New directors bring 60 years of combined capital markets and resource industry expertise
CALGARY, ALBERTA – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 July 2026 – First Energy Africa Oil Corp. (“First Energy Africa” or the “Corporation”), a Calgary-based energy corporation , today announced the appointment of Simon Akit and Frederick Kozak to its Board of Directors, effective July 13th, 2026.
Simon Akit
Mr. Akit is founder and managing partner of a resource advisory firm, bringing more than 25 years of experience in Canadian and U.S. capital markets and seven years of engineering and operations experience in the resource industry. He has held senior capital markets and leadership roles at Ventum Financial, Canaccord Genuity, among others and has raised over $5 billion in equity and debt financing for resource companies from institutional investors across Canada, the United States, Europe, and Asia. He holds an MBA from the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto, is a Professional Engineer (APEGA) and currently serves on the boards of several public and private companies.
Frederick Kozak
A Canaccord Genuity former oil and gas research analyst, Kozak is an award winning financial analyst and corporate executive. He brings more than 40 years of experience in the resource and capital markets sector with a focus in Africa and South America. Mr. Kozak holds an MBA from the Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario. He is a Professional Engineer (APEGA) with Lifetime status in Alberta and currently serves on the boards of one public company and one private company.
“Simon and Fred are bringing complementary technical and capital markets seniority required for our complex business. We are confident their contributions will set the right approach on our strategic priorities,” said Jeff Ruskowsky, President, First Energy Africa
The Corporation remains committed to upholding the highest standards of governance and sustainability as it continues to responsibly unlock value across its resource portfolio.
Hashtag: #FirstEnergyAfricaOil
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About First Energy Africa Oil
First Energy Africa Oil Corp. is a privately held Canadian corporation pursuing exploration and block acquisitions in sub-Saharan Africa. The Company is headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Wealth & Finance International recognised AI Account for helping SMEs and accounting firms automate everyday finance tasks, enabling them to focus on business growth.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 July 2026 – AI Account Pte Ltd (www.aiaccount.com), a Singapore-headquartered provider of AI-powered cloud accounting software, has been named Best AI-Driven Accounting Software Platform 2026, South East Asia, at the Wealth & Finance International FinTech Awards 2026. The recognition celebrates the company’s continued innovation in transforming financial management through intelligent automation, helping businesses and accounting professionals reduce manual work, strengthen compliance, and gain greater visibility over their financial operations.
In conjunction with the award, AI Account has also been featured in the latest edition of Wealth & Finance International magazine, where the publication highlights the company’s vision, product innovation, and growing impact across Southeast Asia’s accounting technology landscape.
What Does the Recognition Reflect
The Wealth & Finance International FinTech Awards recognise financial technology companies across global markets for product innovation, client impact, and operational excellence. The Best AI-Driven Accounting Software Platform, South East Asia title is awarded to platforms that demonstrate a measurable step forward in how financial management technology serves businesses in the region.
The accompanying editorial feature, published in Wealth & Finance International’s magazine, spotlights how AI Account serves SMEs, accounting firms, and corporate service providers managing multiple clients or entities and needing structured, audit-ready financial data with scalable access. It highlights the platform’s approach to combining automation with robust system controls, and the team’s commitment to evolving the product to meet emerging compliance requirements.
What Sets AI Account Apart
The platform was built around a single principle: the day-to-day work of financial management- invoicing, reconciliations, reporting, compliance submissions should be handled by the system, not the business owner.
Think of a human accountant buried under stacks of invoices, chasing reconciliations, manually pulling reports, and racing against compliance deadlines. That is the reality for most businesses today, and it is exactly the problem AI Account was built to solve.
An “AI accountant” is layered throughout the platform, applying intelligent accounting logic and automation across invoicing, reconciliations, reporting, and compliance workflows. The result is a modern, all-in-one accounting system that reduces manual effort while maintaining the controls that businesses and their advisors rely on.
“This recognition means a great deal to us, not because of the title itself, but because of what it represents. We built AI Account around one belief: that accounting should work for businesses, not the other way around. Every automation we ship, every workflow we simplify, is measured against one outcome, our clients spending less time on finance admin and more time running their business. Being recognised for that focus, across the whole of South East Asia, tells us we are building something that genuinely matters.”
—Tommy Teo, Co-Founder of AI Account Pte. Ltd.
Hashtag: #AIAccount
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About AI Account Pte. Ltd.
AI Account Pte. Ltd. is a Singapore-based provider of cloud-based accounting software serving accounting firms across multiple countries. It provides comprehensive functionality, including multi-currency accounting, inventory management, project tracking, and automated invoicing, with an unlimited usage model designed to support scalable growth.
AI Account’s mission is to deliver affordable, innovative, and future-ready accounting solutions while progressively integrating artificial intelligence to automate processes and enhance financial insights.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 July 2026 – The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to reinforce the implementation of an Indonesian government-funded scholarship framework aimed at cultivating top-tier future talent. A cornerstone of this collaboration is the integration of Indonesia’s newly launched Garuda Scholarship to support more outstanding students pursuing undergraduate studies at HKUST. Building on the cooperation agreement established in May 2024, the new MoU solidifies the formal scholarship framework while paving the way for both parties to explore further synergistic opportunities in student internships, academic exchanges, and joint research initiatives to drive innovation in higher education.
The agreement was recently signed by Prof. Badri Munir SUKOCO, Acting Secretary General of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia, and Dr. Alison LLOYD, Associate Provost (Academic Strategy and Data Analytics) of HKUST. With the implementation of this agreement, HKUST is set to welcome its fifth batch of government-sponsored undergraduate students from Indonesia in the upcoming academic year starting this September.
Beyond providing scholarship support for undergraduate students, HKUST and the Indonesian authorities actively discussed broadening the scope of their future collaboration during their recent meeting. Both parties are keen to explore potential avenues for joint research initiatives, academic knowledge exchange, student and faculty mobility programs, and the introduction of credit-bearing internships. These efforts aim to widen students’ global perspectives, equip them with practical work experience, and better prepare them for future career success.
Dr. Alison LLOYD, Associate Provost (Academic Strategy and Data Analytics) of HKUST, said, “HKUST is the first higher education institution in Hong Kong to partner with the Indonesian Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology in nurturing outstanding Indonesian undergraduates. We are deeply honored by the Indonesian government’s enduring trust and support for HKUST’s academic excellence. Indonesian students are an integral part of our international community, enriching our campus through their talent, perspectives, and consistent excellence across various academic disciplines. The signing of this new agreement marks a significant milestone in our partnership. Moving forward, HKUST will fully leverage its strengths in education, pioneering research, and knowledge transfer to advance shared objectives with Indonesia in areas such as digital transformation, green energy, and business innovation. Together, we aspire to cultivate future leaders—equipped with a global outlook, innovative mindset, and a strong sense of social responsibility—to inject new momentum into the sustainable development of Indonesia, the ASEAN region, and the world.”
Prof. Ardi FINDYARTINI, Director of Transformative Learning Strategies and Systemat the Directorate General of Science and Technology, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia, said, “This partnership marks a significant milestone in our commitment to developing Indonesia’s future leaders through the Garuda Scholarship initiative. By embedding our talented undergraduate students within world-class academic and research ecosystem, we are not only expanding their global perspectives but also equipping them with essential future competencies. We highly value HKUST’s enduring trust and collaboration, and we are confident that this synergy will greatly contribute to Garuda ecosystem.
Currently, Indonesian students constitute HKUST’s second-largest international undergraduate student population. Building on this strong partnership, HKUST now hosts the largest number of Indonesian government-sponsored undergraduate students among all tertiary institutions in Hong Kong. These students are rigorously selected from leading secondary schools across Indonesia and represent the country’s most promising young talent.
This agreement will further leverage HKUST’s world-class teaching and research capabilities to cultivate outstanding talent aligned with Indonesia’s national development priorities. Currently, most sponsored Indonesian students are enrolled in programs spanning Engineering, Business and Management, Science, and Biotechnology. Moving forward, both sides plan to explore opportunities to expand their cooperation in frontier research collaboration and high-impact educational and talent-development initiatives, injecting fresh momentum into the socio-economic development of both Hong Kong and Indonesia.
Hashtag: #HKUST
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Read to Lead: Building an AI-Ready Mind promotes reading in the workplace and equips PMETs and business leaders with professional discernment skills for an era when not all information can be taken at face value
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 July 2026 – A recent dipstick poll of 1,150 professionals, managers, executives and technicians (PMETs) conducted by KPMG in Singapore and the National Library Board (NLB) found that only 4 in 10 respondents expressed confidence in their ability to tell accurate content apart from AI-generated misinformation.
Yet less than half of respondents said they would check the original source of a statistic before forming an opinion, even if they are reading an AI-generated summary in search engines. KPMG and NLB conducted the poll from June to July 2026 to ascertain whether Singapore professionals critically evaluate information in an environment where AI-generated outputs are increasingly ubiquitous. The poll revealed a gap between the demands of the AI era and the habits and skills professionals have built thus far.
Against this landscape, KPMG in Singapore and NLB launched Read to Lead: Building an AI-Ready Mind today. This is a year-long initiative to bring reading into the workplace. Officiated by Ms Rahayu Mahzam, Minister of State, Ministry of Digital Development and Information, the programme marks the start of a concerted push to embed focused reading as a core professional capability across Singapore’s workforce, build discernment and critical thinking, and empower companies to accelerate knowledge-building across their workforce.
As generative and agentic AI transform how individuals and organisations access information, the ability to critically evaluate the credibility of content will be increasingly important. It is imperative that professionals engage in sustained and focused reading to build this skill.
Melissa Tam, Chief Executive Officer, NLB, said,”Reading has always been at the heart of what NLB does. The launch of Read to Lead reflects our belief that focused reading strengthens our capability for critical thinking. By reading consistently and reading widely, we learn to ask better questions and are likely to be more discerning consumers of AI generated outputs. Our partnership with KPMG brings this conviction into the workplace and we hope this will be the first of many. NLB looks forward to collaborating with more organisations across Singapore to build a culture of reading, and through this, equip Singapore’s professionals with the skills they need to contribute meaningfully to their organisations.”
Lee Sze Yeng, Managing Partner, KPMG, said: “Singapore’s professionals are highly capable and deeply knowledgeable in their fields — but in today’s environment, reading fast and reading within one’s domain is no longer sufficient. Professionals who read widely across disciplines will be significantly better at evaluating information, including AI-generated content, even within their own field. The ability to read laterally, connect ideas across domains, and question what AI surfaces with genuine discernment is fast becoming the capability that sets leaders apart. Read to Lead is our commitment to building that at scale.”
Read to Lead Programme is expected to benefit more than 2,000 PMETs and business leaders through expert-led talks, interactive activities and resources aimed at building discernment as a professional discipline.
Phase 1 — Knowledge Week: 14–16 July 2026
The programme launches with Knowledge Week, running from 14 to 16 July at Asia Square, the KPMG Clubhouse and the National Library Building. Activities are designed to help PMETs and businesses exercise sound judgement while evaluating information sources, broaden their perspectives beyond their professional domains, and engage with content meaningfully rather than at surface level.
Knowledge Week features a digital library, an interactive quiz, and panel discussions on three themes: critical reading as a professional discipline; navigating misinformation and AI risks; and how knowledge-building reinforces business resilience.
Phase 2 — Building AI-Ready Capabilities
Following Knowledge Week, KPMG and NLB will co-develop a practical toolkit to advance PMETs’ and businesses’ knowledge of AI technologies and strategies to counter misinformation and cyber risks. Expert-led talks on AI literacy and trusted AI practices will be held across NLB libraries, enabling individuals and businesses to engage with information both critically and responsibly.
Phase 3 — Journey Paper (2027)
In 2027, KPMG and NLB will jointly publish a journey paper anchored in insights gathered across the year-long programme and supported by KPMG’s global research. The publication is intended to sustain a national conversation on critical reading beyond the programme.
Hashtag: #KPMG
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About NLB
NLB nurtures Readers for Life, Learning Communities and a Knowledgeable Nation by promoting reading, learning and history through its network of 28 libraries, the National Library and the National Archives of Singapore. NLB also forges strategic partnerships that encourage awareness, appreciation and greater discovery of Singapore’s history through its rich collections in Singapore and the region.
NLB achieves excellence through innovation, focusing on citizen engagement and co-creation, resource and digital innovation. This creates learning opportunities, greater access to library resources, services, and archival collections, as well as a continual development of innovative library spaces. Established on 1 September 1995 as a statutory board, NLB is under the Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI).
KPMG in Singapore is part of a global organisation of independent professional services firms providing Audit, Tax and Advisory services. We operate in 138 countries and territories with more than 276,000 partners and employees working in member firms around the world. Each KPMG firm is a legally distinct and separate entity and describes itself as such. KPMG International Limited is a private English company limited by guarantee. KPMG International Limited and its related entities do not provide services to clients.
Largest Ecosystem Lineup at LEAP East 2026 Achieves Over 1,500 Business Matching Sessions
MEINONG ROBOT, a company within HKSTP ecosystem, stood out among more than 500 competing startups to win the 2nd Runner-Up in the Rocket Fuel East Startup Competition, securing a US$10,000 equity-free award; another park company, GenEditBio, also advanced to the Top 6 finalists.
HKSTP joined hands with more than 30 park companies to take the global stage of LEAP East as the event’s exclusive Tech Ecosystem Partner, facilitating over 1,500 business discussions and meetings.
Under the theme “Gateway to the NEXT”, the HKSTP Pavilion featured innovations from 23 park companies, attracting more than 3,000 visits.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 July 2026 – MEINONG ROBOT, a company from the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) ecosystem, won the 2nd Runner-Up in the Rocket Fuel East Startup Competition at LEAP East 2026, secured a US$10,000 equity-free award and gained exposure to global investors to accelerate its business expansion. Another park company, GenEditBio, also outperformed more than 500 competing startups and made it to the Top 6 Finalists.
HKSTP presented a strong innovation line up at LEAP East 2026, with over 30 park companies showcasing innovations across Life and Health Tech, GreenTech & Sustainability, Smart Cities & Urban Tech, and AI, Data & Robotics. (Pictured: Cordelia Chung, Chairman of HKSTP (front row, 8th from left); Terry Wong, CEO of HKSTP (front row, 7th from left); Eric Or, Chief Ecosystem Development Officer (5th from left); Hilda Chan, Chief Marketing Officer of HKSTP (front row, 6th from left); Filla Mak, Chief Property and Asset Officer (front row, 9th from left).)
Making its debut in the Asia-Pacific region, LEAP East chose Hong Kong as its host city, bringing together technology leaders, investors, policymakers and tech ventures. As the event’s exclusive Tech Ecosystem Partner, HKSTP participated alongside more than 30 park companies, facilitating over 1,500 business discussions and meetings from 8 to 10 July.
Under the theme “Gateway to the NEXT”, the HKSTP Pavilion featured innovations from 23 park companies across four key sectors: Life and Health Tech, GreenTech & Sustainability, Smart Cities & Urban Tech, and AI, Data & Robotics, attracting more than 3,000 visits.
Terry Wong, CEO of HKSTP, said: “LEAP East’s decision to land its first overseas edition in Hong Kong delivers three important messages to the I&T community. First, Hong Kong has become tech companies’ gateway into the global markets, which reflects the development and achievements of Hong Kong’s I&T ecosystem over the years and demonstrates the city’s unique ability to connect Middle Eastern capital, Asia-Pacific markets and supply chains in the Chinese Mainland, positioning Hong Kong as a true I&T hub. Second, the Middle East and other emerging markets represent the next strategic destination for tech companies. Driven by numerous application scenarios in smart cities, green energy and AI infrastructure, together with the ambitious transformation agenda under Saudi Vision 2030, these markets offer unprecedented growth opportunities for Hong Kong tech companies. Third, Hong Kong’s I&T community is demonstrating a growing global impact. From HKSTP executives and park companies contributing to international forums and thought leadership discussions, to HKSTP serving as the exclusive Tech Ecosystem Partner, and two park companies reaching the Top 6 of the Rocket Fuel East Startup Competition, with one securing the 2nd Runner-Up, all of these achievements underscore Hong Kong’s increasingly prominent position on the global I&T stage.”
In addition, Terry Wong, CEO, Eric Or, Chief Ecosystem Development Officer, Filla Mak, Chief Property and Asset Officer, and Dr Charleston Sin, Head of AI & Data, took part in keynote sessions and panel discussions throughout the event. They shared strategic insights on HKSTP’s I&T ecosystem, biotech, smart cities, and AI, fostering international dialogue, inspiring new breakthroughs and collaborations, and further strengthening HKSTP’s influence within the global I&T ecosystem.
To strengthen connections between park companies and the international innovation community, HKSTP co-organised “Build East: Agentic AI Demo Day and Tour” with Minds by Animoca Brands one day before LEAP East 2026, inviting global investors and startups to gain first-hand insights into Hong Kong’s largest I&T ecosystem and explore cross-border collaboration and investment opportunities.
Hashtag: #HKSTP
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation
Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) was established in 2001 to create a thriving I&T ecosystem grooming 13 unicorns, more than 16,000 research professionals and over 2,400 technology companies from 26 countries and regions focused on developing healthtech, AI and robotics, fintech and smart city technologies, etc.
Our growing innovation ecosystem offers comprehensive support to attract and nurture talent, accelerate and commercialise innovation for technology ventures, with the I&T journey built around our key locations of Hong Kong Science Park in Pak Shek Kok, InnoCentre in Kowloon Tong and three modern InnoParks in Tai Po, Tseung Kwan O and Yuen Long realising a vision of new industrialisation for Hong Kong, where sectors including advanced manufacturing, micro-electronics and biotechnology are being reimagined.
Hong Kong Science Park Shenzhen Branch in Futian, Shenzhen plays positive roles in connecting the world and the mainland with our proximity, strengthening cross-border exchange to bring advantages in attracting global talent and allowing possibilities for the development of technology companies in seven key areas: Medtech, big data and AI, robotics, new materials, microelectronics, fintech and sustainability, with both dry and wet laboratories, co-working space, conference and exhibition facilities, and more.
Through our R&D infrastructure, startup support and enterprise services, commercialisation and investment expertise, partnership networks and talent traction, HKSTP continues to contribute in establishing I&T as a pillar of growth for Hong Kong.
More information about HKSTP is available at www.hkstp.org.
Two-day flagship youth to career exploration event unites 30+ corporates and organisations for youth empowerment, officiated by Alice Mak, SBS, JP, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 July 2026 – The Central and Western District Office, Central and Western District Youth Network, and FutureGen Youth Foundation (“theFoundation“) co-organised the two-day Central & Western District Youth-to-Career Explo on 9 and 11 July. This event is funded by the Government of HKSAR, with the Hall of the Sai Ying Pun Community Complex provided as a venue. The event, part of the IGNITE18: Jumpstart Your Career series, brought together over 1,200 participants —including students, parents, teachers, and careers masters —alongside education institutions, prominent industry leaders, and community partners to explore future careers, AI, and the evolving world of work. Committed to expanding the program’s reach across the district, The Council of Central & Western District School Heads served as the event’s education partner.
Alice Mak, SBS, JP, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs; Jennifer Yu Cheng, JP, Founder of FutureGen Youth Foundation and Secy Cheung, Founding Board Director of FutureGen Youth Foundation, alongside students, Strive and Rise Program participants and youth
Hosted at co-organiser and seed school St. Stephen’s Girls’ College, and the Sai Ying Pun Community Complex, the event was officiated by Alice Mak, SBS, JP, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, with a rich lineup of keynote sharing sessions on career insights, future trends and opportunities; AI and future skills workshops; youth dialogue sessions; and career exploration company booths.
Building A Future Talent Pipeline Through Early Industry and AI Exposure
Successfully equipping youth with direct access to leading industry representatives and companies, the signature youth event supported students across the Central and Western District in navigating their career and life planning journeys while strengthening Hong Kong’s future talent pipeline across diverse industries. Bringing together education institutions, corporations, government departments, professional organisations, NGOs and community partners, and spanning across more than 20 industries, the event bridged the gap between education and the rapidly evolving world of work, connecting young people with real-world industry insights and equipping them with the access, opportunities, and resources they need to explore future pathways and prepare for tomorrow’s workforce.
The IGNITE18 event series was pioneered by the FutureGen Youth Foundation, which aims to establish a citywide collective impact ecosystem connecting schools, industry, universities, and parents to support students navigating career and life planning. The initiative seeks to provide exposure to diverse industries, future career pathways, and hands-on future skills and AI experiences, while offering valuable workforce market insights and professional development opportunities for teachers and careers masters. By engaging parents in understanding AI and future-ready skills, the program actively strengthens Hong Kong’s future talent pipeline across diverse sectors. The Foundation plans to expand IGNITE18 across all 18 districts in Hong Kong in the next two years.
“In a world where AI, business transformation, and entirely new fields are reshaping career pathways, there is an urgency to create greater access earlier – from secondary age – to better equip and support youth on their career development journey,” said Jennifer Yu Cheng, JP, Founder of FutureGen Youth Foundation.
“At our Foundation, we have created a platform connecting over 140 Supporting Organisations with representation from education institutions, corporations, public institutes, NGOs, entrepreneurs and innovators to support youth career exploration and development in Hong Kong. Through IGNITE18, we aim to open doors earlier and inspire students to explore diverse career opportunities to be better equipped for tomorrow’s world – with the ultimate hope of building a stronger and more diverse talent pipeline for Hong Kong’s future.”
Uniting Corporate and Education Leaders in a Collective Impact Ecosystem
The Central & Western District Youth-to-Career Explo brought together an extensive network of participating and supporting organisations across corporate, tech, education, and public service sectors, including:
Strategic Partner: Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited
Fully Supported By: McDonald’s Hong Kong
Supporting Organisations: DALLOYAU; Deloitte Foundation; DETERMINANT; Hong Kong Hereditary Breast Cancer Family Registry; Hong Kong Institute of Human Resource Management; Police Community Relations Office, Central District,Hong Kong Police Force; Hong Kong Qualifications Framework; HSBC; JEMS Character Academy; L’Oréal Hong Kong; Microsoft Hong Kong; MTR Corporation Limited; Ocean Park Corporation; Pet Space Group Limited; PRISTER Corporation Limited; Project Management Institute; Story Jungle Education; Tencent Wetech Academy; XPENG Hong Kong; XPENG Hong Kong ARIDGE; Y.L.Yang Foundation; iREd Solutions Limited; Plus One Dimension Interactive Company Limited
Education Partners: Center for Global & Community Engagement (GCE), School of Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology; The University of Hong Kong; Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong; Faculty of Science, The University of Hong Kong; Hong Kong Association of Careers Masters and Guidance Masters; Hong Kong Association of the Heads of Secondary Schools; Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (Chai Wan), Higher Diploma in Food Technology and Safety; Lingnan University Department of Digital Art and Creative Industries; Pre-incubation Centre, The Chinese University of Hong Kong; School of Business, The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong; The Council of Central & Western District School Heads; The Education University of Hong Kong; The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups
Supporting Statutory Body: The Authority of Qianhai SZ-HK Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone of Shenzhen
The event also featured prominent leaders and experts sharing insights across business, finance, education, technology, innovation, and the public sector:
Lawrence Hung – Immediate Past President and Executive Council Member, Hong Kong Institute of Human Resource Management
Gary Wong Chi-him, MH, JP – Chief Hong Kong and Macao Liaison Expert, Authority of Qianhai SZ-HK Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone of Shenzhen
Professor Ava Kwong – Chairman, Hong Kong Hereditary Breast Cancer FamilyRegistry; Clinical Professor, Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong
Professor Lee Man Hoi – Professor, Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, The University of Hong Kong
Serena Tang – Career Development and Training Director, HKU Business School
“We are deeply grateful to our seed schools, education partners, and Supporting Organisations for transforming the Foundation’s vision into action and for joining us in empowering young people,” said Secy Cheung, Founding Board Director of FutureGen Youth Foundation.
“Through our work with students, we have seen how powerful it can be when young people hear directly from industry leaders, professionals, and innovators. Often, a single conversation, sharing unexpected angles, can spark new aspirations and help students see pathways they had never previously imagined. IGNITE18 is about planting those seeds of possibility – inspiring young people to explore, discover, and take their first steps towards shaping their own futures.”
The signature event showcased the boundless possibilities of a strong ecosystem connecting schools, industry, universities, and families in supporting Hong Kong’s future leaders and talents. The IGNITE18 Central & Western District Youth-to-Career Explo generated strong community momentum that will continue to support students in understanding the future world of work, discovering their own pathways, and stepping into the future with confidence.
Hashtag: #FutureGenYouthFoundation
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
The Central and Western District Youth Network
The Central and Western District Youth Network, established under the Central and Western District Office, is a platform for young people aged 12 to 29 providing them with opportunities to develop their potential, cultivate personal interests, enhance self‑confidence, and encourage active participation in community affairs, thereby fostering a stronger sense of social belonging. Each year, the District Youth Network organises a diverse range of activities tailored to meet the interests and needs of its members.
Revenue increased to US$113.2 million (up 23.8% YoY), driven by the 2 January 2026 acquisition of the Active Apparel Group Pty Ltd and Active Apparel Group (America) LLC (“AAG”) business which is now successfully integrated into the Group’s platform
Net profit grew to US$ 5.4 million representing a 1.8% increase YoY, after absorbing one-off integration costs arising from the AAG acquisition
STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT
Deployed proprietary Product Lifecycle Management (“PLM”) system and in-house AI engine, advancing our transformation into a tech-enabled apparel platform and driving greater operating leverage
SHAREHOLDER RETURNS
Interim dividend maintained at HK3.0 cents per share, reflecting confidence in cash generation
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 July 2026 – Lever Style Corporation (HKEX: 1346, “Lever Style”), the world’s premier apparel production platform, today reported financial results for the six months ended 30 June 2026.
For the first half of 2026, Lever Style recorded a return to top-line growth. Following a defensive strategy in 2025 aimed at managing credit risk, the Group recorded total revenue of US$113.2 million, representing a 23.8% increase compared to the same period last year. “This revenue expansion was driven by the 2 January 2026 acquisition of the AAG business, which has now been integrated into our operating platform, providing a broader foundation for our growth trajectory.” said William Tan, CEO of Lever Style.
Navigating Integration for Long-Term Value
“While revenue expanded substantially, net profit for the period grew to US$5.4 million, representing a by 1.8% increase, compared to the first half of 2025. This short-term pressure on our bottom line reflects one-off, upfront integration costs. These primarily included temporary staff duplication costs as we merged workflows, systems, and personnel. We regard these transitional costs as necessary investments to secure the structural, long-term profitability of the acquired business.” Mr. Tan added.
With the integration phase now largely completed, the group’s cost structure is better optimized, and the group will enjoy the operating leverage that enhanced scale provides.
Strategic Technology & In-House AI Solutions
The group’s platform-based strategy continues to progress, converting its operational capabilities from a traditional apparel supplier into a tech-enabled enterprise. During the period under review, Lever Style successfully developed and deployed its own PLM system, among other solutions. These internal enterprise systems are designed to enhance workflow transparency, accelerate speed-to-market, and reduce waste across the group’s asset-light supply chain.
Capitalizing on its expanding internal R&D capabilities, the group has also customized AI solutions to fit its specific business model. Rather than relying on generic off-the-shelf software, these proprietary tools support day-to-day merchandiser productivity and factory coordination, reinforcing Lever Style’s long-term competitive advantage.
Market Outlook: Premium Resilience in a K-Shaped Economy
“The US market—our primary market—has proven surprisingly resilient through the first half of 2026. However, underneath the headline figures lies a visible ‘K-shaped’ economic split: a highly promotional and pressured middle market where retail liquidity remains tight and consumers are value-sensitive, and a premium/affluent tier of high-income consumers whose discretionary spending remains relatively stable, sustaining steady demand for premium products and services.” Stanley Szeto, Executive Chairman of Lever Style, commented.
Lever Style remains largely insulated from mass-market volatility due to its focus on upscale designers and premium fashion brands. Because the group’s brand portfolio aligns with this more resilient premium sector of the market, it remains well-positioned to navigate current economic conditions.
Future Prospects & Financial Synergies
Looking toward the second half of 2026 and into 2027, the group’s strategic roadmap focuses on three primary operational and financial levers:
AAG Bottom-Line Contribution: With major integration headwinds resolved, the AAG activewear business is expected to start contributing to the bottom line in H2 2026, with net profit margins of this business targeted to improve steadily, with the aim of approaching the margin profile of Lever Style’s legacy business in 2027.
Targeting Operating Leverage: As expanded volume is funneled through the group’s upgraded digital platform, Lever Style is targeting synergies from operating leverage across its vendor network, allowing fixed overheads to be managed more efficiently.
Pursuing M&A Opportunities: By integrating the AAG business, Lever Style has demonstrated the scalability of its own platform. Consequently, the group remains active in evaluating a pipeline of further value-accretive acquisitions to expand its product capabilities and geographical production footprint.
“The Group has completed the primary phases of integration, upgraded its technology base, and remains aligned with the more resilient segments of consumer demand. The Board remains confident in our underlying business model and our ability to deliver long-term value to shareholders.” Mr. Szeto concluded.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Lever Style Corporation
Listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, Lever Style (HKEX 1346) is the world’s premier apparel production platform for premium contemporary and designer brands such as Alexander Wang, Theory, Todd Snyder, and Aimé Leon Dore; active and performance brands such as Arc’teryx, Columbia Sportswear, Helly Hansen, Spanx, Skims, and J.Lindeberg; and digitally native brands and platforms such as Mizzen+ Main and Bonobos.
Our supply chain solutions encompass fashion design, prototype development, raw material procurement, production, quality control, and logistics. Our innovative, modularized multi-country platform delivers high-mix, low-volume orders and reduces excess inventory and stockouts. Our versatile approach is rooted in decades of technical expertise gained from working with many of the world’s highest-quality and most demanding brands. We support production for 175 brands through a network of more than 150 factories across eight countries: Vietnam, China, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, India and Thailand. A certified B Corp, Lever Style is a committed ESG leader in the apparel production sector.
CHANGSHA, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 July 2026 – The digital revolution is reshaping the way people experience museums and cultural heritage. Exploring cultural treasures online without leaving home has become a new way for the public to appreciate history. The year 2026 marks the 30th anniversary of the discovery of the Zoumalou Wu Kingdom bamboo slips from the Three Kingdoms period. As part of a series of commemorative events launched by Changsha Evening News, a major highlight was unveiled on July 10—the Digital Bamboo Slips Exhibition Hall officially went online, alongside the launch of a global adoption program for digital collections, offering history and culture enthusiasts around the world a cultural gift spanning thousands of years.
In 1996, more than 100,000 bamboo and wooden slips from the Kingdom of Wu during the Three Kingdoms period were unearthed from an ancient well at Zoumalou in Changsha, filling a gap in historical records on local society during the Three Kingdoms period. On November 8, 2007, the Changsha Jiandu Museum officially opened to the public. To meet the needs of history and culture enthusiasts at home and abroad to explore bamboo slips up close, Changsha Evening News has developed and launched the Digital Bamboo Slips Exhibition Hall. Powered by digital technologies, the exhibition hall breaks the limitations of traditional physical exhibitions and creates an online museum space that remains open 24/7. It provides global audiences with a new, barrier-free way to appreciate and explore bamboo slips dating back thousands of years.
Integrating cutting-edge digital technologies such as XR and AI, the exhibition hall brings together multiple sections, including the digital exhibition hall, digital collections, panoramic virtual tours, historical neighborhood tours of ancient Changsha, and interactive bamboo slips games. Through an innovative “culture + technology” approach, it explores new pathways for the global communication of museum culture, allowing Three Kingdoms-era bamboo slips that have remained hidden for millennia to transcend geographical and physical exhibition constraints and open a window for people around the world to better understand Chinese history and culture.
Digital collections are a highlight of the online exhibition hall. Visitors can zoom in and out with simple gestures to examine the complete forms and details of bamboo slips in high definition. Through the integrated panoramic tour function, they can enjoy an immersive virtual visit to all exhibition halls of the Changsha Jiandu Museum, while also exploring landmark sites such as Tianxin Pavilion, the ancient city wall, and Baisha Ancient Well. With just one click, visitors can embark on a journey through the historical and cultural neighborhoods themed around bamboo slips. The smart guide system breaks down language barriers by providing multilingual interpretation services in Chinese, English, Japanese, Korean, Arabic, and French for visitors worldwide. Visitors can also take part in engaging interactive experiences, such as assembling bamboo slips and other activities.
Alongside the launch of the Digital Bamboo Slips Exhibition Hall, the Global Digital Bamboo Slips Collection Adoption Program was officially unveiled. By logging into the online exhibition hall, visitors at home and abroad can browse digital collections and create their own personalized digital collections with a single click. They can also share them instantly on major global social media platforms, providing a new model for the international digital dissemination of Changsha’s museum culture.
A representative of the Changsha Jiandu Museum said that, after three decades of cultural accumulation and research, the bamboo slips unearthed from the Zoumalou Site are now embracing new possibilities through digital dissemination, opening up a broader path for the innovative utilization of cultural heritage. Through this initiative, the Three Kingdoms-era bamboo slips preserved in Changsha will reach Chinese culture enthusiasts around the world, using digital museum platforms to tell compelling stories of China that are authentic, engaging and inspiring.
Hashtag: #ChangshaJianduMuseum
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Facebook
Instagram
LinkedIn
YouTube
www.hkstp.org
https://www.linkedin.com/company/lever-style-inc./
https://www.facebook.com/leverstyleofficial
https://www.instagram.com/leverstyle/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2xFoI4FpTh5SOU6O63nNUQ
https://www.linkedin.com/company/lever-style-inc./
https://www.facebook.com/leverstyleofficial
https://www.instagram.com/leverstyle/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2xFoI4FpTh5SOU6O63nNUQ
