICRA 2026 and Computex 2026 is Dyno's live demonstration as a robotic guide. The humanoid robot was previously piloted at Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc, one of Vietnam's largest semi-wildlife conservation parks. Operating in a demanding outdoor environment, Dyno demonstrated natural communication abilities, multilingual narration, and flexible responses to visitors' questions, delivering a distinctive and engaging guest experience.

The pilot program at Vinpearl Safari showcased Dyno's adaptability in real-world service scenarios and highlighted the potential of humanoid robots across tourism, hospitality, and customer service applications. Its ability to operate reliably in real-world environments, handle dynamic situations, and interact directly with people represents an important step toward future commercial deployment of humanoid robotics.

At both events, VinDynamics is also presenting a comprehensive robotics technology ecosystem developed by its team of Vietnamese engineers. In addition to the fully-integrated Dyno humanoid robot, the company is showcasing two high-value core components: a specialized actuator system and a robotic hand with internationally-benchmarked dexterity. VinDynamics is also introducing a dedicated AI training dataset optimized for real-world application scenarios.

Mastering the entire humanoid robotics value chain, from hardware to software and from mechanical design to artificial intelligence, stands as clear evidence of the research and development capabilities of Vietnamese engineers. VinDynamics' efforts also provide a strong foundation for its global expansion strategy and long-term technology partnerships with leading technology corporations, research institutions, and international enterprises in robotics and AI. These initiatives will gradually position humanoid robotics developed by Vietnamese engineers more deeply within the global technology value chain.

Mr. La Manh Hung, Chairman of VinDynamics, said: "The introduction of Dyno at ICRA 2026 and Computex 2026 is not only an important milestone for VinDynamics but also reflects the aspirations of Vietnamese engineers to contribute to one of today's most advanced technology fields. With the belief that humanoid robots will play an increasingly important role in daily life, VinDynamics is focused on developing practical technologies with people at the center."

Founded in September 2025, VinDynamics is Vingroup's pioneering humanoid robotics company, with a vision to develop versatile, human-centric robots capable of seamlessly integrating into everyday life and scaling globally. As the global humanoid robotics market is projected to reach tens of trillions of dollars by 2050, driven by rapid advances in AI, sensors, and automation, VinDynamics' presence at ICRA 2026 and Computex 2026 further reinforces the pioneering role of Vietnamese enterprises in one of the 21st century's most strategic technology trends.

Hashtag: #VinDynamics

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

About VinDynamics

VinDynamics is a technology company under Vingroup, dedicated to the research, development, and manufacturing of advanced robotics and automation solutions, particularly in the field of humanoid robots. Leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, mechatronics, and motion control, VinDynamics aims to deliver intelligent, safe, and cost-effective robotic products that enhance productivity and improve quality of life.

Learn more at: https://vindynamics.net/en

Green GSM And PNB Signs Strategic Financial Partnership To Support The Expansion Of All-Electric Mobility In The Philippines

Mon, 1 Jun 2026 12:55:46 +0200

MANILA, PHILIPPINES - Media OutReach Newswire - 1 June 2026 - Green GSM Philippines and Philippine National Bank (PNB) officially announced a strategic partnership in financial and digital banking services to support the operations and expansion of Green GSM's all-electric ride-hailing ecosystem in the Philippines. The agreement marks the next step in Green GSM's strategy to develop the infrastructure supporting its electric mobility model, as the company continues to expand across major urban areas and gradually build a sustainable long-term operating ecosystem in the Philippine market.

Mr. Edwin R. Bautista, President and Chief Executive Officer of Philippine National Bank (third from left); Ms. Thuy Vu Dropsey, Chief Corporate Development & Strategic Finance Officer at Vingroup (third from right); and Mr. Dao Quy Phi, Managing Director of Green SM Southeast Asia (far right), together with representatives of the parties at the partnership signing ceremony between Green GSM and Philippine National Bank. Under the partnership, PNB provided a PHP 2 billion credit facility to support Green GSM's operational expansion and fleet growth in the Philippines. The facility supported Green GSM's fleet expansion and operating capacity in the Philippines.

Alongside the credit facility, the two parties also implemented digital account management and payment systems for Green GSM's driver network. Through PNB's corporate banking platform and digitized onboarding processes, account opening and activation times are significantly reduced, helping Green GSM strengthen operational management as it expands driver network.

As cities continue to seek lower-emission transport solutions, financial systems, digital payments, driver management and operating standards are becoming increasingly important to supporting mobility platforms at scale.

In the Philippines, Green GSM is building mobility model through the integration of technology, an all-electric fleet, and standardized operating systems. Following its strategic partnership with Xentro Group in 2025 and the launch of the Green Xentro fleet in Rizal earlier this year, the company continues to expand its presence through long-term collaborations with local partners and domestic financial institutions.

"We appreciate Green GSM's long-term development direction in the Philippines, not only in advancing low-emission mobility, but also in the way the company is building an operating model with scalability and clear governance foundations," said Mr. Edwin R. Bautista, President and Chief Executive Officer of PNB. "The transition toward sustainable transport will require ecosystems capable of supporting stable long-term growth, together with the financial and operational foundations needed to enable that expansion."

Ms. Le Thi Thu Trang, Chief Executive Officer of Green GSM Philippines, said: "For Green GSM, developing an all-electric mobility model is not only about expanding the fleet, but also about building an operating system that is stable, standardized, and capable of sustainable long-term growth. Our partnership with PNB will help strengthen the financial and operational foundations needed to enhance service quality and support Green GSM's continued expansion in the Philippines."

Green GSM develops its all-electric mobility model through the combination of technology, standardized operating systems, and professionally trained drivers. The platform is supported by real-time monitoring and operational systems designed to maintain service consistency across major urban areas.

The partnership with PNB further reinforces Green GSM's long-term direction in the Philippines, where the company continues to strengthen its operating foundations, service standards, and driver support systems in order to maintain service quality as operations scale further.

Hashtag: #GreenSM

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

About GSM & Green SM

GSM (Green Smart Mobility) is a pioneering multi-platform company operating all-electric ride-hailing services. With a focus on sustainable transport development, GSM operates a mobility model powered entirely by VinFast electric vehicles, combining technology, service standards, and operational ecosystems to support the future of low-emission urban mobility.

Green GSM is GSM's official brand in the Philippines and is part of the broader Green SM global ecosystem, alongside Xanh SM in Vietnam and Laos, and Green SM in Indonesia. Across all markets, the brand focuses on delivering modern mobility experiences through VinFast electric vehicles, professional drivers, and operating systems built around safety, consistency, and service quality.

About Philippine National Bank (PNB)

Philippine National Bank (PNB) is one of the Philippines' largest private commercial banks in terms of assets and deposits. The bank provides a full range of financial and banking services to individual customers, businesses, institutions, and overseas Filipino communities. With a history spanning more than a century, PNB continues to focus on growth strategies driven by digital transformation, operational efficiency, and sustainable development in the financial sector.

Chubb Life Hong Kong Enhances Flagship MyLegacy V Insurance Plan with Shorter Breakeven Period

Mon, 1 Jun 2026 12:35:44 +0200

New 3-year premium payment term delivers 6-year guaranteed breakeven, one of the shortest in Hong Kong
Advanced payout and succession structures mirror the control of a private trust, meeting bespoke wealth planning needs for affluent clients with diverse financial goals.

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 1 June 2026 - Chubb Life Hong Kong has raised the standard for savings insurance with a major enhancement to its flagship product,Chubb MyLegacy Insurance Plan V ("Chubb MyLegacy V"). The new three-year premium payment option ("3-pay option") delivers a guaranteed breakeven period as little as six years¹- making it one of the fastest among comparable savings insurance plans in the Hong Kong market². This upgrade empowers customers to accelerate wealth growth and plan their legacy with greater flexibility.

A recent report by Hong Kong Institute for Monetary and Financial Research found that 40% of pre-retirees in Hong Kong identify market volatility as a major threat to their savings. Chubb MyLegacy V addresses this concern by offering a holistic solution that balances liquidity needs with long-term, multi-generational wealth transfer.

The Plan offers two distinct options catering to varied financial goals:

Chubb MyLegacy V - Harvest (Payment terms: 3 / 5 years): Optimized for capital efficiency and liquidity, driving potential wealth accumulation over short to medium terms with a faster guaranteed breakeven.
Chubb MyLegacy V -Blossom (Payment terms: 2 / 5 / 8 / 12 years): Ideal for mid-to-long-term saving goals, offering flexible withdrawals and payouts to facilitate seamless legacy planning across generations.

Chubb MyLegacy V also offers a flexible and economical alternative to traditional family trusts, making legacy planning accessible without a high asset threshold. Customers benefit from dynamic succession planning, multiple successor options, policy continuation for beneficiaries, support for minor successor owners, and the ability to designate charitable organizations as beneficiaries.

Other key benefits include:

Market-leading capital recovery: The new 3-pay option in Chubb MyLegacy V - Harvest achieves full guaranteed breakeven within six years.
Flexible liquidity: Clients can access their policy's value through cash withdrawals and annuity, supporting both planned and unexpected needs throughout their wealth journey.

Belinda Au, President of Chubb Life Hong Kong and Head of North Asia, said, "Chubb MyLegacy Insurance Plan V is built around what matters most to our customers - flexibility, security, and the ability to grow and protect their wealth for future generations. The new 3-pay option offers one of the fastest guaranteed breakeven periods in Hong Kong, giving customers a clear advantage in achieving their financial goals. This enhancement further strengthens Chubb MyLegacy V as a leading savings insurance solution, making wealth planning simpler and more achievable. We are proud to support our customers as they build a lasting legacy with confidence."

Chubb MyLegacy V Insurance Plan is the latest edition of the Chubb MyLegacy Insurance Plan series. For more information, please refer to: https://www.chubb.com/hk-en/personal/chubb-my-legacy-insurance-plan-v.html

This article is intended for general reference only and should not be regarded as professional advice, recommendation and does not form part of the policy. This article should be read along with other materials which cover more product information. Such materials include, but not limited to, product brochures setting out key product risks, policy provisions that contain the detailed terms and conditions, benefit illustrations (if any), policy documents and other relevant promotional or marketing materials, which are all available upon request. You might also consider seeking independent professional advice if needed. This article is intended to be displayed in Hong Kong only and does not construe as an offer to sell or solicitation to buy or provision of any insurance products outside Hong Kong. The above plan is a standalone policy and may be purchased independently without bundling with other insurance products

Notes:

"6-year guaranteed breakeven" means the guaranteed cash value will be equal to or greater than the total premiums paid as of the 6th policy anniversary.
As of April 24, 2026, this comparison is based on major savings insurance products with the same premium payment term type, offered by major long-term insurers listed on the Register of Authorized Insurers in Hong Kong, as authorised by the Insurance Authority.

Appendix

About Chubb MyLegacy Insurance Plan V ("Chubb MyLegacy V")

Product Nature: A participating whole life insurance plan.

Target Segments: Clients who are seeking flexible legacy planning solutions and opportunities for wealth growth

Two plan options under the series. Customers may select either plan individually or combine both, tailoring their choices to financial needs. This approach enables a balance between long-term wealth growth and guaranteed short-to-mid-term returns, with greater transferability than traditional financial products such as time deposits.

Chubb MyLegacy V - Harvest
Chubb MyLegacy V - Blossom

Payment terms
3 / 5 years
2 / 5 / 8 / 12 years

Positioning
Faster breakeven and short-to-mid-term wealth accumulation
Highly competitive mid-to-long-term returns (potential Internal Rate of Return up to 6.5%), with optimized legacy planning

Flexible and Economical Alternative for Trusts

Chubb MyLegacy V offers the high-level flexibility required to fulfill bespoke legacy planning needs, serving as a 'simplified trust' solution:

o Dynamic Succession Planning: Customers can change the Insured as many times as they wish.

o Multi-Successor Features: Appoint up to five successor owners with specified sequence of succession.

o Customized Settlement Options: Up to 10 settlement options, such as choice of lump sum, installments, or a combination of both for death proceeds.

o Policy Continuation Option: Designated beneficiary to become the owner and insured of a new Chubb MyLegacy V policy when the insured passes away.

o Split Policy Option: Convert partial surrender value into a new policy for another insured, retaining the original policy year and date to support multiple purposes of legacy planning.

o Policy Guardian: Flexible pre-arranged withdrawals and designated interim owner to ensure minor successor owners are supported until adulthood.

o Charitable Giving: Designate charitable organizations as policy beneficiaries.

Hashtag: #Chubb

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

About Chubb

Chubb is a world leader in insurance. With operations in 54 countries and territories, Chubb provides commercial and personal property and casualty insurance, personal accident and supplemental health insurance, reinsurance and life insurance to a diverse group of clients. The company is defined by its extensive product and service offerings, broad distribution capabilities, exceptional financial strength and local operations globally. Parent company Chubb Limited is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: CB) and is a component of the S&P 500 index. Chubb employs approximately 45,000 people worldwide. Additional information can be found at: www.chubb.com.

Appeal against speaker's election dismissed

Mon, 1 Jun 2026 11:31:48 +0200

The Constitutional Court has dismissed an appeal to annul the election of Zoran Stevanović as president of the National Assembly on grounds that some of the yes ballots in what was supposed to be a secret vote were marked.

The appeal was filed by the Freedom Movement, the party of outgoing Prime Minister Robert Golob, after the Slovenian Press Agency (STA) revealed, based on a freedom of information request, that 19 of the 48 yes ballots in the 10 April secret vote were marked by the voting MPs themselves.

Nine were marked with a small circle in the lower right corner of the ballot, six had a dot next to the yes vote, and four were marked with an asterisk in the upper part of the ballot. The remaining 29 ballots in favour were unmarked, as were those against.

The ballots marked in the same way correspond to the deputy groups of Truth, Stevanović's populist party, the alliance headed by New Slovenia (NSi) and the Democrats. The latter two will be part of the new government led by Democratic Party (SDS) leader Janez Janša, which Truth supports as well.

Appeal fully dismissed

While the deputy groups suspected of having marked the ballots had been tight-lipped about why they had chosen to do this, analysts saw this as an attempt to enforce party discipline among MPs. Many pundits have also pointed out that this practice is not something new.

The Freedom Movement argued that the marked ballots contravened the principle of secret elections and encroached on the constitutionally guaranteed independence of MPs.

However, the Constitutional Court dismissed the appeal, arguing the vote was not an act by a state body or holder of public authority that would have decided on the rights, obligations or legal benefits of the appellants.

The court also dismissed the party's request to review the parliamentary rules of procedure for a potential legal vacuum. This was because the petitioners grounded their legal interest solely by challenging the election of Stevanović, which the court dismissed.

Stevanović welcomed the decision as an important confirmation of the principle of the rule of law and respect for the constitutional order and institutions. He was happy the court ruled unanimously despite sometimes facing allegations of political bias.

CICC 2026 London Wealth Management Forum Successfully Held

Mon, 1 Jun 2026 10:35:35 +0200

Sharing China's Opportunities with the World

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - Media OutReach Newswire - 1 June 2026 - CICC successfully held the CICC 2026 London Wealth Management Forum in London, the UK. Centered on the theme "Bridging and Transcending", the forum brought over 200 representatives from various sectors to engage in in-depth discussions on global economic developments, China-UK economic and financial cooperation, and multi-asset allocation, focusing on the cutting-edge trends and practical pathways in wealth management.

In the welcome remarks, Mr. Owen Wu, Member of the Executive Committee, Deputy President of CICC Wealth Management, highlighted that 2026 marks the first year of the 15th the Five-Year Plan, with new industrial drivers accelerating, capital market reforms deepening, and the long-term value frontier of Chinese assets steadily expanding, making the Chinese market an increasingly important part in global investors' wealth landscape. Going forward, CICC will continue to leverage wealth management as a strategic pillar to better serve the "bringing in" and "going global", injecting fresh momentum into financial high-standard opening up.

A frontline dialogue on "Currency, Infrastructure, and the New Equilibrium" featured Dr. Yanliang Miao, Senior Managing Director, Chief Strategist, CICC, and Sir Danny Alexander, CEO, HSBC Infrastructure Finance and Sustainability, moderated by Kevin Liu, Chief Offshore China and Overseas Strategist, CICC. Against the backdrop of current global political and economic shifts, the discussion focused on central bank policies in major economies and explored potential grounds for cooperation, providing a systematic perspective on the evolving international monetary order.

During the forum, CICC International Wealth Management unveiled its buyer's advisory service concept film "50, To Your World". Subsequently, Mr. Zhihai Diao, Head of International Business of Wealth Management, CICC, delivered an inspiring speech articulating the international application and theoretical underpinnings of CICC's buyer's advisory. The introduction of COMPASS represents a systematic enhancement and theoretical elevation of the "50 Series" offshore service capabilities, marking a new phase where the "50 Series" offshore services move beyond business expansion into a philosophy-driven approach.

The forum is both a vivid practice of CICC supporting national development strategies and an important window to showcase China's opportunities to the world. By injecting China's professional expertise and open vitality into the global wealth management ecosystem, CICC looks forward to empowering global partners to invest in China and jointly write a new chapter of mutually beneficial cooperation.

Hashtag: #CICC

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

Dah Sing Bank Collaborates with HKSMEA to Launch the SME ESG Charter 2026

Mon, 1 Jun 2026 10:35:34 +0200

Empowering Local SMEs to Unlock Growth Through ESG Certification

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 1 June 2026 - Dah Sing Bank, Limited ("Dah Sing Bank" or "the Bank") and the Hong Kong Small and Medium Enterprises Association ("HKSMEA") once again join forces this year to launch the "SME ESG Charter 2026" ("ESG Charter 2026"), further driving Hong Kong's SMEs toward sustainable transformation. With a focus on advancing ESG efforts from "awareness" and "assessment" to "implementation" and "value creation", it helps enterprises integrate ESG into their operational strategies and turn it into a driving force for business growth.

Over the past two years, more than 70 SMEs have successfully obtained free independent assessment and certification through the SME ESG Charter. This year, Dah Sing Bank and the HKSMEA further strengthen the ESG Charter 2026's role as a platform for ESG implementation. Together with the online self-assessment tool and related support, they help businesses develop clear, practical action roadmaps-so they can steadily improve their ESG performance.

Ms. Phoebe Wong, Deputy Chief Executive, Senior Executive Director and Group Head of Personal Banking of Dah Sing Bank, said: "SMEs are one of Dah Sing Bank's key customer segments and an important stakeholder group in our ESG strategy. As market focus on sustainable development continues to grow, enterprises are placing increasing value on the long-term benefits of ESG. At the same time, SMEs are facing rising ESG-related requirements from customers and business partners. This year, Dah Sing Bank will continue to support the SME ESG Charter. In addition to helping SMEs understand the essential requirements, we will also demonstrate through practical implementation examples that ESG is more than regulatory compliance-it can also strengthen competitiveness and unlock business opportunities. We look forward to supporting SMEs in progressively integrating ESG into their operations, building a more resilient foundation, and advancing sustainable development in a steady and sustainable manner."

Mr. Andrew Kwok, President of HKSMEA, said: "After two years of promotion, we are delighted to see a significant increase in the number of SMEs participating in the SME ESG Charter and obtaining certification. This year, in addition to continuing to leverage our ESG online self-assessment platform to help more SMEs understand and put ESG into practice, we will further strengthen the mobilisation efforts of our ESG Ambassadors. We hope that the ESG Ambassadors will encourage more SMEs to participate in the SME ESG Charter by sharing their own experience. At the same time, we will actively seek recognition from the Government and relevant regulatory authorities to enhance the SME ESG Charter's credibility and acceptance."

SMEs can apply to join the ESG Charter 2026 between 1 June 2026 and 15 November 2026. Dah Sing Bank and the HKSMEA will continue to provide comprehensive support to participating SMEs through promotional activities, workshops, technical consultations, audits and certifications, public education, and strengthening corporate connections, all of which are aimed at assisting SMEs in their transition towards economic sustainability.
Hashtag: #DahSingBank

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

About Hong Kong Small and Medium Enterprises Association

Founded in 1996, Hong Kong Small and Medium Enterprises Association is one of the most important SME chambers of commerce in Hong Kong. As a non-profit making organisation, we have been working for the development of SMEs from manufacturing, the food & beverage industry, professional service sectors, marketing and associated industrial and business sectors for almost three decades.

Our main missions are to serve as a bridge of communication between SMEs and the Hong Kong SAR Government, increasing the competitiveness and productivity of SMEs, assisting them in upgrading, restructuring, entering Greater Bay Area market and developing globally.

About Dah Sing Bank Limited

Dah Sing Bank, Limited (the "Bank") is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dah Sing Banking Group (HKG: 2356). Founded in Hong Kong over 75 years ago, the Bank has been providing quality banking products and services to its customers with a vision to be "The Local Bank with a Personal Touch". Over the years, the Bank has been rigorous in delivering on its brand tagline to grow with its customers in Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area and beyond - "Together We Progress and Prosper". Building on our experience and solid foundation in the industry, our scope of professional services now spans retail banking, private banking, business and commercial banking. Meanwhile, the Bank is also making significant investments in its digital banking capabilities to stay abreast with smart banking developments in Hong Kong and to support financial inclusion at large.

In addition to its Hong Kong banking operations, the Bank has wholly-owned subsidiaries including Dah Sing Bank (China) Limited, Banco Comercial de Macau, S.A., and OK Finance Limited. It is also a strategic shareholder of Bank of Chongqing with a shareholding of about 13%. Dah Sing Bank and its subsidiaries now have 62 operating locations in Hong Kong, Macau and Chinese Mainland.

About "SME ESG Charter 2026"

The ESG Charter 2026 is a nonprofit assessment framework that references the sections of the ESG Reporting Guide in Appendix C2 of the HKEX Listing Rules, applicable to SMEs. Participating SMEs will be assessed by and will receive an assessment report from a third party professional consultancy.

Dončić invests in European basketball

Mon, 1 Jun 2026 10:03:07 +0200

Slovenian basketball superstar Luka Dončić has fulfilled what he describes as a long-held dream by becoming part-owner of a European basketball club.

The 27-year-old is part of an investment group that has acquired Vanoli Cremona, a professional basketball club from northern Italy. The group's plan is to relocate the team to Rome as part of a project to create NBA Europe.

"Basketball is coming back to Rome," Dončić wrote on Instagram as he announced his involvement in the project.

Reports linking Dončić to the Rome project first emerged in February. A few weeks ago, Italian sports daily La Gazzetta dello Sport again reported that the Los Angeles Lakers star was among the investors behind the initiative.

"Since I came to the NBA, my dream was always to own a team in Europe, especially because Europe gave me so much," Dončić said. The Slovenian began his professional career with Real Madrid and was named EuroLeague MVP at the age of 19.

"Vanoli has a great history, and we are ready to take it to the next level in Rome. We have an amazing group of partners, and I really believe we can do something special for basketball in Italy and Europe," Dončić said in a statement.

NBA Europe ambitions

Dončić is part of a group led by former Dallas Mavericks general manager Donnie Nelson, who picked him in the 2018 NBA draft. Nelson had reached a preliminary agreement to purchase Guerino Vanoli Basket.

The investment group also includes veteran Italian coach Valerio Bianchini and former Lithuanian international Rimas Kaukenas.

Former Serbian player and coach Aleksandar Đorđević is reportedly among the leading candidates to become the club's head coach.

The team could begin competing in Lega Basket Serie A as early as the 2026-27 season, subject to approval by league authorities. Rome has not had a Serie A team since 2020.

The investors have also announced that they have submitted an application for the club to become a founding member of NBA Europe, the proposed new competition backed by the National Basketball Association (NBA).

Rome is among the cities identified by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver as potential homes for NBA Europe franchises, alongside Milan, London, Manchester, Paris, Lyon, Madrid, Barcelona, Berlin, Munich, Athens and Istanbul. The league could launch in autumn 2027.

CUKTECH Introduces the 10 Ultra Charger, Delivering a Smarter Next-Generation Charging Experience

Mon, 1 Jun 2026 06:15:16 +0200

JAKARTA, INDONESIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 1 June 2026 - Global smart charging brand CUKTECH has officially launched its latest flagship charger, the CUKTECH 10 Ultra Charger, designed to deliver a faster, smarter, and more efficient charging experience for today's multi-device users.

Featuring 120W ultra-fast charging technology, the CUKTECH 10 Ultra Charger supports multiple mainstream fast-charging protocols, providing stable and efficient charging performance for smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other electronic devices.

The charger comes with a 3C + 1A four-port design, allowing users to charge multiple devices simultaneously. With dynamic power allocation technology, it intelligently distributes power output to ensure stable and efficient charging across different devices, making it ideal for work, travel, and everyday use.

One of the product's standout features is its Bluetooth connectivity and integration with Mi Home for smarter control. Through the app, users can monitor charging status in real time and manage their charging experience more conveniently and intelligently.

The CUKTECH 10 Ultra Charger also features a 1.57-inch TFT smart display that shows real-time charging information such as power output, voltage, current, and temperature, offering a more intuitive and modern charging experience.

Designed with a compact GaN architecture, the charger weighs approximately 234g, making it portable and travel-friendly while maintaining powerful performance.

With years of experience in charging technology innovation, CUKTECH continues to develop products that combine performance, design, and smart technology, bringing next-generation charging experiences to users worldwide.

Hashtag: #CUKTECH

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

Johnson Stokes & Master appoints new Senior Partner

Mon, 1 Jun 2026 04:15:08 +0200

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 1 June 2026 - Johnson Stokes & Master (JSM) has appointed Geoffrey Chan as the Firm's next Senior Partner, succeeding Terence Tung who served in the role for ten years.

Most recently Mr. Chan was the Firm's Department Managing Partner for Litigation & Dispute Resolution, serving on the four-member Management Committee which he will now lead in overseeing the Firm's operations and strategy.

Consistently recognised as a leading practitioner in construction law by the major legal directories, he has served on the Panel of Arbitrators of the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (HKIAC) and the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission (CIETAC). He is chair of the 2036 Working Group, a Hong Kong-based coalition advocating for a joint 2036 Olympic bid with the Greater Bay Area (GBA).

Commenting on the appointment, Mr. Tung said: "I am delighted to hand over the Firm's Senior Partner responsibilities to a successor of Geoffrey's high calibre. He keenly understands the heritage of our Firm, the tremendous talent of our people and how to lead the next chapter for JSM as the pre-eminent law firm in Hong Kong, among the international elite of independent law firms around the world." Mr. Tung will continue as a partner of the Firm focusing on his practice in Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland.

"I would like to express my deep gratitude to Terence for his stewardship of the Firm throughout a tenure of significant transformation" said Mr. Chan. "Under his leadership, the Firm has redefined the legal market in Hong Kong and built upon the trust of our clients and the community we serve. Our leadership transition is about growing from these strong foundations so that the Firm is primed for the next generation of JSM lawyers. As an independent law firm in Hong Kong, we have a distinctive new vision for our future, underpinned by strong values and a client-focused strategy resilient to the challenges and responsive to the opportunities of an era of unprecedented global change."

Since its formal relaunch as an independent law firm on 2 December 2024, JSM has achieved significant milestones in internal promotions, lateral recruitment and advising on landmark cases and transactions. The Firm has enhanced its pre-eminent status in the region through multiple high-profile accolades and was recently recognised by the Financial Times as a leading innovative law firm in the Asia-Pacific region.

Hashtag: #JSM

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

About JSM

Johnson Stokes & Master (JSM) is a pre-eminent law firm in Hong Kong with representative offices in Beijing and Shanghai and a Beijing IP agency which handles trademark registration matters in Mainland China. JSM advises clients on the full spectrum of legal issues arising on the most complex deals and disputes in and from Hong Kong and Mainland China. For more information, please visit www.jsm.com.

ASSOE 2026 Connects Global Buyers with Advanced Safety & Security Solutions Through a Five-Month Online Exhibition

Mon, 1 Jun 2026 04:15:07 +0200

TAIPEI, TAIWAN - Media OutReach Newswire - 1 June 2026 - Asian Safety & Security Online Exhibition 2026 (ASSOE 2026) officially opens today, launching a five-month online exhibition dedicated to the global safety and security industry. Running through October 31, 2026, the exhibition connects international buyers with qualified suppliers across a wide range of safety, security, industrial protection, workplace safety, and smart security sectors.

Organized jointly by AsianNet and the global B2B marketplace TradeAsia (www.e-tradeasia.com), ASSOE 2026 provides suppliers with long-term international exposure while helping buyers efficiently discover products, compare suppliers, and submit sourcing inquiries online. Through TradeAsia's B2B matchmaking platform, the exhibition supports cross-border procurement opportunities and strengthens business connections between global buyers and Asian manufacturers.

Expanding International Sourcing Opportunities Through Global Industry Exposure

To increase global visibility and sourcing opportunities, ASSOE 2026 aligns its exhibition period with several major international industry events, including INTERSCHUTZ 2026, Expo Seguridad México, NSC Safety Congress & Expo, SECURITY ESSEN, and FISP. By running alongside major international industry exhibitions, ASSOE 2026 helps increase global exposure for participating suppliers and creates more sourcing opportunities for international buyers.

Through the ASSOE 2026, buyers can review supplier information, browse product catalogs, and directly contact exhibitors for sourcing inquiries. ASSOE 2026 helps suppliers increase global exposure while giving buyers convenient access to qualified manufacturers and a wide range of safety and security solutions.

Comprehensive Product Categories Across the Safety & Security Industry

The exhibition also features a strong lineup of participating suppliers and manufacturers from across Asia's safety and security industry. International buyers can explore products and sourcing solutions presented by companies including A-BELT-LIN INDUSTRIAL, PAN TAIWAN ENTERPRISE, DORIS INDUSTRIAL, MODERN AUTO, JI JUSTNESS INDUSTRIAL, CLEVER INTELLIGENCE UNITY, PERFECT MEDICAL INDUSTRY, LITEFILM TECH, ET&T TECHNOLOGY, FORMOSA GLOVE INDUSTRIAL, YAU YOUNG AUTO PARTS and HARCO ENTERPRISE.

These exhibitors showcase a diverse range of products and applications covering smart security technologies, industrial safety equipment, protective products, automotive safety solutions, access control systems, and related safety and security applications.

Supporting Global B2B Trade Through Digital Sourcing Solutions

Powered by TradeAsia's B2B platform, ASSOE 2026 provides exhibitors with online product showcases, supplier profiles, and digital e-catalogs designed to increase international exposure and sourcing opportunities.

International buyers can browse products and communicate with suppliers online regardless of location or time zone, making it easier to compare products, evaluate supplier capabilities, and submit inquiries efficiently. The exhibition's long-term online format also enables participating companies to maintain continuous visibility throughout the five-month exhibition period.

By integrating online sourcing, digital promotion, and buyer-supplier matchmaking services, ASSOE 2026 creates an efficient environment for global B2B trade and international procurement across the safety and security industry.

Start Sourcing Now

Explore suppliers, discover products, and connect directly with exhibitors through the official ASSOE 2026 online exhibition platform:
https://www.etradeasia.com/online-show/46/Asian-Safety-Security-Online-Exhibition-2026.html

Hashtag: #TradeAsia

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

About TradeAsia

The web-based marketplace located at www.eTradeAsia.com functions as an essential vehicle for global B2B matchmaking by prioritizing transactional outcomes for procurement professionals and corporate vendors worldwide. This expansive network unifies an extensive audience of millions of registered buyers alongside more than 600,000 active manufacturing entities within a constantly evolving product database. Beyond its digital architecture, the enterprise leverages formal partnerships with hundreds of transnational trade federations and industrial expo organizers. This strategic framework merges cloud-based positioning with on-site promotional operations to optimize international market penetration and drive high-impact marketing results across geopolitical boundaries.

Siam Piwat Reinforces Its "Game Changer" Leadership, Expanding a Global Luxury Ecosystem with World-Class Partners to Unlock New Growth from the Rising HNWIs Economy

Mon, 1 Jun 2026 03:15:02 +0200

BANGKOK, THAILAND - Media OutReach Newswire - 1 June 2026 - Siam Piwat Group, owner and operator of Siam Paragon, Siam Center, and Siam Discovery, and joint-venture partner of ICONSIAM and Siam Premium Outlets Bangkok, reinforces its "Game Changer" status by announcing a strategic collaboration with world-class titans: BELMOND (LVMH), GALERIES LAFAYETTE, INSIGNIA, and MJETS.

A Monumental Alliance to Elevate ONESIAM Member Privileges

This alliance strengthens the Global Privilege Partnership and elevates the Global Luxury Ecosystem. It connects the world of luxury for ONESIAM members and partner patrons through high-value experiences across Thailand and the globe. Currently, Siam Piwat commands over 70% of the luxury market share in Thailand, backed by Asia's highest-purchasing-power customer base.

By integrating private aviation, ultra-luxury hospitality, premier department stores, and bespoke lifestyle management, Siam Piwat is shaping a "Borderless Luxury Ecosystem." This milestone solidifies its retail leadership and drives Thailand to become a premier global luxury hub.

Siam Piwat Group, Belmond, Galeries Lafayette, Insignia, and MJets unite to elevate Borderless Luxury Ecosystem

Mrs. Saruntorn Asaves, First Executive Vice President at Siam Piwat Co., Ltd., stated "Siam Piwat remains committed to its 'Co-creation & Collaboration' strategy. In the high-value luxury sector, we possess deep expertise in catering to global High-Net-Worth individuals. In 2025, our premium members recorded expenditures exceeding 1 million Baht per transaction, with annual spending surpassing average customers by 35 times. This year's partnership aims to elevate Thailand into the Luxury Hub of the World by integrating databases and cross-industry advantages to deliver ultimate privileges."

Uniting 4 World-Class Partners into the Global Partnership Ecosystem

Elevated Travel Experiences with BELMOND (LVMH): Revolutionizing travel through curated journeys. Members enjoy 1-1 travel planning and VIP welcomes at legendary hotels or traveling aboard Belmond's iconic luxury trains worldwide.
Exceptional Services with INSIGNIA: Elevating lifestyles via 24/7 bespoke client services and highly personalized support, seamlessly curated to fulfil every desire without geographical boundaries, from securing reservations at sought-after restaurants and gaining access to exclusive global events.
Seamless Travels with MJETS: Completing the puzzle of limitless mobility through bespoke private jet services, elite airport lounge access, and luxury chauffeur transfers directly from the runway to Siam Piwat's landmarks.
Seamless Shopping with GALERIES LAFAYETTE: Bestowing exclusive privileges across two continents. In Paris, members enjoy access to a Private Personal Shopping Lounge, dedicated personal shoppers, and expedited tax refunds.

Joining Forces with Global Partners to Offer Curated World-Class Privileges

Beyond these four titans, Siam Piwat's Global Privilege Partnership network includes international retail leaders such as PARCO (Japan), TAIPEI 101 (Taiwan), Hong Kong Times Square, ION Orchard (Singapore), Pavilion Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Plaza Indonesia, FOSUN (China), and Hyundai Department Store (South Korea).

Siam Piwat expands its global luxury ecosystem, reinforcing its position as a game changer in luxury retail.

ONESIAM members receive exclusive discounts, promotions, and VIP hospitality abroad. Reciprocally, international partner members visiting Siam Piwat's destinations enjoy premium privileges, including lounge access and dedicated customer relationship assistance. Furthermore, Siam Piwat has integrated database infrastructures with its partners to analyze customer insights, enabling hyper-personalized offers that foster long-term relationships.

"This synergy marks a monumental step toward borderless growth, establishing a definitive new benchmark for the ultimate luxury lifestyle experience," concluded Mrs. Saruntorn.

Hashtag: #SiamPiwat #GameChanger #ONESIAMMember #GlobalPartnershipEcosystem #BorderlessPrivilege #GlobalLuxuryDestination #Bangkok #BELMOND #GALERIESLAFAYETTE #INSIGNIA #MJETS

https://www.siampiwat.com/en/home
https://www.linkedin.com/company/siam-piwat/
https://www.facebook.com/siampiwat.official/
https://www.instagram.com/siampiwat_official/

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

Siam Piwat

Siam Piwat is a leading retail and real estate developer behind Bangkok's most iconic destinations, including Siam Paragon, Siam Center, Siam Discovery, ICONSIAM, and Siam Premium Outlets Bangkok, globally recognized for pioneering experiential destinations.

For over six decades, Siam Piwat has been renowned for creating iconic destinations and world-class experiences, continuously redefining Bangkok's retail landscape through award-winning developments that set new global benchmarks. Guided by creativity, innovation, and sustainability, the company continues to lead with a bold vision s that inspire, engage, and delight customers from around the world, while creating long-term value for society, businesses, and future generations.

Village Voyage: Where China's rural soul meets the world

Sun, 31 May 2026 14:54:04 +0200

FOSHAN, CHINA - Media OutReach Newswire - 31 May 2026 - As global travelers seek more diverse destinations, China has emerged as a top choice. In the first quarter of 2026, the country recorded 21.33 million border entries and exit checks involving international visitors. Among the growing array of destinations in the vast country, China's villages have emerged as a compelling draw. To explore these gems, CGTN presents Village Voyage, a series following American host Julian Waghann and Namibian traveler Absalom Absalom through villages in Guangdong Province, located in the Pearl River Delta, north of Hong Kong. For Absalom, the journey offers what he sees as a replicable model of how villages can thrive without losing their "souls."

Ancestral halls and the scholars who never left

In Shunde's Yang'e Village in southern Guangdong Province, Julian and Absalom step into the cultural space of a community - once the Lu Ancestral Hall, where scholar Lu Cang founded an academy after retiring from office. It is a small village but home to 14 civil and military jinshi scholars during the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties, a reflection of its long-held reverence for education. A jinshi was the highest and most prestigious rank in China's imperial civil service examination system - a scholar who passed the final court-administered exam. But the village's living heritage does not stop at books. Here, the lion dance - an intangible cultural heritage item - passes down from old masters to children. "If they want to learn, we just provide the opportunity for the kids," said lion dance coach Feng Jianhua. "So, they can carry forward our millennia-old culture."

The village that gave the world kung fu

Few know Bruce Lee's ancestral home stands in Jun'an, Shunde. Guangdong has long been the heartland of southern Chinese martial arts. Locals greet each other not with "Have you eaten?" but "Have you had your night porridge?" - a phrase that means "Have you been practicing kung fu?"

Luo Dezhi, a fifth-generation inheritor of Shaolin Wing Chun and Bruce Lee's fellow disciple, has trained for over 50 years. "For a martial artist, virtue comes first, then a strong body," he said. "Kung fu represents traditional Chinese culture - to strengthen the body, protect oneself, and help others."

Soft gold from village waterways

A century ago, merchant He Mingshi shipped xiangyunsha - gambiered Canton gauze, known as "soft gold" - from Shunde's villages down the Pearl River Delta to countries abroad, like Malaysia.

The saying goes: "A tael of gold for a tael of silk." Today, this UNESCO-recognized intangible cultural heritage is still made by hand. "It's way harder than it looks," Absalom said as he tried the process. Inheritor Chen Hongfa watched and smiled. From Shunde, Guangdong, the craft reaches the world.

UNESCO gastronomy inside towns

Shunde is one of only a handful of UNESCO Cities of Gastronomy worldwide. Within Guangdong - a province famous for Cantonese cuisine - Shunde is widely regarded as its birthplace. "About ten years ago, they converted this place into a food street," a fish skin vendor said. Now, visitors come for crispy African crucian carp skin, fried milk (a recipe unchanged since 2002), and Shunde raw fish slices. "This is the best choice I've made this year so far," Absalom said. "I would never imagine tasting this in a village."

More than a series - a travel companion

Village Voyage is more than a television feature. It is a living travel guide - a "road book" that maps Shunde's hidden gems through detailed itineraries, rich photo essays, and short-form videos. The series expands beyond the screen with guest vlogs and first-person POV footage, placing viewers directly into the boat, the kung fu training hall, and the bustling food street. For armchair travelers and policymakers alike, it offers an immersive, replicable vision of rural development. Whether you seek cultural roots, martial arts legacy, merchant wisdom, or the simple warmth of a village meal, this series delivers it all, through the quiet rituals of daily life: a bowl of porridge, a punch practiced at dawn, a piece of silk dried in sunlight.

An open, confident rural China is not a relic. It is a flight or train ride away.

Hashtag: #CGTN

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

Popular beach getting a new look

Sun, 31 May 2026 08:00:00 +0200

The main beach in Portorož has for decades been a concrete beach with sandy sections, but this summer it will get an upgrade and turn into something completely different - it will be covered with white pebbles from the Soča River, famous for its emerald hues. The pebbles will turn the colour of the sea into light blue or turquoise.

As part of the project, which complies with all environmental requirements, some 3,700 cubic metres of small white pebbles will be spread on the beach, and blocks of sandstones will be placed on the sides to keep the pebbles in place and create the conditions for marine organism habitation, the local public utility Okolje Piran said.

There are no protected habitats or seagrass meadows in the area, so the project was given the go-ahead, but Borut Mavrič, head of the Piran Marine Biology Station, told regional newspaper Primorske Novice that such changes must not become a common practice across the entire Slovenian coastline.

"It is understandable that urban areas are being developed, but we should not get carried away."

The pebbles will stretch some 15 metres into the sea, dropping gradually towards deeper water and enabling easier access for swimmers.

Pebbly beach in Portorož. Photo: Okolje Piran

Currently under way, works are expected to be completed by 15 June, when the official opening is due to take place, Primorske Novice reported.

Some 100 cubic metres of the white pebbles will also be spread in front of Hotel Piran after some 50 cubic metres were placed on the Riviera beach, Piran's main bathing spot, last year.

The Portorož beach investment is estimated at some €685,000, and another €135,000 will be spent on new toilet and shower facilities at the nearby Monty's Dog Beach.

Several other improvements are under way in the area to provide safer and more pleasant experience for locals and guests, including those with disabilities.

Take Your Shot & Make Your Moment: OPPO Ignites Football Culture with Technology at the UEFA Champions League Final

Sun, 31 May 2026 00:13:04 +0200

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY - Media OutReach Newswire - 31 May 2026 - The 2025/26 UEFA Champions League Final has drawn to a spectacular close in Budapest, with Paris Saint-Germain emerging victorious to lift the legendary trophy. As an official partner of the UEFA Champions League for four consecutive years, global technology brand OPPO joined the celebrations to mark the end of another action-packed season supporting football development and football culture worldwide with technology. With its advanced camera technology and Make Your Moment philosophy, OPPO has enabled millions of football fans worldwide to capture highlights and record life-defining moments both inside and outside the stadium this season, inspiring everyone to Take Your Shot with OPPO.

Legendary moments on the pitch shot on OPPO

Telephoto Camera & AI Take Match Viewing to a New League

At the event in Budapest, OPPO showcased its latest telephoto camera technology and AI innovations in an immersive exhibition featuring the latest flagship Find X series-including the newly launched OPPO Find X9 Ultra-alongside the Find N foldable series and the Reno series. Equipped with a Hasselblad-powered 10x optical telephoto zoom, the OPPO Find X9 Ultra enables fans to capture detailed stadium moments with remarkable clarity, even from the upper tiers, while 8K ultra-clear video recording and advanced AI imaging capabilities make it easier than ever to capture decisive match moments, including game-winning shots, as if standing on the sidelines. Through the comprehensive end-to-end image ecosystem, OPPO Find X9 Ultra users can also share footages at near to original image quality across social platforms instantly. From high-resolution capture, smart editing, to lossless sharing, OPPO makes it effortless to Take Your Shot and Make Your Moment with exciting match moments preserved in vivid detail.

OPPO's activities in Budapest

Empowering Global Football Development and Igniting Passion Worldwide

Beyond the pitch, OPPO continues to support football development through innovation and partnership programs, using its advanced smartphone imaging capabilities to help fans around the world capture iconic match moments and share the passion and emotion of the game. In collaboration with Discovery, OPPO has produced a UEFA Champions League short film that showcases the emotional power of football told through real fan stories, using OPPO imaging technology to bring the spirit of the game to audiences globally.

Over the past year, OPPO has also launched a range of football partnerships and community initiatives around the world. In Indonesia, OPPO became the official smartphone partner of the BRI Super League for the 2025-2027 season, supporting the continued development of football in the country. Meanwhile in Mexico, as the official sponsor of football club Gambeta FC, OPPO supported the club's youth academy through equipment donations, scholarship programs, tournament organization, talent development initiatives, and professional coaching resources. Through these efforts, OPPO is helping players of different ages to develop their talent and chase their dreams of becoming professional football players while continuing to support and inspire a shared passion for football across communities worldwide.

In May 2026, OPPO Colombia announced football star Luis Díaz as its official brand ambassador. As part of the partnership, OPPO teamed up with the Luis Díaz Foundation to launch the "Lucho por Colombia (Fight for Colombia)" social responsibility initiative. The program provides smart connected devices and support for digital skills training centers across Colombia's La Guajira region, helping expand access to digital education in local communities. Through collaborations with the football star, alongside other public welfare initiatives and continued product innovation, OPPO continues to strengthen its connection with local communities and further expands its presence across Latin America under its long-term commitment to the market.

Beyond these social and community welfare initiatives, OPPO has also launched a number of football-themed events that bring the brand and football fans closer together worldwide through a shared passion for football. On the eve of the UEFA Champions League final, OPPO invited football legends Theo Walcott and Claude Makélélé to join a 5v5 friendly match in Budapest, where the legends shared skills, career experiences, and discussed their perspectives on the game with fans. Key moments throughout the match were captured using OPPO's latest flagship smartphone, the OPPO Find X9 Ultra, with every pass, shot, and interaction recorded in vivid detail through the device's advanced imaging capabilities.

Theo Walcott and Claude Makélélé joined fans for a friendly 5v5 game

Inspiring Young Creators and Championing Football Culture

Ahead of the final, OPPO partnered with Discovery Channel to launch the Filmmaker Accelerator Program. With mentorship from Discovery, the initiative encourages aspiring creators to capture diverse stories using OPPO imaging technology, helping to support young creators globally. With football culture as one of the program's core themes, OPPO is not only empowering the next generation of creators with a platform for expression but also enriching stories around football culture through these diverse perspectives, taking the spirit of football beyond borders to connect with broader audiences worldwide. As part of the program, a special documentary video exploring football culture is set to premiere worldwide at the end of June 2026.

As another sensational UEFA Champions League season comes to an end, OPPO looks forward to continuing to use its world-leading innovation to bring football fans around the world more powerful and user-friendly technology that enables everyone to Make Your Moment by capturing football highlights both on and off the pitch. In the meantime, OPPO will continue to deepen its long-term partnerships with global football institutions, promoting new ways of expressing and sharing football culture as it takes the game to the next level worldwide.

Hashtag: #OPPO

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

Baby dragons in Postojna Cave celebrate turning 10

Sat, 30 May 2026 08:00:00 +0200

The olms in Postojna Cave that were hatched in 2016 in what was considered a rare, almost miraculous event are celebrating their 10th birthday on 30 May. Nicknamed "baby dragons", these aquatic salamanders are undoubtedly the most famous inhabitant of one of Slovenia's leading tourist destinations.

An endemic species native to Central and Southeastern Europe, the olm is a cave-dwelling creature that is blind, but whose other senses are acutely developed. The cradle of biospeleology, the famous Postojna Cave is considered the best spot to observe it in its natural habitat.

In 2016, the public was able to watch the development of the olm in real time for the first time in history of commercial caves.

Visitors can now learn how the ten-year-old olms live today and about the interesting developmental stage they are about to enter. The valuable scientific insights gained through ten years of observation and research on this generation are also presented.

There are many fascinating pieces of information about the species, including their regenerative capacity and the fact that they can live for more than 100 years.

The 2016 brood of olms, which live in large aquariums in a special part of the cave, not far from the tourist trail, provide a great opportunity for scientific research as well. Postojna Cave houses a special laboratory to facilitate research.

"We can observe processes that normally take place deep underground and remain hidden," the cave operator said.

Today, 21 olms are thriving in these aquariums, and they are currently about two-thirds of their adult size. The species is one of the most strictly protected when it comes to European subterranean fauna.

The first time the olm is mentioned in historical records was in 1689, when Slovenian polymath Janez Vajkard Valvasor reported that after heavy rain these creatures would be washed up from the underground waters. The locals believed them to be a cave-dwelling dragon's offspring, hence the nickname.

Leak Detection + Legal Claims, End-to-End: Hong Kong Civil Claim Centre × HK Find Surveyor Launch Comprehensive Water-Seepage Dispute Service

Sat, 30 May 2026 05:51:46 +0200

Professional seepage-inspection reports feed directly into civil claims, helping property owners recover repair costs

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 30 May 2026 - To address the persistent problem of building water seepage affecting Hong Kong property owners, HK Find Surveyor (香港搵公正行網) and Hong Kong Civil Claim Centre (香港民事索償中心) today announced a joint service that combines professional seepage detection with legal claims into a single, end-to-end process - helping affected owners move from identifying the source of a leak to recovering their losses with complete support.

The core difficulty of seepage disputes

Water seepage is a common problem in Hong Kong's older and high-density housing, yet owners typically face three obstacles: difficulty proving the source of the seepage, responsible parties refusing to acknowledge or compensate, and a lack of sufficient evidence to bring a claim. Many cases reach a dead end simply because there is no professional inspection report.

How the end-to-end service works

Seepage detection (HK Find Surveyor) - Using methods such as infrared thermal imaging, moisture testing and water-pipe pressure testing, the source of the seepage and the responsible party are determined, and a credible written inspection report is issued.
Legal claims (Hong Kong Civil Claim Centre) - Using that inspection report as key evidence, owners are assisted in issuing a formal demand to the responsible party, negotiating, and where necessary pursuing repair costs and related losses through civil proceedings.

The key to the service: the seepage inspection report is precisely the core evidence required for a civil claim. By connecting the two stages, owners avoid shuttling between different organisations and can ensure a complete chain of evidence.

Representatives' comments

A spokesperson for HK Find Surveyor said: "In many seepage cases, the dispute comes down to the difficulty of pinpointing the source. A rigorous, impartial inspection report provides a clear factual basis for everything that follows."

A spokesperson for Hong Kong Civil Claim Centre added: "In the claims process, the quality of evidence often determines how the recovery progresses. A professional seepage report gives us a firmer basis to communicate with the responsible party when handling claims for seepage-related losses."

(Note: This service provides legal consultation and claims assistance; the outcome of each case depends on its facts and evidence.)

Applicable situations

Seepage, mould or peeling on ceilings, walls or floors
Suspected seepage from an upstairs unit, external wall or common areas
The responsible party has been asked to act but has refused or delayed
A professional report is needed to support recovery of repair costs or losses

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

About HK Find Surveyor

HK Find Surveyor (香港搵公正行網, hkfindsurveyor.com) provides professional seepage detection and building inspection services in Hong Kong, focused on determining the source and responsibility of seepage through objective technical methods. More: hkfindsurveyor.com

About Hong Kong Civil Claim Centre

Hong Kong Civil Claim Centre (香港民事索償中心, hkcivilclaim.com) provides the public with legal information and assistance relating to civil claims, covering personal injury, property loss and property-related disputes. More: hkcivilclaim.com

Item finder company strikes partnership with Mercedes-Benz

Fri, 29 May 2026 17:21:19 +0200

The Slovenian company Chipolo, which specialises in developing gadgets used to track items, has struck a partnership with the German automotive giant Mercedes-Benz.

Together the two companies developed a special edition of Chipolo's car key finder which features a matte black shell and the Mercedes-Benz three-pointed star.

Chipolo LOOP - Mercedes-Benz Edition is already available in the Slovenian company's online shop, and it will soon be available at Mercedes-Benz showrooms and authorised dealerships worldwide, the company said.

The finder is a customised version of Chipolo LOOP, a rechargeable tracking tag which was launched roughly half a year ago and can keep tabs on more than just car keys. The company also makes Chipolo CARD, a wallet tracker. The finders work across Android and Apple devices.

"Each Chipolo tracker is designed, engineered, and manufactured right in our hometown headquarters in Trbovlje," said the company, which prides itself on pursuing sustainability goals. In addition to their rechargeable battery, LOOP finders, for example, are made from 50% post-consumer recycled plastic.

Chipolo and Mercedes-Benz signed a licensing agreement under which Chipolo is allowed to sell the product via its own sales channels. The company estimates it could sell some 25,000 of these special car key finders in the first year and generate some €500,000 in revenue in the process.

Chipolo, which employed nearly 60 people at the end of 2025, posted €11.5 million in revenue last year, up 15% year-on-year, and some €750,000 in net profit.

Founded in 2013, the company estimates it has sold five million Chipolo devices worldwide to date.

Vinpearl Partners With Leading Southeast Asian Travel Platforms To Expand Its International Reach

Fri, 29 May 2026 16:12:17 +0200

BANGKOK/SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 29 May 2026 - Vinpearl Joint Stock Company announced a series of strategic partnerships and agreements with Agoda, AirAsia MOVE, BeMyGuest, and GlobalTix, leading regional players in online travel, aviation, and experience distribution. These collaborations are aimed at expanding access to international travelers, strengthening the global presence of the Vinpearl, VinWonders, Vinpearl Golf, and VinPalace ecosystem, and bringing Vinpearl's hospitality, leisure, and entertainment offerings to a broader audience across international markets.

The agreements were signed at the Vietnam-Thailand Business Forum and the Vietnam-Singapore Technology Connectivity Forum, held as part of Party General Secretary and State President To Lam's official visits to the Kingdom of Thailand, the Republic of Singapore, and the Republic of the Philippines from May 28 to June 1, 2026.

In Thailand, Vinpearl announced the expansion of its strategic partnerships with Agoda and AirAsia MOVE to strengthen the international presence of its integrated tourism, hospitality, and entertainment ecosystem.

Through Agoda, one of the world's largest online travel platforms, Vinpearl aims to optimize business performance across its tourism, hospitality, and entertainment portfolio while expanding its reach in key markets including Southeast Asia, India, the Middle East, Australia, and long-haul international traveler segments. The partnership also marks a new milestone for VinWonders, with its integrated leisure and hospitality products now being offered directly through Agoda's global platform.

The partnership with AirAsia MOVE is designed to broaden international access to Vinpearl and VinWonders hospitality, leisure, and entertainment offerings in Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, and Da Nang-Hoi An through one of the region's leading digital travel platforms. Via AirAsia MOVE, travelers can conveniently book flights, accommodations, and attractions within a single itinerary, making it easier to choose integrated Vinpearl and VinWonders experiences when visiting Vietnam.

With access to a network of more than 700 airlines and over one million hotels worldwide, AirAsia MOVE is expected to further strengthen the visibility of the Vinpearl and VinWonders ecosystem among international travelers, while also enhancing Vietnam's appeal as a destination for visitors from ASEAN and other key global markets.

In Singapore, Vinpearl also signed partnership agreements with BeMyGuest and GlobalTix, two of the Asia-Pacific region's leading technology and distribution platforms for travel experiences.

Supported by extensive partner networks and some of the region's most diverse travel product portfolios, these collaborations are expected to strengthen the presence of the VinWonders brand across Southeast Asia, China, and India, while expanding international access to unique experience offerings in Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, and Da Nang.

Through these agreements, the partners will leverage their respective strengths in technology, distribution, and customer ecosystems to progressively expand the international footprint of Vinpearl and VinWonders while enhancing the global appeal of Vietnamese tourism.

Ms. Ngo Thi Huong, Chief Executive Officer, Vinpearl, said: "These partnerships not only expand Vinpearl's network of strategic partners but also create a strong foundation for the Vinpearl and VinWonders ecosystem to connect more deeply with global traveler segments through some of the region's leading travel, aviation, and distribution platforms. This represents an important step in our strategy to strengthen international competitiveness and position Vinpearl destinations among the top choices for travelers across Asia."

Mr. Krishna Rathi, Associate Vice President, Supply, Agoda, said: "With its extensive scale of operations, diverse portfolio, and ability to develop integrated destinations, Vinpearl is one of the most outstanding partners in Vietnam's tourism industry today. We believe this partnership will help the Vinpearl and VinWonders ecosystem engage more deeply with rapidly growing international traveler segments across Asia and global markets."

Ms. Nadia Omer, Chief Executive Officer, AirAsia MOVE, said: "We highly value the opportunity to partner with Vinpearl in unlocking strategic collaboration potential within one of Southeast Asia's most dynamic and fast-growing tourism markets. As an OTA platform with a comprehensive travel ecosystem and extensive regional connectivity, AirAsia MOVE is committed to further enhancing travel connectivity and intra-regional tourism flows. Vietnam is emerging as one of the region's brightest tourism destinations, and we believe the combination of Vinpearl's leading hospitality and entertainment ecosystem with AirAsia MOVE's distribution and connectivity capabilities will create significant growth opportunities for the tourism sector in the years ahead."

The partnerships with Agoda, AirAsia MOVE, BeMyGuest, and GlobalTix mark another milestone in Vinpearl's strategy to internationalize its tourism, hospitality, and entertainment ecosystem while expanding the presence of Vinpearl and VinWonders accommodation, leisure, and experience offerings across global travel platforms.

Hashtag: #Vinpearl

https://vinpearl.com/en

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

About Agoda

Agoda is a global online travel platform offering more than six million accommodation options, including hotels, resorts, apartments, and vacation villas, as well as flight bookings, travel activities, and related travel services. Headquartered in Singapore, Agoda is part of Booking Holdings (Nasdaq: BKNG). The platform operates in 39 languages, provides 24/7 customer support, and employs more than 7,500 people worldwide.

About AirAsia MOVE
AirAsia MOVE (MOVE) is the digital travel platform of Capital A Group and has been recognized by the World Travel Tech Awards as Asia's Best Travel Booking App for three consecutive years since 2023. Focused on building a comprehensive travel ecosystem, MOVE delivers affordable, seamless, and personalized travel experiences across Southeast Asia and international markets.

The platform currently connects travelers to more than 700 airlines and over one million hotels worldwide while offering a wide range of services including attraction tickets, airport transfers, travel insurance, and integrated travel products. AirAsia MOVE also enhances user experience through its loyalty program and AskBo, an AI-powered travel chatbot.

About BeMyGuest
BeMyGuest is a Singapore-based travel technology company founded in 2012, specializing in booking and distribution solutions for attractions, tours, and travel experiences across the Asia-Pacific region. Its ecosystem includes the Distribution Network and Xplore Booking System, which support sales management, multi-channel distribution, and digital operations for thousands of partners in the experience tourism industry. BeMyGuest is connected to numerous online travel platforms and international distribution partners while providing multilingual solutions and flexible pricing models for integrated systems.

About GlobalTix
GlobalTix is a global technology and distribution platform for attractions, tours, and travel experiences, headquartered in Singapore with operations across multiple Asia-Pacific markets. Founded in 2013, GlobalTix enables attractions and experience operators to connect with travel agencies, online travel platforms, and international distribution partners through a unified platform. Its partners include major brands such as Mount Faber Leisure Group, Taman Safari Indonesia, Mandai Wildlife Group, National Gallery Singapore, and Singapore Airlines.

About Vinpearl

Vinpearl is Vietnam's leading hospitality, tourism, and entertainment brand, currently operating 60 properties across 20 provinces and cities nationwide. Its ecosystem includes a network of five-star hotels and resorts with more than 17,500 rooms; 15 VinWonders theme parks featuring attractions for visitors of all ages; six world-class golf courses; and three VinPalace convention and performing arts centers. The portfolio also includes two semi-wildlife conservation and care parks, an equestrian academy, and million-dollar live-action performance shows in destinations such as Nha Trang and Phu Quoc, attracting millions of visitors each year.

Alibaba Group Partners with UEFA Men's Club Competitions from 2027/28 to 2032/33 and UEFA EURO 2028™

Fri, 29 May 2026 15:32:12 +0200

Alibaba becomes the official and exclusive partner for AI, Cloud Computing Services, and E-commerce
Partnership to deploy Alibaba Cloud and Qwen Artificial Intelligence to deliver smart operations and personalized digital experiences for fans

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY - Media OutReach Newswire - 29 May 2026 - Alibaba Group today announced a multi-year partnership with the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) and UC3, the joint venture between UEFA and European Football Clubs (EFC) that controls and manages the strategic marketing, sales and delivery of commercial rights for UEFA club competitions. Alibaba Group becomes the official and exclusive AI, Cloud Computing Services, and E-commerce partner of the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League and UEFA Conference League from 2027/2028 to 2032/2033 and of UEFA EURO 2028^TM.

The partnership will see the deployment of Alibaba's advanced AI capabilities in supporting fan engagement and media and content management via its Qwen Large Language Model (LLM).Together with its cloud computing infrastructure and global e-commerce platform, Alibaba will power an immersive fan and content experience worldwide across UEFA's flagship competitions.

UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin said: "We are delighted to welcome Alibaba as a global partner for UEFA EURO 2028 and as a future partner of our men's club competitions. Their expertise in artificial intelligence, cloud computing technology, and e-commerce will support UEFA's commitment to thoughtful innovation and to enhancing the experience of supporters around the world. Together, we can bring fans closer to the game in new and meaningful ways - making our competitions feel even more captivating, engaging and accessible, while preserving the traditions, emotions and spirit that define European football."

"We believe that football is a shared language around the world, and the unifying power of the game at all levels for all fans is the mission that brings Alibaba and UEFA together," said Joe Tsai, Chairman of Alibaba Group. "I am excited to work with UEFA to realize the vision of this multi-year partnership, where we will commit our cloud computing, full-stack AI, and global e-commerce capabilities to support UEFA and UC3 to deliver these iconic competitions to global fans."

Alibaba's cloud infrastructure and Qwen LLM will support UEFA in building its own next-generation AI capabilities. Fans will benefit from personalized, AI-powered experiences that deepen their engagement with the sport. Through Alibaba's global e-commerce network, fans around the world may soon enjoy seamless access to a wide range of official merchandise from the UEFA men's club competitions from 2027/2028 and UEFA EURO 2028^TM.

This partnership is a new global benchmark in sports innovation. It combines UEFA's unmatched sporting legacy and global fan base with Alibaba's expertise in AI, cloud computing, and e-commerce, creating a scalable model for sports federations, leagues and teams to engage fans worldwide.

The development and execution of the partnership between UEFA, UC3, and Alibaba was facilitated by Relevent, a world-leading commercial rights partner dedicated to international football. The UEFA EURO 2028 partnership will be managed by CAA11.

Hashtag: #AlibabaGroup

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

About UEFA

UEFA is the governing body of European football and a not-for-profit organisation which supports and ensures the world's most popular sport continues to thrive at all levels across its 55 member associations. As part of its commitment, UEFA invests 97.5% of its revenue in football-related activities, projects and initiatives that ensure the continued development of the men's and women's professional game as well as youth, grassroots and futsal.

About UC3
UC3 unites European football's governing body UEFA and European Football Clubs (EFC), representing more than 800 top European clubs, around a new vision for managing commercial rights to UEFA club competitions (the "UCCs"). It is the commercial entity responsible for generating revenues from the UCCs and creating value for our partners. UC3 oversees the management, sales and delivery of all commercial rights (including media, sponsorship and licensing rights) for UEFA's elite men's and women's club competitions.

About Alibaba Group

Alibaba Group is a global technology company focused on AI + Cloud and consumption. We provide the technology infrastructure and marketing reach to help merchants, brands, retailers and other businesses to engage with their users and customers and operate efficiently. We empower consumers and enterprises with our full-stack AI capabilities and services. Our AI technology based on Qwen (Chinese: Qianwen), a family of large language and multimodal models, powers the intelligence behind our services across enterprise solutions, e-commerce and other Internet platforms.

Slovenia gets dressing-down from NATO chief

Fri, 29 May 2026 15:08:21 +0200

Following allegations of a classified document describing Slovenia as a problematic NATO member, the secretary general of the alliance has warned the country's outgoing prime minister in a letter that Slovenia's spending on core defence is significantly below the 2% reported by the government. He accused Slovenia of letting down "our collective security".

This comes after NATO's annual report estimated in March that Slovenia spent €1.438 billion on defence in 2025, hence meeting the 2% target, but NATO chief Mark Rutte has now accused Slovenia of basically ballooning the numbers by taking into account projects that are not deemed core defence.

In the letter, dated 5 May and released by the 24ur news portal, Rutte writes that the Slovenian government reported "a significant 51% real-term increase in Slovenia's core defence expenditure" for 2025, which would mean "the country met the former 2% spending guideline for the first time at 2.01% of GDP".

"However, based on my staff's assessment, this was accomplished, in large part, by including projects that do not fall under the agreed definition for core defence expenditure. When excluded, Slovenia's 2025 core defence spending amounts to only around 1.6% of GDP, a gap of around €300 million," Rutte writes.

He does not say which investment projects are those that should not be included, but it is likely the matter concerns, among others, dual-use projects in areas such as logistics and certain investments.

Rutte critical of Slovenia's ranking in defence spending

Rutte was also critical of what he believes Slovenia's lacking performance means for the alliance as a whole.

"Slovenia's consistent low ranking on defence spending lets our collective security down at a time of need, as we work to shift the burden to ensure a stronger Europe in a stronger NATO. It is therefore critical that Slovenia delivers its share of the burden and mitigates long-standing shortfalls."

He adds that Slovenia "must urgently secure the requisite financial resources by increasing and sustaining defence spending". He would like for the issue to be addressed in time for the Ankara summit in July.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Photo: Xinhua/STA

At the 2014 summit in Wales, the allies agreed to allocate 2% of GDP for defence, and at the Hague summit last June, they committed to increasing defence spending to 5% of GDP by 2035. Of this, they are to spend 3.5% of GDP on core defence and 1.5% on defence-related investments.

PM's office cites different interpretations of investment breakdown

The prime minister's office confirmed to 24ur that Golob had received a letter from the NATO secretary general. It said the government "has allocated the highest amount of funds to date for defence, leading Slovenia to meet its long-standing commitment to allocate 2% of GDP for defence".

The office added that "there are differing views regarding the interpretation of the investment structure". Slovenia advocates "a broader understanding of security and resilience, which, in addition to military capabilities, also includes investments in critical infrastructure, cybersecurity, energy security, military mobility and other capabilities important to the security of the country and the alliance."

The Defence Ministry also claimed that there were two different views on this, but both of them legitimate.

Responding to the developments, President Nataša Pirc Musar, who serves as supreme commander of the Slovenian Armed Forces, said commitments must be honoured. She added that this had been responsibility of several consecutive governments.

In February a delegation of NATO experts visited Slovenia to review how the country was doing in meeting defence spending targets. At the time, media reported suggestions that NATO was unhappy with Slovenia's performance.

The Democratic Party (SDS), back then in opposition but now in the process of forming a new government, demanded an emergency session of the parliamentary Defence Committee to discuss the situation. It cited a cable sent by Slovenia's Ambassador to NATO Andrej Benedejčič to the Defence Ministry that allegedly discussed Slovenia's failure to meet its commitments.

Incoming government's line-up unveiled

Fri, 29 May 2026 14:05:49 +0200

The likely government-to-be has fully taken shape as new coalition parties confirmed their 15 candidates for ministers, five of whom are women. The portfolios of foreign and justice ministers are expected to go to diplomats, a former CEO of the national motorway company is slated to be the new defence minister, and Janez Janša's lawyer is bidding for the post of interior minister.

Forming his fourth government, Janša sent the list of candidates to parliament on 28 May. What follows now is the parliamentary hearings of the candidates, which are expected to take place on 1-4 June.

Once the candidates have been approved by relevant committees, the National Assembly takes a vote on the cabinet as a whole. A simple majority is needed for the list to be confirmed. The new government could be sworn in on 4 June.

SLS left without portfolio

Janša's Democratic Party (SDS) will have seven ministers, the Democrats three, and the trio of New Slovenia (NSi), the People's Party (SLS) and Focus five, of whom four are NSi nominees and one is a member of Focus.

The SLS, a conservative party with a traditionally strong backing in rural areas, appears to have been left without a ministerial candidate in the emerging government. This seems to have caused some discontent within the party. It was clear that its leader Tina Bregant had been eyeing a ministerial post, but according to unofficial sources, Janša did not want her to be a part of his cabinet.

After the candidates were unveiled, Bregant shared a post on Facebook, saying: "Today is an upsetting day for myself and my party." She did add, however, that the SLS continued to stand behind the coalition agreement.

Four candidates are MPs

Most of the candidates are well-known figures, and some also have previous ministerial experience.

Four of them are sitting MPs and will be replaced in the National Assembly by general election candidates from the same party with the next best result in their electoral district.

Those candidates are NSi leader Jernej Vrtovec and his party peer Janez Cigler Kralj, SDS MP Suzana Lep Šimenko, and Democrat MP Tadej Ostrc.

Vrtovec is bidding for minister of infrastructure and energy, an area he knows well since he served as infrastructure minister in the previous Janez Janša government in 2020-22.

Cigler Kralj, a former labour minister, has been nominated for minister of agriculture, Lep Šimenko is to become minister without portfolio heading the Government Office for Slovenians Abroad, and Ostrc, a dentist and former state secretary at the Health Ministry, is the candidate for health minister.

Some nominees could raise eyebrows

The defence minister candidate is another prominent NSi member, Valentin Hajdinjak, who served as chief of staff at the Defence Ministry in the second Janša-led government in 2012-13. He was appointed CEO of the national motorway company DARS during the third Janša government, but in 2023 he stepped down amid allegations of corruption. He has dismissed these accusations several times.

Two diplomats are meanwhile also put forward as ministerial candidates. Nominated by the SDS, career diplomat Tone Kajzer is bidding for the post of foreign minister. He was appointed Slovenia's ambassador to the US in late 2020, but was then recalled by the Robert Golob government in 2022 after an internal inquiry found that he had leaked a confidential diplomatic cable to Janša.

The other diplomat slated to become minister is Mihael Zupančič, a legal expert and member of the Democrats who is currently Slovenia's ambassador to Denmark and the candidate for justice minister. He served as chief of staff to the foreign minister in the third Janša government, when the post was held by Logar, now the Democrats leader.

His party has been advocating the establishment of a new prosecution unit tackling corruption and has as such been given the justice portfolio.

Zupančič ran in the 22 March general election, but failed to be elected to the National Assembly. According to the newspaper Delo, the diplomatic circles consider it unusual for incumbent ambassadors to stand in the election, so Zupančič's decision raised eyebrows and drew criticism from some other diplomats.

His party said he had taken about two months of unpaid leave during the election campaign, but prominent diplomat and president of the Slovenian club of former ambassadors Ivo Vajgl told Delo that now the outgoing Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon should have given Zupančič a warning. He said he did not know of any other examples of an incumbent ambassador running in the general election, and regretted Slovenia's pernicious fusion of diplomacy and political interests.

But perhaps the most talked-about candidate has been Franci Matoz, whom the SDS put forward as a nominee for minister of internal affairs and public administration. Matoz is a high-profile lawyer known to the public first and foremost as a legal counsel representing Janša and the SDS. He is a former police officer who left the force after graduating in law.

In the past he ran on the SDS ticket but failed to be elected an MP, and during the third Janša government he was on the supervisory boards of the Slovenian Railways and port operator Luka Koper.

Other major portfolios

Other major portfolios include the Ministry of Economy, Labour and Sport, which is likely to be headed by Logar, a former foreign minister who in his new role is betting on the policy of flexicurity.

The finance minister candidate is SDS nominee Andrej Šircelj, another experienced politician who has already served as finance minister in 2020-22.

The SDS also put forward researcher Borut Rončević as the candidate for minister of education, science and youth, Polona Rifelj, a former state secretary in the prime minister's office in charge of the economy, as the candidate for minister of environment and spatial planning, and philosopher and literary historian Ignacija Fridl Jarc as the candidate for minister of culture.

NSi nominee Mateja Ribič is bidding for the post of minister of demography, family and social affairs, and Focus nominee Monika Kirbiš Rojs, an economist, will be likely appointed minister of local self-government, cohesion and regional development. Both of them are former state secretaries.

Forest City Issues Guidance on SFZ MM2H Requirements Amid Growing Regional Interest in Malaysia's 'Easiest Path' to Long-Term Residency

Fri, 29 May 2026 11:51:57 +0200

JOHOR, MALAYSIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 29 May 2026 - Between 1 October 2024 and 31 March 2026, 593 applicants were approved for the SFZ MM2H programme - a surge in success that has, in turn, triggered a sharp rise in enquiries from prospective applicants. In response, Forest City Special Financial Zone (SFZ), a growing residential and commercial hub and designated Special Financial Zone in Johor, Malaysia, has issued a comprehensive overview of the eligibility criteria for Malaysia My Second Home Programme's SFZ MM2H variant, how it differs from other MM2H tiers, documentation requirements, and step-by-step application procedures.

Malaysia MM2H policy comparison: Forest City Special Financial Zone edition vs. Non-Special Zone Silver, Gold, and Platinum tiers - including fixed deposit amounts, minimum property purchase prices, visa duration, and fees.

Malaysia's My Second Home (MM2H) programme has historically attracted retirees and investors seeking an affordable path to long-term residency. A relatively new variation linked to Forest City's SFZ offers one of the lowest entry points in the programme's history.

Under the national MM2H framework, Silver and Gold applicants are required to maintain fixed deposits ranging from RM500,000 to RM1 million. In addition, participants must purchase and own a residence corresponding to their MM2H category - with a minimum property value of RM600,000 for silver, RM1 million for Gold, and RM2 million for platinum.

In comparison, the SFZ MM2H, available exclusively through Forest City, sets a significantly lower deposit threshold - US$65,000 for applicants aged 21-49, and US$32,000 for those aged 50 and above - along with a mandatory purchase of a Forest City residential property valued at no less than RM500,000.

Key Differences Between the Forest City SFZ MM2H and Malaysia's Standard MM2H Programme

The MM2H programme was introduced more than two decades ago by the Ministry of Tourism, initially targeting foreign retirees under the Silver Hair Programme. Following several revisions, including a major policy update in 2021, the scheme was restructured into three tiers - Silver, Gold, and Platinum - each with different deposit requirements, eligibility criteria, and associated benefits.

Launched in 2024 alongside the establishment of the Forest City SFZ, the SFZ MM2H presents a distinct variation of the national MM2H programme. Unlike the other tiers, this version is specific to Forest City in Johor, and is designed to attract investors, professionals, and expatriates to the new economic zone.

The SFZ MM2H has a lower fixed deposit requirement, but requires the mandatory purchase of a qualifying residential property directly from the Forest City developer.

Category	SFZ MM2H	Standard MM2H (Silver)	Standard MM2H (Gold)	Standard MM2H (Platinum)
Fixed Deposit	US$65,000 (age 21-49) / US$32,000 (age 50+)	US$150,000	US$500,000	US$1,000,000
Property Requirement	RM500,000 minimum (Developer unit only, cannot sell for 10 years)	RM600,000 minimum	RM1,000,000 minimum	RM2,000,000 minimum
Visa Duration	10 years, renewable	5 years, renewable	15 years, renewable	20 years, renewable
Property Location	Forest City only (Valid throughout Malaysia - holders may reside in any state, including Kuala Lumpur and Penang)	Anywhere in Malaysia	Anywhere in Malaysia	Anywhere in Malaysia

Source: https://www.mm2h.gov.my/category/overview

While the SFZ MM2H may not be designed for every demographic, given that both the fixed deposit and property purchase are mandatory, Forest City offers 517-square-foot residential units tailored for the programme, providing a more accessible option for those interested in applying.

The Forest City SFZ MM2H Qualification

To qualify for the Forest City SFZ MM2H, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Age Requirement	Minimum age of 21 years old for the principal applicant
Eligible Dependants	Spouse (husband or wife) Biological, adopted, or stepchildren under 34 years old Unmarried children aged below 34 who are unemployed Medically certified children with disabilities (no age limit) Parents or parents-in-law
Financial Requirement	Maintain a fixed deposit with a Malaysian financial institution regulated under the Financial Services Act 2013 or Islamic Financial Services Act 2013: US$65,000 for applicants aged 21-49 US$32,000 for applicants aged 50 and above
Property Requirement	Purchase one residential unit directly from the Forest City developer (minimum RM500,000) Sub-sale or secondary-market units are not eligible The purchase must be completed within 90 days of receiving the approval letter
Residency Requirement	Applicants aged 21-49 must fulfil a minimum annual stay period in Malaysia (verify current stay requirement with a licensed agent)

Source: https://www.mm2h.gov.my/category/sez

Applicants who were previously rejected under MM2H or have unresolved immigration issues are not eligible.

Process to Apply for the SFZ MM2H

Applications for the SFZ MM2H must be submitted through a licensed MM2H agent accredited by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) under the Tourism Industry Act 1992. Direct or independent submissions are not accepted.

Application Steps

1. Engage a Licensed Agent
Select a registered MM2H agent to assist with the preparation and submission of all required documents.

2. Prepare Documentation
Gather and complete the necessary documents, which typically include:

A valid passport (with at least 18 months of remaining validity)
Proof of financial resources
Marriage Certificate
Police clearance certificate
Birth Certificate

3. Submit and Await Approval
The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture reviews all applications. Processing times may vary. Approved applicants will receive an official Letter of Conditional Approval.

4. Deposit the Required Funds
Open a fixed deposit account with a Malaysian financial institution approved under the Financial Services Act 2013 or Islamic Financial Services Act 2013 and place the required deposit amount.

5. Purchase Property and Activate the Visa
After receiving the approval letter, applicants must complete the purchase of a qualifying Forest City property. Once the purchase is finalised, up to 50% of the initial fixed deposit may be withdrawn for approved purposes, including property purchase, education, medical expenses, and tourism activities in Malaysia. The applicant's passport will then be endorsed with the SFZ MM2H visa, allowing holders to reside anywhere in Malaysia, including Kuala Lumpur and Penang, among other states.

Forest City SFZ MM2H Benefits: Residency Rights and Visa Privileges After Approval

Holders of the SFZ MM2H visa receive a 10-year renewable multiple-entry visa, which covers the main applicant and eligible dependants. This long-term pass allows continuous residence in Malaysia without the need for frequent renewals. While it does not automatically permit employment, applicants may apply separately for a work or business visa if required.

Beyond the residency benefits, participants gain access to the wider Forest City SFZ ecosystem, designed to combine convenience, safety, and international connectivity. Key features include:

Proximity to Singapore via the Malaysia-Singapore Second Link, located about two kilometres across the Johor Strait.
Duty-free zone status, offering cost advantages on select imports and consumer goods.
A secure, master-planned community with 24-hour property management, monitored transport networks, and a dedicated security system.
A diverse, international environment, home to residents from more than 20 nationalities.
International school within the township and access to world-class healthcare facilities nearby.
Two championship golf courses, including the Liang Guo Kun Classic Course-listed among Asia's Top 100 Golf Courses for seven consecutive years-and the Jack Nicklaus Legacy Course.

Upon completing the property purchase, participants may withdraw up to 50% of their fixed deposit, subject to compliance with programme conditions. Dependants typically include a spouse and unmarried children under 21.

Taken together, the SFZ MM2H programme's structure offers participants a dual proposition: a streamlined path to long-term Malaysian residency, combined with access to a master-planned development designed around security, connectivity, and urban infrastructure.

Residents most suitable for Forest City SFZ MM2H

The Forest City SFZ MM2H is designed for people looking to make Malaysia a part of their long-term plans - for retirement, regional investment, or raising a family in a globally connected environment. The programme pairs the stability of a 10-year renewable visa with the lifestyle advantages of living in a self-contained, internationally planned coastal city.

For retirees, the SFZ MM2H offers one of the lowest financial thresholds under any MM2H tier, making long-term residency more accessible without compromising comfort or quality of life. Forest City's master-planned layout, secure environment, and proximity to Singapore provide a practical setting for those seeking a calm yet connected lifestyle.

For professionals and family offices, the Special Financial Zone introduces strategic incentives, including 0% tax on qualifying family office investment income and a 5% corporate tax rate for financial institutions. It is an option worth considering for those exploring Malaysia as a hub for cross-border business or wealth management. Details are available on the investment page.

For families, Forest City offers access to an international school education covering kindergarten to high school, combining global curricula with local convenience. Its location - just two kilometres from Singapore via the Second Link - appeals to parents seeking strong education options and ease of travel at a more affordable cost.

That said, the SFZ MM2H may not suit every applicant, as it requires the purchase of a Forest City property. However, owning a property does not mean the MM2H holder must live in it - the holder may rent it out, and as an approved participant, can reside anywhere in Malaysia, including Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and other states. Even without committing to a specific long-term base in Johor, this pathway remains one of the most accessible residency pathways available in Malaysia, balancing affordability, stability, and proximity to Singapore.

As with any long-term visa programme, requirements and processing timelines are subject to change, and applicants should seek accurate, up-to-date advice before applying. The requirements outlined here reflect information available as of 29 May 2026 - for current terms and application timelines, consult Forest City officials or other authorised agents accredited under the Tourism Industry Act 1992.

Hashtag: #ForestCity

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

Speed Cubing World Record Shattered in the Philippines

Fri, 29 May 2026 09:31:43 +0200

15-year-old Filipino Crimson Arradaza achieves a historic 5.33 second One-Handed solve at the Inaugural Philippine National Speed Cubing Open

TAGAYTAY CITY, PHILIPPINES - Media OutReach Newswire - 29 May 2026 - Southeast Asia has made its mark on the global speed cubing stage.

In a moment that electrified the international speed cubing community, Filipino prodigy Crimson Arradaza shattered the 3x3x3 One-Handed World Record with a blistering 5.33-second solve at the inaugural Philippine National Speed Cubing Open, organised by the Asian Mind Sports Association (AMSA) and the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC).

Held from 27-28 May at the Tagaytay City Combat Arena, the tournament was the first major nationally-backed speed cubing event under the Philippine Olympic movement - and immediately, it made history.

Arradaza's stunning performance broke the previous 5.66-second record set by Switzerland's Dhruva Sai Meruva in 2024. More significantly, it pushed the boundaries of what many believed possible in one-handed solving, placing the Philippines in the spotlight of global mind sports. It is an extraordinary achievement for the rising speed cubing powerhouse.

"I have been speed cubing for the past four years and this is the best birthday gift for myself," said Arradaza, who turned 15 the day before.

The teenager from Baguio City travelled eight hours to compete in Tagaytay, accompanied by his parents - a powerful reminder of the sacrifices and support behind every young champion.

"This is not just a Philippine achievement. This is an Asian achievement," said AMSA Director-General Jim Yu. "The future of mind sports belongs to the younger generation, and today the Philippines showed the world what Southeast Asian talent is capable of."

POC President Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino and Tagaytay City Mayor Ross Tolentino were also present to witness the historic achievement.

"Sports is not only about physical strength. It is also about mental sharpness, discipline, and focus," said POC President Tolentino. "Filipinos are naturally talented in mind sports, and this world record proves we can compete with the very best globally."

Beyond competition, the two-day event featured referee training programmes, operational workshops, and development dialogues aimed at strengthening the speed cubing ecosystem.

AMSA reaffirmed its commitment to developing mind sports across Asia through partnerships with National Olympic Committees, federations, and local organisers.

The organisation plans to continue growing regional competitions, talent pathways, livestream infrastructure, referee systems, youth engagement programmes, and international exchanges to elevate mind sports to unprecedented mainstream recognition across Asia.
Hashtag: #AMSA

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

Database of Slovenian startups launched to promote visibility

Fri, 29 May 2026 08:30:00 +0200

A public agency promoting entrepreneurship and foreign investment, SPIRIT Slovenija has launched a database of Slovenian startups in a bid to boost their visibility and better identify their needs.

The purpose of the database, which is available at sta.si/q1EGzT in Slovenian and English, is both informational and promotional, SPIRIT said in a statement.

The database provides an overview of innovative startups, makes it easy to search key information and offers additional support in promoting the Slovenian startup ecosystem at home and abroad.

It pools information on startups, their solutions, the development stage they are in, the maturity of their products or services, investments, and other indicators.

The platform currently includes 77 firms, but the goal is to reach 225 by the end of 2027. Registration is free of charge.

The database is aimed at startups, potential investors, support organisations, researchers, media, decision-makers and others that follow the development of the local startup ecosystem or are looking for specific companies, solutions or opportunities for collaboration.

It is designed in line with international startup and investment platforms to help Slovenian startups present themselves to potential foreign investors.

SPIRIT is encouraging startups to register in the database and contribute their information to help create a comprehensive overview of their ecosystem, as the database is to be regularly updated on development progress, solutions, investments and other key changes.

The database launch is part of efforts to implement the national startup strategy.

The country's best startup of 2026 will be declared next week. Last year the winner was Astra AI, a company that has developed popular AI tutors.

Another prominent startup accolade in Slovenia is the Podim Pitching Competition award, which this year went to the company BioSistemika for its patented technology for storing digital data in synthetic DNA.

Smooth take-off for new Terminal 2 at Hong Kong International Airport

Fri, 29 May 2026 08:11:38 +0200

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 29 May 2026 - Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) embarked on a new era on 27 May, with the successful launch of the expanded Terminal 2 (T2), further boosting the city's position as global aviation hub.

In 2025, HKIA handled 61 million passenger trips, representing a year-on-year growth of 15%. It has recently garnered several prestigious recognitions for its outstanding performance in areas including security processing, aviation infrastructure, passenger services, and continuous enhancement of passenger facilities.

HKIA was crowned "Best Airport in the World" at the Global Travel Awards 2026, and was voted "Best Airport in China" in the 2026 TTG China Travel Awards for the third year in a row.

Spanning 300,000 square metres, the new T2 is designed and equipped to serve both departing and arriving passengers. The departures hall of T2 features eight check-in aisles, with 68 express self-bag drop counters, 58 smart check-in kiosks and 108 hybrid check-in counters.

The Terminal 2 at Hong Kong International Airport commenced operations on 27 May, boosting the city's position as global aviation hub.

Large LED displays are installed at different levels of T2, with 3D contents and ocean-themed videos creating a vibrant atmosphere. The food court at the departures hall serves passengers with eight catering outlets, four of which operate around the clock, while 12 shops offer a variety of products, including travel necessities and souvenirs.

Speaking at the opening ceremony on 22 May, Michael Wong, Acting Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, said, "The government will continue to adopt a multi-pronged approach to strengthen HKIA's position as an international aviation hub, including accelerating the expansion of the aviation network, enhancing intermodal connectivity with the (Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao) Greater Bay Area, and advancing the development of the Airport City. In particular, we will proactively align with and work on the National 15th Five-Year Plan, and fully support Hong Kong's role as an international aviation hub."

Fred Lam, Chairman of Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK), said the opening of T2 is another milestone of the airport's development. "Positioned as a terminal for leisure travel, T2's design prioritises efficiency and passenger comfort. We attend to every detail, leveraging technology extensively to enable efficient self-check in, self-bag drop and smooth immigration clearance," he said.

Vivian Cheung, Chief Executive Officer of AAHK said the Authority was delighted to see the smooth relocation of airline partners to T2 and the positive passenger response to the new facilities.

"We have a lot of LED, animation, and new designs emphasising technology, and we have our in-house design for self-check in system, which only requires 45 seconds to go through the entire process. We want to help the airlines to migrate to a full-automation process, which will actually help passengers have better experiences and also reduce the labour needs," she said.

HKIA also topped the ranking as the world's busiest air cargo airport for the 15th time since 2010, handling 5.07 million tonnes of cargo last year.

Hashtag: #hongkong #brandhongkong #asiasworldcity #HKIA #Terminal2

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Le Méridien Phuket Mai Khao Beach Resort Tackles 'Travel Fatigue' with 25-Hour Stay Experience

Fri, 29 May 2026 07:51:34 +0200

PHUKET, THAILAND - Media OutReach Newswire - 29 May 2026 - As travel trends shift toward shorter, more intentional getaways, time has become an increasingly valuable luxury for modern families. Yet for many travellers, particularly those on short breaks, rigid hotel check-in and check-out times can reduce the amount of quality time spent at the destination. Recognising this evolving need, Le Méridien Phuket Mai Khao Beach Resort is rethinking the traditional hotel stay experience with greater flexibility designed to help families make the most of every moment together.

Source: Le Méridien Phuket Mai Khao Beach Resort

The demand for more adaptable hospitality is a defining feature of the current travel landscape. According to the Expedia Group Unpack '26 report, travellers are increasingly moving away from rigid itineraries in favour of 'Hotel Hopping' and intentional, experience-led stays that offer greater value and flexibility. Across the Asia-Pacific region, this shift has turned time into a top-tier luxury. As travellers seek higher-value escapes that reflect their personal passions, the ability to customise stay durations has become a critical factor in holiday satisfaction, allowing for more relaxed arrivals, unhurried meals, and meaningful time together that isn't dictated by a standard 2:00 PM check-in.

Responding to this shift, Le Méridien Phuket Mai Khao Beach Resort has amplified its luxury philosophy with its signature 25-hour stay experience, which allows guests to check in at a time that suits their schedule and enjoy a full, flexible experience from arrival.

"In the current travel climate, time is the new luxury, especially for families balancing busy schedules," said Jirarat Ninpradub, General Manager of Le Méridien Phuket Mai Khao Beach Resort. "We designed the 25-hour stay experience to return control to our guests, removing the anxiety of the ticking clock that often accompanies traditional hotel stays. By offering this flexibility, we ensure that our guests can settle in at their own pace and fully immerse themselves in the Mai Khao lifestyle without feeling rushed."

Located on the quiet shores of Mai Khao, the resort supports a slower pace of travel through family-friendly room configurations, expansive open spaces, and curated on-site experiences. This approach allows guests to enjoy a seamless and self-contained stay without the pressure of fixed hotel schedules.

While the 25-hour stay is available until 30 June 2026, the resort continues to evolve its seasonal programming and exclusive Marriott Bonvoy member offers to meet the needs of year-round travellers.

For more information on additional offers, visit Le Méridien Phuket Mai Khao Beach Resort Official Website.Hashtag: #LeMéridienPhuketMaiKhaoBeachResort

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

About Le Méridien Phuket Mai Khao Beach Resort

Set along the tranquil shores of Mai Khao Beach, one of Phuket's most unspoiled coastlines, Le Méridien Phuket Mai Khao Beach Resort offers a relaxed beachfront retreat just 15 minutes from Phuket International Airport. The resort brings together contemporary design, intuitive service, and a curated approach to lifestyle experiences, providing a calm alternative to the island's busier tourist hubs.

The resort features spacious rooms and suites across 14 categories, with views of tropical gardens or the Andaman Sea, designed to balance comfort and privacy. With expansive grounds and family-friendly facilities, it welcomes couples, families, and groups seeking a more unhurried stay.

HKPC and DHL Express Hong Kong Co-host "Blueprint for Global Expansion" Forum

Fri, 29 May 2026 07:11:31 +0200

Over 80% Optimistic About Overseas Trade, Yet Tariffs and Costs Pose Key Hurdles

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 29 May 2026 - To support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in expanding into international markets, the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) and DHL Express Hong Kong (DHL) will co-host the "Blueprint for Global Expansion: Market Entry, Logistics & Risk Management" Forum on 12 June.

Amid an increasingly complex and rapidly evolving global supply chain landscape, the forum will delve into market strategies, logistics optimization, and risk management -equipping local businesses with the insights needed to navigate challenges and capture opportunities in global trade. As the first SME-focused forum jointly launched by HKPC and DHL, the initiative marks the beginning of a series of collaborative efforts to share practical expertise and support businesses in strengthening their international presence.

From Data to Strategy: Addressing the Three Key Barriers for SMEs Going Global
According to the latest quarterly "DHL Hong Kong Air Trade Leading Index (DTI)" survey, commissioned by DHL and conducted by HKPC, the primary challenges faced by enterprises expanding overseas are: "Complex tariff and customs clearance procedures" (23%), "High logistics and delivery costs" (20%) and "lack of local sales channels/ business partners" (12%). Despite these hurdles, over 85% of air traders remain neutral or positive about overseas trade prospects. In terms of readiness, 68% of respondents reported moderate confidence, while a further 18% showed high confidence, indicating a pragmatic and risk-aware approach among businesses pursuing global expansion.

In light of these findings, the forum will address the three critical dimensions of market, logistics, and risk management, offering professional guidance and targeted resources to help SMEs formulate immediate and actionable go-global strategies.

Andy Chiang, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, DHL Express Hong Kong and Macau, said, "DHL has long been committed to supporting SMEs in navigating the complexities of international trade. Through our GoTrade programme, we provide practical tools and expertise to help businesses manage cross-border logistics and customs processes more effectively. Our collaboration with HKPC focuses on equipping SMEs with actionable insights and strengthening their operational capabilities for global expansion. We look forward to continuing our partnership to deliver knowledge-sharing and networking opportunities that empower businesses to grow internationally with confidence."

Three Thematic Sessions: A Comprehensive Global Expansion Blueprint for SMEs
The forum is specifically designed to address the pain points identified in the survey, featuring three expert speakers offering targeted insights:

￮ Professor Roy Liang TAN, Practitioner Professor of Management and Business Strategy at the HKU Business School will provide an in-depth analysis of how to assess target market maturity, avoid common pitfalls, and leverage government funding schemes to optimise financial planning - transforming the go-global vision into a concrete action plan.

￮ Ms Julian Tsoi, Director, Marketing Communications and Direct Sales, DHL Express Hong Kong, will share insights on how businesses can leverage global logistics networks and technology to enhance customs clearance efficiency and improve operational performance, while navigating the complexities of cross-border logistics and addressing common challenges in international expansion.

￮ Mr Kenneth POON, Assistant General Manager - Business Division at the Hong Kong Export Credit Insurance Corporation, will analyse export trade risks across different stages in emerging markets and guide enterprises on using credit insurance tools to guard against bad debts and strengthen financing capabilities.

Beyond expert presentations, the forum will feature interactive networking and Q&A sessions, allowing participants to exchange practical experiences directly with speakers and fellow SMEs, and explore business growth opportunities together.

Registration is now open. Seats are limited, first come first served!

"Blueprint for Global Expansion: Market Entry, Logistics & Risk Management" Forum

Date: 12 June 2026 (Friday)
Time: 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Venue: LG1, Future Manufacturing Hall, HKPC Building, 78 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon
Language: Cantonese and Putonghua
Registration Link: https://campaigns.hkpc.org/zh-hk/rsvp-blueprint-for-global-expansion

Hashtag: #HKPC

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

About Hong Kong Productivity Council

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

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

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

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

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

DHL - The logistics company for the world

DHL is the leading global brand in the logistics industry. Our DHL divisions offer an unrivalled portfolio of logistics services ranging from national and international parcel delivery, e-commerce shipping and fulfillment solutions, international express, road, air and ocean transport to industrial supply chain management. With approximately 389,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide, DHL connects people and businesses securely and reliably, enabling global sustainable trade flows. With specialized solutions for growth markets and industries including technology, life sciences and healthcare, engineering, manufacturing & energy, auto-mobility and retail, DHL is decisively positioned as "The logistics company for the world".

DHL is part of DHL Group. The Group generated revenues of approximately 82.9 billion euros in 2025. With sustainable business practices and a commitment to society and the environment, the Group makes a positive contribution to the world. DHL Group aims to achieve net-zero emissions logistics by 2050.

The logistics company for the world.

Payment Options Japan Becomes Official Partner of Yokohama Football Club

Fri, 29 May 2026 06:11:27 +0200

TOKYO, JAPAN - Media OutReach Newswire - 29 May 2026 - Payment Options K.K. and Yokohama Football Club (Yokohama FC) are pleased to announce the signing of a partnership agreement. Through this collaboration, Payment Options K.K. has become official partners of Yokohama FC for the Meiji Yasuda J.League 100 Year Vision League and the 2026/27 season.

Payment Options K.K. is an international financial technology company providing secure, reliable digital payment solutions designed to support merchants in an increasingly connected economy. With strong emphases on risk management, compliance, operational integrity, and customer experience, the company is committed to delivering trusted, accessible payment solutions tailored to business needs in Japan and across the region.

Through this partnership, Payment Options K.K. and Yokohama FC will work closely to explore opportunities in fintech and football, and support Yokohama FC's continued innovation and growth both on and off the pitch.

"We are deeply honoured to be an official partner of Yokohama FC, and showcasing the unique spirit of Yokohama," said Yuka Kawamukai, Country Manager, Japan. "This partnership reflects our shared values of commitment and growth, and we look forward to exploring meaningful collaboration opportunities while supporting Yokohama FC's continued growth and success."

"Even in difficult situations, Yokohama FC has always continued to carve its own path forward, and that spirit resonates deeply with Payment Options' determination to forge its own path in the Japanese market," said Daijiro Katahara, President of Yokohama FC. "Together with Payment Options, we hope to build a strong partnership where we can share the journey of our respective challenges, inspire each other, and grow together."

Looking ahead, this collaboration will strengthen supportive relationships between financial technology and sport creating positive, meaningful impact within the respective communities.

Both parties have expressed mutual interest in exploring further opportunities and sustaining long-term value for fans, merchants, and communities in Japan and beyond. Payment Options K.K. and Yokohama FC look forward to an impactful and successful partnership throughout the 2026/2027 season.
Hashtag: #PaymentOptions

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

About Payment Options K.K.

Payment Options K.K. is an international financial technology company providing secure, innovative payment solutions designed to support merchants of all sizes. With strong emphasis on risk management, compliance, operational reliability and customer experience, the company delivers trusted, regulated payment solutions aligned with the evolving digital payments landscape.

About Yokohama Football Club

Yokohama FC is a professional football club based in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. Established in 1998, the club joined the Japan Professional Football League in 2001. Its home stadium is NHK Spring Mitsuzawa Football Stadium. Yokohama FC aims for recognition as an essential presence within the local Yokohama community - a source of enjoyment, emotional support, pride, and city symbol. By closely connecting with the community and listening to local residents' voices, the club is committed to addressing regional challenges while delivering joy and inspiring people through sports. Under the "community-based engagement" philosophy, Yokohama FC strives to contribute to and promote local community development through sports.

From Marketing to Transactions: Fynix AI Shop Aims to Reshape Merchant Operations Across Southeast Asia

Fri, 29 May 2026 06:11:26 +0200

AI agents are integrating into the day-to-day operations of merchants across Southeast Asia.

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 29 May 2026 - Fushi Technology, a subsidiary of Yeahka (9923.HK), has launched Fynix AI Shop, an AI agent product that sets itself apart from conventional marketing tools and customer service platforms. Rather than serving as a standalone utility, the product is designed to take an active role across multiple stages of the merchant workflow - from product content generation and customer interaction to product recommendations, payment processing, and membership management.

Beyond automating product listings, Fynix AI Shop can generate personalized recommendations based on user behaviour and consolidate transaction data through its integrated payment and CRM systems, enabling more effective repeat-purchase conversion. In a word, the platform functions as an AI "claw", one that refines itself with every customer interaction.

Industry observers say the launch reflects a broader shift: AI is no longer merely a tool, but increasingly an operational actor embedded in the commercial process.

For much of the past several years, large language models have been deployed primarily in supporting roles - drafting copy, streamlining customer service, and processing data. Their value has been largely about efficiency. But as the concept of AI agents gains traction, the technology is developing the capacity to execute tasks directly, and is gradually finding its way into the core operational chains of businesses.

Southeast Asia is emerging as a key proving ground for this shift.

The region's small and medium-sized merchants have been digitalizing at a rapid pace in recent years. Point-of-sale systems, membership tools, social media marketing platforms, and digital payment services have all seen widespread adoption. Yet this progress has come with a catch: separate systems have led to fragmented operations.

Many merchants still manage inventory through Excel spreadsheets, communicate with customers via WhatsApp, and connect to separate payment gateways to complete transactions. Customer acquisition, marketing, payments, and membership management remain largely siloed, with operational efficiency heavily dependent on manual effort.

The prevailing view in the industry is that most Southeast Asian merchants have achieved "tool digitalization" - the adoption of individual digital instruments - without yet reaching what might be called "operational digitalization," where those tools work in concert to drive business outcomes.

Fynix AI Shop is squarely aimed at that gap.

Unlike traditional SaaS providers that address specific pain points in isolation, Fynix AI Shop positions itself as a unified operating hub. The core proposition is that AI can consolidate customer acquisition, marketing, transactions, and customer relationship management into a single system - reducing the cost and complexity of managing multiple platforms.

The broader momentum behind AI agents is hard to ignore. Salesforce has introduced Agentforce, while Sierra AI has attracted significant investor attention. Across the enterprise software sector, valuations of 30 to 60 times annual recurring revenue (ARR) have become common benchmarks for AI agent companies - a reflection of the market's conviction in the long-term commercial value of what some are calling "AI employees." The fundamental distinction from traditional software lies in AI agents' ability not just to support tasks, but to carry them out directly.

Where Fushi Technology diverges from its Western counterparts - which have largely focused on workplace productivity and collaboration - is in its emphasis on real transactional scenarios. The company is attempting to embed AI into the consumer journey and payment flow, creating a closed loop that runs from customer conversation through product recommendation to completed purchase.

That is, in part, what makes Southeast Asia an attractive opportunity. Digital maturity remains uneven across the region, with many small and medium-sized businesses operating in a state of partial digitalization. The market is also comparatively fragmented, with no single dominant platform infrastructure having emerged. Against that backdrop, demand for integrated operating systems is on the rise.

Payments, notably, are becoming a critical differentiator in the AI agent race.

As the underlying capabilities of large language models converge, competition in the sector is shifting away from model performance toward real-world transactional scenarios and data feedback loops. When an AI can not only execute marketing but also process payments, every customer interaction becomes a potential source of new data.

Some analysts argue that the future of AI agent competition will hinge less on model capability than on proximity to actual commercial transactions. If that assessment holds, Southeast Asia is shaping up to be one of the most important testing grounds for the industry.

Hashtag: #FushiTechnology

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

Bracell Highlights Removal of 6 Million Tons of CO₂ and Advances Climate Monitoring with Flux Towers

Fri, 29 May 2026 05:11:22 +0200

The company's results are part of the 2025 Sustainability Report, which consolidates progress in its environmental agenda grounded in science and investment in technology

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 29 May 2026 - Bracell, one of the world's leading producers of dissolving and specialty pulp, reported in its 2025 Sustainability Report that it removed 6 million tons of CO₂ from the atmosphere between 2020 and 2025 and expanded its climate monitoring capabilities through the installation of flux towers across planted forests and native vegetation areas. The progress reinforces the company's strategy of integrating nature-based solutions with scientific monitoring to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy.

This result is driven by the role of forests in the company's carbon balance. In 2025 alone, Bracell removed 3.4 million tCO₂e, with 1.8 million tons coming from planted forests and 1.6 million tons from preserved native areas. The cumulative total of 6 million tons marks important progress toward the company's goal of removing 25 million tons of CO₂ by 2030, set under the "Bracell 2030" commitment, and reflects the maturation of its forest assets as well as the potential for scale gains in the coming years.

As part of this scaling strategy, Bracell, a member of the RGE group of companies founded by Sukanto Tanoto, intensified investments in climate monitoring technologies. In 2025, the company began installing a new flux tower in a native vegetation area within the Lontra Private Natural Heritage Reserve (RPPN Lontra), in the state of Bahia, expanding the existing measurement network across its operations.

Flux Towers: What They Are and What They Are Used For

Flux towers enable high-frequency measurement of carbon and water vapor exchanges between vegetation and the atmosphere. Equipped with sensors that capture variables such as CO₂ concentration, temperature, humidity, and radiation, these systems generate data used to improve the understanding of ecosystem carbon balance and to support strategic decision-making in response to climate change.

"Accurate measurement of carbon fluxes is a strategic differentiator for Bracell. By combining science, technology, and responsible forest management, we are advancing climate value generation and the development of concrete solutions for decarbonisation. As we expand our forest base and deepen our use of data, we also increase our capacity to capture and generate positive climate impact consistently over time. Through the integration of technological innovation and natural assets, the company consolidates its role in the global climate agenda, positioning Brazil as a key player in the low-carbon bioeconomy," says Márcio Nappo, Vice President of Sustainability at Bracell.

"The company already uses advanced statistical models developed from field data collected in Bracell's areas and other regions of Brazil, which increases the accuracy of estimates of stored carbon and strengthens the credibility of emissions and removals inventories. This work is complemented by the use of flux towers, which allow for highly accurate, real-time measurement of carbon exchanges between vegetation and the atmosphere. As a result, we have evolved toward a technical methodology based on real forest data, enabling us to report our results more responsibly and improve forest planning. At the same time, we remain focused on short-term results without losing sight of a long-term strategic vision, continuously seeking improvement opportunities aligned with the business and the consistent generation of value," says Gabriela Matzner, Forest Management R&D Manager at Bracell.
Hashtag: #RGE #Bracell #Brazil #Sustainability #CO2 #Carbon #Climatemonitoring

https://www.bracell.com

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

About Bracell

Bracell is a global leader in the production of dissolving pulp and specialty cellulose with two main mill operations in Brazil in Bahia and São Paulo. In addition to its operations in Brazil, Bracell has a management office in Singapore and sales offices in Asia, Europe and the U.S.

Skills Become the New Currency: Salary Polarisation Deepens as AI and Semiconductor Talent Command Up to 30% Pay Increases in Taiwan

Fri, 29 May 2026 04:11:18 +0200

Robert Walters Taiwan's 15th anniversary report Reveals Structural Shift in the Local Talent Market

Taiwan's talent market has officially shifted from an employer-driven to a candidate-driven market, with critical skills increasingly replacing tenure and job titles as the core measure of talent value.
AI adoption and global supply chain restructuring are accelerating salary polarisation. Professionals in semiconductors and high-tech industries are seeing salary increases of 15-20% when changing jobs, while those with AI, HPC and cross-border supply chain expertise can command increases of up to 30%.
Career priorities are evolving beyond compensation. 54% of professionals cite learning and development opportunities as a key reason for staying with their current employer.
By 2030, Gen Z is expected to account for 30-33% of Taiwan's workforce, making flexibility, work-life balance and transparent workplace culture critical factors in talent attraction and retention.

TAIPEI, TAIWAN - Media OutReach Newswire - 29 May 2026 - Taiwan's talent market has gradually shifted from an employer-driven to a candidate-driven market through globalisation, digital transformation and pandemic-driven disruption. Meanwhile, the rapid advancement of technology and AI is not only accelerating demand for critical skills, but also reshaping industry structures and redefining the rules of talent competition.

Robert Walters, the world's most trusted talent solutions business, said in its latest 15th anniversary report, Taiwan's Talent Market: The New Rules of Competition, that "critical skills" are increasingly replacing tenure and job titles as the primary indicators of talent value and compensation. Particularly as Taiwan's semiconductor industry strengthens its strategic position within the global technology supply chain, professionals with in-demand capabilities are seeing salary growth significantly outpace the broader market, making salary polarisation an increasingly structural feature of Taiwan's labour market.

As competition for high-skilled talent intensifies, candidates are placing greater emphasis not only on compensation, but also on Career Value Proposition (CVP), including career development, workplace flexibility and management culture. The report also highlights the rise of a candidate-driven market, where professionals are becoming increasingly selective about what they expect from employers.

In today's market, growing uncertainty and increasing business complexity are shifting competition away from workforce scale towards the ability to secure critical capabilities and high-value talent. John Winter, Country Manager of Robert Walters Taiwan, noted: "Since entering the Taiwan market in 2011, we have seen talent strategy evolve into a core business strategy. Organisations that can identify critical capabilities early, integrate talent effectively and continuously strengthen organisational resilience will be best positioned for long-term success."

Global Supply Chain Restructuring Accelerates the Shift Towards a Skills-Based Talent Market and Salary Polarisation

Amid geopolitical uncertainty and ongoing global supply chain restructuring, organisations are increasingly reshaping their structures and global workforce strategies to strengthen resilience and competitiveness. As a result, hiring priorities are shifting away from narrow technical expertise towards cross-functional integration, strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities. At the same time, talent assessment is moving beyond tenure and job titles, with greater emphasis placed on practical capability, skill scarcity and immediate business impact.

Rapid AI adoption is further accelerating demand for critical skills, driving increasingly concentrated salary growth across the market.

In semiconductor and high-tech industries, professionals changing jobs may see salary increases of 15-20%, while talent with expertise in AI, High-Performance Computing (HPC), Edge Computing and cross-border supply chain management may achieve salary growth of up to 30% reinforcing the growing shift towards a labour market increasingly defined by "skills value". In contrast, salary growth among execution-focused roles has remained relatively moderate. According to Taiwan's Directorate-General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics (DGBAS), nearly 70% of employees in 2025 earned below the average salary level - the highest proportion on record - highlighting widening salary polarisation across the labour market.

Candidate-Driven Market Takes Shape:

Career Value Proposition Emerges Alongside Salary as a Key Driver of Employer Attractiveness

The rise of in-demand skills is accelerating Taiwan's shift towards a candidate-driven labour market, with professionals becoming increasingly selective about what they expect from employers. According to Robert Walters Taiwan's 15th Anniversary Report, candidates are moving beyond a compensation-led mindset and placing greater emphasis on Career Value Proposition (CVP), including career growth, workplace flexibility and management culture.

As AI adoption and industry transformation continue to reshape the workforce, professionals are placing greater importance on long-term career development and employability. Robert Walters Taiwan's research found that 54% of professionals view continuous learning and development opportunities as a key reason for staying with their current employer.

Expectations around workplace culture and working models are also evolving. The report shows that beyond salary and benefits (75%), professionals increasingly prioritise flexible working arrangements (36%) and an open, effective management culture (32%) when evaluating employers. Meanwhile, Taiwan's National Development Council projects that Gen Z will account for approximately 30-33% of the labour force by 2030. As the influence of this generation continues to grow, priorities such as work-life balance, workplace flexibility and transparent organisational culture are becoming defining factors in employer attractiveness.

Reflecting on the findings, John Winter noted: "The rise of a candidate-driven market reflects a broader shift in how professionals evaluate employers. Beyond compensation, talent is increasingly prioritising long-term growth, flexibility and organisational culture. Companies that can provide meaningful career development and adaptability will be better positioned to attract and retain top talent."

Five Strategies Reshaping Talent Competition:

Building Organisational Resilience Through Critical Capabilities and Skills Value

As geopolitical uncertainty, global supply chain restructuring and rapid AI adoption continue to reshape business environments, organisations are increasingly competing on critical capabilities and organisational resilience rather than scale alone. In this context, talent strategy is no longer a back-office HR function, but a core driver of transformation, competitiveness and long-term business sustainability.

Robert Walters Taiwan's report identifies five key strategies organisations should focus on to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving market:

1. Shift from workforce expansion to critical capability planning
Hiring success will increasingly depend on the ability to identify and secure high-value talent with in-demand, business-critical skills.

2. Build compensation strategies around skills value
As skills replace tenure as the key measure of talent value, organisations must redesign salary structures and talent evaluation frameworks to remain competitive.

3. Strengthen long-term learning and capability development
AI-driven transformation will require organisations to proactively build reskilling and upskilling cultures to reduce future capability gaps.

4. Redesign workplaces around flexibility and employee experience
Beyond compensation, organisations must strengthen career development, flexibility and workplace culture to attract and retain high-performing talent.

5. Elevate talent strategy to a core business priority
Future talent competition will increasingly shape organisational agility, transformation capability and long-term competitiveness.

Reflecting on the evolving talent landscape, John Winter said: "In the past, talent strategies were largely designed to address immediate hiring needs. Today, the nature of talent strategy has fundamentally changed. Organisations must shift from asking 'Who do we need now?' to 'What capabilities will we need in the future?' The businesses that can continuously build adaptable talent and resilient organisations will be the ones best positioned for long-term success."

-END-

About Taiwan's Talent Market: The New Rules of Competition

Published as Robert Walters Taiwan's 15th anniversary report, Taiwan's Talent Market: The New Rules of Competition explores how globalisation, digital transformation, the pandemic, AI adoption and geopolitical uncertainty have structurally reshaped Taiwan's labour market over the past 15 years.

The report combines Robert Walters Taiwan's long-term market observations, talent insights and findings from the Salary Survey 2026, covering key sectors including semiconductors, high technology, manufacturing, digital transformation and cross-border operations. It also examines the major workforce trends redefining talent competition, salary structures and employer attractiveness in Taiwan's evolving labour market.

To access the full report, please visit: https://reurl.cc/9W97bn

Hashtag: #RobertWalters

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About Robert Walters

Robert Walters is the world's most trusted talent solutions business. Across the globe, we deliver recruitment, recruitment process outsourcing and advisory services for businesses of all shapes and sizes, opening doors for people with diverse skills, ambitions, and backgrounds. We help organisations find the skills and solutions to reach their goals and assist talented professionals to power their unique potential.

The Taipei office specialises in placing candidates in the following specialities: accounting & finance, electronics & industrial, healthcare, human resources, IT & digital transformation, marketing, manufacturing, sales, semiconductors, software, supply chain, logistics & procurement.

Vietnam's Bridge to the Global Experience Economy

Fri, 29 May 2026 02:11:09 +0200

HANOI, VIETNAM - Media OutReach Newswire - 29 May 2026 - As traditional Asian markets such as Singapore and Thailand approach saturation, Vietnam is accelerating its rise as a new destination for the Experience Economy, with the integrated ecosystem of the Vietnam Exposition Center (VEC) emerging as a strategic bridge connecting Vietnam to the world.

Vietnam Exposition Center (VEC) will become the definitive hub for international exhibitions and world-class outdoor mega-events in Vietnam.

The rapid growth of the Experience Economy is reshaping competition across the global MICE industry, spanning meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions. Against this backdrop, Vietnam is increasingly positioning itself as a new regional hub. At the center of this shift is the Vietnam Exposition Center (VEC), whose record-breaking scale and all-in-one ecosystem are redefining event infrastructure standards while creating new opportunities to bring Vietnamese culture onto the global stage.

The Rise of the Experience Economy

No longer viewed simply as entertainment, the event industry has become a major economic growth driver, a trend increasingly reflected in Vietnam's market performance.

Speaking at the High-Level Conference connecting the Vietnam Exhibition, Event & Advertising Industry 2026 held at VEC on May 8, Jason Yan, Partner at M Square Capital, the investment fund behind the global EDM festival brand Ultra Worldwide, said Vietnam's live entertainment market has surpassed USD 50 million in revenue. More than 700 large-scale events are now held annually, generating over USD 1 billion in economic impact from international visitors.

In 2025 alone, Vietnam hosted more than 800 music events of varying scales, while music copyright revenues grew by 200%. According to Yan, these figures indicate that Vietnam is entering a period of accelerated growth within the Experience Economy.

The momentum extends beyond live entertainment. Dr. Cấn Văn Lực, Chief Economist at BIDV, noted that Vietnam's MICE market has reached approximately USD 6 billion, while the advertising industry has grown to USD 3.5 billion. With annual growth projected at around 12%, Vietnam is increasingly viewed as entering a "golden period" for experiential industries.

At the same time, the market itself is evolving. Consumers are no longer simply purchasing tickets to events, but seeking immersive and integrated experiences. Global brands, meanwhile, are looking beyond venues alone, prioritizing platforms capable of delivering meaningful "Return on Experience."

VEC's emerging role as a "strategic connector"

Capturing investment flows from the Experience Economy requires more than consumer demand alone. Large-scale infrastructure remains essential, and for many years, this was one of the limitations preventing Vietnam from hosting major international events. The emergence of VEC is increasingly changing that equation.

Located in Cổ Loa, Hanoi, VEC is a landmark development spanning 900,000 square meters, making it one of Southeast Asia's largest exposition complexes. At the heart of the venue is the Kim Quy Exhibition Hall, a 13-hectare centerpiece designed with flexible operational capabilities capable of accommodating exhibitions and events welcoming millions of visitors.

The complex is complemented by the VinPalace conference and banquet system, parking facilities for up to 10,000 vehicles integrated with VinFast charging stations, and transportation links providing rapid access to central Hanoi. Together, these elements create a seamless experience ecosystem aligned with international standards.

Vingroup's world-class organization and operational excellence have already been proven through legendary mega-events, most notably bringing G-Dragon's "Übermensch" World Tour to Vietnam under the 8Wonder brand. Leveraging this proven expertise, VEC is designed to seamlessly execute the next generation of large-scale activations. Looking ahead, this operational blueprint will further expand across the Vingroup ecosystem, notably with the upcoming VEC Can Gio project in Ho Chi Minh City, the Blue Wave Theater-a 60,000-capacity venue set to become the largest in Southeast Asia.

Perspective view of the Blue Wave Theater-Southeast Asia's largest theater, located within the Vietnam Exposition Center in Can Gio, Ho Chi Minh City (VEC Can Gio).

Building a nationwide all-in-one event ecosystem

Much of VEC's all-in-one capability is tied directly to its integration within the broader Vingroup ecosystem. Events hosted at VEC can simultaneously leverage platforms including Vincom, Vinpearl, VinWonders, Vinhomes, and the green mobility network Green SM, which now operates across 34 provinces and four countries.

As a result, VEC is evolving beyond a standalone venue into a broader platform connecting commerce, tourism, entertainment, and culture within a unified experience ecosystem.

The broader infrastructure ecosystem also includes the 135,000-seat Hùng Vương Stadium and the 60,000-seat PVF Stadium, equipped with a retractable roof system capable of opening or closing within minutes.

While many traditional Asian venues, including Singapore National Stadium and Thailand's Rajamangala Stadium, are increasingly facing constraints related to capacity and aging infrastructure, Vingroup's next-generation venue network is positioning Vietnam as a more competitive player in the regional event market.

The growing presence of global MICE leaders in Vietnam is increasingly viewed as a reflection of both the market's potential and VEC's operational readiness.

Jason Yan described Vietnam as "a convergence point of limitless energy for the future of cultural industries,"emphasizing that realizing such potential requires operators capable of managing venues at massive scale. According to him, the ecosystem developed by Vingroup and VEC provides the operational confidence needed for Ultra Worldwide to expand major festival productions into Vietnam.

Geoff Dickinson, CEO of dmg events, shared a similar perspective, noting that decisions by global corporations and political leaders to choose a destination "are never accidental," but rather the result of "deliberate" long-term strategies.

According to Dickinson, the emergence of VEC, combined with Vietnam's broader development vision, is creating what he described as a "perfect storm" for international businesses seeking long-term opportunities in the market.

From that viewpoint, the launch ceremony for Vietnam's Exhibition, Event and Advertising Ecosystem at VEC on May 8 marked more than a new partnership milestone between VEC and international partners. It also signaled a broader new phase for Vietnam's cultural industries.

Supported by large-scale infrastructure, growing operational capabilities, and Vingroup's integrated ecosystem, VEC is increasingly positioning itself as a strategic platform connecting Vietnam with the global Experience Economy while advancing its vision of "Bring Vietnam to the world and bring the world to Vietnam."

Hashtag: #VEC

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

About the Vietnam Exposition Center (VEC)

The Vietnam Exposition Center (VEC) is Southeast Asia's largest exhibition complex, covering more than 90 hectares. As a destination for major national and international events, VEC pursues the mission of "Bring Vietnam to the world and bring the world to Vietnam," serving as a gateway where global excellence converges and Vietnamese identity reaches audiences worldwide, while contributing to the growth of key economic sectors and strengthening Vietnam's position on the global stage.

Website: https://vec.global/en
Email: inquiry@vec.global

Ljubljana Zoo welcomes female Nubian giraffe, first after two decades

Thu, 28 May 2026 18:06:31 +0200

Ljubljana Zoo has welcomed a major new addition. It is now home to a female Nubian giraffe, a representative of the world's tallest living terrestrial animal.

The new inhabitant marks the first time in 23 years that the zoo accommodates a female Nubian giraffe.

Named Pietruška (Pietruszka), the giraffe arrived in Ljubljana on 22 May after a 17-hour journey from Warsaw Zoo, her first home.

Her name means "parsley" in Polish, but ironically Pietruška does not enjoy this herb. Giraffes are known to be partial to distinct, punchy flavours though. Stinging nettles, for example, are considered a tasty treat among these animals.

Pietruška, who will turn two on 7 July, is adapting well to her new environment, Ljubljana Zoo said. One of her favourite Warsaw zookeepers kept her company on her long journey from Poland, and he shared all the necessary information with Ljubljana Zoo staff to help her thrive in her new home.

She has met her neighbour, a male giraffe called Rastko who is happy to have made a new acquaintance.

Nubian giraffes are a subspecies of the northern giraffe, recognisable by their "white socks". Pietruška is 3.5 metres tall and weighs 330 kilogrammes. Still growing, she likes to eat a lot of leaves. Character-wise, she is easy-going and curious about life.

Ljubljana Zoo visitors may already admire the new giraffe, but zookeepers ask them not to knock on the glass barrier in the giraffe house or do anything else that could disturb Pietruška.

"Pietruška's arrival marks a special moment for Ljubljana Zoo and an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of conserving giraffes in the wild," the zoo said. There are concerted efforts to save Nubian giraffes, whose population has been reduced due to habitat loss, human expansion and poaching.

Another recent new addition to Ljubljana Zoo was a baby chimpanzee born in January and named Togo.

Ljubljana-Tel Aviv airline service remains active amid permit delay

Thu, 28 May 2026 14:31:41 +0200

Direct flights between Ljubljana and Tel Aviv are scheduled regularly from late May to late October despite an Israir permit delay, as Croatian carrier Trade Air has stepped in on behalf of the Israeli airline. Slovenian pro-Palestinian activists call on the authorities to revoke the permit.

There has been speculation that the Infrastructure Ministry, led by outgoing minister Alenka Bratušek, has already revoked Israir's permit to provide the service, but speaking to the news portal Info 360, the ministry has denied that.

Instead, the procedure to renew the permit, which was first issued in 2003, appears to have been delayed, with the ministry saying that a decision on the application - which was usually approved in spring or late winter in recent years - is still pending.

The ministry confirmed to the Slovenian Press Agency (STA) that Israir's previous permit was valid from 26 February to 25 October last year.

Security protocols reportedly under review

The development is reportedly linked to an ongoing review of security protocols involving Israeli security personnel. The ministry said it had requested detailed information from Israir to ensure that all security measures and operational procedures fully comply with Slovenian national regulations and recent government decisions.

These include a government decision from July last year banning the export and transit of military weapons and equipment from or through Slovenia to Israel, as well as their import from Israel.

Furthermore, in September last year, the now outgoing government revoked a 2003 decree that had permitted Israeli security officers to carry handguns and ammunition at Ljubljana's international airport during the operation of Israeli-registered airlines.

The revocation followed pressure from a coalition of more than 20 NGOs and the Left, at the time a junior coalition party, over the situation in Gaza.

At the time of the revocation, the police clarified that existing rules only permitted the armed guards on board the aircraft, not within the airport terminal itself, and that the guards held no official police powers on Slovenian territory.

Israir hires Trade Air

The service remains active amid the delay. A flight from Tel Aviv to Ljubljana and the return one were operated by Trade Air on 26 May, and further flights are scheduled up to three times a week, the Ljubljana airport operator Fraport Slovenija has told the STA.

Also speaking to the STA, Trade Air CEO Marko Cvijin said that the company had been hired by Israir last week. Trade Air will operate a few more flights between Ljubljana and Tel Aviv until the Israeli carrier obtains the necessary permits from Slovenian authorities. Cvijin added that as an EU-based carrier, Trade Air "did not need to obtain any prior permission from the Slovenian state".

Tickets for the Ljubljana-Tel Aviv flights remain available for purchase on Israir's website, which lists the Israeli airline as the transport organiser, Info 360 reported.

Meanwhile, the Movement for the Rights of Palestinians, a Slovenian civil initiative, has issued a press release calling for the "immediate revocation" of Israir's permit. The organisation cited recommendations by the International Court of Justice and Slovenia's obligations under international law, including the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.

Hong Kong rises to world No.1 cross-boundary wealth hub

Thu, 28 May 2026 14:10:22 +0200

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 28 May 2026 - Hong Kong has overtaken Switzerland as the world's top cross-boundary wealth management centre, according to the latest Global Wealth Report 2026 published by the Boston Consulting Group (May 27).

Hong Kong has emerged as the world's largest cross-boundary wealth management centre

Hong Kong's cross-boundary wealth rose 10.7% in 2025 to US$2.9 trillion, driven by Chinese Mainland flows and a vigorous stock market that delivered significant IPO (initial public offering) activity and strong gains in benchmark-heavy internet platforms, according to the report. It also projected that, from 2025 to 2030 the cross-boundary wealth managed by Hong Kong will grow by 9% on average annually and maintain first place globally, fully affirming Hong Kong's position as a world-leading cross-boundary wealth management centre.

Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSARG), highlighted that China's National 15th Five-Year Plan clearly supports Hong Kong in strengthening its functions as an international asset and wealth management centre, which is also a key component of Hong Kong's 'Finance +' development strategy.

"Over the past few years, the Government has worked closely with the financial sector to continuously improve the financial infrastructure and ecosystem, expand the range of investment products and risk management tools, and deepen the connectivity with capital markets around the world.

"Leveraging the advantages of 'one country, two systems', complemented by free, open, transparent, and predictable economic policies as well as a stable and secure investment environment, and cross-market connectivity, Hong Kong is attracting more and more ultra-high-net-worth individuals and family offices to establish a presence and invest in the city," Mr Chan said.

Christopher Hui, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury of the HKSARG, noted that the Government had issued the Policy Statement on Developing Family Office Businesses in Hong Kong in March 2023 and has since implemented various measures to encourage family offices to operate in Hong Kong. Such initiatives, he said, include providing profits tax concession to family-owned investment holding vehicles managed by eligible single family offices and introducing the New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme.

"The Government will introduce legislative proposals into the Legislative Council next month (June 2026) to further enhance the preferential tax regimes for funds, single family offices and carried interest, so as to further enhance the competitiveness of the tax regimes, and attract more funds and family offices to set up and operate in Hong Kong," Mr Hui said.

According to a study commissioned by Invest Hong Kong and published in February 2026, there were over 3,380 single family offices operating in Hong Kong as of end-2025, representing an increase of more than 25%, over the past two years.

Hashtag: #HongKong #BrandHongKong #Global #Wealth #Management #Top

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Global Filmmakers Are Leveraging Kling AI to Push the Boundaries of Storytelling, Cannes Panel Presents

Thu, 28 May 2026 13:10:17 +0200

CANNES, FRANCE - Media OutReach Newswire - 28 May 2026 - A shift is underway in the global film industry as creators across the globe embrace Kling AI to produce cinematic-level visuals and push the boundaries of storytelling.

Native 4K Generation for Cinematic-Level Output

"For House of David, we did it for a third of what the studios told us we needed," said Jon Erwin, the writer and producer of House of David, founder and Chief Creative Officer of Wonder Project.

For House of David, Kling AI has served as its core foundation model and benchmark tool. Across both season one and two, Kling AI has generated the vast majority of its production shots, leading the share of its AI workflows for the show. While Season One of House of David incorporated 72 shots invovling the use of AI, its second season used more than four times as many AI shots compared to the first season.

Emotional Expressiveness for Feature Film

Raphael, South Korea's first full-length feature created entirely using generative AI, is a large-scale production being developed by Mateo AI Studio. Currently in production with the goal of a theatrical release in 2026, this project is leveraging Kling AI's powerful video model throughout the production process to maximize distinctive visual effects and deliver a differentiated cinematic experience.

Realism and Visual Quality for Theatrical Screens

Born of the Tide, the first AI-generated cinematic epic exploring China's Tanka community, often referred to as "sea nomads" for their long-standing floating way of life, leverages Kling AI's 4K capabilities to present its sweeping, high-stakes spectacles, such as massive dragon boat races, explosive fish market bombings, and sprawling mountain battles.

"Kling AI faithfully preserves the director's intended color tones without losing stylistic consistency during the video generation process. The platform also delivers rare realism in rendering waves, torrential rain, and the intricate, glistening reflections of firelight across wet wooden ship planks-textures that stand out as unmatched among AI models," said Wei Li, director of Born of the Tide and Executive Director for Big Fish & Begonia.

Kling AI is one of the world's leading AI creative platforms, focused on next-generation tools for visual storytelling, cinematic workflows and creative production innovation. Since its launch, It has empowered over 60 million creators worldwide.
Hashtag: #KlingAI

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Johnson Electric reports results for the year ended 31 March 2026

Thu, 28 May 2026 12:50:15 +0200

Highlights of FY25/26 Results

Group sales US$3,650 million - up 0.1% compared to the prior year; a decrease of 2% on a constant currency basis
Gross profit US$840 million or 23.0% of sales (compared to US$843 million or 23.1% of sales in the prior year)
Adjusted EBITA US$287 million or 7.9% of sales (compared to US$344 million or 9.4% of sales in the prior year)
Net profit attributable to shareholders totalled US$202 million - a decrease of 23% compared to the prior year
Net profit, excluding non-cash unrealized currency movements, restructuring costs, impairment of certain intangible assets, and adverse fair value movements in investments, declined by 13% to US$234 million
Free cash flow from operations totalled US$217 million compared to US$286 million in the prior year
A recommended final dividend of 44 HK cents per share (5.64 US cents)
As of 31 March 2026, cash reserves amounted to US$902 million (compared to US$791 million at the prior year end); and the ratio of total debt to capital was 10%

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 28 May 2026 - Johnson Electric Holdings Limited ("Johnson Electric"), a global leader in electric motors and motion subsystems, today announced its results for the twelve months ended 31 March 2026.

Group sales for the 2025/26 financial year were US$3,650 million, an increase of 0.1% compared to the prior year. Net profit attributable to shareholders decreased by 23% to US$202 million or 21.59 US cents per share on a fully diluted basis. Adjusted net profit, excluding the effects of non-cash foreign exchange rate movements, the impairment of intangible assets, restructuring charges, and adverse fair value movements in investments, declined by 13% to US$234 million.

Sales Performance

The Automotive Products Group ("APG") achieved sales of US$3,054 million, which amounted to 84% of total Group sales. Excluding currency effects, APG's sales decreased by 3%.

Global automotive industry production volumes increased slightly over the prior year, but growth remains lacklustre in most markets due to affordability concerns and the challenges faced by OEMs and suppliers in adjusting to geopolitical uncertainty, tariff pressures, and the shifting economics of battery electric vehicles that continue to be shaped by the level of government subsidies available to consumers.

APG's sales are divided broadly equally across the three major geographic regions of demand, but performance over the past year reflected distinct variations in local market conditions, as well as APG's own mix of OEM customers and the timing of new program launches.

In Asia, the division's sales declined by 7% on a constant currency basis primarily due to the ongoing erosion in market share held by Sino-foreign joint venture OEM customers in China. APG has continued to win significant new business awards from Chinese domestic OEMs and their suppliers, which now account for the majority of its sales in China. However, the division's historically large share among joint venture customers has acted as a drag on its recent sales performance that is taking time to reverse. The domestic passenger vehicle market in China itself experienced a sharp slowdown in sales in the first quarter of 2026 due to the phasing out of trade-in subsidies designed to encourage the purchase of electric vehicles.

APG's sales to the Americas increased by 1% on a constant currency basis in a market that saw total light vehicle production volumes broadly flat. The predominant factor constraining new car sales in North America is cost of living concerns, with many low to middle income car buyers struggling to afford new vehicles that, on average, have increased in price by over 30% since 2020.

In Europe, APG's sales decreased by 2% on a constant currency basis. The European auto market continues to experience sluggish consumer demand at the same time that OEMs are hampered by excess production capacity and the impact of shifting emissions regulations on their product model line-ups.

APG's strategy in the context of the varied and unpredictable operating environment for component suppliers is, firstly, to focus on bringing to market innovative motion technologies that enable electrification, reduce emissions, and enhance passenger safety and comfort. Secondly, APG aims to offer its diverse base of customers an unrivalled total cost and value proposition that combines speed, scale, and reliability of production with an adaptable global operating footprint.

The Industry Products Group ("IPG") achieved sales of US$596 million - an increase of 2% compared to the prior year on a constant currency basis. After three successive years of declining sales, this marks an important return to growth for the division. In more commoditized product application segments, new business development has been redirected towards the rapidly growing base of Chinese manufacturers who are capturing an increasing share of the global market for consumer and commercial hardware goods - particularly for low-priced, entry-level products. In parallel, IPG is focused on supplying motion subsystem solutions to more specialized, higher-growth segments, including humanoid robotics, warehouse automation, medical devices, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, and liquid cooling applications.

Gross Margins and Operating Profitability

The Group's gross profit of US$840 million, or 23.0% of sales, was essentially flat compared to the prior financial year. Slight increases in production staff costs, depreciation, and raw materials were offset by savings in other production overheads and direct labour.

Reported earnings before interest, tax and amortization ("EBITA") amounted to US$258 million, a decrease of 22% compared to US$331 million achieved in the prior year. The decline was due to a combination of factors, including higher selling and administrative staff costs and other provisions, an impairment of intangible assets arising from a past acquisition, and reduced other income due to an adverse net change in the fair value of certain investments.

Net Profit and Financial Condition

Net profit attributable to shareholders decreased by 23% to US$202 million or 21.59 US cents per share on a fully diluted basis. Adjusted net profit, excluding the effects of non-cash foreign exchange rate movements, the impairment of intangible assets, restructuring charges, and adverse fair value movements in investments, amounted to US$234 million compared to US$268 million in the prior year.

The Group's overall financial condition remains robust with a total debt to capital ratio of 10%, an interest coverage ratio of 22 times, and year-end cash reserves of US$902 million.

Dividends

The Board considers it appropriate to recommend maintaining the final dividend of 44 HK cents (5.64 US cents) per share, which together with the interim dividend of 17 HK cents per share, represents a total dividend of 61 HK cents (7.82 US cents) per share.

Chairman's Comments on the Annual Results and Outlook

Commenting on the annual results for the financial year 2025/26, Dr. Patrick Wang, Chairman and Chief Executive, said, "Operating conditions for global manufacturing businesses during the financial year 2025/26 remained challenging, with end-market demand in most regions subdued and geopolitical events and uncertainties placing upward pressure on input costs."

Dr. Patrick Wang further commented: "In the face of these headwinds, Johnson Electric maintained its long-standing resilience with sales and gross profit margins both holding up comparatively well. The bottom-line result, however, was negatively impacted by the effects of higher overhead expenses on a flat sales base, adverse net changes in the fair value of investments, and a non-cash intangible assets impairment charge."

Concerning the near-term financial outlook, Dr. Patrick Wang said: "The global economy demonstrated resilience over the past year, despite the protracted conflict between Russia and Ukraine and the geopolitical shock of tariffs being imposed on US imports of goods from almost all countries. Looking ahead, the unstable and unpredictable conditions for trade and global manufacturing have been made even more precarious by the outbreak of war in the Middle East."

"Johnson Electric has a long-standing track record in successfully navigating volatile global markets. In the near term, with geopolitical and macro-economic dynamics impossible to forecast with precision, management remains focused on cost control, managing the effects of inflation, and maintaining a prudent financial risk profile."

"In parallel, however, we are also committed to invest in adapting and scaling our business model to meet strong underlying demand for our motion subsystem solutions in several high-growth end-markets and new product applications. Included among these are: thermal management systems for electric and hybrid vehicles that depend on a combination of water pumps, valves and actuators to support optimal vehicle cabin temperature, extend electric vehicle driving range, and contribute to longer battery life; solid oxide fuel cell power generation systems that are becoming established as an important source of low-emission, on-site electricity supply to AI data centres; and AI-enabled humanoid robots, which are widely viewed as one of the most significant industrial and commercial opportunities over the next ten to twenty years."

Forward Looking Statements

This news release contains certain forward looking statements with respect to the financial condition, results of operations and business of Johnson Electric and certain plans and objectives of the management of Johnson Electric.

Words such as "outlook", "expects", "anticipates", "intends", "plans", "believe", "estimates", "projects", variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward looking statements. Such forward looking statements involve known and unknown risk, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results or performance of Johnson Electric to be materially different from any future results or performance expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. Such forward looking statements are based on numerous assumptions regarding Johnson Electric's present and future business strategies and the political and economic environment in which Johnson Electric will operate in the future.

Note to Editors and Securities Analysts: The full text of the Annual Results announcement, includingfinancial statements, is available through the Investors section of company's website at www.johnsonelectric.com
Hashtag: #JohnsonElectric

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

About Johnson Electric Group

At Johnson Electric, our vision is to be the world's definitive provider of innovation and reliable motion systems.

We are a global leader in electric motors, actuators, motion subsystems and related electro-mechanical components, serving a broad range of industries including Automotive, Liquid Cooling, Robotic Joints, Smart Metering, Business Equipment, Ventilation, Home Automation, Large Appliances, Power Tools, Medical Devices and Lawn & Garden Equipment. The Group is headquartered in Hong Kong and employes over 30,000 individuals in more than 20 countries worldwide. We are listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited ( Stock no. 179). For further information, please visit: www.johnsonelectric.com.

Vietnam: The New Destination for Billion-Dollar Events

Thu, 28 May 2026 11:50:11 +0200

The convergence of progressive policies and large-scale infrastructure developed by Vingroup is positioning Vietnam as a rising hub for the global events and experience economy.

HANOI, VIETNAM - Media OutReach Newswire - 28 May 2026 - Across the Asia-Pacific region, the experience economy is undergoing a major shift. In many established destinations, rising venue and accommodation costs are forcing 73% of event organizers to tighten budgets, according to Mordor Intelligence. At the same time, political uncertainties in several markets are prompting international investors to take a more cautious approach toward long-term commitments.

Vietnam Exposition Center (VEC) will be the destination for international exhibitions and world-class outdoor events in Vietnam.

Against this backdrop, Vietnam is increasingly drawing attention as a new destination for global exhibitions, live entertainment, and large-scale experiential events. Political stability, sustained economic growth, a young population with rising spending power, and coordinated efforts from both the government and the private sector are contributing to the country's growing appeal.

This is "a golden opportunity" for Vietnam's cultural industries, said Dr. Cấn Văn Lực, Chief Economist at BIDV, during the 2026 Exhibition, Event and Advertising Summit held at the Vietnam Exposition Center (VEC) on May 8.

According to Dr. Lực, Vietnam has maintained an average annual growth rate of 6.4% over four decades of the Doi Moi economic reform without experiencing a major economic crisis. Per capita income has now surpassed USD 5,000 and is projected to reach USD 8,500 by 2030, fueling demand for entertainment, sports, and live events.

Vietnam's growing profile is also reflected in its position among the world's Top 20 trading economies, Top 15 destinations for foreign direct investment, and its 29-place rise in the Index of Economic Freedom. These macroeconomic advantages are increasingly translating into tangible momentum for the country's event industry.

Vietnam's MICE sector is currently valued at approximately USD 6 billion, while the advertising market has reached USD 3.5 billion. The live entertainment industry alone has generated more than USD 50 million in revenue, supported by over 700 large-scale events annually and more than USD 1 billion in economic spillover from international visitors, according to data presented at the summit.

Much of this momentum is being driven by parallel advances in policy reform and infrastructure development.

Policy Reforms Open New Opportunities

As Vietnam enters a new phase of development, culture is increasingly being positioned as a strategic growth driver.

"Culture is not only the spiritual foundation of society, but is increasingly becoming an intrinsic resource, a development driver, and a source of national soft power," Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Lâm Thị Phương Thanh said at the summit.

Earlier this year, the Politburo issued Resolution No. 80 on the development of Vietnamese culture, setting targets for cultural industries to contribute 7% of GDP by 2030 and 9% by 2045. The National Assembly also passed Resolution No. 28/2026/QH16, widely viewed as a significant step toward easing restrictions in the cultural, exhibition, and performance sectors by reducing barriers related to taxation, land access, and administrative procedures.

Key measures include a commitment to allocate at least 2% of the annual state budget to culture, establish a cultural venture investment fund, reduce VAT to 5%, and introduce tax incentives for exhibitions, performances, and sports-related activities. Policies encouraging the development of creative complexes with dedicated land and infrastructure incentives are also expected to accelerate industry growth.

If policy reforms are laying the groundwork, infrastructure is becoming the decisive factor in Vietnam's ability to compete for international mega-events.

"You cannot attract ministers, government representatives, or the world's 5,000 largest corporations by chance. They come because of deliberate planning and infrastructure development," said Geoff Dickinson, CEO of dmg events, one of the world's leading energy event organizers.

Infrastructure Scales Up

The rapid development of Vietnam's event industry is increasingly being shaped by major private-sector investments.

Among the most prominent projects is the Vietnam Exposition Center (VEC) in Hanoi, developed by Vingroup. Covering 900,000 square meters, VEC has been positioned as one of Southeast Asia's largest all-in-one exposition and event complexes.

Vingroup's world-class organization and operational excellence have already been proven through legendary mega-events, most notably bringing G-Dragon's "Übermensch" World Tour to Vietnam under the 8Wonder brand. Leveraging this proven expertise, VEC is designed to seamlessly execute the next generation of large-scale activations. Looking ahead, this operational blueprint will further expand across the Vingroup ecosystem, notably with the upcoming VEC Can Gio project in Ho Chi Minh City, the Blue Wave Theater-a 60,000-capacity venue set to become the largest in Southeast Asia.

Perspective view of the Blue Wave Theater-Southeast Asia's largest theater, located within the Vietnam Exposition Center in Can Gio, Ho Chi Minh City (VEC Can Gio).

Jason Yan, Partner at M Square Capital, the investment fund behind the Ultra Worldwide EDM festival franchise, said VEC's physical infrastructure and operational model meet the requirements for hosting global-scale productions.

"We are no longer only looking at festival organization. Success in this industry also depends on artist management and venue operations. Vingroup has clearly invested in building those capabilities," he said.

Further ahead, the group is investing in mega-projects designed to elevate Vietnam's position in the global event infrastructure landscape. These include the planned Hùng Vương Stadium, expected to open in 2028 with a capacity of 135,000 seats and designed to meet FIFA and international entertainment standards.

Another project, the 60,000-seat PVF Stadium, will feature a PTFE retractable roof capable of opening and closing within 12 to 20 minutes, addressing weather-related challenges for outdoor concerts and sporting events.

Beyond venue development, Vingroup has also assembled a broader ecosystem supporting the event industry.

Green SM operates more than 186,000 electric taxis and motorbikes across 34 provinces and four countries, helping support transportation and logistics for large-scale events and international delegations.

Vinpearl provides more than 16,100 hotel rooms and villas across major tourism and economic centers, alongside golf courses and VinWonders entertainment complexes, contributing integrated hospitality capacity for large events.

The ecosystem is further complemented by V-Spirit, an international event organizer; V-Culture Talent, a talent development organization; and VinPalace, a network of convention and culinary centers.

Together, policy reforms, private capital, and large-scale infrastructure investments are creating conditions that could significantly reshape Vietnam's role in the global events industry.

"We believe this is Vietnam's moment," Dickinson said. "The combination of national ambition and world-class infrastructure has the potential to transform the country into a major destination for global events."

Hashtag: #VEC

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

About the Vietnam Exposition Center (VEC)

Exploring New Paradigms for AI-Empowered Finance, "Phoenix Financial Forum for the Greater Bay Area Financial Summit" Held in Shenzhen

Thu, 28 May 2026 11:50:10 +0200

SHENZHEN, CHINA - Media OutReach Newswire - 28 May 2026 - The 20th Shenzhen International Financial Expo, themed "AI ERA: SYNERGISTIC DEVELOPMENT OF MANUFACTURING AND SERVICE INDUSTRIES," is being held from May 27 to 29, 2026, at the Futian Convention and Exhibition Center in Shenzhen. During the expo, the Phoenix Financial Forum for the Greater Bay Area Financial Summit was successfully convened on May 27.

Hosted by Phoenix TV and co-organized by Phoenix New Media and Phoenix Show, the summit was rooted in Shenzhen's role as a core hub of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and a center of financial innovation. Government officials, business leaders, and financial experts gathered to assess evolving global dynamics and explore new opportunities for development.

Group Photo of Distinguished Guests

At the opening ceremony, keynote speeches and panel discussions focused on hot topics including the deep integration of finance with technology, industry, and cross-border collaboration.

Luo Huanghao, Member of the Party Leadership Group and Vice Mayor of the Shenzhen Municipal Government, stated in his opening remarks that Shenzhen's financial sector should capitalize on its strengths in technological innovation, industrial development, and Shenzhen-Hong Kong connectivity, while adhering to the development logic of deep integration between industry and finance. He emphasized that finance must fundamentally serve the real economy by strengthening industrial foundations, enhancing financial capacity, expanding opening-up, safeguarding financial security, and promoting the mutual advancement of finance and the real economy, thereby accelerating the development of Shenzhen into a globally influential industrial finance center.

Xu Wei, Chairman and CEO of Phoenix TV, noted in his speech that holding the forum alongside the Financial Expo represented not only platform innovation but also a resonance of values, demonstrating Phoenix TV's comprehensive upgrade in serving the Greater Bay Area's international communication capabilities. "The collaboration between the forum and the Financial Expo vividly reflects the Greater Bay Area's momentum toward integrated cooperation," Xu said. "It also shows that the vitality of the Greater Bay Area lies not only in geographic proximity and industrial connectivity, but also in the mutual empowerment and coordinated integration of technology, talent, information, and rules."

Christopher Hui, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury of the HKSAR Government, pointed out in his speech that the deep integration of Hong Kong's international financial capabilities with Shenzhen's technological innovation has already enabled 160 Shenzhen enterprises, including Tencent and BYD, to list in Hong Kong. "This deep integration of 'finance + technology' has not only promoted the high-quality development of the financial industries in Hong Kong and Shenzhen, but also helped the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area become one of the world's most dynamic fintech hubs," he said.

Zhang Weizhong, Chairman of Shanghai Pudong Development Bank, remarked that technology is redefining the value logic of capital, while capital is reshaping the growth path of technology. He stressed that financial innovation is playing an increasingly important role and that China must absorb the core principles of global "innovation collaboration" while building a development system suited to local industries and national conditions.

During the keynote speech session, Wang Suwang, Chairman of SDIC Securities Co., Ltd.; Zheng Jun, CTO of Financial Account Dept, Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.; Jia Jiaya, Chair Professor and Director of Von Neumann Institute, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Founder and Chairman, SmartMore Corporation Limited; and Ginger Cheng, Chief Executive Officer, DBS Bank (China) Limited, shared forward-looking insights and practical experiences on topics such as digital finance development, industrial digital transformation, intelligent technology deployment, and innovation in foreign-funded financial services.

Wang Suwang stated that securities firms should serve as important discoverers of value growth by evaluating technology enterprises from a full life-cycle perspective and recognizing their long-term value through asset securitization.

Using Huawei's proprietary computing ecosystem as an example, Zheng Jun introduced the large-scale application prospects of AI agents in the financial sector. He noted that AI has moved beyond experimental innovation and entered a stage of "returning to business fundamentals," where scalable deployment and real value creation are becoming possible.

Jia Jiaya outlined a vision in which the integration of artificial intelligence and robotics will drive the transformation and upgrading of manufacturing industries. He predicted that industrial intelligent agents would bring dramatic changes to the industrial sector over the next five to ten years.

Ginger Cheng emphasized that cross-border finance has become an unavoidable challenge for enterprises pursuing globalization, adding that foreign banks possess unique network advantages in supporting Chinese companies' overseas expansion.

The afternoon roundtable discussions centered on three core themes in finance, bringing together leading experts for in-depth dialogue and exchanges of ideas.

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape the boundaries of financial services and value creation, the roundtable titled "AI Empowering Technology Finance - New Scenarios, New Paradigms" featured a keynote speech by Liu Xiaochun, Vice President, Shanghai Advanced Institute for Financial Research. He analyzed the compliance boundaries and transformation pathways for AI implementation in finance, stressing that financial innovation must always preserve the essential nature of finance rather than focusing solely on technology.

During the "Industrial Chain Finance: Breaking Boundaries Through Innovation and Capital Empowerment" roundtable, Sean Randolph, Senior Director of the Bay Area Council Economic Institute in San Francisco, shared mature experiences from internationally advanced bay areas via video speech. He observed that AI is rapidly being adopted across global financial institutions and predicted that AI literacy and capabilities will become fundamental factors influencing recruitment, employment, and corporate competitiveness in the future.

As a pioneer in cross-border financial innovation, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area continues to achieve breakthroughs in areas such as cross-border payments, wealth management, investment and financing connectivity, and offshore finance.

At the "Cross-Border Finance: From the Greater Bay Area to the World" roundtable, Larry Li, Founder and Managing Partner of Amino Capital, shared his views on investment logic and entrepreneurial opportunities in the AI era. He argued that entrepreneurs can seize opportunities in traditional industries that have yet to adopt digital technologies and transform them into platform-based businesses.

Renowned economist Hong Hao called for a rational perspective on market bubbles. He remarked that financial markets have always relied on bubbles to create life-changing opportunities, and that social progress itself is often driven by humanity's aspirations and imagination.

At the conclusion of the summit, Victor Gao, Deputy Director of the Center for China and Globalization (CCG), and noted economist Fu Peng delivered a closing dialogue, offering in-depth analysis of new global economic trends and key issues in capital markets.

Hashtag: #PhoenixTV

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

CUHK Faculty of Social Science - University Sustainability Index Launch

Thu, 28 May 2026 11:30:08 +0200

Strong Performance by Asian Institutions, 3 HK Universities Ranked Among Global Top 20; Global Universities Still Have Room to Improve in Implementing Social Responsibility

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 28 May 2026 - As sustainability issues continued to attract widespread attention, society has come to expect more of universities in fulfilling their social responsibilities. "Institutional social responsibilities and sustainability" has been listed as one of the key performance indicators in the University Grants Committee (UGC) University Accountability Agreement, reflecting the importance placed on the role of higher education institutions in advancing sustainable development. Committed to advancing university sustainability, the Faculty of Social Science at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), led by the Faculty and undertaken jointly by the Public Policy Research Centre (PPRC) and the Centre for Business Sustainability (CBS), released Hong Kong's first systematic global University Sustainability Index (USI). The research was led by Prof. Carlos Wing Hung LO, Director of the Public Policy Research Centre at CUHK, and conducted a holistic assessment of the social responsibility and sustainability performance of 151 universities worldwide, with the aim of driving continuous improvement in university social responsibility (USR) performance.

While Europe and the Americas pioneered the promotion of USR, Asian tertiary institutions stood out notably in this assessment, nearly half of the universities ranked in the "Global Top 20" were from Asia, including 3 from Hong Kong. Overall, global universities recorded relatively weaker scores in the "Practice" and "Impact" dimensions, reflecting that the implementation of social responsibility among universities was still in a developing stage.

Driving Universities From Theory to Practice, Quantifying Social Responsibility in University Sustainability

USI aimed to encourage higher education institutions to adopt USR as a core management model of sustainable development. Through establishing benchmarks for regional and international references, supporting institutions in seeking continuous improvement on their practices, encouraging the transparency of relevant information, and tracking and recognizing institutions with excellent sustainability performance. The USI aspired to transform theory into practice, break the ivory tower image of academia, and build a bridge between universities and society.

Prof. LO stated, "The value of this research lies in breaking the perception that academia is disconnected from the real world, building a bridge between universities and society, and translating abstract academic theories into concrete social practices. Through the assessment model we have developed, we quantify and explicitly define universities' substantive contributions to sustainable social development beyond pure academic research, allowing higher education institutions to better understand how to take concrete action toward social change, while also providing policymakers with objective data reference."

Building on the team's ongoing research into USR in higher education institutions, including a series of preliminary assessments conducted between 2016 and 2022, the research team published the first Greater China University Sustainability Index in 2023, and expanded the scope of assessment to cover global and Asia-Pacific universities this time. The research team applied the "Value-Process-Impact" (VPI) framework, which was grounded in USR performance, as the assessment model. It used data to quantify the USR practices of 151 universities globally# across seven key stakeholder groups, including Student, Employee, Communities, Environment, Government/Funding Bodies, Peer Universities, and Suppliers, thereby providing a comprehensive measurement of each institution's sustainability performance. The index integrated annual reports and sustainability-related materials publicly published by institutions, invited assessed universities to complete questionnaires, and engaged SGSHK, a third-party body, to conduct sample verification of the assessments.*

#The three sub-indices collectively covered 151 universities, some universities were included in more than one sub-index.

*For the Index methodology, please refer to the Appendix.

USI comprised three regional indices, with the following selection criteria for assessed institutions:

Global USI: 113 institutions selected from the top 150 of the QS World University Rankings 2024, with the availability of USR, Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), and sustainability data in English or Chinese as the exclusion clause
Asia-Pacific USI: Comprised of 58 member institutions of the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU)
Greater China USI: Comprised of 30 institutions, including all 8 UGC-funded institutions in Hong Kong

Global Universities Excelled in Value and Management , Room to Grow in Practice and Impact

The 2025 results showed that, across the dimensions of the VPI framework#, the "Value" dimension achieved the highest scores, followed by "Management," while "Practice" and "Impact" recorded relatively lower scores. From a regional perspective, Oceanian institutions achieved the highest overall scores, followed by Europe. Among universities ranked in the "Global Top 20," nearly half were from Asia, including 3 from Hong Kong.

#Under the VPI framework, the "Process" dimension was subdivided into "Management" and "Practice".

Prof. LO noted, "USR was first promoted by Europe and the Americas. However, based on the results of this assessment, while Asia started promoting USR later than Europe and the Americas, its level of engagement and performance at this stage improved considerably and even placed it among the top performers, reflecting the emphasis of Asia's higher education community on sustainable development and its proactive implementation."

The research findings also indicated that global universities showed weaker performance in the "Practice" and "Impact" dimensions, reflecting that the implementation of social responsibility among universities was still in a transitional stage of development. However, patterns and priorities have emerged across the VPI dimensions. "Students" and "Environment" are most valued by universities in the "Practice" dimension, while in the "Impact" dimension, institutions across the Global, Asia-Pacific, and Greater China indices placed the greatest emphasis on "Peer Universities". Prof. LO believed that the value of a university should not be measured only by its academic research performance. Universities should also give duly attention and responsibility to various stakeholders to further advance sustainable development in society.

Bringing Scholars Together, Building an International Network for University Sustainability

Prof. LO stated that if Hong Kong institutions strengthened their efforts in the "Practice" and "Impact" dimensions, their overall performance had the potential to improve further. The research team would consider sharing the results with the UGC and relevant government departments, and proposed evidence-based recommendations to promote sustainable development among universities in Hong Kong and make an impactful contribution to social progress.

The research team established an International Advisory Committee, comprising senior scholars from Asia Pacific, Europe, North America, and other regions. The Committee's functions included reviewing and providing recommendations on the research methodology, data, and findings, serving as a bridge between the research team and institutional stakeholders and assisting in engaging sustainability departments in data collection. Members also regularly attended Committee meetings and related events, assisted in drafting research reports, and promoted the USI through their respective institutions to enhance its international influence.

The USI will be compiled annually to continuously track the progress of institutions across the various dimensions of sustainable development. The research team will hold a forum on USR and sustainability in the second half of this year, inviting relevant stakeholders to share practical experiences and research findings through thematic speeches and panel discussions. Representatives from assessed institutions will also be invited to attend, with the aim of fostering exchange and collaboration on sustainable development within the higher education community.

Through a cross-regional academic network, the research team not only encouraged universities worldwide to more actively fulfill their social responsibilities, but also quantified universities' substantive contributions to social progress beyond academic research. Prof. LO hoped that the project would help universities clearly define their role in sustainable development, while providing policymakers with objective data to drive higher education institutions to become driving force for social change, thereby benefiting society.

High-resolution photo and press releases HERE
The full report and results HERE

Appendix: USI Methodology

Compilation of the University Sustainability Index:

Annual USR performance assessment, which reflects the performance for the most recent calendar year with available information
Builds on the VPI model, which provides a comprehensive assessment framework focusing on the Value-Process-Impact cycle of institutions
Stakeholder perspective, which includes the evaluation of USR practices towards 7 key stakeholder groups, including Student, Employee, Peer Universities, Communities, Environment, Government/Funding Bodies, and Suppliers
Open information with validation, which relies on publicly available information disclosed in the university's ESG/CSR/sustainability report/official website

Prudence Measures:

Invited by email to individual index universities to complete a questionnaire on the University Sustainability Index platform
Index universities concerned were requested to review the questionnaire completed by our researchers on data accuracy and provide supplementary information
Sampling check and audit were conducted by the SGS HK after initial assessment scores for individual index universities were compiled
All assessment scores and rankings were reviewed and hence endorsed by an International Advisory Committee

Disclaimer: The scores for individual index universities are calculated using the VPI assessment model based on publicly available information and data related to sustainability/social responsibility of the index university concerned. Thus, the accuracy of the index depends on the sufficiency and accuracy of the publicly available information and data from each index university.
Hashtag: #CUHK #SocialScience #Education #Sustainability

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

CUHK Faculty of Social Science 

The Faculty of Social Science at The Chinese University of Hong Kong is dedicated to education, research, and community engagement across diverse disciplines, including Architecture, Urban Studies, Economics, Geography and Resource Management, Governance and Policy Science, Journalism and Communication, Psychology, Social Work, Sociology, and Gender Studies. Through actively promoting professional, interdisciplinary research, the Faculty fosters knowledge transfer and strengthens societal connections, contributing to social advancement.

Faculty Website: https://socsc.cuhk.edu.hk/

Linz Health Launches Advanced Neurorehabilitation Clinic in Hong Kong

Thu, 28 May 2026 11:10:07 +0200

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 28 May 2026 - Linz Health, an Australian-founded neurorehabilitation provider, has launched its first Hong Kong clinic, introducing a specialised outpatient model focused on recovery for stroke, brain injury, and various neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease.

Located in the Dah Sing Financial Centre in Wan Chai, the modern clinic addresses a critical gap between hospital discharge and ongoing rehabilitation, supporting patients from early recovery through to longer-term care-an increasingly important need as Hong Kong's population continues to age.

The facility combines one-on-one therapy with advanced rehabilitation technologies, including MindMotion™ GO and IZAR™-both introduced in Hong Kong for the first time-alongside Physilog, enabling data-driven treatment and measurable progress tracking.

"It's incredibly exciting to launch in Hong Kong and introduce game-changing, evidence-based neurorehabilitation therapy and technology into one of the most dynamic cities in the world," said Andrew Fyffe, Managing Director of Linz Health. "We see a clear opportunity to replicate the success of our Sydney clinic in Hong Kong, with measurable outcomes as the sole priority."

Linz Health's model emphasises structured, intensive therapy programmes aligned with global best practices in neurological rehabilitation and is designed to support both subacute and longer-term rehabilitation pathways.

The Hong Kong launch follows the company's flagship clinic in the southern beaches of Sydney and marks the first step in its international expansion strategy.

Linz Health will also host an Open Day at its Dah Sing Financial Centre clinic on Friday, 5 June, providing healthcare professionals and the broader community with an opportunity to tour the facility, meet the team, and experience the clinic's rehabilitation technologies and treatment approach firsthand.

For further information: https://linzhealth.com.hk/en/
Email: admin@linzhealth.com.hk
Tel: +852 2668 4468

Trademark Notice
MindMotion™ GO and IZAR™ are trademarks of NeuroX Group SA.

Hashtag: #LinzHealth

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

Leading UK school group to establish Phuket campus as international school demand grows beyond Bangkok

Thu, 28 May 2026 11:10:06 +0200

Recognised as Independent Secondary School of the Year 2026, NLCS will bring its academic model to Cherng Talay through a new day and boarding school for families across Thailand and the region

PHUKET, THAILAND - Media OutReach Newswire - 28 May 2026 - NLCS International has signed an agreement with VLC Group, the owners of multiple premium hotels and resorts in Phuket and Khao Lak, to develop NLCS Phuket, bringing the educational model of one of the United Kingdom's highest-ranked independent schools to Thailand's fast-growing international education market.

(Top row, from left to right) Mr Varis Chirayus, Deputy Managing Director of VLC Group and NLCS Phuket; Mr Ali Aliev, Director of Business Development of NLCS Internationa(Bottom row,from left to right) Mr Naruj Chirayus, Managing Director of VLC Group and NLCS Phuket; Mr Daniel Lewis, Managing Director of NLCS International.

Founded in 1850 by educational pioneer Frances Mary Buss, North London Collegiate School is one of the United Kingdom's most respected and most successful independent schools. In The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2026, NLCS was named Independent Secondary School of the Year, Independent International Baccalaureate School of the Year and Independent Secondary School of the Year in London. In the accompanying league tables, NLCS was ranked the number one girls' school in the UK, gaining second place for all schools in London and third place for all schools nationally.

Serving students from Early Years to Year 13, NLCS Phuket will be developed as a premium co-ed day and boarding school in Cherng Talay, one of Phuket's fastest-growing residential districts. The school is planned for Thai, expatriate and internationally mobile families seeking a rigorous British education in Phuket, with boarding provision for students from across Thailand and the wider region.

The agreement was formalised at Courtyard by Marriott Phuket, Patong Beach Resort, with Mr Daniel Lewis, Managing Director of NLCS International, and Mr Naruj Chirayus, Managing Director of VLC Group and NLCS Phuket, signing on behalf of the two organisations.

"For many families, Phuket already offers an exceptional quality of life, but there has been a clear gap in the market for a highly academic school with a direct connection to one of the UK's leading educational institutions," said Mr Naruj Chirayus, Managing Director of VLC Group. "As a Phuket-based family business, we see education as a natural part of the island's next stage of growth. Our aim is to help make Phuket a more complete place to live, learn and build community.

NLCS International works with partners around the world to develop schools that reflect the founding school's educational philosophy: academic ambition, pastoral care that is tailored to the individual, and a vibrant co-curricular life. Its family of schools includes NLCS Jeju, NLCS Dubai, NLCS (Singapore), NLCS Kobe and NLCS Hong Kong (opening 2027).

"NLCS Phuket represents an important new chapter for our international family of schools," said Mr Daniel Lewis, Managing Director of NLCS International. "Our aim is to deliver an education that develops scholarship, in a joyful and exciting environment, that celebrates every individual for who they are, and that is rooted in a genuine love of learning. This is not simply a well-known name above the door. The strength of NLCS lies in the authentic connection between our schools, the quality and depth of our academic support, and our shared belief that happy, confident students are best placed to achieve exceptional outcomes."

Boarding will be a central part of the NLCS Phuket offer, giving families access to an NLCS education without having to send their children abroad. It also strengthens Phuket's appeal as a regional education base, allowing students to remain closer to family, home markets and Asia's major travel hubs.

The school is expected to open with capacity for around 1,000 students, with scope to grow to approximately 1,500 over time. Planned facilities include boarding provision, dedicated junior and senior school spaces, science and technology facilities, a 50-metre swimming pool, sports hall, covered tennis courts and football pitches.

The announcement comes as Thailand's international education sector continues to expand beyond Bangkok. Kasikorn Research Centre expects Thailand's international school business to grow by 9.7% in 2025, while international student numbers are projected to increase by 8.3%. The research also notes that international schools are likely to expand further beyond the capital, with Phuket named among the key provincial markets.

For Phuket, the arrival of a leading day and boarding school adds another layer to the island's family infrastructure. International schools help attract long-stay residents, skilled professionals, entrepreneurs and investors, while supporting demand across housing, hospitality, retail, transport, local services and employment.

Mr Chirayus continued: "Top schools create communities around them. We have seen this in places such as Dubai and Jeju, where education has played an important role in shaping internationally minded residential destinations. With NLCS Phuket, we want to support the development of Phuket as an educational centre of excellence for the region."

NLCS Phuket will maintain close links with the wider NLCS family of schools, with support from NLCS International in school design, curriculum development, recruitment, teacher training, academic planning and quality assurance.

Further details on admissions, opening timelines and campus development will be announced in due course. For any enquiries, please direct your email to: enquiries@nlcs-phuket.com

For more information, please visit http://www.nlcs-phuket.com
For more images, click HERE

Hashtag: #NLCSPhuket

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

ONYX Hospitality Group Advances Quality-Led Growth Across Asia-Pacific Through a Disciplined and Strategic Portfolio Expansion Approach

Thu, 28 May 2026 11:10:05 +0200

BANGKOK, THAILAND - Media OutReach Newswire - 28 May 2026 - ONYX Hospitality Group, a leading hospitality management company in Asia Pacific specialising in hotels, resorts, serviced apartments, and luxury residences, reaffirms its strategic direction at a time of transition within the travel and tourism industry, placing greater emphasis on the quality of growth rather than the sheer scale of asset expansion.

Mr. Kashyap Vora Senior Vice President - Investments & Business Development ONYX Hospitality Group

For ONYX Hospitality Group, growth does not simply mean opening more hotels across multiple destinations. It requires a comprehensive understanding of the broader travel ecosystem - from demand structures and traveller behaviour to urban development trends and long-term economic fundamentals - before committing to new investments or management agreements.

With more than six decades of experience in hospitality, the Group positions itself as a strategic partner, working alongside investors to evaluate both opportunities and risks. The focus remains on building resilient, sustainable growth rather than pursuing short-term, volume-driven expansion.

Mr. Kashyap Vora, Senior Vice President - Investments & Business Development, ONYX Hospitality Group, commented on the industry overview: "The hospitality sector across Asia-Pacific is entering an increasingly sophisticated phase that demands greater rigour, strategic discipline, and market discernment. Investment decisions today can no longer be driven solely by short-term tourism recovery metrics or occupancy performance. Instead, they must be underpinned by a comprehensive understanding of the broader travel ecosystem, encompassing infrastructure development, business expansion, consumption trends, and the evolving dynamics of international travel flows"

"Portfolio expansion is no longer about the number of hotels within a network; it is about strategic curation of a resilient portfolio that contributes meaningfully to profitability and delivers long-term value accretion for all stakeholders. Each project must play a clearly defined role within the broader portfolio - whether through risk diversification, return enhancement, strategic value creation or long-term scalability. Sustainable growth therefore requires disciplined investment selection, deep market insight, and alignment with the organisation's long-term strategic vision"

He further emphasised that this approach aligns closely with ONYX Hospitality Group's long-term vision of delivering sustainable, quality-driven growth through a tailored approach to each project. This includes careful consideration of investment structures, partnership models, and brand positioning to ensure strategic relevance, sustainable profitability and long-term value creation.

"We prioritise partnerships with like-minded investors and owners who share our vision, values, and commitment to quality" he added. "Hotel development is inherently a long-term commitment. Alignment on quality standards, risk management, and growth objectives is essential to delivering sustainable profitability, creating enduring value, and achieving long-term success for all stakeholders."

Drawing on over six decades of market expertise and consumer insight, ONYX Hospitality Group continues to refine a portfolio strategy built on strong alignment between destination, brand and business partner.

Currently, the Group operates 49 properties and projects across seven strategic destinations in Asia-Pacific. By 2030, ONYX Hospitality Group aims to expand its portfolio to over 75 properties across the Asia-Pacific region. This growth will be achieved through disciplined project selection and collaboration with partners who share the Group's long-term vision - ensuring that every investment delivers both strategic and financial value.

As the company approaches its 60th anniversary milestone in 2026, ONYX Hospitality Group remains firmly committed to quality-led expansion, underpinned by disciplined risk management and prudent governance. The Group continues to strengthen confidence among investors, owners and partners across all markets in which it operates, laying the foundation for sustained, long-term growth in the decade ahead.

For more information on ONYX Hospitality Group please visit: www.onyx-hospitality.com

Hashtag: #ONYXHospitalityGroup

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

About ONYX Hospitality Group

ONYX Hospitality Group, a reputable force in the Asia-Pacific hospitality industry, operates a collection of comprehensive yet complementary brands - Amari, OZO, Shama and Oriental Residence - catering to the distinctive needs of discerning business and leisure travellers across the region where it has deep expertise. In addition to its brand portfolio, ONYX Hospitality Group also operates additional hospitality services across spa and food & beverage. With six decades of management experience, the company extends its innovative solutions throughout the region, upholding internationally recognised standards and ensuring optimal operational manoeuvrability. By fostering enduring relationships with like-minded business partners, ONYX Hospitality Group delivers unparalleled experiences in a dynamic and competitive market, meeting the ever-evolving demands of travellers.

More information: www.onyx-hospitality.com

Find us on social media:

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onyxhospitalitygroup/

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onyx-hospitality-group/

Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ONYXHospitalityGroup

TabTrade Edge Matches the Industry's Lowest Average Spreads on the Majors, Datalyst Data Shows

Thu, 28 May 2026 10:09:58 +0200

Measured across the full month with the daily rollover excluded, the Edge account averaged 0.04 pips on the majors, level with the best in the field.

RODNEY VILLAGE, SAINT LUCIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 28 May 2026 - TabTrade (tabtrade.com), a global forex and CFD broker with zero average spreads on major forex pairs, today pointed to Datalyst spread data placing the TabTrade Edge account among the lowest in the industry on the major currency pairs. Measured across the full month with the daily rollover period removed, the Edge account averaged 0.04 pips on the majors, level with the tightest average any broker recorded.

Datalyst samples spreads from more than 10,000 live trading accounts. The daily rollover window, a short period each evening when liquidity thins and spreads widen across the market, is taken out so the figure reflects active trading conditions. On that basis the Edge account averaged 0.04 pips across the majors.

In peak European hours the spread tightens to a 0.00 pip average on several majors. TabTrade reports the average rather than a best-case rate.

The Edge account runs raw spreads from 0.0 pips with a flat $3.50 commission per side and no markup on the spread. Orders route through Equinix LD5 in London, with fills averaging under 30 milliseconds.

"We would rather be judged on the average, and judged by someone other than us," said Benjamin Boulter, Founder and CEO of TabTrade. "Once you take out the daily rollover, the Edge account sits with the best in the industry on the majors, and in peak hours it averages zero on several of them."

Spread data is published at https://datalyst.forexco.com.au/ and Edge account details are at https://www.tabtrade.com/accounts/edge/

Hashtag: #TabTrade

https://www.tabtrade.com/

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

About TabTrade

TabTrade is a global forex and CFD broker with zero average spreads on major forex pairs. Clients trade forex, indices, commodities, metals, shares and cryptocurrencies on MetaTrader 5 and cTrader, with a $0 minimum deposit and institutional-grade execution through Equinix LD5 data centres. TabTrade Ltd is incorporated and registered in Saint Lucia under the International Business Companies Act (Registration Number 2025-00919), and client funds are held in segregated accounts. Markets made simple.

Eternal Group Launches "The Eternal Path to China" at Esxence 2026, Offering a Strategic Roadmap for International Fragrance Brands Entering the Chinese Market

Thu, 28 May 2026 09:09:53 +0200

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach - 28 May 2026 - Eternal Beauty Holdings Limited (Eternal Group; Stock Code: 6883.HK), for over four decades the preeminent strategic gateway for fragrance and beauty brands into China, including Hong Kong SAR and Macao SAR, today announced its official partnership with Esxence and the launch of a dedicated campaign titled "The Eternal Path to China." Running from 3 to 6 June 2026 at Esxence 2026 in Milan, the campaign presents a comprehensive navigable roadmap for international fragrance brands -from niche artisan perfumers to established luxury heritage brands-seeking to enter or expand within one of the world's most dynamic and fast-growing fragrance markets.

For details: https://www.eternal.hk/the-eternal-path-to-china/

Downloadable Photo: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1awiWHa161_BbmFiJVdW_dE8gIm7imaJV?usp=sharing

A Flagship Seminar with Industry Leaders

The flagship session, "Paving the Way to China Fragrance Market," will take place on 5 June 2026 from 15:00 to 15:45 (CEST) at the Conference Hall on the Main Stage of Esxence 2026. A distinguished panel of industry experts will examine China's economic landscape and fragrance market, offering practical and insight-driven perspectives on successful market entry strategies. The confirmed speakers are Mr. Stefano De Paoli, Italy Chief Representative of InvestHK; Mr. Haocong Weng, Director of the Xuelei Fragrance Museum; Ms. Wincy Tang, General Manager of Marketing and Partnership at Experience 11 Limited, and Ms. Cindy Chung, Director of General Affairs of Eternal Group.

Beyond the Seminar: A Full Suite of Brand Resources

Beyond the seminar, Eternal Group has curated a comprehensive suite of resources to equip brands with actionable intelligence and operational guidance. Six industry talks will be held at Business Lounge No. 8 with speakers from Hong Kong Productivity Council, PricewaterhouseCoopers, The Loops Hong Kong, as well as expertise from Eternal Group. Topics will cover regulatory compliance, emerging marketing trends, and brand storytelling tailored for Chinese consumers. One-on-one consultations will offer bespoke advisory sessions with Eternal Group's senior experts. In addition, attendees will have access to The China Market Entry Blueprint, a proprietary guide featuring market insights and consumer trend analysis, NMPA compliance pathways and formula testing requirements, localization best practices, as well as marketing, PR, and retail channel strategies across shopping malls, pop-ups, and museums.

"For more than 40 years, Eternal Group has served as a trusted bridge for international fragrance brands navigating the complexities of the China market," said Ms Wendy Lau, Executive Director of Eternal Group."With 'The Eternal Path to China' at Esxence 2026, we are transforming complexity into clarity-providing strategic insights, trusted partnership and a clear pathway to market success. Whether a brand is taking its first step or strengthening its existing presence, we are here to guide its journey into the China market."

Registration & Inquiries

You are invited to attend the seminar, industry talks, and exclusive briefings. To register or schedule interviews with speakers or Eternal Group representatives, please contact the PR & Corporate Communication Department at ccd@eternal.hk. To register for the seminar, please visit: https://bit.ly/3PRfOrM.

Remarks:

To access both the Conference Hall and Business Lounge, please purchase a standard Esxence ticket on VivaTicket.com. The ticket includes exhibition access (first 3 days are open to industry professionals only; the final day is open to the public). Consumers may register by contacting: events@equipemilano.com.

Hashtag: #EternalGroup

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

About Eternal Beauty Holdings Limited (Stock Code: 6883.HK)

Eternal Beauty Holdings Limited (Eternal Group) is the largest perfume group (apart from brand-owner perfume groups) in China (including Hong Kong and Macao) in terms of retail sales in 2023*. It primarily sells and distributes products procured from third-party brand licensors, and deploys market for these brand licensors, offering such services as brand management, and designing and implementing customized market entry and expansion plans for their brands. The Group boasts large and diversified brand portfolios that include not only perfumes, but also color cosmetics, skincare products, personal care products, eyewear and home fragrances. As at 31 March 2026, it conducted product distribution and market deployment for a total of 75 external brands, including Hermès, Van Cleef & Arpels, Chopard, Albion and Laura Mercier, with products in different pricing tiers and of versatile features that meet the differentiated demands of consumers in Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong and/or Macao. Website: www.eternal.hk

*Data source: Frost & Sullivan

About Esxence

Esxence - The Art Perfumery Event has been the International Artistic Perfumery Event since 2009, it represents for professionals and enthusiasts the opportunity to meet the real protagonists of this fascinating world of fragrances, where history and tradition combine with innovation and research. An exhibition area dedicated to excellence, together with a rich and interesting calendar of meetings and events, which offer to the public - last edition reached more than 10,000 attendees - a unique and unmissable experience. Website: http://esxence.com

Bracell Exceeds Female Entrepreneurship Target and Reaches 73% of Projects Led by Women

Thu, 28 May 2026 08:49:51 +0200

Company brings forward its Bracell 2030 target and strengthens social impact through income generation and female empowerment in local communities

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 28 May 2026 - Bracell, one of the world's leading producers of dissolving and specialty pulp, exceeded in 2025 the target set to promote female entrepreneurship in surrounding communities by reaching 73% of its social impact business projects led by women. The result surpasses the 60% target established for 2030 and represents a significant increase compared to the 56% baseline recorded in 2020, highlighting the consistent evolution of the company's social strategy.

The results are part of Bracell's 2025 Sustainability Report, which consolidates the company's performance under its Bracell 2030 strategy, aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The female entrepreneurship target is part of the Empowering Lives pillar, which focuses on income generation, productive inclusion, and strengthening women's leadership in the territories where the company operates.

The supported projects include small businesses, cooperatives, and local enterprises that receive technical training, access to support networks, and encouragement to formalise their operations. The early achievement of the target reflects both the expansion and the growing maturity of these initiatives over recent years.

"The Bracell 2030 Plan reflects our long-term commitment to a development model that combines environmental responsibility, social impact, and sustainable growth. Progress in female entrepreneurship demonstrates our ability to generate structural and lasting impact in communities"

In 2025, Bracell, a member of the RGE group of companies founded by Sukanto Tanoto, invested BRL 9.9 million in social projects, benefiting more than 159,000 people through initiatives focused on education, income generation, and citizenship, according to the 2025 Sustainability Report.

Dona Della and Social Transformation

The main driver of this impact is Dona Della, a Bracell Social project focused on fostering financial autonomy and boosting women-led businesses. In 2026, the programme reaches its third edition, expanding its reach to additional municipalities. With applications opening on May 20, the initiative will operate this year across two main pillars:

The first pillar consists of a hybrid training programme developed in partnership with Rede Mulher Empreendedora, offering individual mentoring sessions and potential access to seed capital. The second pillar, Dona Della Impulsiona, is an acceleration programme carried out in partnership with SEBRAE for participants who have completed the initial training. It provides consultancy support, networking opportunities, and participation in trade fairs and business events.

According to Francine Toledo Mendonça, Social Responsibility Coordinator at Bracell, the project offers not only a structured learning pathway for women entrepreneurs but also an essential support network for business growth. "Dona Della aims to broaden horizons, unlock potential, and create concrete opportunities for these women to move forward with greater confidence and autonomy in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. More than accelerating businesses, we are strengthening stories, trajectories, and new beginnings. Our commitment is that each woman recognises herself as the protagonist of her own journey," she emphasises.

Stories That Reflect Impact

Marta Rocha, 53, originally from Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, moved to the interior of São Paulo State in search of better living conditions and found a new opportunity through entrepreneurship. After years working in various roles, she learned how to sew through professional training projects and began doing small alterations with a simple sewing machine. "I bought my first machine for BRL 158, and I will never forget that," she recalls.

Participating in Dona Della, a Bracell-supported entrepreneurial training initiative focused on women's development in local communities, marked a turning point. Even though she did not win the award in the 2024 edition, Marta says she gained something even more valuable: knowledge and confidence. She expanded her activities, participated in business fairs and events-such as Facilpa and initiatives supported by Bracell-and structured her own business.

Today, Marta owns three industrial sewing machines and an overlock machine, produces her own pieces, and plans to expand her atelier, including organising a fashion show featuring dresses from her own brand, Marta Rocha. "My emotional and financial life was transformed. Today, I can see a future that once seemed impossible," she says.

Selma Arantes, a retired teacher, found a fresh start through handicrafts. Inspired by her mother, who also produced handmade items, she began making cloth dolls after retirement. What initially started as an emotional activity took on new meaning when she decided to invest in professional development.

By participating in Dona Della and other training initiatives in partnership with Bracell and Sebrae, Selma developed skills in management, planning, and brand positioning. She formalised her business as a micro-entrepreneur and structured her operations, resulting in approximately 80% financial growth in 2025. "I learned to recognise the value of my work and to position myself as a professional. It is never too late to learn and start again," she highlights.

Launched in 2023, Bracell 2030 brings together 14 goals across four pillars: Climate Action; Sustainable Landscapes and Biodiversity; Promoting Sustainable Growth; and Empowering Lives, reinforcing the company's commitment to shared value creation and sustainable development.

Hashtag: #RGE #Bracell #Brazil #femaleentrepreneurship #SDG #socialimpact

https://www.bracell.com

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

About Bracell

TrendAI™ is recognized as a Leader in the 2026 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Endpoint Protection Platforms

Thu, 28 May 2026 08:49:51 +0200

Named a Leader in Endpoint Protection Platforms 21 times in a row

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 28 May 2026 - TrendAI™, the enterprise AI security leader from Trend Micro Incorporated (TYO: 4704; TSE: 4704), has announced that it has been recognized 21 consecutive times as a Leader in Endpoint Protection Platforms* by Gartner. No other vendor has been named a Gartner Magic Quadrant Leader for 21 times in this category.

Rachel Jin, Head of TrendAI™: "To us, the latest recognition from Gartner reflects the excellence we strive for in everything we build. Our strategic vision, commitment to our customers, human expertise, and innovation in AI security are all critical components to our success."

In the accompanying EPP Critical Capabilities document**, TrendAI™ scored the highest in two of the three use cases (Workspace Security, On-premises Endpoint Protection Management) among all vendors and scored second highest in the third (Core Endpoint Protection).

What we believe this means for TrendAI™ customers

Secure with confidence and proven intelligence: Drive faster, more precise protection with comprehensive threat intelligence from the TrendAI™ Zero Day Initiative™ (ZDI), the world's largest vendor-agnostic bug bounty program. Inform and empower teams to prevent threats up to 96 days before the first patch by accessing pre-disclosure vulnerability reporting.
Get complete visibility with one platform: Simplify and scale your security operations with TrendAI Vision One™ by unifying solutions, tools, and dashboards. Outpace adversaries with powerful integrated cyber risk exposure management, XDR, and endpoint protection capabilities driven by AI to visualize, prioritize, and mitigate risk proactively. Close exposure gaps faster while cutting through alert noise, breaking silos, and reducing cost.
Achieve full-spectrum protection and compliance: Every endpoint. Every environment. Stay proactively secure with the broad protection your audit team needs while avoiding coverage gaps. Most enterprises run hybrid estates: cloud, on-premises, legacy OS, air-gapped OT, and virtual desktops. Cover them all under one policy framework. Achieve compliance across deployment models, reducing the risk of exceptions that create audit findings.
Outpace adversaries and AI-powered threats: TrendAI Vision One™ is built to evolve with the threat landscape, delivering endpoint-native capabilities that integrate seamlessly into the broader platform. Recent enhancements in data security, attack path mapping, and adaptive protection directly address what we're hearing from EPP customers today. And we're looking ahead to the challenges shaping the future of cybersecurity.

Customers want technology partners they can trust. TrendAI Vision One™ converges protection across endpoint, AI, email, cloud, network, identity, mobile, OT, and IoT. Leveraging AI-driven detection, correlation, and response across the entire attack surface, enables customers to secure their organizations faster and more proactively.

Tom Petkoff, Senior Network Manager at Step2: "If I were spending all my time on these conventional threats, like phishing attacks and ransomware, I would not be concentrating on the higher priorities like threats from AI. With [TrendAI™] in my arsenal, I can concentrate on the bigger picture."

*Gartner, Magic Quadrant for Endpoint Protection Platforms, Deepak Mishra, Evgeny Mirolyubov, Nikul Patel, 27 May 2026
**Gartner, Critical Capabilities for Endpoint Protection Platforms, Nikul Patel, Evgeny Mirolyubov, Deepak Mishra, 27 May 2026

Gartner and Magic Quadrant are trademarks of Gartner, Inc., and/or its affiliates. .

Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner's business and technology insights organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

Hashtag: #trendmicro #trendai #trendvisionone #visionone #cybersecurity #Gartner #EPP #GartnerMQ

https://www.trendaisecurity.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/trendai-security
https://x.com/trendaisecurity
https://www.facebook.com/trendaisecurity/

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

About TrendAI™

TrendAI™, the global AI security leader and enterprise business unit of Trend Micro, empowers organizations with full AI visibility and consolidated security that inspires confidence, drives innovation, and eliminates risk. Trusted by the largest enterprises and governments across 185 countries, TrendAI™ secures the entire organization, from identities to infrastructure to data. Global Fortune 500 companies rely on TrendAI™ to cut risk and stop threats up to three months earlier, powered by world-leading threat and attack intelligence. Through deep ecosystem partnerships with market leaders like NVIDIA, Anthropic, AWS, Google, and Microsoft, TrendAI™ empowers your organization to securely drive forward at the speed of AI. AI Fearlessly. Learn more at trendaisecurity.com.

HRiQ™ Unveils Intelligent HR System With AI-Powered Functions, Extending Professional-Grade Capabilities to Organisations of Every Size

Thu, 28 May 2026 08:09:47 +0200

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 28 May 2026 - HRiQ™ by IQ Dynamics has officially announced an intelligent HR System aimed at easing HR practitioner pains and processes, its next-generation human resource platform designed to transform HR from a purely administrative function into a strategic business driver.

Modernising how HR operate with a suite of artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and enterprise integration capabilities aimed at addressing the growing inefficiencies of traditional legacy HR systems.

As data indicates that over 65% of HR professionals currently spend more than a third of their time on repetitive administrative tasks. HRiQ™ HRIS software aims to close this gap by embedding AI into every interaction, allowing systems to think, adapt, and provide real-time insights rather than just digitizing manual processes.

"HRiQ™ AI represents a fundamental shift towards intelligent HR, with AI functionality to ease HR practitioner pains while managing different business units requirement to better achieve business efficiency as a whole.

The future of HR lies in systems that are proactive, intelligent, and deeply integrated into business operations. With HRiQ™, we are equipping organizations with the tools to think, adapt, and provide insights where every decisions has to be made intelligently." said Regine, Business Director at IQ Dynamics.

Many existing HR platforms continue to operate in silos, requiring manual data transfers and offering limited analytical capabilities. Employee self-service tools often remain unintuitive, resulting in low adoption and continued reliance on HR teams for routine queries.

The ideology of an intelligent HR is guided by four core principles:

Intelligence Everywhere: AI-driven automation and insights embedded across all HR functions

Zero-Friction Experience: Intuitive interfaces that minimise training and improve relevancy for increased adoption

Seamless Compliance: Built-in alignment with regulatory requirements across jurisdictions

Data-Driven Decision Making: Real-time analytics that convert HR data into actionable insights

These four core principles enable HRiQ™ to advance with a smarter systems, stronger HR and robust AI with:

Conversational AI Assistant: This AI assistant allows employees and managers to understand policies, leave balances, payroll through a chat without a need for manual navigation which ease quick applications, reporting and insights gathering.

AI-Driven Natural Language Analytics: Managers can now query complex workforce data using simple questions, with the system automatically generating visualizations and predictive forecasts from existing human resources past data to provide better data visualisation and to support business workforce strategies.

Recruitment CV Parsing Automation: The platform includes automated CV parsing to accelerate recruitment and application process, reducing manual data entries, and provide better skills visualisation to support matching for each candidate.

Optical Character Recognition (OCR)-powered document intelligence: Transforming the way claims are submitted. By simply capturing an image of a receipt, HRiQ automatically extracts and fills in the relevant claim information and eliminate manual entry and accelerating the entire process. This empowers users to complete claims quickly, accurately, and with minimal effort.

The AI "Buddy System": An intelligent, personalized assistant that empowers users with instant guidance directly within HRiQ. Designed for complex enterprise environments, the AI Buddy helps trained users navigate less frequently used features with ease, offering clear prompts, reminders, and step-by-step support. By providing on-demand assistance, it enhances user confidence, reduces downtime, and minimises the need to wait for support, driving greater productivity across teams.

The system ensures seamless compliance with built-in alignment for PDPA, GDPR, and international standards, alongside integrations with Singpass and MyInfo for verified identity and streamlined onboarding.

By replacing traditional, siloed systems with an intelligent HR System, with AI-powered functions, HRiQ™ is expected to deliver significant operational benefits where we believe a 40-60% reduction in administrative workload through automation and 65-70% decrease in time spent on routine HR tasks.

Over 1,200 hours of productivity gained annually for mid-sized organizations. These advancements enable HR practitioners to move away from mundane data entry and focus on high-value strategic initiatives such as talent development and organizational growth.

Accessible Professional Grade With Intelligent HR System for Growing Businesses, from Small Teams to SMEs

Recognising that organisations have varying operational needs, HRiQ™ introduces the HRiQ™ Professional plan on top of existing HRiQ™ Enterprise plan, a structured offering designed to extend the full breadth of the platform's capabilities to organizations that require a ready-to-deploy solution, with simpler requirements and without the complexity of customisation.

Aggressively priced at professional-grade from as low as $2 per employee, the HRiQ™ Professional plan provides access to the a suite of modules spanning Core HR and Talent management, depending on organisation needs and requirement. Enabling HR teams to benefit from the same intelligent features available to larger enterprises, the plan is designed for organisations seeking a comprehensive HR functionality that scales with their workforce without requiring bespoke configuration.

This tiered approach reflects HRiQ™'s broader commitment to making extensive HR functionality and intelligent HR accessible across organisational, allowing HR professionals to focus on strategic priorities rather than administrative constraints regardless of company size.

Hashtag: #IQDynamics

https://www.iqdynamics.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/iqdynamics-private-limited/
https://www.facebook.com/iqDynamics

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

About IQ Dynamics

IQ Dynamics is a leading provider of enterprise HR software solutions, HRiQ™, specializing in HR. Established in 1994, HRiQ™ by IQ Dynamics Pte Ltd has empowered over 400 organisations across Singapore and the Asia-Pacific with HR solutions designed to streamline operations and elevate workforce management. Committed in helping organizations leverage technology to improve efficiency, enhance employee experience, and drive overall business performance with custom functionality and tools.

AECOM celebrates the successful delivery of Terminal 2 at Hong Kong International Airport

Thu, 28 May 2026 05:49:38 +0200

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 28 May 2026 - AECOM, the trusted global infrastructure leader, has contributed to the successful delivery of Terminal 2 (T2) at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), a cornerstone of Airport Authority Hong Kong's (AAHK) Three-runway System (3RS). The project marks a significant milestone in strengthening HKIA's position as a leading international aviation hub, with T2 serving as a critical gateway that enhances integration across passenger, transport and commercial nodes while activating surrounding developments.

AECOM celebrates successful delivery of the new Terminal 2 at Hong Kong International Airport (Photo credit: AAHK)

"Building on AECOM's long-standing contribution to Hong Kong's airport development and our partnership with AAHK since the 1990s, we helped deliver a world-class terminal that enhances connectivity and strengthens resilience, setting new benchmarks for aviation in a changing world," said Dr. Johnny Cheuk, AECOM's Hong Kong executive leader.

AECOM's multi-disciplinary team brought together expertise in mega project management, engineering and passenger terminal design to deliver innovative, buildable solutions through phased construction, minimizing disruption within a live airport environment. A signature feature of T2 is its 63,000 m² 'Feather Roof,' supported by tree-like columns, combining architectural expression with operational performance. Leveraging multiple digital solutions such as BIM and Tekla, alongside phased modular construction significantly enhanced the precision, safety and delivery efficiency of this iconic roof structure.

Supporting HKIA's pledge to become the world's greenest airport, sustainability is embedded throughout the project. Key measures include implementing a high-performance façade that enhances thermal efficiency, natural daylighting and acoustic comfort. AECOM also helped define embodied carbon quantification standards at the outset of this project more than a decade ago. These are complemented by energy-efficient building services that reduce overall energy consumption, contributing to the award of BEAM Plus Provisional Platinum rating - the highest qualification level recognized by the Hong Kong Green Building Council (HKGBC).

Hashtag: #AECOM #Aviation #Terminal2

https://aecom.com

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

About AECOM

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients' complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle - from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of US$16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com.

	Chubb MyLegacy V - Harvest	Chubb MyLegacy V - Blossom
Payment terms	3 / 5 years	2 / 5 / 8 / 12 years
Positioning	Faster breakeven and short-to-mid-term wealth accumulation	Highly competitive mid-to-long-term returns (potential Internal Rate of Return up to 6.5%), with optimized legacy planning