Slovenia Times

SIM Highlights the Importance of Strong Personal Statements in University Applications

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 03:43:26 +0200

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 22 June 2026 - In today's competitive education landscape, students are increasingly expected to do more than simply meet academic admission requirements. Education advisors say that writing a strong personal statement for university applications is becoming similar to crafting a compelling CV for a job application. While qualifications and grades may help applicants meet eligibility criteria, a personal statement allows prospective students to communicate their motivations, experiences, and aspirations beyond academic results.

Preparing Students Beyond Admissions
Over at the Singapore Institute of Management, most programmes primarily assess applicants based on academic qualifications and programme specific eligibility requirements. However, selected postgraduate programmes, such as the University of Birmingham Master of Business Administration offered at SIM, may require applicants to submit a Statement of Purpose as part of the admissions process. Even for programmes where a personal statement is not mandatory, education experts suggest that submitting one can still strengthen an application by providing additional context about the applicant's interests, goals, and readiness for higher education.

Tips for Writing a Strong Personal Statement
According to guidance from the University of Birmingham, a strong personal statement should clearly communicate an applicant's motivation, interests, and suitability for the programme. Admissions tutors note that the opening section is particularly important, as it creates the first impression and helps establish the applicant's enthusiasm and direction.

Education experts also recommend that applicants explain how their academic background, professional experiences, and personal achievements have shaped their interest in the chosen field of study. Relevant experiences such as internships, leadership roles, volunteer work, and professional accomplishments can help demonstrate initiative, growth, and readiness for higher education. Rather than simply listing activities, applicants should reflect on what they learned from these experiences and how they contributed to their personal development.

The University of Birmingham further advises students to avoid overly generic statements and instead tailor their applications to the specific programme they are applying for. Demonstrating an understanding of the programme structure, learning outcomes, and career relevance can help strengthen the application, particularly for postgraduate programmes such as the MBA.

Authenticity is another important factor highlighted by university admissions advisors. Applicants are encouraged to present a genuine reflection of their interests, ambitions, and experiences rather than relying on exaggerated language or generic phrases. In terms of structure, admissions guidance generally recommends presenting information in a clear and organised manner. A strong personal statement typically includes an introduction outlining academic or professional interests, relevant experiences and achievements, career aspirations, and reasons for choosing the programme. Applicants should also proofread carefully to ensure clarity, grammatical accuracy, and consistency throughout the document.

Reference:

SIM Application Process - https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/admissions/application-process
What makes a great personal statement - https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/accessibility/transcripts/personal-statement
How to write a statement for MBA - https://www.inspirafutures.com/blog/how-to-write-a-statement-of-purpose-for-mba-admission
MBA Statement of Purpose Examples - https://bemoacademicconsulting.com/blog/mba-statement-of-purpose-example

Hashtag: #SIMGlobalEducation #SIMGE #GlobalEducation #InternationalDegree #CareerReady #FutureSkills

https://www.sim.edu.sg/

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

About SIM Global Education

SIM Global Education (SIM GE) is a leading private education institution in Singapore and the region. We offer more than 140 academic programmes ranging from diplomas and graduate diploma programmes to bachelor's and master's degree programmes with some of the world's most reputable universities from Australia, Canada, Europe, United Kingdom, and the United States. SIM GE's cohort is made up of 17,000 full- and part-time students and adult learners, of which approximately 41% are international students hailing from over 50 countries.

SIM GE's holistic learning approach and culturally diverse learning environment aim to equip students with knowledge, industry skills and employability competencies, as well as a global perspective to succeed as future leaders in a fast-changing, technologically driven world.

For more information on SIM Global Education, visit www.sim.edu.sg

Honda LCR Unveils Striking Black-and-Gold GOD55 Sports Livery for 2026 Italian MotoGP

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 03:03:23 +0200

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 22 June 2026 - GOD55 Sports announces the successful unveiling of a special-edition brand livery in collaboration with the Honda LCR team at the Mugello circuit. The 2026 MotoGP Italian GP at Mugello, a legendary venue steeped in racing history, once again delivered spectacular MotoGP action for fans around the world. Away from the track, however, GOD55 Sports generated plenty of buzz with a striking paddock reveal that quickly caught the attention of fans and media alike. The fast-growing digital sports platform celebrated its successful, ongoing partnership with the Honda LCR team by unveiling a stunning, one-off livery inspired entirely by its signature brand colors.

Featuring a sleek and aggressive black-and-gold design, this bespoke color scheme completely transformed the Honda RC213V machine ridden by former LCR team legend Cal Crutchlow, who made a sensational return to the grid to replace Johann Zarco for the weekend. The specially designed bike added an undeniable aura to the Italian grid, cementing GOD55 Sports' proud presence on the global racing stage and captivating fans worldwide.

A Dazzling Canvas at the Heart of Mugello

Set against the rolling Tuscan hills from May 29 to 31, the Italian GP provided the perfect, high-profile backdrop for this visual takeover. The Mugello circuit is famous for its passionate crowds, blistering high-speed straights, and immense atmosphere, making it the ideal venue for a premier partner to make a bold, unforgettable statement.

GOD55 Sports turned heads by replacing the motorcycles' usual everyday look with a unified, premium aesthetic. For this special occasion, the familiar branding was swapped for the platform's distinctive black-and-gold palette, with the riders looking right at home in the new livery. This eye-catching design stood out against the Italian backdrop, while adding a nostalgic feel to the paddock.

Hardcore fans immediately compared the fierce yet timeless finish to the legendary Marc VDS test liveries of the past, proving that the sponsor's colors are a perfect match for both motorsport purists and modern audiences.

More Than Just a New Look

While the visual impact of the black-and-gold machines was impossible to ignore, their debut at Mugello reflects the ambitious, long-term goals of the alliance. Initiated earlier this year, the three-year strategic partnership (spanning the 2026, 2027, and 2028 seasons) was forged to bring the thrill of MotoGP closer to passionate fanbases, particularly across the rapidly expanding Southeast Asian market.

The bespoke livery serves as a dynamic showcase of the brand's core philosophy. As GOD55 Sports CEO Richard Green recently emphasized, the platform aligns perfectly with the spirit of the Honda LCR team under the leadership of Lucio Cecchinello-encouraging athletes and fans alike to "be bold, dare to win, and push the limits with trust and teamwork." Rather than a simple, static logo placement, this partnership transforms the racing machines into a symbol of modern ambition, blending precision engineering with rich, localized digital storytelling.

Connecting Fans to the Global Stage

As MotoGP grows increasingly competitive, strong commercial networks and fan-focused approaches are becoming increasingly important. GOD55 Sports is turning high-visibility moments like the Italian GP to ensure fans are not just spectators, but true insiders.

By actively supporting the team through every twist and turn of the season, the digital sports media platform provided its audience with a truly unforgettable narrative at Mugello: the sensational return of British racing star Cal Crutchlow. Stepping in to replace Johann Zarco for the Italian GP, the former LCR team legend proudly piloted the specially designed black-and-gold machine. Capitalizing on this dramatic comeback, GOD55 Sports provided its audience with exclusive, behind-the-scenes content and a closer look at a veteran's return to the grid. From the legendary paddocks of Mugello to the upcoming Indonesian Grand Prix in October (where this special livery is slated to make its highly anticipated return), the platform remains dedicated to delivering a front-row perspective on the inner workings of a top-tier MotoGP operation.

For supporters, the Mugello weekend delivered one of the most memorable grid designs of the 2026 season. For the team at GOD55 Sports, it marked a proud milestone in their global racing journey. With thousands of fans lining the hillsides of Italy and millions more streaming globally, this iconic black-and-gold design perfectly fused the thrill of modern motorsports with a visionary approach to fan engagement.
Hashtag: #GOD55Sports #HondaLCR #ItalianGP #MotoGP #CalCrutchlow #Cal #Crutchlow

https://www.facebook.com/god55sports
https://www.instagram.com/god55sports/

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

GOD55 Sports

GOD55 Sports is a leading digital sports media platform built to connect fans across Southeast Asia with the global world of sports. We deliver the latest news, in-depth analysis, and exclusive coverage - bringing fans closer to the games, stories, and athletes they love.

From football, motorsports, badminton, and tennis to the fast-growing sport of pickleball, GOD55 Sports blends real-time updates with expert insights to create a complete, engaging sports experience.

Deluxe Systems Crowned "Best Showroom in Singapore" at Tatler Awards: A New Era of Exclusive, Sustainable Design for the ASEAN Market

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 03:03:20 +0200

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 22 June 2026 - Rewriting the rules of luxury retail in Southeast Asia, Deluxe Systems has triumphed at the prestigious Tatler Homes Design Awards 2026, winning the highly coveted title of "Best Showroom in Singapore" just six months after its official opening.

This victory marks an unprecedented milestone: no company has ever achieved such prestigious recognition in such a short timeframe from its debut. The award was sealed by an extraordinary volume of votes-a record-breaking success for Tatler magazine itself-testifying to the profound impact the showroom has had on top-tier architects, industry professionals, and high-net-worth clientele.

More than just a display space, the Deluxe Systems showroom-designed by architect Francesco Carota-was conceived as a highly exclusive hub tailored to the most demanding architectural needs. The refined aesthetics of the space provide an immersive experience that perfectly complements the brand's bespoke, end-to-end consultancy. Deluxe Systems actively supports architects, property owners, and general contractors through every phase of development: from initial design and the meticulous selection of the perfect window and door profiles, all the way to precision installation and long-term maintenance.

A core pillar of this exclusive approach is an unwavering commitment to sustainability. By integrating green building efficiency standards and promoting Net Zero built environments, Deluxe Systems ensures its luxury solutions actively align with the Singapore Green Plan 2030. The company proves that high-end, exclusive design and environmental responsibility can seamlessly coexist.

"This award fills us with profound pride and validates our vision," states Daniele Campione, the founder of Deluxe Systems who strongly believed in and financed the initiative. "Winning in Singapore proves that by leveraging over 10 years of active field experience offering specialist consulting, we can compete and excel at the highest global levels. Our success in the ASEAN region is built on a solid internationalization strategy and an uncompromising focus on quality."

"The milestone reached today is the result of exceptional execution," emphasizes Giuseppe Covino, who conceptualized and developed the strategic project in close synergy with Germano Vitali. "This award for our showroom is a true recognition of the value of quality design. It is dedicated to all those who wish to tackle the complex challenges of creating luxury spaces that are not only aesthetically stunning but also sustainable and highly functional."

Moving forward, Deluxe Systems continues its mission to bring world-class Italian innovation to Southeast Asia, offering unparalleled support for exclusive projects where performance, elegance, and sustainability meet.
Hashtag: #DeluxeSystems

https://www.ds.asia/

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

About Deluxe Systems

The Deluxe Systems project was born from the visionary leadership of Daniele Campione and implemented by Giuseppe Covino, with Germano Vitali at the helm. Their shared goal was to create a premier hub in Singapore for luxury Made in Italy windows, doors, and railings, designed to serve the entire ASEAN region. Every product has been meticulously selected and is brought exclusively to the area by Deluxe Systems. Our mission is to not only provide the highest quality products, but also to deliver an unparalleled level of installation and maintenance service that stands in perfect harmony with the excellence of our collections.

Pogačar wins key test ahead of Tour de France

Sun, 21 Jun 2026 19:53:58 +0200

Slovenia's cycling superstar Tadej Pogačar underlined his status as top favourite for next month's Tour de France by securing a dominant overall victory at the Tour de Suisse after claiming his third stage win of the week.

The triumph at his debut at the Swiss race marked the 120th and 121st victories of Pogačar's professional career and took his remarkable 2026 tally to 13 wins from just 16 days of racing.

The 27-year-old UAE Team Emirates-XRG rider has enjoyed another dominant season, winning several of cycling's biggest one-day races, including Strade Bianche, Milan-San Remo, the Tour of Flanders and Liège-Bastogne-Liège. He also claimed four stage victories and the overall title at the Tour de Romandie.

Brutal day

The final 150.7-kilometre stage to Villars-sur-Ollon served as the race's sole true mountain test. Pogačar entered it with a lead of more than 4 minutes, having already won the opening stage and the individual time trial on the penultimate day.

He delivered a decisive move with nine kilometres to go, quickly distancing his rivals and sealing both the stage and overall victories. He crossed the finish line seven seconds clear of French rider Lenny Martinez (Bahrain Victorious), while Dutchman Bart Lemmen (Visma-Lease a Bike) finished third, one minute and 33 seconds adrift.

"The parcours was really tough. And yeah, we did a super job with the team ... was brutal day today and also super hot, so... I'm happy to take the win and the GC, and that I can go now go home to Urška," Pogačar said after the race, referring to his fiancée Urška Žigart, who is recovering after a nasty crash in the women's Tour de Suisse.

"This is how it will probably look in the Tour. With this heat and, so many climbs, it was really good to test the legs, the heart, the lungs, everything on the final climb," the four-time Tour de France champion added.

Largest winning margin

In the overall standings, Pogačar finished six minutes and 32 seconds ahead of Ecuador's Richard Carapaz (EF Education-EasyPost), the largest winning margin at the Tour de Suisse since 1959. That year, Germany's Hans Junkermann won the race by 10 minutes and 19 seconds on a considerably longer route.

Czech rider Mathias Vacek (Lidl-Trek) completed the podium, finishing six minutes and 53 seconds behind the Slovenian star.

Fellow Slovenian Primož Roglič (Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe) crossed the line 14th in the final stage, three minutes and nine seconds behind Pogačar, and finished eighth overall.

Lipowitz claims Tour of Slovenia victory

Sun, 21 Jun 2026 17:55:16 +0200

German rider Florian Lipowitz claimed the overall victory of the 32nd Tour of Slovenia ahead of his Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe teammate, Italian Giulio Pellizzari, as home favourite Jakob Omrzel (Bahrain Victorious) finished third, winning the white jersey for best young rider for the second year running.

Backed by his dominating squad, Lipowitz celebrated the victory of the five-day race in Novo Mesto after winning the last two stages, including the decisive penultimate leg up the iconic 1,611-metre Vršič Pass in the Julian Alps, in what was his first career victory in a space of nearly two years.

The 25-year-old former biathlete came to Slovenia as a clear favourite and he justified his status in preparation for the upcoming Tour de France, where he is considered a top contender, having finished behind only Slovenia's Tadej Pogačar and Dane Jonas Vingegaard last year.

"It was definitely a special race for us, and I'm super proud of how we raced as a team," Lipowitz said in his first comment, a reference to Red Bull controlling the race from start to finish, taking four of the five stage wins as well as all but one of the jerseys that were up for grabs.

Germany's Florian Lipowitz wins the green jersey for the overall victory of the 32nd Tour of Slovenia ahead of his Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe teammate, Italian Giulio Pellizzari and home favourite Jakob Omrzel (Bahrain Victorious).

Laurence Pithie of New Zealand secured two of the sprint wins and Pellizzari provided decisive support on the queen stage, with Slovenia's Jan Tratnik another key member of the team.

Lipowitz was also thrilled with his two stage wins, which together with the general classification win increases his tally of career victories from three to six. "Now I can travel to the Tour with confidence," the German told reporters at the finish line in Novo Mesto on 21 June.

Meanwhile, the 20-year-old native Omrzel impressed on home soil again. Improving on his fourth-place finish from last year, he stepped onto the overall podium in third (+2:06) and won the white jersey for the best young rider for the second consecutive year. His performance follows a strong season that already includes top-ten finishes at the Tour de Hongrie and the Tour of the Alps.

"I am definitely satisfied; the goal was to finish in the top three in the general classification and we achieved it. I would have signed for this outcome before the start," said Omrzel, who added that the last two days were a real test of his limits.

Finishing third in the queen stage made the difference and he defended his position by placing 9th in the final stage. "This is confirmation that the potential is there and that we are taking it step by step towards the top, which I really like," he said.

The final undulating stage from Litija to Novo Mesto (169.4 km) saw Lipowitz attack in the final few metres of the steep Trška gora climb, building a sufficient gap to hold off the chasers all the way to the finish line in Novo Mesto's main square. He crossed the line 24 seconds ahead of his teammate Pithie and Alessandro Fancellu.

Joker Out celebrate 10th anniversary with massive spectacle in Ljubljana

Sun, 21 Jun 2026 14:30:38 +0200

Joker Out, the pop-rock band who gained international recognition after representing Slovenia at the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest, celebrated their 10th anniversary with a massive carnival-style open-air spectacle that attracted around 17,000 people to Ljubljana, including some 1,500 fans from nearly 50 countries.

More than a year in the making, the project combined a concert, festival, contemporary circus performances, and immersive visual production, turning a park near a Ljubljana student campus into one of the country's largest live music venues for a day. Organizers deployed over 150 tonnes of equipment.

The event faced a major challenge when a severe thunderstorm hit shortly before the concert. Organizers temporarily suspended activities and cancelled part of the planned schedule while conducting safety and technical inspections of the stage and electrical systems. After the weather cleared, the concert was given the green light to proceed.

Fans soon forgot about their drenched outfit as Finnish artist Käärijä got them into the groove before Joker Out took the stage to a rapturous welcome. The band performed an almost three-hour set featuring more than 30 songs, joined by special guests including Serbian rapper Devito, a brass band and the RTV Slovenija children's and youth choirs.

The show featured lighting and LED effects, pyrotechnics, confetti, and CO2 cannons. A distinctive visual element came from Fuskabo Circus, whose aerial acrobatics, tightrope acts, dance performances, and fire displays added a theatrical carnival atmosphere to the night.

The concert concluded with an emotional encore after thousands of fans called the band back to the stage for one final performance of their hit song Umazane misli (Dirty Thoughts). Reflecting on the night, the band described it as a journey "from huge anticipation to disappointment, from sadness to hope, and finally to complete euphoria".

Following the event, Joker Out thanked fans on Instagram, recalling how "raindrops mingled with tears of fear that everything would go down the drain, literally", but then the fans started dancing barefoot in the puddles and turned the concert into one of the most wonderful experiences. "We won't remember this carnival for the storm, but for how magical we were together beneath it," they wrote.

Idrija Lace School keeps centuries old craft alive

Sat, 20 Jun 2026 11:00:00 +0200

The world's largest and oldest continuously operating lace school, located in the former mercury-mining town of Idrija in western Slovenia, is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year. Every year it passes on the skill of bobbin lace-making to more than 650 students.

Bobbin lace-making is a traditional handicraft where thread wound on special special wooden sticks known as bobbins is braided and twisted into intricate decorative patterns. The maker follows a pattern drawn on paper that is attached to a cylinder pillow in a wicker basket.

A key element of Slovenia's cultural heritage, this traditional skill from Idrija has been recognised by UNESCO since 2018. Bobbin lacemaking has also served as an inspiration for artistic creations in other fields such as contemporary visual arts, design and architecture.

Successful debut with 180 students

The oldest known written record of bobbin lace-making in the area dates back to 1696. For nearly two hundred years the craft was passed down through generations by word of mouth.

In the second half of the 19th century, merchants from Idrija selling lace expanded into the European market and demand for skilled lace-makers increased sharply. At the time Idrija was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire with Vienna as its administrative centre.

"The large number of lace-makers in Idrija at the time convinced authorities in Vienna that Idrija lace had strong commercial potential, provided its quality could compete with products from other European lace-making centres," says Metka Fortuna, head of the Idrija Lace School.

The school was founded by the Ministry of Trade in Vienna in October 1876. The first teacher, the young local lace-maker Ivanka Ferjančič, had as many as 180 students the first year. Ferjančič died at the age of 29 but the school kept growing with the teachers that she trained and their successors.

Thriving craft

Throughout its history, the Idrija Lace School has maintained its original mission to teach children and young people the craft of bobbin lace-making. Every year more than 500 children and young people learn the skill at the school and its eight other locations around Idrija, Cerkno and the Vipava Valley.

This distinguishes Idrija from other lace-making hubs around Europe, where the craft is mostly taken on by older people. The Idrija school also teaches adults, around 150 every year.

In addition to lace-making, the students also learn how to draw lace designs and use the internationally recognised system of lace-making charts.

Nowadays, the school is a comprehensive centre for the preservation, development and promotion of bobbin lace-making. It cooperates with other lace-making centres around Europe through projects, publishes lace-making manuals and awards certification for the vocational qualification of lace-maker. It also sells certified lace products, created by only the most skilled lace-makers.

Skill that brings joy into life

The school also organises part of the programme for the annual Idrija Lace Festival, which is taking place this weekend. The programme, which celebrates the school's anniversary, includes ten exhibitions, as well as workshops, lace-making demonstrations, concerts and a local crafts fair.

Every year, the school showcases its students' work at the festival, where visitors vote for their favourite piece. Last year's award went to Tina Štucin, whose intricate lace took four years to complete. At times, she worked with as many as 78 pairs of bobbins simultaneously.

"This award-winning lace is a fitting culmination of my 12 years at the lace school," Štucin said after receiving the prize. "I joined in the second grade of primary school and attended with great joy. Lace-making helps you make new friends, and it makes you feel calm and relaxed." She added that she intends to continue making lace "because it brings so much beauty into my life."

Maribor rehire architect of their golden era

Sat, 20 Jun 2026 09:01:46 +0200

Slovenian football legend Zlatko Zahovič has returned to NK Maribor as sporting director, more than six years after leaving the club he helped transform into the dominant force in Slovenian football.

Maribor are Slovenia's most successful football club to date and remain the country's only representative to have reached the UEFA Champions League group stage but have been struggling in recent years.

Zahovič, 55, signed a contract running until May 2028. He told the press in Maribor he had come to "awaken the sleeping lion" and end apathy. "It is now up to us to do our thing out in the field."

Regarded as the best player in Slovenian football history with stints at Porto, Benfica, Valencia and Olympiacos, and still the national team's all-time leading scorer, Zahovič served as Maribor's director of sport from 2007 until 2020.

This was the club's most successful era with eight league titles, four domestic cups and multiple appearances in the group stages of the UEFA Champions League and Europa League.

His return comes at a difficult moment for the 16-time Slovenian champions. Maribor finished fifth in the national league last season and missed out on qualification for European competitions. They have not won the national title in five years.

The appointment follows weeks of feverish media speculation and intense negotiations involving Turkish owner Acun Ilicali.

In his press conference on 19 June, Zahovič repeatedly invoked Ilicali saying he was the one making decisions, and it was up to staff to make his wishes come true.

Ilicali apologised to the fans for "making mistakes", which he said he was now rectifying: "Zlatko Zahovič will bring us success!" He promised for the club to no longer face financial problems.

Zahovič had largely stayed away from football since his departure in 2020, although he accepted a role as a UEFA match observer earlier this year.

Successful debut of International Symposium on Emergency Response and Aeromedical Services in Hong Kong

Sat, 20 Jun 2026 06:00:28 +0200

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 20 June 2026 - Hong Kong's Government Flying Service (GFS) held its inaugural three-day International Symposium on Emergency Response and Aeromedical Services (ISERAS) (June 16-18), bringing together more than 230 policymakers, experts and academics, and industry representatives from over 70 institutions and accredited organisations.

With participants from places including Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland, Australia, the United Kingdom, Austria, Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand, the event aimed to foster closer co-operation in emergency linkage, resource sharing, and professional training among different regions.

The inaugural International Symposium on Emergency Response and Aeromedical Services was held in Hong Kong from June 16 to 18. Photo shows the Under Secretary for Security of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government, Michael Cheuk (fifth left); the Director General of the Rescue and Salvage Bureau of the Ministry of Transport of the People's Republic of China, Wang Lei (fifth right); the Controller of the Government Flying Services of the HKSAR Government, Captain Eddie Liu (fourth right), and other guests at the opening ceremony.

The symposium featured a series of plenary sessions, panel discussions, technical visits, and live demonstrations jointly conducted by the GFS and various government emergency units. A number of memoranda of understanding were signed during the event, to deepen collaboration between the GFS and the Chinese Mainland as well as domestic and international emergency, aviation, and medical institutions.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Under Secretary for Security, Michael Cheuk, said that the challenges of emergency response as a result of the realities of climate change are evolving at an unprecedented pace.

"A shift to proactive prevention, continuous enhancement of international and cross-regional collaboration, and enhanced experience and insight sharing among stakeholders are key to rising to new and complex challenges," Mr Cheuk said, adding that the collaborative spirit of ISERAS will forge stronger partnerships, further strengthen emergency response capabilities, and secure a safer future for communities.

The Director General of the Rescue and Salvage Bureau of the Ministry of Transport of the People's Republic of China (CRS), Wang Lei, also attended the symposium and delivered a keynote presentation on air rescue capabilities and strategic development in the South China Sea.

The symposium concluded with an interdepartmental counter-terrorism drill and exchange session, with the participation of the GFS, the Hong Kong Police Force and the Hong Kong Fire Services Department, showcasing Hong Kong's professional capabilities in responding to terrorist attacks.

The symposium concluded with an interdepartmental counter-terrorism drill.

The Controller of the GFS, Captain Eddie Liu, said that the GFS has always played an important role in emergency response and rescue. "In addition to assisting in search and rescue, providing air ambulance and other emergency aeromedical services, the GFS also shoulders the responsibility of maintaining internal security of the HKSAR," he said.

"In emergencies such as terrorist attacks, the GFS would make rapid deployment to assist the disciplined services in conducting air assault, offering all-round support to the HKSAR Government's overall counter-terrorism efforts."

Since its establishment in 1993, the GFS has served at the forefront of round-the-clock search-and-rescue and emergency aeromedical operations, while the ISERAS aims to collectively build a truly transnational pool of professional expertise, thereby underscoring Hong Kong's status as an aviation hub for emergency response in Asia.

Hashtag: #HongKong #BrandHongKong #GFS #Emergency #Response #Aeromedical #Symposium

https://www.brandhk.gov.hk/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-hong-kong/
https://x.com/Brand_HK/
https://www.facebook.com/brandhk.isd
https://www.instagram.com/brandhongkong

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

Swire Coca-Cola HK Refreshes the 2026 Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Festival with Giant Festive Installation at the Avenue of Stars

Sat, 20 Jun 2026 05:40:26 +0200

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 20 June 2026 - Bringing a refreshing wave to a beloved cultural tradition, Swire Coca-Cola HK has become the Official Beverage Sponsor for the "2026 Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races", organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board. Running from 19 June to 1 July, the brand is set to energise athletes, locals, and tourists alike with thirst-quenching beverages and an eye-catching festive photo spot.

Giant Festive Installation at the Avenue of Stars.

Deeply rooted in the city for over six decades, Swire Coca-Cola HK is driven by its brand purpose "to deliver refreshment to the communities we call home" and has proudly been part of many of Hong Kong's defining moments. From local festivities and cultural events to large-scale sports and tourism experiences, the brand has long connected with the community, dedicated to supporting Hong Kong's vibrant mega-event economy. Serving as the Official Beverage Sponsor of the event this year represents another milestone in its mission to share joy and create unforgettable summer memories.

Festive Photo Spot: Two-Metre Giant Coca-Cola® Bottle on the Avenue of Stars

To amplify the festive spirit, a giant, two-metre-tall Coca-Cola® bottle, accompanied by a dragon boat-themed installation, will land on the Avenue of Stars. Set against the dazzling backdrop of Victoria Harbour, this striking display will be available from 19 June to 1 July, offering the compelling photo spot for the public to capture memorable moments while enjoying the thrilling races.

Festive-Themed Combo Meals: Redeem Limited-Edition Mystery Gifts

Echoing the culinary excitement of the event's special "Dragon Boat Food Lane", Swire Coca-Cola HK is partnering with designated kiosks and stalls along the Avenue of Stars to launch festive-themed combo meals. During the race days on 27 and 28 June, consumers who purchase a designated meal set featuring Swire Coca-Cola HK products, or buy two or more selected Swire Coca-Cola HK products, will receive a redemption voucher. This voucher can be used to redeem the brand's mystery gift at the redemption counter at specified timeslots, available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Boosting Energy and Keeping Paddlers Hydrated

Given the intense physical demands of dragon boat racing, the brand is also throwing its full support behind the local and international paddlers. Multiple bonaqua® water stations will be set up across the event venue to ensure over 4,500 athletes stay hydrated. Additionally, electrolytes replenishment drink Aquarius® will be provided to offer a vital energy boost, helping paddlers power through to the finish line.

Paddling Towards a Greener Future

Beyond the excitement of the races, Swire Coca-Cola HK also brings sustainable practices to the celebration. In collaboration with local social enterprise V Cycle, the brand will set up multiple plastic bottle recycling stations during the race days on 27 and 28 June. Collected bottles will be transported to New Life Plastics, Hong Kong's largest food-grade-ready plastic bottle recycling facility. The recyclables will be processed into recycled PET (rPET) materials and reintroduced into the supply chain to create new bottles. This "bottle-to-bottle" initiative highlights a successful circular economy model by giving recycled plastic a second life, making environmental stewardship a core part of the event experience.

As the "2026 Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Festival" unfolds, Swire Coca-Cola HK is excited to celebrate this summer spectacular with the locals and tourists. Through refreshing drinks, interactive fun, and recycling actions, the brand hopes to create lasting memories for all.

Hashtag: #SwireCoca-ColaHK #Dragonboat

https://www.swirecocacola.com/
https://hk.linkedin.com/company/swire-coca-cola-hk

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

iQOO 15R Named Official Gaming Phone for 2026 Asian Games Esports Qualifiers: Honor of Kings

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 17:19:38 +0200

The performance-focused smartphone will support tournament-level mobile gameplay with stable performance, responsive controls and sustained power.

DONGGUAN, CHINA - Media OutReach Newswire - 19 June 2026 - iQOO, a smartphone brand built for high-performance mobile gaming experiences, today announced that the iQOO 15R has been named the Official Gaming Phone for the 2026 Asian Games Esports Qualifiers: Honor of Kings.

iQOO

As an official esports title of the Asian Games, Honor of Kings brings together competitive mobile esports players from across the region. Through this partnership, iQOO will support the Qualifiers with a device designed for competitive mobile gaming, reinforcing the brand's commitment to supporting powerful, stable and immersive experiences for players and fans.

Supporting Tournament-Level Mobile Esports

Competitive mobile esports requires more than peak performance. Players often rely on consistent frame rates, responsive touch control and reliable power throughout extended matches. With the iQOO 15R serving as the Official Gaming Phone for the Qualifiers, iQOO aims to bring its performance-driven technology into a professional tournament setting and support players with a device built for speed, control and sustained gameplay.

Built for Stable, High-Intensity Gameplay

Designed as a performance-focused smartphone, the iQOO 15R is equipped to support the high demands of mobile gaming. Powered by the Snapdragon® 8 Gen 5 Mobile Platform and Monster HyperCore Engine, the device is engineered to help deliver stable frame rates and responsive gameplay during extended sessions.

The Supercomputing Chip Q2 is designed to enhance visual clarity for a more immersive gaming experience, while the Super Touch Control Chip is designed to improve input accuracy and control response. In addition, the advanced cooling system and large-capacity Silicon Anode Battery with fast charging help provide the sustained performance and power required for tournament-level play.
Hashtag: #iQOO

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

About iQOO

iQOO, a sub-brand of vivo, differentiates itself in performance and Esports experience. iQOO leverages the research, quality assurance and after-sales service expertise of vivo, and follows the brand ethos of i Quest On and On to push boundaries, innovate boldly and share the excitement of exploring future technology. With products offering Esports-standard capabilities, iQOO aims to become the top choice of consumers who are passionate about performance and gaming.

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

About Honor of Kings

Developed by TiMi Studio Group, Honor of Kings has become the world's most-played MOBA. In 2025, the combined MAU of Honor of Kings titles surpassed 260 million. Featuring highly detailed and diverse character and battlefield design plus music created by world renowned composers including Hans Zimmer, Joe Hisaishi, and Howard Shore, Honor of Kings immerses players in a unique and colorful universe. Honor of Kings prides itself on being free to play and fair to win, with success determined by players' skills and tactics. Honor of Kings is also home to a thriving esports ecosystem supporting competitive play from grassroots amateurs to elite professionals. To learn more about Honor of Kings, follow on Twitter, Facebook, Youtube, Instagram, TikTok or visit the official website of Honor of Kings.

Yaskawa completes major investment in Kočevje

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 14:57:56 +0200

Japanese industrial robotics giant Yaskawa has completed the construction of two new facilities next to its existing operation in Kočevje, south Slovenia. The investment, including a new European distribution centre and an upgraded robotic system production line, is valued at €32 million.

Yaskawa's campus in the area of Kočevje and nearby Ribnica now combines three key units: the YER (YASKAWA Europe Robotics) robot factory, the ERDC (European Robot Distribution Center), and YRS (YASKAWA Ristro), a company providing turnkey solutions for the implementation of robots in various technological processes for all of Europe.

The company says these form a modern development, production, and distribution centre for the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region.

The campus is equipped with innovative production processes, system solutions, and automated transport and storage systems. These are the result of Slovenian engineering expertise.

The investment strengthens the company's role as one of the key European hubs for the production, distribution, and development of advanced robotic solutions.

Investment to drive expansion

As the ground was broken on the investment in April 2024, Hubert Kosler, director of Yaskawa Europe Robotics, said the investment would allow the company to expand its activity in the EMEA region.

Until now, the company had to send the robots and controllers produced in Slovenia to warehouses in Germany and Sweden for further distribution.

The new distribution centre will allow them to distribute their products, including those imported from Japan, directly to end customers in Europe, Middle East and Africa.

With the new building for the engineering and production of robotic systems, the company will expand the programme through which they develop robots for various technological processes and technologies.

Yaskawa has been present in Slovenia for more than 30 years.

Slovenian fund acquires half of Adria Dental Group

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 12:37:08 +0200

Slovenian private equity manager Advance Capital Partners has agreed to acquire a 50% stake in Adria Dental Group from Croatian investment firm Provectus Capital Partners, becoming a co-owner of one of the largest dental services platforms in the region.

Adria Dental Group operates 12 clinics across 16 locations in Croatia, Slovenia and Italy, employs more than 700 professionals and generates annual revenue exceeding €60 million, according to Advance Capital Partners. The transaction remains subject to regulatory approval.

The foundations of the group were laid in 2021 when Provectus Capital Partners acquired Adria Dental, then a business with 60 employees and annual revenue of €3 million. Since then, the company has completed a series of acquisitions and expanded into Slovenia and Italy, transforming into a leading regional provider of dental services.

The investment marks the next stage in the group's consolidation strategy after a period of rapid expansion. Under combined ownership "we can further grow the group, further consolidate regional markets and optimise operations," said Tim Umberger, Advance Capital Partners board member.

Provectus partner Ivan Dujmović echoed this, saying the group was still at the beginning of its journey and that the new partnership shared a vision for its next phase of expansion.

Adria Dental Group CEO Gordan Muškić said the combined backing of both funds would enable the company to continue expanding its clinic network while delivering premium dental services to patients across the region.

The deal is the latest example of growing interest by Slovenian investment funds in Croatia's private healthcare sector. In October 2025, equity fund manager Alfi received regulatory approval to become the majority owner of Zagreb-based Sveta Katarina Hospital, one of Croatia's largest private healthcare providers.

Alfi acquired the hospital by taking over a majority stake in Origo Zdravlje, the sole owner of the hospital, through one of its venture capital funds. It said it wanted to build a strong healthcare platform by investing in established institutions with clear potential for growth and sustainable value creation.

ZEEKR Surpasses 800,000 Global Deliveries and Unveils Global Expansion Strategy for Dual Flagship 9-Series Models

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 11:39:14 +0200

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 19 June 2026 - The 2026 International Automotive and Supply Chain Expo (Hong Kong) officially opened today. Under the theme "Luxury, Elevated to a New Realm", ZEEKR unveiled the global expansion strategy for its dual flagship 9-Series models - the ZEEKR 9X and ZEEKR 009 Grand.

As a key gateway connecting China with global markets, Hong Kong serves as an important benchmark for the premium automotive industry and a strategic platform for luxury brands expanding internationally. Launching the global strategy for the 9-Series in Hong Kong marks a significant new chapter in ZEEKR's growth across the global premium new energy vehicle market.

800,000 Deliveries Milestone Underscores ZEEKR's Global Growth Momentum

Strong market performance continues to support ZEEKR's expansion in the global premium new energy vehicle segment. As of June 16, 2026, ZEEKR's cumulative global deliveries officially exceeded 800,000 vehicles, marking a major milestone for the brand.

In Hong Kong, ZEEKR has maintained strong momentum. From January to May 2026, ZEEKR captured a 40.7% market share of Hong Kong's luxury vehicle segment, ranking first among all luxury automotive brands. The ZEEKR 009 ranked as Hong Kong's best-selling luxury MPV, while the ZEEKR 7X became the city's best-selling luxury SUV.

Across key international markets, ZEEKR continues to achieve strong results. In Thailand, the brand was the best-selling luxury pure-electric MPV brand in 2025 and retained its leadership position from January to May 2026. In Malaysia, ZEEKR ranked No.1 among luxury pure-electric brands during the same period, with the ZEEKR 7X leading the luxury electric SUV category and the ZEEKR 009 remaining the top-selling luxury electric MPV. In Australia, ZEEKR continued to lead the luxury SUV segment priced above AUD 65,000 from January to May. In Mexico, the ZEEKR 7X secured the monthly luxury EV sales title in both April and May.

Dual Flagship 9-Series Models Showcase ZEEKR's Technology-Luxury Vision

At this year's expo, ZEEKR is showcasing five models spanning family mobility, executive transportation and flagship luxury, highlighting the breadth of its premium product portfolio.

The ZEEKR 9X, ZEEKR's new global flagship of ultra-luxury SUV, is built on the SEA-S architecture and features a 900V high-performance silicon carbide electric drive system delivering more than 1,030 kW of maximum power. Four integrated safety structures combined with extensive use of 2,000 MPa ultra-high-strength steel contribute to a torsional rigidity rating of 41,600 N·m/deg, setting a new benchmark for safety in the hybrid SUV segment. The ZEEKR 9X recently opened pre-sales in the Middle East, where it has received strong market interest. The model is scheduled to expand into key markets across Latin America, Central Asia and Europe.

The ZEEKR 009 Grand, the brand's global ultra-luxury four-seater flagship MPV, features a 720-degree comprehensive safety architecture and the world's first integrated die-cast C-ring cabin structure, delivering segment-leading rear-seat protection. The second row is equipped with two ultra-soft aniline leather executive seats featuring 20 massage points and an industry-leading seven-zone graphene heating system, creating an exceptional luxury experience for rear passengers. The right-hand-drive version of the ZEEKR 009 Grand is scheduled to launch in Hong Kong in the fourth quarter of 2026.

The ZEEKR 8X, a super hybrid high-performance flagship SUV, also makes its Hong Kong debut. Built on the SEA-S Super Hybrid Architecture, the ZEEKR 8X delivers a flagship experience across four key dimensions: performance, intelligence, safety and comfort.

Expanding Global Capabilities and Opening a New Chapter of Technology Luxury

As its product lineup continues to grow and its international footprint expands, ZEEKR is accelerating the development of a comprehensive global operating system spanning R&D, product planning, market operations and customer services. Today, ZEEKR's overseas business covers more than 60 major cities worldwide with a rapidly growing global user base.

As the global automotive industry accelerates toward electrification and intelligent mobility, the luxury vehicle market is entering a new era in which technological innovation is redefining the premium experience. Leveraging Hong Kong's position as a globally connected international hub, ZEEKR will continue to deepen its global presence and advance the evolution of luxury through innovation. Through cutting-edge technologies, exceptional products and comprehensive lifecycle services, ZEEKR is committed to delivering a distinctive technology-luxury mobility experience for customers around the world.

Hashtag: #ZEEKR

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

About Zeekr

Zeekr is the global luxury electric vehicle technology brand from Geely Auto Group. Utilizing advanced software-defined architectures and cutting-edge propulsion technologies, Zeekr is dedicated to creating a fully integrated user ecosystem with innovation at its core.

Regular rail fares going up

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 08:38:32 +0200

The cost of one-way and return tickets for rides on Slovenian trains will go up by 16% on average starting from July and the penalty fare for buying a ticket on the train will more than double. The prices of annual, monthly and weekly passes will remain unchanged.

The Slovenian Railways say this is the first time they are raising fare prices since 2014. The increase reflects the growing costs of energy, fuel, labour and maintenance.

The penalty fare applied when buying a ticket on the train during opening times of the ticket office at the boarding station will increase from €5 to €12.

The rail operator says this fee, paid in addition to the train fare, is still lower than similar fees or fines charged in many other European countries.

The rail company will also adjust surcharges for higher-class trains and streamline the way they are charged.

The price of a special one-way city ticket that is available only in the broader Ljubljana area will be adjusted to match the price of a single journey on Ljubljana city buses (€1.5).

A new annual city train pass is being introduced for travel in the Ljubljana area. The price will equal the cost of eight monthly passes or less than €25 a month.

The Slovenian Railways will continue to offer discounts for families and travel at weekends, albeit under different discount schemes than currently.

A 30% discount for single and return fares across the country will apply at weekends. For families travelling together, a discount of 40% will apply for adults and of 50% for children aged 15 or less.

Meanwhile, the fee for transporting a bike will double to €3.

Hong Kong universities scale global heights, cementing education hub status

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 06:18:51 +0200

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 19 June 2026 - Hong Kong universities continue to excel on the international stage with five institutions ranked among the world's top 100 and, for the first time, two in the top 20 of the 2027 World University Rankings published by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) on June 18.

A spokesman for Hong Kong's Education Bureau (EDB) said that with the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government's full commitment to developing Hong Kong into an education hub, coupled with the support of a series of policy measures, the city's higher education system has again excelled.

Announcing the results, QS said in a press release that Hong Kong "emerges as Asia's most improved higher education system for the second consecutive year, and the second most improved globally among systems with three or more ranked universities".

Hong Kong is home to five universities consistently ranked in the global top 100

The University of Hong Kong (HKU) maintained its position at 11th in the world; The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) rose 14 places to 18th; The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology rose 11 places to 33rd; and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University climbed four places to 50th, entering the world's top 50 for the first time. Also among the top 100 is City University of Hong Kong, which improved 11 places to 52nd.

In the latest Best Global Universities Rankings published by the U.S. News & World Report just days ago, multiple Hong Kong universities also demonstrated exceptional international competitiveness, with 20 subjects placing in the global top 10. Notably, CUHK, HKU, and The Education University of Hong Kong swept the global top three spots for the Best Global Universities for "Education and Educational Research", underscoring the city's prowess in cultivating talents and conducting academic research.

"These achievements fully affirm the effectiveness of the HKSAR Government's steadfast investment in education and its full support through the University Grants Committee (UGC) for institutions to continuously innovate, optimise, expand capacity, and enhance quality. The significant year-on-year rise in the overall rankings of our institutions further validates Hong Kong's strong appeal as a premier hub for international high-end talent," the EDB spokesman said.

"The stellar performance of UGC-funded universities in the international rankings is by no means accidental. On one hand, it relies on the tireless efforts of all institutions to actively recruit world-class scholars and invest in infrastructure. On the other hand, the HKSAR Government's stable resource investment, clear and supportive policy guidance, as well as the rigorous quality assurance implemented through the University Accountability Agreements, are also of paramount importance."

The University of Hong Kong secured the 11th spot in the latest QS World University Rankings

The Government will continue to promote the internationalisation and diversification of post-secondary education, which aims to not only enhance Hong Kong's development momentum but also make proactive contributions to the nation's development, the spokesman said.

The strength demonstrated by Hong Kong's higher education system aligns perfectly with the strategic goals set out in the National 15th Five-Year Plan to build a leading nation in education, technology, and talent.

To support the post-secondary education sector to grow bigger and stronger, the Government has raised the admission ceiling for non-local students in taught programmes at funded post-secondary institutions to 50 per cent, and increased the over-enrolment ceiling for self-financing places in funded research postgraduate programmes to 120 per cent, among other measures.

Meanwhile, the Government is promoting the "Study in Hong Kong" brand. The Task Force on Study in Hong Kong, in collaboration with major institutions, is stepping up promotion of Hong Kong's excellent academic, research, and international collaboration resources on the Chinese Mainland and overseas. It also aims to attract outstanding talent from all over the world through initiatives such as expanding the Belt and Road Scholarship.

Hashtag: #HongKong #BrandHongKong #EducationHub #University #QS

https://www.brandhk.gov.hk/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-hong-kong/
https://x.com/Brand_HK/
https://www.facebook.com/brandhk.isd
https://www.instagram.com/brandhongkong

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

A Decade of Sharing the Flavors of China: 'Chinese Restaurant' Stays True to Its Mission Through Food and Culture

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 06:18:50 +0200

CHANGSHA, CHINA - Media OutReach Newswire - 19 June 2026 - Carrying the warmth of everyday life and the richness of Chinese civilization, Chinese Restaurant embarks on a new chapter as it celebrates its 10th anniversary. Marking this milestone, Chinese Restaurant: Nanyang Memories Season makes its highly anticipated return, with partners Huang Xiaoming, Wang Junkai, Hannah Quinlivan (Kun Ling), Jiang Yan, Jin Mengjia, Zhang Yaqi, Lin Shuwei, and the rest of the team ready to begin a heartwarming journey through Southeast Asia. The new season will premiere on June 19, airing every Friday at 12:00 p.m. (Beijing Time) on Mango TV and at 10:00 p.m. on Hunan TV.

Over the past nine years, Chinese Restaurant has traveled across multiple countries and regions, including Thailand, France, Italy, and Hungary. Looking back on its journey of cultural exchange, the program launched a dedicated Chinese food truck in France, allowing local residents and visitors to conveniently experience authentic Chinese flavors. In Hungary, food served as a unique language that fostered deeper intercultural understanding. During the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Italy, the program actively responded to the Belt and Road Initiative, using cultural interaction and culinary exchange to strengthen friendship between the two nations.

Now, standing at the threshold of its second decade, Chinese Restaurant: Nanyang Memories Season returns to Thailand, drawing upon the longstanding cultural, tourism, and people-to-people ties between China and Thailand. Through food and storytelling, the program once again brings Chinese culture to life on Southeast Asian soil.

The new season introduces an innovative business model inspired by traditional Chinese agricultural wisdom, creating a distinctive experience that combines pastoral ecology with the aesthetics of contemporary Chinese dining. New service concepts, including the "Chef's Table" and "Chef at Home," offer guests diverse culinary experiences while naturally integrating Chinese cuisine into everyday local life.

For ten years, Chinese Restaurant has remained committed to its original vision: telling authentic and heartfelt Chinese stories while showcasing the unique appeal of Chinese cuisine to global audiences. Through food, the program has helped narrow cultural distances, deepen international understanding, and highlight the confidence, vitality, and inclusiveness of Chinese culture.

The premiere episode of Chinese Restaurant: Nanyang Memories Season coincides with the Dragon Boat Festival, as the seven partners begin a brand-new entrepreneurial adventure in Chiang Mai, Thailand. From unexpected operational challenges and cultural differences to the dynamic interactions among team members with diverse personalities, the journey promises a wealth of memorable moments and compelling stories for viewers.

Over the years, the Chinese Restaurant franchise has consistently used authentic Chinese cuisine as a bridge connecting people across cultures. Every dish reflects the traditions and warmth of Chinese daily life, while every shared meal conveys the spirit and values of Eastern culture. Set against real-world international backdrops, the program vividly presents the depth and richness of Chinese civilization.

Today, Chinese Restaurant is far more than a culinary reality show. It has become a platform for cultural dialogue, mutual understanding, and friendship between China and the world. Through the universal language of food, the program continues to bring people closer together, allowing Chinese flavors and Chinese stories to resonate across borders and leave a lasting impression on audiences worldwide.

Hashtag: #MGTV

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

VinFast Builds on EV Success While Looking Beyond Electrification

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 05:38:47 +0200

DUBAI, UAE - Media OutReach Newswire - 19 June 2026 - As Southeast Asia and the Middle East ramp up investments in autonomous driving and AI-powered transportation, VinFast is positioning itself at the intersection of today's EV market and tomorrow's mobility ecosystem.

The future of mobility is being shaped by a common set of trends: electrification, artificial intelligence, autonomous driving, and software-defined vehicles (SDVs).

Recent developments in Southeast Asia and the Middle East show how quickly that transition is unfolding. Across both regions, investment is increasingly extending beyond electrification to autonomous driving, AI, and software-centric vehicle platforms. While approaches vary, the goal is becoming increasingly similar: creating vehicles that are not only electric, but also intelligent, connected, and capable of higher levels of autonomy.

In Southeast Asia, VinFast recently announced a three-way collaboration to develop a Level 4 robotaxi platform tailored to the region's dense traffic conditions and complex urban environments.

At the same time, similar autonomous mobility initiatives are emerging in the Middle East, highlighting a broader shift toward AI-powered transportation and software-defined vehicles.

As momentum builds, attention is moving beyond EV adoption alone toward the integration of intelligent mobility technologies. This shift is creating opportunities for automakers that can combine strong EV foundations with long-term technology development.

One company pursuing both is VinFast, Vietnam's largest electric vehicle manufacturer and one of the country's fastest-growing global technology companies. Founded in 2017, it has expanded beyond its home market and now operates across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

Its robotaxi initiative reflects a broader ambition to participate in the transition toward software-defined vehicles, where software, connectivity, AI, and over-the-air updates play an increasingly central role in the ownership experience. Through these efforts, VinFast is evolving beyond a conventional automaker into a participant in the next generation of mobility.

Yet even as it invests in future technologies, VinFast continues to demonstrate strong performance as an EV manufacturer.

In May 2026, the company delivered 19,503 electric vehicles in Vietnam, bringing total sales for the first five months of the year to 97,961 units. The achievement marked VinFast's twentieth consecutive month as Vietnam's best-selling automotive brand.

That commercial success provides a solid foundation for its technology ambitions. Rather than treating autonomous mobility as a distant objective, VinFast is building on a rapidly growing base of vehicles already on the road.

Another cornerstone of its strategy is aftersales support. Vehicles such as the VF 8 come with a 10-year or 200,000-kilometer vehicle warranty, a 10-year unlimited-kilometer battery warranty, five years of free maintenance, 24/7 roadside assistance, and mobile service support.

In May, VinFast announced agreements with 29 new aftersales partners across international markets, including several in the Middle East. The partnerships will strengthen the company's service network through standardized technician training, quality-control systems, and an efficient spare-parts supply chain.

This focus on aftersales reflects a reality often overlooked amid discussions about AI and autonomous driving. Long-term success depends not only on technology, but also on customer trust, ownership experience, and dependable support.

That balance between innovation and execution increasingly mirrors the direction of the mobility sector in both Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

As both regions continue investing in electrification, intelligent vehicles, and autonomous transportation, their mobility ambitions are becoming increasingly aligned. VinFast's recent moves illustrate how a Southeast Asian automaker is helping bridge today's EV market with the software-defined, autonomous mobility ecosystem of the future.

Hashtag: #VinFast #EV #AutonomousDriving

https://me.vinfast.com/en

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

SIM Global Education Students Connect with Industry Mentors Through Campus Life

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 03:38:38 +0200

SINGAPORE- Media OutReach Newswire - 19 June 2026 - For many students considering higher education, choosing an institution is not only about selecting a programme or qualification. Students are also looking for a learning environment where they belong, receive support, build confidence and connect with people who can help with understanding future career pathways.

At SIM Global Education (SIM GE), campus life is designed to complement academic learning by helping students develop networks, soft skills, career awareness and a stronger sense of community. SIM GE's holistic learning approach and culturally diverse environment aim to equip students with an all-rounded global education, while student life, career development and networking activities help students build competencies needed to thrive in the real world.

This is increasingly important in higher education. UNESCO's International Institute for Higher Education notes that student wellbeing is critical to academic success and personal development, and that inadequate support can affect learning outcomes, career readiness and students' ability to contribute meaningfully to society.

Addressing student concerns beyond the classroom
Students exploring higher education often face several practical concerns. They may wonder whether they will make friends, whether they will be supported if they struggle, whether they will have opportunities to develop leadership skills, and whether they can access career guidance before entering the workforce.

SIM GE addresses these concerns through a campus ecosystem that combines student clubs, leadership development, peer support, wellbeing programmes and career services. Through Project 1095, SIM GE highlights that education extends beyond books, exams and qualifications, encompassing knowledge, skills and activities both inside and outside the classroom. This approach supports students who want a fuller higher education experience to grow personally, socially and professionally.

Building networks through clubs and co-curricular activities
Student clubs and co-curricular activities are among the first ways SIM GE students build connections on campus. SIM offers nearly 80 student clubs across areas such as arts and culture, international student clubs, student councils, special interest groups, sports and fitness. These activities allow students to broaden their interests, discover new talents and interact with peers beyond their academic programmes.

For students, these communities can make networking feel more natural. Instead of viewing networking only as a formal career activity, students can begin by working with peers on events, competitions, club projects and leadership initiatives. These experiences help students develop communication, teamwork, confidence and relationship-building skills that are valuable in both campus life and the workplace.

Developing leadership and workplace-ready skills
Leadership opportunities are another important part of the SIM GE student experience. Project 1095 states that SIM aims to prepare every student to be a leader, with opportunities ranging from leadership positions in clubs, to workshops that help students take charge of their learning journey.

These experiences are relevant to students who want to strengthen their employability before graduation. By organising activities, leading teams, managing projects and engaging with different student groups, students can develop confidence and practical skills that support their future careers. Such skills are increasingly valued by employers. The World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs 2025 report identifies skills such as analytical thinking, resilience, flexibility, agility, leadership and social influence as important for the future workforce.

Connecting students with career guidance and industry networks
For students seeking more direct career support, SIM Career Connect helps students develop a competitive edge, build industry networks and professional connections, and align their career aspirations with real-world opportunities. This is a key part of helping students transition from academic learning to career readiness. Through career guidance, networking opportunities and employer engagement, students can better understand industry expectations and explore potential career pathways.

SIM's Employer Engagement team also works with industry partners to connect employers with SIM GE students, supporting employers in finding the right fit from its pool of talent, and provides. For students, this access to industry networks can help reduce uncertainty about life after graduation. It also gives them opportunities to gain exposure to professional environments, employer expectations and potential career directions while still studying.

The role of mentoring in student career development
Mentoring and professional guidance are important because students often need perspective as much as information. Research on employability-oriented higher education programmes has highlighted that higher education has increasingly focused on developing students' employability competences through mentoring programmes.

Within SIM GE's broader campus life and career ecosystem, students can connect with peers, student leaders, career advisors, employers and industry opportunities. These touchpoints help students build confidence, ask the right questions, learn from others' experiences and make more informed decisions about their future.

Helping students make a more confident higher education choice
As students consider their higher education options, many are looking for more than a classroom experience. They want to know whether they will be supported, whether they can build friendships, whether they will have access to career resources, and whether they can connect with people who can help them understand the world of work. At SIM Global Education, student life plays an important role in addressing these concerns. Through clubs, co-curricular activities, student leadership, peer support, wellbeing services, career guidance and employer engagement, SIM GE provides students with opportunities to build meaningful connections and develop future-ready skills.

For students choosing their next step in higher education, these experiences can make a significant difference. They help you move from uncertainty to confidence, from participation to leadership, and from academic learning to stronger career readiness.

Reference

SIM Global Education - https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/sim-global-education/university-partners-sim-ge/sim-ge
New insights on countries' objectives to support student well-being in higher education - https://www.iesalc.unesco.org/en/articles/new-insights-countries-objectives-support-student-well-being-higher-education
Project1095 - https://project1095.simge.edu.sg/
Future of Job Report - https://www.weforum.org/publications/the-future-of-jobs-report-2025/
SIM Career Service - https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/life-at-sim/career-services
Measuring mentoring in employability-oriented higher education programs: scale development and validation - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10170025/
Wellness and Counselling - https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/life-at-sim/student-care

Hashtag: #SIMGlobalEducation #SIMGE #GlobalEducation #InternationalDegree #CareerReady #FutureSkills

https://www.sim.edu.sg/

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

About SIM Global Education

Thailand's "trust capital" a potential strategic advantage amid global realignment: NUS Business School Dean

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 03:18:36 +0200

BANGKOK, THAILAND - Media OutReach Newswire - 19 June 2026 - As geopolitical tensions reshape global trade, supply chains and investment flows, Thailand's long-standing reputation as a trusted and neutral regional partner could become one of its strongest competitive advantages, according to Distinguished Professor Andrew K. Rose, Dean of NUS Business School.

NUS Business School Senior Lecturer Ms Usa Skulkerewatana (foreground, first from left) and Distinguished Professor Andrew K. Rose, Dean of NUS Business School with Thai media representatives.

Speaking to the media during a visit to Bangkok, Professor Rose said economies with deep international trust and stable regional relationships are increasingly well positioned as businesses rethink where they invest, manufacture and expand.

"In a world where global alignments are shifting and supply chains are being redrawn, trust becomes a strategic asset," said Professor Rose. "Thailand has spent decades building strong relationships across Asia and beyond. That foundation becomes more valuable in periods of uncertainty."

A pivotal moment for Thailand
Thailand's current environment is demanding, and the International Monetary Fund's World Economic Outlook (April 2026) projects growth of 1.5 per cent in 2026.

Professor Rose noted that rising energy costs, softer long-haul tourism demand and rapid AI adoption are creating near-term pressure across key sectors of the Thai economy. However, he said periods of disruption often create the conditions for long-term competitive repositioning.

"The economies that emerge stronger are usually the ones that adapt earliest," as Professor Rose. "Leadership capability, agility and the ability to navigate change will determine who captures the next decade of growth."

The comments come as businesses across Southeast Asia accelerate investment in AI, digital transformation and workforce reskilling amid growing global economic fragmentation.

A 2026 Milieu Insight study of 3,000 workers across six Southeast Asian markets including Thailand found that 53 per cent ranked over-dependence on AI as their top concern, ahead of privacy risks and job displacement. This suggests that organisations in Thailand and across the region must do more to guide, not just deploy, new technology.

Building regional leadership capability
Addressing these challenges requires more than a policy response alone. Professor Rose emphasised that both multinationals and SMEs must build their adaptation strategies around talent and leadership development to power Thailand's growth engine.

Ms Usa Skulkerewathana, Senior Lecturer at NUS Business School, said Thai organisations should consider focusing on strengthening talent development and practical AI readiness rather than treating technology as a standalone solution.

"This is not a wait-and-see moment," said Ms Skulkerewathana. "Thai businesses that invest early in leadership, digital capability and workforce resilience will be better positioned to compete regionally and internationally."

Singapore's role as Asia's financial and educational hub offers Thai professionals and organisations a natural gateway to build regional leadership capability. Thai professionals and executives have, for decades, benefitted from NUS Business School's MBA, MSc and executive education programmes, including the Stanford-NUS Executive Programme and other senior leadership initiatives developed with global academic and industry partners. Thai enrolment has remained steady over the past five years as professionals seek regional exposure and globally benchmarked leadership training.

Thailand's "trust capital" is intact, and its position within a reorganising ASEAN is reinforced by the changes underway. The Thai institutions and business leaders that treat "trust capital" as a competitive asset, and build the leadership depth to deploy it, will define the country's next chapter of growth.

Hashtag: #NUSBusinessSchool

https://bschool.nus.edu.sg/
https://www.linkedin.com/school/nus-business-school/
https://x.com/NUSBizSchool
https://www.facebook.com/NUSBusinessSchool/
https://www.instagram.com/nusbizschool/?hl=en

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

About NUS Business School

With 50,000 alumni and 60 global chapters, the National University of Singapore (NUS) Business School is known for providing management thought leadership from an Asian perspective, enabling its students and corporate partners to leverage global knowledge and Asian insights.

The school has consistently ranked first in Asia by independent publications and agencies, such as The Financial Times and Quacquarelli Symonds, in recognition of the quality of its programmes, faculty research and graduates.

The school is accredited by AACSB International (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) and EQUIS (European Quality Improvement System), endorsements that the school has met the highest standards for business education.

For more information about NUS Business School, please visit bschool.nus.edu.sg.

To discover our MBA, MSc or Executive Education courses, visit https://mscbiz.nus.edu.sg/, https://mba.nus.edu.sg/ or https://executive-education.nus.edu.sg/

Speaker concludes closely-watched visit to Serbia

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 16:54:53 +0200

Zoran Stevanović, president of the Slovenian National Assembly, has picked Serbia for his first official bilateral trip abroad since taking office in April. Slovenia's continued support on Serbia's path to the EU dominated the agenda, but media interest focused on what was officially not discussed.

The 16-18 June visit attracted significant media attention in both countries, also because in early June Serbia's Minister for Human and Minority Rights Demo Beriša said Belgrade and Ljubljana were entering preliminary discussions to formally recognise the Serbian community as a minority.

The statement immediately fuelled speculation, also because back in November 2025, before his populist Truth party entered parliament, Stevanović told a Serbian news portal that he would support granting Serbs minority status.

However, the issue was not discussed during the visit. Stevanović repeatied the position he made in the run-up to his trip: that the Slovenian Constitution, which recognises only the Hungarian and Italian ethnic minorities, was "sacred" to his party.

On the eve of his visit, Slovenia's parliament passed amendments that strip non-EU nationals with permanent residence status in the country of the right to vote in local elections. Most of these residents come from the region of the former Yugoslavia, including Serbia.

Stevanović's counterpart Ana Brnabić would not comment on the matter, while Stevanović said some local communities in Slovenia "have problems with such massive immigration they can no longer absorb it", adding that some local governments were "facilitating and encouraging that".

Efforts to enhance bilateral ties further

The visit, during which Stevanović met Serbia's most senior officials, including President Aleksandar Vučić, passed off in amicable atmosphere with both sides praising bilateral relations and talking up expanding cooperation further in various fields, including business.

The two countries posted €2.7 billion in bilateral merchandise trade last year and Slovenian companies in Serbia employ 11,000 people.

"We want this relationship to continue and that our farmers and our businesses continue to be satisfied with the business environment in Serbia," said Stevanović. His visit was to serve as impetus for further improvement in the relationship.

He assured Serbian officials that Slovenia would continue to staunchly support Serbia on its path to the EU. Brnabić thanked Slovenia for its support, asking to be "even louder and more active" in these efforts. Both Brnabić and Foreign Minister Marko Đurić also noted Slovenia's important role the region.

Invitation to Expo show in Belgrade

In a post on social networks, Vučić said he and Stevanović had "a good discussion" on how to further enhance the relationship between the countries, on topical regional and European issues and ways to improve parliamentary cooperation. He also invited Slovenia to take part in the Expo 2027 who in Belgrade.

"I thanked Slovenia for its support on Serbia's European path and noted that it is particularly important for our country to continue the policy that promotes cooperation, connectivity and maintaining stability in the region," Vučić wrote.

According to the Slovenian parliament, the Serbian president told Stevanović that Serbia's foreign and security policy should be gradually harmonised with those of the EU and that Serbia's role in the European security architecture should be strengthened.

Commenting for N1 Serbia news portal, Zijad Bećirović, director of the IFIMES Institute, said Stevanović's visit could be understood as a stopover ahead of his visit to Moscow, which the Slovenian National Assembly president announced he would make soon after assuming office.

Dayos Releases Athena: Agentic Replacement for Oracle and Workday AMS Contracts, Now Generally Available

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 15:17:46 +0200

Hero performs full end-to-end report development, Application configuration, and token management, closing tickets at no marginal cost on top of the platform fee while customers keep their existing systems, controls, and access model.

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 18 June 2026 - Dayos Pte. Ltd., the Singapore-based AI company, today announced the general availability of Athena, the latest release of Hero, its agentic platform for Oracle and Workday support. Hero is a direct replacement for traditional Application Managed Services (AMS) contracts - not a tool layered on top - and is available to enterprise customers immediately via Dayos' Starter and Pro plans.

The release addresses four structural problems with the AMS model that enterprises running Oracle and Workday have lived with for two decades.

Time to deploy. Traditional AMS engagements take months to scope, onboard, and ramp to full coverage. Athena Starter deploys in two weeks - from contract execution to production agents running inside the customer's Oracle or Workday tenant.

Quality of work. Hero's agents reason through tickets in the customer's actual tenant - exploring, planning, and validating before posting. Report development tickets, historically the worst offenders on enterprise SLA reports, complete 70% faster on Hero. Plain English in, validated SQL out, executed inside the tenant.

Long-term support drag. Hero reduces Oracle ticket backlogs by 50% in the first 30 days for Starter customers, with a sustained 60% reduction in the active ticket queue by the end of year one for Pro customers. SLAs across customer engagements run 50% faster. Every ticket Hero closes is a ticket the customer's AMS provider does not bill for.

Proof. Dayos used Hero internally to retire its own ServiceNow ITSM environment in 45 days, with 60% of Tier 1 tickets now resolved autonomously. The deployment is documented as a reference case in Section 2.1 of the IMDA Model AI Governance Framework for Agentic AI, published by Singapore's Infocomm Media Development Authority at ATxSG in May 2026, alongside case studies from AWS, DBS, Google, Workday, OCBC, Tencent, PwC, and GovTech.

"AMS providers bill per ticket or per hour. Hero closes tickets at no marginal cost on top of the platform fee. Every ticket Hero closes is one your AMS provider doesn't bill for," said Brad McElhannon, Founder and CEO of Dayos.

AVAILABLE NOW AND AHEAD

Athena Starter is available at USD 60,000 per year, delivering 50% Oracle ticket backlog reduction in 30 days, 70% faster report development, and 50% faster SLAs. Athena Pro is available at USD 150,000 per year, adding custom agent development and a contractually committed 60% sustained reduction in the active ticket queue by the end of year one. Plan details and outcome breakdowns by tier are at dayos.com/plans (https://www.dayos.com/plans).

The Athena Hero release ships with full support for Oracle and Workday. SAP availability is targeted for January 2027.

Hero is built on Google's Agent Development Kit (ADK) with Gemini as the lead reasoning model, and operates under ISO 42001-aligned governance with SOC 2 Type II controls. Athena enters general availability, with active enterprise deployments across the Asia-Pacific region.

Hashtag: #AgenticAI #Oracle #Workday #SAP #EnterpriseAI #AMS

https://www.dayos.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/dayos/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnCEgiDBw1g

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

About Dayos

Dayos is an AI-native platform company headquartered in Singapore. Its platform, Hero, automates the Oracle and Workday application-managed services work that enterprises have historically outsourced, including configuration, report development, reconciliations, transaction entry, monitoring, and incident resolution. Rather than replacing a customer's systems, Hero works inside their existing Oracle and Workday environments and respects their established controls and role-based access model.

Dayos is ISO 42001 and SOC 2 Type 2 certified and was published as a reference deployment in the IMDA Model AI Governance Framework for Agentic AI. The company was founded by Brad McElhannon, who spent more than 20 years in enterprise Oracle implementation across 200+ clients and led Finance Engineering at Robinhood through its IPO. Learn more at www.dayos.com.

Slovenia slides in global competitiveness ranking

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 13:56:52 +0200

Slovenia has dropped three spots in the latest global competitiveness rankings by the Swiss IMD institute, placing 49th among 70 countries. While the country does best in infrastructure and worst in business efficiency, the ranking was most affected by poor government efficiency.

As the country's biggest challenges the report identifies an unpredictable business environment, the need to boost productivity, improve public service delivery and reduce administrative burdens, safeguard fiscal sustainability and improve the quality of public spending, as well as to address housing affordability.

"The key message of this year's IMD report is that strong institutions and the ability to manage uncertainty and shocks are crucial for economic success. A country's competitive advantage also increasingly depends on institutional credibility, adaptability, and resilience," said Sonja Uršič of the Institute for Economic Research (IER), which conducted the survey in Slovenia in collaboration with the Ljubljana School of Economics and Business and the SPIRIT Slovenia agency.

The IMD survey ranks countries' ability to maintain an environment that supports competitiveness. The overall index is based on 262 indicators across four pillars: economic performance, government efficiency, business efficiency, and infrastructure. About two-thirds of the indicators are based on statistical data, while one-third are based on a survey among senior managers conducted in Slovenia ahead of the March general election.

Relocation concerns

In economic performance, Slovenia lost five rungs to finish 42nd, mainly due to a drop to 56th place in the domestic economy sub-area, caused by a slowdown in economic growth and the economy's reduced resilience to cycles. It added two spots to 8th in international trade and held on to 58th place in international investment.

"The level of foreign direct investment is significantly lower than in neighbouring countries or the Visegrad group, and companies have significantly downgraded their assessment of the risk of business activities being relocated from Slovenia; where the country fell 30 places to 65th," Uršič said.

Due to hikes in housing and commercial property rental prices and fuel prices, the country also lost five spots in the prices sub-category to 22nd.

Inadequate government efficiency

Slovenia recorded the largest drop in government efficiency, falling seven places to 55th. It ranked lower in all area except for tax policy. The biggest drops were recorded in business legislation (down 10 spots to 61st), the employment of foreign nationals (55th), and government protectionism (50th).

Labour legislation remains a competitive weakness (67th) with Uršič explaining that company assessments of this indicator were likely affected by last year's introduction of a mandatory Christmas bonus and the increase in the minimum wage. In terms of how companies view AI investment incentives, it ranked 51st.

The second-largest decline in government efficiency was recorded in terms of public finance (down 8 spots to 53rd) due to an increase in the public finance deficit. The country also lost three places to 48th for its institutional framework.

Productivity major issue

In business efficiency, Slovenia is down one spot to 56th. According to Mateja Drnovšek of the Ljubljana School of Economics and Business, the nine-spot drop in productivity and efficiency indicates that Slovenia has fallen behind the leading economies.

Managers' perceptions regarding the availability of a skilled workforce have deteriorated significantly (55th). A persistent weakness is the poor effectiveness of supervisory boards in overseeing company management (69th). Just like in the past 10 years, Slovenia's ranking in the business efficiency category is being dragged down mainly by managers' assessment of attitudes and values within the company (65th place).

In infrastructure, Slovenia gained one spot to 38th. The greatest improvement was seen in basic infrastructure (up 7 spots to 48th); the ranking stagnated in health and the environment (30th), while it deteriorated in technological (50th) and scientific (35th) infrastructure and education (31st).

The need to boost productivity, lower labour costs to attract in particular high-skilled staff, make government more efficient and the country more attractive for foreign investment was also underscored by business representatives in response to the report.

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry sees the country's slide in rankings as a reminder that Slovenia "needs a development response, a stable and predictable business environment and systemic measures". It urged the government to reduce the tax burden on labour and companies, ensure more competitive energy prices, accelerate employment of foreigners, and cut procedures short.

Galaxy Macau Celebrates a Collection of Distinguished Wins at Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards APAC 2026

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 12:37:33 +0200

With Grand Resort Deck crowned "Macau's Best Hotel Pool", the world-class integrated resort's peerless portfolio of luxury accommodations and spas garner Top 10 positions on the acclaimed honors list

MACAU SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 18 June 2026 - Galaxy Macau cements its position as a defining force in Macau's luxury hospitality landscape, garnering an impressive collection of six accolades at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2026. Recognised through a combination of editorial curation and votes from discerning global travellers, these honours reaffirm Galaxy Macau's unwavering commitment to continuous innovation, exceptional experiences, and service excellence at the world-class integrated resort.

Galaxy Macau's Grand Resort Deck has once again been crowned "Best Hotel Pool in Macau." It raises the bar for another consecutive year as the ultimate outdoor summer escape-featuring the world's largest skytop wave pool, pristine white sand beach, and thrilling water attractions, where high-energy fun meets effortless lifestyle luxury for all ages at the award-winning luxury resort.

Galaxy Macau has been ranked among the Top 10 Integrated Resorts in Asia and the Pacific, a testament to its exceptional blend of luxury hospitality, world-class entertainment, and immersive experiences. This prestigious recognition underscores the resort's leadership in delivering unparalleled excellence and unforgettable moments for global travellers.

Mr Stuart Deeson, Senior Vice President - Hotels at Galaxy Entertainment Group, represented Galaxy Macau, celebrating the accolade of "Asia Pacific's Top 10 Integrated Resorts" at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2026. Galaxy Macau once again celebrates a distinguished roster of awards in 2026, reflecting its commitment to world-class hospitality and exceptional luxury experiences across its acclaimed hotel, spa and swimming pool portfolios.

The world-class luxury resort's iconic Grand Resort Deck-home to the world's largest skytop surfable wave pool-has once again been named "Best Hotel Pool in Macau," reaffirming its status as the region's ultimate aquatic playground. Spanning an impressive 75,000 square metres, this one-of-a-kind rooftop oasis features an 8,000-square-metre wave pool generating swells of up to 1.5 metres, alongside a 150-metre pristine white sand beach, exhilarating water slides, and the world's longest skytop adventure rapids. Blending high-energy excitement with resort-style relaxation, the Grand Resort Deck delivers an unparalleled summer experience, where guests can immerse themselves in waves, sunshine, and luxury at every turn.

The swimming pool at Banyan Tree Macau has earned a place among the "Top 10 Macau Pools," securing third place in recognition of its refined, resort-style elegance. Renowned for its tranquil ambiance, private pool villas, and lush surroundings, it offers an exclusive retreat that perfectly blends relaxation, privacy, and understated luxury.

Making its debut on the prestigious "Top 10 Macau Hotels" list less than two years after opening, Raffles at Galaxy Macau exemplifies the pinnacle of luxury for personalised stays. This exquisite all-suite sanctuary features approximately 450 elegantly appointed residential-style suites, some with private heated pools and lush gardens. Elevated by the iconic Raffles Butler service and distinctive, award-winning gastronomy with the Raffles Lounge and Long Bar among its experiential dining options, it offers a gracious and immersive expression of luxury living in the heart of Cotai.

Raffles at Galaxy Macau debuts among the "Top 10 Hotels in Macau," presenting an exquisite all-suite retreat elevated by legendary butler service, residential elegance, and curated luxury experiences in the heart of Cotai.

Two of Galaxy Macau's most exceptional wellness sanctuaries-The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Macau and Banyan Tree Spa Macau-have been named among the "Top 10 Hotel Spas in Macau," reinforcing the resort's reputation for world-class relaxation for its treasured guests.

Ranked among "Top 10 Hotel Spas in Macau" in the Travel + Leisure Asia Pacific Luxury Awards 2026, The Ritz-Carlton Spa is a serene sanctuary inspired by Macau's Chinese and Portuguese heritage, offering elegant treatment rooms, vitality pools, and bespoke therapies for a deeply private and restorative escape.

The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Macau offers a refined retreat inspired by Macau's rich Chinese and Portuguese heritage, featuring elegant treatment rooms, vitality pools, and bespoke therapies designed to restore body and mind in complete privacy. Meanwhile, the award-winning Banyan Tree Spa Macau spans an expansive 3,400 square metres, creating a tranquil sanctuary for the senses with an extensive menu of Asian-inspired treatments delivered by expert therapists in an atmosphere of tropical serenity. Together, these two distinguished spas exemplify Galaxy Macau's commitment to delivering elevated wellness experiences, where indulgence, craftsmanship, and rejuvenation come together seamlessly.

Together, these hard-won accolades highlight Galaxy Macau's customised, attention-oriented service philosophy, where every detail is thoughtfully curated to create meaningful, memorable experiences. As the resort continues to redefine the boundaries of luxury, it remains a destination of choice for the world's most discerning travellers.

With this latest raft of distinguished honours, Galaxy Macau is committed to elevating its integrated resort offering with a portfolio of superlative luxury hospitality, dining, retail, and entertainment experiences. Dedicated to excellence and innovation, it is redefining the guest experience; bringing new expressions of personalised luxury to Macau and beyond.

For more information about Galaxy Macau, please visit www.galaxymacau.com.
Hashtag: #GalaxyMacau

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

About Galaxy Macau Integrated Resort

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

As the dining destination in Asia, Galaxy Macau offers a wide variety of gastronomic delights, exquisite experiences and ingredients of the finest quality with over 120 dining options from Michelin dining to authentic delicacies.

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

Galaxy Cinemas takes immersive movie experiences to the next level with the latest audio-visual technology, ultra-luxurious facilities and bespoke services; CHINA ROUGE, one-of-a-kind cabaret lounge that evokes the glamor of Shanghai's golden era with stylish entertainment and customizable surrounds; and Foot Hub, which presents the traditional art of reflexology for authentic relaxation and revitalization. For Authentic Macau Flavours and Vibrant Asian Experiences, Broadway Macau - just a 90-second walk via a bridge from Galaxy Macau, has over 35 Authentic Macau & Asian Flavours at Broadway Food Street. The 2,500-seat Broadway Theatre plays host to world-class entertainers and a diverse array of cultural events.

Meeting, incentive and banquet groups are also catered to with a portfolio of unique venues in Galaxy Macau and an expert service team. Galaxy International Convention Center (GICC) is the latest addition to the Group's ever-expanding integrated resort precinct and will usher in a new era for the MICE industry in Macau. GICC is a world-class event venue featuring 40,000-square-meters of total flexible MICE, and the 16,000-seat Galaxy Arena - the largest indoor arena in Macau.

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

Hong Kong rises to No.2 globally in competitiveness

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 12:37:30 +0200

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 18 June 2026 - Hong Kong jumped one place to become the world's second most competitive economy, according to the 2026 World Competitiveness Ranking published today (June 18) by the Swiss-based International Institute for Management Development (IMD). It is Hong Kong's highest ranking since 2019, and builds on three consecutive years of improvement.

Welcoming the report, a spokesperson for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government said, "The World Competitiveness Yearbook (WCY) 2026 reaffirms Hong Kong as one of the most competitive economies in the world, and notes that Hong Kong's rise to second sustains the strong upward trajectory from 2024 and 2025."

Hong Kong ranks No.2 globally in 2026 IMD World Competitiveness Ranking

In announcing the results, the IMD noted that, amid rising geopolitical tensions, competitive advantage hinges on credible institutions, predictable rules, enforceable commitments and public trust.

According to WCY 2026, Hong Kong's rise reflects sustained performance across the four competitiveness factors measured. Among these factors, Hong Kong ranks second in "Government efficiency" and third in "Business efficiency". "Infrastructure" and "Economic performance" rank eighth and 11^th respectively.

As regards the various competitiveness sub-factors, Hong Kong tops the rankings in "Tax policy" and "Business legislation", ranks second in "Finance", third in "International trade", "International investment", "Management practices" and "Education", and fourth in "Public finance" and "Basic infrastructure".

"In the competitiveness factor 'Government efficiency', Hong Kong continues to rank second globally, reflecting the HKSAR Government's ongoing efforts to promote free and open, stable, predictable and business-friendly economic policies, as well as the international community's trust in Hong Kong's legal and regulatory environment," the spokesperson said.

"Hong Kong's 'Business efficiency' is ranked third globally, reflecting the strong support for industry development rendered by our robust financial ecosystem, as well as the seamless alignment of the city's business practices and environment with international best standards."

Hong Kong has become a "value hub" that offers both security and growth opportunities

Amid rapidly evolving geopolitical dynamics, Hong Kong, with its close connectivity to both the Chinese Mainland and the world under the "one country, two systems" principle, and its sound institutions, open markets and sustained investments in innovation, has become a "value hub" that offers both security and growth opportunities.

In fact, Hong Kong continues to excel in various international rankings including those for economy, finance, and talent. The International Monetary Fund has also given positive recognition to Hong Kong in recent months, and major credit rating agencies have successively reaffirmed Hong Kong's credit ratings and 'stable' outlook.

"All these echo the WCY 2026 results," the spokesperson said.

Currently, Hong Kong is formulating at full speed its first Five-Year Plan, to proactively align with the National 15^th Five-Year Plan.

"With the staunch support of our country, the HKSAR Government will work together with all sectors of society to strengthen our role and function as a 'super connector' and 'super value-adder', with a view to better integrating into and serving the overall national development, achieving our own high-quality development, creating more new room for development for our people and businesses, as well as opening up new opportunities for global investors and enterprises," the spokesperson said.

Hashtag: #HongKong #BrandHongKong #Global #Competitiveness

https://www.brandhk.gov.hk/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-hong-kong/
https://x.com/Brand_HK/
https://www.facebook.com/brandhk.isd
https://www.instagram.com/brandhongkong

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

2026 Hainan Cultural and Tourism Promotion Events Held in Hong Kong

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 11:37:24 +0200

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 18 June 2026 - On June 16, the 2026 Hainan Cultural and Tourism Promotion Events, under the theme of "Sunny Hainan · Heart's Desire," were held in Hong Kong. Leaders from Hong Kong's cultural and tourism authorities, heads of industry associations, and representatives of key cultural and tourism enterprises from home and abroad gathered to explore new opportunities for cooperation and draw up a blueprint for the industry's future.

2026 Hainan Cultural and Tourism Promotion Events Held in Hong Kong

Liu Xiaoming, Governor of the People's Government of Hainan Province, and Cheuk Wing-hing, Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, attended the events and delivered speeches. During the promotional session, Chen Tiejun, Director of the Department of Tourism, Culture, Radio, Television and Sports of Hainan Province, unveiled the "Top Ten Calling Cards of Hainan Tourism," which received enthusiastic responses and positive feedback from various sectors in Hong Kong. Attendees from Hong Kong unanimously agreed that Hong Kong and Hainan boast highly complementary cultural and tourism resources and immense potential for cooperation.

Since the launch of special customs operations of the Hainan Free Trade Port, its distinctive opening-up advantages, such as "zero tariffs, low tax rates, a simplified tax system" and "tariff exemption for value-added processing," have become increasingly prominent. These policies have continuously made Hainan more attractive to businesses and opened up broader opportunities for Hong Kong investors and entrepreneurs.

On the same day, at the "Invest in the Free Trade Port, Share New Opportunities" Symposium for Hong Kong Enterprises held in Hong Kong, four cooperation agreements were formally signed, covering high-end commerce, cultural and tourism integration, and regional industrial coordination. Hong Kong business representatives expressed strong interest in deepening their presence in Hainan.

Hainan and Hong Kong share a long history of cooperation, and in recent years, a steady stream of favorable policies has been introduced. Since the signing of the Hainan-Hong Kong Memorandum of Cooperation in March 2025, bilateral cooperation has accelerated across the board. In 2025, goods trade between the two sides reached RMB 9.35 billion, increasing by more than two times from 2020. A total of 793 new Hong Kong-funded enterprises were established in Hainan, a year-on-year increase of 21.5%. Hainan has also issued offshore RMB bonds in Hong Kong for four consecutive years, with a cumulative total of RMB 18 billion. Currently, an average of four direct flights operate daily between Hong Kong and Hainan, with the fastest travel time under two hours, facilitating the rapid emergence of the "Hainan-Hong Kong Living Circle."

Hashtag: #HainanCulturalandTourismPromotionEvents

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

Slovenia's newest spa hotel embraces Kneipp philosophy

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 11:32:34 +0200

Terme Snovik, Slovenia's highest-elevation thermal spa, has opened a new sustainable four-star hotel that the company says is the first in the country to be fully based on the wellness philosophy of 19th-century naturopath Sebastian Kneipp.

Located in the Tuhinj Valley, about 30 kilometres northeast of Ljubljana, at the foot of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps, NaturHotel Snovik Superior integrates Kneipp's five main tenets - hydrotherapy, phytotherapy, exercise, nutrition and balance.

The four-storey facility features 72 rooms and suites with balconies that offer views of the surrounding meadows, forests and mountains. They can accommodate up to 199 guests.

Speaking to the press at the official launch on 17 June, the management said they had already recorded 1,000 nights since welcoming its first guests on 2 June as Kamnik hosted the European Off-Road Running Championships.

By the end of the year NaturHotel Snovik Superior is expected to generate around 12,000 nights. According to Terme Snovik CEO Katarina Adam, the hotel has already secured bookings for most of the projected overnight stays, with more than half of reservations coming from foreign guests.

€13 million investment boost for local tourism

Valued at €13 million, the hotel is part of a broader €24 million project that also includes a conference centre for up to 350 participants, which has already been completed, as well as an expansion of the wellness centre, to be completed next year.

The hotel also includes two restaurants, a café, a lobby bar, a wine corner, a gift shop, a children's playroom, and a reception desk that serves both the hotel and the existing apartment complex.

The Economy Ministry has supported the investmentwith €1.8 million as part of a public call aimed at boosting added value in tourism.

Dubravka Kalin, who heads the ministry's tourism directorate, said the project forms part of Slovenia's largest-ever tourism investment cycle, supported by more than €121 million in state incentives. NaturHotel Snovik Superior is the largest hotel project among the developments backed under the programme.

Local officials expect the hotel to strengthen year-round tourism in the region while creating new jobs and business opportunities for local suppliers, including farmers. The Kamnik municipality attracted a record 43,000 visitors last year, most of them from abroad.

Sun Life Partners with the Hong Kong Tourism Board to Take Dragon Boat Celebrations to New Heights as Title Sponsor of the "Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Festival" and "Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races"

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 11:17:22 +0200

Celebrating Hong Kong's century-old Dragon Boat heritage with a large-scale installation to design your own boat

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 18 June 2026 - Sun Life has proudly supported local dragon boat activities to help preserve this cultural tradition. To mark the 50^thanniversary of the iconic "Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races", the company has partnered with the Hong Kong Tourism Board to scale up its support as the title sponsor of both the "Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Festival" and the "Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races", bringing the annual event to a global stage to allow locals and visitors to experience the festive energy.

Sun Life Partners with the Hong Kong Tourism Board to Take Dragon Boat Celebrations to New Heights as Title Sponsor of the "Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Festival" and "Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races"

This year's celebration unfolds as a 13-day dragon boat carnival along the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, running from 19 June to 1 July. Blending traditions and modern elements, the festival features exciting races, festive delicacies and immersive cultural experiences, creating an unforgettable summer destination for locals as well as tourists from Chinese Mainland and overseas. Sun Life has also curated a series of exclusive activities to infuse the community with even more joy and energy.

Adley Low, Chief Client and Marketing Officer of Sun Life Hong Kong Limited, said: "Dragon boat racing is a powerful symbol of Hong Kong's cultural identity and a meaningful way to bring people together. We are thrilled to partner with the Hong Kong Tourism Board as the title sponsor of the 'Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Festival' and 'Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races', to present this international event on an even bigger scale this year. As Sun Life prepares to welcome our 135^th anniversary in Hong Kong, we are proud to contribute to the local mega-event economy while deepening our connections with the community, reflecting our ongoing commitment to helping Clients live healthier, more fulfilling lives."

Design your own dragon boat at the "Sun Life HK Dragon Boat Co-Creation Zone"

The "Sun Life HK Dragon Boat Co-Creation Zone" is an interactive installation located on the ground floor of the K11 MUSEA Promenade in Tsim Sha Tsui, open from 19 June to 1 July. Visitors can unleash their creativity by designing their own dragon boat, experience the thrill of paddling and capture these moments through AI-generated personalized short videos. There will be also a dedicated photo spot that offers a scenic setting for memorable photo opportunities. For online engagement, the public can join in the excitement via Sun Life's official social media platforms (Facebook and Instagram), where interactive games will bring the buzz of the Dragon Boat Festival anytime, anywhere.

Event details:

Sun Life HK Dragon Boat Co-Creation Zone
Date	19 June (Friday) to 1 July (Wednesday)
Time^#	Monday to Thursday: 3:00pm to 9:00pm Friday to Sunday and public holidays: 10:00am to 9:00pm
Venue	K11 Musea Promenade, Tsim Sha Tsui (Next to the Avenue of Stars)
Fee	Free of charge

Remarks:
Terms and conditions apply. For details, please visit Sun Life's official Facebook or Instagram page or refer to the on-site information.
# Opening hours are for reference only and are subject to change without prior notice.

Hashtag: #SunLifeHongKong

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

About Sun Life

Sun Life is a leading international financial services organisation providing asset management, wealth, insurance and health solutions to individual and institutional Clients. Sun Life has operations in a number of markets worldwide, including Canada, the U.S., the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, China, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and Bermuda. As of 31 March 2026, Sun Life had total assets under management of $1.58 trillion. For more information, please visit www.sunlife.com.

Sun Life Financial Inc. trades on the Toronto (TSX), New York (NYSE) and Philippine (PSE) stock exchanges under the ticker symbol SLF. Sun Life Financial Inc. is the holding company of Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada. Sun Life Hong Kong Limited (incorporated in Bermuda with limited liability) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada and operates in Hong Kong.

Shell and St. Paul's Hospital Drive low-carbon development in Hong Kong's healthcare sector

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 10:17:16 +0200

City's first hospital to adopt Renewable Diesel Blend R33, reducing up to 30% lifecycle CO2e emissions

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 18 June 2026 - Shell Hong Kong Limited (Shell) and St. Paul's Hospital on Tuesday held the "Shell x St. Paul's Hospital - Integrated Decarbonisation Solutions Kick-off Ceremony", reinforcing their shared commitment to sustainable development. As one of the world's largest suppliers of biofuels, Shell has been promoting renewable diesel as a practical, lower-carbon energy solution. St. Paul's Hospital is the first hospital in Hong Kong to adopt Shell Renewable Diesel Blend R33¹ for its boiler system. The switch required no modification to its existing equipment and offers up to 30%²less CO₂e emissions on a life cycle basis³compared to EN 590 B0 diesel⁴. In addition, St. Paul's Hospital installed Shell Recharge electric vehicle charging facilities in its parking lot and joined Shell's CO₂Compensation Programme as part of its low-carbon initiatives.

(From left) Mr. Dick Chan, General Manager of Shell Commercial Fuels - Hong Kong and Macau; Ms. Berry Wong, General Manager of Shell Mobility - Hong Kong and Macau; Mr. Hu Chuan, Vice President of Shell Mobility & Convenience - China; Sr. Nancy Cheung, Managing Director of St. Paul's Hospital; Mr. Gilbert Lee, General Manager of St. Paul's Hospital; and Mr. Keith Ho, Facilities Manager of St. Paul's Hospital, witness the launch of the "Integrated Decarbonisation Solutions".

First hospital in Hong Kong: adopting renewable diesel for boiler systems

Shell is committed to "Power Progress Together" by working together with their customers and partners, to provide the energy products that people need to power their lives and businesses today, while helping to build the low-carbon energy system of the future. With Shell's support, St. Paul's Hospital has pioneered a healthcare first in Hong Kong to implement Shell Renewable Diesel Blend R33¹ to power its boiler system.

Mr. Dick Chan, General Manager of Shell Commercial Fuels - Hong Kong and Macau, and Sr. Nancy Cheung, Managing Director of St. Paul's Hospital, sign an agreement on "Integrated Decarbonisation Solutions - CO2 Compensation Programme ", marking their continued commitment to decarbonisation.

Renewable diesel: enabling value chain decarbonisation for businesses

In response to St. Paul's Hospital's need for a stable low-carbon energy solution, Shell introduced Renewable Diesel Blend R33¹, which offers up to 30%²less CO₂e emissions on a life cycle basis³compared to EN 590 B0 diesel⁴, helping the hospital reduce value chain emissions and meet its Scope 1 and Scope 2 targets.

Compatible with conventional diesel equipment

The launch of Shell Renewable Diesel marks a significant milestone in Shell's support in the energy transition journey in Hong Kong. Mr. Dick Chan, General Manager of Shell Commercial Fuels - Hong Kong and Macau of Shell Hong Kong Limited, said: "We are honoured to witness St. Paul's Hospital becoming a low-carbon promoter in Hong Kong's healthcare sector, as the first to adopt Shell Renewable Diesel Blend R33¹. This represents the shared commitment of both the energy sector and the healthcare sector to work together for a sustainable future."

Businesses selecting sustainable low-carbon energy solutions often face challenges such as capital investment, equipment compatibility, and operational impact. Shell Renewable Diesel is fully compatible with conventional diesel boilers or engines and can serve as a direct replacement fuel without any modifications or adding new equipment⁵, helping businesses lower costs and emissions. It also reduces regulated air pollutants⁶, making it suitable for use across various industries including construction, transport and logistics, industrial operations, and healthcare.

Comprehensive technical support for a smooth transition

A hospital's boiler system is essential to daily operations. It supplies hot water and steam for the central heating system, wards, operating theatres, laundry services, and sterilisation equipment. Any disruption to boiler operations would have a significant impact on the hospital functioning. For this reason, St. Paul's Hospital places great importance on the stability of its fuel supply. Switching to Shell Renewable Diesel Blend R33¹ required no modification to the hospital's existing boiler system. To ensure a smooth transition, Shell provided professional technical support and conducted comprehensive inspections of the boiler system before the switch to ensure continued safe and reliable operation.

Mr. Gilbert Lee, General Manager of St. Paul's Hospital, welcomed the collaboration. He said: "It is an undeniable fact that renewable energy has become a key direction of future energy transition, aligning with the global trend towards low carbon and environmental sustainability. Looking ahead, St. Paul's Hospital will continue to collaborate with different sectors to promote more practical and effective low-carbon measures, contributing to a greener and healthier future for both the hospital and the wider community."

Advancing low-carbon operations towards a sustainable future
In addition, St. Paul's Hospital continues to advance low-carbon operations through its collaboration with Shell, taking a multi-pronged approach to building a low-carbon energy ecosystem. This includes the installation of two 50kW Shell Recharge fast-charging facilities in the hospital's parking lot, providing visitors and staff with a more environmentally friendly and convenient energy option. At the same time, the hospital has adopted low-carbon fuel solutions and actively participated in Shell's CO₂ Compensation Programme, supporting independently verified environmental, technology, and waste management projects. Through a simple and cost-efficient approach, these initiatives help compensate unavoidable carbon emissions from daily operations while promoting sustainable development in the communities where the projects are located.

Together, these initiatives not only enhance the hospital's overall sustainability performance but also encourage the healthcare sector to explore low-carbon operational models, contributing to a healthier and more sustainable future.

Shell will continue to work with St. Paul's Hospital and other partners to promote practical low-carbon solutions, which fully support Hong Kong's goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and create a sustainable environment for future generations.

Notes:

Shell Renewable Diesel Blend R33 contains up to 33% ISCC-certified renewable components.
Between 27% and 30% less CO₂e. CO₂e (carbon dioxide equivalent) includes CO₂, CH₄, N₂O emissions.
The life-cycle assessment of a product's CO₂e emissions includes emissions associated with feedstock production, feedstock transport, fuel production, fuel transportation and distribution, and combustion.
Calculated by comparing to a GHG baseline intensity of 92g CO₂e/MJ on a Well-to-Wheel basis, representative of an EN590 B0 diesel and calculated by Shell with emission factors from JEC Well-to-Tank report v5 (Link: https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2760/959137) and internal Shell studies.
When switching from diesel. Based on Shell's operability studies and market experience to date. Vehicle handbook and/or label at the fuel tank socket must be checked for OEM approval. Not applicable for passenger cars.
Actual effects and benefits may vary according to vehicle type, vehicle condition and driving style. Compared to EN590 B0 diesel. Not applicable for passenger cars. The tailpipe out emission benefit can be limited for vehicles with advanced exhaust aftertreatment systems.
Between 80% and 90% less CO₂e. CO₂e (carbon dioxide equivalent) includes CO₂, CH₄, N₂O emissions.

Cautionary Note

The companies in which Shell plc directly and indirectly owns investments are separate legal entities. In this content "Shell", "Shell Group" and "Group" are sometimes used for convenience to reference Shell plc and its subsidiaries in general. Likewise, the words "we", "us" and "our" are also used to refer to Shell plc and its subsidiaries in general or to those who work for them. These terms are also used where no useful purpose is served by identifying the particular entity or entities. ''Subsidiaries'', "Shell subsidiaries" and "Shell companies" as used in this content refer to entities over which Shell plc either directly or indirectly has control. The terms "joint venture", "joint operations", "joint arrangements", and "associates" may also be used to refer to a commercial arrangement in which Shell has a direct or indirect ownership interest with one or more parties. The term "Shell interest" is used for convenience to indicate the direct and/or indirect ownership interest held by Shell in an entity or unincorporated joint arrangement, after exclusion of all third-party interest.

Forward-Looking statements

This content contains forward-looking statements (within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) concerning the financial condition, results of operations and businesses of Shell. All statements other than statements of historical fact are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements of future expectations that are based on management's current expectations and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in these statements. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements concerning the potential exposure of Shell to market risks and statements expressing management's expectations, beliefs, estimates, forecasts, projections and assumptions. These forward-looking statements are identified by their use of terms and phrases such as "aim"; "ambition"; ''anticipate''; "aspire", "aspiration", ''believe''; "commit"; "commitment"; ''could''; "desire"; ''estimate''; ''expect''; ''goals''; ''intend''; ''may''; "milestones"; ''objectives''; ''outlook''; ''plan''; ''probably''; ''project''; ''risks''; "schedule"; ''seek''; ''should''; ''target''; "vision"; ''will''; "would" and similar terms and phrases. There are a number of factors that could affect the future operations of Shell and could cause those results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements included in this content, including (without limitation): (a) price fluctuations in crude oil and natural gas; (b) changes in demand for Shell's products; (c) currency fluctuations; (d) drilling and production results; (e) reserves estimates; (f) loss of market share and industry competition; (g) environmental and physical risks, including climate change; (h) risks associated with the identification of suitable potential acquisition properties and targets, and successful negotiation and completion of such transactions; (i) the risk of doing business in developing countries and countries subject to international sanctions; (j) legislative, judicial, fiscal and regulatory developments including tariffs and regulatory measures addressing climate change; (k) economic and financial market conditions in various countries and regions; (l) political risks, including the risks of expropriation and renegotiation of the terms of contracts with governmental entities, delays or advancements in the approval of projects and delays in the reimbursement for shared costs; (m) risks associated with the impact of pandemics, regional conflicts, such as the Russia-Ukraine war and the conflict in the Middle East, and a significant cyber security, data privacy or IT incident; (n) the pace of the energy transition; and (o) changes in trading conditions. No assurance is provided that future dividend payments will match or exceed previous dividend payments. All forward-looking statements contained in this content are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this section. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Additional risk factors that may affect future results are contained in Shell plc's Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2025 (available at www.shell.com/investors/news-and-filings/sec-filings.html and www.sec.gov). These risk factors also expressly qualify all forward-looking statements contained in this contentand should be considered by the reader. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this content. Neither Shell plc nor any of its subsidiaries undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or other information. In light of these risks, results could differ materially from those stated, implied or inferred from the forward-looking statements contained in this content.

Shell's net carbon intensity

Also, in this contentwe may refer to Shell's "net carbon intensity" (NCI), which includes Shell's carbon emissions from the production of our energy products, our suppliers' carbon emissions in supplying energy for that production and our customers' carbon emissions associated with their use of the energy products we sell. Shell's NCI also includes the emissions associated with the production and use of energy products produced by others which Shell purchases for resale. Shell only controls its own emissions. The use of the terms Shell's "net carbon intensity" or NCI is for convenience only and not intended to suggest these emissions are those of Shell plc or its subsidiaries.

Shell's net-zero emissions target

Shell's operating plan and outlook are forecasted for a three-year period and ten-year period, respectively, and are updated every year. They reflect the current economic environment and what we can reasonably expect to see over the next three and ten years. Accordingly, the outlook reflects our combined Scope 1 and 2 target, NCI target and our oil products ambition over the next ten years. However, Shell's operating plan and outlook cannot reflect our 2050 net-zero emissions target, as this target is outside our planning period. Such future operating plans and outlooks could include changes to our portfolio, efficiency improvements and the use of carbon capture and storage and carbon credits. In the future, as society moves towards net-zero emissions, we expect Shell's operating plans and outlooks to reflect this movement. However, if society is not net zero in 2050, as of today, there would be significant risk that Shell may not meet this target.

Forward-Looking non-GAAP measures

This content may contain certain forward-looking non-GAAP measures such as free cash flow and underlying operating expenses. We are unable to provide a reconciliation of these forward-looking non-GAAP measures to the most comparable GAAP financial measures because certain information needed to reconcile those non-GAAP measures to the most comparable GAAP financial measures is dependent on future events some of which are outside the control of Shell, such as oil and gas prices, interest rates and exchange rates. Moreover, estimating such GAAP measures with the required precision necessary to provide a meaningful reconciliation is extremely difficult and could not be accomplished without unreasonable effort. Non-GAAP measures in respect of future periods which cannot be reconciled to the most comparable GAAP financial measure are calculated in a manner which is consistent with the accounting policies applied in Shell plc's consolidated financial statements.

The contents of websites referred to in this content do not form part of this content.

We may have used certain terms, such as resources, in this content that the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) strictly prohibits us from including in our filings with the SEC. Investors are urged to consider closely the disclosure in our Form 20-F, File No 1-32575, available on the SEC website www.sec.gov.
Hashtag: #Shell #StPaulsHospital #ESG #LowCarbon

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

About Shell

Shell Hong Kong (Shell) is an operating company of Shell plc - a global group of energy and petrochemical companies which use advanced technologies and take an innovative approach to help build a sustainable energy future. With more than 100 years of history locally, Shell supplies Hong Kong and Macau with a wide range of oil products from its technologically advanced Tsing Yi Installation. Shell's business activities include Retail filling and service stations, fuel and lubricants to Commercial sectors, Bitumen, Aviation fuel, Marine fuel and lubricants. As a responsible corporate citizen in Hong Kong, Shell actively contributes to the well-being of the community through its social investment programmes.

About Shell Renewable Diesel

Shell Renewable Diesel is a high-quality Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) made with 100% renewable bio-components such as used cooking oil, animal fats, crop-based or other wastes through hydrogenation (treatment with hydrogen). Compared to EN 590 B0 diesel⁴, Shell Renewable Diesel can reduce CO₂eemissions by up to 90%⁷on a lifecycle basis³.

Shell Renewable Diesel Blend R33¹ contains up to 33% renewable content - including 7% Fatty Acid Methyl Ester (FAME) and 26% Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) - and complies with the European EN 590 diesel standard. It offers up to 30%²less CO₂e emissions on a life cycle basis³compared to EN 590 B0 diesel⁴

About Shell's CO₂ Compensation Programme

Shell is one of the most established traders of carbon credits in the world. On the journey to reduce carbon emissions, Shell offers commercial customers carbon offset solutions that provide a simple and cost-effective way to offset hard-to-abate emissions. Shell automatically helps commercial customers calculate their carbon emissions and offsets them through carbon credits generated from various environmental, technology and waste management projects - such as initiatives related to protecting or re-developing natural ecosystems like forests, grasslands and wetlands, as well as investing in renewable energy and low-emission cooking appliances - to reduce concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

These projects include the Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) project in Congo, the protection of peat swamp forests in Indonesia, and tropical forest protection projects in Acre, Brazil. Taking the Katingan Mentaya Wildlife and Conservation Project in Indonesia as an example, it protects approximately 150,000 hectares of intact peat swamp forest and five endangered species, generating an average of 7.45 million carbon credits each year (equivalent to offsetting 7.45 million tonnes of CO₂e) - an impact equivalent to removing 2 million cars from the road each year, making a significant contribution to global carbon reduction.

CUHK ranks 18th in QS World University Rankings 2027

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 09:57:14 +0200

Advancement in international reputation, employer reputation, and global engagement

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 18 June 2026 - The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) has been ranked 18^{^th} globally in the latest Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings 2027, climbing 14 places from 32^{^nd} in the previous year and entering the global top 20 for the first time. This achievement reflects CUHK's steady progress in the global higher education landscape, with notable improvements across multiple indicators, including employer reputation, international research network, international student ratio, and faculty student ratio. The University once again achieved a full score in the international faculty ratio, reinforcing its position as a leading research university in Asia with global recognition.

Professor Dennis Lo Yuk-ming, CUHK's Vice-Chancellor and President, said: "CUHK's entry into the global top 20 marks a significant milestone in the University's development and stands as a testament to the collective efforts of our faculty, students, alumni, and partners over the years. Rooted in Hong Kong, China's most international city, CUHK is committed to the education of outstanding students and scholars from across the globe with a dynamic environment that integrates academic excellence, cultural diversity, and innovation. The notable rise in employer reputation underscores the effectiveness of CUHK's collegiate system and liberal arts education, combined with the strengths of a research university. We are dedicated to nurturing a new generation of leaders with independent thinking, cross-cultural perspectives and a strong sense of social responsibility, enabling them to excel across diverse fields. CUHK is also a global hub for academic excellence that brings together top scholars from around the world. The full score in the international faculty ratio once again highlights our sustained strength in attracting world-class talent."

"Looking ahead, with the forthcoming launch of the CUHK Strategic Plan 2026-2030, we will deepen our strategic partnerships with leading universities, industries, and government organisations. By advancing impactful research and knowledge transfer, we aim to collaborate in addressing the common challenges facing humanity. We extend our sincere gratitude to the HKSAR Government, our nation and partners across sectors for their steadfast support, and warmly invite outstanding students, scholars, and collaborators from around the world to join us in shaping the next chapter of higher education."

The 2027 rankings assessed the performance of over 1,500 universities worldwide. CUHK showed substantial improvement across several indicators, including:

Rising 14 places to 18^{^th} globally, marking a historic high for CUHK;
Ranking second in Hong Kong in academic reputation, employer reputation, employment outcomes and sustainability;
Recording a notable rise in employer reputation, reflecting growing recognition among global employers of the professional competence and leadership potential of CUHK graduates;
Achieving full score in the international faculty ratio once again, highlighting the University's strength in attracting top academic talent from around the world;
Recording significant improvements in indicators such as international research network, international student ratio, and faculty student ratio, reflecting CUHK's continued progress in internationalisation and global engagement, as well as its ongoing efforts to enhance teaching support and the student learning experience.

This year's ranking represents CUHK's best performance since the introduction of the QS World University Rankings in 2010. Building on this milestone, the University will continue to enhance the quality of teaching and learning, strengthen its global academic networks and research impact, to nurture outstanding talent for China and the international community.

For QS World University Rankings 2027, please click here for more details.
Hashtag: #CUHK #QS #Rankings

https://www.cuhk.edu.hk/
https://www.linkedin.com/school/13045
https://x.com/cuhkofficial
https://www.facebook.com/CUHKofficial
https://www.instagram.com/thechineseuniversityofhongkong/
https://www.youtube.com/user/CUHKchannel

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

About The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Founded in 1963, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) is a leading comprehensive research university with a global reputation and world-leading rankings. Located in the heart of Asia, CUHK has a vision and a mission to combine tradition with modernity, and to bring together China and the West. Under the University's unique collegiate system, the programmes and activities offered by its nine colleges complement the formal curricula by delivering whole-person education and pastoral care. The University has eight faculties: Arts, Business Administration, Education, Engineering, Law, Medicine, Science, and Social Science. Together with the Graduate School, the University offers over 300 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. All faculties are actively engaged in research in a wide range of disciplines, with an array of research institutes and research centres specialising in interdisciplinary research of the highest quality.

Vietnam's Leading Enterprise Technology Firm Establishes Singapore Gateway to Drive AI-Powered Digital Transformation Across APAC

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 06:16:59 +0200

Luvina Software Singapore officially launches as a trusted technology partner for AI-powered transformation and enterprise modernisation across APAC

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 18 June 2026 - After more than two decades of delivering enterprise-grade software engineering and digital transformation solutions to multinational corporations and leading Japanese enterprises, Luvina Software Singapore today officially launches its operations in Singapore, marking a significant milestone in its global growth strategy and reinforcing the Republic's role as a regional hub for advanced technology, artificial intelligence (AI) and digital innovation.

Management, partners, and guests commemorate the official launch of Luvina Software Singapore. (Front row, second from left: Lynn Le, Director of Luvina Singapore; Ethan Lim, CEO of Luvina Software Singapore; and Le Quang Luong, Co-Founder and CEO of Luvina Software).

Established as a strategic joint venture between Luvina Software Vietnam and Singapore-based consulting firm GleamCore, Luvina Software Singapore aims to serve as a trusted gateway for organisations seeking high-quality, scalable and cost-efficient digital transformation solutions across the Asia Pacific region and beyond. The official inauguration was commemorated in the presence of Mr Cao Xuan Thang, Commercial Counsellor and Head of the Vietnam Trade Office in Singapore, alongside other senior representatives from the Embassy of Vietnam in Singapore, including senior diplomatic and trade officials, as well as strategic partners, enterprise leaders and key stakeholders from Singapore's technology ecosystem.

The Singapore office represents a strategic move to bridge a growing gap in the digital economy, where organisations are under mounting pressure to modernise legacy systems, adopt AI and scale technological capabilities amid rising costs and talent shortages.

As businesses worldwide accelerate digitalisation, Singapore has emerged as one of the world's most trusted technology ecosystems and a strategic gateway between East and West, with strong global connectivity, a highly developed regulatory environment and growing leadership in AI and Smart Nation initiatives.

Luvina Software's decision to establish a presence in Singapore comes amid growing demand for trusted technology partners capable of delivering measurable outcomes. While many businesses prioritise digital transformation, organisations continue to face barriers including high implementation costs, delivery quality consistency, fragmented technology ecosystems and shortages in specialised engineering talent.

Singapore's investments into frontier technologies, including more than S$1 billion committed towards National AI Research & Development between 2025 and 2030, further reinforce the nation's position as a trusted global AI hub and a launchpad for regional and international expansion.

Founded in 2004 in Hanoi, Vietnam, Luvina Software has grown into a globally trusted software engineering company with over 750 employees, 1,000+ projects delivered, and more than 110 enterprise clients worldwide across sectors including insurance, banking, healthcare, manufacturing and retail. Impressively, 95% of its clients have remained with the company for at least a decade, underscoring its longstanding reputation for consistency, quality and reliability.

Luvina Software also operates delivery centres in Hanoi, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City, alongside international footprints in Japan, the United States and now Singapore, enabling seamless hybrid and offshore delivery models for clients across global markets.

Its long-standing experience serving discerning Japanese corporations has shaped a delivery philosophy rooted in precision, accountability and rigorous governance, supported by globally recognised certifications including ISO 27001 and CMMI Level 3 for both Services and Development.

At the heart of Luvina Software Singapore's proposition is a unique operating model that combines Singapore-based strategic advisory and governance with Vietnam's large-scale engineering capability, allowing enterprises to modernise systems and accelerate innovation without compromising quality or control.

The company's core focus areas include:

AI-Powered Transformation & Intelligent Solution Engineering
Enterprise Systems Modernisation & Managed Business Platforms
High-Performance Engineering Capacity Enablement

Through its AI-enabled Offshore Development Centre (ODC) model, Luvina integrates AI-assisted software engineering into software planning, coding, testing and deployment, helping organisations accelerate delivery timelines, reduce inefficiencies and improve operational scalability while maintaining strict governance and quality assurance.

Rather than merely acting as a software vendor, Luvina positions itself as a long-term transformation partner, offering end-to-end accountability from technology strategy and implementation to long-term support and optimisation.

As part of its Singapore growth strategy, Luvina Software Singapore intends to work closely with solution providers, system integrators, professional service firms, venture capital and private equity firms, as well as enterprises seeking to co-develop scalable digital products for regional and international markets.

The company has already secured momentum in the Singapore market, having acquired more than a dozen local projects, with plans to further expand its presence across Southeast Asia, Australia and Europe in subsequent phases of growth.

Among its growing portfolio of clients are Nomura Research Institute Ltd., Japan's largest economic research, management consulting and IT systems integration firm; CRESCO Ltd., a prominent Japanese IT systems integrator and software development company; and CRESCO Vietnam Co. Ltd., the Vietnam subsidiary of the CRESCO Group providing offshore development and IT solutions for Japanese enterprises. The portfolio also included Soliton Systems K.K., a specialist in cybersecurity, identity management, and secure access technologies, reinforcing Luvina Software Singapore's reputation as a trusted technology partner for enterprise transformation and high-performance software delivery.

Mr Le Quang Luong, Co-Founder and CEO of Luvina Software, said, "Singapore represents not only a new market for us but it's also a strategic gateway for how we intend to co-create the future of enterprise technology across the region. As organisations face mounting pressure to modernise, adopt AI and scale with confidence, businesses do not simply need more technology vendors; they need trusted partners who can bridge strategy, execution and measurable outcomes."

"Through Luvina Software Singapore, we bring together Singapore's global connectivity and governance strengths, Vietnam's engineering excellence, and Japan's deeply rooted standards of quality and reliability to help organisations transform with greater speed, confidence and accountability. Ultimately, we are here to turn complex work into outcomes businesses can count on," added Mr Ethan Lim, CEO of Luvina Software Singapore.

Looking ahead, Luvina Software Singapore intends to deepen its role in helping enterprises modernise legacy systems, accelerate AI adoption and co-develop scalable digital solutions that can be commercialised globally, reinforcing Singapore's role as a strategic innovation hub for the region.

For more information, please visit: www.luvina.net

Hashtag: #LuvinaSoftware #LuvinaSoftwareSingapore #AI #Launch #DigitalInnovation #Software #Singapore #Vietnam

https://luvina.net/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/luvina-software-outsourcing/
https://x.com/LuvinaGlobal
https://www.facebook.com/LuvinaSoftware

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

Luvina Software Singapore

Luvina Software Singapore is the Singapore arm of Luvina Software, a Vietnam-founded enterprise software engineering and digital transformation company with more than 20 years of experience serving multinational corporations and leading Japanese enterprises. Established as a strategic gateway to the Asia Pacific market, Luvina Software Singapore provides AI-powered digital transformation, enterprise systems modernisation, cloud engineering, managed services and high-performance engineering capacity enablement.

Combining Singapore-based strategic advisory and governance with Vietnam's engineering excellence, Luvina Software Singapore helps businesses accelerate innovation, modernise systems and scale with confidence.

Art+AI Fuels Innovation & Entrepreneurship: 2026 Next Generation Philanthropy Leadership Program Opens Recruitment

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 06:16:58 +0200

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 18 June 2026 - Amid the global wave of technological advancement, the next generation of young leaders is presented with unprecedented growth opportunities. As such, today's youth must learn beyond the boundary of traditional classrooms, engage with real communities, tackle social challenges with creative thinking, and chart sustainable paths for the future of humanity. To nurture young talents and turn inspiring ideas into tangible action, the Third Next Generation Philanthropy Leadership Program is now open for applications.

Photo: Group shot of 2025 program participants at Nanyang Technological University (NTU)

Since its inception in 2024, the annual program has spent three consecutive years fostering outstanding young social innovators across Asia. The 2026 summer camp will be hosted by The University of Hong Kong (HKU) and will center on the theme "Art + AI for Social Good." It equips participants with practical AI skills, inspires creativity through art, and encourages collaboration across disciplines and cultures. Top teams from the Creative Challenge will receive seed funding and one-on-one mentorship to further scale their projects, boosting youth-led social innovation across Hong Kong and the broader Asian region.

Representing much more than a regular summer camp, this long-term initiative empowers young people to take action and drive social entrepreneurship. The past two cohorts have gathered nearly 100 exceptional high school students from all over Asia, with around 90% of them giving overwhelmingly positive feedback on their learning experience.

"I used to believe leadership was all about individual excellence," shared a former participant. "Working in teams taught me that true leadership lies in uniting people and moving forward together."

The previous sessions were held at the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU), with official support from the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) under the Singapore Youth Programme. Under the guidance of seasoned practitioners from government, business, academia and social sectors, participants translated creative concepts into implementable projects. Standout initiatives including Silver Sayang which dedicated to alleviating elderly loneliness, and NourishMind which leverages AI to promote mental wellness and mindfulness, have secured seed funding and ongoing incubation support, delivering lasting social value. These success stories prove that young people can make a real difference when given the right platform and resources.

Richard Buttrey, Program Director at ARM, a world-leading semiconductor IP provider affiliated with the University of Cambridge and a veteran mentor of the program, commented, "Philanthropy is not always linked to young people. While youths may lack financial means, they hold a strong sense of fairness and justice, a quality widely recognized by top academic institutions, enterprises and the whole society."

Viswa Sadasivan, former Member of Parliament of Singapore, also spoke highly of the program. "Participants will visit renowned charitable foundations and NGOs throughout the camp. We adopt immersive, experiential learning to make growth engaging and rewarding. Joining this program marks the first step toward a lifelong journey of giving and service."

Keeping pace with AI trends, the 2026 program will select 50 outstanding young talents for a five-day immersive learning experience in Hong Kong. Participants will attend structured entrepreneurship workshops to develop sustainable business models, turning social solutions into financially viable and long-running public welfare projects. The core highlights of this year's program are as follows:

Expert-led Workshops: Hands-on training in AI creative application, leadership development, public speaking and social project design.
Field Visits: On-site tours of local Hong Kong communities and NGOs to gain first-hand insights into social welfare issues.
Art + AI Creative Challenge: Cross-team competitions for innovative social impact solutions, with seed funding awarded to winning teams.

Concurrently, a dedicated Welfare Support Scheme is also launched alongside the main program. Full sponsorship, including travel expenses and accommodations, will be provided for students from remote impoverished areas in China and disadvantaged students worldwide, including student leaders among left-behind children supported by the Maitian Project. Online courses are additionally available for youth across Asia who are passionate about philanthropy. We welcome innovative-minded high school students to join us in Hong Kong this summer, and explore boundless possibilities where technology, art and social change intersect.

Program & Application Information

Venue: The University of Hong Kong
Eligibility: Youth aged 14 to 20, including high school and university students, with a passion for innovation, entrepreneurship and social welfare
Scholarship: All 50 selected participants will receive full scholarships covering all course and activity fees
Admission: Rolling admission. Applications will close once all vacancies are filled.
Application Link: https://www.nextgenphilanthropy.net/register-for-the nextgen-program-2026/

Based in Singapore, Good Soil Foundation commits to empowering the next generation of young leaders. Through education, experiential learning and impact investment, it cultivates future social entrepreneurs with global vision and a strong sense of social responsibility. To learn more, please visit our official website: https://goodsoilfoundationsg.com/ or follow our social media accounts.

Hashtag: #GoodSoilFoundation

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

Seafood Expo Asia/Seafood Processing Asia Unveils Conference Program Addressing AI, Sustainability, the Future of Aquaculture, Consumer Trust and more

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 04:16:48 +0200

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 18 June 2026 - Seafood Expo Asia/Seafood Processing Asia, organized by Diversified, announces its 2026 conference program ahead of the fourteenth edition of the event, taking place 2-4 September at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Singapore. Free to attend to all registered visitors, this year's program brings leading voices from the industry and across technology and policy to address the defining challenges and opportunities shaping seafood's future across Asia and beyond.

Seafood Expo Asia/Seafood Processing Asia Conference Program

Consumer Trust & Market Dynamics

A session titled Seafood in the Spotlight: Trust. Taste. Tomorrow's Consumer will present findings from a GlobeScan bi-annual survey commissioned by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), tracking consumer attitudes across 20+ global markets. Fresh from its debut at Seafood Expo Global in April, the research lands in Singapore at a critical moment. Attendees will explore how rising sustainability expectations, cost-of-living pressures and shifting retail dynamics are reshaping purchasing decisions and what it takes to build durable consumer trust.

The most pressing issues facing the Asian shrimp trade will be discussed in a session around rebalancing export-dependent supply as demand and price signals shift across major markets. Amid reduced China import pull, elevated US tariffs and uneven farm output trends, these forces are already reshaping trade flows, pricing power and production planning decisions and will determine which Asian producers can protect margins and maintain market access in 2026-2027.

Innovation & Technology

A panel of industry insiders will discuss the rapid rise of recirculating aquaculture systems across the region in RAS Fish Farming: Why is Asia Leading the Way. The panel will deliver an honest assessment of real-world challenges alongside compelling results already being achieved in markets across Asia, and what this leadership position means for the future of sustainable fish production worldwide.

A session around Asia's growing demand for seafood processing will discuss how advanced automation, productivity gains and a sharper focus on consumer trends are significantly changing the industry across Asia. Challenging market conditions are driving the industry to rethink the future of the processing environment, with innovative tools and precise systems now enabling processors to optimize resource utilization and promote sustainability to drive maximum profit. The session features Marcel Franz, Managing Director of BAADER Asia and Nils Rabe, Global Sales Director Fish at BAADER.

Eric Enno Tamm, CEO of ThisFish Inc. will map the practical and transformative applications of AI across seafood supply chains in The Definitive Guide to AI & the Tuna Value Chain. From machine learning and computer vision to generative AI and AI agents, Tamm will outline how these technologies are already reshaping operations and offer a forward-looking vision of what an AI-optimized tuna value chain could look like from boat to plate.

Food Integrity & Digital Resilience

FAO GLOBEFISH convenes a timely session on Aquatic Food Fraud: Mislabeling, Market Demand and Consumer Trust. Drawing on FAO's recent technical paper on food fraud in the fisheries and aquaculture sector, the session will examine a problem of significant scale: up to 20% of fisheries and aquaculture products may be mislabeled globally, with fraud particularly prevalent in processed products, restaurants and catering. The session will examine how price incentives, supply chain complexity and governance gaps interact to enable fraud, and what governments, industry, retailers and standard-setting bodies are doing to address it.

The Invisible Net: Securing the Digital Integrity and Resilience of the Asian Seafood Supply Chain is a session led by the President of the Cyber Security Alliance for the Seafood Industry (CSAFI) that will discuss the emerging risk for the sector. As seafood supply chains become increasingly powered by IoT-enabled processing plants, AI-driven logistics and blockchain-backed traceability, they also become vulnerable to cyberattack. With incidents on global logistics networks rising over 900% in five years, a single breach can trigger immediate product spoilage, financial loss and reputational damage.

The session will present a 2026 roadmap for protecting operational technology, defending traceability data against digital fraud and making the business case for cybersecurity as a core ESG and trade compliance imperative.

Learn More & Register to Attend

Seafood industry professionals can learn more about Seafood Expo Asia/Seafood Processing Asia, find information on the conference program and other special events, and register to attend for free by visiting www.seafoodexpo.com/asia.

To register as media/press, please visit the press center.

Hashtag: #SEASIA26

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

About Seafood Expo Asia/Seafood Processing Asia

Seafood Expo Asia/Seafood Processing Asia is a trade event where buyers from across Asia and industry suppliers from around the world come together to network and conduct business in the lucrative Asian market. The event is produced by Diversified and takes place annually in Asia. SeafoodSource is the exposition's official media covering industry news year-round.

Follow on Social
LinkedIn @Seafood Expo Asia
Instagram @seafoodexpoasia
Facebook @SeafoodExpoAsia

About Diversified

Diversified is a global B2B events and media company that strengthens business communities by fostering a space, in person and online, for professionals and businesses to connect and grow. The company serves as a trusted partner across several industries including active lifestyle, business management, clean energy, commercial marine, healthcare, seafood, technology and more. The company's global seafood portfolio of expositions and media includes Seafood Expo North America/Seafood Processing North America, Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global, Seafood Expo Asia/Seafood Processing Asia and SeafoodSource.com. Established in 1949 and headquartered in Portland, Maine, the global company has divisions and offices around the world in Australia, Canada, Hong Kong and the United Kingdom. Diversified is a third-generation, family-owned business. For more information, visit: www.divcom.com.

Peter Prevc launches educational foundation

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 17:10:19 +0200

Slovenian ski jumping great Peter Prevc and his wife Mina have launched a foundation aimed at supporting parents of children involved in sports, drawing on lessons from their own experience of parenthood and professional sports.

Speaking at the launch event at Ljubljana Castle on 17 June, Prevc said the idea emerged after he retired from competitive ski jumping in 2024. The couple, who have two children, hope the foundation will provide parents with practical knowledge and tools while also encouraging broader positive social change.

"Parenthood made us realise that the pace of modern life and many of society's expectations do not always allow families to function in a calm, balanced and conscious way," the 33-year-old member of the Prevc ski jumping dynasty said.

The Peter Prevc Foundation will initially focus on educational programmes for parents of young athletes. Starting with the 2026/27 school year, it plans to organise 12 lectures and workshops across Slovenia covering topics related to children and sports.

Mina Prevc said the initiative grew out of the couple's belief that many adults want to engage with children in more supportive ways but often lack the necessary knowledge and guidance.

The foundation also aims to expand its activities in the future, including programmes related to elite sport and educational content for coaches working with young athletes.

GLM Launches Essential Clutch - Limited Edition to Complement Microsoft Surface Laptop, 13.8-inch

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 16:16:01 +0200

NEW YORK, US - Media OutReach Newswire - 17 June 2026 - GLM, a fashion and tech accessories brand, today announced the launch of the Essential Clutch - Limited Edition, a slim laptop clutch designed to complement the Microsoft Surface Laptop, 13.8-inch. Available in limited quantities, the piece is equally suited to slim laptops from all manufacturers and continues GLM's approach of treating tech carry with the same design intent applied to fashion accessories. GLM is a Designed for Microsoft Surface Partner, recognizing products built to meet Microsoft's standards for fit, protection, and design alongside Surface devices.

Photo Courtesy of GLM

The Essential Clutch - Limited Edition is made from cactus leather, a plant-based vegan leather, with 100% recycled fabrics used for lining, straps, and protective padding, consistent with the materials across GLM's collection. The interior lining, an exclusive Art Deco print, was designed to align with the Microsoft Surface Laptop, 13.8-inch, offering device owners a complementary piece that stands on its own as a considered accessory. As a limited-edition release, the restricted quantities reflect both the seasonal nature of the colorway and the brand's broader commitment to low-waste production. The clutch is designed to carry necessary technology without bulk, supporting commutes, office environments, evening engagements, and travel days that require consolidation. It can be worn on its own or nested inside a larger tote to distribute weight across bags.

The Essential Clutch joins GLM's existing range of slim laptop bags, which launched in the U.S. earlier this year. GLM was founded by Candina Weston, who brings more than 25 years of experience across technology, the PC industry, retail, marketing, and operations, including senior leadership roles in structured technology environments and brand-led businesses. This background informs the brand's focus on real-world professional carry needs: device protection, a slim and structured silhouette, and a design philosophy that treats laptop carry as a daily requirement rather than purely functional.

GLM identifies its target audience as professionals across industries who care about style and whose daily routines involve movement.

"The Essential Clutch - Limited Edition is a natural extension of what GLM is built on," said founder Candina Weston. "We designed it to sit alongside the devices people already carry, while keeping the same focus on slim, considered design that runs through the rest of the collection." GLM currently serves customers in the United States and Singapore, with plans to expand into additional international markets within the next 12 months.Hashtag: #GLM

https://atelierglm.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/atelier-glm
https://www.instagram.com/atelier_glm/

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

About GLM

GLM designs slim laptop bags for professionals who carry technology as part of daily work and travel. Founded by Candina Weston, who brings over 25 years of experience across the PC industry, retail, and operations in the US, Europe, and Asia, the company produces laptop bags in multiple styles using plant-based vegan leather and recycled fabrics, with a focus on integrating laptop carry into fashion-led design. GLM is a Designed for Microsoft Surface Partner.

Sandoz opens biosimilars development centre in Ljubljana

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 15:27:27 +0200

The Swiss pharma group Sandoz has inaugurated a US$99 million biosimilars development centre in Ljubljana, the first of its three major investment projects in Slovenia to create an end-to-end in-house biosimilar development and manufacturing hub in Europe.

According to Sandoz, the fully digitally integrated facility covers about 10,000 square metres and employs more than 200 scientists and researchers. It supports end-to-end drug substance and drug product development, backed by advanced analytics and data science.

Gregor Makuc, CEO of Sandoz's Slovenian subsidiary Lek and Sandoz Slovenia president, said the investment would make Ljubljana Sandoz's leading development centre.

"This facility is inspiring not only because of its structure, high technology, or process improvements. It is important because of the knowledge, the development capabilities, and above all, the people," he said.

President Nataša Pirc Musar lauded the investment as a sign of trust in the expertise, skills, and potential of people in Slovenia and a place of opportunity "where our top experts can achieve groundbreaking results for a more sustainable healthcare system, a better quality of life for people, and a more competitive Slovenia".

Gilbert Ghostine, Sandoz chairman, described the launch as a watershed moment in the development of biosimilar medicines. "At this milestone, we must be even more aware of our responsibility, as many patients still do not have access to effective medicines," he said.

"What we're building here is not just infrastructure, but a platform for future growth," he added.

Richard Saynor, Sandoz CEO, said the approval of Sandoz's pioneering biosimilar 20 years ago marked the beginning of a new chapter in modern medicine. "Today, as an industry leader, we are on the cusp of a golden decade that, due to the expiration of patent protections, brings unique opportunities to expand access to treatment."

He noted the fast growth in demand for this type of drugs, which he said further underscores the importance of their investments in Slovenia.

Sandoz and Lek are also building a new facility in Lendava for drug substance production, estimated at $400 million, and another one for sterile production and packaging in Brnik, near Ljubljana Airport. The group's total investment in Slovenia is to top $1.1 billion by 2029.

Vingroup Rises 11 Places In Fortune Southeast Asia 500, Ranking Among The Region's Top 30 Largest Companies

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 12:55:47 +0200

HANOI, VIETNAM - Media OutReach Newswire - 17 June 2026 - Vingroup ranked 26th in Fortune's Southeast Asia 500 ranking, rising 11 places from 37th in 2025 and 19 places from 45th in 2024. The Group continues to be the highest-ranked private enterprise in Vietnam.Advancing in the ranking for two consecutive years underscores Vingroup's scale, competitiveness, and sustainable growth momentum, while highlighting its increasingly prominent position among the region's leading companies.

This marks the third year that Fortune has published its Southeast Asia 500 ranking. The list ranks companies based on total revenue across seven countries in the region, including Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, and Cambodia.

According to Fortune, Vingroup ranked as the No. 1 private enterprise in Vietnam and No. 26 among the 500 largest companies in Southeast Asia. This year's Southeast Asia 500 recognizes companies that are well positioned to capitalize on shifts in global supply chains and the rapid growth of strategic industries such as electric vehicles and artificial intelligence.

In addition to its scale of assets, Vingroup was highly recognized for its financial performance and operational efficiency. According to Fortune, in 2025, Vingroup recorded revenue of USD 12,760.6 million, representing year-on-year increases of 69.1% compared to the figures reflected in the 2025 ranking. Vingroup recorded net profit of USD 436.5 million and total assets of USD 42,536.4 million.

Vingroup is a diversified conglomerate operating across Industrials - Technology, Real Estate and Services, Infrastructure, Green Energy, Culture and Social Enterprises.

Within the Industrials - Technology pillar, VinFast reinforced its leading position in Vietnam's automobile and electric two-wheeler markets while continuing its global expansion.

In 2025, VinFast delivered nearly 200,000 electric vehicles worldwide, up 102% year-on-year. The result exceeded the Company's 2025 target and marked the highest annual delivery volume since its inception. In the first quarter of 2026, VinFast delivered 58,577 electric vehicles across all markets, representing a further 61% increase compared with the same period last year.

Within the Real Estate and Services pillar, Vinhomes maintained its market-leading position with 32 residential developments in operation, home to approximately 650,000 residents. In 2025, Vinhomes recorded contracted sales of VND 205.3 trillion, up 98% year-on-year, with more than 34,000 units delivered. Its unrecognized contracted sales backlog reached VND 186.4 trillion, providing a solid foundation for future growth. Consolidated net revenue totaled VND 153.3 trillion, up 49.8% from 2024, while net profit after tax reached VND 43.3 trillion, up 23.6% year-on-year and exceeding the Company's annual target.

In 2026, Vinhomes launched a series of large-scale urban developments across Vietnam, including the 6,200-hectare Vinhomes Global Gate Ha Long in Quang Ninh Province, the 512-hectare Vinhomes Hai Van Bay in Da Nang, and the 1,080-hectare Vinhomes Saigon Park in Ho Chi Minh City. These developments are expected to reshape Vietnam's urban landscape while contributing to the sustainable growth of the real estate market.

Meanwhile, Vinpearl continued to lead Vietnam's hospitality, tourism and entertainment sector, operating 60 facilities across 20 provinces and cities. Its ecosystem includes more than 17,500 rooms across a network of five-star hotels and resorts; 15 VinWonders theme parks; six championship golf courses; and three international-standard convention centers and theaters under the VinPalace brand. The portfolio also features two semi-wildlife conservation parks and an equestrian academy. In addition, Vinpearl's signature live-action performances in destinations such as Nha Trang and Phu Quoc attract millions of visitors each year.

Within the Infrastructure pillar, VinSpeed has commenced construction of Vietnam's first two high-speed rail projects: the Ben Thanh - Can Gio line in Ho Chi Minh City and the Hanoi - Quang Ninh line. Launched in April 2026, the Hanoi - Quang Ninh route is the country's first interregional high-speed railway project. Beyond creating a powerful growth engine for Northern Vietnam's key economic region, the project represents an important step toward enhancing the nation's long-term competitiveness.

Within the Green Energy pillar, VinEnergo announced its expansion plans across Asia and Europe, supported by a renewable energy project pipeline with a total capacity of 10 GW that has already secured development agreements. In Vietnam, the company has obtained investment registration certificates for four renewable energy projects.

Within the Social Enterprises pillar, VinUniversity became the youngest university in Vietnam to receive the FIBAA Quality Seal in March 2026. In healthcare, Vinmec inaugurated its 10th hospital, spanning over 31,000 sqm, with 114 inpatient beds and a designed capacity of 135,000 patient visits annually.

At the end of 2025, Vingroup launched its Culture pillar to preserve and promote Vietnamese cultural values and bring them to the world. In May 2026, the Group introduced V-Film, a film and television production and distribution company, with the goal of supporting the development of a professional, modern, and globally integrated Vietnamese film industry.

Looking ahead, Vingroup remains committed to accelerating its core business activities, leveraging the strengths of its diversified ecosystem, enhancing operational efficiency, and expanding its international presence. Through these efforts, the Group aims to achieve its 2026 targets while further strengthening its position as one of the region's leading enterprises.
Hashtag: #Vingroup

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

Kosovel family home restored to original splendour

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 12:47:44 +0200

The country villa in the village of Tomaj in which the celebrated modernist poet Srečko Kosovel spent the last days of his life has been restored to how it looked when his parents and siblings moved in, the year before his premature death a century ago.

The €1.3 million renovation has brought back the vivid colours of the interior and restored sweeping views of the surrounding vineyards characteristic of the southwestern Kras region. The property's structural integrity has been strengthened, while the garden and adjoining shed have also been restored.

"We are very proud that the result is the closest possible approximation of the house as it was in 1925," Sežana Mayor Andrej Sila said at the opening ceremony on 16 June.

The property will now serve not only as a museum dedicated to Kosovel and his family but also as an events venue and meeting place.

Coming home

Srečko returned home to his family, to the new villa, two months before his death at the age of 22. While showing the room in which he died to reporters, curator Janez Vrečko said the poet had died in terrible agony and that doctors were unable to help him.

The poet had caught a cold after missing a train from Zagorje to Ljubljana and spending the night in the freezing-cold waiting room. After recovering somewhat he travelled to Tomaj, but then developed influenza and finally meningitis, dying on 27 May 1926.

Some of his personal items are on display at the villa, including his signature wire-rimmed round glasses, his christening robe, and a pen, the rasping sound of which Vrečko says kept the poet's roommates in Ljubljana awake at night because Srečko worked tirelessly.

Often described as the Slovenian Rimbaud, Srečko Kosovel was a visionary poet both in terms of style and subject matter. He left behind more than a thousand poems, ranging from impressionism to expressionism and constructivism. His poetry also includes elements of Dadaism, surrealism and futurism.

"I work so much I don't get even an hour's rest all day," he once wrote. He is said to have slept only two hours a night.

Artistic family

Srečko was the youngest of five children of Anton Kosovel, a teacher and choirmaster, and Katarina Kosovel, a cultured and knowledgeable woman. The parents nurtured their children's artistic talents and often took them to the theatre in Trieste. His brother was a poet and journalist, while one of his three sisters, Karmela, was a pianist.

This can be seen at the family home in Tomaj, which still keeps their grand piano.

"During the renovation we discovered interesting ornamental borders, painted decorations in the rooms, and vibrant colours, which we have brought back," Eva Senekovič Ravnikar of the a2o2 arhitekti architectural firm told TV Slovenija.

WRISE Group Officially Launches WRISE Academy in Wuxi

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 11:15:40 +0200

This new office located in the Yangtze Delta region strengthens family governance and intergenerational succession capabilities for next-generation family leaders

HONG KONG SAR / WUXI, CHINA - Media OutReach Newswire - 17 June 2026 - WRISE Group ("WRISE"), one of Asia's fastest-growing independent wealth management firms, announced the official launch of WRISE Academy in Wuxi, dedicated to family governance and talent development. This new office comes amid accelerating intergenerational wealth transfer across China and rising demand for structured family governance wealth management solutions.

The Wuxi office, which follows Shenzhen, Changsha and Chengdu locations, marks the 4th expansion of WRISE Academy across Mainland China. This office will focus on education related to family governance, wealth succession and cultivation of next-generation family leaders, providing high-net-worth families with systematic governance guidance, succession planning resources, as well as learning support and networking platforms for family talent development.

Serving Intergenerational Succession Needs Across the Yangtze River Delta

The Yangtze River Delta region is a significant contributor to China's overall economic growth, with total exports from the region alone reaching 10.85 trillion yuan in 2025, or 40.2 percent of China's overall exports.

Wuxi, located in the economic circle of the Yangtze River Delta, is home to significant number of privately owned and family-run enterprises, where demand for succession planning is rising as founders prepare for generational transition. In this pivotal period of wealth and leadership transfer, family governance and next-generation leadership development are increasingly important priorities for high-net-worth families.

Supporting family legacy and governance globally

The WRISE Academy expansion reflects the firm's global focus on supporting long-term family legacy and governance beyond wealth preservation. "The core of a family office is not only in maintaining and increasing the value of assets, but also the continuation of values and the inheritance of family culture. Focusing on family governance and next generation development through WRISE Academy helps families build sustainable governance systems that support future generations,"said Derrick Tan, Group Executive Chairman of WRISE.

Stephen Yan, Executive Vice Chairman of WRISE, adds: "With intergenerational wealth transfer in China continuing to drive changes in governance and succession planning among high-net-worth families, WRISE Academy will continuously integrate global resources and professional networks to support the succession and governance of Chinese families."

Collaboration for Greater Success

The opening of the WRISE Academy in Wuxi marks the next phase in WRISE Academy's evolution from a talent development platform to a comprehensive family governance ecosystem. "With WRISE's presence in the Yangtze River Delta, we are bringing together Hong Kong's established family office governance expertise with practical needs of Mainland Chinese family enterprises to nurture a new generation of family leaders with both global perspectives and deep local understanding,"says Dr. Jowin Fung Vice Chairman, WRISE Hong Kong and Chief Executive Officer of WRISE Academy.

Looking ahead, the WRISE Academy will continue to expand its family governance ecosystem and deepen engagement with high-net-worth families across Mainland China. It will also strengthen collaboration with local business associations, universities and professional institutions to facilitate knowledge sharing through seminars, workshops and certification programmes. Such initiatives will support family enterprises in building more sustainable frameworks encompassing governance structures and succession planning.

"Through structured programmes, mentorship and exchange initiatives, WRISE Academy empowers next-generation family leaders to define their roles and responsibilities in the succession journey. The Wuxi office will serve as an important platform for family governance dialogue and collaboration across the Yangtze River Delta," says Megan Zhang, Chief Executive Officer of WRISE Private Hong Kong.

Hashtag: #WRISE

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

About WRISE

WRISE is one of Asia's fastest-growing financial firms, driven by strategic acquisitions of companies with deep expertise and solid foundations. With a strong presence across key financial hubs including Singapore, Hong Kong, Dubai, Tokyo, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Changsha, Chengdu, Wuxi, Taipei and Bangkok, WRISE is home to one of the largest networks of independent qualified advisors. With over 600 employees located globally, supported by an ecosystem of over 200 financial intermediaries and access to eight booking centres worldwide, WRISE ensures unparalleled service and expertise in navigating today's financial landscape.

WRISE Group of companies include WRISE Wealth Management (Singapore), WRISE Wealth Management (Hong Kong), WRISE Wealth Management Middle East Ltd (DIFC, regulated by the DFSA), WRISE Prestige (Hong Kong) Limited, WRISE Prestige Securities (Hong Kong), WRISE Prestige Asset Management (Hong Kong), WRISE Capital (Hong Kong), WRISE Financial Services (Hong Kong), and affiliates including WeWrise Services.

About WRISE Academy

WRISE Academy is an educational platform dedicated to advancing the standards of wealth management, family governance and succession planning practice in Asia. Through structured education, research, and practitioner training, it seeks to equip professionals with the knowledge and capabilities required to navigate increasingly complex client needs in an evolving global financial landscape.

Disclaimer
WRISE Academy provides training, research and exchange activities only. All content provided by WRISE Academy is intended solely for educational and knowledge-sharing purposes. It does not constitute investment advice, nor an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any financial products, and should not be construed as legal, tax or audit advice. Any relevant professional services, where required, should be rendered by qualified third-party practitioners and institutions.

SeABank completes charter capital increase to VND 34,288 billion

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 10:15:36 +0200

HANOI, VIETNAM - Media OutReach Newswire - 17 June 2026 - With approval from the State Bank of Vietnam, Southeast Asia Commercial Joint Stock Bank (SeABank, HOSE: SSB) has officially completed its charter capital increase to VND 34,288 billion. The additional capital is expected to strengthen the Bank's market competitiveness, improve its safety ratios, and expand its growth capacity.

On June 12, 2026, the State Bank of Vietnam issued Decision No. 1269/QD-NHNN regarding the amendment of charter capital information in SeABank's Establishment and Operation License.

Accordingly, SeABank's charter capital has increased from VND 28,450 billion to VND 34,288 billion, up VND 5,838 billion. The capital increase was carried out through the issuance of 583.8 million shares to existing shareholders at a ratio of 20.5202%, funded by accumulated undistributed after-tax profits as at December 31, 2025, according to SeABank's audited separate financial statements for 2025.

The capital increase is part of the roadmap approved by SeABank's 2026 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (AGM). In the next phase, SeABank plans to further increase its charter capital through the issuance of up to 40 million ESOP shares at a price of no less than VND 10,000 per share, reserved for management personnel meeting defined criteria in terms of work performance, professional competence, and commitment to the Bank.

In the context of increasingly stringent requirements for capital adequacy and digital transformation, the additional capital is expected to help SeABank improve safety ratios, expand business scale, and increase investment in technology infrastructure, laying a stronger foundation for the Bank's growth in the period ahead.

With a strengthened financial foundation following the capital increase, SeABank will continue to focus on expanding its retail banking business, accelerating digital transformation, and improving the quality of products and services to better meet customer needs, while delivering sustainable value for shareholders and stakeholders.

Hashtag: #SeABank

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

Alibaba Cloud Expands European Footprint with Two Availability Zones in France

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 09:15:31 +0200

A suite of Agentic AI services set to launch for European customers later this year

PARIS, FRANCE - Media OutReach Newswire - 17 June 2026 - Alibaba Cloud, a leading global provider of AI infrastructure and the intelligence backbone of Alibaba Group, today announced the launch of its cloud region in France. Featuring two availability zones, this launch addresses accelerating demand from European customers across key sectors - including retail, software development, AI-powered creative platforms, and sports tech - for advanced cloud and digital solutions located in Europe. The new facilities in Paris mark Alibaba Cloud's third European hub, complementing its existing infrastructure in Germany and the UK.

The France region delivers a comprehensive suite of enterprise-grade cloud computing services, spanning elastic computing, storage, containerization, networking, security, databases, and advanced developer tools. Built with strict data privacy and sovereignty in mind, the infrastructure adheres to rigorous European regulatory frameworks and standards, including data privacy, cybersecurity, resilience, and sovereignty.

Now fully operational, the France region equips European businesses with high availability, operational resilience, and robust disaster recovery capabilities. This launch expands Alibaba Cloud's global network to 105 availability zones across 32 regions, reinforcing its commitment to providing a secure, scalable, and sustainable foundation for global digital innovation.

To meet the growing demand for enterprise agents, Alibaba Cloud plans to launch a suite of agentic AI services in European markets in the second half of this year. The lineup includes AgentRun, a one-stop development platform for AI agents; STAROps, a comprehensive intelligent operations platform; ACS Agent Sandbox, which provides hardware-level security isolation while reducing operational costs of AI agents; Agent Security Center, which ensures agent build-time integrity and supply chain transparency; AI Security Guardrails 2.0, designed for safe model interactions, local compliance, and runtime risk interception; and Agentic SOC, a solution enabling automated threat response and closed-loop auditing. These products are designed to streamline the development and operation of enterprise-scale agents within a secure environment, offering full lifecycle management from development and debugging to deployment, real-world operations, and end-to-end security protection.

"The expansion of our cloud infrastructure into France reinforces our ongoing commitment to empowering European businesses with sovereign, secure, and intelligent solutions," said Dr. Feifei Li, Chief Technology Officer and President of International Business of Alibaba Cloud. "This expansion, alongside the introduction of our agentic AI services to Europe, aligns with our broader strategy to bring our full-stack AI+Cloud ecosystem to global customers as we enter the agentic era."

Alibaba Cloud has served European markets since 2016, supporting prominent multinationals in expanding globally while helping local businesses stay competitive. For example, SAP collaborates with Alibaba to jointly accelerate enterprise innovation and digital transformation, with an initial focus on the China market and a rollout planned for Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Additionally, Alibaba Cloud has been working with local technology partners to deliver tailored cloud and digital solutions across Europe.

During the Olympic Games Paris 2024, Alibaba Cloud served as the Worldwide Olympic Partner and Official Cloud Service Provider, driving the digital transformation of the Games through its cloud and AI innovation. Notably, in partnership with Olympic Broadcasting Services (OBS), Alibaba Cloud launched OBS Cloud 3.0. The initiative made the work of OBS and Media Rights-Holders (MRHs) easier and more efficient, and delivering of live signals over OBS Live Cloud became the main method of remote distribution to broadcasters for the first time in the history of the Olympic Games.

In May 2026, Alibaba 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. The partnership, starting immediately with UEFA and in 2027 with UC3, will see the deployment of Alibaba's advanced AI capabilities to support 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 men's competitions.

Alibaba Cloud's expanded presence in Europe underscores its unwavering commitment to driving digital innovation in the region. By providing local businesses with leading AI+Cloud solutions to efficiently build, deploy, and manage AI agents, Alibaba Cloud aims to accelerate their transition from traditional automation to agent-led intelligent operations. At its recent international Qwen Conference, the company unveiled major updates across its foundation models, AI infrastructure, cloud-native tools, and enterprise agent products, helping global enterprises rapidly deploy practical AI agents into day-to-day business environments.

Hashtag: #AlibabaCloud

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

About Alibaba Cloud

Alibaba Cloud (https://www.alibabacloud.com/) is a global leader in full-stack AI+Cloud solutions. It offers a comprehensive suite of flexible, scalable and secure cloud services built on a three-tiered architecture of Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) and Model-as-a-Service (MaaS). Alibaba Cloud empowers enterprises worldwide with its full-stack AI capabilities, powered by Qwen (Chinese: Qianwen), a family of large language and multimodal AI models developed by Alibaba. Debuted in 2023, Qwen models are available to global developers via HuggingFace (open-weight) or through API on Model Studio, Alibaba's one-stop, enterprise-grade AI development platform offering access to the full suite of Qwen foundation models.

DHL Express partners with Absurd Laboratory to create limited-edition fashion accessories using retired courier uniforms

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 09:15:31 +0200

Winner of the Redress Design Award 2025 "DHL GoGreen Plus Alumni Prize", Eric Wong has created "DHL x Absurd Laboratory BFFS Upcycled Collection", a limited-edition fashion accessory line that gives retired courier uniforms a second life
All profits will be donated to the local environmental NGO Redress to foster the next generation of sustainable design talent

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 17 June 2026 - DHL Express, the world's leading international express service provider, has started a new initiative with Hong Kong fashion designer Eric Wong, winner of the Redress Design Award 2025 "DHL GoGreen Plus Alumni Prize", to launch the "DHL x Absurd Laboratory BFFS Upcycled Collection". The collection is a unique line of fashion accessories ingeniously crafted from the company's own retired courier uniforms including DHL polo shirts and cargo pants.

DHL x Absurd Laboratory BFFS Upcycled Collection

For the collection, Eric Wong brings his signature creative and sustainable mindset, blending everyday wearability with bold experimental design. He has deconstructed and creatively reimagined retired DHL polo shirts and cargo pants to create the playful "DHL x Absurd Laboratory BFFS Upcycled Collection". The result is a whimsical cast of characters, including a convertible bucket hat and sling bag, comfortable unisex clogs, and a duo of charming bear pendants with movable limbs. Each piece gives the original uniform a new and artistic life, transforming it into a statement of contemporary style.

The collaboration extends beyond design through a partnership with Hong Kong-based environmental NGO Redress for a charitable sale of the collection. All profits will be donated to support Redress's work in nurturing emerging talent within its alumni network - a new generation of designers who place sustainability and circularity at the heart of their creative vision.

Andy Chiang, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, DHL Express Hong Kong and Macau, said, "We are proud to stand alongside Redress in advancing sustainability and circularity efforts in Hong Kong's fashion industry. Brought to life by visionary designer Eric Wong, this initiative reimagines our retired uniforms with creativity and purpose-reflecting our shared commitment to a more sustainable future. As a key logistics partner to the fashion industry, we are also putting this commitment into action by shipping international orders of this collection with our GoGreen Plus service, which helps reduce CO₂e emissions through the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel. We are also proud that all profits from this collection will go towards supporting Redress and its mission to cultivate the next generation of sustainable designers, helping to spark positive, lasting change in the industry."

Eric Wong, founder of Absurd Laboratory, said, "I'm honored to collaborate with DHL and Redress on this meaningful project. Winning the DHL GoGreen Plus Alumni Prize sparked the journey, and it's rewarding to see the concept come to life. By upcycling retired DHL courier uniforms, I wanted to give overlooked materials a new narrative-creating contemporary, desirable accessories with a strong story of sustainability and circular design."

Hong Kong-based designer Eric Wong has built a reputation for challenging the norms of fashion through deconstruction and upcycling. His work consistently breathes new life into pre-existing materials that might otherwise be discarded, making him the perfect creative partner for this circular fashion initiative.

"DHL x Absurd Laboratory BFFS Upcycled Collection" Charity Sale

The limited-edition fashion accessories will be available for purchase starting today, through the following channels:

Absurd Laboratory online store: https://absurdlaboratory.com/
Midwest Vintage stores: https://www.instagram.com/midwestvintage/
The Redress Closet: https://redress.com.hk/shop-secondhand/

Reinforcing the project's commitment to sustainability, all overseas orders will be shipped using GoGreen Plus service, which enables shippers to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the use of sustainable aviation fuel. By participating in this charity sale, customers can acquire a unique upcycled accessory while contributing to the development of sustainable fashion. Be ready to shop with purpose and own a piece of this unique design story.

DHL x Absurd Laboratory BFFS Upcycled Collection All funds raised will be donated to Redress, directly fueling the work of emerging designers as they forge exciting collaborations and advance the movement towards a more circular fashion industry.
Bailey Two-way Bucket Hat / Sling Bag This clever two-way design transforms from a stylish bucket hat into a functional sling bag, featuring the iconic DHL logo and details repurposed from the original uniforms. Price: HK$499	Sam Unisex Clogs Designed for everyone, this comfortable unisex slip-on is inspired by a timeless European clog. Crafted from upcycled DHL uniforms, it features a classic single-strap detail and subtle heritage accents. 4 sizes available: 36-37, 38-39, 40-41, 42-43 Price: HK$899
Frankie Bear Earphone Case Plush Pendant (Large) A playful and practical accessory, this bear-shaped pendant features movable limbs and a discreet earphone case on its back, accented with repurposed DHL uniform trims. Price: HK$399	Felix Bear Plush Pendant (Small) This charming smaller bear pendant adds a touch of personality to any item, featuring movable limbs and crafted from iconic, upcycled DHL materials. Price: HK$239

To learn more about this collaboration:
https://www.dhl.com/discover/en-hk/about-dhl/dhl-stories/uniform-upcycling-with-absurd-laboratory

Hashtag: #DHLxAbsurdLab #BFFS #DHLGoGreenPlusAlumniPrize #Upcycling #DHLExpressHongKong #DHLxRedress #RedressDesignAward

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

About DHL GoGreen Plus Alumni Prize

DHL teamed up with Redress to launch the "DHL GoGreen Plus Alumni Prize" in 2025. This prize challenged Redress Alumni designers to upcycle retired DHL uniforms into a fashion or accessory item, extending the life of the garments. The winning designer, Eric Wong will be celebrated through marketing activities from both DHL and Redress, and has received DHL shipping credits worth HK$30,000. This support is designed not only to facilitate the growth of their brand but also to empower the designer in their aspiration to expand into global markets.

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.

About Redress

Redress is a Hong Kong-based, Asia-focused environmental NGO with a mission to accelerate the change to a circular fashion industry by educating and empowering designers and consumers so as to reduce clothing's negative environmental impacts. Since 2011, Redress has organized the Redress Design Award to educate and empower designers in circular design techniques that help reduce fashion's environmental footprint. DHL Express is proud to be the Platinum Sponsor of the "Redress Design Award 2026", supporting the program through its GoGreen Plus service, which helps reduce carbon emissions of the international shipments using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

As part of the "Redress Design Award 2025", the sustainable fashion collections from six Redress Alumni brands from Hong Kong, the Mainland, Peru, Taiwan, and India were delivered to Hong Kong using DHL's GoGreen Plus service for the final showcase. The associated carbon emission reductions and allocations are validated by a third-party auditor and Redress accounts for a 50% CO2e reduction compared to using conventional jet fuel.

Lanson Place Celebrates Its Strongest Ever Performance At Tripadvisor's 2026 Travellers' Choice Awards

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 09:15:30 +0200

Seven properties honoured across Asia-Pacific, including highly prestigious 'Best of the Best' recognition for Lanson Place Parliament Gardens, Melbourne

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 17 June 2026 - Lanson Place is proud to announce that seven of its hotels and serviced residences across Asia-Pacific have been recognised in the 2026 Tripadvisor Awards.

Leading this year's achievements across the region is Lanson Place Parliament Gardens, Melbourne, which has received Tripadvisor's highly coveted Best of the Best Award 2026, an accolade which places the property among the top one percent of hospitality listings worldwide.

This distinction represents Tripadvisor's highest level of recognition and is only reserved for properties that consistently receive outstanding guest reviews and ratings over an extended period.

Six Lanson Place properties have also won a 2026 Travellers' Choice Award, placing them among the top ten percent of listings globally. The awards are based on authentic traveller feedback and experiences that have been shared on Tripadvisor throughout the year.

2026 Tripadvisor Best of the Best Award

Lanson Place Parliament Gardens, Melbourne

2026 Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Award

Lanson Place Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
Lanson Place Waterfront Suites, Hong Kong
Lanson Place Bukit Ceylon, Kuala Lumpur
Lanson Place Winsland, Singapore
Lanson Place Mall of Asia, Manila
Two MacDonnell Road, Hong Kong

"To be recognised by Tripadvisor is especially meaningful because these awards are determined by the people who matter most, namely our guests," said Michael Hobson, Chief Executive Officer of Lanson Place.

"Lanson Place Parliament Gardens, Melbourne receiving a Best of the Best Award, ranking in the top 1% globally, is a particularly rewarding achievement after its first full year of operation. These awards are testament to the passion and dedication demonstrated every single day by our teams across Asia Pacific. We are thrilled that travellers continue to choose Lanson Place and share such positive experiences of our personalised hospitality."

A Melbourne Landmark

As Tripadvisor's most prestigious accolade, the Best of the Best recognition for Lanson Place Parliament Gardens, Melbourne ensures that the hotel joins an elite group around the world which are recognised for delivering exceptional guest satisfaction and memorable stays.

Since opening in Melbourne's historic Parliamentary Precinct as the city's first five-star boutique hotel, it has distinguished itself through its beautifully designed residences, personalised service and ability to blend hotel comfort and convenience with the warmth of a private home.

Regional Recognition

The six Travellers' Choice Award-winning properties also underline the strength and consistency of the Lanson Place portfolio across Asia Pacific.

In Hong Kong, both Lanson Place Causeway Bay and Lanson Place Waterfront Suites received recognition, while Two MacDonnell Road further reinforced the group's strong reputation in its home market.

Across Southeast Asia, Lanson Place Bukit Ceylon in Kuala Lumpur, Lanson Place Winsland in Singapore, and Lanson Place Mall of Asia in Manila were similarly honoured, reflecting the brand's ability to deliver exceptional hospitality experiences tailored to each destination.

Together, these awards highlight the consistency of the Lanson Place experience across its growing portfolio, where personalised service, thoughtfully designed living spaces, and genuine care remain at the heart of every guest stay.

Hashtag: #LansonPlace

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

About Lanson Place Hospitality Management Limited

Lanson Place is a wholly owned subsidiary of Wing Tai Properties Limited (Wing Tai), a publicly listed company in Hong Kong (HKEx stock code: 369). The transformative hospitality management company currently manages eight properties under the Lanson Place brand, comprising Personal Hotels and Residences in Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Shanghai, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Manila and Melbourne. Additionally, it manages Two MacDonnell Road in Hong Kong as well as Yiju Apartment in Shenzhen.

Lanson Place provides comfortable, personal sanctuaries for both short-term and extended-stay guests at central locations in major global cities. Infused by a family-like service tradition, Lanson Place creates warm and sheltered places with a club-style feel where communities form and bond. Guests can enjoy a true home-away-from-home experience.

The Group aims to grow the Lanson Place brand across the Asia-Pacific region and continues to explore both investment and management opportunities in major gateway cities.

Lanson Place is a proud member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) and recognises its guests through one unified loyalty programme, Lanson Place DISCOVERY, part of GHA DISCOVERY.

Website: lansonplace.com
Social Media: Instagram - @lansonplace
Facebook - @LansonPlacePersonalHotels&Residences

Kidpreneurs Bazaar 2026 returns to help children build confidence, resilience and money sense through experience

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 08:35:25 +0200

A two-day family event at HarbourFront Centre will see 35 children aged 5 to 14 run their own booths, pitch ideas and make real decisions, as parents increasingly look for learning experiences that go beyond academics.

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 17 June 2026 - As Singapore continues to place growing emphasis on confidence, resilience and future-ready skills alongside academic achievement, Kidpreneurs Bazaar 2026 is returning to give children a rare opportunity to learn these qualities in the real world.

Taking place on 11 and 12 July 2026, from 12pm to 7pm at HarbourFront Centre, the two-day event will bring together 35 young "kidpreneurs", aged 5 to 14, who will conceptualise products, run their own booths, interact with customers and make decisions on the spot. More than just a bazaar, the event is designed as a practical learning platform where children can experience what it means to take initiative, solve problems and build confidence through doing.

Organised by Singapore Kidpreneurs, BlueTree Education, DollarsAndSense and OtterHalf, with OCBC as official sponsor and HarbourFront Centre as venue sponsor, Kidpreneurs Bazaar reflects a wider shift among Singapore parents toward learning experiences that extend beyond grades and worksheets.

In recent years, conversations around education in Singapore have increasingly focused on helping children become more adaptable, self-aware and resilient. While schools continue to play a central role in academic development, many parents are also seeking out opportunities that allow children to practise decision-making, communication and responsibility in a more hands-on setting.

At Kidpreneurs Bazaar, children do not just learn about entrepreneurship in theory. They go through a real preparation journey: attending three free workshops on business and basic financial literacy, developing a product idea, planning how to present it, setting up a booth, speaking to customers, handling sales and adjusting their approach throughout the event. Through this process, they learn what it means to make judgments, respond to feedback and take ownership of their choices.

This year's bazaar will feature 30 booths run by 35 participating children, with products and activities ranging from handmade crafts, game booths and caricatures to 3D printed jewellery, assorted plants, personalised keychains and tags. Organisers expect around 5,000 attendees across the two days.

The 2026 edition will also introduce the Kidpreneurs Pitch Tank, where participating kidpreneurs will take part in a friendly competition and present their business ideas to experienced business owners. With six categories in place, the platform is designed to recognise different strengths and give young participants a chance to grow in confidence while receiving real-world encouragement and exposure.

Beyond entrepreneurship, the event also aims to nurture financial literacy and life skills in an accessible and age-appropriate way. By pricing products, speaking to customers and experiencing the realities of selling, children begin to understand the value of money, the effort behind earning it, and the importance of communication, adaptability and resilience.

Organisers also noted that 80 per cent of participants expressed interest in returning, based on survey findings from previous editions, reflecting the event's growing appeal among families looking for meaningful, experience-based learning.

"Children need real-world spaces where they can try, fail, adapt and discover what they are capable of," said Jolene Ang, Founder of Singapore Kidpreneurs. "In Singapore, we talk a lot about preparing children for the future, but confidence, judgment and resilience cannot be built through instruction alone. They need to be experienced. Kidpreneurs Bazaar gives children that opportunity in a way that is practical, memorable and deeply empowering."

In addition to the bazaar and pitch competition, this year's event will also feature stage programmes by special youths, in collaboration with Singapore Fashion Runway, creating another platform for young people to showcase their talents and sell their products in a supportive public setting.

Members of the public can visit Kidpreneurs Bazaar 2026 on 11 and 12 July 2026, from 12pm to 7pm at HarbourFront Centre. Families can expect a lively, interactive environment featuring young booth owners, product showcases, pitch sessions and stage performances.

Hashtag: #Kidpreneurs

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

About Singapore Kidpreneurs

Singapore Kidpreneurs is an experiential learning platform that gives children opportunities to build confidence, creativity, communication skills and financial literacy through real-world entrepreneurship experiences. Through initiatives such as Kidpreneurs Bazaar, the platform encourages children to develop ideas, interact with customers, make decisions and learn by doing in a supportive environment. By creating meaningful opportunities for children to practise responsibility, resilience and problem-solving, Singapore Kidpreneurs aims to help young learners build life skills that extend beyond the classroom.

Banyan Group Residences Clinches Record 16 Top Honours in International Property Awards 2026-27

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 08:15:23 +0200

Most awarded developer in Thailand and Asia for third consecutive year; 80 total International Property Awards to date plus a landmark new win at the Real Estate Asia Awards

PHUKET, THAILAND - Media OutReach Newswire - 17 June 2026 - Banyan Group, the pioneering developer of iconic integrated resort destination Laguna Phuket, has once again affirmed its standing as Thailand's premier property developer by claiming a record 16 top honours at the prestigious International Property Awards for Asia-Pacific 2026-27, the most coveted accolades in the global real estate industry.

The record tally crowns Banyan Group Residences as the most awarded developer in Thailand and Asia for the third consecutive year, bringing its cumulative total to an outstanding 80 International Property Awards - the highest tally ever accumulated by any developer in the region.

Adding further distinction to this year's achievements, Banyan Group Residences also claimed a landmark accolade at the inaugural Real Estate Asia Awards, winning Best Marketing and Brand Initiative of the Year for Laguna Lakelands.

"The International Property Awards are a world-renowned mark of excellence," said Banyan Group founder and Executive Chairman K P Ho. "This continuing recognition is a true testament to the hard work and talent of our entire team. Winning across so many categories - and now bringing home top honours at the Real Estate Asia Awards for the first time - reflects our dedication to innovation, exceptional design, and creating extraordinary experiences for our customers. We are proud to be recognised as leaders in Thailand's luxury residential development, and we remain focused on setting ever-higher benchmarks for quality and excellence."

International Property Awards 2026-27: Full List of Awards

Banyan Group's 16 International Property Awards span Thailand's most celebrated residential projects across Laguna Phuket and beyond, including a nomination for Best in Asia Pacific:

Banyan Tree Beach Residences Oceanus - Best Branded Residences in Thailand
Residences at Garrya Phuket - Best Development Marketing in Thailand (Five Star)
Angsana Golf Residences Topaz - Best Luxury Condominium Development in Thailand
Bellaguna Lake Residences - Best Lakefront Condominium Development in Thailand
Bellaguna Golf Residences - Best Condominium Development in Thailand
Laguna Lakelands Waterfront Villas - Best Residential Property Development in Thailand
Banyan Tree Lake Residences Yara- Best Lakefront Residential Property Development in Thailand
Yara Residences at Banyan Tree Phuket - Best Residential Development 10-19 units in Thailand
Banyan Tree Beach Residences Oceanus -Residential Development 10-19 units in Thailand
Banyan Tree Beach Residences Nammu - Best Lakefront Residential Villa Development 10-19 Units in Thailand
Residences at Garrya - Best Residential Development 20+ Units in Thailand
Bellaguna Lake Residences - Best Lakefront Residential Development 20+ Units in Thailand
Residences at Garrya - Best Mixed-Use Development in Thailand (Five Star)
Bellaguna Golf Residences - Best Residential Interior Show Home in Thailand
www.banyangroupresidences.com - Best Developer Website in Thailand (Five Star)
www.banyangroupresidences.com - Nomination for Best Developer Website in Asia Pacific

Highlights from the 2026-27 Awards

Among the standout awards, Banyan Tree Beach Residences Oceanus claimed the coveted Best Branded Residences in Thailand award - a fitting recognition for what is widely regarded as the group's most exclusive residential offering to date. A collection of just 16 ultra-premium absolute beachfront residences set directly on Bang Tao Beach within Laguna Phuket, Oceanus occupies one of the last remaining beachfront sites of its kind on the island. With expansive residences ranging from 416 to 768 sqm, featuring private pools and rooftop terraces with uninterrupted Andaman Sea views, it sets a new benchmark for coastal luxury living in Phuket.

Real Estate Asia Awards: A Landmark First Win

Banyan Group Residences also claimed Best Marketing and Brand Initiative of the Year for Laguna Lakelands at the Real Estate Asia Awards, a prestigious recognition honouring excellence in real estate across the Asia-Pacific region. Laguna Lakelands is Banyan Group's pioneering US$2 billion eco-friendly residential community spanning 276 acres of botanical gardens, rainforest, tranquil lakes and rolling hills adjacent to Laguna Phuket. Designed to become Phuket's largest private residential community with up to 6,000 homes across five themed precincts, it is a self-contained green sanctuary that has attracted strong demand from international and Thai buyers alike.

Best known for its award-winning hotels and resorts, Banyan Group is increasingly focusing on luxury private residences, primarily in Thailand but also internationally. A recent Savills report ranked the group top in Asia and 5th globally in the total value of its branded residential projects.

With demand soaring for luxury lifestyle real estate from both international and Thai investors, the group plans to release luxury residential real estate worth over US$1 billion in Phuket alone in the next 2-3 years.
Hashtag: #BanyanGroup #InternationalPropertyAwards #LagunaPhuket

https://www.banyangroupresidences.com

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

About Banyan Group

Banyan Group ("Banyan Tree Holdings Limited" or the "Group" - SGX: B58) is an independent, global hospitality company with purpose. The Group prides itself on its pioneering spirit, design-led experiences and commitment to responsible stewardship. Its extensive portfolio spans over 100 properties, over 140 spas and galleries, and 20-plus branded residences in over 20 countries, comprising 12 global brands - including the flagship brand Banyan Tree - each distinct yet united under the experiential membership programme withBanyan. The founding ethos of "Embracing the Environment, Empowering People" is embodied through the Banyan Global Foundation and Banyan Management Academy. Banyan Group is committed to remaining the leading advocate of sustainable travel, with a focus on regenerative tourism and innovative programmes that elevate the guest experience.

About Banyan Group Residences

Banyan Group Residences is the property development arm of leading hospitality pioneer the Banyan Group, which is listed on the stock exchange of Singapore. With over 30 years of development experience and an impressive portfolio of residential brands to suit different lifestyles and budgets, it is Thailand's leading lifestyle property developer with a strong and increasingly international pipeline of projects. The group's main residential brands are the flagship luxury Banyan Tree Residences as well as Angsana Residences, Dhawa Residences, Garrya Residences, Laguna Residences, Cassia Residences, Skypark, Bellaguna and the pioneering new Laguna Lakelands.

About the International Property Awards

The annual International Property Awards are a world-renowned symbol of excellence celebrating the highest levels of achievement by companies operating in all sectors of the property and real estate industry.

About the Real Estate Asia Awards

The Real Estate Asia Awards honour outstanding achievement across the Asia-Pacific real estate sector, recognising companies and projects that demonstrate innovation, excellence, and leadership in property development, marketing, and design.

The Caravel Group's 5th Annual ESG Report Outlines Strategic Resilience in Global Shipping

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 06:15:15 +0200

Refreshed five-year Encompass roadmap highlights accelerated fleet decarbonisation and proactive talent integration as key competitive advantages

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 17 June 2026 - The Caravel Group, a diversified global conglomerate with core businesses in maritime services, commodity trading and investment management, today released its fifth annual Responsibility Report, Encompass. The report details the Group's progress, key achievements and future targets in running a sustainable and resilient business, with a particular focus on its ship management subsidiary, Fleet Management Limited.

Guided by the four core pillars of the Encompass strategy-Navigating Responsibly, Evolving Environmental Stewardship, Safeguarding People and Working Together-the 2025 report demonstrates how the Group has successfully translated high-level ESG ambitions into measurable, accountable day-to-day operational practices across ship and shore.

Dr. Harry S. Banga, Founder & Executive Chairman of The Caravel Group, said: "Five years ago, we established Encompass as our guiding compass. This fifth annual report is a testament to how we have built a business trusted to perform responsibly, adapt with discipline and remain relevant in a volatile maritime industry. By formally embedding ESG metrics into performance reviews for all onshore employees and establishing strategic initiatives like our LNG bunkering joint venture, we have ensured that responsibility and performance are no longer separate conversations."

Key Sustainable Milestones in 2025:

1. Evolving Environmental Stewardship & Accelerated Decarbonisation

The Group achieved a 42% reduction in managed ship GHG emission intensity from its 2008 baseline, significantly exceeding its established 2030 target of a 30% reduction.
Currently, 74% of the managed fleet is equipped with advanced Energy Saving Devices (ESDs), including high-performance hull paint, Propeller Boss Cap Fins (PBCFs) and variable speed motors, keeping the Group firmly on track to equip 100% of its fleet by 2030.
The Caravel Group entered a strategic joint venture with Celsius Shipping to co-own and operate a new fleet of high-specification LNG bunkering vessels, supporting the maritime sector's wider transition towards cleaner fuels.

2. Navigating Responsibly & Digital Innovation

The Group continued the active pilot deployment of Captain's Eye, an AI-powered maritime safety solution using onboard CCTV to detect smoke, leaks and safety hazards in real-time.
Upgrades to PARIS (integrated fleet management platform) and NOVA (data analytics) provided vessel owners with real-time financial, EU ETS and FuelEU Maritime compliance reporting, bolstering transparency and proactive risk management.

3. Safeguarding People & Safety Excellence

Port State Control (PSC) detentions across the fleet plummeted from 22 in 2023 to just 5 in 2025, driven by the Group's increasingly rigorous safety protocols and strengthened reporting discipline.
The Group recorded an exceptional 91% wellbeing score in its annual employee survey, surpassing its 78% target set for 2028 ahead of schedule.

4. Working Together, Talent & Community Engagement

Following its landmark acquisition of the International Maritime Institute (IMI) in India, the Group integrated a highly reliable, Group-aligned talent channel, welcoming over 500 job-ready cadets to Fleet Management in 2025.
The Caravel Group recorded a 92% employee engagement score and a 93% Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) score.
In line with its pledge to commit at least 2% of average net profits over the previous three years to social causes, the Group contributed USD 1,529,993 to community partnerships, education initiatives and disaster relief programmes.

Mr. Angad Banga, Group Chief Executive Officer of The Caravel Group, added: "In today's market, sustainability is no longer a future consideration-it is an active operating condition. Regulatory frameworks like FuelEU Maritime and EU ETS carry real economic consequences, and our clients look to us for the systems, judgment and commercial depth to navigate this landscape. By pairing digital tools with a robust talent pipeline through the IMI, we are building organisational capability before the moment it is needed, creating a lasting competitive advantage."

To explore the detailed performance data, future targets, and the full version of the Encompass: Responsibility Report 2025, please visit The Caravel Group Website: https://www.caravel-group.com/our-impact/responsibility-reports

Hashtag: #FleetManagementLimited

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

About The Caravel Group Limited

The Caravel Group, headquartered in Hong Kong, is a privately held and globally diversified group with operations across maritime services, dry bulk commodity trading, institutional investment management, and philanthropy. Its maritime division includes Fleet Management Limited, one of the world's largest third-party ship managers, with more than 500 vessels under management, and strategic investments, including a major stake in Pacific Basin (HKEX: 2343). Caravel also owns the International Maritime Institute (IMI) in India, reinforcing its commitment to maritime talent development. Through Caravel Asset Management, the Group invests globally across public markets and private equity, while its philanthropic arm, The Caravel Foundation, supports the education and well-being of underprivileged youth across Hong Kong, China, and India.

Learn more: www.caravel-group.com

About Fleet Management Limited

Fleet Management Limited, part of The Caravel Group, is one of the world's largest third-party ship managers, with more than 500 vessels under management. This scale bears testament to the resilience and commitment of thousands of seafarers and onshore maritime professionals serving shipowners worldwide.

Fleet manages a range of vessels, including bulk carriers, containers, car carriers, oil tankers, gas carriers and chemical tankers from 600 to 320,000 DWT in size - with many being young and energy-efficient with an age profile below the industry average. The company also has a dynamic newbuilding supervision department.

Learn more: www.fleetship.com

Asia Symbol Publishes Its Ninth Sustainability Report on China's National Low-Carbon Day

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 05:15:10 +0200

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 17 June 2026 - In conjunction with National Low-Carbon Day, Asia Symbol has published its 2025 Sustainability Report, marking the ninth consecutive year that the company has released a comprehensive account of its sustainability performance and progress.

The report has been prepared in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Sustainability Reporting Standards (2021) and references the IFRS S1 General Requirements for Disclosure of Sustainability-related Financial Information, IFRS S2 Climate-related Disclosures, the SASB Standards for Pulp & Paper Products, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

To enhance the relevance and transparency of its disclosures, Asia Symbol conducted a comprehensive assessment of sustainability topics based on both impact materiality and financial materiality. The report systematically addresses these material topics through detailed performance data, case studies and practical examples. Independently verified by a third party, the report also highlights the company's continued progress toward green, high-quality development.

Guided by its mission of "Improving Lives by Developing Resources Sustainably", Asia Symbol further strengthened its sustainability management framework in 2025. Taking into account industry developments, operational priorities, future growth plans and regulatory expectations, the company implemented several key initiatives during the year, including:

Revising and enhancing its 2030 Sustainability Goals;
Establishing and strengthening a due diligence system for woodchip and pulp procurement;
Conducting its first Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions inventory to advance decarbonisation efforts across the value chain; and
Joining the United Nations Global Compact, reinforcing its commitment to responsible and sustainable business practices.

Looking ahead, Asia Symbol, a member of the RGE group of companies founded by Sukanto Tanoto, remains committed to working closely with stakeholders to advance sustainable development. The company will continue to adopt higher standards, implement practical actions and deepen its sustainability practices to help address shared environmental and social challenges. Through collaboration and innovation, Asia Symbol aims to contribute to balanced progress across the economy, society and the environment.

The Asia Symbol 2025 Sustainability Report is available at:
https://www.asiasymbol.com/en/sustainability/sustainability-report.
Hashtag: #RGE #AsiaSymbol #China #Sustainability #Carbon #GRI #SDGs #Reporting

https://www.asiasymbol.com

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

About Asia Symbol

Asia Symbol is a world leading producer of pulp, paper and paperboard with investment in Shandong, Guangdong and Jiangsu provinces in China. Its main products are BHKP, ivory paperboard, uncoated woodfree printing and office paper, with annual production capacity of 6 million tons.

Frost & Sullivan White Paper Names Phancy Rise vGPU a Tier 1 Leading Platform

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 04:15:06 +0200

Rise vGPU + ModelHub Power China's AI into the Heterogeneous Orchestration Era

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 17 June 2026 - Frost & Sullivan, a globally renowned growth consulting firm, has released its "2026 AI Infrastructure Orchestration Platform White Paper". The report recognizes Phancy Group's Rise vGPU as a Tier 1 Leading Platform, the highest maturity tier in heterogeneous GPU orchestration. Phancy's ModelHub also achieved the highest Overall Score in the enterprise-grade model management platform evaluation. This marks a significant endorsement of Phancy's technological capability in heterogeneous AI infrastructure.

According to the white paper, as large model applications scale rapidly, China's AI industry is facing structural challenges stemming from multi-chip coexistence. These include hardware heterogeneity, fragmented software stacks, persistently low GPU utilization (generally below 30%), and rising model adaptation complexity - all of which have become major bottlenecks for enterprise-scale AI deployment.

The report highlights a fundamental shift in AI infrastructure competitiveness - moving away from "single-chip performance" toward "cluster-scale system coordination." At this critical juncture, Phancy has positioned itself as a leader in advanced orchestration through its full-stack AI infrastructure platform, offering a proven solution to heterogeneous compute challenges and helping drive China's AI industry from "compute accumulation" into a new era of "compute orchestration."

Phancy Rise vGPU: Tier 1 Leading Platform

In its assessment of mainstream AI infrastructure platforms, Frost & Sullivan defined Tier 1 criteria across three core dimensions: heterogeneous support, fine-grained control, and production-grade execution. Phancy Rise vGPU meets all three standards and has been recognized as a Tier 1 Leading Platform.

Rise vGPU transforms AI infrastructure from fragmented, low-efficiency device-level management to a unified software-defined control plane. Its key technology breakthroughs include:

Comprehensive Heterogeneous Management: Unified onboarding and management across more than 10 mainstream GPU/NPU vendors, including NVIDIA, Ascend, Cambricon, Hygon, and others.
Ultra-Fine Resource Partitioning: Industry-leading sub-GPU level compute and MB-level memory granularity slicing.
Significant Utilization Improvement: Through safe oversubscription and time/space multiplexing, GPU utilization is increased from industry averages below 30% to 70%-90%.
Intelligent Precision Scheduling: Multi-dimensional scheduling algorithms based on priority, topology, load, and resource awareness to achieve optimal compute allocation.
Production-Grade SLA Assurance: The Deterministic Execution Layer delivers committed and auditable SLA guarantees for critical inference workloads.
Full Lifecycle Operability: Comprehensive monitoring, metering, and cost allocation capabilities that turn GPU resources into truly operable digital assets.

Model Hub: Highest Overall Score in Model Management Platform Evaluation

Beyond compute orchestration, the report underscores the strategic importance of enterprise-grade model management platforms. As a powerful complement to Rise vGPU, Phancy ModelHub enables enterprises to build a complete full-stack AI infrastructure - from compute to models and from resource scheduling to business delivery.

The white paper notes that Phancy ModelHub delivers leading performance in key areas such as Model & Chip Compatibility, Execution Stability & Performance, and Model-GPU Coordination & Scheduling, achieving the highest Overall Score. Through its unified model management and execution platform, ModelHub creates a seamless closed-loop process covering model onboarding, deployment optimization, inference services, and version governance - significantly lowering the barrier to model deployment and accelerating AI innovation.

Dr. Dai Wenyuan, Founder & CEO of Phancy, said: "The Frost & Sullivan white paper accurately captures the inflection point in AI infrastructure development. The recognition of Rise vGPU as a Tier 1 Leading Platform and ModelHub's top Overall Score provide important authoritative validation of Phancy's technology strategy and product strength. As a full-stack AI cloud service platform, Phancy believes the next wave of competitiveness in the AI industry will come from systematic improvements in compute orchestration efficiency. We will continue to focus on heterogeneous compute unified scheduling and model ecosystem operations, working closely with customers and industry partners to advance China's AI industry from 'compute accumulation' to a true 'compute orchestration' era."

Hashtag: #PhancyGroup

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

About Phancy Group

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

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

SIM: Developing Entrepreneurial Talent Through Higher Education for Future-Ready Business Leader

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 03:35:03 +0200

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 17 June 2026 - As entrepreneurship continues to play an increasingly important role in economic growth and innovation, students considering entrepreneurial careers face important decisions about their educational pathways. Beyond acquiring academic qualifications, aspiring entrepreneurs require a combination of business knowledge, analytical capabilities, leadership skills and adaptability to navigate evolving market conditions.

Higher education institutions play a key role in supporting this development by providing students with opportunities to build both foundational knowledge and specialised expertise. Through collaborations with international university partners, SIM Global Education (SIM GE) offers a range of academic pathways across business, management, analytics, marketing and related disciplines that can support students with entrepreneurial aspirations.

Understanding the Educational Choices Available
The growing variety of higher education options presents both opportunities and challenges for students. While many may have an interest in entrepreneurship or business, determining the most suitable academic pathway is often less straightforward.

Entrepreneurship today extends beyond the traditional concept of starting a business. It can encompass leading innovation within established organisations, developing new products and services, scaling family-owned enterprises, creating social ventures, or participating in emerging start-up ecosystems. As a result, students are increasingly seeking educational pathways that align with their individual interests, strengths and long-term goals.

A well-informed educational choice can help students develop the competencies most relevant to their intended career direction, whether that involves business leadership, digital innovation, market expansion or social impact.

Building a Foundation Through Business Education
A business-related degree can provide aspiring entrepreneurs with a broad understanding of how organisations operate. Entrepreneurs need to understand markets, customers, finance, operations, competition and strategy. They also need to make decisions with limited resources and adapt quickly when business conditions change.

At SIM GE, business-related programmes allow students to explore fields such as analytics, strategy, marketing and management. These areas are relevant to students who want to develop a practical understanding of how businesses are built, managed and grown.

For students who are still exploring their future direction, a business pathway can provide flexibility. It can prepare them for employment, support future postgraduate or professional learning, and build a foundation that may later be applied to entrepreneurial ventures.

Management programmes for future leaders and founders
Entrepreneurship is often associated with ideas, innovation and opportunity. However, successful ventures also depend on effective management. Founders must lead people, manage resources, build processes, work with partners and make decisions that affect the long-term sustainability of the business.

Management-focused programmes are therefore especially relevant for students who want to understand how organisations are led and how teams work together. Such programmes can help learners develop perspectives on leadership, planning, decision-making and organisational effectiveness.

For future entrepreneurs, management knowledge is important because a strong idea must eventually be supported by the ability to execute. Whether students later start their own businesses or lead innovation within existing organisations, management capabilities can help them turn ambition into action.

The Growing Importance of Data and Analytics
As organisations become increasingly data-driven, analytical capabilities have become a valuable component of entrepreneurial decision-making. Entrepreneurs are expected to evaluate market opportunities, understand customer behaviour and assess business performance using data and technology.

Analytics-related programmes can help students develop these capabilities, enabling them to make more informed decisions and respond effectively to changing business conditions. Such skills are particularly relevant for those interested in digital business, e-commerce, technology ventures and business intelligence.

Marketing and international business for market-ready ventures
A strong business idea also needs a clear target market and a business strategy to back it up . Students who are interested in brand-building, customer engagement, communications or market expansion may benefit from marketing and international business-related pathways.

Marketing-focused learning can help students understand consumer behaviour, positioning, customer experience and value creation. International business exposure can help students think beyond a single market, especially in a region such as Southeast Asia where businesses often need to understand cross-border opportunities.

For future entrepreneurs, these perspectives can support the development of ventures that are customer-focused, market-aware and better prepared for regional or global growth.

Entrepreneurship and Social Impact
Entrepreneurship is increasingly being viewed through a broader lens that includes social and environmental outcomes. Alongside commercial objectives, many entrepreneurs are seeking to address societal challenges and contribute to sustainable development.

Initiatives such as the Dr Richard K M Eu - SIM Social Entrepreneurship Centre reflect the growing interest in social innovation and impact-driven enterprise. Exposure to these concepts can help students explore how entrepreneurial thinking can be applied to create sustainable solutions for communities and society.

Preparing for the Future
While there is no single educational pathway that guarantees entrepreneurial success, the most appropriate route depends on an individual's interests, strengths and aspirations. However, regardless of specialisation, future entrepreneurs will require a combination of technical knowledge, critical thinking, adaptability, leadership and communication skills.

As Singapore continues to strengthen its position as a hub for enterprise, innovation and regional business activity, education remains an important foundation for entrepreneurial development. By providing access to diverse academic pathways and internationally recognised programmes, institutions such as SIM GE support students in making informed decisions and developing the capabilities needed to navigate an increasingly complex and dynamic business environment.

For many aspiring entrepreneurs, the journey begins not with the launch of a venture, but with the educational choices that help shape future opportunities.

References

SIM GE University Partners - https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/sim-global-education/university-partners-sim-ge
SIM Global Education - https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/overview
SIM GE Business Programmes - https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/programmes/disciplines/business
SIM GE Management Programmes - https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/programmes/disciplines/business/management
SIM GE Business Analytics Programmes - https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/programmes/disciplines/business/business-analytics
SIM Social Entrepreneurship Centre - https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/sim-global-education/ressec
The Future of Job 2025 Report - https://www.weforum.org/publications/the-future-of-jobs-report-2025/digest/
SkillsFuture Critical Core Skills - https://jobsandskills.skillsfuture.gov.sg/frameworks/critical-core-skills
Singapore Ranks 4^th Global Startup Ecosystem - https://www.enterprisesg.gov.sg/-/media/esg/files/media-centre/media-releases/2025/may/mr02125_singapore_ranks_as_4th_best_global_startup_ecosystem.pdf

Hashtag: #SIMGlobalEducation #SIMGE #GlobalEducation #InternationalDegree #CareerReady #FutureSkills

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

About SIM Global Education

HKUST and HKUST(GZ) Present SURREALITY MR × AI Digital Art Cross-City Exhibition

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 16:34:23 +0200

Harnessing Innovative Technologies to Drive Cultural Mobility and Foster Global Exchange

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 16 June 2026 - The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), in collaboration with the Center for Metaverse and Computational Creativity at HKUST(Guangzhou), presents the SURREALITY Mixed Reality (MR) × Artificial Intelligence (AI) Digital Art Cross-City Exhibition. As part of HKUST's 35th-anniversary celebrations, an exclusive media preview of the world's first large-scale, cross-regional MR × AI digital art exhibition was held at the University's Clear Water Bay campus.

Showcasing selected works by renowned international and Chinese Mainland digital artists, as well as faculty and students from both campuses, the exhibition integrates creativity with Virtual Reality (VR), MR, and AI technologies. It transforms the campus into a global hub for arts innovation and technological excellence.

The exhibition will open at HKUST(GZ) tomorrow and run through July 31, 2026, before returning to Hong Kong for public engagement. This exhibition exemplifies HKUST's visionary commitment to driving cultural mobility and fostering international exchange through innovative technologies.

Prof. Nancy IP, President of HKUST, remarked, "This event signifies a major milestone for HKUST in its pursuit of integrating technology, humanities, and cross-regional innovation. The national 15th Five-Year Plan released this year explicitly supports Hong Kong in deepening its development as the East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. In 2024, the HKSAR Government also introduced the Blueprint for Arts and Culture and Creative Industries Development, outlining plans to develop diverse arts and culture industries with an international perspective, and to establish international platforms that foster East-meets-West arts and cultural exchanges. Local universities play a pivotal role in advancing these initiatives."

"HKUST's Strategic Plan 2031 identifies the integration of innovation and the humanities as a key direction for the University's future development. In line with this vision, we established Hong Kong's first Division of Arts and Machine Creativity, which is committed to creating an innovative platform that fosters the fusion of technology and art while nurturing a new generation of creative talent with strong interdisciplinary perspectives. Hosting initiatives such as SURREALITY and the HKUST AI Film Festival exemplifies this direction and is poised to develop into prominent international platforms that fosters arts and cultural exchanges between China and the rest of the world," she added.

Prof. Lionel NI Ming-Shuan, President of HKUST(GZ), stated, "'SURREALITY' is not only the world's first large-scale MR × AI art exhibition, but also a powerful showcase of the strengths of HKUST and HKUST(GZ) in interdisciplinary studies and computational creativity. As a flagship initiative under the 'One HKUST, Complementary Campuses' framework, the two campuses have welcomed artists and young creators from 23 countries and regions, redefining the boundaries of knowledge production and artistic expression through the seamless fusion of the virtual and the real. At a time when the nation is strategically advancing future industries and the Greater Bay Area is accelerating the development of new quality productive forces, the digital 'Portal' connecting Clear Water Bay and Nansha represents far more than a technological breakthrough-it embodies a forward-looking model of educational collaboration, where engineering converges with aesthetics, algorithms with poetry, and global vision with local engagement. At thirty-five years old, HKUST remains youthful and dynamic. Guided by this founding aspiration, HKUST(GZ) will continue to advance in step with HKUST, writing a new chapter of integrated innovation and talent development in the Greater Bay Area."

SURREALITY showcases the integration of AI-generated artworks with the physical campus environment, creating an immersive experience through spatial computing and real-time rendering technologies. Across the two campuses, nearly 50 works by more than 70 digital artists from the United States, Germany, Russia, Australia, Bolivia, Singapore, Korea, the Chinese Mainland, and Hong Kong are featured. Presented in innovative and striking forms, these exceptional works from around the world highlight HKUST's strong commitment to advancing interdisciplinary integration.

Today, 19 selected works premiered at the Clear Water Bay campus, where MR-enhanced creations transform the HKUST campus into an immersive, technology-driven art space. By wearing MR headsets, visitors can freely explore three exhibition areas: Living Currents, Future Fables, and Beyond Mind. Several projects created by HKUST(GZ) faculty and students stand out as highlights, with The Gate-built on a metaverse concept-emerging as the centerpiece of the exhibition. As the armillary sphere slowly turns and the portal comes into view, visitors can step inside and instantly traverse the virtual spaces of both campuses, experiencing a groundbreaking sense of cross-campus, seamless connectivity that embodies the vision of "One HKUST, Complementary Campuses." Another featured work, Kunpeng, symbolizes a spirit of boundless freedom. A giant fish leaps from the nearby Port Shelter in Sai Kung and transforms into a soaring roc that ascends powerfully into the sky. Its majestic presence delivers a striking visual spectacle. The piece The Twinworld Tree creates a dynamic living system formed by the World Tree and virtual life, symbolizing the interdependence of all things, like the tides.

The exhibition also features an MR recreation of a classic work-GFP Bunny, created by internationally acclaimed contemporary artist, Prof. Eduardo KAC, who is also Professor of Art and Technology Studies at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Since its debut, this piece has sparked global reflection on genetic modification, bioethics, and the boundaries of art. Mr. ZHANG Yishuai, a PhD student in the Thrust of Computational Media and Arts at HKUST(GZ) and a computational artist, presents Echoes of Earth 2.0, offering a forward-looking perspective on AI and interstellar civilizations. This work enriches the exhibition with a visionary reflection on humanity's aspirations for the future.

Several VR digital art pieces are also on display, including Astra, created by Ms. Eliza MCNITT- Venice Immersive Grand Prize winner and renowned American writer and director-which offers visitors a unique journey of exploration into the universe. Mr. Benedict YU, a VR visual artist from Singapore, presents Mother's Body Remembers, utilizing LiDAR to capture movements and combining VR with tactile interaction to rekindle visitors' memories of family connections. The HKUST XRIM Lab's work, Unfolding Touch, enables a soft-robot-mediated handshake between the Clear Water Bay and Guangzhou campuses, integrating sensing and tactile replication to create a shared touch experience across distance. Other works include My Flower, which invites viewers to experience the daily challenges faced by people with Alzheimer's disease. A short animation, The Cat Ghost, which narrates the relationship between ancient Chinese people and cats from the Western world, is also screened.

Prof. Pan HUI, Chair Professor of Emerging Interdisciplinary Areas at HKUST, Acting Head and Chair Professor of the Thrust of Computational Media and Arts, and Director of the Center for Metaverse and Computational Creativity at HKUST(GZ), introduced the core concept of "SURREALITY." He explained that as technologies such as AI, spatial computing, and MR rapidly evolve, digital worlds are transcending screens into real spaces and becoming deeply integrated into people's daily life. SURREALITY explores a new form of reality that may emerge in the future-a scenario where the virtual and the physical are no longer distinctly separate but collectively form the environments in which we perceive, interact, and live. Through artistic creation and immersive experiences, the exhibition offers audiences a glimpse into this transformative vision, prompting reflection on how technology is reshaping humanity's understanding of reality.

The exhibited works come from numerous internationally renowned artists, showcasing the remarkable fusion of creative arts and digital technology. Several prominent participating artists also joined today's event to introduce their works, fostering cross-regional cultural and arts exchanges. They include Prof. Benjamin SEIDE, media artist, VFX expert, and Associate Professor in the School of Art, Design and Media at Nanyang Technological University; Ms. Katerina SEMENKO, a Russian conceptual phygital artist and International Design Award recipient; and Dr. Adam NASH, an Australian digital virtual artist and Honorary Fellow of RMIT University.
Hashtag: #HKUST #HKUST(GZ)

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).