Author: Media OutReach Newswire

• allnex is the global market and technology leader for Sag Control Agent (SCA) resin, a unique technology enabling excellent appearance of Automotive OEM coatings.
• Today allnex announced to build its first SCA production facility in APAC, the largest global Automotive market.
• This investment will significantly improve regional supply resilience, reduce lead times, and enhance service for our customers based in the APAC region
• And it will support faster adaptation of the next-generation of SCA’s including high-solid, low-bake, and sustainable “green SCA” solutions.

FRANKFURT, GERMANY – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 August 2026 – allnex, a leading global manufacturer and solution provider of coating resins and additives, today announced plans to expand its manufacturing footprint in Asia-Pacific with a strategic investment in Sag Control Agent (SCA) capacity at its Rayong site in Thailand.

Scheduled to begin operations in January 2028, this new SCA capacity investment, signifies allnex’s commitment to support its customers in the world’s fastest-growing automotive coatings markets.

By bringing SCA production into the APAC region, and importantly closer to customers, allnex will strengthen supply reliability, shorten lead times, and provide greater responsiveness to evolving market needs.

SCAs are a unique and cornerstone technology of allnex’s Automotive OEM product portfolio and they define its market leadership position in this application. allnex SCA resins have superior sag control functionality, enabling exceptional appearance in premium high-gloss clearcoats. These specialty resins ensure that coating manufacturers are able to meet the ever increasing demands of car producers for performance, efficiency, and sustainability.

Since allnex invented SCA resins four decades ago, all allnex SCA production was concentrated in its Bergen op Zoom facility in The Netherlands. In the last few years, APAC has become the largest SCA market globally with strong future growth projections driven by increased car production and requirements for better appearance. By making this investment in APAC, allnex will not only provide customers with proximity of supply and greater assurance, it will also ensure to have enough capacity available in time, to meet future growth.

“This strategic capacity investment for a unique technology, is driven by our commitment to our customers and their growth ambitions in Asia-Pacific. By localizing SCA production in Thailand, we are responding directly to customer needs for greater supply security, shorter lead times, and faster access to innovation. The new facility will strengthen our ability and agility to support both global and regional customers in APAC and allows us to meet future market demand.” said Ruben Mannien, Senior Executive Vice President APAC.

The Rayong site was selected following a comprehensive evaluation of multiple locations across the region. The site offers existing infrastructure, strong technical capabilities, and strategic proximity to key automotive manufacturing hubs, including China, India, Korea, and Southeast Asia.

The investment will include dedicated reactors for the production of SCA resins for plastic automotive parts and metal car bodies.

Beyond improving supply resilience, the new facility will support allnex’s latest SCA innovations designed for next-generation clearcoat systems, including high-solid, low-bake, and more sustainable coating technologies. These solutions help customers improve productivity, reduce energy consumption, and differentiate themselves in an increasingly competitive market.

Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2027, ensuring production readiness ahead of anticipated market growth.

Hashtag: #allnex

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

With 1.93 million tertiary-educated workers in roles below their qualification level, employment alone may no longer be an adequate measure of career progress.

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 August 2026 – Malaysia’s labour market has remained resilient, with overall unemployment falling to 2.9% in the first quarter of 2026. However, the figures may conceal a deeper challenge faced by qualified workers who may be employed without meaningfully progressing in their careers. During the same period, 1.93 million tertiary-educated workers, or 35.2%, were employed in semi-skilled or low-skilled roles.

This points to a gap between employment and career progression, particularly whether the workers’ qualifications and experience are helping them move into more skilled, complex and higher-values roles.

“We need to shift the conversation from employability to career mobility. Being employed is not the same as progressing,” said Lim Bee Ing, Centre Director of The University of Manchester South East Asia Centre. “For experienced professionals in Malaysia, progression increasingly requires the ability to lead across functions, make strategic decisions and navigate change. Purposeful postgraduate education can help build those capabilities.”

Evidence across Manchester’s MBA programmes also points to rising cross-field mobility rather than individual employment factors like qualification alone. Its latest MBA employment report found that 59% of the 2024 class changed sector, while 27% changed country, industry and job function.

Experience alone does not guarantee progress

For working professionals, career mobility depends on more than time spent in a role. Both workplace experience and postgraduate education can support progression when they help build broader capabilities, prepare professionals for more complex work and lead to greater responsibility.

Experience builds capability when professionals encounter new problems, assume higher responsibilities and make increasingly complex decisions. Years spent performing largely the same scope of work, however, may not translate into equivalent professional growth.

Similarly, a Master’s can support progression when it is linked to a clear career transition, such as moving from a specialist to a managerial role, changing functions or industries, taking on regional responsibilities, or leading digital and organisational transformation. It is less likely to deliver meaningful results when pursued as a standalone credential or with the expectation of an automatic promotion or salary increase.

“For experienced professionals, the value of an MBA is not simply in acquiring more knowledge, but in seeing their experience through a broader business lens,” said Xavier Duran, Global MBA Programme Director at Alliance Manchester Business School. “That broader perspective can help prepare them for the next stage of their career, whether that means moving into leadership, changing function or industry, or even taking on greater international responsibility.”

Preparing professionals for changing employer needs

Employer expectations are also evolving. Communication, problem-solving and strategic thinking remain important, while organisations increasingly require professionals who can interpret data, understand technology and navigate the impact of artificial intelligence.

As these demands reshape the workplace, an individual can remain technically qualified and continuously employed while becoming less prepared for their next role.

Studying while working can help bridge this gap by allowing professionals to apply new concepts directly to live organisational challenges. It also enables them to examine their experience critically and connect their existing expertise with wider areas such as strategy, finance, people and technology.

The Manchester Global Part-time MBA follows this model through flexible learning, interactive workshops and practical business projects for experienced professionals. Their applicants enter with an average of 12 years of professional experience, including six years in management, underscoring that the programme is designed to build on established careers rather than replace workplace experience.

Postgraduate education is not for salary increase alone

Career progression should be looked at beyond just salary benchmarking. More meaningful indicators include movement into higher-skilled work, broader decision-making responsibility, access to regional or international opportunities and the ability to lead more complex projects.

Malaysia has made progress in helping graduates enter and remain in the workforce. The next priority should be to turn employment into sustained progression, ensuring that talent continues to develop and move into work that makes fuller use of its capabilities.

More information on the MA in Educational Leadership in Practice (ELiP) is available at www.manchester.com.my/ma-educational-leadership-in-practice/.

Hashtag: #UniversityofManchester

http://www.manchester.com.my/ma-educational-leadership-in-practice/

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About The University of Manchester & Alliance Manchester Business School

The University of Manchester is ranked 35th in the world by QS World University Rankings 2026, 5th in the UK research powerhouse in REF 2021 and 2nd in THE Impact ranking 2025. With as many as 26 Nobel Prize winners, the University’s academic pedigree is among the best globally.

Alliance Manchester Business School, part of the University of Manchester, is one of the UK’s leading business schools and holds triple accreditation from AMBA, AACSB and EQUIS. The university has a global alumni network and more than 60,000 graduates across 176 countries.

A First-Of-Its-Kind Collaboration Uniting Industry, Academia And Government To Drive Sustainable Industrial Innovation In Support Of Malaysia’s National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR)

SELANGOR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 August 2026 – Linde Malaysia Sdn Bhd, in partnership with Monash University Malaysia and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), successfully convened the Linde-Monash University Sustainability Conference 2026, a landmark tripartite summit that brought together industry, academia and government to accelerate practical industrial decarbonisation solutions and support Malaysia’s energy transition agenda.

Explaining the initiative, Linde Malaysia Managing Director, Ms. Hoo Peih Yoke, said, “This collaboration connects sustainability ambitions with practical industry action by bringing together technology, research and supportive policy frameworks. By leveraging the combined strengths of each partner, the conference sought to facilitate knowledge exchange and identify actionable pathways for sustainable growth within the nation’s industrial sector. The focus is to ensure accessibility and usability within the industrial sector to drive real-world application and meaningful progress.”

Anchored on the theme “Shaping Tomorrow’s Energy”, the conference brought together Linde Malaysia’s expertise as a leading industrial gases and engineering solutions provider, Monash University Malaysia’s strengths in sustainability research, innovation and talent development, and national policy priorities represented by key government agencies, including the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA).

The collaboration aims to accelerate the adoption of clean energy solutions and green investments, foster dialogue between industry, academia and government, and showcase viable technologies that support zero-emission and low-carbon industrial transformation. These efforts align with Malaysia’s National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), which charts an energy transition pathway towards a low-carbon economy and net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

The conference featured distinguished special addresses from key government and industry leaders, underscoring the national importance of the energy transition agenda. Delivering an address on behalf of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, YAB Dato’ Sri Haji Fadillah Yusof, was Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA) Secretary‑General (KSU), Dato’ Sri Hj Mad Zaidi Bin Mohd Karli, who said:

“We welcome more collaborations that strengthen industrial capabilities, accelerate technology adoption and support the development of local expertise.”

Dato’ Sri Hj Mad Zaidi added, “These partnerships are instrumental in ensuring Malaysia remains an attractive destination for high‑value investments while advancing towards our energy transition goals.”

The Linde-Monash University Sustainability Conference 2026 attracted approximately 400 participants, comprising government officials, more than 200 corporate representatives from key industrial sectors, academic leaders, researchers, and students. Held at the Monash University Malaysia auditorium, the conference served as a platform for cross-sector collaboration to advance sustainable industrial practices.

Monash University Malaysia Head of School, Professor Anthony Guo, said, “This conference represents a true tripartite strategic alliance between government policy, industrial deployment, and academic research. It reflects Monash’s deep commitment to advancing sustainability through research excellence, preparing future‑ready talent to lead Malaysia’s energy transition and building partnerships that help shape tomorrow’s energy landscape.”

A key highlight of the Linde-Monash University Sustainability Conference 2026 was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Linde Malaysia and Monash University Malaysia, officiated by Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA) Secretary‑General (KSU), Dato’ Sri Hj Mad Zaidi Bin Mohd Karli.

The MoU marks a significant milestone in strengthening industry-academia collaboration to support Malaysia’s sustainability and energy transition ambitions. The partnership establishes a framework for long-term collaboration in education, research, talent development, and sustainability initiatives, fostering knowledge exchange, practical learning opportunities, and the advancement of industrial decarbonisation efforts.

At its core, the collaboration pursues three clear objectives: accelerating corporate and industrial adoption of clean energy and green investments across Malaysia; establishing an open dialogue platform that connects industry players, academic researchers, and government stakeholders; and showcasing viable, highly technical solutions for zero-emission and low-carbon industrial setups. These efforts are squarely aligned with Malaysia’s National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), which charts the country’s shift from a fossil-fuel-based economy to a low-carbon framework, with a net-zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHG) target as early as 2050.

The conference featured discussions on practical, commercially deployable technologies that can be integrated into existing industrial operations, including hydrogen solutions, electrolysers, Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS), biomethane and biomass LNG, Cryogenic Energy Recovery (CER), and cleaner combustion technologies.

Primary sectors poised to benefit include oil and gas, oleochemicals, chemicals, food and beverage, semiconductors, energy, steel and metallurgy, and glass manufacturing. These heavy and precision industries stand to achieve substantial carbon reductions alongside meaningful operational efficiencies by adopting these solutions.

Throughout the conference, Linde’s panel of speakers shared international success stories and proven case studies from markets where these technologies are already in operation. Participants also gained insights into emerging green investment frameworks supported by MIDA, practical pathways for scaling up sustainable technologies, and Linde’s portfolio of readily deployable solutions that help industries achieve their sustainability goals while supporting Malaysia’s energy transition.

Looking ahead, the tripartite framework is aimed at fostering further collaboration between industry, academia and government through ongoing dialogue, knowledge sharing and joint initiatives that advance research, technical education and industrial innovation, supporting Malaysia’s long-term energy transition and net-zero ambitions.
Hashtag: #Energy #EnergyTransition #NETR #MalaysiaNETR #SustainableMalaysia #GreenInvestmentMalaysia #MalaysiaEnergyTransition #NetZero2050 #Decarbonisation #CleanEnergy #LowCarbonFuture #Sustainability #SustainableGrowth #TripartiteCollaboration #IndustryAcademiaGovernment #PublicPrivatePartnership #CollaborationForImpact #ShapingTomorrowsEnergy #MoU #FutureReadyTalent #InnovationInAction #SustainabilityResearch #EngineeringForNetZero #MonashMalaysia

https://www.linde.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/lindeinasean/?originalSubdomain=my
https://www.instagram.com/lindeplc/

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About Linde

Linde is a leading global industrial gases and engineering company with 2025 sales of $34 billion. We live our mission of making our world more productive every day by providing high-quality solutions, technologies and services which are making our customers more successful and helping to sustain, decarbonize and protect our planet.

Linde serves a variety of end markets such as chemicals & energy, food & beverage, electronics, healthcare, manufacturing, metals and mining. Linde’s industrial gases and technologies are used in countless applications, enabling space exploration and launch technologies, delivering ultra-high-purity and specialty gases for semiconductor manufacturing, providing life-saving medical oxygen and enabling clean hydrogen production and carbon capture to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Linde also delivers state-of-the-art gas processing solutions to support customer growth, efficiency improvements and emissions reductions.

For more information about the company and its products and services, please visit www.linde.com

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 August 2026 – V3 Group Limited, the Singapore-based holding company with a diversified portfolio spanning well-being, luxury gourmet, capital markets, real estate, and integrated healthcare services segments, announced today that its health and wellness supplements arm, LAC Global (“LAC”), has completed the acquisition of MASQUELIER’S® French Pine Bark Extract (“MASQUELIER’S®”). By acquiring MASQUELIER’S® patented technology, LAC brings over 70 years of pioneering European nutritional science into its portfolio, combining proven scientific heritage with an Asian platform to build a mass-premium wellness proposition for global consumer.

Rooted in the work of renowned French scientist Professor Jack Masquelier, a pioneer in the research and development of oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs), MASQUELIER’S® is distinguished by its proprietary fingerprinted format’s extraction expertise, and decades of scientific research into the antioxidant properties of OPCs, supported by clinical studies.

Ron Sim, Founder and Executive Chairman, V3 Group, said, “Health is becoming one of the defining priorities for consumers globally. People are living longer, but the opportunity is to help them live better. The acquisition of MASQUELIER’S® brings decades of European nutritional science into LAC, strengthening the scientific foundation of our portfolio. Singapore remains our home market, and we are grateful for the trust our customers have placed in us over the years. We remain committed to serving them through our extensive retail presence across Singapore’s malls, even as we take LAC into new markets and pursue our ambition to build a health and wellness brand born in Asia for consumers globally.”

MASQUELIER’S® is also the originator and trademark holder of MASQUELIER’S® Anthogenol, one of the most widely recognised OPC supplement brands across Asia Pacific. LAC’s acquisition extends beyond a single product line to bring the foundational intellectual property and scientific heritage behind an established category into its portfolio. To date, MASQUELIER’S® French Pine Bark Extract has sold over 250 million tablets, making it one of LAC’s most significant and enduring product platforms across its Asian markets.

Accelerating LAC Global’s Regional Expansion

LAC has continued to accelerate its regional expansion since the start of 2026, building on nearly three decades of organic growth across Asia Pacific. Today, LAC operates more than 250 retail stores across Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan China, Hong Kong and Vietnam, complemented by franchise operations in Mongolia, India, Indonesia and Thailand. Its physical footprint is supported by a growing e-commerce business, extending access to LAC’s portfolio of health and wellness solutions across the region. Beyond Asia, LAC products are also available in select markets across Africa, the Middle East and South America.

This expansion reflects LAC’s ambition to become Asia’s defining homegrown health and wellness brand. Through its directly owned retail and e-commerce network, supported by continued product innovation, LAC is making science-backed nutrition and supplementation more accessible to consumers across the region. As ageing populations, rising health consciousness and growing wellness expenditure reshape consumer priorities, LAC is well positioned to meet increasing demand for preventive health and everyday wellness solutions.

Looking ahead, LAC will deepen its presence in existing markets while pursuing new growth opportunities across Asia Pacific and internationally. Alongside its geographic expansion, LAC will continue to invest in product innovation and science-backed nutritional solutions, with a focus on preventive health, healthy ageing and the evolving wellness needs of consumers.

As LAC’s parent company, V3 Group will continue to support its growth through strategic capital, operational capabilities and regional connectivity. Across its broader portfolio, V3 Group remains focused on businesses with strong fundamentals and long-term growth potential, with the aim of building category-leading brands and platforms from Asia for the world.

Hashtag: #LAC #V3Group

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

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

About LAC Global

Headquartered in Singapore, LAC Global is one of Asia’s largest specialty retailers in nutritional supplements, vitamins, minerals, herbal, and other specialty supplements in Anti-ageing and Beauty, Immunity, Weight Management, Sports Nutrition, and Energy.

The Company owns the LAC brand, short for Leader in Antioxidative Control™, a leading health and wellness supplement brand with a global presence. Since its founding, LAC has embarked on a pioneering journey to develop scientifically based formulas, harnessing the best of eastern wisdom and western technology to fight free radicals, combat ageing brought forth by oxidative stress, and support you daily in looking, feeling, and functioning at your best. Having established a global presence since 1997, LAC’s reach includes Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Philippines, Vietnam, U.S., Central and South Americas, Africa and the Middle East.

About V3 Group

V3 Group is a Singapore-based holding company with a globally diversified portfolio that includes leading brands and businesses in the well-being, luxury gourmet, capital markets, real estate, and integrated healthcare services segments.

The Group is guided by three Vs – the Vision to create exceptional brands of distinctive quality, nurtured by leaders with Valour, and anchored by our Values of innovation, ownership, and excellence. V3 refers to these three core qualities, as well as the three units that drive our growth – V3 Assets, V3 Brands, V3 Capital.

Collectively, our brands and businesses engage over 3 million customers worldwide with a combined footprint of over 5,000 retail touchpoints in 118 cities across 26 countries.

The Group has its roots in the iconic OSIM brand founded by visionary entrepreneur Ron Sim over 40 years ago. A pioneer in well-being technology in Asia, Ron has forged ahead on the success of OSIM to create valuable brands and assets in sectors that include e-commerce, nutrition, gourmet lifestyle, real estate assets and integrated healthcare services.

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 August 2026 – As travel becomes less about simply changing destinations and more about spending meaningful time with oneself, solo travel is gaining popularity among today’s travellers. From working professionals and lifestyle travellers to those seeking time to rest, recharge and find new inspiration, more people are embracing the freedom to shape their journeys around their own interests, pace and preferences.

This trend reflects ONYX Hospitality Group’s “More of What You Love” philosophy. As a leading hospitality management company for hotels, resorts, serviced apartments and luxury residences across the Asia-Pacific region, ONYX believes that memorable journeys are shaped by experiences throughout every stage of travel. Beyond accommodation, this includes enjoying local cuisine, discovering destinations, experiencing local culture and making time for the small moments that give each journey meaning. For solo travellers, these experiences offer the freedom to create a journey at their own pace and discover what brings them joy in a way that suits their individual lifestyle.

For solo travellers, choosing where to stay is no longer simply about comfortable accommodation. Confidence in the standards and quality of a property, convenient locations, safety, access to public transport, restaurants, cafés and attractions, as well as opportunities to experience local communities and ways of life, all play an important role in creating a journey filled with memorable experiences.

Those planning a solo journey can choose from ONYX Hospitality Group’s diverse range of destinations and stays, from exploring the energy of the city and relaxing by the sea to connecting with nature and travelling based on personal interests. Each destination gives travellers the freedom to spend time at their own pace and create experiences that reflect their lifestyle and the things they love.

Travellers looking to begin their journey by exploring the city will find Amari Bangkok located in the Ratchaprasong area, with convenient access to shopping destinations, restaurants, cafés, attractions and public transport. It is well suited to discovering new sides of Bangkok, trying restaurants of interest or returning to the hotel to relax and enjoy wellness experiences, including Breeze Spa or time by the hotel’s swimming pool.

Another way to experience city living is at Shama Yen-Akat, which offers flexibility for those looking to combine work and relaxation, whether staying for a short or extended period. With serviced apartment-style accommodation, spacious living areas and a warm, home-like atmosphere, it provides a comfortable setting for travellers to create their own daily rhythm. Meanwhile, Oriental Residence Bangkok offers a calm and private setting in the heart of the city, ideal for those looking to spend quality time with themselves. Thoughtful and discreet service, with every detail carefully considered, creates a sense of relaxation and comfort throughout the stay.

When it is time to trade the pace of the city for the coast, resort destinations near Bangkok offer another way to experience solo travel. Amari Pattaya invites guests to discover the energy of a vibrant seaside city, with easy access to the beach, cafés, restaurants and local attractions. Meanwhile, Amari Hua Hin captures the relaxed character of a classic seaside destination, ideal for slowing down, taking a walk along the beach, discovering local restaurants and enjoying Hua Hin at one’s own pace.

Those looking to travel further and connect with the natural beauty of the Andaman coast can stay at Amari Phuket, which offers views of the Andaman Sea and convenient access to the vibrant atmosphere of Patong Beach. OZO Phuket is just steps from Kata Beach, making it ideal for travellers who enjoy beach walks, cafés, restaurants, night markets or trying their hand at surfing. For those looking to slow down and reconnect with nature, Amari Vogue Krabi offers a peaceful setting on Tubkaek Beach, surrounded by views of the sea and mountains, providing an ideal place to relax and enjoy time alone.

Travellers choosing Koh Samui as their destination can stay at Amari Koh Samui, which combines a relaxed seaside setting with opportunities to discover the character of the island. Meanwhile, OZO Chaweng Samui is located on Chaweng Beach, surrounded by restaurants, cafés and vibrant nightlife, making it well suited to travellers looking to enjoy an energetic beachside lifestyle while still setting the pace of each day for themselves.

Beyond city and seaside escapes, solo travel can also begin with a personal interest or passion. Amari Buriram United, located near Chang Arena and Chang International Circuit, offers travellers an opportunity to experience the energy of Thailand’s sports city while exploring the local culture of Isan, sampling regional cuisine and visiting key attractions in Buriram. It adds another dimension to solo travel, showing that a journey does not have to be solely about relaxation but can also be an opportunity to discover new experiences through the things one loves.

Solo travel is not about being alone. It is an opportunity to discover new perspectives, connect with local people and cultures, and live at a pace of one’s own choosing. Whether stepping into a small café for the first time, exploring an unfamiliar neighbourhood or simply sitting back to take in the atmosphere of a city, every moment can become part of an experience that inspires, refreshes and makes each journey meaningful in its own way.

Hashtag: #ONYXHospitalityGroup

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About ONYX Hospitality Group:

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

More information: www.onyx-hospitality.com

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QIONGHAI, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 August 2026 – On the evening of August 16, 2026, the 7th Hainan Sports Games opened at the Qionghai Culture and Sports Center. Feng Fei, Secretary of the CPC Hainan Provincial Committee, declared the Games open, and Liu Xiaoming, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Hainan Provincial Committee and Governor of Hainan Province, delivered the opening address. This marks the first comprehensive sporting event held in Hainan since the island-wide special customs operations of the Hainan Free Trade Port of China took effect.

The opening ceremony, themed “This Sea Embraces All,” featured a cultural performance structured around the Wanquan River as its narrative thread. Dynamic ground projection technology brought the river “into” the stadium, showcasing Hainan’s development trajectory, from its ecological splendor to its ever-expanding openness. The performance comprised chapters including “Wanquan River in Pictures,” “Hainan Flowers Facing the Sun,” “Passion in Motion,” “Hainan Acceleration,” and “Under the Same Expanse of Blue,” integrating Hainan’s revolutionary heritage, mass participation in sports, the Free Trade Port’s “Five-Pronged Development” strategy, and the spirit of openness embodied by Boao. Chief Director Wu Wanting said she hoped the imagery of the Wanquan River would convey a sense of “the sea and sky becoming one, and hearts beating as one.”

One of the highlights of this year’s Provincial Games is extensive public participation. Fourteen community contingents and more than 10,000 residents voluntarily signed up for the pre-opening ceremony group singing activities. More than 700 performers in the warm-up program came from 21 community groups, ranging in age from 6 to 72, truly embodying the spirit of “performed by the people, watched by the people, and enjoyed by the people.”

More than 4,200 athletes from 18 delegations across the province are competing in 18 sports comprising 21 disciplines. As home to the permanent home of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) and the Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone, Qionghai is using the Provincial Games as a showcase for the vitality and openness of a “New Qionghai Powered by the Free Trade Port.” The Games will continue until August 26.

Hashtag: #CultureandTourismofGuizhouProvince #Qionghai

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Second-year cross-border program connects Citigold Summer Analysts and Citigold Wealth Analysts with fintech leaders, artificial intelligence (AI) applications and emerging trends transforming wealth management

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 August 2026 – Citigold recently concluded its second cross-border field trip, a full-day immersive visit to Shenzhen designed to equip the next generation of wealth professionals with firsthand insights into the forefront of technology and financial services in the Greater Bay Area (GBA). Organized in partnership with the FinTech Association of Hong Kong (FTAHK) and the Shenzhen FinTech Association (SZFTA), the initiative brought together the Class of 2026 Citigold Summer Analysts, Citigold Wealth Analysts and senior leaders for a day of high-impact cross-border learning and exchange.

As a powerhouse of the GBA’s innovation economy, Shenzhen offered participants an unfiltered ground-level view of how AI and next-generation technologies are reshaping client expectations and redefining the wealth management industry. Building on the success of last year’s inaugural trip, the 2026 program deepens Citi’s commitment to investing in young talent at every stage of their careers, broadening perspectives and cultivating the forward-looking mindset required to steer the future of the wealth industry.

During the trip, Citigold Summer Analysts and Citigold Wealth Analysts had the opportunity to connect with senior leaders from Ping An OneConnect, Tencent Cloud andfounders of fintech startups. Moving beyond observation, the Citigold Summer Analysts were integral to the program’s dialogue. They moderated a startup panel discussion with fintech founders, exploring themes of entrepreneurship and AI-driven innovation. The day also featured a two-way exchange session with Tencent Cloud interns, where Citigold Summer Analysts shared reflections from their Citi internship experience and discussed practical AI use cases being explored.

Following the visit, the Citigold Summer Analysts gathered for an engaging debrief session to share key takeaways, highlighting the potential of advanced AI capabilities and digital tools to automate workflows and elevate client experiences in their current roles. Reflecting on the trip’s highlights, they noted the inspiring real-world impact of technology far beyond finance, extending into healthcare, the arts, and the broader community. Others drew valuable inspiration from the startup panel, which sparked ideas on cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset and illustrated successful collaboration between agile startups and major financial institutions to accelerate innovation. The debrief concluded with the cohort reflecting on the importance of these learnings in shaping their future careers as they navigate the rapidly evolving wealth management landscape.

Vicky Kong, Head of Wealth for Asia North and Australia, Citi, said, “At Citi, we believe one of the most crucial investments is in the talent who will shape the future of wealth management. Our Citigold Summer Analysts are at the start of their professional journeys, and an experience like this can have a lasting impact. As client expectations continue to evolve, future wealth professionals need to understand how innovation and technology are transforming the way we engage with and serve clients. It was inspiring to see them engage with industry leaders, explore new ideas and consider how technology is reshaping financial services. By fostering this forward-looking mindset, we are ensuring that Citi remains at the forefront of wealth management and continues to deliver unparalleled value to our clients.”

Michele Fung, Board Member of the FinTech Association of Hong Kong (FTAHK), said, “The Greater Bay Area continues to cement its status as a premier global hub for financial innovation. Cross-border talent cultivation initiatives like Citigold’s field trip are absolutely vital to bridging Hong Kong’s deep wealth management expertise with Shenzhen’s cutting-edge fintech engine. By immersing the next generation of wealth professionals directly in the GBA ecosystem—where real-world applications of agentic AI, digital transformation, and advanced investment tools are rapidly scaling—we are actively building a highly adaptable, future-ready workforce. The FinTech Association of Hong Kong remains deeply committed to strengthening these cross-border industry ties, ensuring our talent is uniquely equipped to spearhead the future of AI-driven wealth management in the region.”

The Shenzhen immersion is a flagship component of the broader Citigold Summer Analyst Program. Now in its second consecutive year, the initiative continues to provide curated exposure to market-leading technologies and developments across the Greater Bay Area, preparing the next generation of wealth professionals for an increasingly complex and digitally-driven future.

This year, Citi Hong Kong welcomed a highly competitive cohort of Summer Analysts across its various business lines, attracting top talent from leading universities around the world. The comprehensive 10-week program provides Summer Analysts with hands-on experience, global exposure, deep insights into Citi’s overall business and strategy, and the opportunity to be offered a Full-time Analyst role after successful completion of the internship.

Later this month, Citi Hong Kong will host an Open Day for students from global universities, providing a chance to hear from senior business leaders and connect with Citi Analysts while gaining insights into the future of banking and Citi’s 2027 Summer Analyst Program.

Hashtag: #Citi #FTAHK #SZFTA

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Platform launches new “Personalised Targeting” feature this month, leveraging AI to improve hiring outcomes

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 August 2026 – Jobsdb by SEEK, Hong Kong’s leading employment marketplace, successfully hosted the third edition of its “HR Conference 2026” on 7 August at the JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong. Under the theme “Empowering Talent and Technology Towards Tomorrow”, the event brought together nearly 500 human resources professionals to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the workplace while enhancing the efficiency and quality of talent matching and recruitment.

Daryl Lau, Sales Director, Hong Kong, Jobsdb by SEEK, said: “AI and innovative technologies are reshaping recruitment and talent management at an unprecedented pace, and this year’s conference theme reflects the profound transformation currently taking place in Hong Kong’s workplace. According to our platform data, competition among job seekers in Hong Kong has continued to intensify in recent years, while talent mobility has remained high, driving up recruitment costs for employers. The core recruitment challenge facing enterprises today is how to quickly assess and identify the most suitable candidates from a vast pool of applications with limited resources. At the same time, growing demand for AI skills has made recruitment even more complex. Furthermore, our market insights show that job seekers’ expectations are no longer focused solely on salary and benefits. They are placing greater emphasis on purpose at work, growth opportunities and an inclusive workplace culture. Jobsdb is committed to connecting talent and technology, helping enterprises formulate more resilient talent strategies, seize opportunities in a rapidly changing market and match with the most suitable talent.”

Industry leaders explore how AI is redefining the role of HR

The conference featured multiple panel discussions offering in-depth perspectives on the future development of the HR profession. The first panel, titled “How AI Will Elevate and Redefine HR”, featured Edward Ng, Regional Human Resources Director, Vita Green Group; Fanny Lau, Director – Human Resources, New World Development & K11 Hong Kong; Jeff Tang, Partner, Market Development Leader, Consulting, Ernst & Young Advisory Services Limited; and Tina Au-Yeung, Group Chief Human Resources Officer, Emperor Group. The speakers shared an optimistic outlook on the industry’s future, highlighting how AI can optimize day-to-day workflows while noting that uniquely human soft skills – such as communication and collaboration – will become increasingly valuable. They encouraged HR professionals to harness AI tools alongside their professional judgement and experience to create irreplaceable impact and unlock broader career development opportunities.

Spotlight on the talent war in Asia and diverse recruitment strategies

Another key panel discussion, “The Talent War in Asia: Attracting and Retaining the Next Generation Workforce”, brought together Annie Wong, Assistant Director, Office of Co-operative Education Programme, The Chinese University of Hong Kong; Janet Law, Head of Sales (Hong Kong and Greater China), FDM Group; Jovi Yan, Group Learning Lead, AIA Group; and Nishilla McKeogh, Client Director – Early Careers & Campus APAC, AMS. The experts exchanged insights on key issues including expectations of young talent, cross-border hiring, employer value propositions and regional talent mobility trends, offering attendees practical recommendations for developing effective talent strategies.

The conference also featured wide-ranging discussions on a variety of forward-looking topics. Andrew Lee, Head of Corporate Solutions Strategy at AIA Hong Kong and Macau, shared total wellbeing strategies that go beyond traditional medical and group insurance; Stacy Liao, Head of People – Human Resources Department at China State Construction Engineering (Hong Kong) Limited, explored the role HR can play in an enterprise’s AI development journey; Anna Au, Deputy Director of Hong Kong Talent Engage, shared strategies for attracting global talent and supporting their long-term development by helping them integrate into the local community; Winnie Tam, Head of People and Culture at KOS International, elaborated on human-centric leadership in the age of AI; and Keith Chau, Senior Consultant at the School of Professional Education and Executive Development, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, shared emerging AI trends and practical response strategies for HR leaders.

Jobsdb launches new AI features to transform how hirers discover and hire talent

With the goal of delivering better hiring outcomes, Jobsdb announced the launch of its new “Personalised Targeting” feature this August. The feature builds on its market-level intelligence to also learn from each employer’s unique hiring activity and role requirements, with targeting getting sharper with every hire. In addition, the platform introduces “Assist”, an always-on hiring partner that works alongside employers from vacancy to hire, conducting AI pre-screens and automating reference checks on their behalf so they can move with greater speed and confidence. Jobsdb also previewed the future development of agentic AI capabilities and applications to further enhance the overall recruitment experience.

As a leading employment marketplace in the Asia Pacific region, Jobsdb remains dedicated to combining its deep local market expertise with SEEK’s world-class AI technology, continuing to deliver better job and talent matches for the Hong Kong market, partnering with enterprises to embrace the new normal of recruitment.

The success of HR Conference 2026 was made possible by the generous support of its sponsors and partners, including Gold Sponsor AIA; Strategic Partner KOS International; and Silver Sponsors Adecco, ASUS, Moka, Talent Axis, Co-Op@CUHK, The University of Manchester, United Technologies, Wai Yuen Tong, and Wallstone.

For more insights into talent strategies for 2026, please refer to Jobsdb by SEEK’s new “2026 Talent Blueprint”: https://hk.jobsdb.com/page/jobsdb-talent-blueprint-2026

Click here for high resolution images.

Hashtag: #Jobsdb #AI

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

About Jobsdb by SEEK

Jobsdb is a leading employment marketplace, connecting the right people with the right work in Hong Kong since 1998. Operated by SEEK, an Australian Securities Exchange-listed company, Jobsdb combines its deep local expertise with SEEK’s world-class AI technology and platform to create relevant job and talent matches across Asia Pacific. For more information, visit www.jobsdb.com.

SABAK BERNAM, SELANGOR – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 August 2026 – Selangor Aviation Technology and Innovation (SELATI), in collaboration with Universiti Selangor (UNISEL), launched the Droneport-1000 initiative on 30 July 2026, marking a significant step in the development of Malaysia’s Low Altitude Economy.

Droneport-1000 is a proposed test and evaluation facility designed to support the safe development of unmanned aircraft systems, Advanced Air Mobility and next generation drone technologies. The initiative will provide a platform for collaboration among government, academia and industry, with a focus on research, testing, talent development and the responsible commercialisation of unmanned aviation solutions.

The initiative supports the wider Sabak Bernam Development Area (SABDA), a flagship regional development programme spearheaded by Menteri Besar Selangor (Incorporated) under the Selangor State Government’s Rancangan Selangor Pertama (RS-1) and continuing under Rancangan Selangor Kedua (RS-2).

Droneport-1000 is expected to complement Sabak Bernam’s established strengths in agriculture, fisheries, tourism and environmental stewardship. Unmanned aviation technologies have potential applications in precision agriculture, crop monitoring, logistics, infrastructure inspection, emergency response and biodiversity conservation. These applications could help improve productivity, strengthen public services and create new economic opportunities for local communities.

YB Dr Mohammad Fahmi bin Ngah, Selangor State Executive Councillor for Islamic Affairs and Innovation Culture, said, “Droneport-1000 reflects Selangor’s commitment to building the ecosystem required for the Low Altitude Economy. By bringing together technology, digital infrastructure and collaboration across government, academia and industry, we are creating a platform that supports innovation while preparing Malaysia for the future of unmanned aviation. “The State Government’s role is to ensure that the necessary infrastructure, ecosystem and talent are in place to support the responsible and sustainable long-term growth of the industry.”

Puan Zannifa Azura binti Ahmad, Head of the SABDA Economic Development Zone and Chief Executive Officer of SELATI, said, “Droneport-1000 has the potential to be a game changer for Sabak Bernam. Its applications can extend across agriculture, fisheries, logistics, tourism, conservation and public services, creating new opportunities for businesses and communities throughout the district. “This initiative demonstrates how technology and investment can work alongside food security, biodiversity conservation and community prosperity to build a more sustainable future for Sabak Bernam.”

SABDA is transforming one of Selangor’s most productive agricultural districts into an integrated economic corridor centred on resilience, food security, environmental stewardship and community led development.

Through 18 strategic initiatives, SABDA is creating opportunities in smart agriculture, fisheries, integrated logistics, ecotourism, agritourism, research and innovation. It is also strengthening the critical infrastructure required to attract investment and improve the quality of life of local communities.

Key catalytic projects include the 600-acre Sungai Lang Fisheries Industrial Zone, the Sekinchan Integrated Landing Port, Ban Canal Ecotourism and the proposed Anjung Utara Selangor Biosphere Reserve under UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme.

Sabak Bernam already plays an important role in Selangor’s food security ecosystem. According to the Department of Statistics Malaysia, the district has approximately 48,216 hectares of agricultural land and remains one of the state’s most important food producing regions. The district contributes significantly to paddy production, fisheries, fruit, vegetables and aquaculture. Agriculture also remains an important contributor to the local economy alongside manufacturing and services.

Recent indicators demonstrate the district’s growing momentum. Tourist arrivals increased by 74 per cent between 2024 and 2025, while marine fisheries landings grew by more than 42 per cent. Household incomes have also continued to rise.

The award-winning Ban Canal Carnival has further strengthened Sabak Bernam’s profile as an emerging ecotourism destination. The event attracts visitors while promoting local culture, cottage industries and community entrepreneurship.

Another defining aspiration of SABDA is the proposed Anjung Utara Selangor Biosphere Reserve. Covering approximately 297,661 hectares across Sabak Bernam and parts of Kuala Selangor and Hulu Selangor, the proposed reserve reflects Selangor’s commitment to balancing biodiversity conservation with sustainable economic development. Its nomination dossier is targeted for submission to UNESCO by the end of September 2026.

Together, Droneport-1000 and SABDA demonstrate how advanced technology can support sustainable regional development. The initiative aims to attract investment, strengthen food security, protect natural assets and create meaningful opportunities for the people of Sabak Bernam.
Hashtag: #SELATI #UNISEL #SABDA #MBISelangor

https://sabda.com.my/

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

Sabak Bernam Development Area

Menteri Besar Selangor (Incorporation) (MBI Selangor)

Menteri Besar Selangor (Incorporation) (MBI Selangor) is the strategic investment arm of the State Government of Selangor, mandated to drive sustainable economic growth and long-term value creation for the state.

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

GoTyme Bank becomes the first digital bank in the Philippines to enable Apple Pay, expanding secure and seamless digital payments for 10 million customers

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 August 2026 – Paymentology, the leading global issuer processor, today announced the successful launch of Apple Pay for GoTyme Bank in the Philippines. Through this launch, GoTyme becomes one of the first issuers in the Philippine market to enable Apple Pay, giving 10 million customers an easy, secure and private way to pay using their Apple devices.

As one of the country’s fastest-growing digital banks, GoTyme continues to accelerate its digital payments strategy by expanding secure, seamless and convenient payment experiences for Filipino consumers. Customers can now securely add their GoTyme debit card to Apple Wallet and make contactless payments in stores, within apps and online wherever Apple Pay is accepted.

Apple Pay uses industry-leading tokenisation technology, meaning card numbers are never stored on devices or shared with merchants. Instead, a unique Device Account Number is assigned, with every transaction authenticated through Face ID, Touch ID or a device passcode, providing an additional layer of security while delivering a fast, frictionless checkout experience.

Nate Clark, President and CEO at GoTyme Bank commented: “At GoTyme Bank, we’re constantly looking for ways to make banking simpler, safer and more rewarding for our customers. Bringing Apple Pay to GoTyme Bank customers in the Philippines gives them an easy and secure way to pay wherever they shop while continuing to earn rewards points on all their transactions. This is another step in our commitment to making everyday banking more beautiful and convenient for our customers.

The launch comes as digital payments continue to reshape the Philippine economy. According to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), digital payments now account for more than half of all retail payment transactions, as consumers increasingly embrace mobile-first banking and contactless payments. Meanwhile, smartphone penetration continues to rise, supporting growing demand for digital wallets and tokenised payment experiences. As digital commerce accelerates, enabling secure mobile payments through services such as Apple Pay is becoming an increasingly important differentiator for financial institutions.

Minh-Ha Truong, Head of Growth, APAC at Paymentology, added: “As a long-standing partner to GoTyme, we’re proud to support another significant milestone in its growth journey. Bringing Apple Pay to market demonstrates how modern, cloud-native issuer processing enables digital banks to rapidly deliver innovative payment experiences while maintaining the highest standards of security, scalability and performance. Together, we’re helping shape the future of digital payments in the Philippines.”

The launch further strengthens GoTyme’s position as one of Southeast Asia’s leading digital banks and highlights the value of Paymentology’s cloud-native issuer processing platform in helping banks and fintechs rapidly introduce innovative payment capabilities that meet evolving customer expectations.

Hashtag: #Paymentology

https://www.paymentology.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/paymentology/
https://x.com/Paymentology

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